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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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Beneath the Streets
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
102 Cherry St, Seattle, Central Business District, Washington, 98104, US
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
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Getting There
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].
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].
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].
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs [6, 7].
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Check the tour schedule in advance, as times vary by season [3].
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Consider the adults-only tour for a focus on the 'underside' of underground history, including gambling, drinking and other vices [4, 6].
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Arrive early, walk-up space is often available [4].
Discover more about Beneath the Streets
Beneath the Streets offers a unique glimpse into Seattle's history, literally. Following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, the city was rebuilt, but instead of simply rebuilding at ground level, the decision was made to raise the street level by as much as 22 feet in some places. This left the original streets and buildings buried beneath the new city.
Today, you can explore these subterranean passageways on a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides share stories of Seattle's early days, the challenges faced by its pioneers, and the events that shaped the city. The tour winds through three blocks of the old Pioneer Square, revealing the remnants of storefronts, sidewalks, and other relics of a bygone era.
Beneath the Streets offers a fascinating perspective on Seattle's evolution, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the city's hidden history. It's a memorable and educational experience for all ages [3, 5].
A brief summary to Beneath the Streets
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