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Communism in Hungary with a Historian: Detailed Tour Exploring Budapest's Communist Legacy
4.9
66 Ratings
Budapest
Explore Budapest’s communist legacy on a detailed tour with a historian. Discover the remnants of communism in Hungary through expert commentary and personal stories. Includes visits to iconic sites and a drink at a historic café.
Explore Budapest’s communist legacy on a detailed tour with a historian. Discover the remnants of communism in Hungary through expert commentary and personal stories. Includes visits to iconic sites and a drink at a historic café.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Elizabeth Square - Former Stalin square with interesting monuments and stories
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika) - We talk about the churches and religious life during Communism, mentioning our family stories. We walk by the church and see it from the outside.
- Szabadsag ter - See remnants of Communism from memorials through…
- Elizabeth Square - Former Stalin square with interesting monuments and stories
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent Istvan Bazilika) - We talk about the churches and religious life during Communism, mentioning our family stories. We walk by the church and see it from the outside.
- Szabadsag ter - See remnants of Communism from memorials through statues and embassies (and even part of a bunker from the outside) with stories making them alive.
- Hungarian Parliament Building - We cover one of the most important events of the 1956 revolution - the so-called “Bloody Thursday” which happened on Kossuth square, in front of the Parliament.
What's Included
- Subway tickets included
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Subway tickets included
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in the echoes of Communism in Hungary’s capital, brought to life during this guided tour with insightful historical context and intimate family narratives.
We strive earnestly to recount the story of contemporary Hungary with as much objectivity and factual precision as possible, while also sharing our personal viewpoints and life…
Immerse yourself in the echoes of Communism in Hungary’s capital, brought to life during this guided tour with insightful historical context and intimate family narratives.
We strive earnestly to recount the story of contemporary Hungary with as much objectivity and factual precision as possible, while also sharing our personal viewpoints and life experiences.
The excursion involves exploring sectors of both Buda and Pest, in addition to enjoying a beverage at a classic café, inaugurated in 1961 and largely unaltered since then.
Location
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Erzsébet tér
The meeting point is in front of the Kempinski hotel, facing the Ferris wheel. In case of bad weather (rain, snow, huge wind) we meet in the hotel lobby.
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
4.9
(66 Ratings)
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Sandra_s
May 4, 2025
An intimate picture of communism’s affect on life in Hungary - Raymond was extremely knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic. He brought communism in Hungary to life by telling how his family’s business was nationalized and his grandfather was forced to work in his own factory as poorly paid help, overseen by someone with no knowledge but loyal to the party. The party also forced his family to give up the apartments they owned and “assigned” them to live with another family in poorer quarters. He talked about how the church survived by “donating” money to the party. He also explained about working and living conditions under communism, and the fear that someone would “turn you in” to the party. His enthusiasm was infectious. He went above and beyond to escort us to our next destination. It was a great afternoon helping us understand an important part of Budapest’s history that you don’t get on regular city tours. Thanks, Raymond!
Review provided by Viator
Gapeachy1
Apr 13, 2025
Great way to learn about Budapest’s past - We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Rajmund provided interesting commentary as he pointed out key sights throughout the city. And we loved the conversation over drinks at Bambi Cafe. And his story about “Fancy pants.” Highly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shaza66
Mar 10, 2025
Communism Tour with Greg - brilliant - An excellent tour. I was fortunate that it was just the Guide, Greg, and myself. This meant we could make it quite bespoke. I am very interested in post 1956 communism, the move to softer socialism and the breaking down of the Hungary/Austria border. Greg was so knowledgable. He grew up in Budapest and gave a personal insight into the Hungary of the past, (constantly battered, shifting and manipulated by one oppressor then another but remaining intact) as well as the more recent history including politics, church media and every-day life during and after socialism. He was great at answering my never-ending questions and I came away feeling I have very much got under the skin of this great country
Review provided by Tripadvisor
P120igmh
Nov 12, 2024
Hungarian history tour with a personal touch - Excellent grasp of Hungary's past in the midst of the various storms in history in the area; not overly tendentious in any political direction, but open & franc with own opinions without being judgemental
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindanv2413ls
Oct 28, 2024
I recommend it. - Interesting tour, even for someone who knows quite something about it. As they already state in the description of the company itself, there's not very many sights to see with this tour; it is more an extended lecture and talk on a couple of locations. Small groups, which make it possible to interact with the tour guide and ask all your questions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Peter_c
Sep 12, 2024
One of the best tours i had been on - Gabriel made the whole tour worthwhile , so endearing , knowledgeable made it so easy to follow along as well as answering any and all questions . We would highly recommend both him and this tour
Review provided by Viator
Paul_h
Sep 7, 2024
Informative and worthwhile - We enjoyed visiting pertinent Budapest sites from the communist and Cold War era, e.g. the Terminal, the bomb shelter, and the various monuments, as well as the conclusion in the ‘communist cafe’. The guide was informative and provided anecdotes from her family’s experiences during the Cold War.
Review provided by Viator
John_d
Aug 22, 2024
Great history - A really fabulous tour that was chock full of history and unique interesting stories about Budapest. Raymond was a fantastic guide who made the tour enjoyable and informative.
Review provided by Viator
Mariad_p
Apr 25, 2024
Great time with our excellent tour guide Gabriel (Gabor in Hungarian) - This tour was an excellent experience for us that highlighted a lot of information about Communism in Hungary. My husband and I did this tour on a very cold day this week (04/24) with another lady and the 3 of us had a fun time despite the rain and cold because of our very knowledgeable and kind tour guide Gabriel. He was also extremely patient and despite the inclement weather, he did the tour with enthusiasm. He tried his best to present both sides of the spectrum. Gabriel is definitely one of the best guides one can hope for. The lady with us also stated that she wanted to be in all of Gabriel’s tours while she is in Budapest.
Review provided by Viator
Paula_r
Jun 7, 2025
Synagogues - Guide was very engaging but I expected more than 3 visits to two synagogues….one of which was closed.
Review provided by Viator
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