University District

Explore

From mid-March to early April, the University of Washington Quad bursts into a spectacular canopy of pink cherry blossoms. This handsome campus also hosts the excellent Henry Art Gallery and the stunning Burke Museum, where Indigenous art and natural history treasures come together under one roof. For fresh-air fun, head to UW’s Waterfront Activities Center to rent a canoe or kayak and paddle out on Lake Union and Lake Washington.

Eat and Drink

The new DeLille En Ville restaurant and tasting room brings a touch of the Woodinville wine country right to University Village. Nearby Tutta Bella dishes up crisp, Neapolitan-style pizzas from its wood-fired oven, and MCozy Fusion Cafe turns out flavorful rice bowls, ube pancakes, and Vietnamese coffees. Check out the enticing ice cream flavors at Sweet Alchemy, well-pulled espresso sips at Ugly Mug Café, and spicy curries and soups at Thai Tom. Pancita crafts modern Mexican plates and cocktails in an art-filled dining room. Near glorious Ravenna Park, pop into Human People Beer Café for eclectic brews and Birrieria Pepe El Toro for hearty tacos and burritos.

Shop

You’ll find snazzy boutiques and eateries at the open-air University Village, including locally owned retailers like the gift shop Fireworks Gallery, artisanal sweet shop Fran’s Chocolates, and Simply Seattle, a great source for apparel with logos of local sports teams. Top shops near campus include University Book Store for books, cards, and University of Washington gear, and Woolly Mammoth for brand-name footwear.