Belvedere Castle

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.

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!

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.

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.

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)!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free tour, very crowded on this December Saturday. Gave us something to do while walking Central Park. Nothing spectacular.

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!

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.

One of my fave spot in Central park. Nice spot to rest & take pictures. Especially beautiful last week with all the foliage in its fall glory. Must see.

This small castle building was the highlight of Central Park. It has a beautiful view of Turtle Lake, and I even saw one! However, when I climbed the stairs to the top tower, the smell inside was pungent.

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.

When I lived in NYC my first flat was a 3rd floor walk up at 81st & Amsterdam ave. Belvedere castle in the park was my fave place to walk/rollerblade to nearby. I always felt miles away from the city there. It was always my special place. Belvedere Castle is still a very special place to moi as I met one of my very best friends there. It holds many special memories for me. Still, till this day, my top place to visit in Central Park. Highest Recommendations.

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

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.

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.

This mini castle is one of the most iconic features of Central Park. It once served as a weather station, but has mainly been used for decorative purposes. Nowadays, it is also acts as a gift shop and a visitor center for visitors to the park. Though it is not a castle in the sense of a medieval castle where royalty once lived, it is still an impressive structure. Best of all, it is free for anyone to go inside and wander around. There is an observation deck area with great views of the lake and trees.

Belvedere Castle is nestled in the heart of Central Park. My boyfriend and I have a friend who'd recommended checking it out while we were in NYC. I really wanted to stroll around Central Park and this was a good destination to look for. Belvedere Castle overlooks Turtle Pond (yes, there are turtles!), the Great Lawn to the north, the Ramble to the south, and the surrounding cityscape. It is really cool to see, but I would say it is not quite what you would expect. The castle itself is fairly small. The observation deck is nice as you can people watch and just enjoy a quick break after taking the stairs up. The castle houses a gift shop, which was okay. I found the prices of the gifts to be a bit overpriced. That is about the only room you can go into within the castle. It has an air of disrepair but nothing too gloom and doomy. I would say it would be fun to check out, but it shouldn't be the only thing you go searching for in Central Park. With giftshop window shopping, it's really a tops 30-minute look around. 7/10 recommend

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!

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 .

Wow, wow, wow, just wow. We planned to visit the castle two days later but on our very first trip, we stumbled on it. The castle itself is beautiful. Ad to that the views from the ground deck over Turtle Lake. I just wish I'd have been young enough to have climbed to the top. Don't miss an opportunity to visit here.

Way smaller than I thought it would be and really not worth seeing. You can wait in line to climb up the tower which we didn't do

We stopped by here while touring Central Park and were blown away with beautiful views and a really cool castle. The castle has staff running it to ensure guests get through it safely and there are so many photo opportunities. It's definitely worth checking out. We only had 10 minutes here but we definitely could have stayed longer and gotten cooler pictures. I highly recommend you make a point to check out the castle and views. It was a fantastic experience and it's free to explore. Would I return? Absolutely!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Built as a Victorian folly in 1869 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. I had to look up the word folly as it was used multiple times in the Wikipedia article. Apparently, folly is a specific word to describe this castle -- a building built purposely as an ornament. Learned sumpin' new today. It sits up high -- its turret is the highest point in Central Park. So, navigating your way up the narrow winding staircase, you get to perch on two different landings for spectacular views within Central Park to view the great lawn and the turtle pond which does have turtles, by the way. If you want some great pics, this is a great spot for it. It's free but there is a donation box. Other tidbits: This venue is used for the Central Park weather station. The Central Park Conservancy manages the park and, as of this posting, wants to build an elevated walkway to the castle to satisfy federal requirements for access for disabled persons.

A great "castle" viewing platform overlooking turtle pond and the great lawn at Central Park. Nice smooth path and a few easy flights of stairs to get to the top. Also restroom facilities and a small information center and gift shop is open during business hours.

A castle in the middle of Central Park? I have to see it. It is a 3 story architectural mix of Gothic and Romanesque made of schist and granite, located almost in the middle of Central Park, and does look like a miniature castle. It was once upon a time a meteorological station. You can queue up for the tight fit up the narrow stairs. Don't be in a rush, because there is waiting involved, waiting to go up and waiting to come back down. But the view from the observation decks on the upper levels is fantastic. If you're wandering thru Central Park, veer of your path and check this spot out. By the way it's totally free.

great elevated view of central park here. it seems that central park has become even more popular during the pandemic. generally, it's a place that you never get tired of visiting or seeing. it truly is a place where you can forget that you live in the concrete jungle that is nyc. we even stumbled upon some cherry blossoms and they were in full bloom!

I wanted a castle when I was a kid. Nothing like cold hard stone to keep your enemies out. I never got a castle to replace my cardboard fortress but I still had hope. Maggie told me there was a castle in Central Park we needed to visit so I acquiesced. Central Park was lush and lovely. Perfect for emulating the English countryside I imagine actual castles would exist in. A lake protected one side of the castle. A stone quartyard was the easiest entrance to take. I marveled at the fine craftsmanship. Stones formed walls almost a foot thick. I thought of when I bought a new door for my bedroom that was perfectly rectangular it couldn't fit as the doorway was crooked. These stones fit together perfectly. I climbed the narrow stairway to the upper floors and admired the view of Central Park. While it was hot outside the inside of the castle was cool. My hands brushed against the cold stone. So smooth. I marvel at these walls here since 1965 when this castle was built. From the top of the tower I gazed at the city beyond the greenery. Time to return to the city. I still want a castle...

09/20/2016 The very first time I read about this castle was in The Magic Tree House book series "Blizzard of the Blue Moon". My daughter was sitting in her bed while I read her most favorite book. The author Mary Pope Osborne magically weaves her story while including facts or places in American History. I never dreamed at the time I'd actually get to see it! Belvedere Castle was designed in the late 1800's by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Belvedere means 'beautiful view' or 'panoramic view' in Italian. This tower has the anemometer and wind vane on top to record official wind speed and direction in Central Park. While walking inside the castle, there are many signs depicting the local birds and instructions on how to view them in the wild. The bedrock underlying much of Manhattan is a mica schist known as Manhattan schist. Belvedere Castle was built on the top of the rock, overlooking the Croton reservoir.

Worth the hike into a beautiful park and staff was friendly. Great places to take breath taking photos. There is much charm and elegance. A must see!

Beautiful views from this place. We walked here before going to a museum nearby. There were lots of turtles sunning themselves on the rocks in the pond.

Belvedere Castle located in the middle of Central Park in Manhattan, New York City. It contains exhibit rooms and an observation deck. It is one of Central Park's five visitor centers. Its a great place to explore (the castle) in the heart of central Park, most Iconic city in the world! View from up there is spectacular as much as you can walk up to, keep in mind there's no elevator and the staircase is narrow and steep.

Since the "optional admission" to go up the stairs is essentially what you want to pay, I didn't really know how much to put in the box. I noticed quite a few $1 bills, so I put in $2 for my date and I. There really isn't a whole lot to see going up the two flights of stairs, but it's fun to do it once in your lifetime. In review, worth a 15 minute stop for a photo op!

Belvedere means "beautiful view" in Italian and is a fitting name for this castle. I've been to Central Park several times, but had never seen the castle before. It's a popular spot for some terrific views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, and the city, in general. This has also been the official location of the Central Park weather station since 1919. The only downside is that the winding stairwell gets VERY busy and you will have to wait a while to either ascend or descend if there are a lot of visitors there at the same time as you. There is an observation deck, gift shop, and visitor center here, too, so I'd highly recommend a stop if you're at the park.

This area is a great place to take pics at. The view of NY is beautiful from here and I really like the view of the castle as well. It's pretty packed though so it may be difficult to take a picture alone without people in the background. The cool thing is you can enter the castle, but the stairs only allow people to either go up or go down one at a time because it's so narrow. It's definitely something to check out because it's so different from the other views in the city. Great thing is, it's a little walk and you can enjoy the view while getting there in Central Park.

Built in 1872, Belvedere Castle sits cozy in Central Park. The historic building is surely a must see while meandering through. You'll get a great view of the surrounding city while watching the turtles swim in the pond below. While looking around I noticed a gentleman standing by the information sign. Fred was a kind and helpful volunteer there to give directions and answer any questions you may have. He gave us really great tips on what to see around the city. You could tell how much he loved his home of New York City. Belvedere Castle is definitely a beautiful setting amidst chaos.

This is free to visit in Central Park and should take no more than 15 minutes. The castle is not that big but there's a visitor's center inside with more info if you're interested. Otherwise, this is a sightseeing stop. I suppose the amazing thing is there's a castle inside Central Park! Well, a small version of a castle. You can get a good view of the city at the top. Rest, take pics, and then onward.

What a pleasant surprise in the middle of central park. Originally built as a lookout in the 1800s, its the highest point in Central Park. With a lovely pond in front and easily climbed stairs it's a fun little side trip if you are in this part of the park.

You can see this castle a mile away. Lovely to see at night. The gift shop was closed when I arrived but the view from the castle looks very romantic. The castle is near a body of water and the Shakespeare Gardens.

Where else can you go in the city to get in touch with your inner Harry Potter or Dungeons and Dragons guilty pleasure? Come over to Belvedere Castle to explore and feel like a little kid again. This is the way I feel every time I happen to come across this castle while wandering around Central Park. I never actually go to the park to visit it. I just happen to usually get lost and stumble upon it. Which is always fun as it never fails to put a smile on my face. The castle is like something out of a movie, or fairy tale. Walking around it's three levels offer up some terrific and highest views of the park and the surrounding cityscape. Its name translates to "beautiful view" in Italian. The Turtle Pond is alongside it and you will always see people leaning over the edge to catch a view of the turtles swimming around or sunning on the rocks. The castle also houses a small nature observatory which acts as a museum of sorts. Of course, we all know in NYC that when you hear the weather report from Central Park it is recorded at the top of the castle. The National Weather Service takes measurements from the castle's tower with the aid of scientific instruments that measure wind speed and direction. It is amazing to think that this wonderful structure was left to rot and deteriorate for decades before it was restored in the early 80's. There are spots to just chill out and take in the sweeping views of the park. Bring a camera to take some great pics. Take the narrow staircase up to the top levels and feel like a kid climbing into their fantasy tree house. Even among the most jaded New Yorkers this is just a magical place. It never gets old to me. Even better - it is FREE! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Location - Mid-Park at 79th Street November to March: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm April to October: Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm Phone: 212-772-0210

September 20, 2016 was my second visit to the "castle". The first was so long ago I didn't even own a camera let alone an iPhone. If my memory serves me right I enjoyed Turtle Pond more than the castle last time. I get excited to see turtles. I felt the same this visit. I felt a similar disappointment that to me it is a Tower not a castle. My vision and experience of a castle is grandiose. More resembling a castle in Germany. To me this is a watchtower. I have made up my mind to return. I will take the 20 stairs up and get a better view. I found a short cut that makes the castle easy for me to access. I walked from East to West on the North Side of 79th Street. When I saw cuts in the rock formation along the way, I turned to look in. (Good idea regardless in case someone is lurking there!) About halfway into the park I looked and low and behold there were lovely rock steps. I said to myself "let's see where these take me". Sure enough I looked up and there was the tower. In no time I found the entrance on the other side. As any tourist site you are taken in first by the gift shop. I took a couple photos for Yelp then continued to the visitors center. Not in the mood right now to shell out a donation to climb 20 narrow steps up, I decided to return another day. I had been over three miles walking and it was another mile or more to get home. I think my best bet is to visit again on a cool fall day!! I might be surprised and pleased at what I find once I get to the top. :-)

Cool little spot in Central Park where you can get a good view and some quick info on the history of the place as well. Now it's a weather station and an interesting point of interest in the park.