Seattle

The green and white state ferries cross Puget Sound in 35 minutes, the cheapest way to see Seattle from the water, to the cafés, bookshops and wine rooms of Winslow.

💡 Take the ferry in the late afternoon to come back at sunset, when the light falls on the towers. The fare is paid only on the outward trip to Bainbridge; the return is free for foot passengers. Price: $11.35 per adult, about €10.

The 184-metre tower built for the 1962 World's Fair, with a glass-walled observation deck and the world's first revolving glass floor, looking out to Puget Sound and Mount Rainier.

💡 Tickets are sold in 15-minute slots and the price varies with the time: aim for a clear day, as the sunset slot is the most expensive. The combined ticket with Chihuly Garden and Glass saves money. Price: $35-55 per adult depending on the slot, about €30-47, and $74 for the combo with Chihuly, about €64.

A museum devoted to glass artist Dale Chihuly, with darkened galleries of blown-glass installations, a 12-metre glasshouse and a garden where glass sculptures mingle with plants and flowers.

💡 Come at the end of the day, when the garden is lit up and the sculptures catch the low light; the museum stays open until 7.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Allow one to two hours. Price: $40-45 per adult depending on the date, about €34-39.

Paul Allen's museum in a Frank Gehry building of coloured metal, telling Seattle's music story from Jimi Hendrix to Nirvana, with science fiction, video games and a hands-on Sound Lab.

💡 Buy your ticket online in advance, as the price varies with the date and time. Start with the large Sky Church hall and its giant screen. The museum opens from 10am to 5pm. Price: varies by date, check the official website.