Fun Facts About NYC: Discover the Hidden Gems of the Big Apple

New York City is often regarded as the epicenter of culture, innovation, and excitement. From its towering skyscrapers to its cozy neighborhoods, the city pulses with energy and surprises around every corner. Whether you’re a seasoned New Yorker or a curious visitor, there’s no shortage of fascinating facts that make this city unique. Here’s a deeper dive into some fun and lesser-known facts about the Big Apple that will leave you in awe of this dynamic metropolis.

Times Square, New York | Copyright Marco Rubi / shutterstock

1. NYC is a Linguistic Melting Pot

New York City is one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth. With a population exceeding 8.8 million, the city’s five boroughs are home to residents from virtually every country in the world. A staggering 800 languages are spoken within the city, making it a true linguistic wonderland. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Italy, and Jackson Heights in Queens offer a blend of languages from across the globe. From Mandarin to Bengali, Spanish to Russian, NYC’s linguistic richness is a testament to its multicultural fabric.

Fun Fact: More than 1 in 5 New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home, and the city has the largest number of Spanish speakers in the United States.

2. The New York Public Library’s Hidden Treasures

The New York Public Library (NYPL) is more than just a place to check out books—it houses a treasure trove of historical items, rare books, and invaluable manuscripts. Its iconic main branch on Fifth Avenue, with its grand Beaux-Arts architecture, is home to over 50 million items, including early works of literature and medieval texts. Among its prized possessions is a Gutenberg Bible, one of the first printed books in the Western world.

Fun Fact: The NYPL’s famous lion statues, Patience and Fortitude, are not just symbols of the library but also represent the city’s resilience, standing guard over the entrance for over a century.

3. Central Park’s Hidden Secrets

Central Park, often dubbed the “lungs of the city,” is an oasis of green in the heart of Manhattan. While many flock to its well-known spots, such as the Central Park Zoo and the Bow Bridge, there are numerous hidden gems scattered throughout this 843-acre park. The Ramble, a 40-acre area designed as a wild, forested retreat, offers winding paths, streams, and secluded spaces perfect for escaping the city’s bustle. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 275 species migrating through annually.

Fun Fact: Central Park is home to more than 21,000 trees and hosts over 350 different species of birds, making it an important stop for bird enthusiasts.

Aerial view of Central Park and Columbus Circle, Manhattan, New York; Park is surrounded by skyscraper Copyright T photography

4. The Subway Runs 24/7

One of the most iconic features of New York City is its 24-hour subway system, which serves over 5 million riders every day. The subway system, which began operation in 1904, spans more than 660 miles of track—longer than the distance from New York to Washington, D.C. Unlike many other cities around the world, the NYC subway operates 365 days a year, day or night, rain or shine.

Fun Fact: New York’s subway system is the only one in the world that operates around the clock. It also boasts the largest number of stations of any transit system globally, with over 450 stations across the five boroughs.

5. NYC Was Once the U.S. Capital

Before Washington, D.C. became the permanent capital of the United States, New York City was the nation’s first capital from 1785 to 1790. During this period, NYC hosted key moments in American history, including the first meeting of the U.S. Congress and the introduction of the Bill of Rights. Federal Hall, located on Wall Street, still stands as a monument to this crucial time in U.S. history.

Fun Fact: George Washington took the oath of office as the first U.S. president on the steps of Federal Hall, a landmark now open to the public as a museum.

6. There’s a Secret Tennis Court in Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal, an architectural marvel and transportation hub, has a hidden gem that most visitors never see—a secret tennis court. Located in the terminal’s upper levels, the court was once used by a private club and remains one of NYC’s most unusual and obscure spaces. Though the court is no longer in use, its existence adds an element of intrigue to the already famous terminal.

Fun Fact: Despite being hidden in plain sight, many longtime New Yorkers are unaware of the tennis court’s existence.

7. The Brooklyn Bridge Was Once a Popular Tourist Attraction

When the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world and became an immediate tourist attraction. People from around the world paid to walk across the bridge to marvel at its design and engineering feats. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge remains a symbol of New York’s ingenuity and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn via its stunning architectural structure.

Fun Fact: The first person to cross the bridge on foot was Emily Roebling, the wife of chief engineer Washington Roebling, who oversaw the bridge’s completion after her husband became ill.

Couple walking on pedestrian path across Brooklyn bridge. Copyright Matej Kastelic / shutterstock

8. The Tallest Building in the U.S. Isn’t in NYC

While New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States isn’t located in the city. The honor goes to the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) in Chicago, which stands at 1,450 feet tall. However, NYC’s skyline remains one of the most recognizable and iconic in the world, and the Empire State Building still offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks.

Fun Fact: The Empire State Building has been featured in more than 90 movies, making it one of the most photographed buildings in the world.

9. The Bronx Is the Birthplace of Hip-Hop

In the 1970s, a cultural revolution took place in the Bronx. The birth of hip-hop, with pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, transformed music, art, and fashion around the globe. What started as block parties in the South Bronx soon grew into one of the most influential movements in modern music history. Today, the Bronx honors its roots with landmarks like the Bronx Walk of Fame and events that celebrate the city’s role in shaping hip-hop culture.

Fun Fact: The Bronx Walk of Fame celebrates notable Bronx residents, including hip-hop legends like Grandmaster Flash and artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man.

10. NYC Has Its Own “Eiffel Tower”

New York may not have a full-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower, but the city does feature a quirky homage to the Parisian landmark. Located at the entrance of The Four Seasons restaurant, the replica tower was constructed as part of the restaurant’s 1950s and ‘60s design. This miniature Eiffel Tower, though not as grand as its Paris counterpart, offers a fun nod to the French influence on NYC’s culture and history.

Fun Fact: The Four Seasons was once considered one of the most influential and glamorous restaurants in the city, frequented by celebrities and elite New Yorkers.

11. The NYC Water Tanks Are Made of Wood

As you walk through the city, you may notice the many water towers perched atop buildings. These wooden water tanks, which have been a part of NYC’s skyline since the 19th century, continue to serve the purpose of providing water pressure to the buildings below. Made from redwood and pine, these tanks are durable, easy to repair, and surprisingly effective at maintaining water pressure in the city’s dense urban landscape.

Fun Fact: There are over 10,000 water towers across New York City, and the wooden ones are favored for their cost-effectiveness and sustainability compared to modern metal tanks.

Photo of water towers on East 57th Street via Wikimedia

12. NYC Has More Than 25,000 Restaurants

New York City’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population. With more than 25,000 restaurants, the city offers an unparalleled range of food options, from Michelin-starred fine dining to street food vendors offering everything from pizza to falafel. The city’s food trucks are also iconic, serving quick, delicious meals from tacos to lobster rolls, catering to locals and tourists alike.

Fun Fact: NYC is the birthplace of many famous food trends, including the bagel, the New York-style pizza, and the cupcake craze, with countless eateries dedicated to perfecting these beloved dishes.


New York City’s charm lies in its mix of history, culture, and modernity. From linguistic diversity to hidden historical treasures, the city continues to captivate the imagination of millions. Each fun fact, no matter how small, adds to the allure and mystery of this vibrant metropolis. Whether you’re strolling through Central Park, hopping on the subway, or tasting a new dish, there’s always something new to discover in the world’s greatest city!

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