Belvedere Castle

57

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4579

2 years ago

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. read more

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Dave C.

35

852

1174

10 days ago

Historic and well-located right in the center of Central Park - yet not much to it. You go inside and there's a small room and then you go up a flight of steps where you get a view of other parts of the park. I was in and out in 15 minutes. read more

Belvedere Castle - Exterior - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Conor B.

248

2332

1101

8 months ago

Belvedere Castle is a great little area to visit within the retreat of Central Park. However, it's just that: little. If you were planning on spending a lot of time here, you will be disappointed. It's basically just a small little area where you can look out on to other parts of the park and then maybe visit the small gift shop. The staircase up to the deck area is small, narrow, and winding so depending on when you get there, be prepared to wait in a bit of a line that they have set up as a way to control the traffic flow up and down as well as keep the crowd up top manageable. So, if you're in Central Park, I think the castle is worth a visit. However, I would only dedicate maybe 10~15 minutes to it. I really wish there was more to experience here because it is a beautiful structure. read more

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Maruko X.

2625

5206

47281

1 year ago

The Belvedere castle is one to the iconic features in Central Park, located on top of the huge rock and it's the second highest natural point in the park. The staff working here are super friendly, and I like the spiral narrow steps leading to the terrace. I believe it shows one of the best scenic views inside the park. read more

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Parker R.

521

392

934

1 year ago

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! read more

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Saira K.

2377

2158

8726

1 year ago

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. read more

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Natasha R.

113

825

921

9 months ago

Beautiful esp on a nice warm day. I have been here many times. It's very romantic esp the view from the top. It's a popular location, best to come during the weekday to experience read more

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Johnathan N.

10

180

125

8 months ago

1 star -- yes, it's free, but what's the point if so many people can't even get in? If you have a baby with a stroller, forget it. If you're with a senior who has mobility issues, forget it. If you're someone who takes your dog everywhere, forget it. I saw plenty of people just standing outside waiting for their loved ones because they were turned away for these reasons. Honestly, what a shame. I don't recommend this place at all. read more

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Brandon L.

293

133

663

1 year ago

There's a nice view of the pond from the first level of the castle but the view doesn't change too much as you climb up to the top level. Free to visit. Not busy when we went on a Tuesday afternoon, minor waiting since the stairwells are narrow and people can only go up/down in one direction at a time. read more

Belvedere Castle - View over towards the amphitheater - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Approaching the castle on paved path - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Castle entrance to tower and gift shop - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - View over the duck pond toward the great lawn - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Yonnie C.

105

4470

3624

1 year ago

Finally made it to Belvedere Castle, and glad we were able to climb to the top this time as it was open to the public. Nice views and saw the amphitheater they were building down below. Worth a visit if you are strolling through the area. read more

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Jacqueline D.

490

187

183

2 years ago

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. read more

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Alexis B.

3245

5166

24699

2 years ago

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)! read more

Belvedere Castle - View - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Travis T.

583

1992

14774

2 years ago

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. read more

Belvedere Castle - Turtle Pond - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Austin G.

1499

5362

55781

2 years ago

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. read more

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Jared S.

1685

801

5416

3 years ago

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. read more

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Cheri Y.

4919

1386

11314

3 years ago

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. read more

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Gillian A.

438

1337

2084

4 years ago

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! read more

Belvedere Castle - View of Central Park from here :) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Tata G.

14

236

2401

4 years ago

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. read more

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Emma M.

317

568

6126

3 years ago

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. read more

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Denise W.

555

5550

65307

4 years ago

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. read more

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Mike M.

2162

2472

1620

2 years ago

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

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Rob S.

13

38

73

2 years ago

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. read more

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Lauren T.

17

280

845

3 years ago

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. read more

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Ann L.

1978

829

7226

6 years ago

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. read more

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Robert C.

751

1471

18621

7 years ago

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! read more

Belvedere Castle - Delacorte Theatre - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - view toward Central Park West - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - view of Turtle Pond, softball fields on the Great Lawn. The Jackie Onassis Reservoir is not visible behind the trees in the background - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - time for a breather after hiking the entire 6 mile perimeter of Central Park this day - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Rajiv K.

196

794

2041

4 years ago

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. read more

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Laura C.

140

236

821

5 years ago

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 read more

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Tyler L.

769

1949

3276

3 years ago

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. read more

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Arely C.

19

198

597

4 years ago

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 . read more

Belvedere Castle - Castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Views - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Cher A.

273

957

1082

7 years ago

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!!! read more

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Jennifer D.

2636

1147

11324

8 years ago

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. read more

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Steve A.

4748

5539

8461

8 years ago

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. read more

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Arianna J.

4

60

156

2 years ago

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 read more

Belvedere Castle - side of castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - central park view - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Kelly S.

Elite 22

116

261

612

6 years ago

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. read more

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Frances L.

352

969

8007

6 years ago

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. read more

Belvedere Castle - My son's first visit to Central Park. Belvedere castle! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Gorgeous view from the castle!! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Frank E.

Elite 24

3

75

22

4 years ago

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. read more

Belvedere Castle - View from to ground level lake. That visible rock is Manhattan schist. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Turtle Lake from the deck of the castle. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Brenda W.

261

943

1784

9 years ago

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. read more

Belvedere Castle - Turtle pond, view from castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - View of great lawn from castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Jing K.

57

978

1833

6 years ago

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. read more

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Donna B.

409

1922

18255

9 years ago

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. read more

Belvedere Castle - View from the top of the castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - View from the castle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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Soo H.

1023

1445

10916

10 years ago

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... read more

Belvedere Castle - A castle in Central Park. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Belvedere Castle entrance. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

Belvedere Castle - Green dragon - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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More info about Belvedere Castle

79th St
New York, NY 10024
Central Park
Directions
(332) 213-3947
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/belvedere-castle

Hours

What time does Belvedere Castle open?

Belvedere Castle opens at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Belvedere Castle close?

Belvedere Castle is closed on Monday and Tuesday.Belvedere Castle closes at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue ClosedWed-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Review Highlights - Belvedere Castle

“Somehow we ended up wandering and finding this castle during our time walking through Central Park by accident.”

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5.0(3 reviews)

Tour historic buildings and designated landmarks of New York. Bowery Savings Bank building is one…read moreof many historic. Any history buff or avid amateur architecture enthusiasts would have a full appreciation and admiration of this stone building as old world architectural craft is no longer in use. This building still stands with the passage of time and nature's elements. The correct location of Bowery Savings Bank Building is in Chinatown, Lower Manhattan- NOT Midtown East, Murray Hill. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=132531

You might find a few Bowery Bums in the doorway of the Bowery Savings Bank Building, but it's New…read moreYork, and more to the point it's the USA, and that goes with the territory. This building is very special to me because when I needed to get my citizenship it was here that my awesome lawyer (whose office is in the upper reaches of this magnificent building) helped me through the process and got me over the line - and I will always be grateful for that. He's David Gottfried of Gottfried & Gottfried, by the way. I would recommend him to anyone as the perfect immigration lawyer for my situation and I wish nothing but the best for him. As for the building it's a typical old rustic early 20th century New York stunner, and it seems haunted. They do make you go through a security check to get up inside here but then so does Barbie with her clients.

1.5 mi•Midtown East, Midtown West

Exterior

Lil Bowery Wow

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Van Gogh's Ear

5.0(3 reviews)

Don't look for this work of art. It's not there. If you were lucky enough to see it, write a…read morereview. It's pretty cool if you stare and stare. Then all of a sudden you realize what you're looking at! My photos are from April 14, 2016. It was a beautiful Spring Day. I am enjoying reminiciing about today during the Arctic Blast!

"Van Gogh's Ear", a public art sculpture by Elmgreen & Dragset, is in place at 30 Rockefeller…read morePlaza, right across the street from the entrance to Sak's 5th Ave. The sculpture, by the same duo that brought us the Prada Marfa Store in the middle of the Texas desert, is a tribute to the ready-made style of Marcel Duchamp. The sculpture is a 30 foot tall swimming pool, taken out of its normal context and displayed in its side with a diving board built in at the top. One of my favorite elements are the working lights on the inside left and right of the pool sculpture. Being that it's out of context - a recreational object in the middle of a commercial center - it creates a sense of longing and desire for recreation over industry and gives you an off-kilter feeling (why am I going to work when I could be swimming!). Overall a great piece of colorful public art at placed I a great spot for the perfect season. The piece is on display from April 13th though June 3rd, 2016. Catch it while you can!

The sign for Elmgreen & Dragset's piece "Van Gogh's Ear"

Van Gogh's Ear beautifully backlit by NYC last night.

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They removed the street-side barricades.

Chrysler Building

4.5(136 reviews)

2.0 mi•Midtown East

An enduring Art Deco masterpiece. It helps define one era's window on New York's skyline. Gleaming,…read moreintricate, and bold geometry capture ambition and elegance in equal measure. It stands apart offering a timeless reminder of the romance of early twentieth century architecture.

I've always admired the sleek look of the Chrysler Building, a 1,046-foot-tall Art Deco skyscraper…read morein the East Midtown neighborhood, at the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, it is the tallest brick building in the world with a steel framework. For 11 months in 1930, it was both the world's first supertall skyscraper and the world's tallest building. As of 2019, the Chrysler is tied with the NYT building for the 12th-tallest building in the city. We were on Lexington and stopped inside to take pictures. We were told we had to stand by the wall only and could not cross the floor. The walls are marble and there was a very interesting mural on the ceiling "Transport and Human Endeavor," but I was warned to go back by the wall. We went downstairs where there is a subway stop, but the arcade level has nothing (no shops, no diner). I would have loved to read more about the building but I had to be content to take a few pics.

2.0 mi•Midtown East, Murray Hill

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Chanin Building

4.3(8 reviews)

In 2005 I was in the lobby of the Chrysler building and met a lady in her 80s with her daughter,…read moreshe told me her father was the chief metal worker and the famous eagle adornments had been made in his workshop, the last time she had been there she was aged 9 at the opening ceremony. Despite that security wouldn't let us inside. I took her around the corner to the Chanin Building and she recognised the grill work which her father had also made in his workshop. His name was O' Brian and if you love art deco you won't see finer metalwork.

A big, imposing, classically architectured (not a word, but I'm coining it here) Building. These…read moreold buildings are like utilitarian art, you can use it but you can also just look at it for a minute and wonder, in wonder.

Light fixture, very Art Deco.

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Exterior of Chanin Building

Bryant Park

4.6(1.4k reviews)

1.9 mi•Midtown West

I come here often, whenever I visited the library…read more In the summer and warmer months, people lounging here, summer night movies, and during the winter, there is an ice skating ring: an all year around place.

Bryant Park happens to be one of my favorite Manhattan parks. It's extremely lively yet peaceful…read moreand relaxing at the same time. There are tables and chairs in a sort of patio area for eating, having a coffee, reading, etc. There are stands selling drinks and lunch-type foods. It's central to all of the main arteries of the city. Lots of green space for picnics, playing, walking pets, etc. I love the winter ice rink as well. It's fun to get out on the ice and if you're me, fall down. Lol. I tend to spend a lot of time in mid-town when I am in NYC and end up here with friends at least once during visits. Heading to NYC and wanna see some park life? Look no further than Bryant Park.

Skating rink

First snow of the season

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Ice fountain

75 Rockefeller Plaza

4.7(10 reviews)

1.5 mi•Midtown West

We visited in April, so the area was fairly nondescript. Would love to come back during the winter…read moreholiday season to enjoy the festive atmosphere and lights depicted in the media.

Beautiful spot. There are lots of fountains and sculptures alongside well maintained flowers…read moregardens. It is a worth while area of the Rockefeller Center if you are around this area. Will for sure come back.

Flower Market 2.0

Coffee and pick 1 item

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Flower Market 2.0

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Plaque

5.0(1 review)

1.9 mi•Midtown East

"Don't know much about history Don't know much biology…read moreDon't know much about a science book Don't know much about the French I took" (Sam Cooke) I guess you can call me a history nerd. After all, I did major in history and rarely walk past a plaque or memorial or marker that I don't stop to read and more than likely Yelp. So when we were walking out to the street from Grand Central Station's Park Avenue/East 42nd Street entry and saw a wall plaque with the portrait of a familiar woman, I just had to stop and check it out. The portrait was of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Those of my generation will always remember the traumatic and terribly sad photographs of her from Dallas on November 22, 1963 with her pink pill box hat and her blood splattered pink dress. Twelve years after JFK's assassination the former First lady was engaged in a high stakes 1975 battle to save one of her hometown's iconic landmarks. At issue was a plan to take the wrecking ball to New York City's Grand Station Terminal and demolish it, just as Penn Station has been demolished and rebuilt in 1964. She became outraged when she learned of the plan and led a coalition of New Yorkers and the the Municipal Art Society to stop it. She was the star of a famous press conference from Grand Central and declared "If we don't care about our past we can't have very much hope for our future, we've all heard that it's too late, or that it has to happen, that it's inevitable. But I don't think that's true. Because I think if there is a great effort, even if it's the eleventh hour, then you can succeed and I know that's what we'll do." She also wrote an eloquent letter to NYC 's Mayor Beame and asked him "...is it not cruel to let our city die by degrees, stripped of all her proud moments, until there is nothing left of all her history and beauty to inspire our children? If they are not inspired by the past of our city, where will they find the strength to fight for her future? Americans care about their past, but for short term gain they ignore it and tear down everything that matters..." The plaque was dedicated on June 24, 2014 to mark renovations to the station's main entrance. The renovations honor her legacy with photographs, a video display, and the plaque. The entry itself was renamed "The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foyer".

2.3 mi•Koreatown, Midtown West

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Empire State Building

4.0(2.4k reviews)

Folks, the Empire State Building built in 1931 in just over a year during the Depression, when…read moreAmerica built fast and huge. Iconic, baby. I went up recently, and let me tell you, it's no One World Trade Center. One World? Smooth, modern, straight to the top no nonsense. Empire State? Lines, more lines, security gauntlet, then they dump you halfway into a gift shop full of overpriced junk. Total tourist trap gimmick! They're making a fortune, but come on let me see the view already! But then you hit the 86th floor deck, wind smacks you in the face, city noise roars up from a thousand feet below horns, life, energy. Tremendous! 360-degree views that make you feel like King Kong himself. Nostalgic as hell Art Deco soul, real history you can touch. Not some sterile glass tower; this is old-school New York grit. Sure, if you want quick and slick, skip to One World. But the Empire State? Pure character. Worth every hassle. Go early, grab the express pass if you're smart, soak it in. It's legendary, folks. Huge! Make New York great again one windy deck at a time.

I hadn't visited the Empire State Building in probably 20 years, but I decided to visit with my…read morehusband last weekend. It's such a different experience now. 20 years ago, I remember just walking into the lobby, buying a ticket, and heading up to the observation deck. But today? You enter in a different spot, and it's a whole experience. There's a "museum" now and you can spend more time here than just taking in the views from the 86th floor. So why go? It was the world's tallest building when it was completed in 1931 and until the North Tower of the World Trade Center was completed in 1970. (Sad aside: It became NYC's tallest building again after 9/11 until was surpassed by One World Trade Center in 2012.) It features gorgeous art deco architecture and design. It's a cultural icon (one of my favorite parts of the museum experience was a room where you can see dozens of film clips which feature the Empire State Building). The new experience includes exhibits that explain the history, design, and construction of the building. What I learned about its construction was particularly interesting! The construction of the building involved more than 3,500 workers, many of who were Irish and Italian immigrants, and led to an unknown number of deaths of workers (official reports say 5, newspapers at the time reported higher numbers). While I felt this museum addition really added to the experience of visiting the Empire State Building, it has also certainly made visiting the building more expensive. So let's get down to the brass tacks. The base ticket (which gets you entry into everything up to the 86th floor) is $44 for adults, $42 for seniors, and $38 for children (plus a $5 booking charge for each transaction). If you want to visit the 102nd floor for that additional observation deck, it's $79 for adults, $77 for seniors, and $73 for children (plus the booking charge). Then there are ways to spend even more money: a Starbucks Reserve Sunrise ticket ($135 per person); an Express Pass (starting at $85/120 per person); a Premium Experience ($175 per person); and All-Access Tour ($500 per person)... I'm generally not into these expensive view experiences that have popped up all over NYC. But the Empire State Building is special. It's an icon and a view. But I still wasn't willing to pay $80 to visit, so we stuck with the base ticket that gets you access only to the 86th floor observatory. The 86th Floor Observatory contains an enclosed viewing gallery and open-air outdoor viewing area. It's the classic observatory you've seen in movies. And it was certainly enough for me - the museum and the 86th floor observatory! Don't miss/rush through the original main lobby as you leave the experience. Or - if you're not willing to pay for the experience to see the view - stop in at the lobby on its own - it's open to the public (follow the signs for the Starbucks Reserve which is entered through this lobby). The lobby is gorgeous - marble, terrazzo, a scale model of the building... But the highlight is that aluminum relief of the skyscraper as it was originally built (without the antenna). It's incredible. It's an icon for a reason, and it was fun to visit and to see it again after so many years. They've certainly made it more of an experience than it used to be (although now, you can't just pop by for the view on a pretty day, since it's prohibitively expensive for a quick visit), but I had a really good time.