Private Tour: Story of Communism in Bucharest

Bucharest , Romania

Private Tour: Story of Communism in Bucharest

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About this experience

Learn more about dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, communism victims and 1989 Revolution. Visit the military base where the Ceausescu couple was executed, Revolution Square and Ceausescu's greatest creation - 'The House of the People'.

A fascinating tour about communism victims, about the Dictator Nicolae Ceausescu's life and impact on Romania's history. You will be tracing the communist dictator's steps, seeing places where the Ceausescu couple had stayed to the place where they escaped before being captured and executed on Christmas Eve in 1989.

Available options

Private Tour: Story of Communism in Bucharest

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Assistance during the entire trip

English-speaking guide

Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned car / minibus

What you'll see

Itinerary: Bucharest - Targoviste Military Base - Bucharest: Parliament Palace - Revolution Square - Communist Era Neighborhoods

Military Base in Targoviste: Leave Bucharest and drive for 1.5 hours to reach Targoviste - a small town located in south-eastern Romania. The town became famous due the fact that here, the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena, were executed in 1989. Former military barracks where the dictator and his wife, were shot after a very short trial, were turned into a unique museum and open for the public.

Return to Bucharest and take a tour inside the Palace of the Parliament: the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Palace was designed and nearly completed by the Ceausescu regime as the seat of political and administrative power. Nicolae Ceausescu named it the House of the Republic, but many Romanians call it the People's House.

Revolution Square: where you will see the former communist offices of Ceausescu and the site where the 1989 Revolution started in Bucharest, the memorial plaque with all the names of the people that died fighting for freedom and monument in their memory.

Communist Neighborhoods: Get out of the town center and drive through the neighborhoods to see the communist era apartment buildings and get a glimpse of old socialist Bucharest.

What's not included

Entrance & photo fees

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

5 reviews

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1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• A current valid European ID or Passport is required on the day of travel for the Parliament Palace tour.

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