Minneapolis , General info:
9/10

Minneapolis is the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and is the county seat of Hennepin County. The city lies on both banks of the Mississippi River, just north of the river's confluence with the Minnesota River, and adjoins Saint Paul, the state's capital.

Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Airport. The airport is divided into the Lindbergh and Humphrey terminals with most flights arriving at the former.

Minneapolis , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Ragstock, a local chain of used clothing stores. The Vietnamese restaurants are incredibly cheap ($5-$10 per person) and have received consistently exelent reviews since their openings.

Minneapolis , Different stuff:
10/10

The Minneapolis park system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America. Foresight, donations and effort by community leaders enabled Horace Cleveland to create his finest landscape architecture, preserving geographical landmarks and linking them with boulevards and parkways. The city's Chain of Lakes is connected by bike, running, and walking paths and used for swimming, fishing, picnics, boating, and ice skating. A parkway for cars, a bikeway for riders, and a walkway for pedestrians run parallel paths along the 52 mile (83 km) route of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway.

Minneapolis , Don't miss:
9/10

The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski event featuring the beautiful trails and lakes of the Twin Cities. Every first weekend of February for celebration of winter in Minnesota.

Minneapolis , Food:
9/10

Minneapolis is renowned for its restaurants, ethnic or American. It could take weeks to sample just a part of what it has to offer. Don't miss Nicollet Avenue South's Eat Street centered on East 27th Street for a variety of ethnic fare. Azia, the Caterpillar Lounge and Anemoni Sushi & Oyster Bar are at 2550 Nicollet, and are an upscale Asian restaurant and lounge. Other highly recommended restaurants are Quang Restaurant and Jasmine Deli for Vietnamese, Yummy and Seafood Palace for Chinese, and the so-called Black Forest Inn (which is not a hotel) for German cuisine. Little Tijuana is a nice stop for alluring punk/goth waitresses and Mexican plates. Safari Restaurant provides an excellent introduction to the unique cuisine of Somalia.

Minneapolis , Hotels:
10/10

There is a good variety of hotels. Most of them are clustered in downtown, or near the University of Minnesota. Avoid straying too far away from town without a car. In downtown, the Doubletree hotel is a great value. There is a good Radisson, Marriott, and many Holiday Inns around the area.

Minneapolis , Safety:
9/10

Crime is relatively low in most parts of Minneapolis that you're likely to visit, but it does exist. Be wary of the Near North, Camden, and Phillips communities, particularly at night. Violent crimes can occur and unfortunately have occurred in all parts of the City. When traveling do not leave any items that can be quickly converted to cash in plain view in cars, unattended at restaurants and other public areas. Thieves are experts at watching people store valuables in the trunk and then when they leave the thief will strike.

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.