After 188 matches, the stage is set: only two teams remain in this edition of the UEFA Champions League, and it’s Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal who will vie for the title in the final in Budapest.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, the event will draw thousands of supporters from across the continent to the Hungarian capital for this marquee European football showdown, whether they have a ticket or not.
As PSG and Arsenal fans scramble to find flights and accommodations, Euronews Travel reviews what they should see and do during their stay in the “Pearl of the Danube.”
Sights and Activities
Split into two distinct parts, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube, Budapest continues to gain popularity among tourists, driven by its thermal baths culture and fascinating history.
Visitors should not miss a visit to one of the many “ruin bars” set up in abandoned buildings, nor a taste of Unicum, a local liqueur with a formidable alcohol content.
For culture enthusiasts, a visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion near Buda Castle is a must. Built in the 19th century as an observation tower, it is now world-famous for offering some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Ferenc Puskás: Hungary’s Legendary Footballer
Fans arriving in Budapest will quickly notice the pervasive presence of Ferenc Puskás, Hungary’s greatest football icon and captain of the legendary “Magical Magyars.” The jewel of the city center is the Puskás Aréna, built on the site of the former Népstadion and named in his honor.
Near the stadium, the Puskás Museum showcases his life and career through objects, trophies, and exhibitions dedicated to the golden age of Hungarian football.
The Hosting Stadium
At the heart of the local football culture lies the Puskás Aréna, which can accommodate 61,400 spectators and will host this year’s UEFA Champions League final. As the home of the Hungarian national team, the stadium previously hosted the UEFA Europa League final in 2023.
Champions Festival
On the majestic setting of the iconic Heroes’ Square, the UEFA Champions Festival electrifies Budapest with the pulse of Europe’s premier club competition. From May 28 to 31, this four-day event, open to all, features football-themed games, sponsor activations, and live concerts or performances.
Sports Bars
Time Out describes Budapest as gearing up for an “XXL football festival,” with numerous pubs and bars where supporters can watch matches live. Recommended venues include Jack Doyle’s, Champs, and the 6:3 Borozó.
Hotels and Accommodations
Budapest offers a range of lodging options, with around 65,600 hotel rooms across the city in 2024. The 14th district is highlighted as an excellent choice for staying, with Zugló located just four kilometers from the Puskás Aréna.
Airports and Flights
Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport serves as the country’s main airport, with connections to major European destinations like Paris and London. A direct express bus line links the airport to the city center in approximately 40-50 minutes.
Getting Around
UEFA has confirmed that ticket holders will benefit from free public transportation in Budapest on match day. They can travel at no cost on metro lines 1, 2, 3, and 4, tram line 1, the special Champions Express bus service between the airport and the city center, and bus line 200E between the airport and the city.
Visitors can explore Budapest’s extensive public transport network, which includes metro, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and suburban trains. The city also boasts a vast network of cycling paths, with options for renting bikes or utilizing the public bike-sharing system.
