Contrasts of Communism - Small Group Walking Tour in Bucharest

5 (47) 3h

Overview

You will discover the story of the rise to power of the Romanian communist party and the unparalleled cult of personality of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, standing in front of his iconic balcony. You will learn how Ceausescu’s craving for applause led to his overturn in the most violent anti-communist revolution of 1989. You will go off the beaten path and take advantage of Bucharest's great public transportation to get to the Memorial Cemetery of the Heroes of 1989 and a unique Monument for the leaders of the communist party. On a tour full of contrasts you will learn about day-to-day life during communism, the economy, the propaganda, the relationship with religion, the fear of the secret police. You will also explore the Civic Center and the exterior of the Palace of Parliament and learn about the achievements of architects, but also the sacrifices for the local community, the demolitions during the 1980s. You will finish the walk on Unirii Boulevard, near Parliament and old town.

What's included

  • Public transportation ticket

Meeting and pickup

Meet at the start point

Start point

Go to street Boteanu no 3. Look for your guide in front of the entrance of the small coffee shop called Boteca13

End point

You end the tour near Parliament and old town.

What to expect

  1. You will stand in the place where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last speech in 1989 and hear the story of the rise and fall of the communist dictatorship.

    30 min

  2. You will stand at KM0 of Romanian freedom of speech, where the first heroes died for liberty in Bucharest on the 21st of December 1989, and unpack the current political climate in Romania.

    30 min

  3. You will travel off the beaten by public transportation to explore a typical working-class neighbourhood and see how the 1970s grey communist blocks are getting reinvented thanks to colorful street art.

    15 min

  4. You will walk around the quiet paths of the Memorial Cemetery dedicated to the Heroes killed in the revolution of 1989 and learn their personal stories.

    30 min

  5. You will get a unique view from one of the highest hills in Bucharest and discover the Monument of the Heroes for the Freedom of the Motherland , built in honor of the communist party leaders.

    30 min

  6. You will return to the city center and stand in front of the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, the last whim of Nicolae Ceausescu

    15 min

  7. You will end the tour near the dancing fountains on Unirii Boulevard, designed as a ''home-court advantage" to humble world leaders.

    15 min

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

47 reviews, average rating 5 — individual review text isn't exposed by the partner API we have access to.

5★
47