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.
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
Visiting the exterior 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 insider but you can get great photos of Belvedere Castle without going inside.
The Interior of Belvedere Castle
The castle is a combination of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The interior is filled with exhibits and cool stuff.
The Henry Luce Nature Observatory is located on the first floor and visitors can view a collection of telescopes, microscopes, and bird-watching kits. It’s interactive, allowing you to explore the park’s flora and fauna.
One the second floor, there are a series of rooms and narrow hallways leading to the castle’s balconies and terraces. This floor provides stunning views of Central Park, the Delacorte Theater, and the Turtle Pond. T
Belvedere Castle’s interior, though compact, offers a blend of historical architecture and educational resources, making it an ideal destination for both history buffs and nature lovers.
Belvedere Castle Photoshoot Locations
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.
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
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 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.
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