Communist Budapest Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
With the help of a historian, this 3 hour walking tour allows you to grasp the “goulash communism” of Budapest’s decades under totalitarianism, the soft dictatorship in which Hungarians had certain liberties in exchange for obedience on major issues. Learn why, for all the suffering of Budapest’s citizens under the communist regime, Hungary was called “the happiest barrack in the Soviet Bloc.”
Available options
Start Times
What's included
3-hour guided walk in the company of a historian
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Traveling by subway to Kossuth Square in front of Parliament, we explore monuments from the 1956 revolution, before continuing to Liberty Square where we discuss aspects of the Cold War before the US Embassy, the monument to the Soviet Army, the statue of Ronald Reagan and an atomic shelter.
2
Stop 2
We conclude outside the House of Terror, the imposing museum housed in the former headquarters of the communist secret services with a slab of the Berlin Wall in front. (Although the exhibit within is not included in the tour, this is the perfect endpoint for those interested in delving deeper into Hungary’s Cold War experience)
3
Dropping by the former People’s Stadium (now Puskas Soccer Stadium), with classic socialist realist statues still standing, we can explore the heavy-handed propaganda favored by the regime.
4
Discover the Ronald Reagan statue and the Hungarian sense of obligation to this US president for his efforts to bring down the Iron Curtain.
5
Explore Bem József Square, where the first big demonstration of the 1956 uprising started. On the square is also a coffeehouse that has retained its original interior from the 1960s.
What's not included
Your guide will help you to purchase Budapest Tram and Metro tickets if you do not already have a visitor pass
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
5 reviews
5★
5
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
19 reviews
5★
19
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Your tour guides are expert local historians and enthusiastic hosts who love helping travelers from all over discover Budapest.
Meeting point
Please meet your guide outside cafe Bambi Eszpresszó, Frankel Leó út 2/4, 1027 Budapest
About Budapest
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths. Straddling the Danube River, it offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western European cultures, making it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Budapest Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hungary.
Architecture
1-2 hours
€20-30
Buda Castle
Buda Castle is a historical castle and palace complex that offers panoramic views of the city.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, €3-5 for museums
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of the largest thermal baths in Europe, offering a relaxing experience in historic surroundings.
Relaxation
2-3 hours
€15-20
Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion is a neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque structure offering panoramic views of the Danube and Pest.
Architecture
1 hour
Free (€3 for the tower)
Heroes' Square
Heroes' Square is a significant monument and a major landmark in Budapest, commemorating the heroes of Hungary's history.
Historical
1 hour
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Goulash
A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika.
Dinner
Contains beef, gluten (from bread or flour)
Lángos
A deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, and garlic.
Snack
Contains dairy, can be made gluten-free
Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács)
A sweet, cylindrical pastry cooked over an open fire and coated with sugar and cinnamon.
Dessert
Contains wheat, sugar, can be made gluten-free
Töltött Káposzta
Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.
Dinner
Contains pork, gluten (from tomato sauce)
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Buda Hills
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Visiting thermal baths
Strolling along Andrássy Avenue
Relaxing in City Park
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending classical music concerts
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Budapest for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Hungarian
- Widely spoken: English, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Budapest is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious with valuables in crowded areas
- • Use official taxis or app-based services
- • Check bills carefully at restaurants and bars
Getting there
By air
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport • 16 km from city center
By train
Budapest-Keleti Railway Station, Budapest-Nyugati Railway Station
By bus
Népliget Bus Station, Árpád Bridge Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with four lines connecting major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, Főtaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
District V (Belváros)
District VII (Jewish Quarter)
District VIII (Józsefváros)
District IX (Ferencváros)
Day trips
Szentendre
20 km from Budapest • Half day
A charming town known for its museums, galleries, and colorful houses.
Esztergom
50 km from Budapest • Full day
A historic town with a stunning basilica and a rich history.
Visegrád
40 km from Budapest • Full day
A historic town with a royal palace and scenic views of the Danube Bend.
Festivals
Budapest Christmas Market • Late November to early January
Budapest Spring Festival • March
Sziget Festival • August
Pro tips
- Use the Budapest Card for free public transport and discounts on attractions
- Take a Danube River cruise for stunning views of the city
- Visit the thermal baths early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
- Explore the Jewish Quarter for its vibrant nightlife and historic sites
- Try local street food, such as lángos and kürtőskalács, for an authentic taste of Budapest
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
