19 Amazing Hidden Underground Destinations Around The World

Did you know that some of the most interesting places on earth are not above ground, but below ground? These underground attractions around the world will amaze you. They include secret passageways, glowing caves and historic cities buried beneath the surface. Over thousands of years, people have built or discovered these places. They tell us how people lived, hid, traveled and created amazing things below ground.

These secret places hold a wealth of stories, history and natural beauty. Some were created by humans, some by nature. There are underground cities, glowing caves, ice tunnels and even hot springs hidden underground. Many tourists miss out on these hidden gems, but they are well worth a visit.

This list is great for those who want to explore new things or visit places that are not easily found. We will show you 19 amazing, secret places around the world that are underground. Each place has its own charm and beauty. So get your backpack and flashlight ready. We will dive deep into the ground to discover these underground treasures that are full of wonder and adventure.

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List Of The 19 Amazing Underground Destinations Around The World

1. Cu Chi Tunnels – Vietnam

Cu Chi Tunnels - Vietnam - Underground Destinations Around The World

One of the most famous underground sites in the world is the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam. Soldiers used these tunnels during the Vietnam War. These tunnels are like an underground labyrinth. People lived, cooked and passed through them. Today you can visit these tunnels and walk through them. These tunnels show how people used underground spaces to survive and fight. This is a great example of an underground city that was used for war.

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2. Cappadocia Underground Cities – Turkey

Cappadocia Underground Cities - Turkey

Cappadocia in Turkey has amazing underground cities. Thousands of years ago, people built amazing cities out of soft rock. The most famous ones are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. These cities had houses, kitchens, schools and even places of worship. People used them to protect themselves from enemies. These cities are really deep. Inside, they are cold and dark. Tourists can go down and see small rooms and tunnels. It feels like you are going back in time. These underground places around the world show how people used to live down there.

3. Wieliczka Salt Mine – Poland

Wieliczka Salt Mine - Poland

The Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland is an amazing place. It is one of the oldest salt mines still in use today. Inside, you will find underground churches, statues and lakes made of salt. The mine is over 300 meters deep and has long tunnels. It looks like a castle underground. Many people come there to see the art and learn about mining. It is one of the most spectacular underground attractions in the world. You can even smell and taste the salty air here!

4. Derinkuyu – Turkey

Derinkuyu - Turkey

In Turkey, there is an old underground city called Derinkuyu. It is one of the most complex and deepest underground cities in the world. People built it to protect themselves from war. It had everything: rooms, wells, shops and churches. The city had openings through which people could breathe. It could hold thousands of people. Today people can walk through its small corridors and see how people lived a long time ago. If you are interested in history, you must visit Derinkuyu, an underground attraction.

5. Reed Flute Cave – China

Reed Flute Cave - China

In China, the Reed Flute Cave looks like a dazzling fairyland. Colourful lights shine on the rock formations. The cave is more than 180 million years old. The cave has tall stones called stalactites and stalagmites. More than a thousand years ago, people wrote poems on the cave walls. Even today, people can go inside and enjoy its grandeur. It is one of the most amazing places to visit underground in the world. The lights make it look like a dream.

6. Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave – Austria

Eisriesenwelt Ice Cave - Austria

The world’s largest ice cave is Eisriesenwelt. It is located in Austria. Its name means “the world of ice monsters”. This cave has frozen ice walls, tunnels and sculptures. It is extremely cold here throughout the year. In summer, people climb the mountain to reach the cave. Going inside, they wear warm clothes and admire the cold world. This is a wonderful and unique underground area. It feels like walking in a frozen castle.

7. Postojna Cave – Slovenia

Postojna Cave - Slovenia

Postojna Cave in Slovenia is a huge cave system that is more than 24 kilometers long. The rocks and halls are really interesting. A small train takes people inside. This cave is home to a rare animal called the olm. It is blind and white and lives only in caves. You can walk through the large halls and tunnels. This cave looks like a fantasy place. It is one of the most popular underground attractions in the world. It shows how nature can do incredible things underground.

8. Sơn Đoòng Cave – Vietnam

Sơn Đoòng Cave - Vietnam

The largest cave in the world is the Son Doong Cave located in Vietnam. There is a river, a forest and clouds inside it. People found this cave in 1991 and then it was opened to the public. This cave is deep and wild, so very few people visit there every year. The natural beauty of the cave is still intact. It is one of the most spectacular places for underground activities in the world. Inside this mysterious world, you can see large rooms, waterfalls and vegetation that is difficult to find.

9. Waitomo Glowworm Caves – New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves - New Zealand

The glow worms in the Waitomo Caves of New Zealand are very famous. These worms make the ceiling of the cave shine like stars in the night sky. People sail boats through the dark passages and the fireflies glow above. It feels like you are floating under a beautiful sky. These caves are peaceful and enchanting. These are some of the most magical underground places in the world. Both children and adults enjoy watching this light show in peace. It feels like a dream.

10. Lascaux Caves – France

Lascaux Caves - France

The Lascaux Caves in France are home to some of the oldest artwork in the world. More than 17,000 years ago, people painted figures and creatures on the walls. The original cave is closed to protect the paintings, but people can still see a copy of it. These drawings depict what early humans did and saw. It’s like going back in time. For art and history lovers, these caves are one of the most important underground sites in the world. You can learn a lot here.

11. Cango Caves – South Africa

Cango Caves - South Africa

The Cango Caves in South Africa have many huge rock formations. They were formed millions of years ago. You can walk through huge rooms and narrow passages. Guides share interesting stories and facts. Some places are dark and cold, which makes the trip even more fun. Families can have a great time in these caves, which are some of the best underground sites in the world. People have been visiting them for hundreds of years. The shapes of the rocks resemble humans and animals.

12. Palm’s Cave – Brazil

Palm’s Cave - Brazil

There is a wonderful hidden cave in Brazil called the Cave of Palms. The water inside is clear, so you can swim and see fish. Nature surrounds the cave. Not many people come here, so it feels peaceful. People come here to enjoy the peace and beauty. The sunlight from above makes the water sparkle. It is one of the most peaceful underground places in the world. It shows how many amazing things nature can hide below the surface.

13. Burlington Bunker – UK

Burlington Bunker - UK

There was a secret underground city in Britain called the Burlington Bunker. During the Cold War, the government developed it to protect itself in case of war. It included rooms, food and drink and a hospital. It was hidden under a small town. Now it is closed, yet it is still well known today. People learn about it by looking at pictures and reading stories. It is one of the most unique underground cities in the world. It brings back memories of the fearful days during the war.

14. Homestead Crater – USA

Homestead Crater - USA

In Utah, USA, there is a giant hole in a rock called Homestead Crater. Inside it is hot water. Inside the cave, it is like a hot tub. You can swim, dive, or just relax. Light comes from above and falls on the ocean. It is clean and warm. This underground attraction is one of the best relaxing places in the world. Many people come to this cave to relax and enjoy the hot water. It is not like other caves at all.

15. Naica Mine Caves – Mexico

Naica Mine Caves - Mexico

The caves of the Naica Mine in Mexico are full of huge crystals. Some crystals are as big as trees. Only scientists can go into these caves because they are too hot. These crystals look like buildings made of glass. This is one of the most amazing underground places in the world. It took nature thousands of years to create these crystals. You can’t go there, but you can see pictures and movies. These caves show how beautiful the Earth is from the inside.

16. Atlas Coelom Underground City – Egypt

Atlas Coelum is a new underground city in Egypt developed for research and security. It has many state-of-the-art systems and is really modern. This city is built to keep people safe from heat and danger. It shows what underground life will be like in the future. People are still working on it. Because it uses modern technology, it is not like other underground cities in the world. This place tells us how to live safely in the future.

17. Saint Beatus Caves – Switzerland

Saint Beatus Caves - Switzerland

There are many stories about the St. Beatus Caves in Switzerland. People say that a dragon lived there! Now, people can go inside and see waterfalls and strange looking stones. The cave has lights and safe paths. Children enjoy the stories of the dragon and the cool air inside. These caves are one of the most fun things to do underground in the world. You can see many beautiful things outside the cave as well. It is like a novel and a walk in the forest.

18. Bastiani Catacombs – Italy

Bastiani Catacombs - Italy

In Italy, the Bastiani Catacombs are old cemeteries. A long time ago, people buried their loved ones here. There is no noise or light in the tunnels. You can walk around and see where people were buried. There are artifacts and writings on some of the walls. These catacombs are a part of history. They are one of the most interesting places to visit underground. You can learn how people used to honor the dead. There are a lot of memories here, and it is a peaceful place.

19. Edinburgh’s Real Mary King’s Close – Scotland

Edinburgh’s Real Mary King’s Close - Scotland

Mary King’s Close is an old alley in Scotland that sits beneath the city. People used to live and work there. Long ago, it was a hidden alley. Now you can go on a walking tour and explore the businesses and residences. Guides tell stories of ghosts, history, and everyday life. It’s dark and thrilling. This underground attraction around the world gives you a chance to see what life was like in the past. It’s entertaining and a little scary!

Conclusion

There are so many weird and wonderful things to see underground. These secret places are truly amazing, from glowing caves to hidden cities. Some were created by nature over millions of years. Some were built by people to live in, hide or be safe. Each one has a story of its own.

By visiting underground cities around the world we can learn about history, art and wildlife. These 19 underground attractions around the world are not only amazing, but they also hold many surprises. From glow worms in New Zealand to salty caves in Poland and old cities in Turkey, every place is unique.

So the next time you plan a trip, think about exploring the world beneath the surface. There’s a huge planet beneath our feet. It’s dark, cold and fun. And who knows, you might even discover a secret that no one else knows about! So let’s start the journey beneath the Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Hidden Underground Destinations?

Hidden underground destinations are unique travel spots located beneath the surface of the Earth. These include caves, tunnels, salt mines, ancient cities, and underground temples that hold historical, cultural, or natural significance.

Are Underground Destinations Safe To Visit?

Yes, most popular underground destinations are safe for tourists and are regularly maintained. However, it’s important to follow local guidelines, stay with your guide, and wear comfortable shoes, as some areas can be narrow or slippery.

Which Countries Have Famous Underground Tourist Spots?

Many countries have well-known underground attractions. Some of the top ones include Vietnam (Cu Chi Tunnels), Turkey (Derinkuyu and Cappadocia), Poland (Wieliczka Salt Mine), and India (Ellora Caves).

Do I Need Special Gear To Explore Underground Destinations?

Most places provide the required safety gear if needed, like helmets or torches. For general visits, wearing comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and carrying a small flashlight can be helpful.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Underground Places?

Underground sites are usually open year-round and stay cool regardless of outside weather. They’re especially great to visit in summer for a break from the heat, but always check the site’s visiting hours before planning.

Parmeshwar Dass is a dedicated blogger, Website Designer and Developer, Travel Writer and SEO Specialist. With a keen interest in reading and writing, he shares her travel expertise on Yatravelo.com, a comprehensive travel guide for all.