New York in Questions
Why are New York taxis yellow? Why is the city nicknamed the Big Apple? Here are all the answers to your questions about New York!
The American beaver, an iconic animal of New York
Meet the American beaver! This large rodent played an important role in New York's history... but not necessarily for its engineering skills!
Why Are There So Many Scaffoldings in New York?
New York is filled with scaffoldings! Yet some remain in place for years with no work progressing. Here's the explanation.
Why There’s No 13th Floor in New York
In New York hotels and buildings, you won't often find a 13th floor... New York is "triskaidekaphobic"!
Where is the fastest elevator in New York?
New York is the city of elevators! Discover the fastest elevator in the United States. Good to know: it's open to the public!
5 jokes about New York and New Yorkers
New Yorkers have a great sense of humor. Discover 5 typical New York jokes that will help you understand the city and its residents in a whole new way!
Quiz: Are You Really a New York Fan?
Think you know New York? Test your knowledge with our 20-question quiz about the city's history, landmarks, and culture. Find out if you're a true New York fan—no cheating allowed!
How many buildings are there in New York?
New York is the city of skyscrapers! But how many buildings are there in New York? We've counted them for you and here's the answer.
The Story of the I Love NY Logo
Contrary to what many people think, the "I Love NY" logo was not created for New York City…
3 questions about garbage collection in New York
How does garbage collection work in New York? How much do sanitation workers earn? Here are the answers about trash in New York!
Why does the New York subway mix letters and numbers?
In cities around the world, subway lines use either numbers or letters. In New York, you'll find both. Here's why the system mixes letters and numbers on its lines.
Why is New York-JFK Airport Named After JFK?
When you arrive in New York from Europe, you land at New York-JFK Airport, the largest airport serving the city. Discover the story behind its name and how it changed from Idlewild Airport.
Why are some taxis green in New York?
New York is famous for its iconic yellow taxis, but you'll also spot green taxis on the streets. Here's what sets them apart.
Why does Broadway cut diagonally across New York?
New York's longest avenue has the strangest layout. Broadway cuts diagonally across Manhattan—a unique path in a city of right angles. Here's why.
Why do New York buildings stay lit all night?
While ecology and energy savings are increasingly discussed, many office buildings in New York remain lit throughout the night. Here's why.
Should you say “Queens” or “the Queens”?
Queens is one of New York's five boroughs, but should you call it "Queens" or "the Queens"? We settle the debate once and for all.
Why does New York celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Every March 17th, New York celebrates St. Patrick's Day, the patron saint of Ireland. What's the connection between New York and Ireland? Here's the answer.
Why New York Police Drive Smart Cars
Strolling through New York's streets, you'll spot Smart cars in NYPD colors. New York's police force drives French!
Why do you see cars double-parked in New York?
As you walk around New York, you may have already noticed cars lined up double-parked while empty parking spaces sit across the street. Let me explain this strange parking dance...
What is the oldest statue in New York?
As you walk through the streets and parks of New York, you'll come across many statues. But what if you visited the oldest statue in New York?
What does the operator do in the middle of New York subway cars?
When you take the New York subway, you'll definitely spot these operators sticking their heads out the window at each station. Here's why.
What are New York police three-wheelers used for?
New York Police don't just have sleek patrol cars... As you explore New York, you'll inevitably spot the quirky three-wheeled vehicles patrolling the city streets.
How do New Yorkers celebrate Christmas?
Discover Christmas traditions in the United States and especially in New York. Here's how Christmas is celebrated in New York.
Where is the shortest street in New York?
New York is lined with endless avenues and streets. But did you know the city is also home to its shortest street? Discover Edgar Street, a remarkable 19-meter-long passage in the Financial District that connects Trinity Place to Greenwich Street.
Why were e-bikes banned in New York?
E-bikes were illegal to ride in New York until 2020, even though you could own one. Discover why the city banned them and when the law finally changed.
Why is the Staten Island Ferry Orange in New York?
The Staten Island Ferry is a free ferry that crosses New York Bay. The ships stand out for their bright orange color. Here's the story behind this now-iconic hue…
Is Harlem a dangerous neighborhood in New York?
Harlem's reputation as a dangerous area persists, but what's the reality today? We'll walk you through the neighborhood's transformation and share safety tips for your visit.
What is the American Thanksgiving holiday?
On Thursday, November 26, 2026, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday unknown in Europe. What is it about? Here's what you need to know about Thanksgiving.
Why is New York nicknamed the Big Apple?
New Yorkers often refer to their city as the Big Apple. Discover the fascinating origin of this famous nickname and what it really means.
What is the meaning and history of the American flag?
With its stars and stripes, the American flag embodies the United States of America. But do you know its true meaning and origins?
Why New York City Is Not the Capital of New York State
Did you know that New York City is not the capital of the state that bears its name? Here's the story behind this surprising fact...
Differences Between British and American English
English is spoken in the United States! But did you know there are many differences between Oxford English and American English? Here's an overview of the key distinctions.
Why do the streets of New York smoke?
As you walk through the streets of New York, you'll certainly notice strange chimneys smoking... Here's the explanation!
What is the oldest building in New York?
We often talk about New York's newest buildings, but what about the oldest? The answer is more complex than you might think...
The fabulous story of the Oreo cookie born in New York
The Oreo cookie is an American institution, just like the Petit Beurre for the French and Speculoos for the Belgians. Discover the surprising history of this round cookie, born at Chelsea Market.
New York in photos before and after September 11, 2001
On the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, discover a striking comparison between New York in 1999 and today through powerful before-and-after photographs…
Why Are There Water Tanks on New York Rooftops?
As you explore New York, you'll spot curious wooden cisterns perched on the roofs of older buildings. Here's what they do and why they're still everywhere.
What is the distance between Paris and New York?
How many kilometers between Paris and New York? Here's everything you need to know about the distance between France's capital and New York!
Why Is New York Not the Capital of the USA?
New York is America's most famous and most populated city, so why isn't it the capital of the USA today? Here's the answer.
What are the 10 tallest buildings in New York?
New York is the city of skyscrapers par excellence! Over 6,400 buildings stand here. Here's our ranking of the 10 tallest buildings in New York.
What are the 5 boroughs of New York?
New York is divided into 5 major boroughs. These large districts are comparable to arrondissements. Here's the list.
What’s the difference between New York and New York City?
New Yorkers typically use the term "New York City" when talking about their city, while tourists simply say "New York". Here's what sets them apart!
Why Are New York Taxis Yellow?
New York means the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and… yellow taxis! Discover the fascinating story behind this iconic color.
Why is New York nicknamed the city that never sleeps?
New York is truly a city like no other! From the moment you arrive, you'll quickly discover why New York truly earns its nickname as "the city that never sleeps"...
What is the mystery of the windowless building in New York?
In New York, you can't miss this striking 29-story building shaped like a chimney with not a single window! Here's what it is.
What do the white roses mean at the 9/11 Memorial in New York?
As you walk through the 9/11 Memorial in New York, you'll likely spot white roses placed here and there. Here's what they symbolize.
Who invented gospel singing?
Gospel is an emblematic song of the African-American community that resonates in churches on Sundays. Here's the history of gospel!
New York Firefighters: 10 Questions Answered
Heroes of September 11, 2001, New York firefighters command universal admiration. Here are 10 things you may not know about them.
What is the oldest photo ever taken in New York?
The oldest known photo taken in New York dates back to the mid-19th century. A historic image that shows a completely different New York. Here's the picture and its story!
Who designed the New York City subway map?
Getting around New York is easier with the essential subway map. Discover the fascinating story behind this iconic design!
Why are New York streets designated by numbers?
Unlike European cities, New York's main streets and avenues are not named but numbered. Here's why.