Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City | Hours, highlights & more

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.

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.