New York Trivia

84+ Best New York Trivia Questions & Answers

Mike Oberman

Updated: March 28th, 2025

Explore the concrete jungle where dreams are made of with these captivating New York trivia questions. From famous landmarks to iconic streets, challenge your knowledge of the city that never sleeps!

New York City History and Culture Trivia

Question: In which year did the New York Yankees step up to the plate and start their legendary saga like a blockbuster debut?

Answer: 1901

Question: What ingenious little tool did New Yorker Walter Hunt patent in the 1840s—think of it as the original everyday hero saving the day?

Answer: Safety pin

Question: When it comes to New York style cheesecake, what mysterious topping leaves foodies baffled in the most delicious way possible?

Answer: Nothing

Question: Which tiny terrors invaded New York in the 00's, turning apartments into their own horror-comedy set?

Answer: Bed Bugs

Question: In the city that never sleeps, where do theatrical dreams light up the night like Times Square on a power surge?

Answer: Broadway

Question: Where in the Big Apple did beauty icon Elizabeth Arden launch her first spa, blending glam with a touch of Fifth Avenue chic?

Answer: Fifth Avenue

Question: Who stormed into the mayor’s office in 1994, bringing a whirlwind of controversy and tough talk that shook New York?

Answer: Rudolph W. Giuliani

Question: Who pulled off the ultimate plot twist by selling the New York Yankees for $10 million to a twelve-person syndicate in 1973?

Answer: CBS

Question: New York’s royal namesake comes with a twist—who is the enigmatic monarch behind the city’s title, as mysterious as a royal riddle?

Answer: James II

Question: What iconic New York venue, famously known as 'The Met,' serves up performances as epic as an Oscar-winning show?

Answer: Opera house

Question: Which 90s musical hit captures the gritty, down-and-out vibe of New Yorkers hustling for a dream, as raw as a grunge anthem?

Answer: Rent

Question: Which Beatle’s tragic exit outside his New York apartment sparked shockwaves, like the ultimate twist in a true-crime mystery?

Answer: John Lennon

Question: When did New York Fashion Week first strut its stuff, turning the runway into a catwalk of dreams and daring?

Answer: 1943

Question: Which quirky show has Ted spinning wild tales of romance and misadventure in the city that never stops dating?

Answer: How I Met Your Mother

Question: Which scandalously stylish series spills all the tea on the dramatic lives of privileged New York teens, making gossip an art form?

Answer: Gossip Girl

Question: Which audacious show burst onto Broadway in 1975, transforming the stage into a cult classic extravaganza?

Answer: The Rocky Horror Show

New York City and State Trivia

Question: Which New York Giants star is of royal Nigerian descent, ruling the gridiron like a crowned king?

Answer: Prince Amukamara

Question: Which charming name, like a hidden gem, belongs to a quaint town in New York state?

Answer: Conquest

Question: Which quirky piece of clothing gets its name from Washington Irving's 'History of New York'—a riddle wrapped in vintage flair?

Answer: Knickers

Question: Which city is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from New York, practically a next-door neighbor with a twist?

Answer: Boston

Question: Among American cities, which one cozies up closest to New York, like that favorite BFF you can always count on?

Answer: Boston

Question: Where in the Big Apple do the Yankees call home, as iconic as a heartthrob in a classic rom-com?

Answer: The Bronx

Question: New York Times Cl. A plays in the big leagues—what ticker symbol proudly represents this literary powerhouse?

Answer: NYT

Question: In the classic game of Monopoly, what vibrant color do St James Place and New York Avenue strut in, adding a splash of fun?

Answer: Orange

Question: Thierry Henry dazzled for the New York Red Bulls—his European charm hails from which country?

Answer: France

Question: Which of these landmarks is the odd one out, clearly NOT part of the New York scene?

Answer: The White House

Question: Where in New York State did the Winter Olympics chill out, hosting icy battles and frosty fun?

Answer: Lake Placid

Question: On which island in New York would you stumble upon the majestic Statue of Liberty, welcoming dreamers like an eternal icon?

Answer: Liberty Island

Question: Which famous New York street is the buzzing heartbeat of major stock exchanges, as thrilling as a blockbuster heist scene?

Answer: Wall Street

Question: Before it became the Big Apple, what was New York’s original name—a tale of urban transformation steeped in history?

Answer: New Amsterdam

Question: Which European nation first set foot in New York, laying down the roots of this urban legend?

Answer: The Netherlands

Question: When it comes to New York City boroughs, which one may be small in size but mighty in spirit?

Answer: Manhattan

Question: What is the capital of New York State, where history and modern vibes mix in perfect harmony?

Answer: Albany

Question: How many boroughs join the vibrant parade of the New York City Marathon, turning streets into a festival of runners?

Answer: 5

Question: Which bustling city proudly stands as the heart of New York state, the urban superstar of the region?

Answer: New York City

Question: The dazzling theater district in New York is known by what name, where every show is a masterpiece on stage?

Answer: Broadway

Question: Which legendary statue towers in New York, standing as a symbol as enduring as your favorite classic tune?

Answer: Statue of Liberty

Question: Which iconic New York venue, famed for hosting both rockstars and sports legends, is as unforgettable as a chart-topping hit?

Answer: Madison Square Gardens

Question: What grand tradition marks the opening and closing of the New York Stock Exchange, ringing in the trading day like a rock concert?

Answer: Ring A Bell

Question: Which real New York Subway line keeps the city buzzing, as authentic as a hidden gem in a labyrinth of tunnels?

Answer: Rockaway

Question: Which subway line, a trailblazer since 1956, has been chugging along like a true New York classic?

Answer: Rockaway Line

Question: What is the state abbreviation for New Jersey, just a clever two-letter nod to our neighboring state?

Answer: NJ

Question: Which city, although famous, is clearly NOT part of New York's urban adventure?

Answer: Boston

Question: Which state, lacking a border with New York, plays the role of the outsider in this geographical riddle?

Answer: Ohio

Question: Which cool nickname, evoking shadows and mystery, has been affectionately used for New York City?

Answer: Gotham

Question: In which historic New York Tavern did the city's first chamber of commerce raise a toast to progress and innovation?

Answer: Fraunces Tavern

Question: Of these legendary teams, which one represents New York in the NBA, dribbling its way through the concrete jungle?

Answer: Knicks

Question: The mighty Hudson River flows through New York and also cuts through which neighboring state, linking stories like a flowing legend?

Answer: New Jersey

Question: In which glamorous hotel did New York Fashion Week first strut its stuff, turning the red carpet into a runway of dreams?

Answer: The Plaza

Question: Macy's, the retail icon, opened its doors in New York in which year, marking the beginning of a shopping saga?

Answer: 1858

New York Geography Trivia

Question: Albany and New York City are major ports on what river that carries tales of history and commerce?

Answer: Hudson River

Question: Brooklyn and The Bronx are in which state—the stage for countless urban adventures and legendary street art?

Answer: New York

Question: Castle Clinton is a fort that once guarded new beginnings—originally built in which bustling part of New York City?

Answer: Manhattan

Question: Charles Lindbergh took to the skies in 1927, flying from New York to which city, proving even early aviators were global citizens?

Answer: Paris

Question: How many boroughs form the vibrant mosaic of New York City, each with its own personality and charm?

Answer: Five

Question: How many rail and subway stations does New York's MTA system boast, connecting millions on their daily urban quests?

Answer: 736

Question: How was the majestic Niagara Falls in New York formed—a natural spectacle sculpted by the passage of mighty forces?

Answer: Receding Glaciers

Question: In what year did New York's airport earn its iconic name, becoming John F Kennedy Airport and soaring into history?

Answer: 1963

Question: In which state are the New York Mountains hiding, proving that sometimes names can be full of surprises?

Answer: California

Question: In which year did the legendary New York Yankees first take the field, kicking off a sports dynasty like no other?

Answer: 1901

Question: New Jersey shares a border with which of these states, linking two powerhouses of the East Coast?

Answer: New York

Question: New York and New Jersey were named after places in which European country, lending an air of old-world mystique to the New World?

Answer: England

Question: New York City, the dazzling crown jewel of the Empire State, is situated in which state?

Answer: New York

Question: Niagara Falls cascades between New York and which Canadian province, creating a natural wonder that spans international borders?

Answer: Ontario

Question: Which part of New York City is home to the Guggenheim Museum, where art meets architectural marvel in a spiraling dance?

Answer: Upper East Side

Question: Which river flows through New York, threading the city's landscape with stories of industry, nature, and timeless wonder?

Answer: Hudson River

New York Geography and Landmarks Trivia

Question: In which state are the New York Mountains hiding like a celebrity in a secret getaway?

Answer: California

Question: New Jersey shares a border with which of these states, linking buddies in a friendly embrace?

Answer: New York

Question: New York and New Jersey were named after places in which European country—adding a touch of old-world charm to the New World?

Answer: England

Question: New York City, the crown jewel of urban legends, is situated in which state?

Answer: New York

Question: Where did the New Jersey Devils stage their icy escape from in 1982, kicking off a frosty chapter of relocation?

Answer: Colorado

Question: Which borough of New York City hosts the US Open, serving up epic tennis battles with a side of local flair?

Answer: Queens

Question: Which famous waterfalls cascade between Ontario and New York, creating a natural masterpiece that’s pure awe?

Answer: Niagara Falls

Question: Which mountain range stretches from New York to Alabama, like a rugged ribbon linking distant lands?

Answer: Appalachian Mountains

Question: Which neighborhood would you head to for a home run vibe while watching the New York Mets swing for the fences?

Answer: Flushing

Question: Which New York City thoroughfare is synonymous with finance and deals as epic as a blockbuster heist?

Answer: Wall Street

Question: Which New York national monument is home to Castle Williams and Fort Jay, standing guard with timeless stories?

Answer: Governors Island

Question: Which New York State mountains, considered an extension of the Appalachian range, are as wild as a scenic treasure hunt?

Answer: Catskills Mountains

Question: Which of these rivers flows through New York, carrying dreams and commerce like a lifeline through the city?

Answer: Hudson

Question: Which of these states shares a border with New York State, linking history and geography like old friends?

Answer: Pennsylvania

Question: Complete the name of this area of New York: The _____ Packing District—where flavors and history come together in a meaty mystery!

Answer: Meat

Question: Complete this area of New York 'Columbus ___'?—a circular nod to a neighborhood that’s as iconic as its name suggests!

Answer: Circle

Question: From which city did the Titanic set sail on its fateful voyage to New York, a tale as dramatic as any Hollywood epic?

Answer: Southampton

Question: If New York has Broadway, what dazzling stage does London call its own, lighting up the drama across the pond?

Answer: West End

Question: If you were flying to New York City, at which airport might you land, touching down in the gateway to endless possibilities?

Answer: John F Kennedy

Question: In which glamorous hotel did New York Fashion Week first strut its stuff, turning the red carpet into a runway of dreams?

Answer: The Plaza

Question: In which historic New York Tavern did the city’s first chamber of commerce clink glasses, sparking innovative vibes?

Answer: Fraunces Tavern

Question: In which show do we hear the legendary words, "Live from New York, it's Saturday night?"—a line as iconic as the city itself?

Answer: Saturday Night Live

Question: Macy's, the retail icon, opened its doors in New York in which year, launching a shopping saga that still dazzles today?

Answer: 1858

Question: New York City is known as the city that never does what—keeping the energy alive 24/7 like an unstoppable party?

Answer: Sleeps