Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour

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.

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.

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!