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Communist Hungary Tour: Behind the Iron Curtain
4.7
68 Ratings
Budapest
Discover Hungary’s communist history on a captivating walking tour of Budapest. Explore the landmarks, hear stories of struggle and triumph, and witness the propaganda of the time.
Discover Hungary’s communist history on a captivating walking tour of Budapest. Explore the landmarks, hear stories of struggle and triumph, and witness the propaganda of the time.
Duration:
2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika) - Discover the impact of communism on religious practices and the functioning of various churches.
- Szabadsag ter - Explore the Soviet Memorial to understand the conclusion of World War II, the onset of occupation, and the Communist Party’s rise to power.
- Hungarian Parliament Building - The…
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika) - Discover the impact of communism on religious practices and the functioning of various churches.
- Szabadsag ter - Explore the Soviet Memorial to understand the conclusion of World War II, the onset of occupation, and the Communist Party’s rise to power.
- Hungarian Parliament Building - The square in front of the Parliament was pivotal during the early days of the 1956 revolution. Here, visitors can learn about the causes of the revolution and the party leadership’s response.
- In memoriam 1956. October 25. Memorial and Exhibition - On October 25, 1956, during the second day of the revolution, military authorities and Soviet tanks opened fire on the assembled crowd. The exhibition showcases these events through archival footage and personal accounts.
- Monument to Imre Nagy/Remembrance Day (Oct. 23) - Visit the statue of Imre Nagy, a key figure in the 1956 revolution who was later executed. His reburial marked a significant moment in the regime change.
What's Included
- English speaking guide
- Coffee or tea or soft drink
- English speaking guide
- Coffee or tea or soft drink
What's Not Included
- Pick-up and drop-off
- Pick-up and drop-off
Additional Information
In this tour, you’ll receive a comprehensive overview of Hungary’s communist era. Learn about how children were raised, family life, travel restrictions, and what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Discover the lengthy process to acquire a passport and experience intriguing aspects of the time, from black markets to banana lines.
We’ll explore the…
In this tour, you’ll receive a comprehensive overview of Hungary’s communist era. Learn about how children were raised, family life, travel restrictions, and what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Discover the lengthy process to acquire a passport and experience intriguing aspects of the time, from black markets to banana lines.
We’ll explore the history of the Communist government appointed after World War II, whose policies led to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The tour provides an overview and highlights major locations where significant events unfolded.
We’ll visit Liberty Square and Budapest’s last remaining Soviet monument. Our journey will take us to the Hungarian Parliament, where the first shots that sparked the uprising were triggered. We’ll also visit an exhibition near the Parliament, the site of the initial volley.
- NO audio equippment or headphones available on this tour.
- Tour goes in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
- Not recommended under age 14
Location
Lutheran church, Deák tér
Deák Ferenc tér
Meet your guide in front of the Deak Square pale yellow Lutheran Church, at the church steps
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(68 Ratings)
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Darshana
Dec 27, 2025
We really enjoyed this... - We really enjoyed this tour and especially our guide, Anna, who is extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Anna explained the communist past of both the city and the country in a very clear, thoughtful, and neutral way, focusing on historical context rather than pushing any bias, but added lots of personal and family stories from the era. The tour ended at the Retro Museum, which added a great touch and helped bring everyday life under communism to life. It was a very good introduction to Budapest and its history, and we’d highly recommend it, especially early in your stay.
Review provided by Viator
Jimbse
Nov 1, 2024
Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Tour - This was the best tour we took on our trip to Budapest. Greg was very knowledgable and equally entertaining, telling us about both experiences under Communism and the city around us. I’m still talking about it now I’m back home, a few hours very well spent.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victoria_k
Oct 17, 2024
Cold war - I truly had a personal guide experience. My guide lived through communism and the Liberation. He had first had experience and could Speak to all with full knowledge
Review provided by Viator
Chris_b
Jun 5, 2024
A lood at Communist Hungary - Celeste did a very good job of educating us on life in Hungary during the Communist rule. She gave us a a knowledge of the history of the region leading up to communism and the time since. We had a good walk around town ending with a visit to a museum dedicated to every day life during the communist era. Her knowledge of history was appreciated and the stops we made informative. On our trip down the Rhine-Main-Danube, this tour was different than any other tour we had and helped us understand life in a different time.
Review provided by Viator
Cathy_w
Oct 6, 2022
Great Tour -- You will Love It - This was an excellent tour, and Andrea did a wonderful job. She was exceptionally knowledgeable about every aspect of the history of Communism in Hungary, and we were very, very impressed with every aspect of this tour. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Julie529
Jun 19, 2022
Excellent overview of Hungary's history with Communism and its impact today. - I took this tour 10 years ago and found it memorable. While I was hoping for a similar experience, the tour has changed, with no "feel and touch" items (games, passports) that brought the experience to life (this because of the costs of maintaining an office for teaching face to face). This tour is a walking tour to places that highlight Budapest's experience under the Soviets, winding up at a museum of "retro" items -- a 1950s kitchen and appliances, the opportunity to record yourself as announcer on a radio or TV show. Andrea was our guide -- and gave us information that made the tour superb; we got everything from the tour (and Andrea) that we had hoped to. We were interested in knowing about Hungary's social and political climate today, and the historical roots of these issues. Andrea offered us a comprehensive and nuanced picture of Hungary today, touching on issues that go back decades, and a picture of where the country is now. The museum is an add-on -- and something we've seen elsewhere that didn't add to our knowledge, so we chose not to stay. It's interactive activities may be of interest to some, and you have the option of staying and exploring the museum after your time with the tour is officially over.) However, this is a quibble. If you're interested in these issues, I'd definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z529zacourtney
May 29, 2022
Great experience! - Great tour that lived up to all expectations. Andrea was knowledgeable and the content of the tour was so interesting. The two museums (1956 memorial and retro museums) were additive. It was fantastic to learn more about such a historical city with a guide that had so much to add.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sradis
Feb 26, 2020
Fascinating tour with a local expert guide - Zsolt was a terrific guide and a fount of information! We really enjoyed our tour and learned so much from him. He made it easy to absorb the history and told us personal anecdotes from his family. We highly recommend this tour with Zsolt!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ndogg89
Nov 23, 2019
Hammer and Sickle - Budapest - This is a great tour for anyone who really wants to dive into the history of what communism life was like in Hungary and other eastern bloc countries during USSR control.
Tamas was our tour guide and did a fantastic job breaking down key events and answering any follow up questions you may have. You really feel and see the experience of what communist life was like as he brings you to a room filled with memorabilia and propaganda from that era.
I really appreciated the tour for this side of history that was not always highlighted or focused on during my education. The people of Hungary and all eastern bloc countries truly suffered a tremendous amount but courageously continued to fight for what their freedom. I highly recommend the tour for anyone that wants to learn more about this time period in history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stella_u
Jul 7, 2023
Greg was wonderful. He... - Greg was wonderful. He gave a quick summary of Hungarian history at the beginning of the tour which was important to understand how Hungary is where it is now. Hearing stories of life under communist government was very interesting. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
