Interesting facts about New York – this may surprise you!

New York is a city that delights, attracts and inspires millions of tourists every year. In addition to well-known attractions such as Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, it hides many secrets and curiosities that may surprise even those who think they know everything about it. Today we have prepared for you a handful of interesting facts. Ready?

We have already written about New York quite a bit on our blog. We have written about popular destinations, viewpoints, a helicopter flight over New York, etc. In New York, you will find both modern skyscrapers and historical sites that tell the story of the city’s past. Full of attractions, Central Park, the famous Fifth Avenue, numerous observation decks, and on top of that New York offers fantastic museums. Although the city is not the capital of New York State, it is undoubtedly its cultural and financial center.

However, visiting cities is not just about ticking off more attractions, it is also about learning about culture, history and curiosities, and it is sometimes the latter that are most memorable.

In this post, we have collected what surprised us about New York.

Where did the name Manhattan come from?

The name “Manhattan” comes from the word “Mannahatta,” which in the Lenape language of Native Americans meant either “island of many hills” or “place where wood was gathered for bows.” This historical reference reminds us of the time when this part of the city was still inhabited by indigenous people, before the Dutch arrived here and established New Amsterdam, and the British later renamed the place New York.

Why is New York City called the Big Apple? Due to the popular term used in the 1920s. The report was published in the 1970s by journalists describing the New York jazz scene and horse racing. “The Big Apple” symbolized the highest prize or greatest achievement, which perfectly reflects the character of the city.

New York’s oldest building

Brooklyn is home to the city’s oldest building, the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum. Built in 1652 by Dutch settlers, it is a true historical gem and allows you to travel back to a time when New York was still a colony.

New York’s narrowest house

If you think living in New York is a luxury, how about a house that is only 2.9 meters wide? It is located on Bedford Street in Greenwich Village and is considered the narrowest house in the entire city. Despite its small size, it has been home to such personalities as actress Cary Grant and writer Edna St. Vincent Millay. The narrowest house in New York is another example of how unusual Manhattan is.

How many skyscrapers are there in New York City?

Of course, New York is famous for its impressive skyline, and the city has more than 6,000 skyscrapers! That’s more than in any other city in the United States. The tallest of these is One World Trade Center, which measures as high as 541 meters.

Yellow cabs are yellow not by accident

New York City is home to some of the most distinctive yellow cabs, which have become a symbol of the city. They owe their distinctive color to a decision made in 1915 by John D. Hertz, founder of The Yellow Cab Company. The choice of yellow was not accidental – a study conducted at the University of Chicago showed that yellow is the most visible color from a distance. This made it easier for passengers to spot cabs on crowded city streets.

In 1967, yellow became the official standard for licensed cabs in New York City to help distinguish them from illegal carriers.

Curiosity about Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, was the first suspension bridge in the world to be made of steel wires. Moreover, for many years it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. It is interesting to note that during the construction of the bridge, some 15 million bricks were used as foundations for the pylons. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most visited places in New York City, both by locals and tourists.

Central Park – The green heart of the city

Different parts of Central Park offer unique attractions, from romantic corners to open spaces perfect for a picnic. The park’s history dates back to the 19th century, when it was decided to create a place in downtown Manhattan that would allow residents to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Every day, thousands of residents and tourists in New York City spend time walking, picnicking and jogging in Central Park. But it’s not only a huge area of greenery in the heart of Manhattan, but also a place full of curiosities. Did you know that this park covers an area of more than 340 hectares and has more than 36 bridges? The park also has more than 18,000 trees, making it an oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. There is also a zoo, which is one of the biggest attractions in Central Park. Of course, there are a multitude of other attractions in Central Park and there is something for everyone.

Visiting Central Park is a real pleasure for anyone visiting the city of New York.

Empire State Building – Symbol of New York City

The Empire State Building is not only an icon of the city, but also a building full of curiosities. Did you know that it was originally intended to be a mooring place for airships? At the top of the tower was a special mast designed for this purpose, but the plans were quickly abandoned for safety reasons. The building was completed in a record 410 days and was the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years. What’s more, its light illumination changes colors according to occasions and events. The Empire State Building is one of New York’s most visited landmarks.

Tipping in New York

First, be prepared to tip – it’s even mandatory in restaurants or hotels and it’s standard throughout the United States. The minimum tip amount is usually 15-20% of the bill. Failure to tip may be perceived as disrespectful to the service, so it is always a good idea to carry change for the occasion. New York is known for its fast-paced lifestyle, making tipping an integral part of the culture.

New York City subway

New York’s subway system is a real jungle – although it is one of the oldest subway systems in the world, it still operates 24 hours a day and allows you to get around the city quickly. Admittedly, New York City has a rather run-down subway system, the stations are often unsuitable for people in wheelchairs and with children, but it is still the best mode of transportation.

Interestingly, the first section of the subway opened in 1904, and the system today has more than 472 stations and 36 lines. Each line has its own color, making it easy to navigate, but the real challenge is to distinguish between local and express trains. The New York subway is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city of New York.

Souvenirs and culinary New York

New York offers countless souvenirs and sweets, but if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, we recommend buying classic New York bagels or New York cheesecake at one of the local bakeries. For fashion fans, a gadget with the logo of the New York subway lines or a classic T-shirt with the words “I ❤ NY” would be the perfect souvenir. Pearl Street is also worth a look for unique handicrafts. Pearl Street in New York is a place full of history and curiosities.

Pizza Principle – the principle of pizza in New York City

Prices in New York can make your head spin, but did you know that there is such a thing as “Pizza Principle” in New York? It’s an unofficial economic rule of thumb that says the price of one slice of pizza in the city is usually equal to the price of a subway ride. This phenomenon has been observed since the 1960s. It was developed in the 1970s and, although it doesn’t always prove every cent, for decades it has demonstrated the remarkable relationship between two iconic New York City landmarks: pizza and public transportation. This is an interesting example of how the daily lives of residents can reflect economic changes in the city. Currently, the average price of a slice of pizza exceeds the fare.

Of course, in New York you should try pizza, and Lombardi’s, opened in 1905, is the oldest pizzeria in the United States.

50 million books in one place

The New York Public Library is a place that will delight not only literature lovers. It houses more than 50 million books and materials, making it one of the largest libraries in the world. Its distinctive marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, are symbols of knowledge and perseverance. It is also interesting to note that entry to the library is completely free, making it even more accessible to visitors.

Broadway – the heart of New York culture

The culture of New York is not only museums and galleries, but especially Broadway. It is here that the largest theatrical performances are held, attracting art lovers from all over the world. It is interesting to note that there are as many as 41 theaters on Broadway, and the oldest of them, the Lyceum Theatre, opened in 1903 and has been in continuous operation ever since. If you’re planning a visit to New York, be sure to book tickets to one of these unforgettable shows. Broadway is one of the main points that define the culture of New York.

Interesting facts about languages in New York

New York is a true global metropolis, home to more than 8 million people representing almost every corner of the world. What makes this city even more special is that you can hear as many as 800 different languages on its streets! This makes New York one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth.

Little Poland in New York

Is it possible to get a feel for Poland in New York? A little yes :) Just visit Little Poland in Greenpoint (Brooklyn) to find out! This is a place where you will find traditional Polish dishes served in restaurants. Interestingly, Greenpoint is called “Little Poland” for a reason – New York is home to the second largest Polish community in the US (after Chicago). Walking through the streets of this district, you can hear the Polish language and see signs in our native tongue, which makes this place extremely unique on the city map.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable symbols of New York and the entire United States. It was donated by France in 1886 as a symbol of friendship between nations and to commemorate the centennial of US independence. Interestingly, its full name is “Freedom Illuminating the World.” The statue measures 93 meters in height (including the pedestal), counting with the base, and is visited by millions of tourists every year. The statue was also one of the first sights seen by immigrants arriving in America. It is also worth knowing that inside the crown there is a viewpoint with 354 steps leading up to it.

Interesting facts about Times Square

Times Square, known as the “crossroads of the world,” is one of the most recognizable places in the Big Apple. Anyone who wants to see New York also wants to go to Times Square. About 330,000 people pass through it every day, making it one of the busiest places in the world. Interestingly, the square is named after the headquarters of The New York Times newspaper, which moved to a newly constructed building in the area in 1904.

Interesting facts about New York

New York City is made up of five boroughs, each with a unique character and diverse attractions, making many interesting facts about New York City about their distinctiveness. New York is at the crossroads of different cultures, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Manhattan is the heart of the city and the financial center, where you will find Wall Street, the New York Stock Exchange and famous skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building. It is also home to Central Park – the green lungs of the city.

Brooklyn attracts with its artistic atmosphere and charming neighborhoods like DUMBO, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan. It is here that the Brooklyn Bridge – one of the oldest and most recognizable structures in the US – is located.

Queens is the most ethnically diverse borough in New York City, where you can sample cuisine from every corner of the world. It is also home to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the US Open stadium.

The Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop and home to Yankee Stadium. It is also home to one of the largest zoos in the world, the Bronx Zoo.

Staten Island provides the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax among nature. You can get here by free ferry, which offers great views of the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline.

Each of these neighborhoods has something unique to offer, from culture and cuisine to history and architecture.

New York trivia – summary

New York is associated with skyscrapers, yellow cabs and a unique atmosphere. We hope our tidbits will allow you to discover them from a different angle and inspire your next trip! What are your favorite places in New York? Share with us in the comments!