14 Best Places to Visit for Underground City Tours

Exploring the hidden depths of underground cities offers a fascinating glimpse into history and culture. From ancient labyrinths to modern marvels, these destinations provide an immersive experience like no other. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply curious about the world’s subterranean secrets, these underground tours will leave you captivated. Let’s delve deeper into these intriguing locations and discover more about what makes each one so unique.

1. Derinkuyu, Turkey

Derinkuyu is a marvel of ancient engineering, known for its vast underground city that could house up to 20,000 people. This subterranean complex extends over multiple levels and includes everything from living quarters to storage rooms and chapels. When you visit, take note of the ingenious ventilation shafts and the rolling stone doors that were used to seal the city from invaders.

Practical Tips:

• Guided Tours: Consider hiring a guide for a more detailed understanding of the history and architecture.
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in spring or autumn when the weather is mild, making the experience more comfortable.

Fun Fact: Derinkuyu, and other underground cities in the region, were used by early Christians to hide from Roman persecution.

2. Edinburgh, Scotland

Beneath Edinburgh’s bustling streets lies a network of hidden tunnels and vaults that tell tales of the city’s dark past. Known as the Edinburgh Vaults, these passages were used for various purposes, including illicit activities. Today, they serve as a time capsule, preserving stories of Edinburgh’s rich and sometimes eerie heritage.

Practical Tips:

• Ghost Tours: For those interested in the paranormal, ghost tours offer a spine-tingling experience.
• Photography: Bring a good camera, as the dimly lit vaults provide unique and atmospheric photo opportunities.

Local Insight: Locals believe that certain vaults are haunted, adding an extra layer of mystery to your visit.

3. Montreal, Canada

Montreal’s subterranean city, known as the RESO, is a marvel of modern engineering. This network connects shops, restaurants, and even residential areas, providing a bustling underground metropolis. It’s a perfect escape from harsh Canadian winters, offering warmth and convenience.

Practical Tips:

• Navigation Apps: Use a navigation app to explore the extensive network efficiently.
• Events: Check out events and exhibitions that often take place underground, enhancing your visit.

Did You Know? The RESO covers over 33 kilometers, making it one of the largest underground complexes in the world.

4. Naples, Italy

Descend into the ancient catacombs of Naples to uncover a macabre yet intriguing world of burial chambers and passageways. The Catacombs of San Gennaro are among the most famous, offering a haunting glimpse into the city’s religious and cultural history.

Practical Tips:

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The uneven ground requires sturdy footwear.
• Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, they provide valuable context to the layered history of the catacombs.

Historical Note: The catacombs were used as a refuge during World War II, adding to their historical significance.

5. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a unique underground experience with stunning salt-carved chambers and sculptures. The mine features breathtaking chapels, including the famous Chapel of St. Kinga, all intricately carved from salt.

Practical Tips:

• Temperature: The mine maintains a constant temperature of about 14°C (57°F)—bring a light jacket.
• Health Benefits: The salt air is said to have therapeutic properties, beneficial for respiratory health.

Traveler Insight: The mine’s underground lakes and the saltworks museum provide a comprehensive look at the history of salt mining.

6. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s underground world is a bustling network of shopping streets, entertainment venues, and transportation hubs. This hidden underworld offers a futuristic contrast to the city’s above-ground landscape, with vibrant lights and endless activity.

Practical Tips:

• Shopping: Look for unique items and souvenirs not found in typical tourist spots.
• Dining: Experience the diverse cuisine in underground eateries, ranging from traditional Japanese to international flavors.

Cultural Note: The underground passages are also a testament to Tokyo’s efficient use of limited space.

7. Seattle, USA

Explore the historic underground tunnels of Seattle, which were once the main pathways and storefronts before being buried by the modern city. The Seattle Underground Tour offers insight into the city’s intriguing past and its resilience following the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.

Practical Tips:

• Tour Times: Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season, so book in advance.
• Weather: The underground tours are a great activity for rainy days, common in Seattle.

Local Legend: Some believe that spirits of the city’s past residents still linger in the underground.

8. Cappadocia, Turkey

Marvel at the ancient cave dwellings and underground cities of Cappadocia, a region renowned for its surreal landscape. The underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu were once used as refuges and are a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

Practical Tips:

• Guided Tours: Essential for understanding the complex structures and their historical context.
• Explore Above Ground: Combine your underground visit with a hot air balloon ride for stunning views of Cappadocia’s unique topography.

Historical Insight: These cities were connected through tunnels, allowing inhabitants to move unseen.

9. Paris, France

Uncover the eerie catacombs of Paris, where millions of bones line the walls in a haunting display. This underground ossuary was created to address the city’s overflowing cemeteries and now offers a somber journey through Paris’s history.

Practical Tips:

• Tickets: Purchase tickets online to skip long queues, especially during peak times.
• Restrictions: Photography is limited, and the catacombs are not suitable for those with claustrophobia.

Cultural Note: The arrangement of bones is both an art form and a historical record.

10. Coober Pedy, Australia

Experience life underground in Coober Pedy, a town famous for its opal mining industry. The town’s unique underground homes, known as dugouts, provide a fascinating insight into the resourcefulness of its residents.

Practical Tips:

• Accommodation: Stay in an underground hotel for an authentic experience.
• Mining Tours: Participate in a tour to understand the opal mining process and even try your hand at noodling (searching for opals).

Did You Know? The underground living helps residents escape the extreme surface temperatures.

11. Salzburg, Austria

Descend into the salt mines of Salzburg to explore underground lakes and caverns. The mines offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with attractions like a subterranean train ride adding to the adventure.

Practical Tips:

• Dress Code: Wear warm clothing, as temperatures can be cool underground.
• Family Friendly: The mine tours are suitable for all ages, making it a great family outing.

Historical Context: Salt, often referred to as “white gold,” played a crucial role in Salzburg’s development.

12. Beijing, China

Delve into the ancient underground city beneath Beijing, where historic tunnels and chambers from centuries past are preserved. These underground structures were initially built for military purposes and now offer a window into ancient Chinese ingenuity.

Practical Tips:

• Language: English-speaking guides are available, but it’s beneficial to know some basic Mandarin phrases.
• Cultural Tours: Combine your visit with a tour of the Forbidden City for a comprehensive historical experience.

Trivia: The underground city was designed to protect citizens during the Cold War.

13. Seattle, USA

Seattle’s underground city offers a quirky and eclectic mix of history and modernity, providing a unique perspective on the city’s evolution. The tours highlight how the city was rebuilt atop the old streets following the Great Seattle Fire.

Practical Tips:

• Seasonal Tours: Consider visiting during Seattle’s annual festivals for special underground events.
• Local Insight: Engage with tour guides, many of whom are passionate locals with fascinating stories to share.

Historical Highlight: This area was once the hub of Seattle’s Gold Rush-era activity.

14. Budapest, Hungary

Embark on a journey through the labyrinthine caves beneath Budapest, where natural formations and man-made structures create a captivating underground world. The Buda Castle Labyrinth is one of the most popular sites, offering a blend of history and legend.

Practical Tips:

• Lighting: Bring a flashlight or headlamp, as some areas can be dimly lit.
• Cultural Performances: Check for special events or performances held in the caves for a unique cultural experience.

Natural Wonder: The caves were formed by thermal waters, which also supply the city’s famous thermal baths.

These underground cities and attractions each offer a distinct experience, combining history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re meandering through ancient tunnels or exploring modern subterranean complexes, these destinations promise a journey like no other, deep beneath the surface.