Rise Against the Soviet: The 1956 Revolution - Private 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
Historians still argue what to call the events that were triggered by a peaceful solidarity rally of Hungarian students with the Polish people on October 23rd, 1956: a rebellion, revolt, uprising, popular uprising, revolution, counter-revolution, or War of Independence.
The best definition comes from Sándor Márai’s poem, Angel from heaven, written for the Christmas of 1956: “A nation said: Enough!”.
The events of 1956 shook not only the communist world, but had lasting effects on world politics. The brief period of breathing “freedom at last” gave courage and strength to Hungarians to survive the rest of foreign tyranny until it finally collapsed in 1989.
Available options
Rise Against the Soviet: The 1956 Revolution - Private Tour
City tour without any visit<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Pickup included
House of Terror Visit
House of Terror Museum: The admission fee also includes the entrance ticket to the House of Terror Museum.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Handouts
A communism-related souvenir
Detailed itinerary
1
We will visit Kossuth Square where the Hungarian parliament stands. Aside from several other impressive buildings on the square, we will see where, following a mass demonstration in 1956, dozens were massacred by the government.
2
Stop 2
On the banks of the Danube, close to Margit Bridge, stands a building which in communist times was dubbed The White House. It was the Party HQ of the Hungarian communist government.
We will visit this and also take a look at the statue of Imre Nagy, Prime Minister in 1956 who was later murdered.
3
Going south from Margaret Bridge, we arrive to Bem Square. The square saw 200,000 Hungarian students protesting against Soviet rule in 1956, in a rally that was originally organized to support Polish workers.
We will also visit Bambi Eszpresszó, a shelter for Buda-side intellectuals in Frankel Leó utca, has been going strong since the 1960s, and has maintained both the same atmosphere and the same interior design ever since.
4
Sándor Petöfi was the key figure in the 1948 revolution, and as such he came to represent all struggle against government. The statue is a meeting point for political events and protesters still today.
The famous actor Sinkovits Imre came here to the statue in 1956 and recited the words of Petöfi which incite revolution; he was subsequently arrested and imprisoned.
5
Stop 5
Located along the tiny, one-way Sándor Bródy Street, Budapest’s Magyar Rádió Building (also known as Radio Budapest) is somewhat secluded from the city’s more bustling thoroughfares.
The Radio building was one of the epicentres of fighting in 1956, and it was from here revolutionaries begged for help from the world at large.
6
On the south-east part of Budapest's city, Corvin köz was the major resistance center, where in 1956 local youngsters fought the invading Russians with Molotov cocktails and guns they stole from soldiers to fight against Soviet tanks.
We will look at the reminders of the battles here and talk about the invasion of 1956 and its aftermath.
What's not included
Other drinks or food, public transportation tickets or pass
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Written guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
8 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
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