Where to Go Underground: the 15 Best Underground History Tours Worldwide

1.Prague: Oldtown, Medieval Underground & Dungeon History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10,277 reviews · 1h 25m · from $31Our pick

Walk Prague’s Old Town with a live English or German guide, then descend two floors below street level into Romanesque and Gothic rooms, a supposed alchemy laboratory, and a dungeon display. Guides such as Patrik, Julia, Susan, and Barbora are praised for clear stories, humor, and helpful local tips.

“Very Good tour, very interesting and guide was very knowledgeable. only slight negative was the guide spoke quietly andd we sometimes missed what she said. But apart from that small point it was very good.”

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2.Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,006 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $29

Walk through Pioneer Square and three historic underground passageways with guides such as David, Patti, Sarah, and Imogen. Expect Seattle’s early city story, Coast Salish history, Skid Row, the Great Fire, and Klondike Gold Rush connections, plus stairs and some above-ground walking.

“Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour is the ultimate experience for history geeks. What were conditions like for the first settlers who arrived here? Why is there an entire underground city beneath Seattle’s Pioneer District? How did the Great Fire and the Yukon Gold Rush transform the city? And what role did the underground play during Prohibition? These questions, and dozens more, are explored and answered on this engaging, informative, and fascinating tour.”

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3.Prague Old Town, Medieval Underground and Dungeon Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,227 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $32

Walk Prague’s Old Town with a live English-speaking guide, then descend into three medieval underground sites, including an alchemy laboratory and dungeon displays. Guides such as Matyas, Alex, Patrik, Tomas, and Misha are praised for clear storytelling, though uneven floors, stairs, and occasional crowding require care.

“Had a great experience! Awesome guide! Knowledgeable and professional. But also fun and personable. We visited some underground spots and learned about some fun, dark history!”

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4.Edinburgh: Old Town and Underground Historical Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,802 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $27

Follow a local historian through Edinburgh’s Old Town, from the Royal Mile and hidden closes to the city’s 400-year-old underground vaults. Expect stories of Burke and Hare, Jekyll and Hyde, Scrooge, crime, poverty, and Edinburgh’s first skyscrapers. English tour, $27, 1.5 hours.

“I really enjoyed this tour. The stories are super interesting and amusing. It really gives you a good overview of the city history and mysteries. Our guide Maive (I unfortunately don’t know how to write her name, but she joked about being similar to Morgan) was super informative and knowledgeable about the city, the way she told the anecdotes about Edinburgh made it all super fun. Time went by so fast!”

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5.Old Town Historical and Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,574 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27Top rated

Spend 90 minutes tracing Edinburgh’s past from Tron Kirk and the Old Town streets to Canongate Kirkyard and the Niddry Wynd vaults. Guides such as Holly, Chihon, Emily, and James mix clear history with lively storytelling. Expect a small group, English commentary, steps, and uneven ground.

“Chihon was a great tour guide. The stories and history he told us made us feel like we could see how it felt to live way back then. Great group of people in our group.”

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6.Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,522 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Paddle a stable single or tandem kayak four miles along the Colorado River from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave. Guides such as Ryan, Jeff, Calvin, Maggie, and Faith provide instruction, history, wildlife notes, snacks, and water. Add hotel pickup, lunch, or a Hoover Dam tour if needed.

“Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Lucky to be blessed with Faith as the tour guide. Right at the tale end of our day, I lost my balance looking for my daughter, tipped over my kayak and became immersed in the extremely refreshing river. I’m a good swimmer so I didn’t panic, however, I was curious as to how I was going to get back into the kayak. Long story short, Faith talked me through everything, she’s very knowledgeable and extremely fun to be around. I recommend you kayak with her.”

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7.Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,290 reviews · 1h 15m · from $24

Walk from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket in 75 minutes with a character guide such as Hazel, Juniper, or Angelica. Expect witch-trial history, haunted closes, Old Town views, and a respectful look at people wrongly accused of witchcraft.

“Fabulous walking tour hearing all about the history of witchcraft and the witch trials in Edinburgh. Our lovely guide Angelica was wonderful and very knowledgeable. Delightful way to learn a bit more about the city!”

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8.Rome: Ancient History and Colosseum Underground Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 996 reviews · from $104

Enter the Colosseum through a separate entrance, descend into the underground chambers, and walk across the arena floor where gladiators fought. English-speaking guides such as Christina, Laura, Elisabeth, and Mido have led memorable tours, but the underground can close for repairs or sell out.

“Everything was amazing! Excellent guide explained everything Easy meeting point super organized”

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9.Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 632 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $24

Walk from St Giles’ Cathedral to Grassmarket with guides such as Juniper, Hazel, and Angelica, hearing about witch trials, accused women, warlocks, Mary Queen of Scots, and Edinburgh’s grim past. Expect theatrical storytelling, cobbles, steep streets, and a compact route through the Old Town.

“Great way to spend an afternoon wandering around the Royal Mile in Edinburgh learning about the history of witches in Scotland. Our witch was Juniper and as well as being very knowledgeable on the history she was very entertaining as well.”

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10.Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 604 reviews · 1 hour · from $11Best value

Follow a one-hour guided route through Pilsen’s 13th-century passageways, cellars, wells, and water tower. Learn how brewing shaped life underground, see old technical equipment, and finish with a 0.3-liter Pilsner Urquell voucher for visitors aged 18 and over.

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11.Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves & Historic Buildings Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 539 reviews · 4 hours · from $34

Spend four hours touring Kuala Lumpur by air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide. Climb 272 steps at Batu Caves, visit Thean Hou Temple and the National Mosque, then explore Chinatown and Little India. Guides such as Ayyanar, Nesh, Jennifer, and Jag are often praised for friendly, personal service.

“An unforgettable experience at Batu Caves! Our guide Kumaran was absolutely exceptional — incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about sharing the history and culture of this amazing place. Every moment was engaging, from fascinating stories to hidden details we would have never noticed on our own. The tour was perfectly paced, well-organized, and full of energy. We left feeling inspired, informed, and grateful for such a wonderful guide. Truly a 5-star experience — highly recommended!”

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12.Malta: Prehistoric Temples, Limestone Heritage & Blue Grotto

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 412 reviews · 4 hours · from $41

Visit Ħaġar Qim, the Limestone Heritage Park, and Malta’s Blue Grotto with a local guide in English, German, Spanish, French, or Italian. Hotel pickup, transport, and entry fees are included. The optional €10 boat ride depends on calm weather and leaves limited time for extra sightseeing.

“loved the tours and the history very well organised except for the 30 min delay which meant we had to rush the rest of the tour”

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13.From Kuala Lumpur: Private Batu Caves Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 410 reviews · 3 hours · from $34

Visit Batu Caves with an English-speaking private driver-guide, climb 272 steps to the Hindu shrine, see the Ramayana Caves, and watch batik being made. Guides such as Nithia, Yati, Rajan, and Kevin are praised for clear explanations and friendly service. Pickup is limited to hotels within 5 km of the Petronas Twin Towers.

“Ben Su was our guide and he was absolutely fantastic; so knowledgeable on so many topics- even gave us info on the fireflies tour we did the night before with a different and truly atrocious provider. It is obvious that he cares deeply about his industry and giving his customers the best of Malaysia. A great visit to the caves made all the better for his generous spirit, vast knowledge and sense of humour. If you can request Ben, you really should and thankyou Sir for a great morning.”

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14.Goreme: Whirling Dervishes Show in Historical Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 169 reviews · 1.5 - 2 hours · from $24

Travel from Goreme to a historic cave for a one-hour Mevlevi sema ceremony. English-speaking guide Hami explains the ritual, Sufi beliefs, and local history before and after the performance. Hotel pickup is available in Goreme, though some bookings require you to arrange your own transport.

“It was such a beautiful ceremony. I loved the explanation.”

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15.Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 141 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35

Spend about 2.5 hours with a small group of up to 16 people exploring Beacon Hill’s Black Heritage Trail. Guides such as Dana, Will, Lin, and Meghan connect abolition, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and Boston’s Brahmin past at historic homes, schools, churches, and memorials.

“Lots of walking up hills and on uneven surfaces If you’re OK with that, Lin did a fabulous job. She had so much information to share and did it beautifully.”

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