© B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia
Pope Francis is making his way to Philadelphia and the city is pulling out all of the stops in honor of the Papal visit--in fact, much of Center City is transforming into the Francis Festival grounds. Whether your plan is to embrace your spiritual side, or simply to try Philly's near-divine food scene, trivago.com has put together an insider's guide for every kind of Philadelphia pilgrim.
For the fine arts enthusiast...
© B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Admire America's artistic heritage at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and discover the stunning portraits and masterpieces of Faith and Family, a new collection launched in honor of the papal visit.
For the family...
© R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Adventure Aquarium
Swim with sharks or stand amongst over 850 aquatic animals in the 40-foot suspended Shark Tunnel at Adventure Aquarium's Shark Realm. The largest collection of shark species on the East Coast, Shark Realm offers 360◦ views of the ocean's most terrifying and beautiful creatures!
For the sweet tooth...
© Termini Brothers Bakery
Termini Bros
Savor authentic Italian sweets like hand-dipped pignoli cookies or almond-topped amaretti at Termini Brothers Bakery, a local favorite specializing in Sicilian cakes, cookies, and of course, some of the best cannoli in town.
For the history buff...
© C. Gabello for Visit Philadelphia
Penn Museum
Visitors to the Penn Museum can view treasures of the Ancient Near East, Egypt and Biblical Lands through the museum's two new exhibits - Sacred Writings: Extraordinary Texts of the Biblical World and Sacred Spaces, which features spectacular photographs of Byzantine church interiors in Turkey.
For the culture nut...
© G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
Shofuso Japanese House and Garden
Wander off the beaten path into Philly's Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, a traditional-style Japanese house and nationally ranked garden that's the perfect place for serene zen contemplation, or a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
For the book lover...
© J. Smith for Visit Philadelphia
The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia
Curious minds will marvel at the oldest surviving book printed in the Western hemisphere, the Doctrina Breve, as well as the oldest book published in South America, the Doctrina Christiana, at the Rosenbach's newest temporary exhibit, Catholics in a New World.
For the foodie...
© Gavin's Cafe
Gavin's Cafe
For a traditional "Desayuno Argentino" head to Gavin's Café, where you can try delectable empanadas, homemade alfajores, and signature medialunas lovingly prepared by Owner and Chef Jezebel Careaga.
Check out trivago's official blog checkin for the scoop on other pope-worthy tastes and sights in Philly.
For more information about the Pope's visit to Philadelphia, head to Visit Philly to learn more about the citywide Francis Festival.