Seattle has some secrets. One is an underground city to explore! The city is much like the underground world of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. How cool does that sound? I am writing this blog as the best place to visit with family. Visiting the underground city will appeal to many family members: the history buff, the adventurer, and the simply curious.
The History of Seattle’s Underground City
Seattle’s underground city has quite a history, and there is a reason for how it came to be. In 1889, there was a great fire in Seattle, and this devastated much of the city. Instead of rebuilding from scratch on the same level, city planners made the decision to raise the streets, creating a second layer above the old ruins. It was faster to approach the re-design this way rather than to clear the rubble.
After the fire, businesses were antsy to get back to a full functioning level. For some time, there were businesses that still operated underground. Locals would descend stairs to get to specific shops. Over time, the underground sections, once bustling with businesses, sidewalks, and alleyways, were gradually abandoned and forgotten over time.
Opening to the Public
In the 1960s, the underground metropolis opened to the public for tourism. Visiting the underground city is surreal: it feels like you are walking the old city streets, and yet it’s dark and hidden. To get the most out of the tour, you really need to use your imagination.
Your mind’s eye can give you a sense of what the streets were like back in the day. What’s quite remarkable is to realize that above your head, people are currently moving about their day without a thought of what resides below their feet!
The Tour
There are a couple of tour companies to consider for this adventure:
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Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
http://www.undergroundtour.com
– 614 1st Avenue, located in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Streets. -
Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour
https://www.beneath-the-streets.com
102 Cherry Street, below the Cherry Street Coffee House in Pioneer Square.
Both tours start in Pioneer Square. The tour group sizes are approximately 25 people. Tours run year-round, and due to popularity, you should plan to purchase your tickets in advance. Use the links above to purchase your tickets online or via telephone.
What to Expect on the Tour
Exploring the underground city is like walking back in time to the 1890s. The tour encompasses four city blocks via a labyrinth of subterranean streets in Pioneer Square via three underground passageways.
The guided tour will tell fascinating stories about Seattle’s early days. You will learn how this underground world was created and discover what life was like for locals in the 19th century. Along the tour, you will be able to see old storefronts, relics, and artifacts still tucked away beneath the streets. From cobblestone walkways to antique signs, every corner tells a story.
Some people believe the Seattle Underground is haunted, but this is something you may not want to share with children who get easily spooked. If you have teenagers, they may lean into this fact and get more excited about the tour! We all know how hard it is to convince teenagers to partake in certain activities, so if this is a selling point, share away!
Things to Consider Before Signing Up
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Weather: Most of this tour is out of the elements, but it does incorporate both below-ground and above-ground components. Once you descend to the underground city, you do not stay underground. The tour will have you descend below ground, pop up to the city level, then descend again. In some ways, this is a great tour on a rainy day, as you will be out of the elements for most of the tour, but not altogether.
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Temperature: The underground city is cool and poorly lit. You will definitely want to wear layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a jacket if it’s raining.
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Stairs: There are six flights of stairs along the tour route and no elevator access. Families with young children or mobile-impaired individuals will need to be warned. Navigating the stairs with strollers can be challenging. Strollers are not off-limits, but be forewarned that they will need to be carried up and down stairs or may be stored in the ticket office for the duration of the tour.
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Stay with Your Guide: The tour is like a labyrinth, so you will need to stay with your guide. You are not allowed to take this tour on your own.
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Parking: Parking is downtown, so you will need to allow time to find parking. The websites may have a link for parking options. You may want to search online ahead of time for nearby parking garages or take public transportation.
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Cost: This varies between tour groups, but most are currently around $25-30 per person. Tips are not included, and they are always a wonderful gesture for a guide who makes your visit special.
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Tour Length: Approximately 1.25 hours.
Toilets:
There are bathrooms available locally prior to starting the tour, but they are not available during the tour itself. Plan ahead, especially with your children.
Food:
Doc Maynard’s Public House offers food at the end of Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. If that isn’t up to your liking, there are tons of other food options in and around Pioneer Square. They have everything from coffee houses to proper restaurants. Moms may want to have some snacks on hand for hungry children during the tour itself.
Wiggly Children:
It’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan for misbehaving children! If a child gets squirrely or fussy during the tour, there are opportunities to step away and meet up with your family after the tour is over. Because the tour comes up to the street level, and this is all around Pioneer Square, there are plenty of above-street activities to keep your kiddo occupied and to still be able to easily locate the rest of your personal group when the tour is completed.
Make Sure You Visit
Seattle’s underground city is a must-see during a trip to the Pacific Northwest. The tour is a blend of history, architecture, and mystery. By the end of the tour, you will have a deeper understanding of Seattle and how it came to be. And, as you walk the streets of Pioneer Square, you will have a new awareness of the people walking the streets below you, both currently and more than a century ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Seattle Underground City tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children ages 7 and up. However, parental discretion is advised as some parts of the underground city may be dark and spooky.
How long is the tour?
The standard walking tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.
Are there any physical limitations for participants?
The tour does involve walking and stairs, so participants with limited mobility or physical disabilities may have difficulty navigating certain areas of the underground city. Please notify your guide if you need assistance during the tour.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. However, please be respectful and do not use flash as it can disrupt other tour groups.
Is there a dress code for the tour?
There is no strict dress code for the tour, but we recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and potentially colder temperatures in some parts of the underground city.
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