Private Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour
Badge of Excellence
Budapest, Hungary
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Swap Prague’s medieval history for its 20th-century past on this 3.5-hour walking tour. With an expert guide, explore the places where many of the momentous events of World War II and Prague ’s period under communist rule occurred. Visit Wenceslas Square, scene of the 1968 Prague Spring and 1989 Velvet Revolution; see the former headquarters of the Nazis, Communist Party and KGB, and view Republic Square and other sites as your guide recounts the people and events that shaped today’s city. Numbers are limited to 15 for a more personalized experience.
- Historical walking tour of Prague’s Nazi and communist sites
- Great tour for history buffs!
- Walk through Old Town and to the old Jewish quarter
- See former headquarter buildings of the Gestapo, KGB and SS
- Learn about the protests that took place on National Avenue
- Visit Wenceslas Square and the Square of the Republic
- Small-group tour limited to 15 people ensures a more personalized experience with your guide
What's Included
- Licensed English speaking expert guide
- Refreshment stop with a beverage
- Pick-up
- Drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Please give us your accommodation details at the time of booking or pick up location must be reported latest 72 hours due to tour time.
Itinerary
Meet your guide in central Prague and after an introduction to the city’s 20th-century history, set off on your 3.5-hour small-group walking tour.
Start along Bartolomejska Street, home to a former WWII prison once used by secret police to torture prisoners. Hear about this dark chapter in Prague’s history, and continue to National Avenue, a grand thoroughfare that divides the Old and New Towns.
Stroll along the avenue as your guide describes the student protests staged here against the occupying Nazis in 1939, and then against Soviet rule in 1989.
Continue to Wenceslas Square, one of Prague’s most famous squares, and the historical focal point of the Czech people’s struggle against foreign occupation.
Pause to imagine the square as it was in 1968 and early 1969, when Soviet tanks rolled in to crush the Prague Spring — a period of Czech liberalization that would ultimately presage the revolution of 1989.
Then, visit Republic Square, named after the 1918 proclamation of an independent Czechoslovakia. Hear about the square during WWII and how the Czech resistance established secret broadcast stations that ultimately led to the 1945 Prague Uprising. Learn how these struggles ended, ironically, when the square became home to the Communist Party three years later.
Wander into the Old Town and see other important sites, including the balcony from where the communist leader Klement Gottwald declared the takeover of the Czech government in 1948.
See where Albert Einstein lived during his work at Prague’s Charles University, and hear how his theories led to the invention of the atom bomb. Then, view the Old Jewish Cemetery and other landmarks, including the former headquarters of the Nazi SS and communist-era KGB.
Cap your tour at Letna Park on the Vltava River. Stroll along the riverside and hear about the world’s largest statue of Stalin, built here in 1955 and then destroyed in 1962.
Your tour then ends in central Prague.
Start along Bartolomejska Street, home to a former WWII prison once used by secret police to torture prisoners. Hear about this dark chapter in Prague’s history, and continue to National Avenue, a grand thoroughfare that divides the Old and New Towns.
Stroll along the avenue as your guide describes the student protests staged here against the occupying Nazis in 1939, and then against Soviet rule in 1989.
Continue to Wenceslas Square, one of Prague’s most famous squares, and the historical focal point of the Czech people’s struggle against foreign occupation.
Pause to imagine the square as it was in 1968 and early 1969, when Soviet tanks rolled in to crush the Prague Spring — a period of Czech liberalization that would ultimately presage the revolution of 1989.
Then, visit Republic Square, named after the 1918 proclamation of an independent Czechoslovakia. Hear about the square during WWII and how the Czech resistance established secret broadcast stations that ultimately led to the 1945 Prague Uprising. Learn how these struggles ended, ironically, when the square became home to the Communist Party three years later.
Wander into the Old Town and see other important sites, including the balcony from where the communist leader Klement Gottwald declared the takeover of the Czech government in 1948.
See where Albert Einstein lived during his work at Prague’s Charles University, and hear how his theories led to the invention of the atom bomb. Then, view the Old Jewish Cemetery and other landmarks, including the former headquarters of the Nazi SS and communist-era KGB.
Cap your tour at Letna Park on the Vltava River. Stroll along the riverside and hear about the world’s largest statue of Stalin, built here in 1955 and then destroyed in 1962.
Your tour then ends in central Prague.
1
Budapest
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Szent Istvan Bazilika
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Szabadsag ter
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Hungarian Parliament Building
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
In memoriam 1956. October 25. Memorial and Exhibition
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
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
- Due to the topic, it is not recommended for children under age 14
- The tour runs in all weather, so please dress appropriately
- This tour involves 2.5 hours of continuous walking on high curbs, stairs, and slippery surfaces, making it unsuitable for people with limited mobility.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Reviews
4.4
based on 47 reviews
Juan_C, Mar 2020
We had a great experience, great tour, HONZA was a GREAT tour guide. All questions answered. Perfect length of tour
Michael D, Mar 2018
Our tour guide Jan was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, but my reaction was that the tour order could have benefited from being a bit more chronological, than issue by issue as we went in a pre-planned circle of the inner ring of Old Town. There was more of an emphasis on the period immediately prior to the velvet revolution and not as much about the WWII resolution that lead to communist rule, and life under communism.
Bradley R, Sep 2016
A very sweet guide, who was very passionate about her home country, gave us a wonderful tour of Prague as is was during the Communist era. A bit too much time was given to the museum. It would have been better to add that to the end of the tour as something we could do on our own.
Jeremy M, Sep 2016
I was privileged to have a great guide Martina who had lived through the Communist period. Her insights made the tour an unforgettable experience. It was so good to have this personal attention compared with the large groups that swarmed around.
colin w, Jun 2016
Unfortunately when we turned up we were advised that the tour had been changed to communist history only! However as there were just the 2 of us John honza our tour guide was quite happy to adjust the tour on the day to meet our particular requests for ww2 history and the velvet revolution! His knowledge as a philosophy student was excellent and the pace for us retired folk was just right! many thanks john for an excellent tour...well done
Susan E, Sep 2015
Very disappointing as our guide Peter had us standing in one spot for 1hour and 15 mins before we had even started the walking tour on quite a hot day. He talked more about him and his family and how they hated the Russians and showed us were he had demonstrated when he was younger with his parents. I would have expected a guide to be impartial on his views about history, therefore we were very disappointed in this tour and having used Viator in the past we would have to consider very carefully using Viator in the future to book tours.
Anthony S, Sep 2015
An excellent tour for those wanting to learn about the 20th century history of the area. Our guide Yonas was great! He was friendly, knowledgeable, patient, courteous and helpful. We learned a lot from him.
Susan, Sep 2015
An excellent comfortable walking tour led by a very knowledgeable guide who was present during the Velvet Resolution. A great history refresher. The guide has very good insight into issues then as well as today. I highly recommend this as one of your initial tours as it also helps orient you to the city as well.
Angie_R, Jul 2015
A great tour. Really interesting and fantastic guide.
chee.kuan.tang, Jun 2015
This guide was full of zest and proud of his country's heritage. He actually tailored the walk to suit our request to focus more on the life during the Cold War era, through the Nazi era, post-Cold War till the fall of Communism. Very rich knowledge and fruitful sharing.
Andre L, Jan 2015
This was a very informative tour. Only spoilt by the fact that the weather was very cold and we spent a lot of time outside listening and we were freezing. Would be good,if the tour leader could have an alternative itinerary which involved more time inside while he gives the history.
William C, Jan 2015
The tour was excellent. Mikel was passionate and knowledgeable about Czech 20th century history. Our 19 year old and we really enjoyed the tour.
Sandy E, Aug 2014
I enjoyed our guide although it was difficult to understand him because his a English wasn't strong.
Amanda C, Jul 2014
Our tour guide was a native Czech who grew up in Prague and therefore had a vast knowledge of the events of WWII and Communism in Prague. The tour was a little long (3+ hours) but very extensive and interesting. Some highlights were the crypt where the assassins of Reinhard Heydrich hid out in 1942, and the memorial to those who lived through communism. If you like history, all in the all this is a great tour.
Patrice G, Jun 2014
Martin, our guide, was fantastic. Knew lots of history. He took us into the public library of the city of Prague because I am a librarian and he thought I would be interested. I was! Very thoughtful, educated young man. Great Tour guide.
Justine C, Jun 2014
Our guide was incredibly knkowledgeable and brought along additional materials to help us understand the history. This tour was unexpectedly my favorite tour in Prague. Highly recommended if you have any interest in the communis or WWII eras.
Geeta R, Jun 2014
First of all, the directions to get to the starting point were not specific enough and we almost gave up trying to find it . When we got there,it was as if no one was expecting us. Our guide actually expressed surprise that we were able to find the place! It was just my husband and myself with the guide. He again expressed surprise that we were interested in WWII and Communist history of PRAGUE,stating that is only a very tiny part of the history of Prague! He did not appear to have a clear idea of what he wanted to tell us, He just rambled on and took us on a walk-around which at times appeared to be aimless . Terribly disappointing!
.eend, he said that this was hio
Christina C, May 2014
Mike was a great guide who gave a lot perspective to the stories of what life was like under both Nazi and Communist rule. We did quite a lot of walking to many of the important sites and heard the major stories of Czech history under these regimes. I definitely want to learn more.
Jacqueline D, Apr 2014
Mike was first class, young, enthusiastic and knew masses of background information. Responded very well to all our areas of special interest. We enjoyed discussing many historical issues with him. Fabulous.
Kim R, Jan 2014
The guide was excellent and very knowledgeable, with a real enthusiasm for the subject which was very specialist. He brought the tour alive with old photos and articles on his tablet.
A walking tour such as this is a great way to see some of the hidden aspects of Prague, highly recommended
Catherine_A, Jan 2014
Our layover flight was cancelled so we missed our originally scheduled small tour. For a small additional fee, they booked us a private tour and it was well worth it! We very much appreciated Max working to fit us in as we only had 2 full days in Prague. Michael was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable. The most interesting part for us was learning about Reinhard Heydrich's assassination right in Prague. We LOVED Prague
Caroline R, Nov 2013
The guide was excellent. He had a real enthusiasm for the subject which is specialist. He complemented the tour with old photos on his tablet which really brought the trip,alive.
Mrs. Celia M, Nov 2013
Except for the weather we had a fantastic tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and as we very only a family of 3 it was like a private tour so we could ask him all sorts of questions. Great tour !
David D, Nov 2013
Again, we were fortunate to be a group of two with another personalised tour. Our guide was very experienced and knowledgeable. We walked and talked for hours about Prague from WW2 to today through both the NAZI and COMMUNIST Era. We learnt and discovered so much about the history of this town. I would certainly recommend this tour. It is a must do.
Dianne, Oct 2013
We were the only people on this tour and were very impressed with our young guide's knowledge of both WW11 and the Communist history. His family had lived in Prague during both eras so he had personal stories to share as well as facts.
Anne M, Oct 2013
very good tour. visited the castle a few years ago on another tour but did not see many of the places included this time i.e. monastery, Vladislav Hall etc
Peter_J, Oct 2013
Excellent tour! Guide personable and extremely knowledgeable. The walk around Prague and hearing the history of World War II and invasion of Nazi and communist regimes was so interesting and should be remembered. Excellent tour!
Judith M, Sep 2013
The tour was excellent. Our tour guide, Mike, knew the history of the era extremely well. He recounted interesting stories. It rained during the entire tour but none of us thought
of leaving. I would highly recommend this tour.
steven b, Sep 2013
OK - the guide was clearly interested in the subject matter, but he did not make it as interesting as perhaps it could be, although that may be because i knew a lot of it from other tours or from my knowledge of history anyway.
Lynette B, Sep 2013
We felt the tour was over priced for our 2 half (not 3) hours. A lot of standing still, with very long explanations that could have been easily shortened. More walking of the city as only 6 people.
From $151.73
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Private Budapest Hammer & Sickle Communist Times Tour
47
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$151.73
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Budapest, Hungary
- Margaret Island (Margit-Sziget) Tours & Tickets
- House of Parliament (Országház) Tours & Tickets
- Heroes' Square (Hosök Tere) Tours & Tickets
- Dohány Street Synagogue Tours & Tickets
- Kazinczy Street Synagogue Tours & Tickets
- Budapest Jewish Quarter (District VII) Tours & Tickets
- Elisabeth Bridge (Erzsébet Híd) Tours & Tickets
- Holy Trinity Column (Szentháromság-Szobor) Tours & Tickets
- Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid) Tours & Tickets
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences Tours & Tickets
- Gellért Hill (Gellert-Hegy) Tours & Tickets
- Buda Castle (Budai Vár) Tours & Tickets
- Palvolgyi Caves (Pálvölgyi Barlang) Tours & Tickets
- Citadella Tours & Tickets
- Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) Tours & Tickets
- Danube Promenade Tours & Tickets
- Budapest City Park (Városliget) Tours & Tickets
- Váci Street (Váci Utca) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Budapest, Hungary
- House of Parliament (Országház) Tours & Tickets
- Buda Castle (Budai Vár) Tours & Tickets
- Budapest Danube River Tours & Tickets
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths (Széchenyi Gyógyfürdo) Tours & Tickets
- Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom) Tours & Tickets
- Chain Bridge (Széchenyi Lanchid) Tours & Tickets
- St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika) Tours & Tickets