Orly isn’t Paris’s biggest airport. That honor goes to Charles de Gaulle International. But Orly Is still a big airport in its own right, and the range of international destinations it serves is impressive. You can catch flights to most continents on Earth from this airport, located just 15 km from the City of Light.
It’s hard to imagine running out of things to do in Paris itself. But if you do find yourself longing to explore somewhere new, Paris Orly makes a great gateway to the rest of the world. The destinations listed below can be reached with only a couple of hour’s flight from Orly, yet they are each completely different from Paris and from each other. Drop off your unneeded bags at a luggage storage near Orly and make some time to check out these incredible locations.
Vienna
As the capital of Austria and one of the most popular destinations in Europe, Vienna is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich cultural heritage and world-class museums to its elegant architecture and vibrant nightlife, Vienna is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Europe.
Once you arrive in Vienna, there is no shortage of things to do and see. Some of the city’s top attractions include the Vienna State Opera, the Museumsquartier (a complex of museums and cultural institutions), and the Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial residence and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
If you’re interested in art, be sure to visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art, or the Belvedere, which is home to works by artists like Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. And for those who want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, Vienna has a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
When it comes to dining, Vienna is known for its rich culinary traditions, with a range of dishes to choose from, including Wiener schnitzel (a type of breaded and fried veal cutlet), tafelspitz (boiled beef served with vegetables and sauces), and apfelstrudel (a type of sweet pastry filled with apples). And for those who enjoy a good cup of coffee, Vienna is also home to a number of excellent coffee houses, which are a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Munich
Munich is the capital of Bavaria and one of the most popular destinations in Germany. Once you get here, you’ll find that Munich is a city that offers a rich cultural experience with a mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication. Like Vienna, it offers world-class museums and cultural institutions, but it also has lively beer halls and beautiful parks.
When you need some things to do in Munich, consider heading to the Frauenkirche, which is a 15th-century cathedral, to have a look around. The city’s central square, Marienplatz, is great for people-watching and a quick snack when the weather is nice. You should also check out the Nymphenburg Palace, a beautiful Baroque palace located on the outskirts of the city.
Be sure to visit the Alte Pinakothek, which houses a collection of Old Master paintings, or the Neue Pinakothek, which is home to works by artists like Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. After all your sightseeing, head to one of Munich’s many pubs, bars, and live music venues to spend a relaxing evening.
Zakynthos
Located in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is a Greek island known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque towns and villages. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
In Zakynthos, there are several beaches to choose from, each with its unique character. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Navagio Beach, a picturesque cove with crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores, and Gerakas Beach, which is known for its beautiful setting and excellent opportunities for snorkeling.
If you’re interested in exploring the island’s cultural heritage, be sure to visit the Venetian Castle of St. Mark, which dates back to the 14th century, or the Church of Agios Dionysios, where the remains of the island’s patron saint are housed.
When you’ve had your fill of beaches and swimming but still want to be outside, there are tons of outdoor activities to keep you occupied here. Zakynthos has a number of hiking and cycling trails that offer breathtaking views of the island’s landscapes and coastlines.
Of course, Greek cuisine is almost worth visiting the country all by itself. Classic dishes like moussaka, spanikopita, dolmades, keftethes, and gyros are available all over the island and exploring the little tavernas that do it best is the perfect evening activity on this beautiful island.
Milan
As the capital of Lombardy and one of the most important cities in Italy, Milan is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination known for its fashion, art, and cuisine. From its iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to its trendy bars and restaurants, Milan should definitely be on your list of weekend trips from Orly.
While Milan is not the capital of Italy, in many ways, it’s comparable to Paris. You’ll find beautiful architecture, incredible museums, the best shopping in the country, and excellent food just about everywhere you look. If you want to see an Italian spin on what makes Paris so special, Milan is a great option and is easily reached from Orly.
Naples
Milan and Naples may both be located in Italy, but it’s hard to imagine two more different cities. Naples, the biggest city in the south of Italy, is known for the beautiful Bay of Naples and the dormant volcano of Mount Vesuvius that forms an incredible backdrop to the city. But along with this picture-perfect setting, Naples offers some truly fascinating museums and lively street life that make the whole city a kind of theater. Plus, the food is as excellent as you’d expect from a major Italian city. After all, this is the birthplace of pizza, and purists maintain that nowhere else does it quite as well to this day.
If you have a little more time on your hands, Naples is also a great place to explore more of southern Italy. The beautiful island of Capri, the stunning Amalfi Coast, and the haunting Roman city of Pompeii are all reachable from Naples, so you’ll get to see so much of what makes Italy special when you visit the city. But you’ll need more than a weekend for these destinations.
Conclusion
As you can see in this list, there are some truly excellent European destinations you can visit from Paris Orly on a weekend trip. And this list only really scratches the surface. Just about everywhere in Europe and beyond is reachable on a short flight from this major airport, so don’t miss the opportunity to see more of the world from Paris.
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