New York is a city of wonders, skyscrapers, and endless energy. But beneath its well-known attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, the city holds some truly bizarre and fascinating secrets. From hidden underground worlds to unexpected animal residents, here are ten weird facts about New York that will surprise you!
1. There’s an Abandoned Subway Station with Stunning Architecture
Deep beneath City Hall lies one of New York’s most beautiful secrets: an abandoned subway station with intricate tilework and elegant chandeliers. Opened in 1904 and closed in 1945 due to its inability to accommodate longer trains, the City Hall Station remains a ghostly but mesmerizing relic of the city’s transit history. You can even catch a glimpse of it if you stay on the 6 train past its final stop!
2. The Empire State Building Has Its Own Zip Code
The iconic Empire State Building isn’t just a marvel of architecture—it’s also so massive that it has its own zip code: 10118. While that may sound odd, it makes sense given that the building houses over 1,000 businesses, making it a mini-city in itself!
3. New York Was Once the Capital of the United States
Washington, D.C., may be the current capital, but did you know that New York was the first capital of the United States? From 1789 to 1790, the city served as the young nation’s political hub, and it was in New York that George Washington took his oath as the first U.S. president on the balcony of Federal Hall.
4. You Can’t Honk Your Horn for No Reason (Legally)
With the constant honking in New York City, you might assume that it’s just part of daily life. However, it’s actually illegal to honk your horn without a valid reason. Of course, this law is rarely enforced, but technically, unnecessary honking could get you a fine!
5. New Yorkers Bite More People Than Sharks Do
Sharks have a terrifying reputation, but statistics suggest that New Yorkers are actually more dangerous in this regard! According to some studies, more people get bitten by other humans in New York City each year than are attacked by sharks worldwide. Maybe too many heated subway arguments?
6. There’s a Secret Train Station Under the Waldorf Astoria
Beneath the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel lies Track 61, a long-abandoned train station that was once used to transport VIPs, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The secret train station allowed high-profile guests to arrive and depart discreetly, avoiding the public eye. The track still exists today, though it’s no longer in use.
7. The Brooklyn Bridge Has a Hidden Champagne Vault
When the Brooklyn Bridge was constructed in the 19th century, its towers were built with hidden vaults that were rented out as storage space to help pay for its construction. Some of these vaults were even used to store wine and champagne due to the stable temperatures inside the bridge. Imagine enjoying a drink under one of the most famous bridges in the world!
8. The Statues in Central Park Have Their Own “Whispering Gallery”
Central Park is home to many statues, but the one of Bethesda Terrace has a strange acoustic phenomenon. If you and a friend stand at opposite arches and whisper into the walls, you’ll hear each other’s words perfectly, as if through a microphone. This bizarre “whispering gallery” effect is due to the way sound waves travel across the curved ceiling.
9. There’s a Fake Building in the West Village
At first glance, 58 Joralemon Street in Brooklyn looks like a normal townhouse, but it’s actually a fake building. The windows are blacked out, and no one lives there because it’s an emergency subway ventilation station! This disguised structure helps keep the subway tunnels cool and safe without disrupting the historic look of the neighborhood.
10. A Huge Bronze Cube in Astor Place Spins with a Push
Located in Astor Place, the giant bronze cube known as “The Alamo” is one of the city’s quirkiest interactive sculptures. It weighs about 1,800 pounds, but thanks to clever engineering, you can actually rotate it with a firm push! It’s become a sort of rite of passage for New Yorkers and visitors alike to try and spin the cube.
New York is full of strange and unexpected surprises, from hidden tunnels and abandoned subway stations to bizarre laws and secret architectural wonders. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, there’s always something new (and weird) to discover in the city that never sleeps!