After 188 matches, the stage is set: only two teams remain in this season’s UEFA Champions League, and it’s Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal who will battle for the title in the final in Budapest.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 30, the match will draw thousands of fans from across the continent to the Hungarian capital for this flagship fixture in European football, whether they have a ticket or not.
As PSG and Arsenal fans eagerly search for flights and accommodations, Euronews Travel reviews what they should see and do during their stay in the “Pearl of the Danube.”
To see and do
Comprised of 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 in abandoned buildings, nor the tasting of Unicum, a local liquor with a formidable alcohol content.
For culture enthusiasts, a stay wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion, located near Buda Castle. Built in the 19th century as an observation tower, it is now globally renowned for offering some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city.
Ferenc Puskás: Hungary’s legendary footballer
Fans coming to Budapest will quickly notice the ubiquitous presence of Ferenc Puskás, the greatest icon of Hungarian football and captain of the legendary “Magical Magyars.” The jewel of downtown is the Puskás Aréna national stadium, built on the site of the former Népstadion and named in his honor.
Near the stadium, the Puskás museum traces his life and career through objects, trophies, and exhibitions dedicated to the golden age of Hungarian football.
Visitors can also spot throughout the city tributes inspired by Puskás, from metro stations and statues to wall frescoes celebrating this center-forward widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.
A star at Real Madrid, Puskás scored two goals for the Hungarian “Golden Team” in their 6-3 victory against England in 1953.
Described by many as the “match of the century,” this clash inspired the illustrious Guardian sports journalist, Pat Ward-Thomas, to comment: “Hungary gave England a serious art lesson in football this afternoon, in what was probably one of the most beautiful demonstrations of offensive play ever seen in an international match in Britain.”
Football is deeply rooted in Budapest, where historical clubs and fierce rivalries shape the city’s sports culture. The capital’s three traditional major clubs are Ferencvárosi TC, MTK Budapest FC, and Újpest FC.
To be continued…
