Seattle/University District

By car, take the 45th-50th Sts. exit from I-5, or head north from the Montlake Blvd. exit on SR-520. Parking on the campus itself is very expensive, up to $15 per day, although it's free after noon on Saturdays and all day Sundays. The vast E-1 lot east of campus on Montlake Blvd. is a relative bargain at $7, but without a university ID, you'll have to pay in all quarters! Street parking is more plentiful away from the campus.
Link light rail is the fastest way to get to the area from central and southern Seattle, making its way under Capitol Hill to Downtown in less than ten minutes, and out to the airport in about 45 minutes. The station is located at the southern end of campus, next to the football stadium at Montlake Blvd and Pacific Street. King County Metro runs numerous bus routes to many outlying neighborhoods. Namely, use routes 48 and 49 to Capitol Hill, 31/32 to Fremont, 44 to Ballard, 45 to Greenwood and Lake Union, 48 to the Central District, 67 to Northgate, 65 to Wedgewood, 372 to Lake City, and 75 to Sand Point. From University Ave routes 45, 71, 73, and 373 travel to the Link Station making connections easy. The campus has excellent and wide-ranging commuter bus service, though most of the routes to the distant suburbs do not run on weekends or holidays.

• Ravenna Park

  address: 5520 Ravenna Ave. NE
  Fans of comic artist Charles Burns might like to visit this park, the site of some of the creepier scenes in his book "Black Hole."

• Neptune Theatre

  phone: +1 206 682-1414
  address: 1303 NE 45th St
  Live music venue in a 1921 theater building, operated by the same management as downtown's Paramount and Moore.

The UW campus has a number of notable museums and buildings which are open to the public.

• Suzzallo Library

  phone: +1 206 543-0242
  address: at Red Square
  The Suzzallo is a grand Gothic-style structure. The high-ceiling Graduate Reading room is especially impressive.

• Red SquareThis red brick-paved plaza fills with students moving between classes, hanging out, or some student-led activities.

• The QuadSurrounded by the liberal arts buildings, the Quad turns a wonderful shade of pink in early spring, when the Japanese cherry trees bloom. These blooms only last a couple weeks, however.

• Burke Museum

  phone: +1 206 543-5590
  address: University of Washington, 17th Ave NE & NE 45th St
  A natural history museum with lots of Northwest Indian artifacts and dinosaur skeletons.

• Henry Art Gallery

  phone: +1 206 543-2280
  address: University of Washington, 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St
  One of the biggest contemporary art galleries in Washington, The Henry shows well-known contemporary and modern artists of visual media, as well as an annual exhibition of the UW's Master of Fine Arts students.

• University of Washington Waterfront Activities Center

  phone: +1 206 543-9433
  Rents canoes and rowboats, with all the necessary accessories. The ramp is also a good location to launch canoes and kayaks of your own.

• Agua Verde Paddle Club

  address: 1303 NE Boat St
  Hourly kayak rentals from Portage Bay providing access to the Arboreteum, Lake Washington and Lake Union.

• Burke Gilman TrailStay to the right on this relatively flat paved bike/pedestrian path that runs along the shoreline of the lake and the canal past campus.

• University Heights Center for the Community

  phone: +1 206 527-4278
  address: 5031 University Way NE
  A not-for-profit community-based organization in the University District which offers an array of classes, host activities and events for the University District & Greater Seattle Area. Accepts visitors everyday. Once a Seattle School, now a designated landmark. Stop in the center or just cruise by and visit the Farmer's Market every Saturday year round.

• Figure Drawing

  address: top floor of the Art building on UW campus
  Show up early to secure an easel and to find the host room. This nude figure drawing session is open to the public. Bring your own supplies, and cash for the model fee. Model is usually female. All levels welcome.

• U-District Farmer's Market

  address: NE 50th St and University Way NE
  Local produce, cheeses and other products can be found here.

• U-District Street FairThis street fair includes some performance artists (mainly musicians), many booths selling their wares, some food stalls and some live music. A rather generic affair over-all.

• Friends of the Seattle Public Library Book Sale

  address: Building 30, Magnuson Park
  Held twice yearly, in April and September. Over 200,000 books, CDs, and videos from library surplus and private donations occupy an entire airplane hanger.

• The Curious Nest

  phone: +1 206 729-6378
  address: 2916 NE 55th St
  Assortments of found and new items, such as French antiques, ceramic plates, jewelry and other classy gifts.

• Gargoyles Statuary

  address: 4550 University Way NE
  A unique shopping experience for Gothic or history buffs, this store is replete with atmosphere and has one of the most creative product displays in the area. Authentic replicas of medieval, Romanesque and Gothic statuary peak out at you from all corners of this shop while ambient strains of Gregorian chant or 'Dead Can Dance' play over the store's sound system.

• Magus Books

  phone: +1 206 633-1800
  address: 1408 NE 42nd St
  Used book store with large selection. They rarely buy books for cash even though they claim to, but sometimes accept used books in trade.

• University Book Store

  address: 4326 University Way NE
  A notably large and excellent bookstore, with frequent authors' readings. Also the place to get UW Husky goods.

• University Village

  address: 2623 Northeast University Village St
  A slightly more upscale shopping atmosphere than the Ave, Village is an outdoor shopping mall where you can find branches of many well-known chains, including Microsoft and Apple stores. On the typical rainy day, you can make use of the complimentary yellow umbrellas while walking outdoors.

• Scarecrow Video

  phone: +1 206 524-8554
  address: 5030 Roosevelt Way NE
  Claiming to have the largest selection of films, music, anime, and even video games, in the country, with over 120,000 titles from the US and around the world available for rent or sale. Large selection of hard to find box sets and collectors edition videos for sale. Parking is limited, but there's usually always someone pulling out of a parking spot.

• Recycled Cycles

  address: 1007 NE Boat St
  Sells, rents, and repairs bicycles. This place is always building new bikes. Prices can be reasonable if a buyer is willing to sacrifice high end components.

As can be expected of a college neighborhood, there are plenty of inexpensive places to eat in the U-District.

Budget

• Aladdin Gyrocery

  phone: +1 206 632-5253
  address: 4139 University Way NE
  These gyros are big, and the halal lamb & beef meat is grilled after it is shaved off of the cone. Vegetarians love the falafel with thick tahini sauce. Fee for credit card use below $10.

• Araya's Vegetarian Place

  phone: +1 206 524-4332
  address: 5240 University Way NE
  The 1st vegan Thai food restaurant in the Northwest features a reasonably priced buffet from 11:30AM to 3PM. On a nice day, you can order the buffet to-go and have a picnic at Gasworks Park, although it is a long walk.

• Cedars

  phone: +1 206 527-4000
  address: 4759 Brooklyn Ave NE
  Cedars shares an Indian menu with Taste of India (they have the same owners) and includes Mediterranean dishes as well.

• Pho Thy Thy

  phone: +1 206 632-4909
  address: 4129 University Way NE
  The menu, prices, and cream puffs appear to be clones of Than Brothers (number 9 at Pho Thy Thy is exactly the same as number 9 at Than Brothers). With that said, there are three things make Pho Thy Thy better: the vinyl booths are not ripped up, the warm glow of the TV makes for good company to solo lunchers, and credit cards are accepted.

• Saigon Deli

  phone: +1 206 634-2866
  address: 4142 Brooklyn Ave NE #105
  Saigon Deli serves a broad Vietnamese menu but the attraction are the báhn mì sandwiches which are among the best in the University District and are best ordered with an egg. They also serve a unique noodle soup with butternut squash broth. All entrees come with yogurt dessert.

• Schultzy's

  phone: +1 206 548-9461
  address: 4114 University Way NE
  German sausage joint. Come here to enjoy good times with friends, watch the game, or just drink a half liter...or a liter...or a boot of beer!

• Wayward Vegan Cafe

  phone: +1 206 524-0204
  address: 801 NE 65th St
  Vegan, worker owned, collectively run cafe.

Mid-range

• Agua Verde

  phone: +1 206 545-8570
  address: 1303 NE Boat St
  Excellent selection of fish and other tacos and other imaginative Mexican fare. If the restaurant is too crowded and the weather is good, order from the takeout window and eat in the small park to the west. Also hosts a paddling club

• Chaco Canyon Cafe

  phone: +1 206 522-6966
  address: 4757 12th Ave NE
  Vegan bakery and cafe that also features a raw foods menu. Coffee and tea available.

• Garam Masala Indian Cuisine

  phone: +1 206 632-1900
  address: 4537 University Way NE
  Indian and Pakistani restaurant with the usual dishes.

• Jewel of India

  phone: +1 206 523-5275
  address: 4735 University Way NE
  The best Malai Kofta in Seattle. Buffet available 11:30AM-3PM. handy coupon

• Pizza Pi

  phone: +1 206 343-1415
  address: 5500 University Way NE
  This is Seattle's only all-vegan pizza joint.

• Shalimar

  phone: +1 206 633-3854
  address: 4214 University Way NE
  This Pakistani-North Indian restaurant serves what might be the best South Asian food in the city. Pakistani food is subtly different than Indian. Creamier and richer and not averse to the use of beef. Definitely not a place for calorie-counters but everything is good to the last dish. Try the blackberry lassis, chicken korma, and channa bhatura.

• Taste of India

  phone: +1 206 528-1575
  address: 5517 Roosevelt Way NE
  Taste of India is in a funky building that has been amateurishly expanded, but the food is quite good. Mutter Masala available here (not at Cedars).

• Thai Tom

  phone: +1 206 548-9548
  address: 4543 University Way NE
  The closest thing Seattle has to a Bangkok street stall, with simple and spicy dishes which are as much fun to watch being cooked (just behind the counter) as to eat. If you expect something other than street food service, you might be disappointed. The food is fantastic. No credit cards.

• Thanh Vi

  phone: +1 206 633-7867
  address: 4226 University Way NE
  U. District branch of a Little Saigon staple, with a far broader menu than the Ave's many phở joints.

Splurge

Bars and taverns

• Pizza A Mart

  phone: +1 206 517-4000
  address: 5026 University Way NE
  One of the most popular bars with UW students. Always crowded Wed-Sun. Great pizza. Strong drinks.

• College Inn Pub

  address: 4006 University Way NE
  The classic student haunt, serving thick ales and tasty chili.

• Blue Moon Tavern

  address: 712 NE 45th St
  "Sorry we're open" says the sign at this Seattle institution founded in 1934. It's been a favorite of beatniks, radicals, and poets; erstwhile visitors have included Dylan Thomas and Allen Ginsburg.

• Earl's on the Ave

  address: 4333 University Way NE
  Pours the strongest drink on the Ave. Mondays are $4 Long Islands. Home of old geezers and greek collegians, and has an excellent kitchen.

• Big Time Brewery

  address: 4133 University Way NE
  Brews a variety of its own beers and serves pizza, chili and sandwiches.

• The Kraken

  address: 5257 University Way NE
  Pirate themed bar.

• The Pub at Third Place

  address: 6504 20th Ave NE
  Well lit bar below a coffee house and book store. The entire bar is wood paneled, with tables being cross sections of trees. All day happy hour on Sundays. On the north end of the U-dist.

• Ravenna Alehouse Tavern

  address: 2258 NE 65th St
  Bar on the north-end of the Ave. Pool and Darts. Generally devoid of the college students most other bars in the area attract.

• Teddy's Tavern

  phone: +1 206 522-4950
  address: 1012 NE 65th St
  A nostalgic sports bar with 8 wide screen TVs, pool tables, and typical bar games. The real party is outside with table tennis court & seating area. Feel free to bring outside food (not drinks) or you can ask the bartender to deliver (not make) a burger!

Coffee

• Lounjin

  phone: +1 206 888-2827
  address: 4527 University Way NE
  This place has a vibe like none other on the Ave. Now serving ramen. Perfect for the cold weather. With their rich red walls and the velvety red curtains, the place looks straight-up classy. Lounjin serves Zoka coffee and has a large assortment of teas and flavors. The fresh baked goods are provided by Louisa's bakery. With a large sake selection, and one of the very few classy places to serve beer, wine, and appetizers, this is the place to bring your friends or hookup to the free wifi and study in style.

• Trabant Coffee & Chai

  phone: +1 206 675-0668
  address: 1309 NE 45th St
  Hangout for students and community members. Serves chai, coffee, and espresso drinks, as well as pastries, breakfast, and lunch. Friendly baristas and chill atmosphere.

• Cafe Allegro

  phone: +1 206 633-3030
  address: 4212 University Way NE
  Fifty years ago they were beatniks, thirty years ago they were hippies, who knows what they're called today, but they still hang out here. Great for philosophical discussions, working on your Ph.D thesis, and wireless internet access.

• SureShot Espresso

  phone: +1 206 632-3100
  address: 4505 University Way NE
  This hip little coffee joint features coffee from Caffe Vita, vegan pastries, mexican hot chocolate, and WiFi. There is comfortable seating and a backroom with old fashioned arcade games and pinball. The atmosphere is loud when they're playing indie rock music such as The Shins in the background.

• Cafe Solstice

  phone: +1 206 675-0850
  address: 4116 University Way NE
  This cafe is features coffee from Lighthouse Roasters and baristas with attitude. The atmosphere is subtly hip (with music such as Aphex Twin playing in the background) and is usually packed with students from one of the neighboring universities. Also serves homemade soups, sandwiches and pastries.

• Boulevard Grocery

  phone: +1 206 517-5572
  address: 2007 NE Ravenna Blvd
  Cafe located in a small local grocery. Serves Cafe Vita, basic pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, and Dilletante chocolates. Free wireless internet available.

Tea

• WOW Bubble Tea

  phone: +1 206 633-1229
  address: 4553 University Way NE
  Credit cards accepted. Friendly staff and bright, tasteful environment. WOW stands for "Wonder of Worship," but even atheists will keep coming back to WOW for some of the most natural, juiciest tasting milk tea in Seattle. Some speculate that WOW is the reason for the Caucasian crossover into the world of milk tea.

Budget

• University Inn

  address: 4140 Roosevelt Way NE
  In the heart of the university business district, a few blocks from campus. A boutique hotel that is pet-friendly, has a 100% smoke-free environment and includes a hearty breakfast bar.

Mid-range

• Hotel Deca

  address: 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE
  Near the University of Washington. Originally opened in 1931, a stylish 158 room full service "boutique hotel". Panoramic city and mountain views, comfortable rooms and suites, and art-deco motifs. 100 percent non-smoking, WiFi.

• Silver Cloud Inn-University

  phone: +1 206 526-5200
  address: 5036 25th Ave. NE
  Just a short walk from the University Village mall. A local chain brand. Free breakfast and Internet on every room. Shuttle service within 2 miles provided upon request.

• University View House

  phone: +1 206 818-2243
  address: 5012 21st Ave NE
  Sitting on a bluff overlooking University Village and the Cascades, the house has a kitchen, large living space, and additional privacy. Available for stays of three nights to several months.

• The Watertown Hotel

  address: 4242 Roosevelt Way NE
  Modern design, good location, moderately priced. Free internet in rooms. Exercise room with some limited equipment. Refrigerators, microwaves and coffee pots in each room. Friendly, capable staff. Free breakfast and beer-wine-snack happy hour in the evenings. Also offers free bikes, if you want to take a ride during your trip.

Unfortunately, the U-District isn't an entirely safe place late at night. If you find yourself walking down the Ave (University Way) at late hours, there will typically be fewer people loitering on the east side of the street. The number of panhandlers and "Ave Rats", as the homeless teen population is referred to, increases as you travel northbound, particularly past NE 45th St. The University campus is considered pretty safe. That being said, Seattle is a very tame city, and the Ave Rats tend to be harmless runaways more interested in spare change and each other than anything else. Indeed, the large student population of the neighborhood allows them to 'blend in' and escape in the neighborhood in a way they cannot anywhere else in the state: don't bother them and they won't bother you.
There have been increased incidents in the area east of "The Ave." between 45th and 65th where the student housing is. While walking late at night is still generally safe, it is better to walk in groups and to avoid poorly lit streets if possible.
If you are visibly female and have to walk at night, try avoiding "The Ave" from about 47th to 52nd because for some strange reason, women tend to be harassed more frequently on this stretch of "The Ave" than on other parts. Recommended to head west and go down Brooklyn but even as far as Roosevelt Way and then go back to "The Ave" if you can. If you are heading north, stay on the right side of Roosevelt - better lighting. The U District is still safer than most parts of the country at night, but precautions are always a good thing.

Public internet access is hard to find on the UW campus — although it has blanket wireless coverage, a university login is required. Consider trying the thicket of coffee shops surrounding the campus or the Seattle Public Library branch on Roosevelt Way at NE 50th St.