Insightful, private off the beaten track journey in a legendary 1970-1990’s Czechoslovak Škoda car (or a modern van by 4+ guests) with our local guide to the most intriguing spots of the Cold War era Bratislava. Explore a vast concrete housing estate, the Soviet monument Slavín, post-industrial developments, the Iron Curtain border zone and loads of communist-era architecture. The tour brings alive the fascinating story of Bratislava in the turbulent 20th century. What can you expect? Cool drive and quirky stops to see and understand: - the first prefabricated apartment block in Slovakia as well as the largest socialist housing project, Petržalka - communist-era architecture (inverted pyramid of Slovak Radio, rocket-shape TV tower Kamzík, Freedom Square) - political objects: Soviet memorial Slavín, diplomatic 1970’s hotel, 1980’s parliament, villas of former communist leaders - controversial ufo-like SNP bridge, causing destruction of the Jewish district - former Iron Curtain area
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
5 stars
4 stars
Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
kmomchilov, 10/15/2025 2:12:44 PM
I went on this tour with my father, and we both really enjoyed it. The guide was very informative and brought the history to life - it truly felt like we were reliving that time. He even spent extra time with us at the end, which we really appreciated. Overall, a great experience and highly recommended!
rihitoa, 10/9/2025 10:46:03 AM
Had a wonderful time with my guide Richard on a windy but sunny day in Bratislava. He was so knowledgable; it feels like he knows every detail about the city, but not only that, he was so caring and thoughtful to make my time comfortable and enjoyable. Although we did not drive a very long distance in 4.5 hrs, it felt like a time travel--thanks to his informative storytelling and the various types of building we saw, along with the 30+ years old (but very comfy-riding!) Skoda Favorit! For persons who are deeply interested how the city has transformed with different political regimes, this tour is the must-consider program in Bratislava! Thank you so much!!
wgriglock, 10/7/2025 12:47:36 PM
If you are at all interested in history and the transition a city/country made from a totalitarian regime to a democratic one, you will thoroughly enjoy this tour. Our guide, Branno was very knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining. He picked us up in a Soviet era car and proceeded to drive us to key locations from that period. He had a photo book that showed us major events that happened at the various places we visited. And he even brought snacks. Great value for the money
lisafQ135YR, 10/2/2025 7:50:11 AM
Richard was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. This was honestly one the best most iconic and informative tours I’ve ever taken.
davekS5723DR, 9/30/2025 3:18:14 PM
This tour was exceptional! If you want to learn about the life of everyday people in Communist Bratislava, this is the tour for you. Branislav is an excellent communicator with a dry sense of humor as well as encyclopedic knowledge of post-1938 Bratislava.
jastbruj, 9/21/2025 1:40:15 PM
Our guide Brano gave us a super nice and very informative tour, full of interesting explanations about Bratislava and Slovakia history, the communist era and the following years, often with some additional - and very much appreciated! - stories from his own family history. The tour in old little Skoda was great: we have seen places we would certainly not be able to discover by ourselves, and Brano gave us a broader context to these places. He was also super kind to answer our questions about (pop)culture, films, music, life in the turbulent times and the parallels to nowadays. An excellent experience indeed!
Jenna_F, 9/17/2025 7:26:04 AM
Great tour. Richard was really informative and friendly. Would definitely recommend, worth the money
Oakfield_Mummy, 9/14/2025 9:28:40 AM
Fabulous tour, Richard was an amazing informative guide. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to understand the communist history of Bratislava.
David G, 9/8/2025 11:39:54 AM
Pleased to echo previous favourable comments about Richard who is an excellent guide. Our tour included the old Skoda that was actually comfortable enough and Richard found good parking spots close by our main touring stops The history was enhanced by reference to the collection of photographs and memorabilia in the “book” Richard brought with him Highly recommended
Roamer1618, 9/1/2025 4:09:44 AM
Richard was a phenomenal guide. Extremely knowledgable. Provided a well planned tour with history of the monarchy to Nazism to communism to an independent nation to joining the European Union. He enlightened us on what it was like to live under Communism and even provided us a sampling of products from that time. Driving around in a car from that era was so much fun. Highly highly recommend this tour.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note that in some cases (winter conditions, car repairs etc.) we can not guarantee the retro car, but go with our green 1992 VW Caravelle or other newer vehicle.
Departure point
Námestie SNP - somewhere near the KEIKS Bakery (its address: Námestie SNP 470/11, 811 06 Bratislava)Return details
Insightful, private off the beaten track journey in a legendary 1970-1990’s Czechoslovak Škoda car (or a modern van by 4+ guests) with our local guide to the most intriguing spots of the Cold War era Bratislava. Explore a vast concrete housing estate, the Soviet monument Slavín, post-industrial developments, the Iron Curtain border zone and loads of communist-era architecture. The tour brings alive the fascinating story of Bratislava in the turbulent 20th century. What can you expect? Cool drive and quirky stops to see and understand: - the first prefabricated apartment block in Slovakia as well as the largest socialist housing project, Petržalka - communist-era architecture (inverted pyramid of Slovak Radio, rocket-shape TV tower Kamzík, Freedom Square) - political objects: Soviet memorial Slavín, diplomatic 1970’s hotel, 1980’s parliament, villas of former communist leaders - controversial ufo-like SNP bridge, causing destruction of the Jewish district - former Iron Curtain areaNo redemption information available
24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund