Explore the darker side of Bucharest on a 3-hour guided tour that delves into the city’s intriguing history. Join a local to learn the city’s fascinating secrets, see one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Romania, visit a former brothel, & much more.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 3 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Explore the dark history of Bucharest
Hear the stories and legends of the famous prostitutes who stole the hearts of many men
Learn the story of a serial killer who terrorized the city in the 1970s
Visit one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Romania
Get a better sense of the events that helped to shape Romania

Full description

Learn the dark history of Bucharest, starting with a visit to the monumental Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, built as a reminder of the cruel events that unfolded between 1950 to 1977. Hear about the torture methods used at the deportation camps during the days of communism. Travel back to the beginning of the 20th century, when Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" for its sexy and sophisticated atmosphere. Stop for a drink inside a former brothel, and hear the story of the serial killer nicknamed the "Vampire of Bucharest" when he terrorized the city between 1970 and 1971. Visit one of the oldest churches in the city to explore the bloody feuds between the Muslim world and the Christian rules of Romania. End at Bellu Cemetery to look at the amazing funerary architecture and learn more about some of the site's mysteries.

Includes

Local English-speaking guide
Traditional street snack
Metro tickets
Refreshment (bottle of water in the summer and coffee or hot chocolate in winter)
Additional food and drinks will not be provided
Gratuities for your guide have not been included in the price of the tour
The cost of this tour does not include souvenirs and personal shopping expenses

Additional food and drinks
Souvenirs and personal shopping
Gratuities for your guide

Not suitable for

Children under 16 years

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Meet in front of KFC on Piata Romana, near Boulevard General Gheorghe Magheru 28-39, 010336 Bucharest.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes

Know before you go

Travelers under 16 years of age are not permitted to join this tour
This tour operates with a maximum group size of 12 people

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 54 reviews

Review summary

Guide
5/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.6/5
Safety
5/5

Sort by:

Great tour of the cemetery with extras about the revolution and local history. Andra is very well read and knowledgeable. You will learn a lot of interesting things on this tour! The only thing I would suggest is to offer the free water at the begging of the tour rather than at the end. Local snack was also offered which was really nice.

May 22, 2022

The tour was absolutely amazing , great way to end my trip in Bucharest, its nice to know stories behind the scenes away from tourist attractions, and great to know hidden stories behind the graves and families buried there , the cemetery was remarkable I wish I had more time to spend it there and look to the unusual tomes , the guide was so great , super super nice she gave all her heart in explaining the history behind in extreme details so passionate about her work , and she always gives u the attention during the whole tour I loved her and wished I had more tour with her , her English was so advanced when telling the stories I will diffidently recommend to do this tour . اتينن التور وايد حلوه لازم تجربونها قصص غريبه بالمقبره والقبور غريبه عجيبه والقصص وراها راح تتعجبون منها

November 23, 2021

Fantastic tour wonderful guide

We were looking for something quirky and different to do in Bucharest. The tour guide from the off was very friendly and personable with a wicked sense of humour. It was a group of 5 which was ideal we were taken to the main cemetery where the guide had an amazing knowledge of those within and the history. We found the tour to be great value for money and would highly recommend.

October 30, 2018

Bucharest: 3-Hour Dark History Tour with a Local

Bucharest: 3-Hour Dark History Tour with a Local

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Fantastic tour wonderful guide