After our crazy three-day trip to Switzerland (to basically fly home in Emirates first-class), we made a two-day stop in New York City. Here’s how 48 hours in NYC on points and miles went down.

 

First Stop, TWA Hotel

Since we were flying in from Milan to JFK and arriving at 9:00 at night, it didn’t make sense to go into the city for the night. I am a big Mad Men fan and loved the 60’s vibe, so the TWA hotel at JFK has intrigued me for some time. This was the perfect opportunity to stay there.

We booked this hotel for $392.60. The cost can be erased with the Capital One purchase eraser, and that is how I paid for the stay.

 

Second Stop, Park Hyatt New York

We got up early the next morning and headed to the Park Hyatt, also checking off a “must-stay-at” hotel for me. I was surprised that the exterior was smaller and not as grand as I expected it, but then I remembered we were in NYC, and you have to build up.

 

 

Day One Activities

One of Alex’s best friends growing up lives in Philadelphia, so Danielle came in on the train and met us for our 48 hours in NYC. It was lunchtime, so we immediately headed to Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market. Alex has dreamed about these tacos since our last NYC girl’s trip. I forgot just how good the carne asada tacos were, and Chelsea Market is just a fun place to go no matter what you plan to eat!

 

 

We then walked on the High Line. The High Line is an elevated freight rail line transformed into a public park on Manhattan’s West Side. It is more than a park, though, as you can walk connected pathways—we ended up at Chelsea Pier and had this view of NYC.

 

 

 

From there, we walked over to Times Square because have you really been to NYC without being in Times Square? Then it was back to our hotel for a brief stop and on to Central Park, which was almost adjacent to the Park Hyatt.

 

 

 

Back to the hotel and then onto Broadway to see Moulin Rouge. It was an easy walk there and back, and we completely enjoyed the show and how it incorporated so many familiar songs.

 

 

We ate a late-night dinner of pizza around the corner from the theater and went back to chat for hours before falling asleep!

 

Day Two

After a delicious, free Globalist breakfast, Alex and I headed to the 9/11 museum (Danielle left early that morning to return home). This museum was amazing, emotional, and educational. Hearing the voices of people who experienced it and learning more about those that didn’t survive it pulled at my heartstrings. I heartily recommend it. We were there for several hours and then had to hurry to pack up and head to the airport.

 

 

 

Bottom Line

It was a fast and furious 48 hours in NYC. Because we often position to NYC for award flights, it makes it easy to add it before or after a trip. This is a quick trip that I probably wouldn’t be able to add without points and miles. 48 hours in NYC on points and miles is just another reason that I love this travel hacking game!