Buffalo , General info:
8/10

Buffalo is an American city situated in western New York.It is between eastern end Lake Erie and the southern head of the Niagara River.It is second-largest city after New York City. The city has a legacy of great architecture and plentiful green space; fine museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions; exciting night life, theater, music, and sports; and a surprisingly diverse array of restaurants to suit every taste and budget -- not to mention a low cost of living that is the envy of many larger cities..Buffalo is the cultural and economic center of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area.Buffalo is served by the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located in Cheektowaga.

Buffalo , Cheap stuff:
9/10

The loss of traditional jobs in manufacturing, rapid suburbanization and high costs of labor have led to economic decline, making Buffalo one of the poorest amongst U.S. cities. Buffalo's median household income is third-lowest among large cities. And because of that it is the very cheap city.

Buffalo , Different stuff:
8/10

Buffalo Zoo - Third oldest zoo in the United States, established in 1875

Buffalo , Don't miss:
9/10

Niagara Falls, Artpark, Cave of the winds, Buffalo city hall, Buffalo zoo

Buffalo , Food:
9/10

These include Italian, Jewish, German, Polish, African American, Greek and American influences.Beef on Weck, Wardynski's kielbasa, Sahlen's hot dogs, sponge candy, pierogi, and haddock fish fries are among the local favorites.Local or regional chains with a significant presence in the Buffalo area include Ted's Hot Dogs, Anderson's Frozen Custard, Duff's Wings, John & Mary's, Jim's SteakOut, Just Pizza, SPoT Coffee, Tim Horton's, Mighty Taco, Raymondo's and Bocce's Pizza.

Buffalo , Hotels:
10/10

Hotel Indigo

Full service hotels like the Hyatt Regency

Marriott-Buffalo Niagara

Buffalo , Safety:
10/10

Buffalo is very safe city. According to newest informatons the rate of criminal is in decrease from year to year.

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.