The Communist Heritage: Megalomania & Weird Names

For 41 years Romania had a communist regime, 25 of which under Nicolae Ceausescu's rule. Driven by megalomania, a personality cult and nationalistic ambitions, the regime brutally altered and marked Romanian society. Bucharest is the most representative for communist life, with major landmarks, names and stories to be heard. Let's discover them through a leisurely walk around the city!

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What you need to know
- This is a shared walking tour for small groups. Duration: 2-3 hours and starts daily at 10:00 AM
- You will be joined by an English-speaking guide and go for a walk to see some of the main landmarks representative for communist times
- We will also talk about the 1989 revolution that violently overthrew Nicolae Ceausescu's regime and led to his execution
- No visits included; this is a general orientation-introduction tour in the communist history of Romania
Additional information

Lots of urban walking involved so please wear comfortable shoes.

You might want to bring a bottle of water, but we can pick up one along the way.

We will start from Unirii Square, next to the old clock across the fountains.

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Moments to expect

The massive Palace of Parliament and Unirii Boulevard

After the earthquake of 1977, Ceausescu decided to "rebuild" his capital. Learn how the 3rd largest building in the world was built and how architecture and city planning were used to change Bucharest and its people's minds and hearts.
Note: interior visit NOT included
Get behind the Communist "curtain"

Behind the tall apartment buildings, common to all cities in Romania and other Eastern European countries, there are still traces of Old Bucharest. See some landmarks from Old Bucharest and find out how churches were moved to make way for the regime's urbanisation plan.
Education, mass-media and religion vs Communism

Ceausescu's regime had a strong personality cult, which influenced all aspects of Romanian society. I'll tell you how far the regime's reach extended, the massive parades that were organised and how pictures of Ceausescu were literally everywhere.
Revolution Square: the beginning of the end for the Ceausescu regime

In Revolution square lies the former Communist Party HQ and the balcony where Ceausescu gave his last speech. It is also where violence took place and people died. To remember those events, a weird but towering memorial was built and I will tell you more about it.

How does it work

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Tour price: 2 x €25

How it works

Booking this tour & customization
Availability confirmation in 24h
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Easy planning & cancelation

With: Stefan 2

Born and raised in Bucharest, I know my city like no one else. It's full of life, hidden treasures, cool people and lots of interesting things. I live them everyday - join me and my team to see for yourself!

I like: travelling, urban exploring, hiking, meeting new people

I speak: english, romanian, spanish

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Location details

Starting point: Bucharest
Nearest airport: Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport
Nearest train station: Bucharest North Railway Station
Landscape: Urban

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Reviews from travellers

Andrea W. on 28.07.2017

Romanian Friend made it possible to book a tour in Bukarest for me and my two oscillating kids with only a few hours short notice! So we had a great time with our guide Elena to the important points of Communist Walking Tour of Bucharest in Bukarest! She shared all her accumulated background knowledge about the revolution in 1989 and the former communistic regime and answered patiently all our questions. Our tour through Bukarest was much longer than planned because of the interesting facts she told us. Thanks for supporting us in such an uncomplicated way!