Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec)

The basics

Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) served as the presidential residence until 1939 when President Lázaro Cárdenas had it turned into the National Museum of History (Museo Nacional de Historia). Today it also serves as a venue for concerts and theater productions.

A stroll through the museum halls followed by a tour of the sprawling castle grounds is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Mexico City. Don’t forget to pack a camera or free up storage on your phone for photos. The views of Mexico City from Chapultepec Hill, the site of a pre-hispanic port, are some of the best in the country.

Visit the castle independently or as part of a Mexico City sightseeing tour by bike, by Segway, or on foot. Avoid long waits at the entrance with prebooked skip-the-line Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) tickets. Or, you can skip the line by choosing an early-access tour that lets you in before the crowds.

Things to know before you go

• Chapultepec Castle and the history museum are must-sees for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• Buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line at the ticket booth.

• Expect to spend a few hours exploring the collections and major exhibitions.

• If you go on your own, it’s worth paying a small fee for the audio tour in English as the signs are all in Spanish.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the vast park, which is double the size of New York’s Central Park.

• The castle is accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

The castle is located on Calz del Rio in Chapultepec Park and is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the metro to Auditorio (Line 7) or Chapultepec (Line 1) stations, or hop on the Chapultepec–Centro Historico Turibus.

When to get there

Chapultepec Castle is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. The castle offers free admission to Mexico residents on Sundays, which typically means bigger crowds. See it at its least busiest by visiting during the week.

Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park, located in the center of Mexico City off Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, is one of the world’s largest city parks. It spans 1,695 acres (686 hectares) and is divided into three sections. The first section is the park’s oldest and most visited. It houses most of the popular attractions, including the castle, National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), Modern Art Museum (Museo Arte Moderno), National Auditorium (Auditorio Nacional), Rufino Tamayo Museum (Museo Rufino Tamayo), and Chapultepec Zoo (Parque Zoológico de Chapultepec).

Ways to explore

Standing on Chapultepec Hill, this 18th-century castle is home to Mexico’s National Museum of History, inviting visitors to learn about the country’s rich past. Along with its collection, the landmark is admired for its neo-Romantic architecture and its intricate stained glass windows, which line entire corridors of the castle. Plan to spend at least one to two hours exploring the museum and grounds. You can buy your tickets ahead of time online, or purchase them (cash only) on-site; it’s also possible to visit as part of a history tour of Mexico City.

Accessibility

The museum is largely accessible, with wheelchairs available to borrow, and tours offered for visitors with disabilities. There is a map of the building on the museum’s website, with accessibility information on specific areas. Be aware that there is a steep hill to reach the castle.

Age limits

None—admission is free for children under 13.

What to pack

Cash, camera

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, casual clothing

Not allowed

Large bags, pets, food of any sort (including mints or gum), water

Amenities

Lockers to rent (purchase a token when buying your ticket), restrooms, water fountains

Address 

There is no designated parking for the museum, and the area tends to get very crowded. If possible, opt for a cab, rideshare, or public transit.

Driving

If you do decide to drive, you’ll have to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, and will likely end up needing to walk quite a ways. Chapultepec Castle is on the outskirts of the upmarket La Condesa neighborhood, and spots can be scarce.

Public transportation

The nearest subway station is the Chapultepec stop, on the Line 1 metro. From there, it takes about 15 minutes to walk up the hill to the castle.

Best times to visit

Aim for an early arrival, as there are no timed-entry tickets, and the walk to the top of the hill can be a hot one.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed every Monday, and it’s a popular spot for school tours, so weekends tend to be a good choice.

Best months to visit

For clear skies and the best view of the city below, visit during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

Special events

The castle occasionally hosts cultural performances and shows throughout the year, including dance and orchestral works.