I’m so excited to share these New York trivia questions with you. When my family visited NYC last summer, we played trivia on our subway rides between attractions, and it made the time fly by! Whether you’re a native New Yorker, planning a trip to the Big Apple, or just love learning cool facts, this collection of 100+ trivia questions will test your knowledge about America’s most iconic city.
I’ve put together questions about New York’s history, landmarks, culture, sports, and so much more. Trust me, these questions are perfect for game nights, road trips, or just impressing your friends with random New York knowledge!
Did you know that New York is nicknamed “The Empire State,” but many people don’t know why? (Spoiler: It’s about economic dominance, not Star Wars!) This is just one of the many fascinating tidbits you’ll discover in this ultimate collection of New York trivia.
I’ve always been fascinated by New York’s rich history and vibrant culture. There’s something magical about the city that never sleeps, and these trivia questions capture that energy. From the towering skyscrapers to the hidden gems in the boroughs, we’ll explore it all!
New York History Trivia
Let’s dive into New York’s rich past! From its Dutch colonial beginnings to its emergence as a global powerhouse, the Big Apple’s history is as colorful as its present. I find the city’s evolution absolutely fascinating—did you know it was once the capital of the United States? Let’s test your knowledge!
- In what year was New York City (then New Amsterdam) founded? Answer: 1624
- What was the original name of New York before the British took control? Answer: New Amsterdam
- Which island did the Dutch supposedly purchase from Native Americans for $24 worth of goods? Answer: Manhattan
- What year did New York City briefly serve as the capital of the United States? Answer: 1789-1790
- Which New York neighborhood was once known as “Little Germany”? Answer: The East Village
- The Five Points district was a famous slum in which century? Answer: 19th century
- What major historical event took place at Seneca Falls, NY in 1848? Answer: The first women’s rights convention
- What was the name of the historic immigration station in New York Harbor? Answer: Ellis Island
- Approximately how many immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954? Answer: 12 million
- When did the Stock Market Crash that led to the Great Depression occur in New York? Answer: October 1929
- What major transportation innovation opened in New York City in 1904? Answer: The subway system
- Who was the famous urban planner responsible for designing Central Park? Answer: Frederick Law Olmsted
- What year was the United Nations headquarters established in New York City? Answer: 1952
- What legendary New York City neighborhood was the birthplace of hip-hop? Answer: The Bronx
- What New York event sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement in 1969? Answer: The Stonewall Riots
- What was the name of the Native American tribe that inhabited Manhattan before European settlement? Answer: The Lenape
- Which famous New York prison closed in 1963? Answer: Sing Sing
- In what year did the Brooklyn Bridge open? Answer: 1883
- What year was the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire? Answer: 1911
- Which New York City mayor led the city during the Great Depression? Answer: Fiorello La Guardia
Want to exercise your brain in different ways? Check out our philosophical questions that will really make you think!
NYC Landmarks Trivia
I still remember my first time seeing the Empire State Building in person—it took my breath away! New York is home to some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks and architectural marvels. From towering skyscrapers to magnificent bridges, let’s see how well you know these iconic structures!
- How tall is the Empire State Building (to the tip)? Answer: 1,454 feet
- What year was the Statue of Liberty dedicated? Answer: 1886
- Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States? Answer: France
- How many stories does the Chrysler Building have? Answer: 77 stories
- What is the name of the famous train terminal in midtown Manhattan? Answer: Grand Central Terminal
- What structure replaced the Twin Towers after 9/11? Answer: One World Trade Center
- Which famous New York landmark has 2,753 seats? Answer: Radio City Music Hall
- What is the name of the famous arched entrance to Chinatown? Answer: Arch of Prosperity/Friendship Arch
- How many bridges connect Manhattan to the other boroughs? Answer: 21 bridges
- Which famous museum sits on Fifth Avenue across from Central Park? Answer: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
- What is the name of the area where Broadway and Seventh Avenue intersect? Answer: Times Square
- What famous structure in Central Park was featured in “Home Alone 2”? Answer: Wollman Rink
- How many acres is Central Park? Answer: 843 acres
- Which landmark is located at 350 Fifth Avenue? Answer: Empire State Building
- What’s the name of the famous department store that hosts the Thanksgiving Day Parade? Answer: Macy’s
- Which bridge connects Brooklyn to Staten Island? Answer: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
- What year did the High Line park open to the public? Answer: 2009
- What famous landmark contains a “whispering gallery”? Answer: Grand Central Terminal
- What is the name of the observation deck at the top of Rockefeller Center? Answer: Top of the Rock
- Which New York landmark was the world’s tallest building from 1913 to 1930? Answer: Woolworth Building
If you enjoy trivia about iconic places, you might also like our space trivia questions and answers for another fascinating journey!
New York Culture & Entertainment Trivia
My cousin is a total Broadway fanatic, and I’ve learned so much about New York’s incredible entertainment scene from her! The Big Apple has been the birthplace of countless cultural movements and artistic innovations. Let’s explore the vibrant world of New York arts, music, film, and more!
- What famous dance originated in the Bronx during the 1970s? Answer: Break dancing
- Which New York museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art? Answer: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- What is the longest-running Broadway show of all time? Answer: The Phantom of the Opera
- Which famous New York filmmaker is known for movies set in Manhattan? Answer: Woody Allen
- What famous jazz club in Greenwich Village has hosted legends like John Coltrane? Answer: Village Vanguard
- What iconic TV show about four female friends was set in New York City? Answer: Sex and the City
- Which famous museum is built to resemble an inverted spiral? Answer: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
- What New York neighborhood is considered the birthplace of punk rock? Answer: East Village/Lower East Side
- What is the name of New York’s most famous opera house? Answer: Metropolitan Opera House
- Which famous TV show featuring a comedian playing himself was set in New York? Answer: Seinfeld
- What famous film features King Kong climbing the Empire State Building? Answer: King Kong (1933)
- Which New York borough hosts the annual Mermaid Parade? Answer: Brooklyn
- What famous comedy club launched the careers of Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock? Answer: Comic Strip Live
- Which literary movement began in Harlem in the 1920s? Answer: Harlem Renaissance
- What famous museum is dedicated to natural history in New York? Answer: American Museum of Natural History
- Which annual parade in NYC is the largest in the world? Answer: New York City Pride March
- Which New York-based magazine was founded in 1925 and is famous for its fiction? Answer: The New Yorker
- What famous Christmas tree is erected annually in New York City? Answer: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
- Which famous New York hotel has been featured in numerous films and once housed celebrities like Marilyn Monroe? Answer: The Plaza Hotel
- What famous music venue is located at 55 W 3rd Street in Greenwich Village? Answer: Blue Note Jazz Club
Looking for more entertainment-related questions? Check out our 90s movie trivia for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!
New York Sports Trivia
I grew up watching Yankees games with my dad, so these questions bring back some great memories! New York has one of the richest sports cultures in the world, with passionate fans and storied franchises. From baseball legends to memorable moments, test your knowledge of New York sports history!
- How many World Series championships have the New York Yankees won? Answer: 27
- Which famous Yankees player was nicknamed “The Iron Horse”? Answer: Lou Gehrig
- What year did the Brooklyn Dodgers move to Los Angeles? Answer: 1957
- Which New York borough is home to the US Open tennis tournament? Answer: Queens
- How many Super Bowl championships have the New York Giants won? Answer: 4
- What was the name of the NBA team before they became the Brooklyn Nets? Answer: New Jersey Nets
- In what year did the New York Mets win their first World Series? Answer: 1969
- Which famous race takes runners through all five boroughs of New York City? Answer: New York City Marathon
- What was the name of the stadium where the Yankees played before Yankee Stadium? Answer: Polo Grounds
- Which New York team plays at Madison Square Garden? Answer: New York Knicks and New York Rangers
- What year was Madison Square Garden opened at its current location? Answer: 1968
- Which famous baseball player hit his 60th home run of the 1927 season at Yankee Stadium? Answer: Babe Ruth
- What New York sports team has the longest championship drought? Answer: New York Knicks (last championship in 1973)
- Which New York baseball stadium features the famous Home Run Apple? Answer: Citi Field (Mets)
- What color are the New York Jets’ uniforms? Answer: Green and white
- Which New York hockey team won the Stanley Cup in 1994 after a 54-year drought? Answer: New York Rangers
- What New York team plays at Red Bull Arena? Answer: New York Red Bulls
- Which famous boxer was born in Brooklyn and became heavyweight champion? Answer: Mike Tyson
- What famous horse race is run annually at Belmont Park in New York? Answer: Belmont Stakes
- Which New York team made famous the phrase “Ya Gotta Believe”? Answer: New York Mets
For more sports-related fun, check out our sports trivia questions to test your knowledge across all sports!
NYC Food Trivia
One of my favorite things about visiting New York is the food! I could spend weeks just eating my way through the city. From iconic pizza joints to world-class fine dining, New York’s food scene is unmatched. Let’s see how much you know about the Big Apple’s culinary landscape!
- What iconic New York food was allegedly invented by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s? Answer: New York-style pizza
- Which famous New York deli is known for its pastrami sandwiches? Answer: Katz’s Delicatessen
- What food vendor can be found on nearly every New York City street corner? Answer: Hot dog carts
- What popular breakfast food is named after a New York City borough? Answer: Manhattan Special (espresso coffee soda)
- Which New York neighborhood is home to “Little Italy”? Answer: Lower Manhattan
- What iconic New York dessert shop is famous for its frozen hot chocolate? Answer: Serendipity 3
- What type of water is said to make New York bagels and pizza so special? Answer: New York tap water
- Which famous chef opened Babbo in Greenwich Village? Answer: Mario Batali
- What New York street is known as “Curry Row” due to its Indian restaurants? Answer: East 6th Street
- What is a “chopped cheese” sandwich? Answer: Ground beef with onions, melted cheese and lettuce/tomato on a hero roll
- What famous cookie was invented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel? Answer: The Waldorf Astoria cookie (chocolate chip walnut cookie)
- Which New York bakery is famous for its black and white cookies? Answer: Glaser’s Bake Shop
- What is the name of the famous hot dog eating contest held in Coney Island? Answer: Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
- What famous NYC restaurant features a swimming pool in the middle of the dining room? Answer: The Pool
- Which New York neighborhood is known for its authentic Chinese cuisine? Answer: Flushing, Queens
- What famous dish was invented at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1896? Answer: Waldorf Salad
- What New York street food became popular during the Great Depression? Answer: Knishes
- Which famous Manhattan restaurant has been serving steaks since 1887? Answer: Peter Luger
- What NYC food tradition involves eating pickles alongside sandwiches? Answer: Jewish deli tradition
- What is the name of the famous cheesecake restaurant in Brooklyn? Answer: Junior’s
- Which NYC restaurant claims to have invented eggs Benedict? Answer: Delmonico’s
- What popular NYC food truck serves Greek food and has a long line of customers? Answer: The Halal Guys
If you enjoy food-related trivia, you might also like our collection of random questions to ask a guy which includes some fun food preferences questions!
Why New York Trivia is Perfect for Any Occasion
New York trivia is honestly perfect for so many situations! When I was stuck in traffic on the Long Island Expressway last year, my sister pulled up some trivia questions on her phone, and suddenly, the gridlock wasn’t so bad. These questions aren’t just fun—they’re also super educational. You’ll learn about the city’s incredible architecture, diverse neighborhoods, and fascinating past.
I’ve found that New York trivia makes for great icebreakers at parties, especially when you have a mix of locals and out-of-towners. Everyone has some connection to New York, whether they’ve visited, lived there, or just seen it in movies!
Looking for more ways to start interesting conversations? Check out our collection of interesting topics to talk about for your next gathering!
Final Thoughts
Whew! How’d you do with these New York trivia questions? I hope you learned some fascinating new facts about the Big Apple! From its rich history to its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, passionate sports teams, and incredible food scene, New York truly is one of the most amazing cities in the world.
Whether you’re planning a trip to NYC, hosting a New York-themed party, or just love expanding your knowledge, I hope these trivia questions came in handy. My family still talks about our subway trivia games from our last visit!
Did you know all the answers? Which ones surprised you the most? I’d love to know which category you aced!
Looking for more trivia fun? Check out our common sense trivia questions to test your everyday knowledge!