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Tours & activities in Prague

Communist Prague – The Life Behind the Iron Curtain Tour

Join an expert local tour guide to learn what life was like in communist Czechoslovakia

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Due to the unusual tourism situation currently developing, we have temporarily suspended this tour.

ABOUT THE Communist Prague – The Life Behind the Iron Curtain Tour

This 2.5-hour tour will take you through some of the most significant sites associated with Prague's communist history, remembering the Prague Spring and subsequent Soviet invasion, and the gentle but steady Velvet Revolution.

 

Your Communist Prague walking tour meets in front of the Cartier store and the Czech tourism office on Old Town Square and usually ends by the National Theater.

 

Life in communist Prague

Your expert local guide will tell you about life under communism in former Czechoslovakia. While elements of life were oppressive - such as freedom of movement and freedom of speech - it is important to remember that for many, there were plenty of elements that were also good. Visiting sites like the headquarters of the Communist Party (KSČM), the National Theater (with its scandalous progressive artistic direction) and the National Museum with its Soviet battle scars, your guide will give you a balanced, unbiased view of life behind the Iron Curtain.

The Prague Spring and the Velvet Revolution

Using the phrase "socialism with a human face", in January 1968, reformist leader Alexander Dubček tried to implement progressive change within the communist framework. However, by August 1968, the Soviets and other members of the Warsaw Pact invaded Czechoslovakia to put a stop to it. Your local guide will show you sites and tell you stories related to this Prague Spring, as well as taking you to the sites signicant to the remarkable 1989 Velvet Revolution, including Wenceslas Square, where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to bring about a peaceful end to the communist regime.

The Czech's attitude towards this period today

Unsurprisingly, with 44 years of history, divided opinions and old scars don't heal overnight. Your guide will tell you about how Czech people feel about their communist history today, and why even seemingly positive occasions like International Women's Day can open old wounds.

Read more
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
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Your Communist Prague - The Life Behind the Iron Curtain Tour starts at the Old Town Square in front of the Cartier shop and Czech tourism office centre (on the corner of Pařížská and Dlouhá street)

  • Have a look at the headquarters of Communist Party, KSČM
  • Get an insight into the link between communism and faith
  • See the National Museum and its Soviet battle scars
  • Hear about the scandalous progressive artistic direction of the National Theatre
  • Learn about the political liberalisation during the Prague Spring
  • Stop at Wenceslas Square, where hundreds of thousands gathered during the Velvet Revolution
  • Discover how the communist regime ended after the Velvet Revolution
  • Visit the Václav Havel memorial, dedicated to the poet, and first president of the Czech Republic

TOUR SCHEDULES

Today

This tour doesn‘t run today

Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
  • Local English-speaking guide
Additional Information
  • The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group
  • Wheelchair accessible
MAP
Tour start Tour starts here
End start Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers

What is a Select Tour?

 

Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.

As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.

Delve deeper with themed select tours

  • Expert local guides
  • Theme specific tours
  • Location specific tours
  • Full-day and half-day tours on offer
  • Affordable prices

WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN PRAGUE

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Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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