Hugging the right bank of the Danube River to the south of Budapest, Csepel is the 21st district of the Hungarian capital. It encompasses the northern end of Csepel Island, which was ruled by Arpad following the Magyar tribes’ migration into Pannonia in the 10th century. In the early 20th century, Csepel became a manufacturing hub and has a vintage bicycle named after it.
Things to do in District XXI - Csepel
Begin your visit at the Csepel Gallery and Museum of Local History, which explores the industries, people and events that have made the district what it is today. In addition to everyday artefacts, historic documents and old photographs, it showcases artwork created by local artists and pieces that depict local scenes.
One of the 21st district’s most prominent industrial landmarks is the Csepel Works, which was established as a canned food factory in the late 19th century. A few decades later, it was producing ammunition and military equipment for the Austro-Hungarian Empire before moving its focus to household appliances, bicycles and motorcycles. Today, the complex comprises 14 industrial monuments and several other noteworthy buildings still in use.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, head to the Csepeli Bath, an open-air bathing facility built in 1961. It boasts swimming pools, water slides and children’s play equipment, as well as changing rooms and lockers. The on-site kiosk serves drinks and snacks throughout the day. In the winter, you can experience what it’s like to go skydiving (without the free fall) at the Skyward Indoor Skydiving centre.
Getting around District XXI - Csepel
Csepel is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Budapest and 30 minutes from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. Trains travel both north and south from the Csepel railway station and buses connect to attractions throughout the district.