Seattle Underground, Underground network in Pioneer Square, Seattle, US
The Seattle Underground is a network of connected passages and basement spaces located beneath the current street level in the Pioneer Square district. The system extends across several blocks and preserves the original architecture from the city's early days.
The network formed after the Great Fire of 1889, when Seattle rebuilt its streets one to two stories higher to address flooding issues. The old sidewalks and storefronts remained below the new level, creating this hidden layer.
The tours tell stories of early settlers dealing with mudflats, shops that once operated at street level, and the day-to-day challenges before the rebuild. Visitors see old storefronts, doorways, and remnants of signage that disappeared below ground after the reconstruction.
Tours begin at 614 First Avenue and last about 75 minutes. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the floors are uneven and the lighting is irregular, as the passages have not been fully modernized.
In some spots, you can still see the small glass blocks that once brought daylight into the basements. These vault lights now sit beneath the modern sidewalks and cast light patterns on the old pathways below.
Location: Seattle
GPS coordinates: 47.60200,-122.33400
Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:04
Seattle stretches between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, offering a mix of urban architecture, public spaces and natural areas. This route connects more than thirty stops, from the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to less visited sites like the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks or the Wing Luke Museum. The selection includes museums of contemporary and classical art, historic neighborhoods and waterfront parks. Pike Place Market sits downtown and has operated as a public market since 1907. Chihuly Garden and Glass displays the glasswork of local artist Dale Chihuly. The Museum of Pop Culture, designed by Frank Gehry, covers music, film and video games. Olympic Sculpture Park spans nine acres along the waterfront, combining outdoor sculpture with views across the bay. The Seattle Art Museum holds collections from different continents and periods. The Ballard Locks connect salt water to fresh water and include a fish ladder for migrating salmon. Discovery Park covers 534 acres with trails through forest and meadow, plus beach access. Gas Works Park preserves parts of a former coal gasification plant on Lake Union. The Museum of Flight documents aviation history with more than 175 aircraft and spacecraft. Mount Rainier National Park lies about two hours southeast and features the 14,411-foot (4,392-meter) glaciated volcano.
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160 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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