From ancient times to Ceaușescu, Bucharest has been a centre of power for monarchs and autocrats. Join us on our Bucharest Kings & Dictators Free Tour and learn all about this city's history.
Bucharest Kings & Dictators Free Tour
Rome doesn't pay traitors... The population of Dacia, an ancient territory that occupied a large part of present-day Romania, was in constant dispute with the empire that once dominated Southern Europe. Trajan, history's first Hispanic emperor, decided to break away from the empire by force, thus making Dacia a new Roman province. On our free tour, you'll begin your historical journey through Romania's most powerful rulers at 3 Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, where we'll start walking through Bucharest's most opulent monuments.
After discussing the clashes between Dacia and the Roman Empire, as well as the struggles against the Ottoman Empire that came centuries later, we'll jump ahead to the 20th century. During this period, the Romanian capital sought to imitate other great European cities, such as Paris. We'll see this for ourselves as we observe the buildings that line the great Calea Victoriei: the Avenue of Freedom.
On this avenue, we'll see several historical buildings that exemplify power, such as the Telephone Palace, which was Bucharest's first skyscraper. We'll also see the Romanian Athenaeum, where several political conspiracies with varying degrees of success have been plotted...
We'll finish our free tour in Revolution Square. In this incredibly symbolic spot, in front of the beautiful University of Bucharest Central Library, we'll admire the former Bucharest Royal Palace. As we'll discover on the tour, the Romanian monarchy succumbed to tyrannies such as the dictatorship of Nicolae Ceaușescu. His rule was brought to an end by anti-government uprisings in 1989, which took on a special symbolism in Revolution Square.
Groups
On this free tour, we're unable to accept bookings for more than 6 people. If you're in a large group, we would recommend booking a private tour of Bucharest. I
Free tour of Bucharest's history
As well as this free tour of Bucharest's kings and dictators, you can also explore the Romanian capital's old quarter with our free tour of Bucharest.
Price
Free tours do not have a fixed price, rather each person offers the guide the amount they consider appropriate, depending on their level of satisfaction.
More Information
Covid-19 Measures
Please check local restrictions before traveling. All of our services comply with recommendations to avoid the spread of Covid-19. Show more
A safe distance of one metre between clients will be maintained whenever possible.
Handing out of printed material such as maps or brochures will be avoided.
Showing your voucher on your phone will be enough, and it is not necessary to print anything.
Duration
2 hours 30 minutes.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.
Included
English speaking guide
When to book?
You can book up until 12 hours before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code. Specifically, this activity applies the following practices: Show more
Printed material is avoided.
No single-use plastics are used.
The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
No printing of documentation required.
Has a gender equality policy.
Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Promotes local employment.
Pet-friendly?
Permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
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Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?
A - This activity requires a minimum of 2 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
If you are not able to attend the tour, please cancel your reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
3 Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta
Where does the activity end?
Plaza de la Revolución.
