Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour
Description
In this tour, you'll receive a comprehensive overview of Hungary's communist era. Learn about how children were raised, family life, travel restrictions, and what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Discover the lengthy process to acquire a passport and experience intriguing aspects of the time, from black markets to banana lines. We'll explore the history of the Communist government appointed after World War II, whose policies led to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. The tour provides an overview and highlights major locations where significant events unfolded. We'll visit Liberty Square and Budapest's last remaining Soviet monument. Our journey will take us to the Hungarian Parliament, where the first shots that sparked the uprising were triggered. We'll also visit an exhibition near the Parliament, the site of the initial volley.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Learn about how communism affected the religious life and operation of the different churches
Visit the Soviet Memorial, where you can learn about the end of World War II, the beginning of the occupation, and how the Communist Party seized power over the country.
The square in front of the Parliament played an important role in the first days of the 1956 revolution. Here you can learn what led to the outbreak of the revolution and how the party leadership handled the events.
On October 25, 1956, on the second day of the revolution, the military authorities and Soviet tanks fired into the gathering crowd. The exhibition presents the events with archive footage and recollections.
Visit the statue of Imre Nagy, a leader of the 1956 revolution who was later executed. His reburial was an important moment in the change of regime.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- NO audio equippment or headphones available on this tour.
- Tour goes in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
- Not recommended under age 14
Reviews(69)
Greg gave us a great overview of Hungary under Soviet occupation. Because he spent part of his life under communism, and because he saw effects on his family, he could discuss his experiences, and how the occupation has after effects to this day. A very interesting and informative tour.
We really enjoyed this tour and especially our guide, Anna, who is extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Anna explained the communist past of both the city and the country in a very clear, thoughtful, and neutral way, focusing on historical context rather than pushing any bias, but added lots of personal and family stories from the era. The tour ended at the Retro Museum, which added a great touch and helped bring everyday life under communism to life. It was a very good introduction to Budapest and its history, and we’d highly recommend it, especially early in your stay.
This was the best tour we took on our trip to Budapest. Greg was very knowledgable and equally entertaining, telling us about both experiences under Communism and the city around us. I’m still talking about it now I’m back home, a few hours very well spent.
I truly had a personal guide experience. My guide lived through communism and the Liberation. He had first had experience and could Speak to all with full knowledge
Celeste did a very good job of educating us on life in Hungary during the Communist rule. She gave us a a knowledge of the history of the region leading up to communism and the time since. We had a good walk around town ending with a visit to a museum dedicated to every day life during the communist era. Her knowledge of history was appreciated and the stops we made informative. On our trip down the Rhine-Main-Danube, this tour was different than any other tour we had and helped us understand life in a different time.
Greg was wonderful. He gave a quick summary of Hungarian history at the beginning of the tour which was important to understand how Hungary is where it is now. Hearing stories of life under communist government was very interesting. Highly recommend
This was an excellent tour, and Andrea did a wonderful job. She was exceptionally knowledgeable about every aspect of the history of Communism in Hungary, and we were very, very impressed with every aspect of this tour. Highly recommended.
I took this tour 10 years ago and found it memorable. While I was hoping for a similar experience, the tour has changed, with no "feel and touch" items (games, passports) that brought the experience to life (this because of the costs of maintaining an office for teaching face to face). This tour is a walking tour to places that highlight Budapest's experience under the Soviets, winding up at a museum of "retro" items -- a 1950s kitchen and appliances, the opportunity to record yourself as announcer on a radio or TV show. Andrea was our guide -- and gave us information that made the tour superb; we got everything from the tour (and Andrea) that we had hoped to. We were interested in knowing about Hungary's social and political climate today, and the historical roots of these issues. Andrea offered us a comprehensive and nuanced picture of Hungary today, touching on issues that go back decades, and a picture of where the country is now. The museum is an add-on -- and something we've seen elsewhere that didn't add to our knowledge, so we chose not to stay. It's interactive activities may be of interest to some, and you have the option of staying and exploring the museum after your time with the tour is officially over.) However, this is a quibble. If you're interested in these issues, I'd definitely recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your feedback. We’re glad that you enjoyed the tour with Andrea. We have to change our tours over time in accordance with the given circumstances. We do not have access to the former small exhibition room, so we are happy that the Retro Budapest Museum created a great collection, from furnishings to various relics, through which we can present contemporary life. Thank you for choosing us again and we hope to see you in Budapest next time.
Great tour that lived up to all expectations. Andrea was knowledgeable and the content of the tour was so interesting. The two museums (1956 memorial and retro museums) were additive. It was fantastic to learn more about such a historical city with a guide that had so much to add.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.
Zsolt was a terrific guide and a fount of information! We really enjoyed our tour and learned so much from him. He made it easy to absorb the history and told us personal anecdotes from his family. We highly recommend this tour with Zsolt!
Thank you for getting back to us. It’s delightful to see that you enjoyed your Budapest sightseeing tour with Zsolt. Hope you will join us in Prague and Krakow too.
