Where to Go Underground: the 11 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.Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops

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

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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6.Edinburgh: Witches & Haunted History Walking Tour

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

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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7.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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8.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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9.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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10.Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 38 reviews · 2h 30m · from $35

Spend 150 minutes with a local historian on Beacon Hill’s Black Heritage Trail. You’ll visit the African Meeting House, see Underground Railroad homes, and hear guides such as Will, Dana, and Joe explain Boston’s role in the fight against slavery.

“Will was a fantastic guide - extremely well-informed, passionate about his subjects, engaging and interesting. He crafted stories about important individuals and events in a way that really brought them to life, including kinda acting out certain scenes! Congratulations Will on your presentation and many thanks!”

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11.Boat Ride Phong Nha Cave & Vietnam’s Historic Command Cave

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 18 reviews · from $52

Travel from Dong Hoi or Son Trach with an English-speaking guide to Commander Cave, a seven-level wartime base hidden in the forest. Walk the K Trail, see bomb relics, try a VR360 military ride, enjoy Quang Binh lunch, then enter Phong Nha Cave by boat.

“I learned about how people lived and worked during the war, it was emotional and meaningful to see in Command Cave. Phong Nha Cave, on the other hand, felt like a masterpiece of nature with stunning rock formations and a peaceful boat ride. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to experience both history and natural beauty in one unforgettable day”

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