New York City has more Italian-Americans than Rome itself. This concrete jungle isn’t just skyscrapers and yellow taxis—it’s a place where the extraordinary hides in plain sight.
Many visitors and even longtime residents walk past incredible historical sites, architectural marvels, and cultural oddities without ever knowing their significance.
You’ve seen Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, but the real New York stories remain untold.
Ready for some mind-blowing facts about the Big Apple? From secret underground tunnels to the surprising origin of its nickname, these tidbits will change how you see the city.
Why Is New York Known as the Big Apple?
The nickname “Big Apple” has an interesting history that’s not as old as many people think.
It wasn’t born from New York’s apple orchards or anything so straightforward.
The term first gained popularity in the 1920s in the world of horse racing. Sports journalist John J. Fitz Gerald used “Big Apple” in his column for the New York Morning Telegraph when referring to New York City’s racetracks.
For jockeys and trainers, racing in New York represented the big time—the biggest prizes and the most prestigious competitions.
Fitz Gerald heard the term from stable hands in New Orleans who aspired to race on New York’s tracks, considering it the “big apple” of opportunity.
The nickname faded but was revived in the 1970s as part of a tourism campaign to improve New York’s image during a difficult period.
Jazz musicians had also used the term earlier, as playing in New York represented making it to the top of the music world.
Today, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable nicknames, symbolizing New York as a place of opportunity, ambition, and big rewards.
What Makes New York City Unique Compared to Others?
New York City isn’t just a place—it’s a whole universe packed into five boroughs. No other city buzzes with the same energy, the same 24/7 madness, or the same mix of cultures, ambition, and history.
1. More Languages Than the United Nations
Ever eavesdropped on a New York City sidewalk? You’ll hear over 800 languages—more than anywhere else in the world.
From Russian in Brighton Beach to Mandarin in Flushing, it’s like stepping into a different country every block.
2. The City That Never Sleeps (For Real)
It’s not just a nickname—NYC actually never shuts down. You can grab dumplings at 3 AM, hop on the subway at 4 AM, and get your nails done at 5 AM.
It’s a 24/7 playground, unlike cities where “late-night” means 10 PM.
3. The Skyline That Breaks Records
New York has more skyscrapers than any other U.S. city, with over 300 buildings standing taller than 490 feet.
It’s home to the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the world’s skinniest skyscraper (seriously, it looks like a pencil).
4. Broadway: The Show Never Ends
Love theater? NYC is the only place on Earth with 41 Broadway theaters running year-round. Hamilton? Lion King? Phantom of the Opera? It all happens here.
5. A Subway System Unlike Any Other
The NYC subway has 472 stations, more than any city on the planet.
It runs 24/7, costs the same price no matter how far you travel, and has seen everything—from opera singers performing to rats carrying pizza.
6. Central Park Is Hiding Secrets
Sure, it’s a park. But did you know Central Park has a hidden castle, secret caves, and waterfalls?
There’s even a ghost story or two buried in its history.
7. The Food Scene is Insane
Want a $1 slice of pizza? Done. Want a $500 gold-covered burger? Also done. With over 27,000 restaurants, NYC’s food game is undefeated.
You could eat a different cuisine every night for 22 years and still not run out of options.
8. The Most Iconic New Year’s Party on Earth
Times Square’s ball drop isn’t just a party—it’s a global event.
Over a million people pack into Times Square, and a billion more watch from home. It’s been happening since 1907.
9. Billionaire Playground? Yup.
NYC has more billionaires (over 100!) than any other city.
Some own entire buildings. Others just buy apartments for their dogs (yes, that’s a real thing).
10. Lady Liberty’s Unexpected Origin Story
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t originally meant for NYC—it was actually supposed to be in Egypt.
But she landed in New York instead, and now she’s one of the world’s most famous symbols of freedom.
And that’s just scratching the surface. New York isn’t just a city—it’s a world of its own. Love it or hate it, there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Mind-Blowing NYC Facts You Won’t Believe
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New York City has over 800 languages spoken—making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
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If NYC were a country, its economy would rank in the world’s top 15. That’s how much money moves through the city.
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Times Square is named after The New York Times—before that, it was Longacre Square.
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NYC’s subway system has more stations (472) than any city on Earth.
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The Empire State Building has its own zip code: 10118.
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More than 3 million people visit Central Park every month.
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NYC is home to the world’s first-ever pizzeria, Lombardi’s, which opened in 1905.
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The Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge to use steel cables.
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The Statue of Liberty was originally meant for Egypt, not New York.
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The ice cream cone, pasta primavera, and eggs Benedict were all invented in NYC.
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There’s a tiny, hidden park called “Paley Park” with a waterfall in Midtown.
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Wall Street got its name from an actual wall built by the Dutch in the 1600s.
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Every year, New Yorkers bite 500 times more people than sharks do worldwide.
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NYC’s underground has a secret abandoned subway station at City Hall.
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The Chrysler Building was once the tallest in the world—but only for 11 months.
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Central Park is bigger than the country of Monaco.
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NYC’s public library system has over 55 million books—more than any other library in the U.S.
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There’s a gold vault under Wall Street that holds about 25% of the world’s gold reserves.
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There are more women than men in NYC—about 52% of the population is female.
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The narrowest building in NYC is just 9.5 feet wide.
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There’s a secret train station under the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, used by presidents like FDR.
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The “Big Apple” nickname comes from 1920s horse racing slang.
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Grand Central Terminal has a hidden tennis court inside it.
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The Yankees’ first home was actually in Baltimore, not New York.
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NYC’s subway system travels the equivalent of 20 trips to the moon every year.
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There are over 2,000 bridges and tunnels connecting NYC to surrounding areas.
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The smallest property in NYC is a tiny triangle on the sidewalk in the West Village.
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More than 15,000 taxis roam the streets of NYC every day.
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NYC’s bagel-making is so serious that some shops age their dough for 36 hours before boiling it.
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There’s a skyscraper in NYC with no windows—just a secret NSA surveillance center.
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The hot dog eating contest at Coney Island started in 1916 and has been an annual tradition ever since.
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Broadway theaters sell over 14 million tickets every year.
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There’s an entire fleet of underground workers—thousands of wild rats living in the subway system.
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The East River isn’t actually a river—it’s a tidal estuary.
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A building in NYC has a fake penthouse used just for disguising water tanks.
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Every year, 1,600 pizzas are delivered to the top of the Empire State Building.
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There’s a tiny house in NYC that’s just 325 square feet—and it’s worth millions.
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In the 1920s, there was a speakeasy hidden inside the Chrysler Building.
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Some NYC manholes release steam because of an underground heating system that’s been running since 1882.
How to Plan a Perfect Day in New York
New York City has a reputation for being pricey, but you don’t need a big budget to enjoy its best sights, food, and experiences.
With smart planning, you can have an unforgettable day in NYC without spending a fortune. Here’s how to do it.
Morning: Classic NYC Breakfast & Iconic Sights
Breakfast – Affordable and Authentic
Start your day like a true New Yorker with a fresh bagel and coffee. Some great budget-friendly spots:
- Ess-a-Bagel (Midtown) – Thick, chewy, and famous for a reason
- Absolute Bagels (Upper West Side) – A local favorite, cash only
- Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side) – Pricier, but a legendary spot for bagels with lox
Grab your breakfast to-go and head to Central Park. Find a bench near Bethesda Terrace and enjoy the early morning calm.
Mid-Morning Walk – See NYC’s Best for Free
After breakfast, explore Midtown’s famous landmarks, all within walking distance:
- Times Square – Best enjoyed early before the crowds get overwhelming
- Grand Central Terminal – Check out the Whispering Gallery inside
- New York Public Library & Bryant Park – A peaceful, historic spot worth visiting
- The High Line – A scenic, elevated park built on an old railway
If you want an affordable museum option, The American Museum of Natural History has a “pay what you wish” entry option in the mornings.
Afternoon: Cheap Eats & Breathtaking Views
Lunch – Classic NYC Food for Cheap
New York has some of the best cheap eats in the world. Grab something quick and delicious:
- Joe’s Pizza (Greenwich Village) – One of NYC’s best slice joints
- Prince Street Pizza (SoHo) – Famous for its thick, crispy pepperoni slices
- Los Tacos No. 1 (Chelsea Market) – Some of the best tacos in the city
Epic Skyline Views – Without the Price Tag
Instead of paying for expensive observation decks, get stunning views for free:
- Staten Island Ferry – Completely free and offers amazing views of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan
- Brooklyn Bridge Walk – Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn for iconic skyline shots
- DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park – One of the best photo spots in the city
Evening: Affordable Dinner & Free Entertainment
Dinner – Great Food Without the High Prices
Skip the overpriced tourist traps and eat where locals go:
- Shake Shack (Madison Square Park) – The classic NYC burger experience
- Mamouns Falafel (Greenwich Village) – Cheap and delicious Middle Eastern food
- Xi’an Famous Foods (Various Locations) – Hand-pulled noodles for under $15
Nighttime Entertainment – Enjoy NYC for Free
- Times Square at Night – The lights and energy are an experience on their own
- Washington Square Park – Often has live jazz or street performers
- Comedy Clubs – Some places, like The Lantern in Greenwich Village, have free-entry shows (you just need to buy a drink)
If you want a rooftop view without spending too much, check out 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar—you can visit without ordering a drink, just for the view.
Late Night: End the Day with a Classic NYC Snack
Budget-Friendly Late-Night Bites
- $1 Pizza Spots – Many pizzerias offer cheap, late-night slices
- Bodegas for a Classic Bacon, Egg, and Cheese – One of the best New York sandwiches, available 24/7
For a relaxing end to the night, take a walk along the Brooklyn Promenade for a peaceful, breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Total Cost for the Day: $20–$50 (Depending on Food Choices and Extras)
This itinerary proves you don’t need to spend big to enjoy New York City. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a local refinding the city, this plan gives you a full NYC experience—without breaking the bank.
The Bottom Line
Did you know the city that never sleeps also never stops surprising us?
From secret subway stations to floating islands, these 39 facts prove New York holds mysteries even lifelong residents haven’t finded.
Craving more mind-blowing trivia? Our Dwayne Johnson Facts and Harry potter facts collections are just as packed with surprising revelations that will change how you see these icons.
Which New York secret left you speechless? Tell us in the comments—we bet it’s not the same one that shocked us!
