With a prominent spot on Independence Mall at 6th and Market, the President’s House isn’t exactly “hidden.” But it is in a way, since the original house doesn’t even exist. In its heyday, a brick mansion stood here, serving as the home of both George Washington and later John Adams. Today, though, the President’s House consists of a series of structures that follow the same footprint of the original and were designed by Kelly/Maiello Architects.

If you step “inside” the exhibit, you can see the foundation of the original house, which was discovered during site excavation. Furthermore, it highlights the fact that Washington had nine slaves here. “The outdoor exhibits examine the paradox between slavery and freedom in the new nation,” explains Winston Clement, the historical architect at Independence.

Originally a three-story home rented by a local merchant and his family, the Fragments of Franklin Court is now an archaeology exhibit that shows how the classic Philadelphia row house was built. A lot of the artifacts on display were actually excavated from this very area when Franklin Court was built in the 1970s.

After visiting the Fragments at Franklin Court make a stop at the Franklin Court Printing Office. The original office no longer exists, but this re-created spot gives a good indication of what the original building looked like. There are two printing presses on display here that are remakes of what Ben Franklin would have actually used to print his Pennsylvania Gazette newsletters. Stick around for the live demonstrations of the presses in action.

The Signer’s Garden is relaxing place to visit when you just need a break from the world. Its centerpiece is a bronze sculpture of the righteous Signer, which was modeled after George Clymer, a Philadelphia merchant who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The statue is an ode to all of the signers of both documents.

This monumental National Historic Landmark building was originally, as the name suggests, the second national bank authorized by none other than Andrew Hamilton. Designed by William Strickland, it’s an stately example of Greek Revival architecture. Inside, only a few original details remain, including "tessellated" marble floors and barrel vaulted ceilings.

Today, it’s home to the park's portrait gallery. Fun fact: “Many of these paintings were first exhibited inside Independence Hall in the early 1800s as part of Peale's Philadelphia Museum,” says the park’s architect Winston Clemente.

If you walk to Independence Square behind Independence Hall, you’ll find this statue of John Barry. Barry was the first commodore of the U.S. Army. In general, says Friends’ program director Maiti Gallen, Independence Square is “a great place to eat lunch on a nice day, and to people-watch year-round.”

Washington Square, one of William Penn’s original five squares, is also part of Independence National Historical Park. While already a beautiful park, it’s centered around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution, a memorial that has a constantly lit flame at its foot. In fact, the tomb has the disinterred remains of a soldier from the actual square, which which served as a burial ground during the war.

“This garden provides a quiet place to sit and reflect on a busy workday,” the park folks say of the Rose Garden. Along with 96 varieties of antique roses, the garden features an original 19th-century cobblestone path. Just note: These aren’t your typical rose bushes—they only bloom once a year in the late spring, so plan accordingly.

Says Gallen, “I recommend this garden because it provides a beautiful green space on a handsome rowhouse block. The spring blossoms are among the best in the city!” Fun fact: Thirteen different varieties of magnolias round out this garden, representing the original 13 colonies. For full blooming goodness, head here in the spring.