Translating to "beautiful view" in Italian, this castle provides the highest views of the Central Park. It was designed and built in the 1800s with both Gothic and Romanesque elements. It serves as an observatory and is home to exhibit rooms and a weather station.
The exhibit rooms offer a good overview of what naturalists use to examine nature - various microscopes, telescopes, feathers, and skeletons. The displays cater towards children and encourage them to be more interested in the environment. The exhibition is mainly focused on the flora and fauna of the Central Park and the observatory is available for watching local birds.
It is a 6-minute walk away from the subway station 81th St-Museum of Natural History (lines A, B and C), or a 9-minute walk from 5th Ave & E 80th St bus station (M1-M4). There are steep and narrow steps inside the building.
No entrance fee
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belvedere_Castle
Official Website http://www.centralparknyc.org/things-to-see-and-do/attractions/belvedere-castle.html
Phone +1646.799.4833
Address 56 W 79st Transverse Rd, Manhattan 10024, United States
Coordinates 40°46'45.569" N -73°58'7.993" E