There are few trips as effortlessly glamorous or as endlessly inspiring as a long weekend in Paris. For New Yorkers, the journey from NYC to Paris is practically a rite of passage: a quick red-eye, a croissant by morning, and a full day of world-class art, culture, and cuisine awaiting on the other side. But planning the perfect three- or four-day escape requires intention, smart timing, and a curated sense of what truly makes Paris shine. For many luxury travelers, it also includes securing an advanced Hermes leather appointment in hopes of scoring a Birkin or Kelly at retail.
To help shape the ideal itinerary, we turned to our Rêve Travel Club founder Erica Jackowitz, who visits Paris regularly for both work and play. Her approach balances insider ease with elevated spontaneity; ideal for anyone looking to fly in, dive deep into the city’s charm, and return to New York feeling inspired.
How to Travel From NYC to Paris
With more than a dozen daily options for a NYC to Paris flight, picking the right one can shape the entire trip. For Jackowitz, the formula is simple: leave at night, sleep well, and land refreshed.
“I like to fly at night to Paris and I like to lie flat, being able to properly sleep is key” says Jackowitz. “I take something to knock me out and wake up in Paris.” When possible, she opts for Delta One but also likes Air France. Some travelers are tempted by boutique airline La Compagnie, with its stylish, all-business-class layout. But Jackowitz cautions that the smaller operation comes with risks: “With La Compagnie, if something unexpected happens you could be stuck because of the small fleet of the airline.”
Bottom line: choose a reliable carrier, book a lie-flat seat if you can, and treat the flight as the first chapter of your getaway, not a chore.
Why Paris Works for Every Type of Traveler
Paris is famously many things at once: romantic, vibrant, cultural, indulgent, and endlessly walkable. That’s why Jackowitz finds it uniquely adaptive depending on who you’re with.
“I’m constantly asked, ‘What’s my favorite hotel in Paris?’… it has everything to do with who I’m with, what the purpose of the trip is” she says. “Each property has a unique identity, the hotel I’d stay at for a romantic weekend with my husband is probably not the same one we’d stay at with our kids.” Traveling with a partner? The city oozes romance. Bringing kids? Neighborhood cafés, leisurely boat rides, and parks open up a family-friendly version of the city. Coming with friends? The bistro hopping and vintage shopping possibilities are endless.
As Jackowitz puts it, “There’s really something right for every taste, every mood, and every group constellation.”
Whether you’re traveling from NYC to Paris for love, adventure, or a little of both, the city meets you where you are.
Things to Do in Paris
When asked about her favorite things to do in Paris, Jackowitz’s number-one rule is refreshingly simple: follow your instincts.
“The best thing to do is to get lost in Paris,” she says. There is nothing quite like stepping onto ancient cobblestone streets, letting curiosity lead the way, and stumbling into unexpected bakeries, boutiques, or cafés. You’ll find hidden gems, and will experience the romance of Paris firsthand.
One neighborhood she loves for this kind of wandering is the Marais. With its charming streets, vintage stores, picturesque bistrots, independent designers, and museums, it’s perfect for spending an entire afternoon just drifting.
Fun Things to Do in Paris: From Vintage Hunts to Cabaret Nights
To elevate your weekend, incorporate a mix of cultural, delicious, and delightfully unexpected experiences. Here are Jackowitz’s favorite fun things to do in Paris:
1. Explore The Vintage Markets with a Pro
Paris is one of the vintage capitals of the world. “The vintage shopping scene is incredible and second to none,” she says. “I’d recommend doing it with a professional shopper at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris.” With an expert guiding you through the labyrinth of stalls, you’ll uncover treasures, from couture to homewares, you would never find alone.
2. Book a Night a Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge
“If you’ve never done Crazy Horse or Moulin Rouge, do it!” says Jackowitz. “It’s very Parisian and touristy, but certainly something you should do at least once.” Put on your most fabulous fur jacket, grab a glass of champagne, and enjoy this campy and quintessentially Parisian experience.
3. Try a Food-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Jackowitz once organized an all-day culinary exploration of the city: “We set up a scavenger hunt incorporating different dishes like the best frog legs, best steak frites,” says Jackowitz “We’d pick a restaurant, have one classic dish and a glass of wine, and leave for the next spot! We spent all day doing this; it was incredible.”A culinary scavenger hunt is a brilliant way to taste the city while covering different neighborhoods.
4. Get Creative with Hat-Making or Graffiti Workshops
Paris excels at immersive artistic experiences; from crafting custom hats with a milliner to learning street-art techniques before tagging a legal wall, these workshops add a cultural layer to your trip.
5. See The City on an E-Bike at Sunset
“Going for an e-bike ride in Paris is one of my favorite things, it’s especially magical at sunset,” she says. With the wind in your hair and golden light bouncing off Haussmann buildings, it’s the perfect Paris memory. Jackowitz always recommends skipping the car service and biking, “it’s the best way to feel and see the true personality of any city.”
6. Hunt Down the TikTok-famous Eiffel Tower Waffles
For a modern twist, follow your nose and your algorithm to novelty treats, including waffle cones shaped like the Eiffel Tower and dusted in glitter. It's a delicious and perfectly postable snack. A little silly, a lot of fun for kids and adults alike.
The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Paris
Paris has a perfectly unique fit to compliment every traveler's mood board for the specifics of any trip.
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1 Palace Vendome
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Bulgari Paris
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Cheval Blanc Paris
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Four Seasons George V
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Hotel de Crillon
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Hotel Plaza Athénée
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La Réserve
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Le Bristol Paris
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Peninsula Paris
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Ritz Paris
And then there are some of our favorite restaurants, currently, in Paris:
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Allard
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Baronne
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Cherry
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Ducasse Baccarat
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Gigi
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Giraffe
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Kinugawa Rive Gauche
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L'Avenue
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Le Grand Cafe
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Le Petit Lutetia
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LouLou
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Madame Madame (The Waffle Place Erica Mentioned)
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Ralphs
Whether you’re seeking romance, culture, shopping, or pure indulgence, a long weekend from NYC to Paris delivers magic every time. Plan well, wander freely, and let the City of Lights reveal its best secrets, one red-eye away.