Essentials: New York

1) New York City has an estimated seven million trees. You will find 63 different species alone in Astoria Park in Queens. 

2) Ever heard of the Pizza Principle? This economic curiosity states that a slice of pizza costs the same as a New York subway fare. That was actually the case until 2022. Now, unfortunately, inflation has messed that up. 

3) In a bank vault, you can hide many things, but Albert Einstein's brain? After the scientist's death, pathologist Thomas Harvey autopsied the body, stole Einstein's brain and gave away the eyes. To this day, they are said to be hidden in a safe deposit box in the city. 

4) It couldn't be more paradoxical – honking is prohibited in New York City. Only in emergencies and imminent danger are you allowed to honk (that is, the car horn), otherwise, it'll cost you a hefty $350 fine.

5) Psst. Whispering is encouraged in Grand Central Station. The vaulted corridors create an architectural wonder. If you stand at one corner of a tiled wall in the Whispering Gallery and someone else at the opposite end, you can whisper to and hear each other clearly. Definitely worth a try! With 67 tracks spread across 44 platforms, Grand Central is also the world's largest railway station, by the way.