Beneath the Streets: Seattle's Underground History
Explore Seattle's hidden history on a guided underground tour through the buried streets of Pioneer Square.
Descend into Seattle's past with a guided tour of the city's original streets, buried beneath the modern city after the Great Fire of 1889. Explore the hidden passageways and learn about the history of Pioneer Square, Seattle's first neighborhood.
A brief summary to Beneath the Streets
- 102 Cherry St, Seattle, Central Business District, Washington, 98104, US
- +1206-624-1237
- Visit website
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs [6, 7].
- Check the tour schedule in advance, as times vary by season [3].
- Consider the adults-only tour for a focus on the 'underside' of underground history, including gambling, drinking and other vices [4, 6].
- Arrive early, walk-up space is often available [4].
Getting There
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Walking
Beneath the Streets is located in Pioneer Square, easily accessible on foot from many downtown Seattle locations. From the Seattle Ferry Terminal, walk south along Alaskan Way, then turn left onto Cherry Street. The entrance is at 102 Cherry Street [5].
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Public Transport
Several bus routes serve Pioneer Square. From various points in Seattle, take a bus that stops near 2nd Ave & Cherry St [17, 19]. Check King County Metro or Sound Transit for specific routes and schedules [23]. The current adult fare is $2.75 [8]. ORCA cards are accepted [11].
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Driving
If driving, paid parking is available in nearby garages. The SeaPark Garage is located at 609 6th Avenue and offers covered parking [15]. Republic Parking also manages numerous lots in the area [16]. Parking rates in Pioneer Square range from $1 to $6.50 depending on the time of day [20]. Be aware that street parking may have restrictions [20].
Discover more about Beneath the Streets
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
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Pioneer Square Totem Pole
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Pioneer Square
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Pioneer Square Pergola
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City Map Hatchcover
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Central Building
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Ballast Island Historic Site
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Globe Building
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Memorial To Fallen Firefighters
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National Building
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
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Spooked In Seattle Ghost Tours
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Seattle South Portal
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Pier 55
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Seattle Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chief Seattle Fountain
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Smith Tower
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Central Saloon
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117 S Washington St
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Occidental Square
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Sky View Observatory - Columbia Center
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Waterfall Garden
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Columbia Center
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Glasshouse-Studio
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Arundel Books
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Essential places to dine
84 Yesler
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Damn the Weather
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Premier Meat Pies
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Il Terrazzo Carmine
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Tulio
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13 Coins Seattle
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The George
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Purple Cafe and Wine Bar
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Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
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Elliott's Oyster House
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The Capital Grille
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Pasta Casalinga
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IL Bistro
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Maximilien Restaurant
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Elephant & Castle
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Diva Dollz
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Bon Voyage Vintage
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Simply Seattle
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Ye Olde Curiosity Shop
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The Seattle Shop at 56
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Eighth Generation
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Kobo Shop & Gallery (at Higo)
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Seattle Antiques Market
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Ugly Baby
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Seattle Shirt Company
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Bite Society at Pike Place Market
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F & J Great Western Trading Co
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Hands of the World, in Pike Place Market
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Pike Place Gifts
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Ventures Marketplace
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bad Bishop
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Good Bar
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Diller Room
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The Pike Brewing Company
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Alibi Room
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JarrBar
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Lonely Siren
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The Rabbit Box
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Zig Zag Cafe
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Pike Place Bar & Grill
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Radiator Whiskey
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The Taproom at Pike Place
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The Hideout
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White Horse Tavern
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Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Trinity
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OHM Nightclub
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The Rainier Club
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Xtadium
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Deja Vu Showgirls Seattle
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Sonya's Seattle
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Alley MIC
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Sarajevo Nightclub
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Red Lounge
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Massive
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The Mercury @ MachineWerks
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Kremwerk
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Cherry
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Q Nightclub
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Neighbours Nightclub and Lounge
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