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Belvedere Castle is a charming location that gives Central Park an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The views from the castle are beautiful and provide a completely different perspective of the lake and surrounding park landscape. The architecture feels both romantic and historic. It is a perfect spot for photography, relaxation, and a bit of exploration--the visit is absolutely worthwhile.
Historic and well-located right in the center of Central Park - yet not much to it. You go inside and there's a small room and then you go up a flight of steps where you get a view of other parts of the park. I was in and out in 15 minutes.
Belvedere Castle is a great little area to visit within the retreat of Central Park. However, it's just that: little. If you were planning on spending a lot of time here, you will be disappointed. It's basically just a small little area where you can look out on to other parts of the park and then maybe visit the small gift shop. The staircase up to the deck area is small, narrow, and winding so depending on when you get there, be prepared to wait in a bit of a line that they have set up as a way to control the traffic flow up and down as well as keep the crowd up top manageable. So, if you're in Central Park, I think the castle is worth a visit. However, I would only dedicate maybe 10~15 minutes to it. I really wish there was more to experience here because it is a beautiful structure.
The Belvedere castle is one to the iconic features in Central Park, located on top of the huge rock and it's the second highest natural point in the park. The staff working here are super friendly, and I like the spiral narrow steps leading to the terrace. I believe it shows one of the best scenic views inside the park.
Came here today to visit the castle. I had so many images in my head but when we came, it was smaller than I imagined. I guess movies have molded my mind to think castles are huge or should be huge. The staff were cool and the experience seemed free (my partner got in line while I threw something away). The stairs are super narrow and it's only one lane of traffic so you have to look at the mirrors on the walls to see if people are coming down or up. The view at the top was so pretty but super windy. The top is great for amazing photos and videos!
In my many times at Central Park, this was my first visit to Belvedere Castle. If you're in the Central Park area, add this to your points of interest for elevated and picturesque views of Turtle Pond and Central Park. Built in the 1800s and now functions as a visitor center. Surrounding area is a fairy garden feel. Exit the castle through the gift shop. Free admission with donations appreciated. It was about a 10 minute wait as it requires taking turns to go up and down a narrow winding staircase to the second floor. Inside is air conditioned.
This is a beautiful castle in Central Park around 79th Street made in 1872. According to their website, "Belvedere," means "beautiful view" in Italian. It's beautiful like the rest of Central Park. Definitely worth visiting.
There's a nice view of the pond from the first level of the castle but the view doesn't change too much as you climb up to the top level. Free to visit. Not busy when we went on a Tuesday afternoon, minor waiting since the stairwells are narrow and people can only go up/down in one direction at a time.
I visited Belvedere Castle with a friend a few weeks ago when we were exploring Central Park for a few hours. I've been before but not recently and had never written a review! So what is it? A miniature castle located on the second highest natural point in the park (Vista Rock). It was designed a place to enjoy views of the park, so climb up the tower (just a few steps, nothing wild) and take in views of the Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and the Ramble. It's one of the coolest things in Central Park, but FYI the view isn't as great as usual right now due to some scaffolding at Delacorte Theater. Still, a unique spot in the park and worth a visit if you're exploring (a castle?! and the views)!
A castle in the middle of Central Park?! Yes please! Don't forget to go up the spiral stairs to reach the top level of the castle for a nice view of the Turtle Lake and the park.
Even though I have visited Central Park on many occasions, I had never been to this structure until my most recent trip. Belvedere Castle was built in the 1800's for decoration and was once used as a weather station. After many renovations, it is now a visitor center. I enjoyed exploring it and the surrounding views of the Central Park landscape. There are a few terraces that you can walk on that will give you different perspectives of the park. You can see both Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn from the castle. Belvedere means "beautiful view" in Italian.
For a beautiful view of New York City from Central Park, walk or bike to this 19th century castle with a tower you can climb for free. The tower has a narrow, spiraling staircase, which is fun! There's a gift shop at the bottom with strong AC.
Let's start with some fun facts! The building was first constructed as a lookout tower and it didn't have any windows or doors until it became a weather station to measure temperature, wind, and rainfall in New York. It became dilapidated after station operations moved out of the building and eventually restoration projects ensued to make this vista point as brilliant and orderly as it is seen today. It was named "Belvedere" as this word means "beautiful view" in Italian. Most appropriate name! You get an elevated panoramic view of Central Park from here. This landmark isn't huge and pretty much the only indoor component of the castle that's open to the public is the visitor center/gift shop. Spent probably about 20 min here relaxing before continuing my park exploration. Definitely a spot to visit if you are at Central Park!
A total hidden gem tucked away right inside Central Park! Seeing a mini castle surrounded by lush greenery in the middle of Manhattan is such a cool contrast. It's completely free to check out, which makes it one of the best quick stops in the park. Pro tip for photos: the absolute best spot to take pictures isn't right up next to it, but from across Turtle Pond so you can capture the whole castle reflecting over the water! read more
I was sorry that it was not open when I visited. This is what I found out about it. Definitely worthy of a visit. It offers pleasant views from the top. Belvedere Castle is a folly in Central Park in Manhattan, New York City. It contains exhibit rooms, an observation deck, and since 1919 has housed Central Park's official weather station. Belvedere Castle was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould in 1867. An architectural hybrid of Romanesque and Gothic styles, the design called for a Manhattan schist and granite structure with a corner tower and conical cap, a lookout over parapet walls beneath it. Its name comes from belvedere, which means "beautiful view" in Italian. read more
26 days ago
Belvedere Castle is a charming location that gives Central Park an almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The views from the castle are beautiful and provide a completely different perspective of the lake and surrounding park landscape. The architecture feels both romantic and historic. It is a perfect spot for photography, relaxation, and a bit of exploration--the visit is absolutely worthwhile. read more
Historic and well-located right in the center of Central Park - yet not much to it. You go inside and there's a small room and then you go up a flight of steps where you get a view of other parts of the park. I was in and out in 15 minutes. read more
1 month ago
Belvedere Castle is a great little area to visit within the retreat of Central Park. However, it's just that: little. If you were planning on spending a lot of time here, you will be disappointed. It's basically just a small little area where you can look out on to other parts of the park and then maybe visit the small gift shop. The staircase up to the deck area is small, narrow, and winding so depending on when you get there, be prepared to wait in a bit of a line that they have set up as a way to control the traffic flow up and down as well as keep the crowd up top manageable. So, if you're in Central Park, I think the castle is worth a visit. However, I would only dedicate maybe 10~15 minutes to it. I really wish there was more to experience here because it is a beautiful structure. read more
The Belvedere castle is one to the iconic features in Central Park, located on top of the huge rock and it's the second highest natural point in the park. The staff working here are super friendly, and I like the spiral narrow steps leading to the terrace. I believe it shows one of the best scenic views inside the park. read more
Came here today to visit the castle. I had so many images in my head but when we came, it was smaller than I imagined. I guess movies have molded my mind to think castles are huge or should be huge. The staff were cool and the experience seemed free (my partner got in line while I threw something away). The stairs are super narrow and it's only one lane of traffic so you have to look at the mirrors on the walls to see if people are coming down or up. The view at the top was so pretty but super windy. The top is great for amazing photos and videos! read more
In my many times at Central Park, this was my first visit to Belvedere Castle. If you're in the Central Park area, add this to your points of interest for elevated and picturesque views of Turtle Pond and Central Park. Built in the 1800s and now functions as a visitor center. Surrounding area is a fairy garden feel. Exit the castle through the gift shop. Free admission with donations appreciated. It was about a 10 minute wait as it requires taking turns to go up and down a narrow winding staircase to the second floor. Inside is air conditioned. read more
This is a beautiful castle in Central Park around 79th Street made in 1872. According to their website, "Belvedere," means "beautiful view" in Italian. It's beautiful like the rest of Central Park. Definitely worth visiting. read more
1 year ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
There's a nice view of the pond from the first level of the castle but the view doesn't change too much as you climb up to the top level. Free to visit. Not busy when we went on a Tuesday afternoon, minor waiting since the stairwells are narrow and people can only go up/down in one direction at a time. read more
I visited Belvedere Castle with a friend a few weeks ago when we were exploring Central Park for a few hours. I've been before but not recently and had never written a review! So what is it? A miniature castle located on the second highest natural point in the park (Vista Rock). It was designed a place to enjoy views of the park, so climb up the tower (just a few steps, nothing wild) and take in views of the Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and the Ramble. It's one of the coolest things in Central Park, but FYI the view isn't as great as usual right now due to some scaffolding at Delacorte Theater. Still, a unique spot in the park and worth a visit if you're exploring (a castle?! and the views)! read more
2 years ago
A castle in the middle of Central Park?! Yes please! Don't forget to go up the spiral stairs to reach the top level of the castle for a nice view of the Turtle Lake and the park. read more
Even though I have visited Central Park on many occasions, I had never been to this structure until my most recent trip. Belvedere Castle was built in the 1800's for decoration and was once used as a weather station. After many renovations, it is now a visitor center. I enjoyed exploring it and the surrounding views of the Central Park landscape. There are a few terraces that you can walk on that will give you different perspectives of the park. You can see both Turtle Pond and the Great Lawn from the castle. Belvedere means "beautiful view" in Italian. read more
For a beautiful view of New York City from Central Park, walk or bike to this 19th century castle with a tower you can climb for free. The tower has a narrow, spiraling staircase, which is fun! There's a gift shop at the bottom with strong AC. read more
4 years ago
Let's start with some fun facts! The building was first constructed as a lookout tower and it didn't have any windows or doors until it became a weather station to measure temperature, wind, and rainfall in New York. It became dilapidated after station operations moved out of the building and eventually restoration projects ensued to make this vista point as brilliant and orderly as it is seen today. It was named "Belvedere" as this word means "beautiful view" in Italian. Most appropriate name! You get an elevated panoramic view of Central Park from here. This landmark isn't huge and pretty much the only indoor component of the castle that's open to the public is the visitor center/gift shop. Spent probably about 20 min here relaxing before continuing my park exploration. Definitely a spot to visit if you are at Central Park! read more
As a Native New Yorker, it's quite shocking that I've never come here before until this past weekend! What a wonderful experience. The best things are indeed free here in NYC, and the Belvedere Castle is certainly one of those things! They keep the flow into the building at quite a manageable level, even on busy days, so you never feel to cramped or crowded up in the two towers. The views of the park and pond are super relaxing and expansive. If allowed, I would totally come here with some a little painting setup and spend an entire day here. read more
I love going to the Belvedere Castle because you get to enjoy it when it's open or if it's closed. The only difference is that you don't get to go inside the castle, but you can still relax outside in the front, which is still a fun experience. I like the view from outside of the Castle, I like climbing the stairs to get to the balconies, and I enjoy the store also. There is a beautiful snow globe that they sell of the Bethesda Fountain so get them while you can. It's pretty cool walking up the steps inside because for a little while you can pretend that you are in an actual medieval castle. read more
Beautiful castle nested in the center of Central Park. It was kind of funny that when I was in New York, B was watching a cartoon called Central Park and surprisingly they featured this castle but instead of calling it Belvedere Castle in the show, it was named Edendale. Anyways, I am sure it was about this castle and the park. This is a beautiful castle. There is a long history about the castle. Belvedere Castle was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould in 1867. The castle sits on a high point of the park and if you stand at the entrance of the castle location and look down, you can see a nice view of the park. Great for picture taking. This is a must visit if you are in NYC. read more
2 years ago
Such an amazing experience. Beautiful display and views. First time visiting and had our kids with us. They loved to see out over Turtle Pond. Make this a point of interest if you're coming to Central Park. read more
A cute little castle at Central Park. It gets pretty packed here but people just come and go. A-must to check out if you're taking a stroll through Central Park. It's pretty rare to have a castle at a park so I had to come see it for myself. People come to take pictures and catch a nice view of Central Park and the city. You can go up to the top of the castle through a small narrow staircase. Careful because you can only go up or down but not both at the same time. It was the narrowest stairs I've seen. The changing leaves during the fall with a clear blue sky was the perf view of Central Park. Such a nice addition to Central Park. read more
New York Yankee great Derek Jeter has his own $15 million dollar castle north of New York City. Now you, just like a kid again, can wander around your very own castle in the middle of Central Park! Like many castles, this was built on a hill, among the highest point in Central Park, with adjacent large pond acting like a moat. The Turtle Pond is alongside it, with people leaning over the edge to catch a view of the turtles swimming around or sunning on the rocks. The castle is built of stone bricks, has circular towers, and lookout points along the top of the walls from which to shoot arrows at imaginary attackers. Steep narrow spiral staircase up to the second and third levels. I shout out "coming up" or "coming down" before entering, with the sounds deafening along the close in quarters. Got to make sure it is clear before going up, as even two skinny Marianne Ws, let alone two Robert Cs, can't pass each other going opposite directions. Middle floor with a balcony for some mid-level views, with Turtle Pond right in our face, along with the Delacorte Theater nearby. Go up another series of steps to get to the top floor of the castle. Panoramic view of the Turtle Pond, with softball fields of the Great Lawn and skyscrapers on the other side of 5th Ave in the background, looking northeast. Reviews from years back mention views of the Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir in the background, but years of overgrown vegetation hide the Reservoir from view. And to the South, heavily forested area called the Ramble, block any views. Took $12 million to restore this castle, including sandblasting graffiti scrawled on the lower stone walls, and wooden coverings of the windows. New York's version of Disneyland's Fantasyland castle. Castles always trending, whether in Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons, or Bud light beer commercials! read more
Cute little castle in the middle of New York! I have never been, but it seems a lot of people know of this treasure. On a beautiful day, tons of people were enjoying this and the surrounding park. It was worth the visit on a beautiful day. read more
Somehow we ended up wandering and finding this castle during our time walking through Central Park by accident. It's a beautiful little castle located in the middle of Central Park ! The views are beautiful from up there , we took a few minutes to take in the views . read more
8 years ago
A beautiful castle right in the middle of Central Park....what!?!? Central Park is filled with so many random treasures and Belvedere Castle is definitely one of them. Some of the pictures you see make the castle appear much larger than it actually is but it is still worth the visit. Two short flights up very narrow winding staircases take you to the top where you can take in the magnificent views of the park. Make sure to check hours before you go. The castle is scheduled for restoration work to make it handicap accessible and it will be closed for at least a year. Access is free and if you have questions there is an employee in the building. read more
Belvedere Castle is a Central Park centerpiece. In fact it's almost in the middle. This also is the highest point. It's kind of hidden among the forest. There's some great places to get views. It functions as an information center. It's far from the only visitor's center, but this is the best one. The castle is located in the wooded area known as the Rambles. It's notable features include a pond. The turret is the highest vantage point in the park, so this should be popular with tourists. In 2018 it's going through renovations. It's currently unable to access. You should expect there's always going to be something not open in Central Park. read more
Castles in Europe are common, but in this part of the US, not quite so! So imagine finding out about this beautiful castle right in the middle of NYC that you must visit at least once! It is a nice respite from "Mainstream Central Park" albeit quite a few visitors roaming around who quickly come and go. There are different entrances into the castle, with nice views from the top. There is a big lake next to the castle. The grassy garden area next to the grand staircase is nice for relaxing in the sun. Excellent location for photos or special events. I saw a creative wedding proposal there! Plan to go again sometime to spend more time there. Tip: Make sure your phone or maps is on high accuracy, and study directions to getting there, as it may take a while to find it for the first time, and can be easy to get lost. read more
3 years ago
soooo pretty and scenic view. not much to do on the outside besides look at the view, but overall good for in the middle of central park and so peaceful read more
7 years ago
Central Park is gorgeous and has so many pretty stops and beautiful views like this Castle! It looks just like a medieval castle and I'm sure it would be cool to explore inside. It was closed when we went in Thanksgiving Day, but we still enjoyed stopping here and admiring the castle and the beautiful view. read more
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Belvedere Castle - landmarks - Updated August 2026
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