Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour

What to know

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour offers a humorous and intriguing exploration of Seattle’s buried downtown. The experience is rooted in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1889, a catastrophe that led the city to rebuild itself on top of the original ruins, creating a subterranean web of abandoned buildings and empty tunnels. Founded by local historian Bill Speidel, the 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House. From there, the journey spills into the historic Pioneer Square district—considered the birthplace of Seattle—before plunging underground. Visitors walk through well-preserved streets of red brick, complete with historic furniture and wooden doors. As you roam these subterranean passages, you will encounter the former roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle. Knowledgeable guides lead the way, regaling guests with the gritty stories of the pioneers that were not traditionally shared in history books. Operating year-round, the attraction is managed by Bill Speidel's Enterprises Inc. The tour provides an exclusive view of a city entombed beneath the modern sidewalks, transforming a walk through the basement of the city into a vivid history lesson.

Visitor tips

• Buy tickets in advance online or by phone up to two hours before your desired start time.
• Children aged 6 and under are admitted free, though the terrain may be challenging for very small children.
• Arrive at the box office at 614 First Ave to secure your spot for tours that start on the hour.
• If visiting between April and September, check for extra half-hour tours available only at the box office.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of historic Pioneer Square, the tour is centered around 614 First Ave. This neighborhood serves as the birthplace of Seattle, and the tour seamlessly connects the surface-level architecture of the district with the buried ruins beneath.