Things to Do at Chapultepec Castle

Complete Guide to Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City

About Chapultepec Castle

The castle sits on top of Chapultepec Hill, which means you earn it. A 15-minute uphill walk through ancient ahuehuete cypress trees - some over 500 years old, their trunks wider than cars - and then you're standing on the balcony of the only royal castle in North America, looking out over Mexico City's endless sprawl with Paseo de la Reforma cutting through the middle like a river of cars. Admission is MXN 85 (free on Sundays for residents). The castle served as Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota's residence in the 1860s, and their European-furnished rooms survive intact: Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Aubusson tapestries, a billiard room, and a rooftop garden where Carlota tried to grow Austrian roses in Mexican altitude. The Alcazar section feels like Versailles transplanted to a volcano. The museum section houses the National History Museum - highlights include Orozco's mural 'The Reform and the Fall of the Empire' and the room dedicated to the Ninos Heroes (boy soldiers who died defending the castle from the US Army in 1847). What most people miss: the castle's lower floors contain a museum of historical carriages - Maximilian's gilded coach, Porfirio Diaz's presidential carriage, and Benito Juarez's austere black buggy. The contrast tells the story of Mexican politics. Best time is 9:00-10:00 AM Tuesday through Friday. Allow two to three hours including the walk up. Only a local would know: the walk up through Chapultepec Forest is better than the castle itself on weekday mornings - squirrels, joggers, and the smell of cedar in the cool highland air. Worth it? The view alone makes it essential. The history is a bonus.

What to See & Do

Imperial Rooms

Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota's preserved apartments with Baccarat chandeliers, Gobelins tapestries, and European furniture shipped across the Atlantic in the 1860s. The bedroom has a canopy bed with Mexican eagle embroidery. The contrast between European luxury and Mexican nationalism on the walls is intentional and uncomfortable

Murals by Orozco and Siqueiros

Orozco's 'The Reform and the Fall of the Empire' and Siqueiros' 'From Porfirism to the Revolution' dominate the staircase walls. The murals depict Mexico's struggle from colonialism through revolution. Orozco's brushwork is angrier than Rivera's - the figures twist and burn. Allow 20 minutes for close study

Alcazar Terrace

The rooftop terrace where Carlota planted her Austrian garden. The panoramic view stretches from the Zocalo to the volcanoes on clear days. On most days, the smog stops you at the Reforma corridor, but even that view is magnificent. Early morning visits get the cleanest air. Bring a telephoto lens

Carriage Museum

Tucked in the lower level where most visitors don't venture. Maximilian's gold-trimmed imperial coach sits next to Juarez's plain black carriage - the visual contrast is Mexico's political story in two vehicles. Diaz's presidential carriage splits the difference. Free with your museum ticket

Gardens and Grounds

The walk up Chapultepec Hill passes ancient ahuehuete cypress trees, some planted before the Aztec empire fell. The forest canopy blocks the city noise. At the top, the castle gardens include Carlota's European plantings and a small sculpture garden. Weekday mornings the path is mostly joggers and squirrels

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Mondays. Last entry at 4:30 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Around 85 pesos for adults (about $5 USD), free for children under 13, students, and seniors with ID. Free entry on Sundays for Mexican nationals and residents

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, though the golden hour before closing offers the most dramatic lighting for photos and city views

Suggested Duration

Plan on 2-3 hours to properly explore the museum and grounds, though you could easily spend longer if you're particularly drawn to the historical exhibits

Getting There

Metro Chapultepec (Line 1, pink) exits onto Paseo de la Reforma. Walk into Chapultepec Park and follow signs to the castle - the uphill walk takes 15-20 minutes through the forest. There's no vehicle access to the top for visitors. An Uber from Roma/Condesa costs MXN 30-50 to the park entrance. From the Zocalo, Metro Line 2 to Hidalgo, transfer to Line 1 westbound to Chapultepec - about 20 minutes total. Wear comfortable shoes for the hill.

Things to Do Nearby

Chapultepec Park
One of the world's largest city parks, perfect for a post-castle stroll with lakes, museums, and surprisingly good street food vendors

National Museum of Anthropology
Mexico's crown jewel museum housing incredible pre-Columbian artifacts - easily one of the world's great archaeological museums

Paseo de la Reforma
Mexico City's grand boulevard lined with monuments and modern skyscrapers, offering a nice contrast to the castle's historical atmosphere

Polanco District
Upscale neighborhood just north of the park with excellent restaurants and shopping, ideal for lunch after your castle visit

Modern Art Museum
Also within Chapultepec Park, featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary Mexican and international artists in a striking circular building

Tips & Advice

The uphill walk is steep but shaded. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. On hot days (March through May), start early - the forest is cool in the morning and the castle has no air conditioning

Free admission on Sundays draws massive crowds. Go Tuesday through Friday before 11:00 AM for the best experience. The castle closes at 5:00 PM, last entry at 4:15 PM

Combine with the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (MXN 85) at the other end of Chapultepec Park - a 20-minute walk through the park. Together they make the best museum day in Mexico City

The Chapultepec Forest itself is worth an hour of wandering. Street food vendors sell elotes (MXN 20-30) and esquites (MXN 25-35) at the park entrance. Eat on a bench under the cypress trees