Chapultepec Park – What You Need To Know

Chapultepec Park is one of the largest areas to explore in Mexico City. You can spend more than a week and need more to see everything this park offers. This park sits amidst the city, and you can find plenty of spots to visit, activities to do, and so many more.

If you’re planning to visit Chapultepec Park, you’ll need to know several things to maximize your visit. To help you, we made this article as a guide to the park. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the park, such as its overview, the nearby establishments, and even the activities to do.

After reading, you’ll better understand the park and know what to expect when you arrive. This information will save you time to plan and enjoy the park once you’re around the city.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

Chapultepec Park

About Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec is among the largest city parks in Mexico City, and it’s commonly known as the Bosque de Chapultepec. In total, it covers approximately 1,695 acres or 686 hectares. 

In general, the park serves as an ecological area for the city. As such, many people consider it the lungs of the entire city.

The region around Chapultepec has served as a retreat for Aztec emperors since pre-Columbian times. 

During the colonial era, Chapultepec Castle was the official residence of the Mexican rulers of the state. The statue remained in the exact location until 1940, when it was relocated.

What Makes Chapultepec Park Special?

Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is Latin America’s oldest and largest urban park. Initially located on the city’s outskirts, the urban core now wholly surrounds it.

Due to its massive size, the park consists of three sections. Each section consists of different spots, establishments, and other things. However, only two sections are accessible in the park.

The third section consists of trees and is a forest reserve. As such, it’s something people can only visit if it’s a protected and preserved area.

Location

Chapultepec Park sits in Mexico City’s center, near the Roma, Condesa, Polanco, San Miguel Chamultepec, and Cuauhtemoc neighborhoods. It is easy to reach Chapultepec Park by walking, taxi, Uber, or Metro.

How to get to Chapultepec Park

The Chapultepec Park is located approximately three miles (5 kilometers) west of Mexico City’s Zocalo. It is easy to get there by public transportation or with Turibus.

By Metro

If you’re visiting Chapultepec Park using the Metro, get off at Chapultepec Station on Line 1. When you exit the metro station, you will find a wide walkway leading straight to the Niños Heroes monument. Additionally, the parks are served by Auditorio and Constituyentes stations.

By Turibus

If you’re visiting Chapultepec Park using the Turibus, you can explore the various sections of Chapultepec Park using its main line. There is no better way to get a feel for the park than by taking this tour. 

Turibus stops can be found in and around the park. Ticket sales begin at the National Auditorium, but you can buy them at any stop. 

The anthropology and modern art museums are located in the park’s first section. As you walk through the second section, you will see the Tlaloc fountain and the Papalote children’s museum.

Parking

Chapultepec Park is visited by about 15 million people each year. As a result, significant restoration efforts were needed from 2005 to 2010. 

During this period, the government has approved the construction of office buildings, businesses, and parking lots. As such, if you’re driving a car, you can find plenty of parking spots in or near the park. 

Many locations surround this park, so you can notice a spot when you find other cars clumped together. So the last thing you must worry about is finding a place to park your car.

Entrance Fee

Chapultepec park is free to enter, and there are several of its attractions, such as the zoo, which is also free to visit.

Nearby Restaurants

If you want to grab a bite while exploring Chapultepec Park, you don’t need to leave since you can find restaurants around the area. Take a look at these options if you’re looking for tacos and other authentic Mexican food in the city.

El Lago Restaurante

El Lago Restaurante is an excellent spot to eat since it offers a dining option with an overlooking view of Chapultepec Park’s famous lake. They serve Mexican classics with a twist on their menu. Enjoy a table outside to enjoy the view. Additionally, they feature a buffet brunch on weekends that many consider the best in Mexico City.

Bistró Chapultepec

Bistró Chapultepec has an upscale casual vibe with lakeside tables indoors and outdoors. The place also offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals fusion of Mexican and European cuisines. 

Mexican Street Food

Even though weekends are busier in Chapultepec Park, you’ll have more fun! Chapultepec Park has an unofficial street fair during the weekends. This fair offers souvenirs, Mexican food, and Mexican handicrafts for sale.

If you want to enjoy the best food spots in Mexico City, booking a food tour is your best option. You can try the city’s best food without worrying about your itinerary. To know the best food tour options in the city, read Food Tour in Mexico City: A Journey Through Flavors.

Nearby Hotels

If you want to explore Chapultepec Park for a few days, you’ll do it best when you book a hotel nearby. Since this park sits amidst the city, you’ll have hundreds of hotel options. Here are five of the best hotels near Chapultepec Park:

InterContinental Presidente Mexico City

Address: Campos Elíseos 218, Polanco, Col. Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +525553277700
Website: InterContinental Presidente Mexico City

Hyatt Regency Mexico City

Address: Campos Elíseos 204, Polanco, Polanco Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, 11550 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +525550831234
Website: Hyatt Regency Mexico City

JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City

Address: Andrés Bello 29, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +525559990000
Website: JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City

Camino Real Polanco Mexico

Address: Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo 700, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, 11590 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +525552638888
Website: Camino Real Polanco Mexico

Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec

Address: Calz. Gral. Mariano Escobedo 756, Anzures, Miguel Hidalgo, 11590 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone Number: +524433108137
Website: Grand Fiesta Americana Chapultepec

Activities To Do Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park is a well-liked destination for locals and tourists in Mexico City. Here, everyone can enjoy various events and attractions. 

For instance, you can explore different areas and establishments like museums, a world-famous zoo, landmarks, fountains, and locations for historical exhibitions. 

Further, you can find many parks and gardens with a fascinating diversity of plants and animals to observe.

Overall, this park’s vast area can take anyone a few days to explore extensively. As such, even if you’re only staying in the park, you’ll always find something to do, even for several days.

Attractions in Chapultepec Park

Chapultepec Park spans a vast stretch of land. As such, it houses plenty of establishments and spots. You’ll generally find three sections, two of which house different things, while the third is a protected area.

Below are the three sections and what you’ll find in each one:

Section 1

The first section is the most visited of the three and includes plenty of establishments. Most of them are world-renowned. Some of these spots and establishments are:

  • Chapultepec Zoo
  • Chapultepec Castle and the National History Museum
  • National Anthropology Museum
  • Modern Art Museum
  • Rufino Tamayo Museum
  • An artificial lake 

Section 2

The second section is extended, and you can find more establishments around. Some of them are:

  • Large Amusement Park
  • La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico
  • Papalote Children’s Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Lakeside Restaurants
  • Mexico’s National Cemetery
  • El Panteon Civil de Dolores
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Fountains
  • Public Arts

Mexico City is known for being the city with the most significant number of museums, and you can find a handful of options within the park. If you want to visit more museums in the city, read our article about the Top Museums in Mexico City.

Section 3

Lastly, the third section is less visited since it’s primarily made up of natural areas with wooded areas and wildlife. In addition, you can only visit it with restrictions since it’s a protected area.

Conclusion

Overall, Chapultepec Park is one of the most extensive parks, and it offers endless spots to explore and activities to enjoy. With this guide, you can enjoy the park for days or plan a limited exploration if you only visit the city for a few days.

If you want to explore other parks in the city, read: A Guide to Mexico City’s Most Beautiful Parks.

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