Should I go on the Underground Tour? (how much, place)

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by tobester

I'm probably in the minority, but I wasn't impressed. You walked in a dank dark basement essentially while being entertained by the guide. I learned much more from books about old Seattle.

I wasn't impressed either, mainly because I was expecting something serious - not a comedy routine.
Now in all fairness, seeing the underground areas was great. I just couldn't stand the constant joke-cracking by our guide. However, everyone who came with me on the tour loved it, jokes included - so depending on your expectations, it could be a great or a 'meh' experience.

[leastprime]

While you are in Pioneer Square: Klondike Gold Rush NHP. UPS Waterfall Garden Park corner. Viaduct Dig (aka BigDig/BigBertha/Seattle Tunnel Partners STP)) Information/Museum. Take a Ferry to Bainbridge or Bremerton.

[Cinema Cat]

It's okay ... but if you're expecting Seattle's Underground to look the way it was portrayed in The Night Strangler, you'll be disappointed. It's nowhere near as impressive.

The Night Strangler portrayed an entire underground city, with buildings, furniture, and even corpses. In reality, it looks like a basement, with a few windows opening out to nothing.

[Seacove]

Originally Posted by Cinema Cat

It's okay ... but if you're expecting Seattle's Underground to look the way it was portrayed in The Night Strangler, you'll be disappointed. It's nowhere near as impressive.

The Night Strangler portrayed an entire underground city, with buildings, furniture, and even corpses. In reality, it looks like a basement, with a few windows opening out to nothing.

Obviously there are not going to be corpses. These are the bottom floors of existing buildings with walkways, an old bank with the teller window, etc. After the fire, when the new buildings were built, they built the city at the previous level, then built the roads one story up, so the town moved up one story. What you are touring is a section of the previous underground town. The sections you tour change as various building owners offer up their sections to tour. I think it's fun and we have taken numerous out of town guests. If this peaks your interest in Seattle history, there's a book called Sons of the Profits that looks at the beginnings of Seattle, also with a bit of humor.

[Cinema Cat]

Originally Posted by Seacove

If this peaks your interest in Seattle history...

It's piques and not peaks.

[seasallyttle]

I like the underground tour and would recommend it.

[MarciaMarshaMarcia]

It was interesting, especially in winter. We took visiting family, as part of an all-encompassing Seattle day trip. Once was enough.

[pnwguy2]

You will not see a whole lot, just basements. However, if you realize you are walking through what was once "street level" it becomes somewhat more interesting. The tour guides have always been comedians. So if you want to see a basement that was once street level with funny guides, I would recommend. Not sure where this over 21 rule comes from. All ages are welcome on the tour, but young kids will not get it.

[bundleofpisces]

Hmm I might go. I have been hearing about it since I moved here. My friend is in town next week so I might take her with me!

[amaiunmei]

Of all the touristy stuff to do in this town, I'd say that the Underground Tour is the only one that is actually worth the money. And if you go to one version, I'd recommend the adult version over the PG version.