Once a blue-collar manufacturing hub, Philadelphia has become a veritable cradle for both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Good thing, then, that this City of Brotherly Love has enough choices when it comes to hotel rooms to satisfy your brother, or sister, or business partner, or client.

Philadelphia often gets comparisons, not too many of them good, to its giant neighbor 99 miles to the north. But a big thing working in Philly’s favor is that it’s a relatively affordable city, especially compared with Manhattan, which has helped make it attractive to new businesses in particular.

An added bonus, especially for business travelers, is that hotel rates are lower. In 2010, the average daily hotel room rate in Philadelphia was $154.82; a nice break compared to New York’s average of $164 a night. One result of this is it’s a popular city for large meetings and conferences, and the amenity-packed Pennsylvania Convention Center hosts nearly 250 events a year. The convenience of the center is ideal—one block from the delicious eats at the famed Reading Terminal Market, and just minutes from the city’s courthouses and government offices on Vine Street.

But this isn’t just a place with a nice convention center. Philadelphia also is experiencing a proliferation of new business growth, and for that it may have New York City partly to thank. Back in 2005, The New York Times dubbed it New York’s “next borough.” Today, however, Philadelphia’s unique identity nurtures startups such as Vuzit and Launchrock. Initiatives like the Philly Tech Meetup and Startup Digest are received by over 14,000 subscribers. Fortune 500 mainstays have also made Philadelphia home for quite some time, including media behemoth Comcast, and retail company Urban Outfitters, Inc.

If corporate events don’t eat up your time, Philadelphia’s rich American history is worth a look. The city is home to one of the nation’s oldest Ivy League universities, University of Pennsylvania, as well as the iconic Betsy Ross House and the famed Liberty Bell. Younger clients will appreciate the up-and-coming art scene, which can be found in hipster-fied neighborhoods like Old City and Northern Liberties. And for those craving fresh air, a walk along the Schuylkill River provides stunning views of the many boat houses that dot its shore.

Besides, it’s not for every deal that business travelers get to kick up their heels in one of the nation’s oldest and most respected cities. For inspiration on what to do with some downtime or where to take a colleague or client, check out these suggestions:

National Constitution Center. You can be sure that business talk will go over well at a museum solely devoted to the doctrine of guidelines for our country. Soak in the founding fathers’ words through tons of interactive exhibits, interesting displays and artifacts to peruse. While many of its presentations are on-going, check the events calendar for any special exhibits planned for the duration of your stay.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Although the museum was probably made iconic from Rocky’s run up its steps, those same grounds are just as good for discussing a deal. (Can’t you just hear “Gonna Fly Now?”) Fortunately, the institution also offers up some world-class art, including pieces from the Renaissance, Modern, and Impressionist movements, as well as over 80 different periods on its second floor. Insider tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to avoid day-of lines.

Pat’s and Geno’s on East Passyunk Avenue. The word “Philly” is practically synonymous with “cheesesteak” since the sandwich debuted back in 1930. Invented by Philadelphian Pat Olivieri (who decided to toss some meat on his grill instead of the usual hot dog one day), eating one of the rival’s hoagies will probably one of the most delicious experiences you’ll have. Bring your business partner there, order one steak at each of the dueling shops (they’re open 24/7), and divide and conquer. This editor— a former Philly native herself— swears by ordering a “Whiz With” to avoid the wrath of gruff staffers.

Now that we’ve given you the rundown, click to the next page to get the recommendations from Oyster.com’s editors on where to stay.