Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Budapest, Hungary
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Travel back through time on a 3-hour history tour of Budapest by foot. As you walk, your guide will narrate the country’s rich history, from the 1956 Revolution to the fall of the Iron Curtain and everything in between. Take in stories of World War I and II as you pass the Parliament Building and visit a private exhibition hall to witness cultural relics along with communist propaganda.
- Recent history that put Hungary on the political map: 1956 Revolution, WWI-II, 19th century overview
- Visit to an interactive unique exhibition to find out how families lived, discover how long it took to get a passport and many other interesting experiences from black markets to banana lines
- 1956 Speeches, Protests, Marches and Soviet invasion areas
- Life and culture and how we lived under big brother
- Prelude to freedom with fall of the Iron Curtain
- WWII overview and visit to Shoes on the Danube Bank Holocaust memorial
What's Included
- English speaking guide
- Coffee or tea or soft drink
- Pick-up and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Lutheran Church of Ferenc Deák SquareBudapest, Deák Ferenc tér 4, 1052 Hungary
Meet your guide in front of the Deak Square pale yellow Lutheran Church, at the church steps
End point
- Budapest, Szabadság tér 1, 1054 Hungary
Tour concludes near Liberty Square in the heart of downtown
Operating hours.3:00 pm
Itinerary
Your guide will initiate your trip back through time by discussing Hungary’s role in World War I and II, as well as the 1956 Revolution against the communist government and its Soviet policies.
The Revolution of 1956 continues to be honored every year on October 23, marking the culmination of the Hungarian quest for freedom. Your guide will take you through significant landmarks where protests, speeches and marches took place. A stop at Liberty Square will offer a glimpse at the city’s final tribute to the Soviet Union.
Additionally, you’ll hear stories about life behind the Iron Curtain – how families lived, the great difficulties of travel and many other interesting facts and anecdotes, from black markets to banana lines.
Your guide will then take you to the impressive structure of the Parliament building, where the first shots of the 1956 Revolution were fired. You’ll learn about the important Hungarian figure Imre Nagy, a communist best known for defying the Soviet leaders in Moscow and executed for treason as a result.
Your tour includes an entry to Budapest Retro Interactive Museum about what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. You’ll find out how children were brought up, how families lived, how we travelled and where we could travel. Come and discover how long it took to get a passport and many other interesting experiences from black markets to banana lines. Your guide will walk you through the exhibition and explain the stories behind the artifacts.
The Revolution of 1956 continues to be honored every year on October 23, marking the culmination of the Hungarian quest for freedom. Your guide will take you through significant landmarks where protests, speeches and marches took place. A stop at Liberty Square will offer a glimpse at the city’s final tribute to the Soviet Union.
Additionally, you’ll hear stories about life behind the Iron Curtain – how families lived, the great difficulties of travel and many other interesting facts and anecdotes, from black markets to banana lines.
Your guide will then take you to the impressive structure of the Parliament building, where the first shots of the 1956 Revolution were fired. You’ll learn about the important Hungarian figure Imre Nagy, a communist best known for defying the Soviet leaders in Moscow and executed for treason as a result.
Your tour includes an entry to Budapest Retro Interactive Museum about what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. You’ll find out how children were brought up, how families lived, how we travelled and where we could travel. Come and discover how long it took to get a passport and many other interesting experiences from black markets to banana lines. Your guide will walk you through the exhibition and explain the stories behind the artifacts.
1
Szent Istvan Bazilika
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Szabadsag ter
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Hungarian Parliament Building
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
In memoriam 1956. October 25. Memorial and Exhibition
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Monument to Imre Nagy/Remembrance Day (Oct. 23)
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- NO audio equippment or headphones available on this tour.
- Tour goes in all weather conditions so please dress appropriately
- Not recommended under age 14
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 69 reviews
Darshana, Dec 2025
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.
Victoria_K, Oct 2024
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
Chris_B, Jun 2024
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.
stella_u, Jul 2023
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
Cathy_W, Oct 2022
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.
Sydney_L, Nov 2019
We absolutely loved our walking tour!! The value of what we paid for what we learned and saw was amazing. She asked us what we knew and what we were looking for and she catered the tour around us. The basement of the tour studio was incredible. We loved the stop for coffee and snacks, awesome sight to see. She was also VERY funny and brought life to everything we saw 10/10 would recommend for everyone that visits!!!!
tjAugusta, Oct 2019
Learned a great deal about the history and the experience the people had during WWII and after. How life changed for the people and country. Our tour guide, Balint Alkonri, did an excellent job. Would highly recommend this tour.
L N, Oct 2019
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour and it was an afternoon well spent. Our guide was very passionate about his subject matter and had very in-depth knowledge. The late lunch provided was delicious and we had it at this very interesting venue. This is not a cheap tour but we thought it was worth it.
Guy C, Jul 2019
Way more than we expected. Rebeca did an awesome job by first starting in the basement and giving real life experiences that gave this tour a informative foundation on which to start moving about the city. The walking part of the tour was well paced and Rebecca's passionate explanation about life during occupation, the 56 revolution, and the eventual Soviet exit was so engaging. She answered questions without hesitation which indicated to us that she knew her subject inside and out. My wife, brother and I; thoroughly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it.... and if you're lucky enough to get Rebecca as your guide.... you've landed one of the best.
Alyssa_Y, Jul 2018
We learned a lot on this tour and felt that our tour guide was both extremely knowledgeable and focused on what we wanted to get out of the tour the most. Thank you for offering such an informative tour.
lasievers47, Jul 2018
This tour was really informative and provided a rich back ground on the rich and interesting history of not just Budapest but Hungry as well. Tour starts with some quick historical background, what life was like under Communism using their extensive library of materials. The walking portion brings to the locations of the momentous events, and has some surprises. Great use of your time - brings relevance to the rest of your stay
Marve S, Apr 2018
Our guide, Bogata, was super. She was very personable and extremely knowledgeable. She really cared that we had a great tour. Would highly recommend the tour and Bogata.
Microjenn, Jan 2018
This was great tour. We were the only two on our tour which was great as we could ask questions and really have an informative discussion on the topic. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to learn a bit about the modern history of Hungary.
Ann P, Sep 2017
Saw Liberty Square, the Parliament Buildings all three competition winners and the underground 1956 memorial museum. Also had a tram ride. Bogada gave a very informative view of Hungarian history from WWI and the implications today . There were just the two of us, and the tour ran 3 hours. I would highly recommend it.
TJ, Aug 2017
It was Only me. I think he did his best, even spent more time with me. I feel bad I forgot to tip him.We didn't walk outside much, mostly in the tour agent office. I don't really recommend this tour, because you can find a free communism walking tour, and you will learn much more than in this one!
Susan D, Jun 2017
The start was a bit different started in the basement of the Segway office, but otherwise and informative tour
Keith_H, May 2017
Very informative and worthwhile for the history buff. Recommended.
James C, Apr 2017
Tomas gave us a fascinating insight both into the dark elements of Hungarian communism and fascism, along with the gems of joy and hope under the regimes, such as board games and childhood scrapbooks. Despite at times freezing weather, Tomas was incredibly enthusiastic. He was superbly knowledgable about his subject. This is an outstanding tour.
Lynn_T, Jan 2017
George loves his job and his subject, We have left Budapest enlightened, only thing that would help is audio recording of the whole talk , so many details to bombard yourself with .Mix of a lot of historical details and elements of fun also. Great tour, great guide. Thank You.
ColleenAnn_D, Dec 2016
Very knowledgeable guide as well as passionate about his topic.
Juliana_C, Dec 2016
We took this tour with Lazlo, who was simply GREAT. I highly recommend this tour. Well, WELL worth the time and money.
sandraa_S, Oct 2016
This was a very informative tour offering a very good overview of life in the Communist era.
Wendy D, Oct 2016
A bit long in the 'Communist era apartment'.
The tour leader was knowledgeable and had excellent English. Unfortunately our tour leader was competing with the noise of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for the Red Bull show and it was often difficult to hear her over the noise.
Charlotte R, Sep 2016
George was an excellent tour guide. See Tripadvisor for my detailed review. Enjoy!
david p, Aug 2016
Our guide Laszlo was very knowledgeable about the subject and easy to understand. There were only 3 in the group. The tour started in the basement reviewing some artifacts, news articles, and photos from the time period very interesting. We then walked around Pest where he explained the historical significance of various buildings, statues, and monuments. Our tour ended at the Parliament building at the memorial for the 1956 Revolution. The memorial is extremely well done and emotionally moving a must-see. Very good tour over all.
Dale M, Aug 2016
This tour was excellent. Our guide spent time explaining everyday life from the communist era in a mock up living room reminiscent of that time. The living room included games, books and other items of the day. We then went on a walking tour of the city to see sights relevant to communism and George, our guide, explained everything in detail at each stop. We learned a lot about that period of time for Hungary. He answered all of our questions thoroughly. He was an expert on this time period and it showed through his knowledge and enthusiasm. A great tour!!!
I would highly recommend this tour to everyone and the cost is very reasonable for what you get.
Sara_U, May 2016
The second afternoon we were in Budapest, we did the Communism, Revolution, WWI, and WWII tour with Tomas. We were the only people signed up for the tour, so Tomas was happy to cater it to our personal interests. He took us back in time to Communist Budapest with photos, books, relics, soda, and other mementos of the past. Being huge history nerds, we monopolized his time and peppered him with questions. His passion for Budapest and history was palpable, and there wasn't a question that stumped him. When we finally emerged from communist Budapest, he took us on a walking tour of the city and shared more about the current events and modern-day Budapest. Our only regret was when we finished the tour and that we didn't have more time in Budapest. We will definitely be back though.
George is a fantastic guide with a deep knowledge of his city and the events that have shaped current day Budapest. He knows a lot about history and politics and he is eager to share his passion. Take advantage of the amazing opportunity to learn everything you can from him.
Floyd S, Apr 2016
The tour was outstanding and the young man who was our tour guide was excellent. He was extremely knowledgable and you coud see he loved his work. He was fun to be with. My wife and I thought this was one of our best Viator tours. We learned quite a lot about Hungary during World Wars I and II as well as during the communist occupation. And we saw a number of historical sites including a mock up of a home in the early 70's to feel what living under communism in Hungary was like.
Jan L, Feb 2016
This tour exceeded my expectations. The tour starting point was easy to locate. The tour guide was terrific and I learned a lot from him. He was very responsive to questions. At the conclusion of the tour, he made sure that I got on the correct subway train in the correct direction so that I could get back to my hotel. I definitely recommend this tour.
Jamie S, Nov 2015
One of the most in depth and interesting tours I've ever down.
I was the only person on this tour and was a bit worried but within 5 min of meeting my guide George felt really at ease.
Tour started in a mock up of a 1960's living room where I was shown and explained the items around me and an in-depth insight to Hungary's history past and present then out on to the streets of Budapest to learn and see about the area.
The guide George was exceptionally Knowledgeable and he was very proud and passionate about his heritage and made the tour that much more personal.
Next time I'm in Budapest I will most definitely be using this company again worth every penny and time I even got a fantastic gift at the end of my tour.
Thanks once again for a fantastic afternoon
From $78.87
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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