Bill Speidel's Underground Tour

11/21/2006 Posted by kee22

I went with my family when my grandfather was in town. I thought the tour was good...it wasn't all that expected...it's kind of redundant in the sites that you see. But it is strill really a good opportunity to learn about Seattle's past...like the great fire...and see some of the remains of old buildings and other relics. The tour guides are very nice and the tour is very informative.

Pros: Good tour, learn about Seattle history

08/10/2004 Posted by lord_humongous

The Seattle Underground tour was very interesting. We learned a lot about Seattle's bizarre history and it was a lot of fun. If you live in Seattle or are visiting I would suggest taking this tour. You'll be amazed at the strange things you'll learn about Seattle. Warning, you do climb up and down stairs and walk through underground tunnels and end up in smelly alleys so wear appropriate shoes.

Pros: Friendly staff

02/15/2004 Posted by lilithium

I cannot tell you why we spent 14 dollars to spend a beautiful sunny day looking at used basements and urine reeking alley ways..not a tour for those afraid of rats. We expected a glimse at an underground city to say it was a dissapointment is an understatement..just visit the giftshop and call it good.

Cons: , boring

03/29/2003 Posted by DianeL68

I alway take my out of town guest on this tour. It is definitely a different take on Seattle. You have to have a good imagination to really appreciate it though since the most of the locations are just triggers for the stories. If you have a corny sense of humor, which I do, you will enjoy it even more. Be aware that if you go more than once it is the same or very similar each time. Guides don't really put their own spin on it. Adults will appreciate it kids under 12 to 14 won't.

Pros: informative, interesting, funny

Cons: stairs no elevators

12/29/2002 Posted by droryb

After living in Seattle for 11 years, I only experienced this tour recently. I'm sorry I waited. It's FUN! I was concerned after reading the "don't waste your money" reviews, but after experiencing it for myself, I chalk up those reviews to individuals with way-too-high expectations. The main reason I'm sorry I waited so long is that the guides told us the tour area has been shrinking steadily since 1990 due to private buildilng/land owners reclaiming those underground spaces for their own needs. Hopefully, the remaining areas will be declared a historical landmark, but there's no guarantee. Don't wait. See it now. ADVICE TO PARENTS: If you have babies or kids who haven't yet learned how to be quiet, leave them at home. The tour areas are rather small and highly acoustic, and crying babies kill any hope of hearing the tour guide speak.

Pros: Educational, Entertaining, Not too long

Cons: A lot of walking, A lot of standing, Too short

12/19/2002 Posted by lbishop1

The first 15 minutes you sit in a room as they go over the history of Seattle. This part was very interesting. Then they take you through a couple of grimy basements and that's it. If you are interested in the history of Seattle, spend your nine bucks on a book and skip this stupid tour.

Pros: Nice history review.

Cons: "Underground" is lame

11/07/2002 Posted by volleycat1

This is a great tour, for visitors and locals. The tour leaders are great about making it an informative and funny experience. Well worth it!

09/29/2002 Posted by bigda

Informative, entertaining, a must particularly for first timers who wish to know more than where Nordstroms is located. Quick witted staff that was informative and entertaining. History of Seattle is colorful. Moves quickly and is a great 1 1/2 hours. In a neighborhood you might not get to otherwise. A must!

Pros: staff, acquired knowledge, dollar value

Cons: can be crowed

09/03/2002 Posted by pespinoza

i had lived in seattle for several years before i finally ventured on the underground tour. since then i have taken the tour several more times with visiting friends and relatives. admittedly, it does get old after the second time - the jokes are written into the script, so you hear the same puns over and over. however, the first time it is very informative and mildly amusing. it's cool to walk underneath the square - double entendre intended. it's a good alternative for some hot seattle afternoon when you're about to go see some crap movie just to sit in the air conditioning (yeah, i know those times are few and far between but i already said don't go more than twice ;)!

Pros: informative, interesting, unusual

Cons: musty, stale jokes

08/08/2002 Posted by yankeegirl

I visited Bill Speidel's Underground Tour two summers ago with a group of friends. We were in town for the Mariners vs. Yankees game ( GO YANKS) and caught the tour on one of the days before the game. It wa very fun and educational, but not at all what I expected. It really gives you a whole new look at walking through Old Town. It is definitely a walk I will always remeber.