Ottawa , General info:
9/10

Nestled on the banks of the majestic Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau Rivers, Ottawa is one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. A thriving international technology and business centre and world class tourism and convention destination, Ottawa is also rich in culture and heritage with its many national institutions, parklands, waterways and historic architecture. It is home to a large number of foreign embassies and is a recognized centre for both academics and professional training. The city offers an open and welcoming environment to cultures from around the world, providing service in English, French, and a host of other languages.

Ottawa , Different stuff:
9/10

Ottawa is great city to explore on foot. With pedestrian friendly streets and the density of attractions, a car is expensive and unnecessary for the most part. An excellent place to start any tour of Ottawa is the Capital Infocentre, located directly opposite Parliament Hill on Wellington Street. They have maps and brochures for most tourist attractions in Ottawa, many of which are within walking distance.

Ottawa , Don't miss:
7/10

The Ottawa Bluesfest, an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. While ostensibly focused on blues, the festival has increasingly showcased mainstream pop and rock acts in recent years.

Ottawa , Food:
8/10

Ethnic foods from around the world are available at a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors throughout the city. The Byward Market area has a wide selection of different cuisines; the Chinatown area is along Somerset Ave. between Bronson Ave. and Preston St; Little Italy runs along the length of Preston Street, from Carling Avenue to Albert Street. Also try the tasty beaver tail, a doughy, deep-fried pastry associated with Ottawa, although a number of places claim to have created it. It's available in sweet and savory versions, topped with cinnamon, sugar, icing sugar, etc. In the winter, many places will offer it on the canal. During the summer, the only place downtown to offer it is in the Byward Market on George St. There is a variety of toppings and the taste of the beaver tail arguably stands out more with the classic sugar & cinnamon.

Ottawa , Hotels:
10/10

Within Ottawa and the National Capital Region, there is an abundance of hotels, offering a wide-range in choice in both style and price-range. The city is home to world-class luxury hotels with a long history and tradition of accommodating dignitaries, celebrities and sports figures alike. Yet at the same time, the city is able to offer top rated lodging to the more budget conscious traveller. The Bed and Breakfast industry is alive and well in the Ottawa area. For those travellers accustomed to a more personalized setting, there is an equally wide range of choices, with a number of Bed and Breakfasts options available.

Ottawa , Safety:
9/10

Ottawa is a very safe place to live and visit, so if you use common sense it is at least as safe as any other city. There are many tourists in the city, especially in summer months, and there are very few incidents of robbery or assault.

A note about marijuana, a decision by the Ontario Supreme Court in 2007 has rendered possession of less than 30 grams legal within the province.

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.