Everything You Need to Know About Belvedere Castle NYC

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

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 — Turtle Pond

a large lake with small turtles swimming underneath the water. Far back in the background are lots of tree and a few tall building — Turtle Pond

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

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 — The Views at Moxy NYC Chelsea

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.