History of Belvedere Castle
Who would have thought that you could find a magical castle in the middle of NYC? Belvedere Castle is a small palace designed in 1869 by renowned architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould. They created it as a whimsical, decorative lookout tower meant to provide stunning views of the surrounding park and city. “Belvedere” means “beautiful view” in Italian, and it lives up to its name.
Over the years, it has been used in various ways. It was once a place to maintain weather instruments for the U.S. Weather Bureau. Today, it’s one of the most visited parts of Central Park and remains a beloved landmark, solidifying NYC as the city that has it all.
Belvedere Castle Tickets
![a dark skinned Black woman with a large afro, white flowy petticoat, and green and gold corset standing next to the small Belvedere Castle in Central Park](https://www.thewanderingafro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_5708-768x1024.jpeg)
Visiting the exterior of Belvedere Castle is free, but donations are accepted. There’s also a gift shop that opens at 10 a.m. While going inside the castle is a unique experience, it isn’t necessary. You can get great photos of Belvedere Castle without going inside.
Belvedere Castle Photoshoot Locations
![a Dark skinned women with a large afro and white flowy skirt, and greeen and yellow corset staring at a pong. The pond is a large lake with small turtles swimming underneath the water. Far back in the background are lots of tree and a few tall building](https://www.thewanderingafro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_5752-768x1024.jpeg)
![a large lake with small turtles swimming underneath the water. Far back in the background are lots of tree and a few tall building](https://www.thewanderingafro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_5732-768x1024.jpeg)
Belvedere Castle is the perfect place for engagement photos or styled photoshoots. Contact Central Park for the correct pricing and permits.
But it doesn’t end at the castle. Central Park has a lot of picturesque locations perfect for photoshoots. Here are some of the best spots:
- Bow Bridge
- Gapstow Bridge
- The Mall and Literary Walk
- Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
- Conservatory Garden
- Sheep Meadow
- The Ramble
- Shakespeare Garden
- Turtle Pond
Each location provides a unique ambiance and setting, ensuring that your engagement photos will be both beautiful and memorable.
![Bow Bridge crossing calm lake in autumn park](https://www.thewanderingafro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/bow-bridge-crossing-calm-lake-in-autumn-park-5876663-1024x683.jpg)
Belvedere Castle NYC Weddings
Belvedere Castle would be a gorgeous place to have a wedding. Central Park allows weddings throughout its premises and prices begin at around $5,500. It’s also an excellent place for taking engagement or elopement photos. The flowers at nearby Shakespeare Garden look amazing during spring, but there’s something truly magical about how Belvedere Castle looks during the winter.
Hotels Near Central Park
![a silhouette of a Black woman with afro staring out a tall high rise window during the day](https://www.thewanderingafro.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1717438241508_filtered-768x1024.jpeg)
There are many good hotels near Central Park. Central Park isn’t a place you can explore in one day, so if you plan on spending a few days there, it might be a good idea to find a nearby hotel. Here are a few of my favorite hotels near Central Park:
- Arlo Midtown – Free breakfast, great location
- Moxy NYC Chelsea – Gorgeous rooftop Lounge and Co-working Space
- The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York – Luxurious and charming hotel with classic decor
Is Belvedere Castle wheelchair accessible?
As of summer 2024, the lower level of the Castle is accessible to wheelchair users, but the upper floors are not accessible to those with mobility issues. The upper level requires going up a narrow staircase, and there is no elevator.
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