Originally published March 30, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 30, 2007 at 2:01 AM
More underground walks
Many cities around the world offer underground or skyway systems that insulate visitors from the harsh elements: heat, cold, pollution, honking cars. Here are five...
Many cities around the world offer underground or skyway systems that insulate visitors from the harsh elements: heat, cold, pollution, honking cars. Here are five enclosed mini-metropolises to explore.
Montreal: The Underground City network (called RESO in French) has about 20 miles of underground passageways that link metro stations, theaters, museums, universities, hotels, thousands of boutiques and restaurants, and such major attractions as the Bell Centre. Info: Montreal Tourism, 877-266-5687, www.tourisme-montreal.org
Minneapolis: The city's windowed skyways let in natural light but banish the cold. The walkways are above street level, so you have a nice view of those bundled below. The seven-mile network covers 72 blocks and links to downtown hotels, restaurants, shops, theaters, performing arts venues and more. One drawback: Some of the bridges close after business hours or on weekends. Meet Minneapolis, 612-767-8000, www.minneapolis.org Houston: In Houston's Tunnel, travel high or low, but never in the suffocating Texas heat. The seven-mile system contains concourses 20 feet below downtown as well as skywalks with access to hotels, banks, restaurants and various performing arts venues in the Theater District. Shops and services line the walkways, including boutiques, snack bars. The Tunnel is open only during weekday business hours, though a portion can be accessed on weekends. Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, 713-437-5200, www.visithoustontexas.com
Osaka: In this Japanese city known for shopping, you can spend countless yen — and hours — in sprawling underground shopping arcades centered on subway stations. In addition to thousands of stores, bars and restaurants, there are also art displays, themed streets (Casual Street, Fashionable Street, etc.) and waterfalls. Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, www.tourism.city.osaka.jp/en
Singapore: The Southeast Asian metropolis has high humidity and heavy rains, but pedestrians can keep dry and frizz-free in underground passageways that link many buildings around downtown. The biggest subterranean area is CityLink Mall, which has 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurants and connects the City Hall MRT Station to the Suntec Convention Center, five hotels, a movie theater and another mall.
Singapore Tourism Board, 212-302-4861, www.visitsingapore.com
The Washington Post
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
Way down upon Australia's Murray River
Big deals Down Under, where summer is winter
Reader postcard from Nara, Japan

2009 fireworks time lapse
With strict parking rules enforced at this year's July 4th celebration on Wallingford Ave North, less cars and more spectators filled the streets.
Entertainment | Top Video | World | Offbeat Video | Sci-Tech
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
Tax tips for new independent professionals
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new compact car? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Former NFL MVP McNair killed
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Russell Branyan, Mariners fight off the Red Sox
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Palin takes to Web for hints of political future
- Fourth of July festivals and fireworks in Seattle, the suburbs and beyond
- Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
- The Blotter | Man pistol-whipped after argument at nightclub
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Palin resigning as Alaska governor
781 - Seattle Mariners at Boston Red Sox: 07/05 game thread
247 - Palin links resignation to 'higher calling' and blasts media in Facebook posting
159 - Hatred for the NBA runs deep, but don't take it out on the players
117 - Former NFL MVP McNair killed
108 - Tukwila residents rally against light-rail noise
107 - Property taxes: Appeals shoot up is King, Snohomish Counties
94 - Tent City on campus: UW stalls decision
83 - Anti-tax rally in Olympia attracts about 1,500
56 - Man found dead in King County Jail was on trial for rape
38
- Plasma and LCD beware; OLED screens ready to go mainstream
- Property taxes: Appeals shoot up in King, Snohomish Counties
- Merchant Marine veterans fight for recognition
- Hard times for tourist towns means good deals for travelers
- Landmark Smith Tower mostly vacant
- Close-up | Prison guards intercept carrier pigeon with a cellphone
- Pre-grill drill: marinate steaks
- Concert Review | Green Day blasts off 4th weekend with KeyArena show
- Amtrak cleared for 2nd daily train to Vancouver, B.C.
- Lake Washington's sockeye run may hit a record low





