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.

The rapidly expanding Noi Bai International Airport serves Hanoi and the north of Vietnam. The opening of the new international Terminal 2 in 2014 has boosted the capacity of this modern airport, and passengers flying from Hanoi with Qatar Airways will find it to be an efficient and well run airport with the emphasis firmly on passenger care.

The staff are incredibly friendly and eager to make sure your passenger experience is one to remember for all the right reasons, and the expanding facilities in the new terminal give passengers everything they need for a good start to their journey.

Transportation and parking

Buses are one of the best ways to get to the airport, with the number 7 running from Kim Ma bus station and the number 17 from Long Bien bus station.

They run every 15 minutes or so, but journey times will depend on the time of day as Hanoi’s traffic is notoriously congested, especially at peak times.

A dedicated airport minibus leaves from opposite the Vietnam Airlines Office on Quang Trung in Hanoi city centre, while taxis are plentiful, very cheap and take approximately 30 minutes to get from the city centre to the airport. There are plenty of parking areas for both short and long-term stays, and a VIP valet service is also available.

Arriving in Hanoi

Passengers flying from Hanoi with Qatar Airways will depart from the new Terminal 2 building. A business lounge is available for First Class and Business Class travellers once you have cleared the security checks, and a public lounge area is also open to all passengers. Allow at least two hours before your flight is due to depart to check in and clear customs checks.

Facilities and amenities

The new terminal has improved facilities and amenities at the airport considerably, and it now boasts a good selection of retail outlets selling both high-quality accessories and interesting locally made goods.

Food and drink vendors supply everything from light snacks and drinks through to more substantial meals. ATMs are available in the main forecourt, and a Duty Free shop is also open for passengers who have cleared security.

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.