International Motorcycle Show at Seattle, WA

Seattle City Guide

Average temperatures are from 36° to 45°F in December.

Things to Do

The Pioneer Square district of Seattle is where all the nightlife is, housing bars and restaurants. There are 88 acres of bars and nightclubs, art galleries and shops from which to choose. Visit http://www.pioneersquaredistrict.org/ for more information. Read on below for some other best bets.

Pike Place Market: The mother of all farmers markets, with nine acres of vendors ranging from arts and crafts to meat and produce. Parts of the market overlook Elliott Bay, so you can take in the view while you shop. 1531 Western Ave. 206-682-7453. pikeplacemarket.org

Seattle Underground Tour: A guided historical walking tour of the world beneath Seattle's streets where historic roadways and first-floor storefronts used to be. 608 1st Ave. 206-682-4646. undergroundtour.com

Space Needle: You've seen it in photos and movies, and now is your chance to see it in person. The observation deck is open daily from 9 a.m. to midnight. 400 Broad St. 206-905-2100. spaceneedle.com

Where to Ride

Stevens Pass Greenway: About 30 miles north of Seattle lies the Cascade mountain range, where green forests are home to bald eagles, moose and wild salmon. The 90-mile ride is on Highway 2 from Everett to Wenatchee.

For more scenic rides, visit http://www.go-washington.com/Seattle/Scenic-Drives/.

Restaurants

High-end
Kappo: An elegant sushi and Japanese restaurant where food is served "omakase" style: no menu, with the chef calling all the shots. He'll prepare the dish right in front of you and serve it fresh. 701 N. 36th St. 206-547-0937. chisoseattle.com/kappo

Mid-range
Delancey: A new pizzeria with a backstory to boot — Local girl writes blog, New York City boy reads blog. They meet, fall in love and open a pizza place that's got some of the best pies the city has ever seen, according to some reviews. 1415 NW 70th St. 206-838-1960. delanceyseattle.com

Cheap eats
Green Leaf Vietnamese Cuisine: A small, family-owned restaurant that's been named one of the Top 10 restaurants in Seattle by The Seattle Times. Stop in for a bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup or seven courses of beef, both reasonably priced. 418 8th Ave. South. 206-340-1388. greenleaftaste.com

Paseo: A Cuban joint selling Cuban roasted pork sandwiches and a peculiar one made only of onions and garlic tapenade. Esquire magazine names this place in a story on the best sandwiches in America. 4225 Fremont Ave. North. 206-545-7440. paseoseattle.com

Where the locals go:
5 Spot: Extended hours, lively atmosphere and bargain-priced dishes are what keep people coming back to this greasy spoon. The eclectic menu ranges from fried green tomatoes to honey stung fried chicken. 1502 Queen Anne Ave. North. 206-285-7768. chowfoods.com/five

Helpful Links for Travelers: