Chapultepec Castle Mexico City
Historic hilltop castle housing the National Museum of History, offering stunning city views and imperial grandeur.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Chapultepec Castle Mexico City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic hilltop castle housing the National Museum of History, offering stunning city views and imperial grandeur.
"The panoramic views of Mexico City from up there are absolutely breathtaking and not to be missed."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the castle is steep and long. Prioritize comfort for your uphill journey!
💧 Hydrate Before Entry
No drinks allowed inside. Drink up before you start the climb!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Terraces
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Mexico City from the castle's terraces. A must-see for any visitor!
Imperial Apartments
Interior rooms
Explore opulent rooms adorned with detailed paintings, historic artifacts, and elegant decor.
Jacaranda Season
Chapultepec Park
During late March, the park bursts with vibrant purple jacaranda flowers, perfect for stunning photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Uphill Battle
Hydration & Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the castle is steep and long. Prioritize comfort for your uphill journey!
💧 Hydrate Before Entry
No drinks allowed inside. Drink up before you start the climb!
🕶️ Bring Sunglasses
The checkered balcony can be intensely bright on sunny days.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonably priced at 100 pesos.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The walk up to the castle is steep and long. Prioritize comfort for your uphill journey!
💧 Hydrate Before Entry
No drinks allowed inside. Drink up before you start the climb!
🕶️ Bring Sunglasses
The checkered balcony can be intensely bright on sunny days.
💰 Affordable Entry
Admission is very reasonably priced at 100 pesos.
📸 Jacaranda Photo Spot
Seek out the jacaranda-lined paths in the park for beautiful springtime photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chapultepec Castle for its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views of Mexico City. The affordable entry fee and well-organized process are also highlighted as positives. Some guests note the challenging uphill walk and the restriction on bringing drinks inside, but overall, it's considered a highly worthwhile and beautiful destination.
"Visiting Chapultepec Castle was a truly enjoyable experience. The entrance process was smooth and well-organized, making it easy to get in without long waits or confusion. Once inside, the beauty of the castle really stood out — from the elegant staircases to the detailed paintings and historic accessories that decorate the rooms.
What made the visit even more pleasant was that it wasn’t overly crowded, allowing for a relaxed and unhurried exploration of the space. One of the highlights was stepping out onto the terraces — the panoramic views of Mexico City from up there are absolutely breathtaking and not to be missed.
Overall, Chapultepec Castle offers a great mix of history, art, and scenic views. A must-visit for anyone spending time in Mexico City."
Luis Carmona
"The place is wonderful, a lot of history. Great sights and beautiful surroundings. Great view of the city.
Warning
There is a lot of walking uphill to get to the entrance. You can't take any drinks inside. So after hiking the huge mountain, there will be no water or drinks."
Oscar Gutierrez
"Very cool castle and museum. Packed with history and art. I mean some of the art in this place is the best I've seen. The attention to detail and the amount of fancy stuff here is wild. Super cheap place to spend half the day. No food places up top, but you won't need it. The murals and story of the use of the castle is well done. If you get a chance, check out the funny wall of portraits, you'll know what I mean. Lol 😆.
Great place but hears a tip they didn't tell me. On a sunny day, the checkered balcony where everyone wants to take pics; unnaturally bright from the reflective floor. So bring sunglasses just for the floor.
Also, most of the gift shop stuff looked like you could save some money by just buying it elsewhere in the city.
Anyways, very cool castle. Didn't see any grasshoppers though."
Hungry Pug
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The castle is located within Chapultepec Park. You can reach the park via metro (stations like Chapultepec or Auditorio) or by Uber/taxi. From the park entrance, it's a significant uphill walk to the castle itself. +1
While there are parking areas within Chapultepec Park, they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Using ride-sharing services like Uber is often a more convenient option.
Several bus routes stop near Chapultepec Park. From the bus stop, you'll still need to walk into the park and then uphill towards the castle. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes.
Yes, the walk to Chapultepec Castle is quite steep and can take 15-20 minutes. It's a significant uphill climb, so comfortable footwear is essential. +1
While the primary access is via a long uphill walk, there is an elevator available for those who need it, typically located near the ticket office.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee for Chapultepec Castle is 100 Mexican Pesos per person. Sundays are often free for national visitors and residents of Mexico.
Tickets for the castle are generally not sold online and are purchased at the entrance. However, it's wise to check the official INAH website for any updates, especially during peak seasons.
No, the National History Museum is housed within Chapultepec Castle, so a single ticket grants access to both.
Chapultepec Castle is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
No, you are not allowed to bring water, food, or gum inside the castle. You may be able to check these items for a small fee.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The terraces offer stunning panoramic views of Mexico City. The checkered balcony is also a popular spot, though it can be very bright.
Absolutely! The castle's architecture, interiors, and the city views provide numerous excellent photography opportunities.
The jacarandas typically bloom in late March. The best time for photos is during their peak bloom, often in the morning or late afternoon for softer light.
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check with the castle staff upon arrival, but generally, smaller, portable tripods might be allowed.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed inside the castle, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the exhibits.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore the castle and its museum thoroughly. If you also want to explore Chapultepec Park, allocate a full day.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
Wander through the different rooms, admire the art and historical artifacts, and don't miss the stunning views from the terraces. Consider an audio guide or a guided tour for deeper insights.
Yes, lockers are available for larger bags that are not permitted inside.
While there's a significant uphill walk, an elevator is available for those who need assistance. The historical exhibits are also engaging for all ages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
If you visit during late March, the blooming jacarandas in the park offer a spectacular natural element to your photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climb and What to Expect
Once you reach the entrance, be prepared for security checks. Items like water bottles, gum, and large backpacks are generally not permitted inside.
A Royal Residence and National Museum
+1 This dual role means visitors can explore both the opulent former imperial apartments and learn about Mexico's rich past. The castle served as the official residence for Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota during the Second Mexican Empire, and its rooms still reflect that grandeur. Inside, you'll find meticulously preserved furniture, intricate artwork, and historical artifacts that tell the story of Mexico's independence, revolutions, and various eras.
Capturing the Views and Blooms
For photography enthusiasts, the surrounding Chapultepec Park offers additional beauty, especially during the jacaranda season in late March.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit