Thirteen Reasons to Love the University District

Aptly named for the University of Washington located within it, the University District boasts the academics, museums, and culture that come along with a college, but you’d be mistaken if you think the excitement ends there. Known locally as U-District, this neighborhood boasts historic architecture, locally-owned boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Read about the top sights and activities that make the U-District a must-see neighborhood below.

U-District $4 Food Walk

For those who want to try a little bit of everything, the U-District $4 Food Walk is the perfect experience. Enjoy live music as you sample signature bites from participating restaurants and stroll through the neighborhood.

University Village

It’s easy to spend a whole afternoon exploring all of the shops and restaurants assembled in the outdoor shopping plaza University Village. After working up an appetite combing through wares at the locally-owned boutiques, stop by Bamboo Sushi, Mr. West Café, or The Confectionary for a well-deserved treat.

Lulumière

Scents tell a story, and Linda, aka Lulu, owner of candle shop Lulumière, knows the importance of a story well-told. Her natural candles are inspired by her appreciation of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Shop for your next signature scent or sign up for a candle-making workshop where guests are invited to make their own custom candles.

Off the Rez Café

Known as Seattle’s first native food truck, Off the Rez now has a café located in the Burke Museum on the University of Washington campus. Order their quinoa salad, chipotle coleslaw, and famous Indian tacos to get a delectable sampling of their best items.

Magus Books

If you’re on the hunt for a rare or out-of-print book, Magnus Books might be just the place to begin your quest. As of one the oldest and largest independent used bookstores, this charming shop is bound to hold the perfect title for you—even if it’s one you hadn’t heard of before picking it off the shelf!

Henry Art Gallery

On days when you feel like you need some inspiration, a stroll through The Henry is sure to provide you with a burst of emotion or ideas. After all, The Henry’s mission is not just to present art to its visitors, but to engage patrons and lead them to new discoveries about themselves and the world around them through the compelling contemporary collections on display.

Taste of India

There are few meals more comforting than a warm, flavorful spread of Indian food, and at Taste of India, they certainly know how to prepare a delicious dish. Try the pakoras, mango lassis, and jalfrazie curry to satisfy all of your cravings.

Neptune Theatre

It’s showtime at the Neptune Theatre. With an ethos centered on promoting performance art that entertains, deepens connections to the community, and eliminates barriers, the Neptune is an important University District landmark. Check out their schedule for a look at their variety of performances, including comedians, musicians, and more.

Burke Museum

Whether you’re interested in biology, Northwest Native art, or paleontology, the Burke Museum is sure to have an exhibit that will catch your eye. In addition to the incredible collections housed inside the museum, the Burke is also surrounded by over 70,000 plants. Take a walk and see how many species you can identify!

University of Washington

As one of the oldest universities on the West Coast, the University of Washington is an integral part of Seattle’s history. A public university that prides itself on progress, optimism, and research, it’s inspiring to witness the work being performed right in the city. With buildings dating back to over a hundred years ago and the picturesque Husky Stadium, the campus provides incredible sights to tour even if you’re not enrolled as a student.

Mountaineering Club

For some of the best views in the city, The Mountaineering Club always delivers. Located on the 16th floor of Graduate Seattle, this scenic restaurant offers PNW-inspired cocktails, local fare, and a top-rate ambiance.

The Burke-Gilman Trail

Hit the Burke-Gilman Trail for some in-city adventure on a sunny afternoon. An excellent paved trail perfect for bikers, it passes through the U-district and offers stunning views of the water as you get some fresh air and exercise.

Cherry Blossoms

There’s no need to book a trip all the way to Japan to see incredible cherry blossom trees during the springtime. The University of Washington’s 29 cherry blossoms are one of the city’s most popular sights among locals and visitors alike. Admire the beauty of nearly 30 lush, pink trees from a bench or bring a blanket and lunch to picnic on the campus’ sprawling lawn.

If you’re interested in learning more about our top reasons to visit the U-District, please reach out. We’d love to connect with you.