Walk underneath the sidewalks of Pioneer Square, and discover the secret subterranean passageways which were once the main roadways and ground floor level of shops in old downtown Seattle—in the 1890s.
A couple of companies offer underground tours, but the most famous and highly rated one is Bill Speidel's Underground Tour. It's a 75-minute guided walking tour featuring tales of history, hilarity, and mishap that describe this unique city in a way you will never forget. In only 75 minutes, the tour transports you from Doc Maynard's Public House, the launching platform and living room of the city, straight into historic Pioneer Square—Seattle in the 1890s, the original streets of Seattle, and under the streets of Seattle to take a look at what got buried.
The shop windows passed, mannequins long since modeled clothing, the passageways, the abandoned storefronts—how this all went awry after the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. You can visit the row of interconnecting tunnels only with the official Underground Tour, so don't be fooled by imitations.
After an underground timewarp, your journey ends in the Rogues Gallery, a gift shop where you can buy a souvenir, or even a copy of guide Bill Speidel's book Sons of the Profits, which the tour is based on. Some tips to get the most out of your underground experience include purchasing tickets ahead as tours often sell out, particularly in the summer, and wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking over uneven terrain. An evening adults-only Underworld Tour is also available that shows Seattle's seedier history, uncensored.
After your underground explorations, take some time to wander around Pioneer Square. And if you are relocating to Seattle, avail the services of Seattle move out cleaning to get your apartment spick and span before your things are placed in your new home! Going on an underground tour is a rite of passage for anyone wanting to uncover the hidden history of the Emerald City.