On a quick break to some destinations, it can feel like you’re just skimming the surface of what the place has to offer. This is often literally true, as some of the more intriguing attractions and tours can be found below the streets, parks and houses. Whether it’s caves, mines or sewers, the underground scene is often the place to be.
Underground tours – Paris sewers
Where: Paris, France
What? Unquestionably the least romantic attraction in the city of love, a section of the Parisian sewer system has been turned into a museum about the history of the French capital’s water supply. It’s a lot more interesting than it sounds, although those with a sensitive nose need not apply. Most fascinating/ horrifying of all are the boats used by the poor souls who have to cruise down the murky channels on dredging missions – a strong contender for the world’s worst job.
Underground tours – Waitomo Cave cruise
Where: Waitomo, New Zealand’s North Island
What? The Waitomo River has wreaked havoc on the landscape around it over the years, and the constant poundings have dug a series of caves. The river now meanders through those caves, carrying along troupes of intrepid adventurers wearing wetsuits and sitting on inner tubes. The highlight of the three hour jaunt in the dark is the remarkable Ruakuri Cave, where the headlamps are switched off, and the way is guided by thousands of glow-worms on the walls and roof.
Underground tours – hidden Seattle
Where: Seattle, Washington, USA
What? In 1889, a great fire ripped through central Seattle, and when re-building work commenced, it was decided to raise the street level a couple of stories higher to ward off flooding. The old pavements are still there though, and it’s possible to take a tour along those that are still safe to walk on. On the way, you’ll be discovering some of Seattle’s biggest buildings at a subterranean level and hearing seedy stories about the hidden streets being used for vice and drug dealing.
Underground tours – Coober Pedy opal mine
Where: Coober Pedy, South Australia
What? The bizarre outback town of Coober Pedy is regarded as the world’s opal capital, and miners from around the world have descended on the barren landscape to dig up the gemstone. Conditions are so unbearable that people live in underground caves, blown out of the rock with homemade explosives. Some homes are more luxurious than others though, and the one connected to the Umoona Opal Mine is remarkably plush given the circumstances. The home leads down into the mine, where visitors can have a look for seams of opal themselves.
More details: www.umoonaopalmine.com.au
Underground tours – Rome catacombs
Where: Rome, Italy
What? The ancient Romans were firm believers in resurrection, and therefore bodies were buried rather than cremated. Of course, this meant that a lot of space had to be found for corpses, and the solution was digging massive underground catacombs alongside major arterial routes. Today, the corridors of skeletons and tombs can be explored on foot in various locations – and there are some famous names to stumble across on the way.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley.
