Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksLookouts
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Originally built in 1869 as a lookout, this Rococo-style castle now houses the Henry Luce Nature Observatory and weather measuring devices.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Belvedere Castle
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Park
How to get there
  • 81st St – Museum of Natural History • 5 min walk
  • 86th St • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • The Trusty Trip Gal!
    England, United Kingdom243 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cute Little Castle
    The last time I came to New York I saw this little Castle from across the lake but didn’t know how to get to it so this time I came to New York we got directions to it! It’s only small is the Castle but it worth going to visit. There is some cute little views of the park from the top and even better! It is free! A pleasant experience thank you!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 October 2023
  • therichastill
    Stevenage, United Kingdom3,410 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enchantment
    Walking around Central Park I did not realise there was so much to see. I would definitely recommend spending at least half a day in the park as there are so many wonderful things to discover. One of these was the fairytale castle sat on a small bluff with a small lake below. It's a perfect picture opportunity! Belvedere Castle is open at certain times of the day and also for events. The architecture is truly beautiful and it is well worth checking out when you are in the park. Alternatively view it from afar and create your own stories about what goes on there.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 6 January 2024
  • Elsa C. L.
    New York City, New York5,315 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Soothing & tranquil view
    We had a good experience at this castle during a trying period in life. It’s a nice curvy and slightly hilly hike from Fifth Avenue. It was a dreary day but its tranquility and calming atmosphere lifted our spirits.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 March 2024
  • TravelingSoccerLoon
    Saint Paul, Minnesota6,285 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Terrific Observation Deck
    Belvedere Castle in an interesting spot to visit when in Central Park. It was never a true residence or had any purpose when built in 1867. It has both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and provides a great observation deck with terrific views of the park and surrounding city.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 10 April 2024
  • FLHarlock
    Tavares, Florida4,942 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The crown jewel of Central Park!
    Visiting Central Park for the first time and Belvedere Castle was what I was most excited to see. It did not disappoint. The architecture and history is just mind blowing. The fact that it’s FREE is something that I’m not used to as well. When visiting Central Park this is a must. Highly recommended!
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 June 2024
  • Rachel & Andy
    393 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun Castle.
    Visited: 12/07/2023 A lovely little castle in the middle of Central Park. Fun to wander the steps and turrets that have been built in. You get a good view of the lake from here as well, and it’s nice to get a heightened view over the park.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles547 reviews
Excellent
167
Very good
271
Average
97
Poor
10
Terrible
3

johnnnita
Napa, CA2,397 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
No doubt there was ample notification that Belvedere "Castle" was closed for some work being done. However, we didn't find out until we showed up. It wasn't a big deal, since there's still plenty to enjoy around it. Still, it would have been nice to go inside and look around.

If it still is closed, walk around the left side of the building to find great views of Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater, and the Great Lawn. During our visit, the theater was closed, but it was nice to see it from a distance.

By the way, while you're looking at the castle, make it a point to read the plaque inscription outside on the building. That's where you will find the description that raises the question in my title. Read for yourself.
Written 15 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

srpanderson70
Milton, FL286 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
It is a whimsical castle in the middle of Central Park that you can enter and climb up spiral staircases to the top and see Central Park. If you are not too set in your adulthood, it is a fun, whimsical, imaginative place to bring back childhood memories. A place, that if it was in your own backyard, then you would be the most popular person in the neighborhood!
Written 18 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jack
Old Bethpage, NY3,377 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023
This was on my bucket list and was definitely worth it. The castle is right in the heart of Central Park and is very beautiful and architectural pleasing. It is free and today was raining, so there wasn’t many people. There is a gift shop and the staircase is very narrow meaning people can only go one direction at a time. You can go to the deck at the top for great views with views of Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn, and the surrounding buildings. It’s great! I highly recommend!
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Elsa C. L.
New York City, NY5,315 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
We had a good experience at this castle during a trying period in life. It’s a nice curvy and slightly hilly hike from Fifth Avenue. It was a dreary day but its tranquility and calming atmosphere lifted our spirits.
Written 8 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelingSoccerLoon
Saint Paul, MN6,285 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Solo
Belvedere Castle in an interesting spot to visit when in Central Park. It was never a true residence or had any purpose when built in 1867. It has both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and provides a great observation deck with terrific views of the park and surrounding city.
Written 10 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel & Andy
393 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
Visited: 12/07/2023

A lovely little castle in the middle of Central Park. Fun to wander the steps and turrets that have been built in. You get a good view of the lake from here as well, and it’s nice to get a heightened view over the park.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maltipoo16
New York1,903 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Family
It wasn’t as big and exciting as I was expecting, but it was very pretty. The top of the castle is basically just a small concrete platform with viewing areas. There were excellent views of the park and the city from the castle. I wish the visitor center/gift shop was open past 5, because I really wanted to purchase something, and their main shop was too far of a walk for my handicapped dog.
Written 15 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,410 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
Walking around Central Park I did not realise there was so much to see. I would definitely recommend spending at least half a day in the park as there are so many wonderful things to discover.

One of these was the fairytale castle sat on a small bluff with a small lake below. It's a perfect picture opportunity!

Belvedere Castle is open at certain times of the day and also for events. The architecture is truly beautiful and it is well worth checking out when you are in the park. Alternatively view it from afar and create your own stories about what goes on there.
Written 6 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Coleen W
Pittsburgh, PA190 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Although I have been to NYC many times, including Central Park, I had never visited Belvedere Castle before. This structure is idyllic and has a beautiful setting. It isn't as big as I was expecting (when I think 'castle' I think huge), but the views from the various levels were breath-taking!
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Traveller
New York City, NY3,304 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
I visited Belvedere Castle in Central Park one time in December 2021 and one time in January 2022. The first time, I just took a photo without climbing up. The second time, I climbed up. There was a nice view of Central Park, the Delacorte Theater (Shakespeare in the Park) and many other things. There was also a gift shop.
Written 10 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BELVEDERE CASTLE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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