Communism in Hungary with a Historian
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Budapest, Hungary
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Though for many visitors Budapest is a bustling, modern urban metropolis, history fans know that much more lies just below the surface. Don't miss the chance to discover the Budapest's rich and diverse history on this historian-led, guided walking tour focusing on the communist era in Hungary. Follow your guide to several hidden-in-plain-sight relics—like the remains of an old bunker—and must-see attractions, including St. Stephen's Basilica, with several stops along the way.
- Learn about Budapest's communist past on this guided history walking tour
- Enjoy your guide's attention on this intimate tour, capped at 10 travelers
- Explore Buda and Pest, and visit a Communist-style cafe—with coffee included
- Meet up at Elizabeth Square—and travel by metro—with tickets included
What's Included
- Coffee and/or TeaIncluded drink in a cult, Communist style cafe
- Tickets for subway (public transportation)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Kempinski Hotel Corvinus BudapestBudapest, Erzsébet tér 7-8, 1051 Hungary
The meeting point is in front of the Kempinski hotel, facing the Ferris wheel. In case of bad weather (rain, snow, huge wind) we meet in the hotel lobby.
End point
- Bambi CaféBudapest, Frankel Leó út 2-4, 1027 Hungary
We end the tour usually in Bambi Cafe on the Buda side close to the center and Margaret bridge. On colder / wet days we often end on the Pest side in the center close to where we begin the tour.
Operating hours.2:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Erzsebet ter
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Szent Istvan Bazilika
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Szabadsag ter
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Hungarian Parliament Building
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 70 reviews
Melba_W, Sep 2025
We had the privilege of taking this tour in Budapest with our guide, Judit, and it was truly unforgettable. Judit brought history to life with her deep knowledge, passion, and engaging storytelling. She guided us through some of Budapest most iconic monuments , including important buildings and the old train station & a bunker. Judit’s ability to answer our questions with warmth and professionalism made our experience even more meaningful.
Budapest has been our favorite city on our Danube river cruise and our tour with Judit was truly the icing on the cake.
Dawn_R, Aug 2025
Judith did a great job of describing Hungary past and present. She was very knowledgeable s a number of topics. We definitely enjoyed the experience.
April_P, Aug 2025
Guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. She revealed a side of Budapest I had never seen on my three previous visits.
paula_r, Jun 2025
Guide was very engaging but I expected more than 3 visits to two synagogues….one of which was closed.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Paula,
On the communism tour we do not go to synagogues, I think you were on our jewish tour.
It is a hard situation that the synagogues are closed due to renovations, but when they open we will visit them form the inside.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Sandra_S, May 2025
Raymond was extremely knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic. He brought communism in Hungary to life by telling how his family’s business was nationalized and his grandfather was forced to work in his own factory as poorly paid help, overseen by someone with no knowledge but loyal to the party. The party also forced his family to give up the apartments they owned and “assigned” them to live with another family in poorer quarters. He talked about how the church survived by “donating” money to the party. He also explained about working and living conditions under communism, and the fear that someone would “turn you in” to the party. His enthusiasm was infectious. He went above and beyond to escort us to our next destination. It was a great afternoon helping us understand an important part of Budapest’s history that you don’t get on regular city tours. Thanks, Raymond!
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi Sandra,
Thank you very much for the review. We are very gald that you've enjoyed the tour.
Also I am extremly happy that the stories stuck with you.
All the best,
Raymond
Peter_C, Sep 2024
Gabriel made the whole tour worthwhile , so endearing , knowledgeable made it so easy to follow along as well as answering any and all questions . We would highly recommend both him and this tour
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for the kind words, we're glad you've enjoyed our tour.
All the best,
Raymond and the Budapest Explorers
Paul_H, Sep 2024
We enjoyed visiting pertinent Budapest sites from the communist and Cold War era, e.g. the Terminal, the bomb shelter, and the various monuments, as well as the conclusion in the ‘communist cafe’. The guide was informative and provided anecdotes from her family’s experiences during the Cold War.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for the kind words, we're glad you've enjoyed our tour.
All the best,
Raymond and the Budapest Explorers
John_D, Aug 2024
A really fabulous tour that was chock full of history and unique interesting stories about Budapest. Raymond was a fantastic guide who made the tour enjoyable and informative.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for the kind words, we're glad you've enjoyed our tour.
All the best,
Raymond and the Budapest Explorers
MariaD_P, Apr 2024
This tour was an excellent experience for us that highlighted a lot of information about Communism in Hungary. My husband and I did this tour on a very cold day this week (04/24) with another lady and the 3 of us had a fun time despite the rain and cold because of our very knowledgeable and kind tour guide Gabriel. He was also extremely patient and despite the inclement weather, he did the tour with enthusiasm. He tried his best to present both sides of the spectrum. Gabriel is definitely one of the best guides one can hope for. The lady with us also stated that she wanted to be in all of Gabriel’s tours while she is in Budapest.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much for the review. We are very gald that you've enjoyed the tour.
All the best,
Raymond and the Budapest Explorers
Stuart_B, Apr 2024
Daniel and Raymon, were fantastic sources of information, their knowledge of the communist era is very thorough, I highly recommend this tour. Not only did they know about the commie times they were on top of the interwar years and the he of the Kingdoms of Hungary
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you very much, Stuart for the review. We are very gald that you've enjoyed our tour.
All the best,
Raymond and the Budapest Explorers
Vicki_B, Feb 2024
This was a great historical tour lead by Greg. Greg was very informative with the communist history of Hungary. I would highly recommend this tour and Greg as a tour guide.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Dear Vicki!
Thank you very much for your kind messages and review, it warms our hearts :)
We wish you all the best from Hungary,
Greg, Daniel and the Budapest Explorers Team
ShaikhahDheyaa_B, Oct 2023
The tour guide mr Andraś was amazing, he had a lot of knowledge and shared so many related stories and experiences with us
Response from Host, Nov 2023
Thanks a lot for joining our tour with András and for taking your time to review!
Let us know when you're in Budapest next time :)
Best,
András, Daniel and BE Team
Elizabeth_W, Aug 2023
Fabulous tour providing an in-depth look at communism and its unique aspects in Hungary. Virag was able to provide a wealth of information including some very personal anecdotes.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
The Communism tour is Virág's favourite :)
Thanks a lot for joining and let us know when you visit Budapest the next time,
Daniel, Virag and Budapest Explorers Team
Jeff_L, Aug 2023
Your guide was well prepared and east to listen to. She related personal stories that were a good addition.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
Thanks a lot for joining, we're very happy to hear that! :)
All the best,
Daniel & Budapest Explorers Team
Russell_J, Jul 2023
We had a lovely student of both history and the communist Era who wrote a thesis on the subject! Information was deep and thorough and included some personal stories which helps the information come alive. If you are into this period of history and looking for a deeper dive than your average tour, this is it!
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Virág was very happy to read your review :)
The Communism tour is her favorite one. Look us up next time you're in Budapest and recommend us to your friends if you can.
Best,
Daniel, Virág and Budapest Explorers Team
Maureen_P, Jul 2023
Our guide, Greg, shared his insights thoughtfullly. His knowledge and expertise was outstanding and very interesting.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Great to hear, thanks a lot for writing a review and for joining.
All the best,
Daniel, Greg and Budapest Explorers Team
Lisa_R, Jun 2023
My daughter and I absolutely loved this walking tour, and our amazing guide Gabor. We felt Budapest and Hungary's history come to life around us: Gabor revealed how a city-scape that might have just been beautiful was rich in stories of resilience, determination, pain, occupation and invention and reinvention. The tour was well-paced and we particularly appreciated how all the information Gabor relayed felt so honest and balanced.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Great to hear, thank you so much. Gábor has worked with us from the beginning of Budapest Explorers, over 5 years :)
We wish you have the best,
Gábor, Dániel and Budapest Explorers Team
David_R, Jun 2023
The end of the tour. We ended at a bar that was around during the communist era. We had a drink or two and discussed all that we had seen during the day, along with how it relates to current events. It was extremely fascinating and informative.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Thank you for your very kind words!
The bar Bambi was opened in 1961 and it hasn't changed too much ever since :)
All the best,
Daniel & Budapest Explorers Team
Sue_A, May 2023
This was a great way to spend an afternoon. The history of Hungary is so rich and I was happy to ask all types of questions. Our guide Greg was friendly, knowledgeable, understanding, and invited questions. I felt like I was just hanging out with a friend. Being able to ask questions from someone that has personal experience living in a communist time (for a period) was remarkable. Thanks so much !
Response from Host, May 2023
Thanks so much for joining our tour and taking your time to review!
We are happy to have you next time and recommend us to your friends if you can :)
Best,
Greg, Daniel and Budapest Explorers Team
Christine_W, Apr 2023
The guide was very interresting and also bringing interresting elements with the actual politics.
Thanks Daniel 👍🙂
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you very much :)
As we like to say, we discuss everything except US politics: I especially like to talk politics as I had been a political activist.
All the best,
Daniel
Karen_M, Apr 2023
Andras proved to be a great story teller as well as a knowledgeable historian and guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon and learned lots about Budapest and Hungary. Excellent tour!
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thank you very much, Karen, it was our pleasure to show you around :)
Do get in touch when you visit Budapest again!
All the best,
Andras, Daniel and Budapest Explorers Team
Seth_S, Aug 2022
András was an incredible tour guide. It far exceeded what I was expecting. He did a great job explaining the history and politics of Hungary before and during the Second World War and how that history affected the country's more recent past with communism.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Seth!
That's really great to hear, we're very happy to hear your opinion! :)
Let us know if you'd like to join any other tour in the future.
All the best!
Lisa_H, Oct 2019
Peter was a wonderful tour guide and I learned a lot about how the Hungarians coped during this time and how they delt with freedom from this rule. Highly recommended
MASAMICHI_A, Jan 2024
わかりやすいスローの英語で説明していただいたので、英語の苦手な私としては大変に助かりました。個人的には当時の秘密警察に特化したようなツアーも企画していただければと思います。思い出作りにお世話になりました。
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you very much for your kind messages and review :)
We wish you all the best from Hungary,
Greg, Daniel and the Budapest Explorers Team
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