Everything You Need to Know About Belvedere Castle NYC

Are you interested in learning more about Belvedere Castle tickets and history? As a New Yorker native, I spent lots of time exploring Central Park as a child. I didn’t see Belvedere Castle until I became an adult, but it was worth the wait. If you love visiting castles and historical sites, you’ll enjoy this place. For the interior, you don’t need more than 30 minutes, but the castle does offer seasonal family-friendly events.

Quick Tips about Belvedere Castle

Cost

Free to visit. Watch out for those offering paid tours.

Hours

Belvderder Castle is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

How to Get To Belvedere Castle:

Walk to Central Park. Enter by the 79^th Street entrance in Mid-Park
Take Subway line 6 to 77^th Street
Take Subway lines B or C to 81^st Street- Museum of Natural History

History of Belvedere Castle

Who would have thought you could find a 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 envisioned a whimsical, decorative lookout tower 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

Visiting the exterior and interior of Belvedere Castle is free, but donations are accepted. There’s also a gift shop that opens at 10 a.m. If you have extra time, I recommend going inside, but you can get great photos of Belvedere Castle without doing so. It’s the highest point in the area so I recommend taking photos of the tramble from the castle.

The Interior of Belvedere Castle

The castle combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. The interior is filled with exhibits and cool stuff.

The Henry Luce Nature Observatory is located on the first floor. Visitors can view a collection of telescopes, microscopes, and bird-watching kits. The observatory is interactive, allowing visitors to explore the park’s flora and fauna.

On the second floor, a series of rooms and narrow hallways lead to the castle’s balconies and terraces. This floor provides stunning views of Central Park, the Delacorte Theater, and the Turtle Pond. T

Though compact, Belvedere Castle’s interior offers a blend of historical architecture and educational resources, making it an ideal destination for history buffs and nature lovers.

Hotels

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Car Rentals

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Activities

Looking for the best things to do? I’ve got you covered.

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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. I stayed at Moxy NYC the last time I was there, and loved the view. 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 it 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.