Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum

Budapest , Hungary

Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum

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About this experience

Explore the beautiful city of Budapest on this private walking tour all about the turbulent political history of Hungary, from the Nazi Occupation to the rise and fall of Communism and finally the birth of democracy.

You’ll begin at Bem József Memorial Square, which saw 200,000 Hungarian students protesting against Soviet rule in 1956. You’ll wander down Falk Miksa street and see an unlikely statue of Columbo, the famous LAPD fictional detective, famous for his scruffy appearance and dogged determination to get to the truth at all costs. You’ll walk into the magnificent Kossuth Lajos square to see the impressively vast, Neo-Gothic parliament building the home of the national assembly.

Lastly, you will visit the House of Terror a museum with your private guide. House of Terror is a memorial to the horrors of the past, to those detained, tortured, and killed inside the building and contains exhibits from the fascist and communist regimes of 20th-century Hungary.

Available options

Communism in Budapest: Private Tour with House of Terror Museum

What's included

Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

Entrance to the House of Terror Museum

A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

Detailed itinerary

Explore the beautiful Hungarian capital of Budapest with a focus on its political past. Commence your tour at the iconic Bem József Memorial Square – site of the 1956 revolution.

Explore a collection of retro bars and butcher shops as you wander through the central district while discussing life under communist rule. Stop my monuments, squares and statues commemorating the past, including Ronald Reagan in Liberty Square.

Walk outside the magnificent Parliament House and learn the backdrop of Hungarian politics in the preceding centuries to the 21st.

Stop 4

Lastly, finish your tour at the House of Terror Museum (entrance tickets included), where you will see exhibits and memorials to victims of those who lived behind the Iron Curtain.

What's not included

Food and drink

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Gratuities

Transportation throughout tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Your guide will meet you beside the Bem József Statue located at Budapest, Bem József tér 2, 1027 Hungary.

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