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.

Seattle , General info:
5/10

Seattle is one of the best places to visit and live in the world. It sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges.

Seattle , Cheap stuff:
7/10

All museums in Seattle are free on the first Thursday of every month.

The Pike Place Market or Fisherman's Market as it is sometimes called keeps you busy for hours and is free.

The beaches in Seattle are not crowed and very clean.

Seattle , Different stuff:
10/10

Seattle has a very large Asian population with lots of foods and clothing that you will not find elsewhere.

You can take trips to Underground Seattle. Where the city was located before the big Seattle fire.

The locks in Ballard are not only interesting, but free. You can see boats go from fresh to salt water. At certain times of the year you can see salmon returning from the ocean to spawn in the fresh water. The fish ladder as well as the locks are free.

Seattle , Don't miss:
5/10

Pike Place Market.,

Chinatown.

Alki Beach.

University of Washington campus with its libraries.

The many live theater in Seattle. (You can get half price tickets at the Pike Place Market at Ticket, Ticket)

Seattle , Food:
5/10

Between Salty's Brunch on Alki beach to dinner watching the sun go down at Ray's Boathouse on the salt water you cannot beat the seafood Seattle has to offer.

The Dim Sum at "House of Hong" in Chinatown is not only reasonably priced but internationally known as some of the best you can get. (One woman comes all the way from Poland just for their Dim Sum)

Seattle , Hotels:
10/10

If you are loaded there is the Sorento Hotel or the Fairmount Olympic. If you are looking for a mid priced place to stay, Silver Cloud on Lake Union is a great find. Or if you want there are many great Bed and Breakfast for a reasonable price.

Seattle , Safety:
7/10

There is very little crime in Seattle. Outside of a few drunk University students around the campus doing what I did many years ago, you will be very happy in all of the city.