Private Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour

Budapest , Hungary

Private Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour

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(47 reviews)

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About this experience

The way it was, comrade! This tour takes you back in time to explore life during 50 years of Communism and Big Brother's control.

Get a comprehensive overview of Hungary’s communist era. Learn about child-rearing, family life, travel restrictions, and life behind the Iron Curtain.

You will walk along the river to visit World War II-era Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial.
We’ll explore the history of the Communist government 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.

Visit Budapest's last remaining Soviet monumen and the Hungarian Parliament, where the first shots of the 1956 revolution were fired—we'll also explore the related exhibition there.

You will pass the "White House," the former party headquarters, and end at the memorial of Imre Nagy, the executed prime minister of the 1956 revolution. The tour includes a refreshment break at a retro café

Available options

Private Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Licensed English speaking expert guide

Pick-up

Refreshment stop with a beverage

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at your accommodation and start exploring the sites of central Budapest.

Stop 2

Learn about how communism affected the religious life and operation of the different churches

Stop 3

Visit the last Soviet Memorial of Budapest, where you can learn about the end of World War II, the beginning of the occupation, and how the Communist Party seized power over the country.

Stop 4

The square in front of the parliament played an important role in the first days of the 1956 revolution. Here you can learn what led to the outbreak of the revolution and how the party leadership handled the events.

On October 25, 1956, on the second day of the revolution, the military authorities and Soviet tanks fired into the gathering crowd. The exhibition presents the events with archive footage and recollections.

Stop 6

At the famous Budapest Holocaust Memorial, you can understand what was happening in the final months of the war, while the Soviet army had already surrounded the city.

Visit the statue of Imre Nagy, a leader of the 1956 revolution who was later executed. His reburial was an important moment in the change of regime.

What's not included

Drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.3

43 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to the topic, it is not recommended for children under age 14

The tour runs in all weather, so please dress appropriately

This tour involves 2.5 hours of continuous walking on high curbs, stairs, and slippery surfaces, making it unsuitable for people with limited mobility.

Important notes

Accommodation details are requested 72 hours prior to arrival.

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