Complete Bucharest Communism Tour: Palace of Parliament & Ceausescu's Home
What you need to know about this Complete Bucharest Communism Tour
- This is the complete & essential tour of Bucharest's communist history and most representative landmarks. Duration: 3-4 hours
- Included: transport by car/minivan in the city, guidance, entrance fees to Parliament Palace and Ceausescu's House (total of 20€); not included: lunch
- Tour inside the Palace of Parliament: we will see either the House of Deputies OR the Senate House, depending on availability
- Visit the inside of Nicolae Ceausescu's private house (Vila Primaverii) and see the luxurious lifestyle of the former communist dictator [CLOSED on Monday]
- Panoramic tour of Bucharest by car taking you to see the major landmarks of the communist period. We will make 3 stops where I will give you Romanian history lessons :)
- Please check the 'additional info' section (the sliders in the upper corner of this section)
Additional information
The Parliament tour lasts 45 min - 1 hour; we will only see one of the 2 chambers, depending on their availability on the day of tour, visiting hours and your preference. Exact details will be confirmed 1 day before.
The Palace of Parliament underground parking and tunnels can also be visited but is not included in the standard itinerary of this tour. For an extended or custom tour of the Palace of Parliament, please contact us.
VERY IMPORTANT - you MUST have a valid ID (national or passport) on you for this tour.
On Mondays Ceausescu's House is CLOSED. We can do a panoramic tour of Bucharest instead or a shorter tour only to the Parliament.
Pick-up & drop-off from your hotel or other central areas. Bring a bottle of water with you.
Moments to expect during the Complete Bucharest Communism Tour
How the communists transformed Bucharest
Our tour starts with a brief history lesson about Romania's communist past and the notorious dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife, Elena. As we go sightseeing through the most important landmarks and major boulevards in Bucharest, you will learn about city's history and how the communist regime demolished and transformed large parts of it to match their architectural plans.
Special tour inside the Palace of Parliament!
Ceausescu's legacy is Bucharest's most famous building: the Parliament Palace (or House of People by its communist name). It is Europe's biggest building and the world's second biggest! You will see its richly decorated interiors in parts not available on the standard Parliament tour and one of the rooms where the Romanian Parliament meets.
Tour Ceausescu's private home & life
Next, you will visit the private residence of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu and their 3 children, their home for 25 years. You will find out what kind of man Ceausescu was in his private life – his hobbies, routine or art collections. A unique insight into the dictator's private luxurious life - in contrast with how his people queued for food and other things necessary for daily life.
The Romanian Revolution of 1989
The revolution that overthrew the communist regime and lead to Ceausescu's execution started in December 1989. A crucial moment in Romanian history and, unfortunately, the most violent revolution in Europe: almost 1,200 people lost their lives across the country. Learn how it all started, what happened on the streets of Bucharest and how the city remembers its past.
Cancelation & refund policy
EasySends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.
Location details
- Starting point: Bucharest
- Nearest airport: Bucharest International Henri Coanda Airport
- Nearest train station: North Train Station
- Landscape: urban
Reviews from travellers
Really good tour. Our guide Leo was informative and professional. Very interesting insight into this time in history.
The tour was great. Everything regarding the trip was dealt with very smoothly. Our driver/guide kept us comfortable and safe and shared some interesting information about Bucharest during the communist era. The parliament building is not to be missed. It is amazing. The Ceausescu mansion was also very much worth visiting
Alina made our visit to the Parliment building and Nicolae Ceaușescu's home seemless. We really enjoyed the extra time Alina took to explain the boulevards, monuments and the whole story of the revolution at the square. The extra bonus was their car was comfortable and they brought communist era chocolate !!
Booking the trip was simple and communication around pick ups et. was very good. Guide was punctual and very informative around the subject and also about points of interest in Bucharest and Romanian life in general.
Great tour! My guide was very knowledgeable and I was amazed at some of the history covered. Very interesting places and history. Otherwise I would just look at stuff. Thanks!
Immer sehr pünktlich, wirklich gebildete Guides, kein 08/50 gelaier. Preisleistung past. Eine Buchung hier lohnt. Danke!
Unfortunately the Parliament was closed to visitors but the visit to Ceausescu's home was incredible! Alina is. Wonderful guide and her command of english is remarkable. We will be heading back to Bucharest and may book another adventure through Romanian Friend! Thanks, Denis
Interesting tour with great value for money, would recommend it. Guide friendly and informative. Booking process on Romanian Friend efficient and communication very good. Thanks!
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