Want to know more about the “Big Apple”? If not, get ready for some outstanding New York facts that will guarantee you’ll win any trivia game!

New York, the city that never sleeps, is often praised as an idyllic vacation spot for over half of the population. If you’ve been here at least once in your life, you definitely understand the hype! We have a question for our local readers now: how many of you are familiar with some of New York’s history and lesser-known facts?

In this article, we at Mind-Bending Facts are about to dive into some of the most surprising New York facts. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a long but pleasant journey! And by the end of your reading, please leave us a comment with your favorite fact. Let’s start!

1. NYC has 472 subway stations, which makes it the largest system in the U.S.

One of the first mind-bending New York facts is that NYC has the largest subway system in the whole country. Made in 1904 it’s probably one of the oldest subways in the world. Wow! That’s something. With more than 840 miles of track and operating throughout the entire day for no less than 24 hours, seven days a week, the subway is one of the most reliable public transportation options in the city.

The New York City subway system gained even more notoriety in 1987 when Michael Jackson shot the music video for his hit single “Bad.” Letitia James, a member of the City Council, asked the MTA to rename the station after the King of Pop because it had become so well-known, but the MTA told her that they would oppose it. Hoyt-Schermerhorn-Jackson lives in our hearts despite the absence of a MJ plaque.

2. Honking is an illegal action

While in another metropolis it’s perfectly normal to honk if you’re in a hurry to make others move faster, in NYC this action might have serious consequences. You don’t believe this fact? Well, unless it’s a serious emergency, drivers aren’t allowed to make excessive noise while they’re on the street.

The amusing part is that the NYPD may punish abusers up to $350, and that legislation also covers car alarms. Therefore, the next time you consider honking or notice a taxi driver doing so, tell them to slow down since you’d rather enjoy the scenery than risk getting punished.

3. The birthplace of Hip-Hop

The third one from the New York Facts list is about a musical genre. Hip-hop is frequently referred to as having its roots in The Bronx, one of New York City’s five boroughs. The 1970s saw the debut of the genre, which has since dominated world music and culture. Pretty cool, right?

4. New York is…electrifying

If the first three New York facts didn’t surprise you or you already knew about them, get ready for this one! Are you aware of the fact that the Empire State Building is so tall that every time it rains and it’s a thunderstorm, lightning strikes it around 25 times per year? That’s insane because it’s still standing! Therefore, we couldn’t be more grateful for all the modern engineers who are professionals at handling this situation.

How will NYC look without the Empire State Building? Can you imagine?

5. Linguistically diverse

New York City has more than 8.4 million citizens, making it the most populated metropolis in the country. More than 800 different languages are spoken in New York City, making it one of the most diverse cities. Yes, 800!

You’re going to visit this metropolis soon, and besides New York facts, you’re also looking for a full guide that will help you navigate the city. Check out Frommer’s New York City Day by Day in the paperback edition that’s only $13.39! This is the updated version of the post-pandemic rules.

6. New York’s Dutch origins

Did you know that NYC was initially called New Amsterdam? This is because it was founded in 1626 by Dutch settlers, and 38 years later, the English got control of the city and renamed it New York City to honor the memory of the Duke of York.

7. NYC is famous for its delicious pizza

One of the most, let’s say, delicious New York facts on the list is that the pizza made at Lombardi’s is probably the best in the city. And for those who don’t know, NYC had the first-ever U.S. pizzeria. Mmm…Yummy! The tastiest pizza in New York City is still available at Lombardi’s, which first opened its doors in 1895. (Fun fact: For more than 50 years, the cost of a single subway journey and a slice of pizza have been roughly similar.

This phenomenon is known as “The Pizza Principle” among economists. It’s also amusing to note that when one’s price increases, so does the other.

8. It has a place called the “whispering gallery”

There is a spot called the whispering gallery in Grand Central Terminal’s eating section. You may stand there on the corners of the tiled wall, facing each other, and whisper messages to one another. How fantastic is that?

9. Farting in the church is totally forbidden in NYC

Going topless is completely permitted in the city; however, farting in a place of worship (the church in this case) may be considered disruptive or a nuisance. When someone disrupts a lawfully convened religious ceremony, a funeral, a burial, or a memorial service, or is within 100 feet of one, with the aim of irritating or alarming others, or recklessly creates a danger of doing so, they can be fined.

10. It’s the home of the largest museum in the world

Have you ever been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, also known as the Met? With more than two million pieces covering almost 5,000 years of history, it is one of the biggest and most renowned art museums in the world. This is unquestionably amazing and something that both visitors and culture-hungry locals should see.

11. New Yorkers are the top consumers of hot dogs

Did someone say hot dogs? We’re already hungry! Those fluffy buns and that juicy sausage make the perfect combo for a quick snack. That’s why it’s no surprise that everybody eats them! But New Yorkers are the top consumers of this delicious food because it’s being sold in almost every corner of the town.

However, if you’re planning on opening your own hot dog business, you must know that a stand is super expensive, and the permit for one year straight can reach up to $200,000, depending on which area you choose to do the selling.

12. …but why “The Big Apple?”

We can’t write about New York facts without mentioning one of the funniest ones that’s connected to its nickname. New York City The New York City abbreviation first appeared in a horse racing column in the New York Morning Telegraph in the 1920s. A tourist push in the 1970s helped spread the word.
At the time, popular horse races held in and around New York were the subject of a column by sportswriter John J. FitzGerald for the New York Morning Telegraph. He called the enormous rewards up for grabs “the big apple,” signifying the greatest and finest one can accomplish.

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And before leaving, check out: Top 10 Crazy Predictions That Came True.