Budapest is making final preparations for Saturday's historic UEFA Champions League final, the first ever held in the Hungarian capital. The event pits Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain, both freshly crowned domestic champions. Kickoff is set for an unusual 18:00.
Authorities expect an influx of up to 250,000 visitors, straining transportation and the hospitality sector. Accommodation and flight bookings have surged to 250% of normal levels, with hotel rooms in the city center exceeding €2,800 per night.
The economic windfall is estimated at around 20 billion forints (approximately €53 million). The city is leveraging existing infrastructure, including the 67,000-seat Puskás Aréna, with no new construction required for the event. Local fans received only 4,600 tickets, while the competing clubs were allocated 17,000 each.