
Shanghai Tunnels Portland
Explore Portland's shadowy past in the historic Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages filled with tales of intrigue and hauntings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spookier atmosphere

Shanghai Tunnels Portland
Best Time
Spookier atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Portland's shadowy past in the historic Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages filled with tales of intrigue and hauntings.
"Natasha was the greatest tour guide ever! She turned history into fascinating tales of greed, corruption, human trafficking, and other sordid crimes."

🎯 Manage Expectations
It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! :flashlight:
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. :microphone:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Haunted History Tour
Old Town Pizza & Brewing
Uncover eerie tales of Portland's past, from human trafficking to restless spirits. A blend of history and spooky stories.

Natasha's Engaging Narration
Various tour groups
Experience history brought to life with passionate guides like Natasha, who weave fascinating tales of greed and corruption.

Craft Beer Tasting
Old Town Pizza & Brewing
Conclude your tour with a tasting of local craft beers in a unique, tunnel-themed speakeasy setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the 'Tunnels'
Book Your Tour in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Manage Expectations
It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! :flashlight:
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. :microphone:
🍺 Beer Tasting Included
Enjoy a craft beer tasting at the end; a great way to cap off the tour. :beer_mug:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Manage Expectations
It's a historical basement, not a vast underground city. Focus on the stories! :flashlight:
🗣️ Listen to Your Guide
Guides like Natasha make the history come alive with captivating tales. :microphone:
🍺 Beer Tasting Included
Enjoy a craft beer tasting at the end; a great way to cap off the tour. :beer_mug:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and standing, so wear comfortable footwear for the tour. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Vibe
While photography might be restricted in some areas, capture the unique atmosphere. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Shanghai Tunnels tours to be a fun and engaging experience, particularly praising the knowledgeable and entertaining guides like Natasha. The historical storytelling and the included craft beer tasting are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some feel the 'tunnels' are more like basements and that the 'haunted' stories are largely hearsay or recreations, leading to mixed feelings about repeat visits.
"This was a fun activity my fiance and I did on our date night. Natasha was a great tour guide! I enjoyed learning about the history in a fun way. I'm not much of s beer drinker, but the beer at the end was a nice way to end the night. Natasha was very knowledgeable in not only Portland history, but in architecture as well as many other things. Her quirky personality was a fantastic addition to the tour. I highly recommend giving this a try."
Jesica Brown
"We absolutely loved our experience at Old Town Pizza & Brewery!
We got the house special pizza and garlic knots. Both were absolutely delicious! We also sampled a few of the Old Town Brewery beers and enjoyed all We tried.
We did the haunted history tour of the tunnels and loved every minute! The tour was so informative and fun and our tour guide, Natasha was phenomenal!
Highly recommend you do it all!!"
Kandy Jonker
"Natasha was the greatest tour guide ever! She turned history into fascinating tales of greed, corruption, human trafficking, and other sordid crimes - her flair and knowledge brought everything to life, keeping us entertained, educated, and safe. The tunnels are spooky and creepy, but an amazing reminder of how far humanity has come and how far it has to go. The craft beer tasting in a replica tunnel speakeasy topped off the night in a grand fashion. This was worth every penny and more...Natasha deserves a raise 😊"
Melissa Madsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shanghai Tunnels are located in Portland's Old Town Chinatown. Most tours depart from or are associated with Old Town Pizza & Brewing. You can reach this area via public transportation (bus or MAX light rail) or by car, though parking can be challenging in the area.
Parking in Old Town Chinatown can be limited and expensive. It's recommended to look for public parking garages or consider using rideshare services.
Generally, no. Access to the Shanghai Tunnels is primarily through guided tours. There are no freely accessible entrances for independent exploration.
While Old Town Pizza & Brewing is a common starting point, some tours might have slightly different meeting locations within the Old Town area. Always check your booking confirmation for precise details.
Old Town is best explored on foot. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Public transport is also a convenient option for getting to the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but expect to pay around $25-$35 per person. Some tours include a beer tasting, which is factored into the price.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for popular evening tours or if you want to ensure a spot with a specific guide.
Tours typically run in the evenings, often starting around 6 PM or later, to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Check specific tour operators for exact times.
Some reviewers suggest that a discount for non-drinkers or a non-alcoholic tasting option would be beneficial. Currently, it's often a set price.
Most tickets include the guided historical and haunted tour. Many also include a craft beer tasting at the end, often at Old Town Pizza & Brewing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours involve walking through historical basements and tunnels, with guides sharing stories of Portland's past, including tales of shanghaiing, crime, and hauntings.
While many stories are anecdotal and based on hearsay, the atmosphere is designed to be spooky. Guides often share personal accounts and local legends.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on your feet. The tunnels can be a bit damp and cool, so layers are a good idea.
The tours focus on historical events that can be dark, including human trafficking. It's best suited for older teens and adults who can appreciate the historical context and spooky stories.
Tours typically last about an hour, providing a focused and engaging experience without being too long.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Old Town Pizza & Brewing is a popular spot to enjoy pizza and craft beers before or after your tour. Many tours conclude with a tasting there.
They are known for their pizzas, including a 'house special,' and garlic knots. They also offer a selection of their own brewed beers.
While the tour often includes a beer tasting, it's advisable to inquire about non-alcoholic beverage options if you don't drink alcohol.
Most haunted history tours associated with Old Town Pizza & Brewing include a beer tasting. Always confirm what's included when booking.
Reviewers highly recommend the house special pizza and garlic knots.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by tour operator. Some may restrict photos to protect the atmosphere or for safety reasons. It's best to ask your guide.
The exterior of Old Town Pizza & Brewing and the historic architecture of the Old Town Chinatown district offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, the tunnels are intentionally kept dimly lit to enhance the spooky ambiance, which can make photography challenging without a flash.
While not explicitly designed for photos, the unique historical setting and the speakeasy-style bar at the end of some tours can make for interesting shots.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a strong night mode would be beneficial if you plan to take photos in the dimly lit environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Older Teens
Recommendation: Opt for tours that emphasize the historical storytelling aspect. While the 'haunted' elements are present, the focus on historical context makes it educational. Ensure your teens are comfortable with dimly lit spaces and potentially unsettling historical narratives. The included beer tasting at the end is typically for adults, but the overall experience is memorable for the family.
💑 Couples Seeking a Unique Date Night
Tip: Book an evening tour for the most atmospheric experience. Consider pairing your tour with dinner at Old Town Pizza & Brewing beforehand to make a full night of it. The engaging narratives and shared sense of adventure make for great conversation starters.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
What to Expect: Tours focus on the darker aspects of Portland's history, including stories of restless spirits and unexplained phenomena. While not a dedicated ghost hunt, the atmosphere and the narratives are designed to evoke a sense of the uncanny. Many visitors report feeling a distinct 'vibe' in the tunnels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legend of the Shanghai Tunnels
While the extent of the shanghaiing operations is debated, the tunnels became a symbol of Portland's grittier past. Today, many of these historical passages are now part of the basements of buildings in the Old Town Chinatown area, most notably Old Town Pizza & Brewing. Tours often focus on these stories, blending historical facts with local folklore and ghost stories, creating an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.
It's important to note that much of what is presented on tours is based on oral history and legend. Some elements, like trap doors and specific 'haunted' rooms, are often recreations or embellished tales. Nevertheless, the underground Portland experience offers a unique glimpse into the city's shadowy history and the enduring power of its urban legends.
Navigating the Shanghai Tunnels Tour Experience
The experience typically involves a guided walk through the accessible parts of the tunnels and basements. While the 'tunnels' themselves are not an extensive underground network but rather historical basement spaces, the atmosphere is intentionally kept dim and eerie to enhance the spooky ambiance. Many tours conclude with a craft beer tasting, often at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, providing a pleasant way to end the evening and discuss the stories heard.
Visitor Tip: While the stories are compelling, remember that many are based on hearsay and local legends. The 'haunted' aspects are part of the storytelling, designed to entertain and inform rather than present definitive paranormal evidence. This makes it a great option for a date night or a fun outing with friends who appreciate history with a spooky twist.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit