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

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Duration 2.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Live tour guide: Slovak, English
Private group

Highlights

Explore Bratislava on board a classic Communist-era Škoda vehicle
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, 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

Meeting point

In front of the Shopping Mall Dunaj at Namestie SNP 30

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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

4.9 /5

based on 48 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
4.8/5
Value for money
4.7/5
Safety
4.9/5

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We loved this tour! Peter was great at sharing fascinating history while also telling us his own experiences growing up in communist Bratislava. The car was beautiful and also fun, and felt very safe all things considered! We had done a tour of the historic areas the day before, and Peter was great about showing us new things and focusing on how the city changed from before WWII to present. We drove all over town, and really felt like we walked away understanding the city better. This tour is a family business - Peter and his brother run the tours, and the cars were his parents. I really felt like he captured the history, and gave us insights into his history too. Would absolutely recommend to anyone!

29 March 2022

Very informative tour and visited many relevant places that we could not easily visit by public transport (or even knew were interesting). Had two non-English speakers with us of which one person with reduced mobility, and the tour guide was very considerate in taking his time while we translated and walked. Even went out of his normal route to make it easier for us to get around. Would recommend!

19 October 2019

Peter made our tour. Informative, friendly and generous with his time.

Absolutely recommend Bratislava to everyone, but in particular don't leave town without a tour with this group. A highlight. And we've been on the road for 6 mnths and have met some less desirable operators along the way. Highly recommended. Good luck guys, hopefully to see you on our next visit ✔

1 August 2019

Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour

Bratislava: Soviet Era and Post-Communist Tour

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Peter made our tour. Informative, friendly and generous with his time.