If it’s your first time visiting Mexico City, you might have searched for the best things to do around. If so, you’ll likely see pictures of the Chapultepec Castle constantly popping up in the list, and it’s not surprising to see why.
This castle, which lies amidst the lush environment of Chapultepec Park, is one of the most visited places in the city. It’s stunning to see from afar, and it holds the rich history and culture of the city from the inside. So if you’re planning to visit this place, this article is for you.
Here, we’ll cover everything you need about the Chapultepec Castle. This information includes basic details like location, opening hours, contact info, and even the possible fees to pay. We’ll also include activities and attractions for you to know what to expect. Finally, we’ll add nearby establishments like hotels and restaurants should you want to eat or stay nearby.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
About The Chapultepec Castle
The Chapultepec Castle, also known as Castillo de Chapultepec in Spanish, sits amidst the lush forests and greeneries of Chapultepec Park.
It sits on top of Chapultepec Hill, giving it visibility on and outside the park, and it also gives a nice view of the park from the surrounding area.
The castle generally stands at 2,325 meters above sea level at the entrance to Chapultepec Park.
For this reason, this place offers stunning views, both from the outside and the inside’s terrace.
Aztecs considered the hill sacred, and many buildings atop it were used during its history. In time, the castle served for the following:
- Military Academy
- Imperial Residence
- Presidential Residence
- Educational Observatory
- The National Museum of History
Aside from Iturbide Palace (which also sits in Mexico City), Chapultepec Castle is the only royal palace in North America inhabited by a monarch.
Operating Hours
The castle operated from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays. However, you can enter the castle from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule applies all year, and it doesn’t change even if any of the working days fall on holidays or vacation days.
If you’re planning to join the museum tour, expect to allot at least an hour and a half.
Also, we suggest you come early if you’re visiting in the afternoon since the museum stops allowing visitors an hour before it closes. They also try to clear the museum 15 minutes before the closing time.
The museum remains closed on any Monday of the year, even during holidays or working days.
Entrance Fee
While the park surrounding the castle is free to access, the castle charges around 90 MXN (around 5 USD) for visitors who want to enter. However, it is free on Sundays for Mexicans and foreigners who live in the country to visit the castle.
The castle also offers free entry to the following visitors:
- Kids under 13 years old
- Senior visitors aged 60 and up
- Students and Teachers (only with a valid ID)
- PWD (Persons with Disabilities)
One thing to note is that the tickets aren’t available for purchase in advance. So if you want to enter the castle, you’ll have to buy it at the ticketing office on the day.
Another thing to note is that the office only accepts payment in cash and local currency, Mexican Pesos. As such, you’ll have to prepare some cash before visiting the castle.
Now, if you’re visiting on a Monday, you can always check out the castle from the outside. However, it can be pretty far since it’s located on the park’s first section, and the entire section is closed on Mondays.
Nonetheless, sections 2 and 3 of the park are open every day. One thing to note is that it can be a popular spot every day, but holidays and weekends can be busier.
Contact Info
Address: Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Mexico City, Mexico
Phone Number: +525576019811
Website: Castillo de Chapultepec
Location
The Chapultepec Castle is located in Section 1 of Chapultepec Park, which sits amidst Mexico City. As such, it’s easy to access and spot even if you’re a first-timer.
How to Get to Chapultepec Castle
Getting to Chapultepec Castle is easy, and you can do it via car, Uber, Bus, or Metro. If you use the Metro, you can ride to the closest station, which is:
- Line 1 – the station with a direct link to the Chapultepec Park
- Line 7 – the Auditorio station
If you’re hopping off at Line 7, you need to take the Bus in Line 7 and hop off at the Gandhi Station. From there, it’s only a short walk up to the hill where the castle stands.
You can also drive to the castle or book an Uber through the app. If you ride a taxi, tell the driver that you’re going to Chapultepec Castle, and he knows the nearest point to drop you off.
Parking
If you’re bringing a car, you’ll want to know where to park when visiting the castle. In general, the place doesn’t offer parking space during regular hours. Nonetheless, you’ll find several spots around the park to park.
Activities To Do at Chapultepec Castle
Since the castle mainly serves today as a museum, you’ll find that the main activities are touring and sightseeing. Below are the two main tours we recommend you take:
Tour of the History Rooms
The buildings of the former Military College are home to artifacts and photographs that tell the tale of Mexico’s history from the Invasion in 1521 to the twentieth century.
The rooms discuss the nation’s many historical eras via everyday living examples and the sociological, governmental, religious, and army factors that influenced them.
Tour of the Alcazar Spaces
On the main level, you can see Alcázar’s rooms furnished with decor, household items, accessories, and works of art. You’ll also see other items from the rulers Carlota and Maximilian’s time of residence from 1864 to 1867.
On the top level, you can find items from President Porfirio Daz and his partner Carmen, which they used in the castle as a summer palace from 1883 to 1910.
This section of the Castle also has a chamber devoted to the War of Chapultepec besides the painted rooms in 1847. The Tall Knight and the landscapes created from accounts of the garden from Maximilian’s time stand out among the surroundings.
Attractions at The Chapultepec Castle
Chapultepec Castle offers several attractions that make it one of the most visited spots in the city. In general, both the interior and exterior sides of the castle are worth seeing, and here’s why:
Chapultepec Castle offers several attractions that make it one of the most visited spots in the city. In general, both the interior and exterior sides of the castle are worth seeing, and here’s why:
Outside the Castle
Even if you don’t come inside, the castle’s exterior is still worth visiting, particularly the gardens and the exterior structure of the building.
Of course, you can always enjoy the view the castle’s balcony offers, but you need to enter to reach the spot.
These days, the palace receives visitors as a museum, and it’s always worth getting inside to enjoy its exhibits.
Standing on the balcony is one of the best views you can get from the exterior. From there, you can enjoy the views of the Paseo de la Reforma and the iconic Angel of Independence.
Besides the stunning views, you can also appreciate the gardens outside the palace. These gardens are groomed and well-maintained. As such, it’s always a perfect space for taking photos.
Besides the greeneries, you’ll enjoy several statues and fountains in these areas. You can even find a high-rising flag in the garden.
The View Inside Chapultepec Castle
Now, you’ll appreciate the castle more if you enter and see what it offers from the inside. Here, you can learn different historical facts depicted by the exhibits.
The castle’s interior houses stained glass windows showing off the religious imagery and also the Mexican history.
You can also find a large rooftop garden and tower at the top.
If you’re into history, you’ll find several murals showing off a story of the Mexican revolution, along with the preserved rooms used by the leaders who lived in this castle.
If you’re searching for some photo ops, you will appreciate the tiled flooring in the exterior and interior of the building’s residential section.
Nearby Restaurants
You can find several options outside the park if you want to grab a bite while touring the castle. The options below are outside the park, but they are the nearest ones to the castle:
Bar El Bosque
Address: Cl. 13 de Septiembre 29, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11750 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Phone Number: +52 555 256 5370
Website: Bar El Bosque
El Mirador de Chapultepec
Address: Av Chapultepec 606, San Miguel Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11850 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 555 286 2161
Website: El Mirador de Chapultepec
Pollos Ray
Address: esquina con Avenida Chapultepec, Av. Veracruz, Colonia Condesa, 06140 Ciudad de México, Mexico
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Phone Number: +52 555 286 2295
Website: Pollos Ray
Nearby Hotels
If you’re planning to spend several days around the castle and the park, you’ll maximize your time by staying at the nearby hotels. Here are some of the nearest options.
Hotel Itto Condesa
Address: Calle Juan Escutia 125, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +52 562 700 0715
Website: Hotel Itto Condesa
Don Jacinto Stay & Sip
Address: Zamora 13A, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +52 556 193 3805
Website: Don Jacinto Stay & Sip
Vasconcelos 65
Address: Cto. Interior Mtro. José Vasconcelos 65, Colonia Condesa, Miguel Hidalgo, 11850 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +52 555 038 8824
Website: Vasconcelos 65
Conclusion
As always, Chapultepec Castle is one of the best spots to visit in the area, and it’s because of the stunning views and contents of the place. Here, you can enjoy fantastic views and historical artifacts depicting the rich Mexican culture, particularly those living in the castle.
If you’re searching for more activities to do while in the city, read our article about the best Things to See and Do in Mexico City.
