Budapest Awaits: Your Ultimate Guide to the 2026 Champions League Final
After 188 matches, the UEFA Champions League has come down to two teams — Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, who will face off in Budapest for the trophy.
The final will take place on Saturday, May 30; thousands of fans from across the continent will flock to the Hungarian capital, regardless of whether they have tickets.
As PSG and Arsenal fans scramble for flights and accommodation, Euronews Travel shares what to see and do in the "Pearl of the Danube" during the trip.
What to See and Do
Budapest, divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River, is increasingly popular among tourists due to its bath culture and fascinating history.
Visitors should not miss the chance to check out one of the many ruin bars located in abandoned buildings and try the incredibly strong liqueur "Unicum".
Cultural enthusiasts will find their trip incomplete without visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion near Buda Castle, known for its panoramic views of the city.
Ferenc Puskás: The Legendary Hungarian Footballer
Fans arriving in Budapest will quickly notice the strong memory of Ferenc Puskás — the greatest football idol of the country and captain of the legendary "Mighty Magyars". The city’s central arena is the Puskás Arena, built on the site of the former Népstadion and named in his honor.
Next to the stadium is the Puskás Museum, which tells the story of his life and career through exhibits, trophies, and displays dedicated to the "golden" era of Hungarian football.
Throughout the city, one can find tributes to him — from metro stations and statues to street art celebrating the forward, whom many consider one of the greatest players in history.
While playing for Real Madrid, Puskás scored two goals in Hungary's famous 6-3 victory over England in 1953, known as the "Match of the Century".
Football is deeply rooted in Budapest's life: historical clubs and fierce derbies shape the city’s sports culture. The traditional "big three" of the capital's clubs are Ferencvárosi TC, MTK Budapest FC, and Újpest FC.
The Host Stadium
At the heart of the city’s football life is the Puskás Arena, which accommodates 61,400 spectators and will host the Champions League final. It is home to the Hungarian national team, and in 2023, it already hosted the UEFA Europa League final.
The Puskás Arena is located just three kilometers east of the city center, making it one of the most accessible major stadiums in Europe. The international airport of Budapest is about 16 kilometers from the stadium.
On the day of the final, the stadium gates will open at 15:00 local time, three hours before the kick-off at 18:00. UEFA recommends fans arrive three hours early to allow enough time for ticket checks and security screening.
Champions Festival
Against the backdrop of the majestic Heroes' Square, the UEFA Champions Festival will bring the atmosphere of Europe’s premier club tournament to the heart of Budapest. The four-day event will take place from May 28 to 31, with free entry for all: guests can expect football activities, partner zones, and live entertainment.
Interactive events, surprise appearances by stars, and a vibrant fan atmosphere are expected as the city gears up for the UEFA Champions League final.
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Sports Bars
Budapest is preparing for a "football-filled summer," and the city has plenty of pubs and bars to watch matches live.
Among the best places are Jack Doyle’s, an old Irish pub that feels authentic yet remains distinctly Budapest, and the basement sports bar Champs in the city center.
Another popular spot is the wine bar 6:3 Borozó, named after the score of the famous Hungary-England match in 1953. According to Time Out, it is one of the oldest football bars not only in Budapest but in all of Europe.
"This is a fantastic city for bars," notes Libero Guide. The center of nightlife is the VII district, between the Great Synagogue and Klauzál Square, where the most "football-friendly" of the now-popular ruin bars are UdvarROM and the neighboring Füge Udvar.
Hotels and Accommodation
Finding a place to stay in the city is not an issue: according to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Budapest had about 65,600 hotel rooms in 2024.
For accommodation, the XIV district: Zugló is an excellent choice, located just four kilometers from the Puskás Arena, as noted by Booking.com.
It takes about 25 minutes to reach the stadium by public transport or 15 minutes by car. To avoid traffic jams, it is recommended to use the metro or tram.
Budapest's hotel scene is defined by iconic buildings reflecting the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. One of the symbols of the capital is the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace on the banks of the Danube, with its restored Art Nouveau interiors offering a direct view of the Chain Bridge.
The Anantara New York Palace Budapest holds the city’s literary past: it features the luxurious New York Café, often regarded as one of the most beautiful cafés in the world.
Among the new hotels in the city are The St. Regis Budapest, opened in April in the historic Klothild Palace, and Kimpton BEM Budapest on the Buda side of the Danube, near Margaret Bridge.
Airports and Flights
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is the main air gateway to Hungary, with flights to all major cities in Europe, including Paris and London. An express bus connects the airport to the city center, taking about 40-50 minutes.
Arsenal has organized a special charter flight for fans who purchased tickets through the club. The flight costs £859 per person and will depart from Luton Airport in London on the morning of Saturday, May 30, returning in the early hours of Sunday, May 31, after the match.
Getting Around the City
UEFA has confirmed that on match day, ticket holders will be able to use Budapest's public transport for free. Free travel will be available on metro lines 1, 2, 3, 4; tram line 1; the special Champions Express bus between the airport and the city; and the regular bus route 200E connecting the airport and the center.
Once in the city, tourists can navigate Budapest’s public transport system, which includes metro, trams, buses, trolleybuses, and suburban trains.
Budapest is also developing a network of bike lanes. Bicycles can be rented or accessed through the city’s bike-sharing system.
