Which Seattle Underground Tour Is Better? A Guide to Your Best Choice

1. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour: The Original Experience

What It Offers

This is the tour that started it all. Operating since 1965, Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour takes you through three underground blocks while offering a humorous take on Seattle’s early history.

Highlights

• 75-minute guided tour
• Focuses on the Great Seattle Fire and the rebuilding that led to the creation of underground streets
• Known for fun, theatrical storytelling
• Includes the famous purple glass skylights from underneath

Best For

Travelers who want a classic, funny, and lively introduction to Seattle’s buried past.

2. Beneath the Streets: A Smaller, Focused Tour

What It Offers

Started by former guides of Bill Speidel’s tour, Beneath the Streets covers a different set of tunnels and aims for a more focused, educational experience with smaller groups.

Highlights

• One-hour tour with small groups
• More architectural and historical focus
• Offers niche tours like the Red Light District Tour and Queer History Tour

Best For

Visitors looking for a less touristy, more informative and intimate experience with specialized themes.

3. Key Differences at a Glance

Which Tour Is Better?

It depends on what kind of experience you want:

• Choose Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour if you want a fun, classic tour that’s great for first-time visitors and families.
• Opt for Beneath the Streets if you prefer a quieter, more in-depth look at Seattle’s underground, or if you’re interested in specific historical themes.

Final Thoughts

Seattle’s underground tours are a must-do for anyone interested in the city’s quirky, gritty history. Whether you go with Bill Speidel’s legendary version or the more intimate Beneath the Streets, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the layers beneath the modern skyline.