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Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City | Hours, highlights & more

Rising over Mexico City from the wooded heights of Chapultepec Hill, the Chapultepec Castle is more than a historical landmark. It’s the only royal castle in the Americas that once housed emperors. Walk its echoing halls and you’re standing inside a living archive —of empires, revolutions, and a nation's rebirth.

Why visit Chapultepec Castle?

Because this castle is layered. Chapultepec Castle has stood here since 1785, first as a retreat for viceroys, later transformed into an imperial residence by Emperor Maximilian I, and finally, into the National Museum of History. Every arch, corridor, and courtyard carries the imprint of political shifts and cultural evolution.

The views are not simply scenic. From the castle terraces, you can see the Paseo de la Reforma stretching all the way to the heart of Mexico City. On a clear morning, the skyline folds into the distant mountains. This isn’t a backdrop—it’s a reflection of how far the nation has come.

Inside, the Throne Room still holds the elegance once meant to command authority. The stained-glass windows along the main stairwell depict Mexico’s heroes in full color. And tucked within the old palace are murals by artists like Orozco and Siqueiros that do not decorate—they confront.

What’s inside Chapultepec Castle?

Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City with panoramic cityscape view.
Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City with lush greenery and historic architecture in the background.
Chapultepec Castle ceiling mural with historical Mexican figures and vibrant artwork, Mexico City.
Bathroom interior in Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City, showcasing historical fixtures and elegant design.
Chapultepec Castle with historic statues in Mexico City, surrounded by lush gardens.
Woman leaning on stone railing at Chapultepec Castle, Mexico City, overlooking cityscape.
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The Throne Room

Preserved with gold accents, velvet drapes, and imperial mirrors, this was where power once sat. It reflects European influence adapted for a new world empire.

Stained Glass Corridor

Life-sized stained-glass panels line the staircase, each depicting historical Mexican figures. The light filtering through creates a cathedral-like effect that feels reverent rather than decorative.

Emperor Maximilian’s Bedroom and Study

The furniture, paintings, and layout remain faithful to the Austrian ruler’s brief but impactful reign. It gives you a rare look into 19th-century royal life on this side of the Atlantic.

Carlota’s Rooms

Empress Carlota’s quarters are still adorned with delicate French furnishings, showing her taste and the influence she brought from Europe to Mexico.

The Rooftop Gardens

These aren’t just ornamental—they were designed to mimic European palace courtyards while overlooking the Mexican valley. They offer sweeping views of Mexico City and Bosque de Chapultepec.

Romeo and Juliet-style Balconies

They frame panoramic views, designed not for flair but for positioning the imperial gaze across the city—symbolic, strategic, and beautiful all at once.

Chapultepec Castle hours and best time to visit

Opening hours

  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm
  • Last entry: Around 4:30pm
  • Closed on Mondays
Anthropology museum hours

Best time to visit

  • Arrive by 9:30am to 10am for cooler weather, smaller crowds, and softer natural light for photography.
  • Weekdays are ideal—Sundays are free for Mexican citizens, which makes the castle much busier.
Visit Anthropology museum

How to get to Chapultepec Castle

Bosque de Chapultepec, Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City The castle is located within Section I of the park, just off Paseo de la Reforma, one of the city’s main avenues.

Getting to Museum of Anrthopology
Rome metro station platform with passengers boarding a train.
  • Take Line 1 (the pink line) to Chapultepec Station.
  • From the station, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk through the park to reach the base of Chapultepec Hill.
  • Follow signs for “Castillo de Chapultepec”. The signage is easy to follow and multilingual in most areas.

Note: If you’re coming from the Historic Center, transfer from Line 2 (Blue) to Line 1 at Pino Suárez and head west toward Observatorio.

Public transport bus on a busy street in Mexico City with passengers boarding.
  • Several buses and RTP lines run along Paseo de la Reforma and stop near the Altar a la Patria monument.
  • From there, it’s a 5–7 minute walk to the park entrance and then about 15–20 minutes uphill to the castle.

Buses are marked clearly, but they can be crowded. If you're unfamiliar with Mexico City's public transport, the metro is usually faster and easier to navigate.

Taxi

  • You can take a taxi, Uber, Didi, or Cabify to Bosque de Chapultepec – Puerta de Leones (Lions’ Gate), the closest entrance to the castle trail.
  • From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute uphill walk to the entrance of Chapultepec Castle.

Important: Vehicles are not allowed up to the castle itself. All visitors must walk from the base of the hill.

On foot

If you're staying near Polanco, Juárez, or Zona Rosa, you can walk to the park. The castle is about:

  • 25 minutes on foot from the Angel of Independence
  • 20 minutes from Polanco entrance to the park

Tip: Use Google Maps and set your destination to “Castillo de Chapultepec” rather than just “Chapultepec” to avoid confusion with the park or the metro station.

Tram passing through vibrant streets of Mexico City with historic buildings in the background.
  • A small tram service runs from the Puerta de Leones entrance up to the castle.
  • The tram is available from Tuesday to Sunday during operating hours and costs around 15–20 MXN one way.

It's ideal for families with kids, seniors, or anyone who prefers to avoid the incline.

Practical tips before visiting Chapultepec Castle

Plan your visit like a pro. Chapultepec Castle sits on a hilltop, inside one of the largest city parks in the world. It’s beautiful, but it also means logistics matter. These tips will help you avoid crowds, long lines, and confusion.

  • You’ll need a ticket to enter the castle. Entry is bundled with access to the National Museum of History. You can buy it on-site for 90 pesos, but the queue can take up to 2 hours on weekends and holidays. Booking your Chapultepec Castle tickets online is the fastest way to save time.
  • Entrance is free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and legal residents with ID. But that also makes Sundays the most crowded day of the week. If you want space to actually enjoy the museum and the views, avoid Sunday unless you're eligible for free entry.
  • The castle is closed on Mondays. This is true for most museums in Mexico City, so don’t plan your visit at the start of the week.
  • Get there early. The castle opens at 9am, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the park entrance to the top of the hill. Arrive by 8:30am if you want to be one of the first inside, especially during high season.
  • There’s a tram if you don’t want to walk uphill. It leaves from near the base of the hill at Bosque de Chapultepec, close to the Monumento a los Niños Héroes. It’s inexpensive and saves your energy for the actual tour.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The uphill path is paved, but there are stairs and uneven cobblestones throughout the castle grounds and gardens. It’s not strenuous, but definitely not flip-flop friendly.
  • Photography is allowed inside, but without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted. If you’re planning to take detailed photos (especially in the Throne Room or stained-glass stairwell), natural light earlier in the day works best.
  • Restrooms and a small café are located near the main entrance. Once inside the castle, amenities are limited. Bring water, especially on hot days.
  • Tours are available and genuinely helpful. English or bilingual guides can be hired outside the castle or booked online. These tours are ideal if you want a deeper context about the rooms, murals, and political history.
  • Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit. The museum alone has over a dozen exhibit rooms, and you’ll want time to explore the gardens and take in the views from the balconies.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s perched atop Chapultepec Hill, inside Bosque de Chapultepec, the massive urban park in Mexico City. The closest metro station is Chapultepec (Line 1). From the park entrance, it’s about a 15 to 20-minute uphill walk to the castle.