Private tour

Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour

4.8 / 5

58 reviews

Activity provider: Authentic Slovakia
Private tour

Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour

Activity provider: Authentic Slovakia
Likely to sell out

From US$ 93.28 per person

Likely to sell out

Take a tour off the beaten track and see sites from Bratislava’s Communist past. Travel in a legendary 1970-1990s Škoda car or a standard minivan for groups of 4 or more participants.

About this activity

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Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
Slovak, English
Private group

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore Bratislava from a classic Škoda vehicle or a standard van for 4+ guests
  • Learn all about the history of the area in times of war and peace
  • Discover the curiosities of Socialist Realist, Functionalist and Brutalist architectural styles
Full description
This 2.5-hour tour brings to life the story of Bratislava in the 20th century. You’ll learn about the political changes, the development of society and Soviet-era architecture. Traveling in a retro Škoda vehicle or in a standard van, you’ll visit the Slavín Soviet monument, abandoned factories, a 1930s bunker line, the former Iron Curtain border zone and see loads of Communist-era buildings. Ride past the first apartment block in Czechoslovakia as well as the largest socialist housing project in Europe, abandoned industrial symbols of post-industrial transformation and new capitalist developments. Learn about architectural styles known as Socialist Realism, Functionalism and Brutalism. See villas of former communist leaders. Ride under the controversial UFO-like SNP bridge.
Includes
  • Transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • Soft drink
    Not suitable for
    • Wheelchair users

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    In front of the KEIKS Patisserie (address: Námestie SNP 470/11, 811 06 Bratislava)

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    Important information

    Not allowed

    • Pets

    Know before you go

    • Please note that in some cases (winter weather conditions, car repair requirements) a retro car cannot always be guaranteed on the tour
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    4.8 /5

    based on 58 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      5/5
    • Transportation
      4.7/5
    • Service
      4.9/5
    • Organization
      4.8/5

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    This was a wonderful tour. It was the most thorough tour I have ever had. In addition, Peter offered wonderful hospitality and insider access to his city. Peter ensured our comfort and safety throughout the tour, offering food and drinks as our tour proceeded. Peter also shared both general and personal anecdotes related to his city. He answered every question with careful thought and energy. This is a one of a kind tour with a one of a kind person! I recommend this tour for anyone who only has a one day in Bratislava, in order to experience as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time. We learned so much! Thanks so much Peter, we will be sure to be back!

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    March 21, 2023

    The tour guide was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and had a tailor-made picture book to help explain his country's turbulent history. His 1988 Skoda car was immaculately clean and well looked after, and took us in comfort (albeit 1980s comfort) to several Cold War-era sites around Bratislava. This tour is very much worth doing.

    March 21, 2023

    Brian was fantastic, we loved every minute of our tour in his vintage Skoda. He is a brilliant historian, with great knowledge both past and present, shaped by his own experience. He also had a great sense of humour which made the journey fly. Would highly recommend!

    March 21, 2023

    Product ID: 103700