As a city steeped in so much history, Philadelphia is the steward of some of the nation’s most iconic locales (think the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Valley Forge National Historical Park).

Add to that an impressive list of world-famous pop culture spots from the Rocky Steps to LOVE Park to that glowing South Philly intersection that’s home to cheesesteak bliss.

But those celebrated Philly attractions are only half of the story. Once you’ve toured the Philly basics, there’s a whole lot more for you to see and do.

Read on for a few of Philly’s hidden gems.

Cira Green
High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. The elevated park is a year-round urban green space for visitors to stretch out and relax while enjoying some of the best views of Center City. The rooftop features seasonal offerings like coffee carts, a beer garden, lawn games and the Sunset Social restaurant. The space can be accessed via the garage’s pedestrian entrance on 30th Street just south of Chestnut Street.
 

Fort Mifflin
Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and America’s only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence. The fort saw its heaviest action in 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. The fortress, lying at the eastern edge of Philadelphia International Airport, is also a hotspot for airplane aficionados.

Masonic Temple
Walking by the Masonic Temple, you might think that the ornate Norman cathedral-style building across from City Hall is another of the city’s stunning churches. But the massive temple is, in fact, the 150-year-old Grand Lodge headquarters of the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. The National Historic Landmark still serves that purpose, but it’s also open to the public for hour-long guided tours on select days of the week. The showstopper here: the attraction’s ornate architecture, from Renaissance neoclassical corridors and staircases to Moorish, Egyptian and Knights Templar-inspired grand halls.

Museum for Art in Wood
Philadelphia has a long history of art and artists working in the medium of wood, which is on prominent display at Old City’s Museum for Art in Wood. Formerly known as the Wood Turning Center, the four-decade-old center features temporary and permanent collections consisting of 1,200 wood art-related objects and a 25,000-item research library on the history of woodturning and woodworking.

Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center
Gifted to the American people by Japan after World War II, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center is an oasis from the city in the heart of West Fairmount Park. The center consists of the main building, modeled after an early 17th-century temple guest house, and a separate teahouse and bathhouse, surrounded by exquisite gardens and a serene koi pond. Participate in an authentic chanoyu tea ceremony demonstration; tour the interior to learn about Japanese temple living, art and architecture in the 1600s; and feed the fish in the pond.

Intrigued? Check out a full guide to Philly’s hidden gems.