Tour Details
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- Wenceslas Square
Photos & Highlights
- Walk historic streets and hear powerful local stories to gain a deeper understanding of what life was like for ordinary citizens under Communist rule.
- Stand where the tides of history turned, learning not only why the Prague Spring and Velvet Revolution occurred, but why they still matter today.
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Tour Description
At first glance, Prague enchants with fairy-tale skylines and storybook streets. But look closer, and you'll find that beneath its beauty lies a chilling history shaped by decades under Communist rule.
As you walk through the city, appreciating the stunning architecture and picturesque streets, your expert guide will share true stories of totalitarian control, underground resistance, and quiet acts of defiance that ultimately led to revolution. You’ll see Cold War-era architecture, secret headquarters, and quiet memorials, all reflecting the lasting influences of Communism that are subtly woven into Prague’s identity, illuminating how the city has evolved from its Soviet past.
With the help of a local historian, Communist Prague will come back to life. You will gain a rare glimpse into the harsh realities of daily life under Communist rule, but you’ll also uncover the powerful stories of ordinary people who fought for freedom, transforming Prague into the vibrant city you see today.
Choose this tour if…
- You want to understand the lasting impact of Soviet rule and how its influence is still felt in the city today
- You are a history buff eager to explore Prague’s Communist past with a historian by your side to help you better understand the surveillance, control, and propaganda of Soviet rule.
- You want to walk a mile in the shoes of those who lived during this time to understand what communism really meant for the people of Prague.
- You’d like to gain a deeper understanding of key events like the Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution.
Your journey begins atop Letná Hill with a striking survey of the city. In this panoramic spot, your expert guide will walk you through the communist takeover in 1948 and the Stalinist purges of the 1950s, allowing you to imagine what communism meant for millions of ordinary citizens as they experienced the harsh realities of suffering and repression.
From Letná, descend into the heart of Old Town to uncover key landmarks that tell the stories of life behind the Iron Curtain. Your expert guide may choose to lead you to the Jalta Hotel, a former underground fallout shelter, or the former Parliament building, a striking example of Communist architecture and a key site during the Velvet Revolution.
Make your way to Wenceslas Square, the heart of both the 1968 Prague Spring and the 1989 Velvet Revolution—pivotal moments in the city’s fight against Communist control. Here the streets echo with the courage of those who stood up against the oppressive regime. Along the way, your expert guide will highlight the cultural resistance that emerged through art, literature, and defiant figures like Vaclav Havel, whose leadership helped steer Czechoslovakia back toward democracy.
By the end of this 3-hour tour, you'll gain a deeper understanding of life under communism and how its lasting influences are still felt throughout the city. Through stories of resistance and rebirth, you’ll uncover the strength and resilience of Prague’s people and see how those struggles helped shape the vibrant, artistic city you experience today.
Sites Visited
- Wenceslas Square - A key boulevard known for its political demonstrations, especially during the Velvet Revolution, leading to the end of Communist rule.
- Old Town Square - The Old Town is a vibrant hub of history and attractions connected to the protests and resistance during the communist era.
- Letná Hill - Offers panoramic views of Prague and was the site of massive rallies, serving as a powerful symbol of communism's influence over the city.
Logistics
Tickets
No tickets are necessary for this tour.
Transportation
This is an all-outdoor walking tour. We currently offer an optional private transfer service from your hotel to the meeting point.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Wheelchair accessibility
This Prague city tour is all-exterior and therefore can be accessible for certain wheelchair users.
Service dog accommodations
Service dogs are welcome and can be accommodated on this tour.
Is the Museum of Communism included in the tour? No, but the tour ends not so far from this museum.
Is the National Memorial on the Vítkov Hill included in the tour? No, the memorial is currently under construction and closed to visitors.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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100 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
The tour met all of our expectations. Those of us knowledgeable about the Communist era learned interesting details and those with less knowledge learned enough about the broad outlines to remain engrossed. Our guide Katrina was able to weave in information about Czech culture and her own experience living under Communism as a young girl.
Michael
Jul 14, 2024
Jakub was just great. His personal and historical perspective from the Cold War era was remarkable. I find it hard to fathom that Prague was under Communist control just 35 years ago, Jakub brought it into perspective during a very thoughtful and well planned tour.
John
Jun 17, 2024
Do not come to Prague and miss the Communist History Tour with Jakub. His insight and knowledge of Communist History in Prague is absolutely exceptional. Jakub provided enormous insight into understanding the geopolitical events that have shaped Prague.
Maureen
Jun 6, 2024
