Galway , General info:
9/10

Galway is the only city in the province of Connacht in the Republic of Ireland. The city is located on the west coast of Ireland. City is often considered to be the Cultural Capital of Ireland, and is world renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Despite being a small city, Galway has everything you could ask for in terms of shopping, entertainment, nightlife etc.

One airport - Galway Airport, located 6 kilometres east of the city, connecting Galway to the other major airports in Ireland, to major airports in Britain and also has flights to a small amount of continental European destinations.

Galway , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Accommodation is relatively cheap in comparison to Dublin or other European cities.

Galway , Different stuff:
10/10

Is unique among Irish cities because of the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions. Has over fiveteen festivals that are held annually for many years.

Galway , Don't miss:
9/10

The Galway International Oyster Festival, food festival that is held annually. In 2000 was described by the Sunday Times as "one of the 12 greatest shows on earth" and was listed in the 1987 AA Travel Guide one of Europe's Seven Best Festivals.

Galway , Food:
8/10

Mostly seafood, but there are few other restaurants. Seafood (Schooners on the Bay), pub/seafood (Morans on the Weir), seafood diner (Conlons), authentic Chinese (Da Tang Noodle House), pub grub and huge beer selection(Sheridan's on the Dock ), American style diner (Scotty's Sunset Grill), Asian fusion (Orchid Restaurant).

Galway , Hotels:
9/10

G Hotel, ranked among the finest hotels in Ireland. Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Rock Glen Country House Hotel, and many others. Has lots of B&Bs whether you want accommodation in the countryside or in Galway city. You can also rent country cottages in Galway’s Connemara region.

Galway , Safety:
9/10

Safe, has the lowest crime rate out of any other region in the country.

Philadelphia , General info:
9/10

Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth most populous city in the United States. It is the 5th largest metropolitan area by population in the United States, and the fourth largest consumer media market as ranked by the Neilsen Media Research Co. Tourists and media often informally call the city "Philly." It is the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous.

Philadelphia , Cheap stuff:
9/10

If you are near center city, a little known attraction is the observatory deck atop city hall. The observatory deck is directly under the William Penn stautue. You can actually look up through an open window at him and really get a sense of how big he is. I have taken people that grew up in Philly there and they never knew it existed. It is free and the hours are Mon.-Fri. from 9:30 am-4:30 pm with tours occuring every 15 minutes (no weekends). So the hours are a little funny but it is WELL worth it if your schedule permits it.

Also since you will be in the area, another small known attraction is the Wanamaker Organ in Lord and Taylor. Lord and Taylor is kaddy corner across the street from city hall on the southeast corner. The organ is a massive 30,000-pipe organ which has been said to be the largest in the world. They have daily (FREE!) shows at noon and 5pm (7pm on Wednesday). There is a nice Café Americanstyle that overlooks the scene from a third floor terrace.

Philadelphia , Different stuff:
10/10

African American Museum in Philadelphia, Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Free Library of Philadelphia, ...

Philadelphia , Don't miss:
9/10

Warmdaddy's, Zanzibar Blue, Khyber, Electric Factory, Tin Angel

Philadelphia , Food:
10/10

There are 10 things you should do in Philadelphia:

1. Eat a Philly cheesesteak

2. See the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

3. Run, jog, or walk up the Art Museum steps

4. Experience a Big 5 basketball game at the legendary Palestra

5. Devour an authentic Italian meal in South Philly

6. Drink a local microbrew

7. Visit Penn's Landing and walk along the Delaware River

8. Try a soft pretzel and more at the Reading Terminal Market

9. Stroll down funky South Street with stops for steaks, pizza, and cheese fries

10. Have a cocktail out on Rittenhouse Square

Philadelphia , Hotels:
9/10

Loews Philadelphia Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, Courtyard Philadelphia Downtown, Alexander Inn, Sofitel Philadelphia

Philadelphia , Safety:
9/10

Center City Philadelphia is a friendly and diverse place. Most people will gladly point you in the right direction, even if they only work in the city. Center City is generally bordered by the Delaware River on the East, Spring Garden Street on the North, the Schuylkill (Skoo - cul) River on the West and South Street on the South. If you stay within those boundaries, you're pretty safe.