Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings

This experience made our article of Our Picks For The 7 Best Brewery Tours In Portland.

Discover the Haunted Underworld of Portland: The Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting

If you’re heading to Portland and craving a mix of history, mystery, and a little bit of spooky fun, the Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour might just be your perfect evening activity. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, many travelers report that it combines engaging storytelling, atmospheric exploration, and a taste of local brew—what’s not to love?

What we find particularly appealing are the knowledgeable guides who bring the tunnels’ dark past to life, and the exclusive access that lets you step where few travelers go. Plus, the included beer tastings offer a lively way to unwind after exploring underground secrets. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the physical aspect—expect narrow stairs, uneven floors, and some low-clearance pipes, which might not suit everyone.

This experience is best suited for those interested in Portland’s history and ghost stories, beer lovers, and travelers comfortable with a bit of physical activity and old buildings. Given the age restrictions and the spooky themes, it’s especially ideal for adults and mature teens ready for some ghostly tales.

Key Points

• Authentic Underground Experience: You’ll visit the actual Shanghai Tunnels, once used for clandestine purposes, now accessible only through guided tours.
• Rich Stories & Ghost Tales: The guides are praised for their expertise and storytelling ability, making history come alive with spooky legends, including Nina the ghost.
• Inclusive Beer Tasting: The tour includes three beer tastings and a full pint, showcasing Portland’s award-winning brewing scene.
• Physical Preparedness Needed: The tour involves stairs, narrow spaces, and uneven floors, so comfortable footwear is essential.
• Limited Group Size: Tours are capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience, with a focus on safety and engagement.
• Age & Time Restrictions: Only for those 21+ (except the 2pm and 3pm tours) and not suitable for children under 12.
• Booking & Cancellation: Usually booked 12 days in advance, with a strict policy on late arrivals and same-day cancellations—no refunds for late arrivals.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour starts right in the heart of Old Town Portland at Old Town Pizza & Brewing. From here, your guide—often noted for their enthusiasm and deep knowledge—leads you beneath a restaurant into the tunnels. These underground passages once served as secret routes connecting hotels, businesses, and the Willamette River, often used for illicit activities like smuggling or human trafficking.

As you navigate the tunnels, you’ll encounter narrow stairs, low doorways, exposed pipes, and uneven dirt floors—features that add to the eerie atmosphere but require moderate physical fitness. Several reviewers compliment the tour guides for their storytelling skills, making these tales more vivid and memorable. One reviewer gushes, “Natasha was really entertaining! Knew her history of the building and the time periods,” which shows how much a knowledgeable guide can elevate the experience.

The Haunted Stories & Ghostly Encounters

A major highlight of the tour is the storytelling about Portland’s dark past and its resident ghost, Nina. Travelers consistently mention the creepy and fun vibe created by the guides’ accounts. As one reviewer states, “Tour was creepy and fun. Stay and have pizza—it was delicious,” highlighting how the overall experience is lively and engaging rather than just grim history.

This is not just a spooky tale but a chance to connect with Portland’s underground history and local legends. The stories about Nina and other dark historical episodes add a layer of intrigue, making the tunnels feel like a real portal into Portland’s mysterious side.

The Beer Tasting Experience

After wandering through the tunnels, you’ll surface into the lively ambiance of Old Town Portland. Here, the included three tastings and a full pint of locally produced, award-winning beer serve as a perfect way to relax and discuss what you’ve just experienced. Many reviews praise the quality of the beers and the friendly brewery staff.

The inclusion of beer tasting isn’t just a bonus; it’s a thoughtful touch that supports Portland’s reputation as a craft beer capital. This element makes the tour more than just a walk through old tunnels—it becomes a social, memorable outing.

Practicalities & Group Size

With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel, allowing for questions and personal interaction. The duration is approximately 90 minutes, which is enough time to soak in the spooky stories without feeling rushed.

Booking usually happens about 12 days in advance, reflecting its popularity. The tour is mobile ticket-based, adding convenience for travelers with tight schedules. However, strict policies on late arrivals and cancellations mean you’ll want to plan carefully to avoid losing your booking fee.

Pricing & Value

At $40 per person, this tour offers a compelling package: underground exploration, engaging stories, exclusive access, and local beer. When you consider the cost of separate activities—underground tours, craft beer, and possibly dinner—this package combines all three into a single, well-organized outing. Reviewers consistently note that guides are knowledgeable and passionate, adding value beyond just the physical exploration.

While it’s not a cheap night out, the quality of storytelling, exclusive access, and included tastings make it a good deal for those interested in Portland’s hidden history and lively pub scene.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adults and mature teenagers who enjoy ghost stories, history, and craft beer. It’s ideal if you’re prepared for some physical activity—stairs, narrow spaces, and uneven floors are part of the fun. Those with a curiosity about Portland’s underground past will find it fascinating, while beer enthusiasts will appreciate the local brews included in the ticket price. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers looking for a unique, storytelling-heavy experience that blends history, legend, and modern Portland vibes.

Final Thoughts

The Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour offers a rare peek into Portland’s shadowy past, told by guides who clearly care about their stories. The mix of history, ghost lore, and beer tasting creates a memorable experience that stands out from typical city tours. The intimate group size and exclusive access make it special, especially for those who enjoy a slightly spooky adventure with a social twist.

For anyone intrigued by Portland’s darker side and wanting a lively, authentic experience for their evening, this tour hits the right notes—so long as you’re comfortable navigating some old, narrow tunnels and enjoy a good ghost story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is 21+ for all sessions except the 2pm and 3pm tours. Children under 12 are not allowed, and minors are generally not permitted due to the adult content and themes.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including walking through the tunnels and the beer tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable footwear is essential because you’ll be walking up and down stairs, through narrow spaces, and over uneven floors. No high heels, please.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. No refunds are given for late arrivals.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, the tour is primarily for 21+ travelers, with exceptions only for the 2pm and 3pm tours where minors (teenagers) may join.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers the 90-minute underground tour, three beer tastings, and a full pint of Portland’s award-winning beer.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Old Town Pizza & Brewing, located at 226 NW Davis St, Portland.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The building is old, with narrow stairs and some obstacles, so it may not be suitable for everyone with mobility issues.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Expect stories about Portland’s dark history, illicit activities in the tunnels, and local legends like Nina the ghost. Be prepared for some adult content regarding violence, drug use, and human trafficking.

In sum, this underground Portland tour offers an engaging mix of history, ghost stories, and local beer, all within a small-group setting that fosters a more personal experience. If you’re curious about Portland’s underground secrets and enjoy a good spooky story with a drink in hand, this tour is well worth considering.