6 Underground Attractions Around The World You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Visit
Go below the surface to discover these incredible places.
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1. Derinkuyu Underground City, Cappadocia, Türkiye
Beneath Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys lies Derinkuyu, an ancient underground city carved into volcanic rock. Its network of passageways, rooms, ventilation shafts and chapels once provided shelter for communities seeking protection from danger.
Visitors can explore sections of this remarkable complex and get a glimpse of how people once lived underground. Just be prepared for narrow corridors and steep staircases if you plan to visit.
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2. Wieliczka Salt Mine, Kraków, Poland
Forget ordinary museums. The Wieliczka Salt Mine takes visitors deep underground to discover enormous chambers, salt sculptures and even an elaborate chapel carved from salt. Its famous St Kinga's Chapel features intricate decorations that make the space feel more like an underground cathedral than a former mine.
Guided visits also reveal the history of salt mining and the people who worked there. It's an unusual day trip to consider if you're visiting Kraków, although the route involves plenty of stairs.
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3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
Imagine drifting through a cave while thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the darkness above you. That's the experience at New Zealand's Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where visitors can take a boat ride beneath a ceiling that resembles a star-filled night sky.
Beyond the glowworms, the wider Waitomo area has limestone formations and other caves to explore. It's a memorable stop for nature lovers looking for something different from New Zealand's usual mountain and lake scenery.
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4. Paris Catacombs, France
Paris is known for its grand boulevards and romantic landmarks, but beneath the city lies a much darker attraction. The Paris Catacombs occupy former quarry tunnels and contain the remains of millions of Parisians, arranged within an underground ossuary.
The visitor route takes you through dimly lit galleries that reveal a little-known chapter of the city's history. It's certainly not the typical Parisian experience, and timed tickets are strongly recommended. The attraction may not be suitable for visitors who are uncomfortable in enclosed spaces.
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5. The Real Mary King's Close, Edinburgh, Scotland
Hidden beneath Edinburgh's Royal Mile is a preserved network of historic streets and rooms that offers a glimpse into life centuries ago. At The Real Mary King's Close, guided tours take visitors through underground spaces where former residents once lived and worked.
Expect stories about everyday life, old Edinburgh traditions and the city's more unsettling history. It's a fascinating way to explore the Scottish capital beyond its castles and famous streets.
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6. Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan, Philippines
For something closer to home, head to Palawan in the Philippines. The Puerto Princesa Underground River winds through a spectacular limestone cave system before flowing directly into the sea, making it a particularly distinctive natural attraction.
Visitors can take a paddleboat tour through accessible sections of the river to see impressive rock formations and the cave's wildlife. As the area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitor access is managed, so check local requirements and arrange the necessary permits before going.
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