Private Bucharest Communist Tour with the People's House and Ceausescu Residence

Bucharest , Romania

Private Bucharest Communist Tour with the People's House and Ceausescu Residence

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(22 reviews)

Duration varies

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Destroying almost 6 square kilometers (4 miles) of buildings in the heart of the city , taking down the statues of the Romanian Kings and removing their stone-carved portraits from the Arch of Triomphe, these are just a few of the decisions that reshaped Bucharest and transformed it during the Communist Era, called the Golden Era by the fanatics.

The communist regime left a powerful mark on the whole Eastern Bloc, even though one of Europe’s last dictators, Nicolae Ceausescu was taken down from power more than 30 years ago. The traces of communism are still clearly visible throughout the city.

Catch a glimpse of how the Communist era shaped Romania in a historic tour of Bucharest. Visit metro stations and apartment buildings from that period and get a better understanding of how people lived their daily lives under the Ceausescu regime. Your tour includes a visit to the Palace of the Parliament and to the Ceausescu Residential Palace.

Available options

Private Bucharest Communist Tour with the People's House and Ceausescu Residence

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Entrance fees for the Palace of the Parliament and Ceausescu Residence

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Professional English-speaking guide

What you'll see

In the morning, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel (or from the requested location) in Bucharest. In the first part of the day, we will visit some of the metro stations built during the Communist regime, which will help us discover the architectural style of that period, as well as better understand the plans that Nicolae Ceausescu had for Bucharest.

Before visiting the Palace of the Parliament, we will journey into a local neighborhood built especially for the working class. Here, you will get to see how regular people lived their lives under the regime. The Palace of the Parliament is one of the largest buildings in the world, and it is often regarded as the crown jewel of Ceausescu's dictatorship. Also known as the House of the People, the magnificent building was erected as part of a larger project called "Project Bucharest". After his visit to North Korea in 1971, Nicolae Ceausescu was inspired by the capital city of Pyongyang and decided to give Bucharest a look worthy of a dictator.

Our last landmark is none other than the Ceausescu Residential Palace, known as the Palace of Spring (Palatul Primăverii). This is the place where the Ceausescu couple lived most of their life. The Palace was built between 1964 and 1965 in a Neo-Classical/Neo-Late Rennaissance style, and it is equipped with luxurious furniture. After Ceausescu's rule ended, the palace was used as a VIP residence for official delegations and foreign presidents, but it was turned into a museum in 2016.

What's not included

Photography fee for the Palace of the Parliament

Lunch (approx. €13/person)

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Minimum age is 12 years

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Reservations for the Bucharest tour are made at least 48 hours in advance

Pick-up point: in front of your hotel

Departure: 10:00 AM

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds