During the Cold War (1945–1990), traveling to the Socialist Bloc was an exciting experience for many western tourists. However, their experiences were colored by the careful crafting of the "Communist Impression," one that restricted what tourists would see by channeling them into “for foreigners only” hotels, shops, and restaurants. What did those places look like? While such facilities were special icons of the Socialist Bloc, the various countries did differ in their places, architecture, and policies toward foreigners. What were those differences and how can we relate them to the broader context of cultural and political differences between countries in the Socialist Bloc?