Claiming that there are hidden passageways beneath a city sounds more like a conspiracy theory than city history, and in 1954 many people doubted the rumors of a “hidden city” beneath Pioneer Square. Enter Bill Speidel, a publicist who was convinced by his wife to “save Pioneer Square.” Speidel confirmed the rumors, helping to convince the city of Pioneer Square’s historic value and founding the Seattle Underground Tour. Today you can still venture into the depths of Seattle that was consumed in the great fire of 1889 and walk its (supposedly haunted) corridors. 614 First Ave., 682-4646

First runner-up: Ride the Ducks

Second runner-up: Savor Seattle Food Tours

Honorable mention: Seattle by Foot, Seattle Architecture Tours

Read about the rest of the Best of Seattle Reader Poll winners here. If you didn’t get a chance to vote this go-round, make sure your voice is heard next year. Email us at bestofseattle@seattleweekly.com and we will let you know when nominations open for BoS 2017.