This Saturday at 6 PM, the highly anticipated kickoff for the Champions League final will mark the start of Paris Saint-Germain’s quest for their second consecutive title. As the Parisian club faces off against English champions Arsenal, the capital and its surrounding areas are gearing up for a vibrant evening. Numerous venues across Paris and Île-de-France will be broadcasting the match on giant screens, televisions, and sound systems. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to catch the action.

Despite widespread enthusiasm, a massive official fan zone will not be established in Paris. This decision, initially sought by Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, was ultimately shelved due to a packed schedule of other major events occurring on the same day. These include concerts by Aya Nakamura at Stade de France and Damso at Paris La Défense Arena, alongside the ongoing Roland-Garros tournament and a Stade Français rugby match at Jean-Bouin earlier in the afternoon.

Catching the match at parisian bars: arrive early!

While a central fan zone is off the cards, the celebratory spirit will be alive and well across the city. Many bars throughout Paris are preparing to broadcast the thrilling encounter against the reigning English champions. Some establishments, not typically known for showing football, are making special arrangements to screen the game. A crucial tip: most venues do not accept reservations for this event, so planning an early arrival, perhaps as early as 4 PM, is highly recommended.

Among the well-established sports-friendly locations, classic choices include Hall’s Beer Tavern in Châtelet (1st arrondissement), Café Oz at Grands Boulevards (9th), and O’Sullivans in Pigalle (18th). Don’t overlook the Belushi’s branches near Gare du Nord (10th) and Canal de la Villette (19th), known for their impressive giant screens. Each venue typically offers its own system: some require advance booking, often with a fee, while others operate on a