Seattle Underground Tour
Explore Seattle's buried past on a guided tour through the original city streets, sealed after the Great Fire of 1889.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Seattle Underground Tour
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Seattle's buried past on a guided tour through the original city streets, sealed after the Great Fire of 1889.
"Guides bring Seattle's history to life with humor and captivating stories, making it an unforgettable adventure."
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours, especially Bill Speidel's, fill up fast. Secure your spot online to avoid missing out.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, standing, and stairs. Prioritize comfort for navigating the underground.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Seattle Streets
Beneath Pioneer Square
Walk the original streets of Seattle, buried after the Great Fire of 1889. See remnants of old storefronts and sidewalks.
Purple Glass Skylights
Underground Passages
Marvel at the unique purple glass skylights that once illuminated the original street level, now part of the underground.
Echoes of the Past
Abandoned Storefronts
Explore the eerie remains of businesses and homes from Seattle's early days, frozen in time beneath the modern city.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours, especially Bill Speidel's, fill up fast. Secure your spot online to avoid missing out.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, standing, and stairs. Prioritize comfort for navigating the underground.
🥶 Dress in Layers
It can be cooler underground. Layers help you adjust to the temperature changes.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight (Optional)
While guides have lights, a small flashlight can help you see details.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead Online
Tours, especially Bill Speidel's, fill up fast. Secure your spot online to avoid missing out.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
Lots of walking, standing, and stairs. Prioritize comfort for navigating the underground.
🥶 Dress in Layers
It can be cooler underground. Layers help you adjust to the temperature changes.
🔦 Bring a Flashlight (Optional)
While guides have lights, a small flashlight can help you see details.
👂 Listen to Your Guide
Guides share fascinating history and spooky tales. They make the tour engaging!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Seattle Underground Tour for its engaging guides, fascinating history, and unique subterranean exploration. Many highlight the humor and storytelling that bring Seattle's past to life. While generally well-received, some find the spaces narrow or the historical narrative a bit dramatic.
"What an unforgettable experience! If you're in Seattle, the Beneath the Streets tour is an absolute must, and I can't recommend it enough. Our tour guide, Richard, truly made the whole experience.
From the moment we met him, his friendly and funny personality made us feel right at home. He had this perfect mix of humor, knowledge, and storytelling that kept the tour engaging from start to finish. Richard didn't just guide us through the historical tunnels beneath Seattle—he brought the city's past to life in a way that felt both fun and educational. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and it’s contagious!
He made sure to involve everyone in the group, offering fun facts, quirky anecdotes, and a few hilarious stories that you wouldn’t find in a history book. His passion for Seattle's history, especially the wild tales of the city's underground, really shone through. The way Richard answered questions and kept things lively was so refreshing—it felt less like a tour and more like an exciting adventure into the past.
The tour itself was well-paced, informative, and perfectly sized, and Richard’s charm added that personal touch that made it all the more enjoyable. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique experience in Seattle, Beneath the Streets with Richard is a winner.
Thank you, Richard, for making this such a memorable experience—we’ll definitely be telling friends to check it out next time they’re in town!"
Brandy L
"This guided tour was very informative, full of jokes and fun bits. We had a hilarious tour guide who managed to make the history of Seattle super entertaining. Would definitely recommend going if you want to learn about Seattle lore in a stand-up comedy format.
Key points to note:
- It's about 45 mins to an hour long. Best done during daylight hours.
- There's a lot of walking, standing and small flights of stairs. My family loved it, but it might not exactly be ideal for anyone with back/knee issues.
- If it's a crowded tour, you might feel a tad claustrophobic or slightly hot and stuffy while standing inside the tunnels.
- The entire explanation is in American English."
Damara Dodhia
"The Underground Tour is a really fun way to pass the time in Seattle. It’s unique, informative, and gives you the chance to learn a lot of cool history about the city while actually walking through its underground passages. The guides keep it interesting and entertaining, so it never feels boring.
Getting to see the hidden parts of Seattle that most people don’t even know exist is definitely a highlight. It’s something different from the usual tourist stops and gives you a whole new perspective on the city.
That said, the spaces are narrow in some areas, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re claustrophobic. For everyone else, it’s a great activity that’s both educational and fun, especially if you want to mix up your Seattle experience."
Maria Barreat
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Seattle Underground Tour is located in Pioneer Square, downtown Seattle. You can easily reach it via public transportation, ride-sharing services, or by walking if you're staying nearby. Parking can be challenging and expensive in Pioneer Square, so public transit is often recommended.
Yes, there are several parking garages and street parking options in the Pioneer Square area. However, parking can be costly and fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider booking parking in advance or using public transport.
Many visitors find that using Seattle's public transit system, including buses and light rail, is a convenient way to reach Pioneer Square. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
If you are staying in the downtown Seattle area, walking to Pioneer Square for the Underground Tour is a pleasant option. It allows you to see more of the city on your way.
Absolutely! Pioneer Square is a major hub for Seattle's bus routes, and the Link Light Rail also has a station nearby, making it very accessible via public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary slightly, but generally range from $25-$30 per person. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing and to book tickets in advance, as tours can sell out.
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Bill Speidel's Underground Tour website or other authorized third-party ticketing platforms. It's highly advisable to book in advance, especially for popular times.
Yes, booking your tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Tours often sell out, and purchasing online ensures you get your preferred date and time.
The tour typically operates daily, with tours running at various times throughout the day. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and tour availability.
While it's sometimes possible to purchase tickets on the day of the tour if there's availability, it's not guaranteed. Booking in advance is the safest way to ensure you can experience the tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tour takes you through the subterranean passages and ruins of Seattle's original city, buried after the Great Fire of 1889. You'll see old storefronts, sidewalks, and learn about the city's fascinating history from engaging guides.
The tour typically lasts about 60 minutes, providing a comprehensive yet concise journey through Seattle's underground history.
While some parts can be a bit eerie due to the historical context and dimly lit tunnels, it's generally not considered a 'scary' tour. It focuses more on history and legends, with some guides incorporating humor. 
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be on your feet for the duration. Dressing in layers is also a good idea, as the underground can be cooler than street level.
Yes, many families find the tour engaging and educational. Guides often incorporate humor and interesting stories that appeal to various age groups. However, it's not ideal for those with severe mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the tour. However, be mindful of your surroundings and the lighting conditions, and always follow your guide's instructions.
Look for the unique purple glass skylights, the remnants of old storefronts, and the overall atmosphere of the underground passages. The historical details offer great photographic potential.
It can be quite dim in some areas, as the original lighting is no longer functional. Guides provide illumination, but a camera with good low-light capabilities or a phone with a strong night mode will be helpful.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography that might disrupt the ambiance or other guests. Always be respectful of the historical site and your fellow tour participants.
A camera that performs well in low light is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones, which have advanced low-light capabilities. A wide-angle lens can also be useful for capturing the confined spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress comfortably, as there's walking and stairs involved. While not overly scary, some parts might be a bit eerie for very young or sensitive children. The tour is about an hour long, which is a good duration for maintaining children's attention spans.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Curious Explorers
+1This tour provides a unique perspective on how cities evolve and adapt. It's a chance to see firsthand the architectural and urban planning decisions that shaped Seattle into what it is today. The underground seattle wa offers a tangible connection to the past that textbooks can't replicate.
👫 Couples & Date Ideas
+1It's a great way to spark conversation and discover something new about Seattle. Afterward, you can explore the charming Pioneer Square neighborhood, known for its historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Great Seattle Fire and the Rebirth of the City
This elevation process involved building new sidewalks and building facades on top of the old structures. The original ground floors, including storefronts, homes, and businesses, were essentially sealed off and became the 'underground' city. Over time, these buried spaces became forgotten, filled with debris, and eventually rediscovered. The Seattle Underground Tour offers a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in Seattle's history, allowing visitors to walk through the remnants of the city that rose from the ashes.
+1Exploring these buried streets provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Seattle's early inhabitants. You can see the ghostly outlines of former businesses, the remnants of the original street level, and even the distinctive purple glass skylights that once allowed natural light to filter down. It's a powerful reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the city's founders.
+1Navigating the Underground: What to Expect
Your guide will lead you through the preserved remnants of the original city, pointing out historical details and sharing captivating stories about Seattle's past. You'll see former storefronts, sidewalks, and the unique purple glass skylights that were once a common feature. The guides are known for their engaging storytelling, often incorporating humor and local legends to bring the history to life.
+1It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers, as the underground temperature is consistently cooler than street level. While photography is usually permitted, be mindful of the low light conditions and avoid using flash that could disrupt the ambiance. The underground seattle experience is a unique way to connect with the city's foundational history.
The Role of Guides and Storytelling
These guides play a crucial role in transforming a walk through old tunnels into an unforgettable experience. They adapt their delivery to the audience, ensuring that both history buffs and casual visitors find the tour interesting. Their enthusiasm is often highlighted as a key factor in why people recommend the tour.
+1By sharing tales of the Great Fire, the city's rebuilding, and the lives of its early inhabitants, the guides provide context and a personal connection to the historical site. This narrative approach makes the pioneer square underground tour more than just a sightseeing activity; it becomes an educational adventure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit