Chapultepec Castle Tours

Castillo de Chapultepec showing a monument, chateau or palace and heritage elements
Explore this opulent former home of Mexican royalty, perched high above the city, and learn about the history of Mexico.

Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) is a beautiful building perched on a hill above Mexico City. The castle was designed in the 18th century as a country home for the local Spanish viceroy. It has since served many functions, including as a military academy and a presidential palace, among others. Today, its preserved interior is open to visitors and it houses the National Museum of History. Learn the story of the castle as well as the history of “New Spain” and Mexico’s struggle for independence. 

The lower levels of the castle house the National Museum of History. Find weapons, jewelry, costumes and letters tracking Mexico’s history from Spanish colonization in the 16th century, to the Mexican Revolution in 1910. See the sword used by José Maria Morelos, a Mexican hero, in battle against the Spanish in 1812. There are coins from the era of Spanish rule and an early edition of the Mexican constitution. The museum also includes a collection of sculptures, paintings and murals depicting Mexican life and important moments in the country’s history. 

The upper floors have been preserved as the home of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico and his wife Carlota. Explore the opulent rooms, complete with gold chandeliers and lavish dining areas. Snap a photo from the deck, which looks out over Mexico City. Outside, take a walk amongst the flower gardens and admire the sandstone archways and pillars of the European architecture. 

Chapultepec Castle is located at the top of Chapultepec Hill in central Mexico City. The walk up the hill can be tough, but there is a light rail option that costs a few pesos and runs every 15 minutes from downtown. The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday. Head down to Chapultepec Park to picnic in the expansive grounds afterwards. 

Browse tours and tickets to explore Chapultepec Castle

Reviews of Chapultepec Castle

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
621
" "5 - Excellent 76.1963190184049%
4 - Good
159
" "4 - Good 19.50920245398773%
3 - Okay
27
" "3 - Okay 3.312883435582822%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6134969325153374%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.36809815950920244%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 10, 2020

Great Views of the city. They let us in free after 4pm.

5/5 - Excellent

Rafael
Dec 9, 2019

Excelllent place for contrast pictures (old palace, wilderness and modern buildings in the backgroud)

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Sep 30, 2019

Crowded. Sundays is free for mexican nationals. Visit not worthy. Expositions are poor.

5/5 - Excellent

PatScan
Aug 11, 2019

Historic ornate palace with excellent vantage point of city. Great place for photos. Worth a visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2019

Beautiful castle and enjoyed walking up there and good museum.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 22, 2018

Worth while and very beautiful grounds and views of the city.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chapultepec Castle

Galeria Plaza Reforma
Galeria Plaza Reforma
4 out of 5
Mexico City
Galeria Plaza Reforma
Camino Real Polanco Mexico
Camino Real Polanco Mexico
4.5 out of 5
Mariano Escobedo 700, Col Anzures, Mexico City, CDMX
Camino Real Polanco Mexico
Marquis Reforma Hotel Spa
Marquis Reforma Hotel Spa
4.5 out of 5
Paseo De La Reforma 465 Col Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, CDMX
Marquis Reforma Hotel Spa
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Campos Eliseos 218, Mexico City
InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, an IHG Hotel
Geneve Ciudad de México
Geneve Ciudad de México
4 out of 5
Londres 130, Mexico City
Geneve Ciudad de México
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.