Prague: Communism Walking Tour & Nuclear Bunker Lunch

Summary

Walk Prague’s communist past, taste 70s lunch, descend into Cold War bunker

You’ll walk through Prague’s communist history with a local guide who brings stories to life right where they happened. Taste lunch in a retro 70s canteen (Kofola is a must-try), then descend into an authentic Cold War nuclear bunker—entry included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you’re back outside.

What’s the experience like?

We started moving down Wenceslas Square, our guide Jirka waving a blue umbrella above the morning crowds. I could hear the tram bells somewhere behind us, and it hit me that these streets had seen tanks roll in just decades ago. Jirka told stories about the Velvet Revolution right where it happened—he pointed to a spot and said, “Here, students linked arms in ‘89.” For some reason that image stuck with me more than any museum ever did. The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts from a vendor nearby, which felt odd given we were talking about ration lines and secret police.

Old Town Square was next—honestly, I’d been before but never noticed how Soviet architecture still lingers if you look up. Jirka shared how his parents queued for hours for bananas (he laughed at my face when I asked if that was an exaggeration—it wasn’t). We wandered past Republic Square too, hearing about the 1948 coup and all these layers of history stacked on top of each other. It’s weird how normal everything looks now.

The part I didn’t expect: lunch in a real 1970s canteen. The walls were this faded yellow-green, and the chairs creaked when you sat down. I tried Kofola (sort of like Czech cola but earthier), and the pork with dumplings was simple but filling—comfort food if you grew up here, maybe. Jirka joked about “canteen chic” being back in style. Afterward we followed him down some stairs into the nuclear bunker—cold air hit immediately, and my footsteps echoed weirdly off concrete walls. There were gas masks lined up on shelves; it made me shiver thinking people used to practice drills here.

I still think about that moment underground—how quiet it was compared to the city above. You don’t get that kind of perspective from guidebooks or photos, you know? By the time we came out blinking into daylight again, Prague felt different to me somehow. Not sure I can explain it better than that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Czechoslovakia's communist history

• Learn 1918 independence and WWII impact
• Discover 1946 communist election victory
• Visit 1948 Communist Party celebration site
• Learn about 1950s oppression and Stalin monument
• Explore 1968 Prague Spring and 1989 Velvet Revolution
• Lunch break in 1970s working-class canteen
• Tour Cold War nuclear bunker

Top questions

How long is the Communism & Nuclear Bunker Tour in Prague?

The full tour lasts about 4 hours, including walking tour, lunch break in a 70s canteen, and visit to the nuclear bunker.

Is lunch included on this Prague communism tour?

The tour includes a break at a 1970s canteen; lunch or Kofola is optional and available for purchase.

Does this day trip include entry to the Cold War Museum bunker?

Yes, admission to the Cold War Museum (nuclear bunker) is included in the price.

Where does the tour go in Prague?

The route covers Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square, Republic Square, plus stops at a 70s canteen and nuclear bunker.

How big are the groups on this walking tour?

The group size is kept small—maximum of 10 people for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for claustrophobic travelers?

No, entering the nuclear bunker is not recommended for those with claustrophobia.

What’s included

Your day includes walking with a knowledgeable local guide through central Prague landmarks like Wenceslas Square and Old Town Square; entry fee to the Cold War Museum nuclear bunker is covered; plus there’s time for an optional lunch or Kofola in an original 1970s workers’ canteen before returning above ground together.