Most travelers think of iconic skylines and towering landmarks when they picture a new city. But what if the true magic of a place wasn’t above ground, but beneath your feet? Across the globe, entire worlds are hidden below the surface—some ancient, some modern, all filled with mystery and marvel.

Welcome to the underground cities, tunnels, bunkers, and catacombs that hold secrets time has nearly forgotten.

1. Derinkuyu – The Subterranean City of Cappadocia, Turkey

Hidden beneath the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia lies Derinkuyu, a multilevel underground city carved thousands of years ago. With over 18 levels, it once sheltered up to 20,000 people from invaders, complete with chapels, schools, and wine cellars.

Walking through its narrow stone corridors feels like entering a forgotten fantasy novel.

📍 Cappadocia, Turkey
🔦 Depth: Over 60 meters underground
🧠 Vibe: Mysterious, ancient, and surprisingly sophisticated

2. Edinburgh’s Hidden Vaults – Scotland

Underneath the charming cobbled streets of Edinburgh lies a darker history. The South Bridge Vaults, built in the late 1700s, were abandoned and later became a shelter for the city’s poorest citizens—then brothels, illegal taverns, and rumored paranormal activity.

Today, you can join candlelit ghost tours and feel the city’s pulse from the shadows.

📍 Edinburgh, Scotland
👻 Depth: Below South Bridge
🧠 Vibe: Gritty, ghostly, and historically rich

3. Montreal’s Underground City – Canada

Unlike most ancient counterparts, Montreal’s RESO is a modern-day subterranean marvel. With 33 km of connected pathways, it links metro stations, shopping centers, hotels, and universities. In harsh Canadian winters, locals call it a lifesaver.

It’s less spooky and more smart urban design meets sci-fi convenience.

📍 Montreal, Canada
🏙️ Depth: Multi-level across downtown
🧠 Vibe: Futuristic, functional, and very local

4. Naours Underground City – France

Beneath a quiet French village lies Naours, a network of over 300 rooms and tunnels. Originally a refuge during invasions in the Middle Ages, it later became a WWI hiding spot and bears thousands of soldier inscriptions—a haunting mix of history and humanity.

It’s like reading the margins of history’s most personal footnotes.

📍 Somme, France
🕳️ Depth: About 30 meters below
🧠 Vibe: Eerie, emotional, and utterly unforgettable

5. Shanghai’s Deep Tunnels – China

While Shanghai dazzles with skyscrapers, a hidden world of massive flood-control tunnels runs beneath it. Not usually open to tourists, these tunnels are part of an ambitious engineering project to prevent floods and protect the mega-city.

Although not accessible, their very existence adds to the layered complexity of urban life in Shanghai.

📍 Shanghai, China
💧 Depth: 15+ meters
🧠 Vibe: Futuristic and formidable

6. Coober Pedy – The Underground Town of Australia

In the blazing heat of the Australian outback, locals of Coober Pedy have taken shelter underground—literally. Homes, churches, and hotels are all carved into rock to escape the desert sun. It’s surreal to walk into a hillside and find a full-functioning subterranean lifestyle.

📍 South Australia
🔥 Depth: Dug into hillsides, varies by home
🧠 Vibe: Quirky, resilient, and oddly cozy

Why Explore the Underground?

• Perspective: Underground cities tell stories untouched by modern tourism.
• Atmosphere: There’s an eerie, beautiful quietness underground.
• Adventure: These hidden worlds often require effort, courage, and curiosity.
• Photography: Moody lighting and ancient textures create stunning visual drama.

Tips for Underground Travel

• Dress appropriately: Layers are key—it’s often cooler underground.
• Mind your head and feet: Tunnels can be uneven and cramped.
• Take a guided tour: Especially in ancient or dark places.
• Ask questions: The history is half the experience.
• Respect the space: Many underground places are sacred or memorials.

Final Thoughts: Go Deeper—Literally

The next time you plan a trip, don’t just look to the skies. Ask what lies beneath. Whether it’s a hidden wartime bunker, an ancient refuge carved by hand, or a modern marvel of urban planning, traveling underground offers a completely different dimension of discovery.

Because sometimes, to truly understand a place, you have to dig a little deeper.