Exploring the hidden world beneath our feet offers a thrilling adventure for those curious enough to seek out the mysteries of underground cities.
These cities, carved into the earth over centuries, reveal secrets of ancient civilizations, wartime shelters, and extraordinary feats of engineering.
Whether you’re looking for ancient history or modern underground wonders, these hidden gems offer experiences that will leave you awestruck.
Here are the 20 best underground cities that you should add to your travel list.
1. Henan, China: An Ancient Underground World
Henan Province in China is home to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a fascinating underground aspect. The grottoes are a complex of Buddhist caves that stretch deep into the cliffs along the Yi River.
Here, you can explore thousands of statues and sculptures that date back to the 5th century, some of which are intricately carved into the rock. Many of the caves are dark and serene, creating a mysterious atmosphere that’s perfect for those who seek both history and tranquility.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour through the Longmen Grottoes to learn about the rich history and cultural significance.
- Visit the massive Buddha statues, especially the towering Vairocana Buddha, one of the most iconic sculptures in the grottoes.
- Explore the nearby villages to discover local life, where traditional Chinese culture blends with the ancient underground world.
2. Osaka, Japan: A Modern Underground Haven
Beneath the bustling streets of Osaka lies an intricate network of underground spaces that make the city’s transportation system one of the most efficient in the world.
While the Osaka Underground City is primarily functional, it is also a place where you can uncover hidden shopping malls, restaurants, and art galleries. The underground passageways connect the city’s subway stations and are decorated with everything from modern art installations to traditional Japanese architecture.
Things to Do:
- Shop in the underground malls, where you’ll find everything from fashion boutiques to quirky, local shops.
- Experience the culinary delights of Osaka by dining in one of the many underground eateries that serve authentic Japanese dishes.
- Explore the underground art galleries for a mix of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.
3. Ellora, India: The Rock-Cut Temples
Ellora is known for its incredible rock-cut temples that stretch across three levels, with some of these sacred spaces hidden deep within the earth. The Ellora Caves, located in Maharashtra, are a monumental blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples, many of which have been hollowed out of solid volcanic rock. These temples offer a glimpse into ancient Indian religious architecture and craftsmanship.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Kailasa Temple, an awe-inspiring monolithic structure that was carved from a single piece of rock.
- Explore the Buddhist caves, which are adorned with sculptures and paintings that date back to the 6th century.
- Take a walk through the cave temples at sunset for an atmospheric experience that combines history with natural beauty.
4. Bonifacio War Tunnel, Philippines: A Wartime Escape
The Bonifacio War Tunnel, located on Corregidor Island, was originally constructed as a military tunnel during World War II. It served as an underground hospital and storage facility for troops stationed on the island.
Today, visitors can tour the dark, labyrinthine tunnels, which have remained relatively untouched, offering a unique look at wartime history. The eerie silence and preserved features make it a haunting yet fascinating spot for history buffs.
Things to Do:
- Walk through the historic tunnels and learn about the role they played during the Pacific War.
- Visit the Corregidor Island Museum to see artifacts from the war and discover the island’s significance.
- Explore the island’s other historical sites, including the Malinta Tunnel, which served as an underground headquarters during the war.
5. Pedway, Chicago: An Urban Underground Oasis
Chicago’s Pedway is an underground network of tunnels that connects office buildings, shopping centers, and public transportation hubs. This extensive system spans several miles beneath the city and provides a comfortable escape from the harsh weather above ground.
While functional, it’s also a great place to explore on foot, offering unique shopping and dining experiences that are hidden beneath the city’s skyscrapers.
Things to Do:
- Navigate through the Pedway and discover unique shops and hidden cafés that cater to locals and tourists alike.
- Visit the underground art installations that feature local artists’ works.
- Use the Pedway to connect to some of Chicago’s major landmarks, such as Millennium Park and the Willis Tower.
6. Naours Underground City, France: A Wartime Refuge
The Naours Underground City in northern France was used as a refuge during times of war. The underground network includes over 3 kilometers of tunnels, which housed up to 3,000 people during its peak.
Carved into chalky hillsides, the site includes living quarters, storage areas, and even an underground chapel. This subterranean city offers a fascinating insight into the resilience of people during wartime.
Things to Do:
- Explore the maze-like tunnels and learn how they were used during the First World War to hide soldiers and civilians.
- Visit the underground chapel, which has been preserved in its original state.
- Enjoy a guided tour that provides a deeper understanding of the historical significance of the site.
7. Beijing Underground City, China: A Cold War Bunker
The Beijing Underground City, also known as the Beijing Underground City Network, was built during the Cold War as a defense against potential nuclear attacks. Spanning several kilometers beneath the city, this network of tunnels was designed to house civilians and military personnel.
Although the tunnels are not open to the public, some sections have been converted into museums, showcasing their purpose during the tense years of the Cold War.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Beijing Underground City Museum to learn about the history of the Cold War and the city’s underground defense plans.
- Take a rare tour of the tunnels that were once stocked with provisions for long-term survival.
- Explore the surrounding area to understand how these underground structures fit into Beijing’s urban planning.
8. Bucharest, Romania: A Hidden Wartime Network
Bucharest’s underground network consists of numerous tunnels, bunkers, and shelters that date back to Romania’s Communist era. These spaces were originally constructed for defense purposes but have now been largely abandoned or repurposed. The most famous of these is the “Bucharest Underground City,” a secret complex built during the reign of Nicolae Ceaușescu.
Things to Do:
- Explore the abandoned bunkers and underground spaces to learn about Romania’s political history.
- Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which is housed in the Palace of the Parliament, built on top of some of Bucharest’s underground spaces.
- Take a walking tour of the city above ground to see how these underground spaces were connected to the city’s development.
9. Reso, Montreal: Canada’s Underground City
Reso, also known as La Ville Souterraine, is an enormous underground network that stretches across downtown Montreal. It connects shopping centers, metro stations, hotels, and office buildings, all linked together through pedestrian tunnels. The underground city was designed to provide comfort and convenience to Montrealers during harsh winters, but it’s now a popular destination for tourists as well.
Things to Do:
- Walk through the tunnels and explore Montreal’s underground shopping malls, restaurants, and cultural venues.
- Visit the underground art installations and galleries, which showcase local artists.
- Enjoy the unique experience of accessing Montreal’s top attractions, like the Bell Centre and Place Ville-Marie, through the underground network.
10. Subtropolis, Kansas: A Subterranean Business Hub
Subtropolis, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the largest underground business complexes in the world. Built inside a former limestone mine, Subtropolis is a massive, climate-controlled space that houses offices, warehouses, and even recreational areas. The vastness and adaptability of this underground space make it an innovative solution to urban sprawl.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of Subtropolis to learn about its history as a limestone mine and its transformation into a modern business hub.
- Visit the various businesses that operate within the underground complex.
- Explore the network of tunnels that connect the different sections of the Subtropolis.
11. Mat Mata, Africa: A Hidden Underground Village
In the heart of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia lies Mat Mata, an ancient underground village that has been carved directly into the rock. This small community of people has lived underground for centuries, seeking shelter from the harsh elements and the conflicts that have shaped the region’s history. The underground structures are not just homes but are part of a larger network that includes storage rooms and communal spaces.
Things to Do:
- Explore the cave dwellings and see how local communities have adapted to underground living over generations.
- Learn about the rich cultural history of the region by visiting nearby archaeological sites, which offer insights into the area’s ancient civilization.
- Take a walk through the valley to witness the contrast between the rock-hewn dwellings and the surrounding landscape.
12. Burlington Bunker, England: A Cold War Relic
The Burlington Bunker, located in rural England, was originally designed as a fallout shelter during the Cold War. This massive underground complex, which stretches over 35 acres, was intended to house government officials and military personnel in the event of a nuclear attack. Although it was decommissioned after the Cold War, it remains one of the most intriguing remnants of the period.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of the Burlington Bunker to explore the vast, eerie corridors and learn about its history as a Cold War-era shelter.
- Visit the command center and observe the technology that would have been used to govern the country from underground during an emergency.
- Explore the underground rooms, which are preserved in their original state, and gain a deeper understanding of the planning that went into the UK’s civil defense.
13. Shanghai Tunnel, Portland: A Historic Underground Passage
Portland, Oregon, is home to the Shanghai Tunnels, a network of underground passages that were once used to transport goods between the city’s waterfront and warehouses. These tunnels are also infamous for their darker history, as they were reportedly used for human trafficking in the 19th century, where men were kidnapped and “shanghaied” to work on ships. Today, the Shanghai Tunnels are a popular historical and ghostly site to explore.
Things to Do:
- Go on a ghost tour to hear chilling stories about the men who were kidnapped and forced to work in the tunnels.
- Explore the tunnels themselves to learn about Portland’s shipping history and the seedy underground dealings that once took place.
- Visit the Old Town Chinatown district, where you can find other remnants of Portland’s historical underground past.
14. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan: A Canadian Underground Adventure
Moose Jaw, a small city in Saskatchewan, Canada, is home to a hidden underground world that dates back to the Prohibition era. The Moose Jaw Tunnels were once used for smuggling alcohol across the border from the United States into Canada. These tunnels also served as a place for secret meetings and criminal activities during the 1920s. Today, visitors can explore the tunnels and learn about their role in the city’s history.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of the Moose Jaw Tunnels to delve into the city’s Prohibition history and learn about the characters who used the tunnels for smuggling.
- Visit the Moose Jaw Historic Tunnels Museum to discover artifacts and exhibits from the Prohibition era.
- Explore the city above ground to see historic buildings and landmarks that date back to the early 20th century.
15. Setenil de las Bodegas, Spain: The Village Carved into Rock
Setenil de las Bodegas, a picturesque town in southern Spain, is renowned for its unique architecture, where houses are built into the side of massive rock formations. While not a traditional underground city, Setenil’s inhabitants have made use of the natural caves and rock overhangs, creating a village that seamlessly blends with the rocky landscape. The town’s narrow streets are lined with homes that seem to rise out of the rock itself, giving it an almost mystical feel.
Things to Do:
- Wander through the charming streets of Setenil de las Bodegas and admire the houses built into the rock, many of which have been inhabited for generations.
- Visit the Castle of Setenil, perched atop a hill with stunning views of the town and surrounding countryside.
- Explore the local markets to experience the flavors of Andalusia, with fresh produce and local delicacies.
16. Kish Underground, Iran: An Ancient Underwater Complex
The Kish Underground City in Iran is an extraordinary example of underground engineering. Located on Kish Island in the Persian Gulf, this ancient city dates back to the pre-Islamic era and was used for trade and defense. The city’s tunnels were carved into the limestone beneath the island, offering a cool refuge from the desert heat. The underground chambers, storage rooms, and passageways are thought to have been part of a larger network of trade routes.
Things to Do:
- Explore the Kish Underground City to witness the impressive engineering feats and get a sense of how ancient civilizations lived.
- Visit the nearby beaches of Kish Island, known for their clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
- Learn about the history of the region at the Kish Island Archaeological Museum, where artifacts from the underground city are on display.
17. Ciudad Perdida, Colombia: The Lost City
Ciudad Perdida, or the Lost City, is a remarkable archaeological site nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Colombia. This ancient city was built by the Tairona people around 800 AD and remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in the 1970s. While not completely underground, the site’s position in the jungle and its excavation tunnels provide a glimpse into a hidden civilization that thrived for centuries.
Things to Do:
- Hike the multi-day trek through the jungle to reach Ciudad Perdida, passing through dense forests, rivers, and ancient terraced fields.
- Explore the stone pathways and plazas of the Lost City, which offer an incredible view into pre-Columbian South America.
- Learn about the Tairona people and their sophisticated way of life through guided tours that cover the city’s history and culture.
18. Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches, Ethiopia: Carved from Stone
The Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches are one of the most impressive examples of architectural ingenuity in the world. Carved directly into the rock of the Ethiopian highlands, these 11 medieval churches were built during the reign of King Lalibela in the 12th century. The churches are interconnected by a series of tunnels, adding to their mystique and providing a surreal experience for visitors.
Things to Do:
- Visit the famous Church of St. George, carved in the shape of a cross, and admire the intricate stonework that has survived for centuries.
- Explore the surrounding complex of churches, which are all interconnected by tunnels and passageways.
- Attend a religious service at one of the churches to experience the spiritual atmosphere of Lalibela.
19. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Colombia: A Stunning Underworld
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, located just outside Bogotá, Colombia, is one of the most unique underground religious sites in the world. The cathedral is built within a salt mine and features stunning carvings, sculptures, and chapels, all crafted from the salt that was once extracted from the mine. The cathedral offers a striking blend of religious devotion and geological wonder.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of the Salt Cathedral to learn about its history, including its construction and the role of the mine.
- Explore the underground chambers, where you’ll find a series of chapels dedicated to different stages of Christ’s life.
- Visit the nearby town of Zipaquirá to enjoy its colonial charm and vibrant local culture.
20. Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Wales: An Industrial Underground Adventure
The Llechwedd Slate Caverns in North Wales offer a fascinating journey through a once-thriving slate mine. This underground city was built for workers who extracted slate for buildings and roofs across the country. Today, the site is a popular tourist destination, where visitors can explore the tunnels, learn about the slate mining process, and enjoy underground activities.
Things to Do:
- Take a guided tour of the slate caverns and see how slate was mined over the centuries.
- Experience the underground zip line or go on an exciting mine exploration adventure.
- Visit the Llechwedd Slate Museum to learn about the history of the industry and its impact on Wales.
21. Aydınlık, Turkey: An Ancient Underground Settlement
Aydınlık, located in Turkey, is an ancient underground settlement that dates back thousands of years. The city was carved into the soft volcanic rock and served as a refuge for early inhabitants seeking protection from invaders. Today, Aydınlık remains a lesser-known gem for those who are interested in Turkey’s rich history and underground wonders.
Things to Do:
- Explore the underground tunnels and rooms, which were used for living, storing food, and protecting residents from invaders.
- Visit the surrounding Cappadocia region to see its otherworldly rock formations and cave dwellings.
- Learn about the unique history of Aydınlık through a guided tour that delves into its past and significance.
20+ Mysterious Underground Cities Worth Exploring – Summary
From the hidden cities of ancient civilizations to the secret bunkers of wartime history, underground cities offer a glimpse into the past like no other.
Whether you’re exploring religious sites, architectural marvels, or Cold War relics, these 20 mysterious underground cities are sure to spark your sense of adventure.
Each destination presents a unique opportunity to connect with history, culture, and innovation beneath the surface.
Plan your next journey to one of these underground wonders and uncover the secrets of the world beneath your feet.
