Chapultepec Castle is one of the most interesting sights in Mexico City and we liked it better than the historic centre.

It is not only a historic castle, but also a place with one of the best views of the city.

From here you can see the wide Paseo de la Reforma, the skyscrapers of the modern centre and the vast Chapultepec Park.

If you only have time to visit one castle or palace during your stay, I would recommend Chapultepec Castle.

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Is it worth visiting?	Yes
Length of visit	1-2 hours
Admission	210 mxn
Booking	Not required

Why visit Chapultepec Castle?

We were enticed to visit by tips from Instagram, especially the beautiful stained glass hallway.

But there are definitely more reasons.

The castle has served as a military academy, imperial residence and presidential palace. Today it is home to the National History Museum and you can explore the original state rooms, gardens and terraces.

It is the combination of history and panoramic views that makes Chapultepec Castle one of Mexico City's top attractions.

What will you see here?

• Historic ceremonial halls
• the imperial apartments of Maximilian I.
• Corridor with stained glass windows
• extensive gardens
• viewing terraces
• National Historical Museum
• views of Paseo de la Reforma and the city centre

Even if museums don't normally interest you much, the views alone are worth a visit.

How long to reserve?

If you are mainly interested in the views and the most important parts of the castle, about one hour is enough.

For a more in-depth visit to the museum, I recommend at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Entrance fees and opening hours

There is an entrance fee for the entire castle area, including the viewpoints.

It is not possible to go up to the castle for free just to the lookout.

• 💰210 mxn (payment by card and cash)
• 🕗 9-17 daily except Mondays

Long queues often form in front of the cash desk:

• weekdays - 5 to 10 minutes
• weekends - we were here on Saturday and waited about 20 minutes

You can buy tickets online (website: ventadeboletosenlinea.inah.gob.mx), then the queue is a bit shorter

But booking in advance is not necessary, there is no limit to the number of tickets.

Practical information

The castle stands on top of a hill in the first part of Chapultepec Park.

The last section has to be walked, but the climb is not difficult and most visitors can manage it without any problems.

The ticket includes access to the historic interiors and museum exhibitions.

You'll also find:

• Free toilet
• free drinking water fountains
• café (about 40% to 50% higher prices than usual in the city)
• luggage lockers for 10 mxn (cash only)

You have to go through a security check to get to the castle. However, it is possible to take a water bottle with you.

How to get there?

Chapultepec is at the western end of Passeo de la Reforma, in a very safe area.

• Metro, line 1 - Chapultepec station
• Taxi / Uber - ideally also take you to Chapultepec metro station

From here you will walk about 1 km through the nice park Bosque de Chapultepec.

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Is it worth visiting Chapultepec Castle?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want the best views of Mexico City
• you are interested in the history of Mexico
• you are planning a visit to Chapultepec Park

❌ Not likely, unless:

• you're not into museums or historic buildings
• you have very limited time in the city

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