If there is one destination that has many curiosities, it is certainly New York! A city that everything that happens has a great influence all over the world, especially when it comes to fashion trends and pop culture!
The metropolis full of attractions has many stories and even secrets hidden since its creation. And if you intend to travel there, you can't miss the curiosities about the place. Continue on the page and check the 10 curiosities that Happy Tour brought to you!
1. Multicultural and very diverse population!
The population of this city is more than 8 million people - representing almost half of the entire state, more precisely 40% of the entire population!
And not only people who were born in the United States, since more than 37% of the population are individuals who came from other countries and, according to experts, we can say that in this city more than 800 languages are spoken, being one of the most diverse agglomerations in the world!
2. Central Park was planned
A great curiosity about the park is that it is not a natural area! The park was built and planned to be the way it is today. Located right in the heart of Manhattan, it has 341 acres and many attractions for visitors to enjoy, as well as ample space, perfect for spending the day and enjoying the nature of the place!
3. It is also known as "The Big Apple".
Another name for New York City is "The Big Apple" - did you know that? It got its name back in the 1920s, when it had horse races that won the prize (called Big Money, which means "a lot of money" in English).
This term came into use because a journalist heard people in New York describing the award in this way, and the city has been known that way to this day.
Read also: The Big Apple: What to do in New York City
4. Several famous universities are in New York City
The city has some of the most famous universities in the world! Check them out:
- St. John's University;
- Juilliard School;
- Fashion Institute of Technology;
- University of New York;
- Fordham University;
- Pace University;
- Columbia University.
For those who are thinking about studying in the United States, here is a tip on some options to get in touch and find out if there are any study abroad programs.
5. It was once known as the "New Amsterdam".
Before it was known as it is today, the name of this city was New Amsterdam because the first immigrants came from this part of the Netherlands in Europe. This name was changed when the British Kingdom took control of the region and the city was gifted to James Stuart, who was Duke of York.
6. The city has several famous districts
Few people know, but the city is separated into 5 districts and with familiar names! If you have not been there, you have probably heard it in some movie or series that takes place there! These are the districts:
- Staten Island;
- Queens;
- Brooklyn;
- Bronx;
- Manhattan.
Brooklyn is the largest of them, and Staten Island is the least known. Also, this district already tried to separate from the rest of the city in the 1980s, however, by vote, it lost and remained part of New York City.
And if you go to Manhattan, check out our tips: what to do in Manhattan, the most popular district of New York?
7. Concentration of Brazilians in the Astoria neighborhood
We already know that New York welcomes many different nationalities, and Brazilians are not left out of this list! The Astoria neighborhood is the place in New York where most Brazilians live, so if you move there and want to feel closer to here, just choose the Astoria neighborhood to settle in.
8. The Statue of Liberty was a gift
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States in the year 1886, in honor of the city's centennial. The momumenton arrived in the country in 1885, in 350 pieces divided into 214 boxes. Its construction took about 4 months, however, the arm of the statue arrived only in 1876.
And before the arm actually went to New York City, it passed through the city of Philadelphia in order to raise money to finish building it. To this day it is considered one of the most famous landmarks of tourist attractions around the world!
9. Times Square: the most visited street in the world
Before it was known by this name, it was called Longacre Square, the original name given by the British at the time. Its name changed only after the Times Building was built in 1904, when the area began to have several offices.
This is the most visited tourist spot in the world - more than the Statue of Liberty itself. With around 39 million tourists every year. Times Square is home to several important US buildings and headquarters, including NASDAQ, one of the world's largest and most important stock exchanges.
In addition, all buildings must install large, bright lettering to promote advertising and keep the place looking as essential as it is, ensuring many more tourists, especially those who enjoy the nightlife. And all this amount of city lights results in a luminosity so intense that it can even be seen from space!
10. The Capital and the State do not have the same name
As much as many people think that the city of the same name is the capital of New York State - amazingly, it is not! As much as it is the largest and best-known city, the state capital is Albany, which is 234 km from NY!
Also check out: the 5 biggest art galleries in New York
The city is full of curiosities, and without a doubt, it is a city that cannot be left off your travel list! It has many sights, one better than the other, and the feeling of being in NYC is sensational!
To keep up with more travel trivia and tips - keep following Happy Tours blog! Until the next read!
