There’s no shortage of cool stuff to learn about the Big Apple. New York City is one of the biggest cities in the world. As such, it holds plenty of interesting things to see, do, and learn about. And in this blog post, you’re going to learn five fascinating facts about New York City that you probably didn’t know before.
Some of these facts are downright wild. Let’s dive into it and learn about one of the grandest cities in the world.
1. It’s Home To The First American Pizzeria
Everyone knows that pizza is a popular dining choice in New York City.
It’s a quintessential part of New York City’s culinary landscape, with countless pizzerias serving up slices 24/7.
New Yorkers’ love for pizza is unmatched, as evidenced by their unwavering loyalty to their favorite pie joints.
But, on an interesting note, there’s one particular pizza joint in New York that holds special significance.
Lombardi’s Pizza, which is still operational to this day (and widely considered the best pizzeria in New York), is known for being the very first pizzeria to open in the United States.
It dates back to 1905 and was opened by a native of Naples, Italy, by the name of Genaro Lombardi.
2. Central Park Has Been In A LOT Of Films
Central Park is an iconic and beloved feature of New York City, offering residents and visitors alike a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets.
As one of the largest urban parks in the world, Central Park is a crucial aspect of New York City’s cultural identity and serves as a gathering place for community events and celebrations.
However, it also happens to be one of the most filmed locations in the whole world.
Central Park is featured in more than 530 different movie credits—which totals up to more location movie credits than any other location in the world.
As it turns out, the center of the Big Apple may be the most popular part in terms of pop culture significance.
3. There Are Probably More Parks Than You Realize
New York City is a sprawling metropolis, home to over 8 million people and counting.
With its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and diverse communities, the city is a vibrant and energetic hub of activity that never sleeps.
With that being said, however, you may be surprised to learn that 22% of the city is actually dedicated to public parks.
Yes, almost a quarter of the land that makes up New York City is dedicated specifically to the use of providing public parks.
And, just to add another little factoid on top of that—99% of the residents of New York City are a 10-minute walk or less from their nearest park.
4. It’s Home To The Second Largest Library In The United States
New York City is a global center for innovation and technology, with a thriving ecosystem of startups, research institutions, and established tech giants.
From finance to fashion, media to medicine, the city’s advanced industries are driving innovation and shaping the future of their respective fields, cementing its status as a truly modern city.
With that being said…
Did you know that the city is also home to the second-largest library in the U.S.?
It’s true.
The New York Public Library is a truly breathtaking spectacle. It doesn’t just look big.
It is big.
5. Cannabis Is Legal In New York City
Marijuana has been available medicinally in the state of New York since 2014.
However, even more recently, it has even been legalized for recreational use.
New York is one of 21 states, plus the District of Columbia, to make recreational weed legal for everyday consumption.
With that being said, if you’re going to be using it for medicinal purposes, then getting your medical card will help you to shortcut the process.
Thankfully, there are resources like this one to make that process streamlined and easy.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Five of the most fascinating facts about New York City that you didn’t even realize you needed to know.
Knowing this, it may be time for a visit to the Big Apple itself.
Happy trails, traveler!
