• 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 showcasing 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 today, the building itself is a symbol of Hungary’s 20th-century history under totalitarian regimes. Visitors can explore the museum independently later.
• Bem József Memorial - The next 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.
• Bambi Café - Enjoy a drink at a genuine time capsule from the communist era! This coffee house/bar (presszó in Hungarian) has been preserved in its original form.
• Marczibányi Square Culture Centre - Marczibányi Téri Művelődési Központ - Peek inside a cultural center from the communist era, built in 1972 for young people. It offered meaningful—and carefully supervised—activities as alternatives to beat concerts and other ‘questionable’ gatherings. Briefly visit the reception hall, a striking example of the architecture and atmosphere of the time.
• Hotel Budapest - Visit an iconic Budapest building often overlooked by tourists: the circular-shaped Hotel Budapest, a skyscraper among the Buda hills visible from planes. Completed in 1967, it showcased that socialist countries could build skyscrapers with unique designs. Hear interesting stories about the hotel and Hungary’s communist history post-1956 revolution, known as “Goulash Communism,” when Hungary became the “happiest barrack” in the Communist Block.
• Liberty Statue - The Liberty Statue atop Gellért Hill, a landmark of Budapest, has stood for 78 years. Unveiled on April 5, 1947, it symbolized victory and peace, though many associated it with Soviet occupation. Originally named the Liberation Monument, its inscription honored “liberating Soviet heroes.” Modeled after nurse Erzsébet Gaál, the statue’s story is both a blessing and a curse. The guide will share more about the monument and her story during the tour. Although under renovation (reopening December 2025), visitors can still explore the site and enjoy breathtaking city views.
• 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 well-designed. During weekdays, visitors can enter and experience the interior, reminiscent of Moscow.
• Fehérvári Way - The market hall on Fehérvári Street is unique, not only because of personal childhood memories shared by the guide. Originally a 1977 brutalist building, it was later covered with a plain white exterior, symbolizing Hungary’s rejection of brutalism, a style favored by the Soviet Union. Explore the concrete surfaces and innovative ramps inside, and browse original Hungarian goods.

Opening hours:
Nyitvatartás
Mon: 06.30 – 17.00
Tue – Fri: 06.30 – 18.00
Wed: 06.30 – 15.00
Sun: 7.00 – 14.00

• Restaurant Alba Regia - Enjoy lunch at a hidden gem, a local favorite away from tourist crowds. The menu is in Hungarian, but the guide will assist in choosing a delightful dish.
• Budapest-Külső-Kelenföldi Református Egyházközség - Surprisingly, churches were built during the communist era, though they often don’t resemble traditional places of worship. This hidden gem, located at the base of communist-era residential towers, is a striking example. Built in the brutalist style, it’s a place you’d only find if you knew where to look.
• Bikás Park - Visit a typical Hungarian communist tower block estate and its urban center, featuring characteristic architecture. The guide will discuss the construction and features of communist housing estates 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 final moments of Hungary’s communist dictatorship. This open-air museum preserves the imposing statues and monuments that once symbolized the regime in Budapest. Experience a thought-provoking journey through the symbolism in the artworks and the sight of these relics decaying under the elements. Reflect on Hungary’s turbulent past and the transition to democracy. Plus, sit in a real East-German Trabant, a notorious communist car!
• Budafoki kísérleti lakótelep - Make a brief stop at the Experimental Housing Estate, a successful example of communist-era housing in Budapest, where the guide lived until age six.
• Weiss Manfréd Iron Works Ltd. - Visit Csepel Island in the Danube, known as “Red Csepel” during the communist era for its industrial significance and working-class stronghold. Explore the Csepel Iron Works, a massive industrial complex symbolizing Soviet-style industrialization in Hungary. The factory employed thousands and produced steel, machinery, and vehicles. The workers played a crucial role in the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The factory is surrounded by one of Budapest’s largest communist-style tower block housing estates, with other examples of socialist realist art and architecture.
• Gubacsi Way - Gubacsi Road Housing Estate is a hidden time capsule from Hungary’s post-war era. Nestled along the Ráckevei-Danube riverfront, this community offers a glimpse into the transition from socialist realism to modernism in the 1950s. See rare, colorful ceramic reliefs evoking the area’s industrial and communist past.
• Budapest Retro Interactive Museum - Ever dreamed of being a broadcaster or driving a Communist Era police car? At the Budapest Retro Interactive Museum, it’s possible! 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 through the past, complete with a Communist era bistro. Create unforgettable memories and take plenty of photos!

• 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

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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.