10 New York City Facts Outsiders Would Never Guess Are True

There’s more to the Big Apple than meets the average tourist’s eye. From quirky historical tidbits to mind-boggling statistics, here are ten surprising facts about New York City that non-locals can’t wrap their heads around.

The Empire State Building Has Its Own Zip Code

One of the most iconic buildings in New York City, the Empire State Building isn’t just famous for its towering height and breathtaking views. It also has its own zip code: 10118. This is because the building houses so many offices and businesses that it essentially functions like a small city.

Imagine sending mail and writing down “Empire State Building” as the address!

Completed in 1931, the Empire State Building has 102 stories and covers over 2.7 million square feet. It’s a reminder of just how massive and influential New York can be, even on a micro level.

Central Park Is Bigger Than Monaco

Yes, you read that right! Central Park, the sprawling green oasis in the middle of Manhattan, is larger than the entire country of Monaco.

Central Park spans 843 acres, while Monaco covers just 510 acres. That means you could fit Monaco inside Central Park and still have room to spare for a leisurely walk.

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park opened in 1858 and is now one of the most visited urban parks in the world. From boating on the lake to visiting the Central Park Zoo, there’s something for everyone in this massive urban sanctuary.

The Subway System Has 472 Stations

New York City’s subway system is a marvel of engineering and logistics. With 472 stations, it has the most stations of any subway system in the world. It’s also one of the oldest, having opened in 1904.

Whether you’re heading to Times Square or Brooklyn, there’s likely a station nearby to get you where you need to go.

What’s even more surprising is that the NYC subway system operates 24/7. While other cities’ subway systems shut down at night, New York’s keeps running, a testament to the city’s nickname “The City That Never Sleeps.”

Pizza Rat Is a Real Thing

Remember the viral video of a rat dragging a slice of pizza down a subway staircase? That wasn’t a one-time event. New York City’s rats are notorious for their resourcefulness, and “Pizza Rat” became a symbol of their persistence.

The video, which was uploaded in 2015, quickly went viral, showcasing the humorous and bizarre side of life in the city.

There are an estimated minimum of two million rats in New York, roughly one for every four residents. While that might sound alarming, the city has implemented various measures to control the rodent population, including using dry ice to seal rat burrows.

You Can Kayak for Free on the Hudson River

Think New York is all about skyscrapers and crowded streets? Think again! One of the city’s best-kept secrets is that you can kayak on the Hudson River for free.

The Downtown Boathouse and other organizations offer free kayaking sessions during the warmer months.

Kayaking is a great way to see the city from a new perspective while enjoying some outdoor adventure. Plus, it’s completely free, making it a budget-friendly activity for locals and tourists alike.

There Are Secret Tunnels Under the City

Beneath the bustling streets of New York lie miles of hidden tunnels. Some were once part of old subway lines, while others served as secret passageways during Prohibition.

One of the most famous is the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel in Brooklyn, which was rediscovered in the 1980s after being sealed for over a century.

These tunnels are a treasure trove of history, with stories of bootleggers, spies, and even abandoned subway stations. While many are off-limits to the public, a few guided tours offer a glimpse into this hidden world.

The Statue of Liberty Wasn’t Always Green

When the Statue of Liberty was first unveiled in 1886, it wasn’t green but a shiny copper color. Over time, the statue’s copper exterior oxidized, creating the green patina we see today. This natural process took about 25 years to complete.

Back in the day, some politicians were upset about the color change and proposed painting the Statue of Liberty, a $62,000 project at the time. Their efforts failed.

Lady Liberty stands as a symbol of freedom and welcome to immigrants arriving in the U.S. Her transformation from copper to green is just one of the many fascinating stories surrounding this iconic monument.

New York’s Public Library Has Over 50 Million Items

The New York Public Library isn’t just a place to borrow books; it’s a treasure trove of knowledge and history. With over 54 million items, it’s one of the largest library systems in the world.

NYC’s library collection includes rare manuscripts, maps, photographs, and even ancient texts.

The main branch, located on Fifth Avenue, is famous for its majestic architecture and lion statues. Whether you’re a bookworm or a history buff, this library is a must-visit.

Hundreds of Languages Spoken

New York City is a true melting pot, with over 200 languages spoken by its residents. This incredible linguistic diversity reflects the city’s rich cultural heritage and its status as a global hub.

From Spanish and Mandarin to Bengali and Russian, the city’s neighborhoods are a patchwork quilt of different cultures. It’s not unusual to hear multiple languages spoken within the same subway car or on a single block.

Times Square Was Once Called Longacre Square

Before it became the dazzling hub of theaters and billboards, Times Square was known as Longacre Square.

The name changed in the early 1900s when The New York Times moved its headquarters to the area and convinced the city to rename it in their honor.

Today, Times Square is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually. Its transformation from a quiet square to a bustling cultural hotspot is a testament to New York’s ability to reinvent itself.

Most to Least Expensive States To Retire

Photo Credit: Jade Maas/peopleimages.com via stock.adobe.com.

Are you hoping to settle down in a cheaper state during retirement? These are the states to consider and, equally important, those you’re better off avoiding.

Most to Least Expensive States to Retire Ranked From 1 to 50

19 Myths That Annoy History Buffs to the Core

Photo Credit: stokkete via stock.adobe.com.

If your teacher taught it in history class, it’s normal to assume it’s true. Ask any historian, though, and you might be surprised to learn the stuff of school history lessons is often riddled with inaccuracies. 

19 Historical U.S. Myths That Annoy History Buffs to the Core

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