Explore Budapest’s communist past with a private tour, uncovering hidden gems and historical sites from the 1956 revolution to Memento Park.
Explore Budapest’s communist past with a private tour, uncovering hidden gems and historical sites from the 1956 revolution to Memento Park.
- Szabadság tér - Begin the journey at the picturesque Szabadság Square in the heart of Budapest. At the Memorial for Victims of the German Occupation, the guide will provide a brief history of Hungary and the events leading to Communist rule. At the Soviet liberation memorial, learn about the onset of the communist era and the Stalinist…
- Szabadság tér - Begin the journey at the picturesque Szabadság Square in the heart of Budapest. At the Memorial for Victims of the German Occupation, the guide will provide a brief history of Hungary and the events leading to Communist rule. At the Soviet liberation memorial, learn about the onset of the communist era and the Stalinist dictatorship of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, a dark chapter in Hungarian history. Next, visit a nearby square featuring rare examples of Socialist Realism, including a large residential complex with intriguing reliefs and a statue of a bear on a scooter (!).
- House of Terror Museum - Pause at the House of Terror Museum on Andrássy Avenue. This historic building was once the headquarters of the fascist Arrow Cross Party and later the communist secret police (ÁVH). Although not entering this time, the building itself is a symbol of Hungary’s 20th-century struggles under totalitarian regimes. Visitors can explore the museum independently later.
- Bem József Memorial - The next major stop is Bem Square on the Buda side, where the 1956 Hungarian revolution began. Here, the guide will discuss the revolution’s history and the square’s role in the protests that spread throughout the city. Enjoy a drink at a nearby coffee house/bar from the communist era, preserved in its original state.
- Hotel Budapest - Visit an iconic Budapest building often overlooked by tourists: the circular-shaped Hotel Budapest, a skyscraper among Buda’s hills, visible even from planes. Completed in 1967, it showcased the communists’ ability to construct skyscrapers with unique designs. Hear stories about the hotel and Hungary’s post-‘56 communist history, known as “Goulash Communism,” when Hungary became the “happiest barrack” in the Communist Bloc.
- Liberty Statue - The Liberty Statue on Gellért Hill, a Budapest symbol, has stood for 77 years. Unveiled on April 5, 1947, it was meant to symbolize victory and peace, though many associated it with Soviet forces. Originally called the Liberation Monument, its inscription honored “liberating Soviet heroes.” Modeled after nurse Erzsébet Gaál, the “living Liberty Statue,” her story will be shared during the tour. The statue and citadel are under renovation (reopening December 2025), but the area offers stunning city views and photo opportunities.
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics - The Technical University’s H, T, and R buildings are among the largest remaining Socialist Realist structures in Hungary, with the R building’s facade being particularly notable. During weekdays, visitors can enter and experience a taste of Moscow inside.
- Fehérvári Way - The market hall on Fehérvári Street is unique, not only for its brutalist 1977 design, later covered with a plain exterior, symbolizing Hungary’s rejection of brutalism. Explore the concrete surfaces and ramps inside, and shop for original Hungarian goods.
Opening hours:
Mon: 06.30 – 17.00
Tue – Fri: 06.30 – 18.00
Wed: 06.30 – 15.00
Sun: 7.00 – 14.00
- Bikás Park - Visit a typical Hungarian communist tower block estate and urban center with distinctive architecture. Learn about the construction and life in prefabricated tower blocks. The nearby statue of three bulls offers a great photo opportunity.
- Memento Park - Memento Park is a journey back to the end of Hungary’s communist dictatorship. This open-air museum preserves statues and monuments that once symbolized the regime. Experience the symbolism and decay of these relics, reflecting on Hungary’s past and transition to democracy. Sit in a real East-German Trabant, a notorious communist car.
- District XXI. - Visit Csepel Island, known as “Red Csepel” during communism for its industrial significance. Explore the Csepel Iron Works, a symbol of Soviet-style industrialization, and learn about its role in the 1956 revolution. The area features one of Budapest’s largest communist-style housing estates and surviving socialist realist art.
- Gubacsi Way - The Gubacsi Road Housing Estate is a hidden time capsule from Hungary’s post-war era. Located by the Ráckevei-Danube riverfront, it offers a glimpse into the transition from socialist realism to modernism in the 1950s. Discover rare ceramic reliefs reflecting the area’s industrial and communist past.
- Budapest Retro Interactive Museum - Fulfill dreams of being a broadcaster or driving a Communist Era police car at the Budapest Retro Interactive Museum. Open daily, explore Hungary’s history through interactive exhibits. Experience life during communism and other eras, from wartime to everyday objects and space adventures. This engaging museum offers a nostalgic journey, complete with a Communist era bistro. Capture unforgettable memories and photos!
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic Beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Carbonated beverages
- Alcoholic Beverages
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Admission Memento Park - Adult: 3000 HUF, Student: 1800 HUF, Child under 14: 1200 HUF, Under 6: N/A
- Admission Retro Museum - WEEKENDs: 6.500 HUF, WEEKDAYS: ADULT: 5.500 HUF, DISCOUNT: 4.500 HUF
- Lunch
- Admission Memento Park - Adult: 3000 HUF, Student: 1800 HUF, Child under 14: 1200 HUF, Under 6: N/A
- Admission Retro Museum - WEEKENDs: 6.500 HUF, WEEKDAYS: ADULT: 5.500 HUF, DISCOUNT: 4.500 HUF
Embark on a comprehensive and distinctive roundtrip of communist Budapest to discover Hungary’s remarkable capital from a fresh perspective! This exclusive one-day tour features over 20 stops, showcasing hidden treasures from Hungary’s communist history and significant sites from the 1956 revolution against communist rule, places rarely visited by other…
Embark on a comprehensive and distinctive roundtrip of communist Budapest to discover Hungary’s remarkable capital from a fresh perspective! This exclusive one-day tour features over 20 stops, showcasing hidden treasures from Hungary’s communist history and significant sites from the 1956 revolution against communist rule, places rarely visited by other tour operators.
In addition to the typical communist landmarks in the city center, you’ll uncover lesser-known yet captivating architectural marvels from the era and journey to the suburbs where communism truly flourished. Visit the communist housing estates and explore the Csepel Iron and Metal Works, a vital communist industrial hub.
The tour concludes at Memento Park, an open-air museum that preserves Budapest’s iconic communist statues, providing a profound reflection on Hungary’s tumultuous past. This engaging experience can be adapted to the weather, ensuring a captivating exploration of Hungary’s communist heritage, regardless of the conditions.
- About 10 more attractions that are less known will be shown from the car while driving around the city. The extra time not indicated in the itinerary will be used for travel
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.