Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Go underground on a 1-hour walking history tour through Seattle's original neighborhood. Our experienced guides lead small groups above, and beneath, Pioneer Square to the street level that existed in the 1890s. Explore underground pathways that were built more than 120 years ago, learning details on early Seattle history, why these spaces were built, and how they have been used (and misused) over the years. Marvel at how this former tidal flat has since transformed into one of the 20 largest cities in the United States.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates rain or shine, please dress appropriately
Tours need 2 or more people on the tour for the tour to run. Full refunds given in the event only one person signed up for the tour.
There are 3 flights of stairs, up and down each flight, throughout the one hour tour. We travel 4 blocks ( apporx. half a mile, .8k) at a leisurley pace during the one hour tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Beneath the Streets
Beneath the Streets focuses on factual, historical information that details the birth of our city, 1890’s architecture, and several other stories including the Klondike Gold Rush, Skid Row, and the Coast Salish Peoples that first inhabited the area. Our tour guides participate in workshops on cultural traditions and history with special guest historians and Native Tribal members as continual professional development.
Pioneer Square
We cover four city blocks of historic Pioneer Square and explore three underground passageways originally constructed in the 1890's. You'll see and hear the history of the neighborhood from both the original and current street levels.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Gratuities
Options
11:00 am tour
New time slot option
4:00pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
3:30pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
11:30am Tour
10:30am Tour
10:30 am tour
2:00 Tour
2:00pm tour
1:30pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
4:30pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
2026 tours
1:00: New time slot option
2:30pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
12:30pm Tour
Guided 60 minute, small-group walking history tour through and below historic Pioneer Square. Visit underground areaways not offered by other tour companies and only recently reopened for access.
Reviews
8,129 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Watch that first step!
224sheric,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 67 minute walking tour of Seattle’s tunnels and history was lead by an energetic and informative storyteller. Not only did I get to hear about Seattle’s remarkable history rich in trivia facts, compassion, and ingenuity, I also appreciated the guide’s perspective on those who live in the neighborhood today: our neighbors without homes and those who serve these neighbors - just put on your compassion hats and follow me. Watch that first step as you enter what could be new ways of thinking and being community!
Great job Sarah!
shaner1724,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sarah was informative and entertaining. Great job!
Great tour
Olga G,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sarah was great, we’re knowledgeable, charismatic, answered all questions. It eas very interesting for adults and for kids
Good but a bit insensitive
HapaRaven,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Enthusiastic tour guide (David) and interesting history. The tour started with learning about the indigenous history of Seattle, notable Chief Seattle of the coast Salish peoples. I had booked this tour because I wanted an experience that centered marginalized perspectives, as the company advertises. However, after this part of the tour (10 minutes), I was surprised to hear our guide say "ok, that was the eat-your-vegetables part of the tour", which was not necessary and in fact, insensitive. Native people are still here today, and their legacy should not be sidelined as "vegetables" in history. Later in the tour he was talking about how only white men over 18 were incentivized to come to Oregon, by offering free land after working it for 4 years. This was a fact that can stand on its own. However, David continued, asking a European tourist "you're white, right?" and asked him to come to the front. The tourist, visibly embarrassed, stood at the front of the crowd while David said "if you looked like ____, you could own land in oregon country." Before sending the tourist back to his family, David called the tourist "a fine specimen", which was a racist thing to say. I learned a lot of interesting history from the tour, but the parts mentioned above were not necessary. I hope that this feedback is helpful and that you take it into consideration for future tours.
History Fun Experience
Brian S,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Jim was a great guide and very knowledgeable in the history. I highly recommend to fully understand the underground system and history.
Interesting History, dull basements
Doug R,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The history was interesting, but most of the actual underground part itself was a bit dull. It was basically a bunch of old looking basements with low clearances.
Great tour. Learned a lot...
Michael B,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Learned a lot about the creation of Seattle through the years. Can't wait to do is again.
Sara gave an excellent tour with a lot of great knowledge and useful insights and tidbits about Seattle.
Luke S,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sarah was 10 out of 10. Highly informative with a lot of great insights!
If you’re on the fence, here’s your sign: do it!! You’ll have an amazing time!
phillR2012VZ,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time!! Our guide was informative, excited, and having a great time as well. Would definitely do again, cannot recommend it highly enough!!
Jennifer was our guide....
Jason T,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jennifer was our guide. She is full of knowledge to say the least. We learned so many awesome things about the history and founding of seattle, as well as it's insane infrastructure. She gives you a lot of info without making it boring. Highly recommend.
From US$29.03
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