30 Interesting Facts About Manhattan

Manhattan is one of the five boroughs of New York City and is often considered the heart of the city. Known for its bustling streets, iconic skyscrapers like the Empire State Building, and famous landmarks such as Central Park and Times Square, Manhattan is a major cultural, financial, and entertainment hub.

It is home to Wall Street, Broadway theaters, world-class museums, and a diverse population. Manhattan’s vibrant energy and countless attractions make it a popular destination for tourists and a central part of New York City’s identity.

Interesting Facts About Manhattan

1. Manhattan is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
2. The borough is an island, bordered by the Hudson, East, and Harlem Rivers.
3. Manhattan is 13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide at its widest point.
4. It is home to over 1.6 million residents.
5. The borough is named after the Lenape word “Mannahatta,” meaning “island of many hills.”
6. Times Square, known for its bright lights and billboards, is located in Manhattan.
7. Central Park, a massive urban park, covers 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan.
8. The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1931.
9. Manhattan is the financial center of the world, with Wall Street located in the Financial District.
10. The New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ are both based in Manhattan.
11. Broadway theaters in Manhattan are famous for their live performances and musicals.
12. Fifth Avenue is known for its high-end shopping and luxury stores.
13. The borough has numerous world-class museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.
14. Manhattan is home to the United Nations headquarters.
15. The Statue of Liberty, while located on Liberty Island, is visible from Manhattan.
16. Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest Chinese communities in the Western Hemisphere.
17. The borough has a grid street layout, designed in the early 19th century.
18. The High Line, a park built on a historic freight rail line, runs along Manhattan’s west side.
19. Grand Central Terminal, a major transportation hub, is located in Midtown Manhattan.
20. The borough has over 60,000 hotel rooms to accommodate tourists.
21. Manhattan was purchased by Dutch settlers in 1626 for goods worth 60 guilders (often mistakenly said to be $24).
22. The World Trade Center site, including the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, is located in Lower Manhattan.
23. Rockefeller Center is known for its ice-skating rink and annual Christmas tree lighting.
24. The borough has some of the world’s most expensive real estate.
25. The New York Public Library’s main branch, with its iconic lions Patience and Fortitude, is located in Midtown Manhattan.
26. Manhattan has a diverse population, with residents from all over the world.
27. The borough’s Financial District is home to numerous global banking and financial institutions.
28. Madison Square Garden, a famous sports and entertainment arena, is located in Manhattan.
29. The borough’s population density is over 70,000 people per square mile.
30. Manhattan’s skyline, with its many skyscrapers, is one of the most recognizable in the world.