The iconic Belvedere Castle is one of Central Park’s most magical attractions. Visitors to the castle can take in stunning panoramic views of the park’s landscape from the 3 observatory platforms. Its stone façade and hillside positioning create a whimsical, open-air attraction to provide visitors the best views of the park and surrounding city backdrop. Bonus: There are stairs but they are minimal, making it a fun attraction for little princes and princesses. Read on as we go behind the gate and learn more about this real-life fairy tale, and see why the castle is loved by New Yorkers of all ages.
A New York Fairytale – Belvedere Castle
Central Park’s co-designer, Calvert Vaux, created the miniature castle in 1866. The castle is an architectural hybrid of Gothic and Romanesque styles, and was built of Manhattan schist, which was quarried in the park, and granite. The castle was built as a tourist attraction. The designers wanted to create a space where visitors could enjoy the Park landscape. Its stone façade, turret, and hillside positioning create a whimsical, open-air attraction to provide visitors the best views of the park and surrounding city backdrop. The castle’s name is fitting because it translates to “beautiful view” in Italian.
Weather Tower Fun – Belvedere Castle
Did you know that the statement, “Right now, the temperature in Central Park is,” that frequents televisions and radio stations originated at Belvedere Castle? In 1919 the castle became more than just an attraction, acting as the the official weather station for New York City. Weather measurements such as the city’s wind speed and direction have been taken ever since from the castle’s tower. Other weather data such as rainfall is also collected in a fenced in area just south of the castle, and sent to the weather service’s forecast office at Brookhaven National Library on Long Island. When you visit be sure to look closely at the top of the tallest building—you can see the scientific instruments churning and working.
A Royal View – Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle is full of charming character, including arched windows, stone walkways and even a spiral staircase. Visitors have access to the interior of the castle to climb up two levels for extraordinary views of the surrounding park and buildings. Note: Visitors need to walk up a steep, yet quite short, spiral staircase to access the second and third floors (but it’s worth it for a photo sitting in one of the stone-shaped thrones!). The third and tallest floor provides a smaller observation deck, but more royal, unobstructed views.
Nature in View – Belvedere Castle
Aside from a visitor desk and gift shop, Belvedere Castle is also home to the Henry Luce Nature Observatory which hosts family-friendly nature displays, including weather diagrams and measurements taken from the tower, and tons of educational information for bird enthusiasts. The castle has become one of the city’s most popular bird watching sites, and offers many free activities such as birding programs.
Tips for your Visit:
• Throughout the year, Belvedere Castle hosts free family and community programs, including astronomy talks, storytelling, and more. Event listings can be found here.
• The castle is not ADA accessible, so strollers need to be left at ground level.
• There are no bathrooms within the castle, however there is a bathroom pavilion short walk away near the Great Lawn.
• There is a gift shop located in the castle that sells many New York themed children’s books, binoculars, and exploration themed toys.
• Belvedere Castle overlooks a body of water called Turtle Pond. As the name suggests, it has plenty of half-shelled friends! The turtles seem to number in the hundreds and are easily visible from the pier and water’s edge.
• Make a day of it! Enjoy a poetic moment in Shakespeare’s Garden after your visit. The exquisite garden is directly next to the castle and features seasonal blooms and even a vintage sundial to discover. Belvedere Castle is also steps from the charming Swedish Marionette Theater, that offers family friendly puppet performances almost daily.
Belvedere Castle
Location: Mid-Park at 79th Street.
Open 7 days a week: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day
Watch our Full Video HERE
Looking for more fun in Central Park? Read our Ultimate Guide to Central Park HERE
