Prague communist walking tour

Learn of the key events in Prague’s World War II and communist history on a 3-hour walking tour, led by a private guide. As you explore the city, seeing historical landmarks like Wenceslas Square and National Avenue (Národní), you’ll realize the impact that Prague’s political turbulence had on the city during the 20th century. Walk past buildings once occupied by the Nazis, the KGB and the SS (Nazi Protection Squadron), and then visit the Old Jewish Cemetery. As it’s a private tour, the itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your interests – simply let your guide know on the day!

Start your tour at a time that suits you best – 9:30am or 2:30pm -- and then set off from your central Prague hotel with your private guide. As you stroll your guide will talk to you about Prague’s history and ask you about the things that what you want to see in the city. If there’s something you want to see more or less of, simply let your guide know; your itinerary is flexible!

Walk down Bartolomejska Street in Prague Old Town, and delve into a dark period of the city’s history as you pass an old prison used during WWII. Learn about the much-feared secret police who used the space to interrogate and torture prisoners, and then continue your stroll to National Avenue. Hear of the student protests that once took place here – firstly against the Nazi occupation in 1939 and then against the Communist regime some 50 years later. Visit Wenceslas Square and learn about the 1968 Prague Spring when Soviet tanks rolled in to take over the city.

Explore Square of the Republic, named for the independence of Czechoslovakia in 1918 and, ironically, the location of the Prague headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. Hear about the square under Nazi occupation and the Czech resistance that culminated in the 1945 Prague Uprising. Just three years later, the country then entered communist rule.

Head back into the Old Town to explore its myriad of medieval streets, seeing the iconic balcony from which the leader of the communist party announced his plan to take over the country. Next door is the house where Albert Einstein lived while working with the University of Prague, and your guide will tell you about his work that led to the invention of the atom bomb.

Pass through the Old Jewish Cemetery, which dates back to the 15th century, and then continue past the former KGB and SS headquarters. Finish your tour with a stroll along Vltava River, listening to your guide's final tale about the world's largest Stalin statue, and then wander back to your hotel, where your tour ends.