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.

San Antonio , General info:
9/10

San Antonio is the second-largest city in the state of Texas and the seventh largest city in the United States. Located in the northern part of South Texas, the city is a cultural gateway into the American Southwest. Famous for its River Walk, the Alamo, Tejano culture, and home to the SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme parks, the city is visited by 20 million tourists per year.

The San Antonio International Airport is located in north central San Antonio, approximately eight miles from downtown. It has two terminals and is served by 21 airlines serving 43 destinations including three in Mexico.

San Antonio , Cheap stuff:
9/10

The city is visited by 20 million tourists per year, therefore it is very expensive city.

San Antonio , Different stuff:
9/10

No other city in Texas reflects the state's Mexican heritage better than San Antonio. Hispanics make up a considerable fraction of the population though and it shows in most places. The Hispanic atmosphere of San Antonio makes it a truly unique US city. This becomes most evident during Fiesta week, a yearly celebration where thousands of San Antonians enjoy parades, food and drink in the charming downtown streets of the city. Fiesta is a yearly event held in San Antonio in late April. Fiesta is a 10-day, city-wide, fun-filled, multi-cultural, family-oriented celebration. With over 100 different events, it's the biggest party and greatest community benefit in the state of Texas.

The rest of the year there's not much to do.

San Antonio , Don't miss:
9/10

River Walk (aka Paseo del Rio). The River Walk area, one level below the street level of San Antonio, is an excellent place to explore by day and party by night. The River Walk has guided barge tours by Rio San Antonio Cruises departing regularly. Numerous restaurants, shops, and hotels line the River Walk on both sides of the most popular and developed downtown loop, which winds its way below the streets bounded by Houston to the north, Alamo to the east, Villita to the south, and St. Mary's to the west. The east end of the River Walk is extended to the Convention Center and to the Rivercenter Mall, which houses over 100 retail shops including an IMAX theater. Further development of the River Walk is proceeding north and south of downtown. No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stroll along the River Walk.

San Antonio , Food:
8/10

From authentic to innovative, San Antonio cuisine is a fusion of gastronomical delights derived from the many cultures that settled the area. In San Antonio, Mexico meets Germany, with the Deep South and cattle-loving Texas tossed in for good measure.

San Antonio has a narrow gastronomical pallet. The Mexican, Tex-Mex and burgers are great and they make up the bulk of restaurant offerings. There's a woeful shortage of culinary diversity. Ask a San Antonian to name five good Indian, Italian, Seafood, or Deli restaurants that aren't a chain and you'll stump them.

San Antonio , Hotels:
8/10

You can find everything, from relatively cheap motels an B&Bs to luxury but very expensive hotels. San Antonio has it all.

San Antonio , Safety:
9/10

San Antonio is a relatively safe city. As long as you take elementary precautions, you'll have a great time. Even when there are crowds for such events like the Alamo Bowl, it is still relatively safe. Just remember that the River Walk always has something going on, but if you're in one of the quieter spots at night, exercise some caution. Along many sections of the River Walk, there is nothing between the edge of the sidewalk and the River. Be very careful with young children, baby strollers, wheelchairs, etc.

Stay away from the South side.