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New York, the city that never sleeps and dreams take flight, will always leave you mesmerized with its everlasting charm and warmth. The New York skyline, stunning skyscrapers, and the iconic Empire State Building are some things that quickly paint a picture of the city. But wait, did you know there is more to it? There is a treasure trove of fun facts about New York that you may never have heard of! So, let’s teleport you into the world of unusual facts about New York. It’s going to be one of those experiences, we promise!
NYC Fact Sheet
Fun Facts About New York
The city will leave you astonished at every turn! Did you know the city’s famous yellow taxis are required by law to be painted a specific shade of yellow? Or is there a secret train platform beneath the Waldorf Astoria Hotel? Come along to uncover some unknown facts about New York City!
Facts About New York Geography
1. There are five boroughs in NYC
NYC comprises five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough has its personality, sights, and neighborhoods, contributing to the city’s unique character. It is one interesting fun fact about New York. You know together, they make up the diverse tapestry that is New York City.
2. Do you know what is the best-known borough in New York?
Manhattan is perhaps NYC’s most famous borough. Did you know this New York City fun fact? It is known worldwide for its skyscrapers, Broadway, Wall Street, and Times Square. This bustling hub is the heart of NYC’s attractions and the place where dreams come alive. Many visitors think of Manhattan as “New York City” itself!
3. There is a place in NYC that was named after the first person to ever settle there.
One of the weirdest facts about New York is that The Bronx, NYC’s northernmost borough, got its name from the Swedish-born settler Jonas Bronck, who arrived in the area in 1639. Bronck purchased land from the local Lenape tribe and established his farmstead, which became known as “Bronck’s Land.” Over time, this area gained prominence, and people began referring to it as “The Bronx,” named in honor of Bronck and his contribution as one of the area’s first European settlers.
4. New York City has 520 Miles of Coastline
New York City has an impressive 520 miles of waterfront—that’s more than the combined shoreline of Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco! Speaking of fun facts about New York, did you ever wonder what the future holds for this extensive waterfront? The Department of City Planning is already on it, crafting the next Comprehensive Waterfront Plan. This plan, published every ten years, sets the stage for how the city’s waterfront will evolve over the next decade.
5. Approximately 22% of New York City’s Land is Dedicated to Public Parks
Ever strolled through the lively streets of New York City? If so, you’ve probably soaked in the charm of its amazing parks! Here’s a fun fact about New York: 22% of the city is reserved just for public parks, and 99% of New Yorkers are just a 10-minute walk away from one of these urban oases.
Facts About New York History
6. New York was introduced as New Amsterdam
Did you know that the first people to set foot in New York were the Dutch settlers back in the 1600s? They originally named their new city New Amsterdam! But guess what happened when the English rolled in and took charge in 1664? They decided to rename it after the Duke of York—hence, New York! Here’s a fun fact about New York: some of the neighborhoods in New York still carry the echoes of their Dutch origins with their original Dutch names.
7. Do you know the 8th oldest subway is in New York?
New York City’s subway, opened in 1904, is the eighth oldest in the world. With over 100 years of history, it’s now one of the busiest and most extensive subway systems globally. Riding the subway is like taking a trip through the city’s past and present!
8. The Big Apple
Ever wondered why New York is often called the Big Apple? Back in the 1920s, “Big Apple” was slang for the top prizes in horse racing. But here’s where it gets even more interesting: New York City, already seen as the ultimate hub for great music, caught the attention of musicians and journalists who started calling it the Big Apple too. And guess what? The name stuck! It became the city’s official nickname as part of a clever move to boost tourism. Isn’t that one of the coolest fun facts about New York?
9. There was a winter that froze New York harbor
In the winter of 1780, temperatures dropped so low that New York Harbor froze solid! It was so thick, people could walk from Manhattan to Staten Island. This rare deep freeze remains one of NYC’s most memorable winters, reminding us of the power of Mother Nature.
10. The Yellow cabs weren’t always Yellow
One of the interesting facts about NYC is that surprisingly, New York’s iconic yellow cabs weren’t always yellow. In the early days, taxis came in all colors, but in 1967, a mandate required all official cabs to be painted yellow for easy identification. Now, the yellow cab is one of the most recognizable symbols of NYC. It’s hard to imagine the streets without them!
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Facts About New York Attractions
11. The Statue of Liberty Arrived in Pieces
The Statue of Liberty, a famous New York icon, was a gift from France back in the 1880s to celebrate America’s 100th birthday! But here’s where it gets even more interesting—Lady Liberty didn’t just walk into New York Harbor fully assembled! She made her grand entrance in 214 crates, packed with 350 pieces, and it took a whopping four months to piece her together on Ellis Island. Isn’t that a fun fact about New York? It’s amazing how this statue not only symbolizes the American dream and freedom but also the strong bond of friendship between the U.S. and France.
12. A Whispering Gallery in the Central Grand Terminal
Ever tried putting your ear right up against the tiles in the domed intersection of walkways on the lower floor of Grand Central Terminal? If not, you’re in for a treat! This spot hides a fun secret: a corner-to-corner whispering gallery where even the softest whispers, quiet songs, or even sneaky threats can be heard loud and clear, despite the bustling crowds. Fun facts about New York often surprise, and this one’s all about the extraordinary acoustics created by the gallery’s near-perfect arches. The distinctive tile work here is called “Guastavino” tiles, named after Rafael Guastavino, the Spanish tile worker who brought his patented material and meticulous herringbone patterns to life, not just here, but in other iconic spots around the city too. This is surely one of the things to do in New York.
13. Einstein’s Eyeballs are in a box in NYC
Albert Einstein’s eyes are indeed in New York City! Henry Abrams, Einstein’s eye doctor, was given responsibility for his eyes, while his brain and eyes were preserved for future research after he died in 1955. They are now kept in a safe deposit box in the city, which gives NYC’s list of oddities a unique edge. Einstein’s “eye” on the Big Apple takes on a whole new significance in light of this little-known truth!
14. Let’s Go Bird-Watching in NYC!
Whether you’re a die-hard bird lover, someone who just thinks birds are cool, or even if you’re just looking for a fresh and fun outdoor activity, this is for you! Ever heard of the fun fact that New York City is home to a surprising number of bird species? With 275 species recorded across the five boroughs, it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. Did you know that out of the 800 bird species in America, many can be found right here in New York? So, why not try to glimpse these birds in Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Eastern Screech Owls, or some elegant herons in Central Park?
15. Central Park was the first landscaped park in the United States
Central Park was America’s first landscaped public park, designed in 1858 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. This sprawling green oasis offers a break from the city buzz, setting a precedent for public parks nationwide. Today, it’s one of NYC’s most beloved landmarks, doesn’t that sound like one of the New York fun facts to remember?
16. Central Park is the most filmed location in the world
With iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, and The Mall, Central Park is the world’s most filmed location. One of the fun facts about NYC is that this lush urban oasis has starred in countless movies, from Home Alone to The Avengers. Walking through the park feels like stepping into a scene from your favorite film!
17. There is a clock worth $20 million in NYC
One of the New York fun facts about how this place is a gem of a place is that the world’s most valuable clock, the Tiffany clock at Grand Central Terminal, is valued at a staggering $20 million. This iconic clock is a centerpiece of the historic station, symbolizing the elegance of NYC’s golden age. Next time you’re there, look up to see one of the city’s hidden treasures!
18. There is a Wealth Catwalk in the Central Park
Did you know one of the fun facts about New York is that this city isn’t just famous for its birds, but also for a stunning straight path that glides gracefully over a waterbody? This picturesque path will guide you right to Bethesda Terrace. Here’s a quirky fact: back in the 19th century, New Yorkers affectionately called it the Promenade, which is French for “to walk.” Central Park was essentially New York’s original catwalk—who wouldn’t want to take a fashionable stroll through history?
Facts About New York Culture & Lifestyle
19. You CAN’T Honk in New York
In New York City, honking your car horn can get you in trouble. Fun facts about New York include that honking is generally illegal unless you’re in the middle of a real emergency. This all started way back in the 1930s when the city decided that “prolonged and unreasonable” honking was just too much noise. And if you think this is just an old rule, think again—those roads have been honk-free since the 1970s! So, unless there’s some imminent danger, keep that horn quiet!
20. The subway system is like an art museum
One of the funny facts about New York is that NYC’s subway system isn’t just for commuting; it’s filled with incredible art! From mosaics and sculptures to murals by world-renowned artists, every subway station has its character. This “underground art museum” makes even the daily commute a visual treat. Hop on and take an art-filled journey across the city!
21. Request Trees for Free
One of the fun facts about New York is that you can ask the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to plant a tree on the sidewalk right in front of your home, apartment, or business—free of charge. Even if it’s just one tree, it still makes a world of difference, right? Of course, there’s a catch—you need to own property in New York to take advantage of this cool initiative.
22. More than 800 Languages are Spoken in NYC
New York City is like a giant language buffet, with over 800 languages spoken across its boroughs. It’s the most linguistically diverse city on the planet! Here’s a fun fact about New York: it’s not just a haven for languages in use, but also for studying those on the brink of extinction. Sadly, some languages, like Gottscheers and Mamuju, have vanished from the city’s vibrant culture. Ever wonder how NYC became such a language hotspot? It’s all thanks to its rich history as a gateway for immigrants, making it home to people from every corner of the globe. And get this—4 in 10 households in the city speak a language other than English!
23. What does meeting me at the clock mean?
“Meet me at the clock” is a famous phrase in NYC, referring to the clock at Grand Central Terminal’s main concourse. This iconic meeting spot has been a rendezvous point for New Yorkers for decades. Whether friends, families, or dates, New Yorkers have long gathered under this clock to start their city adventures.
Facts About New York Food & Restaurants
24. The Pizza Principle
Have you ever heard of the term “Pizza Principle”? It’s this quirky urban theory suggesting that the price of a slice of pizza in NYC and the subway fare tend to rise together. So, does that mean New Yorkers are shelling out too much for their favorite cheesy slice these days? Maybe a little, but just barely! Fun facts about New York like this make you wonder—what other hidden connections does the city hold?
25. Cooking inventions in NYC are a thing
New York City is known for its culinary creativity! From eggs Benedict and baked Alaska to the cronut and New York-style pizza, the city’s food scene has brought unique flavors to life. Many iconic dishes were born right here, making NYC a paradise for foodies and innovators alike. Eating in NYC is truly a cultural experience!
26. Selling Hot Dogs in New York City is Incredibly Costly
Ever wonder what it takes to sell a hot dog in New York City? It’s not just about grilling sausages—some vendors dish out over $200,000 just to park their carts! Did you know that the permit fees for hot dog carts can swing wildly from a few thousand bucks a year to several hundred thousand? Here’s a fun fact about New York: back in 2019, one vendor at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx forked over $289,500 annually, while another near Tavern on the Green in Central Park shelled out $266,850. On the flip side, a lucky vendor in Inwood Hill Park only pays $700 a year for their spot. Quite a difference, huh?
Other Facts About New York
27. Spanish is the 2nd most spoken language in NYC
With over 2 million Spanish speakers, Spanish is NYC’s second most common language! Reflecting the city’s rich Hispanic heritage, Spanish is widely spoken across neighborhoods, schools, and businesses. This linguistic diversity is part of what makes NYC a vibrant global city.
28. The highest Jewish population outside of Israel lives in NYC
New York City is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, with about 1.6 million Jewish residents. From Kosher delis to cultural festivals, Jewish traditions have deeply influenced NYC’s culture. The city’s Jewish community adds to its incredible cultural diversity.
29. The Empire State Building is Prone to Lightning Strikes
Want to know a shocking fun fact about New York? The Empire State Building’s antenna gets zapped by lightning about 25 times a year! It’s like the building’s got its electrifying superpower! In fact, in May 2024, a jaw-dropping video caught the moment lightning struck during a wild Manhattan thunderstorm. But don’t worry—this iconic skyscraper is built to handle it. The antenna is designed to take the hit, keeping everyone inside safe and sound.
30. There are More Women than Men in New York
New York City’s population is like a surprise party where the guest list is 53% women and 47% men. It’s one of those fun facts about New York that you just can’t help but share! With a total population of 19,746,227 people (that’s 9,581,261 guys and 10,164,966 girls), the city has an interesting gender balance. So, what do you think—are Manhattan and Brooklyn the ultimate hotspots for this lively mix?
31. New York has the Largest Gold Storage in the World
One of the fun facts about New York is that it holds the world’s biggest stash of gold, totaling a whopping 6,190 short tons (5,620 metric tons) as of 2019. And here’s a fun fact about New York: this treasure trove has been safely tucked away since the building’s construction from 1919 to 1924, with a little extra space added in 1935. Ever wondered what people thought of this massive structure when it was finished? Well, the Federal Reserve Building’s design and grandeur got major applause when it first opened its doors!
These were some of the cool facts about New York City! How about you plan your next visit here? Take a look at the New York student city guide so you know what to include in your itinerary! Remember, the magic of New York lies not only in its towering skyscrapers or bustling avenues but also in the countless stories etched into its every corner. So, go ahead, dive deeper into the world of the fun facts about New York, and let its endless wonders continue to astound and inspire you!