Communist Era Bucharest Tour
Description
Enjoy a 3 hour, information rich, private tour of Bucharest centre concentrating on the recent history of this great city, including the Palace of Parliament, Unirii Square and fountains, the former Communist Party headquarters, and Revolution Square, where the famous revolution of Christmas 1989 began. Hear my own story, of life under under Nicolae Ceausescu, how I was sworn in allegiance to the great leader and his tyrannical wife, as one of Romania's 'Pioneers', taught to load and fire an AK-74 assault rifle, (while at high school), and lived only a few miles from the heart of the uprising in Revolution Square...
Tour Options
Itinerary
The heart of Bucharest, built as part of the Communist planned modernisation programme, now regenerated to become a modern, bustling centre of the city, featuring the spectacular, newly restored, Unirii fountains.
The former Boulevard of Socialist Victory, the Champs-Élysées of Bucharest, featuring 17 artesian fountains decorated to represent the 4 seasons of the year.
Nicolae Ceaușescu's massive parliament building, Casa Poporului, built to be the house of people, looms over the centre of Bucharest. Hear the interesting history of the heaviest building in the world!
Take a walk along part of Victoria Avenue, lined with beautiful shops and learn what it was like in the Communist era.
The CEC Bank, bank of the people during the Communist years.
See the grandeur of Romania's National bank and hear about its interesting history.
University Square, see the oldest and largest University in Bucharest and hear about the Intercontinental Hotel Bucharest, completed and opened in 1971.
Pass by and learn the history of the National Theatre of Bucharest, an iconic building with many changes to its design in its short history!!
See the area where the famous revolution of 1989 started and the memorials that commemorate the life changing events. Including the balcony where Nicolae Ceaușescu made his final speech, the former headquarters of the Communist party, the Monument of National Rebirth, King Carol the first's equestrian statue and the University library, and more. Excellent photo opportunities.
See and hear about the important statue of 3 time prime minister Iuliu Maniu and his struggle in the early years of Communism
The 25 meter high Memorial that commemorates the struggles and victims of the Romanian Revolution of Christmas 1989.
Built for the people of Bucharest by the people of Bucharest, over 100 years ago. Beautiful gardens and a stunning historical building. Excellent photo opportunities
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Meet at your centrally located hotel or our meeting point, outside main enterance of Manucs Inn, 62 Strada Franceza, in the heart of the Old Centre.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Reviews(25)
Hire in Spanish and the only thing that was in that language was the audio guide that the guide gave us with a QR, which was about the history of Romania. The tour went to Peles, Bran and Brasov. The guide spoke EVERYTHING IN ENGLISH!!! While Mihai knew 5 languages, including Spanish. For me a fraud because I understood half or nothing... I searched just for the language.
This tour, though short, offered a informative insight during the Communist Era. Alina, my guide, showed me both how it started until the dissolution of Communism into a democratic government. She showed some wonderful sights both historical and nostalgic. All of the sites throughout Bucharest definitely showed how Communism shaped the city. It definitely shaped my perspective on what I learned back in school. Speaking of perspective, not necessarily all points were bad in Communism. History only shows us one part, but as you dig in depth, there is more to it. The main thing that Alina told me: "It depends on how leaders apply the doctrine." That is definitely true; throughout this era, some did benefit under the Communist doctrine. As time moved on, things did get shaky, and people wanted in the end. Overall, this tour offered a good insight from a local. It will definitely change your view and appreciate it more because it opens your eye more. If you are in Bucharest, book this tour as a good introduction.
Thank you for taking the time to leave this in depth review of the Days of Communism Tour of Bucharest. It was a pleasure to meet you and I'm glad you enjoyed learning about the history of my city.
Alina was AMAZING… so knowledgeable about what the country was going through and life during communism compared to now. Presented history in context with the times.
Thank you for the great review. I'm glad you had a good time visiting Bucharest and it was nice to meet you.
Alina was a very thorough and informative guide. Showing us plenty of places of interest including Palace of the people (Parliament Palace), Revolution Square and plenty of other buildings of interest. Alina was a very passionate guide, and we all enjoyed being shown around by her. 5 stars for Alina.
It was a pleasure meeting you and i am glad you enjoyed the tour.
Some difficulty understanding our guide. Provided a lot of information. It was interesting that the impression we got from her about the communist time was much less negative that what we heard from other guides.
Thank you for the review , it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you had a great time in Bucharest.
Thanks to Alina and her interesting commentaries about places and life in Romania innthe past and tokay.
Thank you for the lovely review, I'm glad you had a great time in Bucuresti.
Alina gave an outstanding tour. It was just the two of us, and she shared a wealth of information about Romania's creation post-Ottoman Era, the work of King Carol I, Romania between the wars and after, the Communist takeover, life during and since for ordinary Romanians. Honesty, wit and clearsighted delivery; enthusiastic and knowledgeable suggestions for places to visit and willingness to expand information and clarify. Great and justified pride in Romania. Thank you, Alina.
I'm glad you had a good time , it was a pleasure to meet you and I hope you are enjoying the places in Romania you visited.
Great tour and lot of explanations to understand the communist area, recommended if you want to know more
Thank you for the great review, I'm delighted you liked the tour and your time in Bucharest.
Splendid, information rich walking tour of Bucharest focusing on the Communist period. Alina, our guide was wonderful and covered a lot in 3 hours. Can recommend.
I didn’t realize I was booking a private tour and it was fabulous! Alina came to pick us up at the hotel and walked us around the city as she regaled us with stories of the communist regime. She was so knowledgeable and so attuned to any interests we might have. I very much enjoyed this tour and am so glad I decided to take part in it. It was a great learning experience but also allowed us the opportunity to see Bucharest on foot.
