Please note: Queen Anne Ave. is the dividing line between the "North" avenues and the "West" avenues. Don't be surprised if you cross 1st Ave. N and then 1st Ave. W without changing direction!
Seattle Center and South Lake Union lie within easy walking or bicycling distance of Downtown. Climbing up Queen Anne Hill is more of a workout! Aurora Avenue SR-99 divides Seattle Center and South Lake Union and can only be crossed in a few spots.
By car
Due to its geography, Queen Anne Hill can be difficult to navigate, especially by car if you're unfamiliar. There are two simple ways to get to the center of the neighborhood. The first is via Queen Anne Ave. from the south though take note: Queen Anne Avenue traffic is south-only when south of Roy St.. The second is by 3rd Ave. W from the north side, near Seattle Pacific University.
Approaching by Dexter Ave., Gilman Ave., W. Dravus St. or any of the numerous side-streets should not be attempted unless you have time to kill.
Denny Way runs along the south side of Seattle Center. Parking is plentiful, albeit often expensive.
Dexter, Westlake, Fairview, and Eastlake Avenues pass through South Lake Union. Mercer Street is the primary east-west route and most convenient access from I-5, although it's amongst the most traffic-congested streets in the city.