Chapultepec Castle (Spanish: Castillo de Chapultepec) is located on top of Chapultepec Hill in Mexico City's Chapultepec park. The name Chapultepec is the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc which means "on the hill of the grasshopper". The castle has such unparalleled views and terraces that explorer James F. Elton wrote they “can't be surpassed in beauty in any part of the world." It is located at the entrance to Chapultepec Park at a height of 2,325 meters above sea level. The site of the hill was a sacred place for Aztecs, and the buildings atop it have served several purposes during its history, including that of Military Academy, Imperial residence, Presidential residence, observatory, and since the 1940s, the National Museum of History. Chapultepec Castle, along with Iturbide Palace, also in Mexico City, are the only royal palaces in North America.
It was built during the Viceroyalty as a summer house for the highest colonial administrator, the viceroy. It was given various uses, from a gunpowder warehouse to a military academy in 1841. It became the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I and his consort Empress Carlota during the Second Mexican Empire (1864–67). In 1882, President Manuel González declared it the official residence of the President. With few exceptions, all succeeding presidents lived there until 1939, when President Lázaro Cárdenas turned it into a museum.
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Jeromy Carpenter | Feb 19, 2018
This is an outstanding monument to the history of Mexico City. The architecture is grand and elaborate. It is a place, rich with history, dating back to the time of the Aztecs. If you enjoy architecture and a great view of the city, you will love this landmark. It is a must-see while in Mexico City. At one point, this place was the Imperial residence of Maximillian the I of Mexico and his wife, Empress Carlota. It is a tribute to the great history of Mexico.
Ignacio Salas | Jan 15, 2018
Amazing experience. Amazed by the beauty of the Castle. You should try getting there early, the view is amazing due to the activity of the city. You should try visiting the castle as part of your morning run. I highly advice you make some exercise in the park or running up to the castle.
Joe Cunningham | Feb 1, 2018
Tip - Go early!! This place gets crowded and going early will help with that! Then you can get lunch in the park!! Also wear comfortable shoes!! There is quite a long hike for kids so make sure they have water and a snack or else you might be carrying them!! It’s a beautiful place!
Lupita Garcia | Feb 11, 2018
Chapultepec is an amazing place to walk through. It is a strong Mexican mix of a beautiful environment and street carts selling anything and everything. A Sunday morning is the best time to walk around and enjoy!
Hollewood’s Weird | Feb 3, 2018
Very unique place for tourists. If you know nothing about Mexican history, this is a one stop history class. The painting tell a story of struggle war and companionship. If you don’t know Spanish, I would say get a guide so you get all the hidden messages written deep in. This place is a must see when traveling to Mexico City.
Renee Corbett | Mar 15, 2018
A must see! The view from the castle is phenomenal - I think that the view itself is worth a visit. You'll walk up a shallow hill for about 10 minutes, so I would recommend not wearing heels. It is free for everyone on Sunday!
Mara Deckard | Mar 18, 2018
Very cool castle, definitely worth a visit if you're in Chapultepec! The murals and other artwork are really fascinating, and there is a lovely view from the balcony. Wear comfortable shoes and be aware that there's no food or water allowed inside.
Kerry Reston | Mar 26, 2018
this is an amazing castle located in the middle of the park. it is worth the visit. there are lovely murals and other works of are. the view from the balcony is amazing. make sure and wear comfortable shoes, because it's alot of walking. after you visit the castle, you might want to take a walk in the park, or havea picnic. there are so many things you can do. please note that there is no food or water allowed inside the castle.
Ebrahim Ahmed | Mar 17, 2018
A must see in Mexico. It’s a beautiful museum with some amazing murals and art pieces. It has a great view of the city as well. There are no signs in English, get a guide.
Cindy Luu | May 14, 2018
This Castle is beautiful! It has been kept in great shape and has so much of the original details! It's hard to imagine what life must have been like back then until you see this. Also has a spectacular view of the city! Loved this place! The walk up to the castle is so enjoyable and beautiful!
Carl H | Jun 15, 2018
An awesome attraction!!! Highly recommend visiting the park and visiting the castillo. So much history and so much to see! Great views in nearly every direction. The castle is well preserved with tons to see and learn. Definitely go and see it!
Dhivya Subramanian | Jun 6, 2018
Chapultepec is a wonderful place for a picnic and I highly recommend it. There is a little zoo at the bottom of the hill, our 4 year old daughter loved it. Only concern is there is a lot of walking to do, wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also be prepared to wait in long lines. The views are really grand
Fowzer Junaideen | May 26, 2018
This is the Chapultepec castle which is also the history museum. It was confusing at first. There is an entrance fee of Mexican $70. I am not a museum, history kind of person. But enjoyed the view from up there. You could see the city of Mexico. The castle itself is small but that whole area is fairly big. The exhibit is educational. I learned a few things.
Mònica Esmeralda | May 22, 2018
Great views to reforma and surroundings, great place to know about Mexico history, and what it was the Mexican emperor, our links with Europe and how we lost part of our territory. It's a beautiful castle with a lot of things to take. You will need at least 4 hours to enjoy all the spaces of this place. Be ready for great pictures!
Baron Migs | Jul 11, 2018
Hands down the most epic palace in the America’s. Looks just like the the palaces in Vienna. Eat before you go in. There no food vendors inside. And if you go on a Sunday it I’ll be free. Great view of the city. Please go visit if your in Mexico City
Grenas Inc | Jun 17, 2018
this is an amazing castle located in the middle of the park. it is worth the visit. there are lovely murals and other works of are. the view from the balcony is amazing. make sure and wear comfortable shoes, because it's a lot of walking. after you visit the castle, you might want to take a walk in the park, or have picnic. there are so many things you can do. please note that there is no food or water allowed inside the castle.
DJ mc2 | Jul 13, 2018
This place is a must visit for every person in the American continent, because it’s the ONLY ROYAL CASTLE IN THE AMERICAN CONTINENT!! The people who lived here were real Europeans, In fact Maximillian I of Mexico is an Austrian emperor. Going to the castle is quite a walk, so be prepared. Unfortunately, they don’t let you bring food or water, if your thirsty, you will have to deal with the water fountain. I would suggest this place to have a small bus taking people, especially the elders up and back down. Just like Palace of Versailles, you cannot enter the rooms, you can only see entering the door, but a sign explaining the history of that room blocks you. Still worth it though. The interiors look like a European baroque palace. The entire place brings the classical period Europe to Mexico! In conclusion, if you are in America and can’t afford to visit Palace of Versailles, this is the perfect place to visit. It has been well kept and not turned into ruins. The view is also very nice from the castle. Mexico City has an amazing history of Europeans. Parts of the city, like San Angel has a lot of European themed buildings to visit!
Melody Santoni | Jul 26, 2018
El castillo es muy bello. El camino para llegar hasta el castillo es un poco largo pero vale la pena. Deben ir en zapatos cómodos y con protección solar. Yo no llevé nada y terminé quedándome hasta los labios. El castillo tiene hermosas vistas y muchas obras de arte en exhibición. Un lugar lleno de historia y belleza. Muy recomendado.
Nathaly Gonzalez | Jul 22, 2018
Love it!!! We didn't have too much time because they were closing early but is so beautiful. So happy that I took my kids in here. Please use comfortable shoes because is a long walk.
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