I've got 2 free flights for next February to either Boston, Philadelphia or Atlanta (there was also options to NYC and DC but we've done these several times).
I know it's like asking whether to have apples or oranges, but where would you choose? We will be there for 4 or 5 days and enjoy sights, museums and restaurants. Which place will keep us amused the most for 5 days?

Sorry, just to add that we will be coming from the UK.

Although I'm a proud Philadelphian and can usually go on for hours about our fabulous museums, restaurants, architecture, etc., when I realized your tickets are for February, my immediate response was "Atlanta"! This past February was nasty here and I suspect Boston (one of my favorite cities other than Philadelphia) was even worse.

Without factoring in weather, Boston first, then Philadelphia, then Atlanta (which isn't really in the same league as the other two from a tourism standpoint).

But FEBRUARY?! Well, then I'd say Atlanta. Or Miami.

I'd say for 5 days Boston must win hands down. You'll have no trouble being kept amused for that length of time there.

Yes of course it may well be pretty cold if that's an issue for you. My only trip to Boston from the UK was for 4 days in January 2003. It snowed every day which made the city look fantastic. It was cold too but that's easily solved by wrapping up. If you start to feel cold, there are plenty of places to stop for a coffee or beer or whatever you fancy.

I'm sure people can convince me otherwise but I can't imagine being kept amused for 5 days in Altanta or Philadelphia by comparison to what Boston has to offer.

Unless weather is your highest priority, I'd forget Atlanta. You can't go wrong with Boston or Philly - both cities ooze history, have world class dining, nightlife, and museums, and are great walking cities. February can be cold in either, but both cities are just as charming in a winter setting, and both also have great public transportation. You might be able to get better hotel deals in Philly, especially if you want to stay in the thick of things. Cambridge also has a lot in the way of accommodations (not to mention dining and nightlife), if you do end up going with Boston.

You're all confirming my thoughts!
The weather is only a factor in that Mrs AR wants snow!! (Well, that's Atlanta out then!).
Actually, we did DC last February and NYC in February 2001 so we know what to expect at that time of year. Last year wasn't too bad but New York was the coldest I'd been - ever. That biting freezing wind when we went to Liberty Island.
Is there enough in the city itself to keep us entertained or should we think about getting around the Boston area? I assume that driving may be difficult due to snow, but I guess that you're all better equipped for the snow than we are in the UK when a single snow-flake causes the country to stop.

If you decide on Boston-- DON'T, I repeat DON'T rent a car. Parking is severely limited (especially if there is snow on the ground) and extremely expensive. You can find plenty of things to do for 4-5 days in the city, and the public transport ("the "T") can take you pretty much anywhere you want to go.

OK, if you're fine with the possibility of snow, Boston or Phillie will be fine. And you will have plenty to fill five days in either city. Frankly, Atlanta isn't set up as a "tourist" city-- sprawling and not a lot of interest to visitors (but plenty to occupy citizens).

DON'T RENT A CAR. Especially in Boston. You won't need it (excellent mass transit system), and you don't want to drive around in Boston unless you are heading out of town. Phillie isn't too far behind in that regard.

I'd say the odds are probably against you're getting snowed in, but you could see a storm or two if you're around for five days. It's definitely a crapshoot - last winter was extremely mild, while the year before was absolutely vicious. Either way, you're likely to encounter snow-covered trees and ice on the Charles River. There's nothing like a winter walk through Harvard Square in Cambridge to enjoy your morning coffee - and there's always a stretch of a few days during February when it gets unseasonably warm. Maybe you'll get lucky.

But as far as having enough to do in order to kill 4-5 days, you could easily spend twice that without getting bored. Between Boston and Cambridge - and the public transportation linking them, you definitely won't be wanting for things to do, even without a car.

As a loyal Bostonian, I agree that Boston is at the top of the list. Having been in London in the winter during a "snowstorm", you are certainly correct that we are better equipped to handle the snow, because we get more snow. Some of the things to do:
1) Freedom trail. This will be kind of weird for you, because on the freedom trail, you as Brits become the enemy. Of course , no one really thinks that way, but I have had friends from the UK momentarily taken aback.
2) Museum of Fine Arts
3) Walks through the North End and Chinatown
4) Walk through Harvard Square. Many museums to see at Harvard, depending on your likes and dislikes
5) Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market

Sorry. Have to go, but will be happy to give more info on Boston and area

Hi AR-

Having lived in both Boston & Philadelphia, here are my thoughts:

Boston has more to see and to offer, especially for 5 days. However, Feb is also the coldest month, and it is not fun to be walking around outside at all! I would say Boston is usually a good 5 degree F colder than NYC, so you'll definitely get a dose of that "biting, freezing wind". Even though snow is beautiful, I usually find it more beautiful if I'm looking at it from the warmth of my apartment. Walking in snow as a sightseeing tourist will cause your feet to get frozen pretty quickly.

Philadelphia is probably about 10F degree warmer than Boston, and snow is not that frequent.

Boston.

Philly wouldn't be a bad choice. Atlanta would be a very bad choice. Probably my least favorite city in the US.

Well, here are some terrific things to do in Philadelphia (although I can't promise snow):

The Philadelphia Museum of Art will be the only U.S. venue for a major centennial retrospective devoted to Salvador Dali, which opens Feb. 16. Other shows at PMA during this time include Italian Master Drawings, Florentine Renaissance Portraiture, and American Abstraction.

Other wonderful fine arts museums include the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (worth a visit for its Frank Furness-designed building alone), the Barnes Foundation (one of the best collections of French impressionist paintings in the world, located just outside the city) and the Rodin Museum.

On the historical side, there's the new National Constitution Center, which is in the historic district near Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
And then there's Valley Forge National Park, about a 20-minute drive outside the city (you would need a car).

Some quick daytrips would include Longwood Gardens and Winterthur--former du Pont family estates. Longwood has a Conservatory that's wonderful in the winter. Last year they exhibited the rare Himalayan blue poppies. Winterthur has an incredible decorative arts collection, all displayed in historic architecture. Nearby, the Brandywine River Museum houses three generations of art by the Wyeth family.

To the north, there's the Mercer Museum (arts & crafts tiles, home of industrialist Henry Mercer) and Michener Museum in Doylestown (a quintessential American small town).

In the evenings, there's the Kimmel Center for Philadelphia Orchestra concerts. Also during February, the Kimmel's program features performances by Joshua Bell, Herbie Hancock, Noche Flamenco.

Reading Terminal Market, which has a lot of Amish and Mennonite vendors who sell such regional specialties as shoo-fly pie, is a fun place to visit. There is decent shopping on Walnut Street west of Broad, on 13th Street around Walnut to Spruce, and in the Old City area (lots of art galleries here too).

There's a brand new supper club that just opened in a fabulous 1929 Art Deco building on Washington Square. Just across the square is the old Curtis Publishing building which features a spectacular stained glass mural by Maxfield Parrish.

Chris's in Center City and Ortleibs in Northern Liberties have jazz every night.

There are also some phenomenal places to eat, ranging from Haute Cuisine to Carribbean and everything in between. You could also take in a basketball or hockey game for something different (and a slice of real Philadelphia).

No matter what the season or the weather, take Atlanta off your list. Just moved after 10 years in Atlanta, and I can't imagine why anyone would want to visit as a tourist.

And in February, a bad weather day in Atlanta can be just as bad as an average day in Boston or Philly.

As for Boston or Philly - I like both. It's a tough call, but I'd probably lean ever so slightly towards Boston.

Thanks to everyone that has replied.
Thanks also Epi for the warning of us Brits being the "enemy"!
I'll let you all know where I decided.

First, a word about weather. Snow isn't what I'd worry about in Boston (especially since you're excited about it); 1 degree C and rainy/windy with ice/slush on the ground is the bad weather you could get here in February. (Sort-of like what you experienced in NYC, but worse.) If that doesn't discourage you, then by all means come and visit. (I don't mean to be negative, just to warn you what to expect and pack!)

In addition to the good suggestions you've already gotten, I'd add some indoor suggestions: the Museum of Fine Arts (not up there with the Very Best in the world, but a lovely museum nonetheless) and the Science Museum (up there with the Very Best for interactive science and something of which Bostonians can be justifiably proud....though Philly has a darn good science museum too) Harvard has some nice smaller museums that I enjoy for their charm as much as for their collections and the MIT museum is an interesting if again smaller technology venue. I haven't been to the Gardener museum, but it's always on everyone's list. Also, if the weather is clear, the top of the Prudential Center is a nice spot for a view.

Boston is a wonderful city, but much of the sightseeing is outdoors. (Epi gave a good list, but ask for more info if you decide to come here.) If you're not afraid of our weather -- or if we have a crisp, clear, snow-covered February or a mild one -- you will have no end of things to see. (Boston is also quite small and walkable and has good public transportation; DEFINITELY don't rent a car!)

Whereever you go, I wish you a lovely vacation!

My first trip to Boston was about 15 years ago on Valentine's Day weekend. I was really excited and packed some beautiful outfits to wear. Well, I never got to wear anything that wasn't think, warm and wool! The wind chill factor was 30 below 0 (Fahrenheit) and man that was COLD! I loved Boston and it would be my first choice of the three cities, just make sure that you bring lots of very warm clothing!

February is the worst possible time to visit Boston. It is freezing then, too cold to walk around the city. For a northern climate, the Boston area does not get much snow, just enough to make life miserable for the people who have to drive in it.

If you decide to visit anyway, expect to spend all your time indoors. It will be too cold to do anything else. Boston has some wonderful museums, so you can still have a terrific time. However, the nicest thing about being in Boston is walking around outside, seeing the architecture and people. You will probably not be able to do much of this in February.

If you come, do NOT rent a car. Boston streets are very difficult to drive on: The streets are not laid out on a grid, and are very poorly signposted. (Most streets have no signs at all.) Unless you want to spend most of your time lost, driving around in circles, there is no point to having a car. The subway and bus system is excellent.

For goodness' sake, it's NEVER too cold to walk around in the city -- you just dress for it, as Tango observed.

Here in Boston, we've been in stitches over a TV advertisement by an airline that is promoting a new Boston/Philly route. Philadelphians are asked what tourists would like about their city -- the primary unique attractions seem to be a cracked old bell and steak sandwiches with cheese added. Then a guy come on and says, "It's like a baby New York." This cracks us up every time.

Anyway, of course Boston would be better. Be sure to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum, a very special place that has a lovely atrium where it's always spring -- one of my favorite places to visit in mid-winter.