The huge city of Budapest has been a magnet for tourists and visitors for centuries. Book a flight to Budapest with Qatar Airways and you’ll quickly discover why this unique city has become such a huge tourist destination once again in recent years.

Book a flight ticket to Budapest with Qatar Airways and discover why Hungary's capital city is known as the 'Paris of the East'. Hungary's capital city attracts around 2.7 million visitors annually, largely due to its magnificent architecture and stylish art and music scene. It was home to prodigious 19th-century composer Franz Liszt. The two cities of Buda and Pest, divided by the River Danube, exhibit Viennese and Parisian influences, not only in their buildings but in their culture.

This award-winning airport is one of the most popular in Australia, taking business and leisure travellers to destinations all over the globe. Qatar Airways flights from Melbourne take you to our hub in Doha, and the sheer comfort and luxury of Melbourne Airport means that your journey is a pleasure from the very start.

Aboriginal art decorates the airport terminals, while modern shopping options provide you with those last-minute gifts and souvenirs.

Transportation and parking

Short-term parking is available close to the main terminal, while longer-term options are also available. Business parking is just a few metres from the main building, and pick-up and drop-off points are located outside the main entrances.

A bus service runs from the long-term parking area to the main terminal. The Skybus to, and from, the airport runs from the city centre every 15 minutes, while other bus services run throughout the day. Taxis are plentiful, and a pre-book limousine service and car rental are also on offer.

Arriving in Melbourne

Qatar Airways flights from Melbourne depart from Terminal 2, which handles all outbound international flights. An expansion scheme was completed in 2012, providing greater space for retail outlets and passenger lounges.

Facilities and amenities

The Air Lounge in Terminal 2 offers passengers a relaxing location to grab a quick bite before boarding their Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne.

A number of Australian produce outlets are also located in Terminal 2, as well as luxury accessories retailers and shops selling everything from surfing paraphernalia to perfumes and watches. There is also a large number of food options, from small cafés to excellent restaurants serving international cuisine.

The huge city of Budapest has been a magnet for tourists and visitors for centuries. Book a flight to Budapest with Qatar Airways and you’ll quickly discover why this unique city has become such a huge tourist destination once again in recent years.

The city is effectively divided in half by the Danube and is made up of three distinct areas - Buda, which lies to the west of the river, the Castle Hill area, which lies within Buda and is home to the castle and a number of other ancient sites, and Pest, which sits on the eastern bank of the river. Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Budapest is a lively, youthful and vibrant city with a more traditional undertone that makes it a truly fascinating destination to visit.

Tourist attractions

On Castle Hill the main attraction has to be the towering presence of the Royal Palace. Overlooking the city and with fantastic views of both sides of the river, a palace has stood on the site since the 14th century. Today it is home to the National Gallery. Also on Castle Hill you’ll find the seven towers of the Fisherman’s Bastion, and the beautiful bronze statues of Hunyadi Garden.

Over in Buda you’ll discover everything from the Roman remains of Aquincum in the Óbuda district, which is now an open air museum, to a cluster of smaller museums (most of the major museums are in the Castle Hill area). More unusual attractions are also worth a visit, such as the cave network of Gellért hill.

Dominating Pest is the Parliament building, a truly breathtaking architectural marvel that is worth a visit to the city in its own right. The only way to see inside is to take a guided tour (tours do not take place during parliament sittings), but it is well worth booking a place to see one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the whole of Europe.

Travel considerations

Flights to Budapest with Qatar Airways land at Budapest Franz Liszt International Airport, 16km from the city centre. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Budapest please check the visa and passport requirements.