Do you think New York City is romantic?
Lots of people have answered, “I do.”
Belvedere Castle — perched atop the second-highest natural point in Central Park, Vista Rock — was ranked among the top proposal spots in the world, according to a new study by bridal brand A Diamond Is Forever.
It’s listed as the 19th most popular place to pop the question in the world — and 10th in the U.S.
The castle offers panoramic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, the Manhattan skyline and beyond.
Built in 1869 by architect Calvert Vaux — the same architect and designer behind much of Central Park’s iconic design — the stone castle was created as a beautiful lookout meant to draw people into the park’s center.
Fittingly, “Belvedere” is Italian for “beautiful view.”
Over the years, the castle’s purpose evolved. In 1919, it became a weather station for the former United States Weather Bureau, now the National Weather Service. Later, after falling into disrepair, it was lovingly restored by the Central Park Conservancy in 1983 and again in 2019.
Today, it’s a visitor center, a nature observatory, and an ideal place to ask, “Will you marry me?” No surprise: the castle is like something out of a fairy tale.
The proposal perks go far beyond the views. Belvedere Castle is free, safe and Instagrammable, according to the study.
Plus, it’s romantic without being overrun. You’ll find serene terraces and quiet nooks perfect for an intimate moment.
Accessibility is a mixed bag: the castle’s upper terraces require stairs, but paved paths lead to the base, where you can still soak in the stunning views without breaking a sweat — or your ankle in dress shoes.
Of course, this is New York. The city’s stacked with swoon-worthy proposal spots, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Top of the Rock.
But what sets Belvedere Castle apart is its rare blend of historic charm, breathtaking views, intimacy and a zero-dollar entry fee.
Number 16 in the world is New York’s Niagara Falls, which landed at No. 9 in the country, with the castle rounding out the top 10.
In other words, it’s proof that you don’t need to blow your proposal budget on a flashy venue. Save that for the ring or the open bar at the reception.
Top U.S. Destinations to Propose
- Garden of the Phoenix – Illinois
- Kauna’oa Beach – Hawaii
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens – Florida
- Many Glacier Hotel – Glacier National Park, Montana
- White Sands National Park, New Mexico
- The Palace of Fine Arts — California
- Zilker Botanical Garden — Texas
- Huntington Falls — California
- Niagara Falls — New York
- Belvedere Castle — New York
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