Metallica returns to Budapest after eight years, and they're not doing it quietly. As part of their record-breaking M72 World Tour, the band takes over the Puskás Aréna for two nights on 11 and 13 June 2026 — and thanks to the tour's "No Repeat Weekend" format, each night is a completely different show. If you're travelling to Budapest for one or both shows, here's everything you need to know to make the trip smooth, from getting to the venue to where to stay and what to do in the city around the concerts.
Two nights, two completely different shows
The "No Repeat Weekend" is exactly what it sounds like. Metallica play two entirely different setlists across the two dates, with different support acts each night: • Thursday 11 June — support from Pantera and Avatar • Saturday 13 June — support from Gojira and Knocked Loose That's the whole idea behind the format: fans are encouraged to come to both nights, because you genuinely won't hear the same show twice. With a back catalogue stretching from 1983 through the award-winning Master of Puppets to their most recent album 72 Seasons, there's more than enough material for two distinct evenings. Since the M72 tour opened in Amsterdam in April 2023, Metallica have played to around four million fans, and Budapest is one of only four cities on the run getting the two-night treatment.
The venue: Puskás Aréna
The shows take place at the Puskás Aréna, Budapest's largest stadium, on the Pest side of the city. It's a modern, well-equipped arena named after the legendary Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskás, and it regularly hosts major international concerts and sporting events. A few practical things worth knowing before you go: • Getting there is easiest on foot or by public transport — the arena is well connected and walkable from several directions. • There is no dedicated parking at the venue, and surrounding streets are paid parking only. Driving is not recommended on concert nights. • Doors and set times are published closer to the date — check your ticket and the official tour page for the exact schedule.
Getting to Puskás Aréna by public transport
Budapest's public transport is excellent, reliable, and the smartest way to reach the arena on a busy concert night. The M2 metro line and several tram and bus routes serve the stadium area. If you're staying centrally, you can reach the venue in well under half an hour. Buy a travelcard rather than single tickets — a 24-hour or 72-hour Budapest travelcard covers all metro, tram, bus and HÉV services within the city and saves both money and hassle. Validate it on first use and keep it with you, as inspectors do check.
Where to stay for the concerts
Demand for accommodation spikes around big stadium events, so book early if you haven't already. A few pointers: • Stay near a metro line rather than trying to be right next to the arena — central districts like the 5th, 6th and 7th give you easy transport to the venue plus far more to do before and after. • Compare prices across platforms rather than booking the first option you see — rates around concert weekends can vary significantly. • If central Budapest is fully booked or overpriced, towns a short train ride away can be a more affordable base, though you'll want to factor in late-night return journeys. You can search and compare hotels across Budapest and the rest of Hungary through the hotel search on our homepage.
Make a weekend of it
With shows on the 11th and 13th, the 12th is a perfect free day to explore Budapest — and there's no shortage to do. A few ideas to build around the concerts: • Soak in a thermal bath. Széchenyi is the famous one with its grand outdoor pools; Rudas offers a stunning Ottoman-era dome pool if you want something quieter. A perfect way to recover between two nights of standing. • Explore the ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter — Szimpla Kert is the original and unmissable, and the whole district is packed with bars and street food. • See the city from the water with a Danube cruise, or walk across the Chain Bridge for the classic views of Parliament and Buda Castle. • Eat well. Try lángos, goulash and other Hungarian classics — the Great Market Hall is a great place to sample several in one go. For more on what to see and do between shows, our Budapest destination guide covers the city in detail, and our thermal baths guide helps you pick the right bath for you.
Practical concert tips
A few final things to keep your concert nights running smoothly: • Arrive early to clear security and find your spot, especially if you're in the standing area. • Travel light — large bags, professional cameras, selfie sticks and outside food and drink are not permitted. • Plan your route back in advance. Public transport will be busy immediately after the show, so either be patient or build in a short walk to a less crowded stop. • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and the standing area is not suitable for under-6s.
Enjoy the shows
Two nights of Metallica in one of Europe's most beautiful capitals is a special way to spend a weekend. Get your transport and accommodation sorted early, leave the car at home, and give yourself time to enjoy Budapest between the shows. See you in the pit. Planning your trip around the concerts? Explore our Budapest guide, browse things to do, and search hotels on our homepage to lock in your stay.
Practical Info
- Concert dates
- Thu 11 June & Sat 13 June 2026
- Venue
- Puskás Aréna, Budapest
- Format
- No Repeat Weekend — two different setlists
- Supports 11 June
- Pantera, Avatar
- Supports 13 June
- Gojira, Knocked Loose
- Getting there
- M2 metro + trams/buses; no venue parking
Buy a 24- or 72-hour Budapest travelcard — covers all metro, tram, bus and HÉV.