Chapultepec Castle

The Whole Traveler

This is also a rare, must-see experience as it's the only castle belonging to an European Monarchy in North America. The rooms of The Emperor Maximillian and Carlota are exceptionally well preserved showing you how they lived, the various tapestries, curiosities and ephemera surrounding their home. It also shows you how Porfirio Diaz got a touch of the Emperor himself living in this grand palace. The views of Mexico City, the Reforma and of Chapultepec Park are stunning! The only downside is that it's an uphill hike from the base where you buy tickets. If they have a taxi service, take it--there was none when we last visited, so bring walking shoes. I cover Chapultepec Castle and other keys sites in my Mexico City series of videos on my YouTube Channel if you want the full scoop: @thewholetraveler

+6

J H

An absolutely stunning and must-visit landmark in Mexico City. The castle offers a fascinating journey through Mexican history, from imperial-era rooms to key moments that shaped the nation, all beautifully preserved and thoughtfully curated. The architecture and interiors are impressive, and the panoramic views over Chapultepec Park and Paseo de la Reforma are breathtaking. The surrounding gardens add to the experience, making the walk up well worth it. Good to know: Foreign visitors are charged double the entrance fee, and card payment was not accepted at the entrance, so be sure to bring cash. Despite that, the historical value, scenery, and overall experience make this one of the best cultural highlights in the city.

+19

Denisa Lleshi

You enter from the base level of the castle to buy tickets. If you can purchase online, it’s highly recommended to skip the wait. Once you buy tickets you head around the castle and walk up and around a hill to get to the castle main entrance where you’ll have a wonderful vantage view of Mexico City. The castle architecture is so beautiful and on the inside first portion of the castle you’ll learn about Mexico’s civic history. If you go deeper into the castle you’ll find yourself in a beautiful garden setting and one of the best views of the city from the castle balconies and grounds. Such a great way to learn about the history of Mexico while taking in the beauty of the city.

+2

Matthew Love

For architecture, design and history buffs, one can absolutely make this an all day visit. The way the exhibits fuse together such a very very long history and intersection of magnificent cultures is beautiful. The murals are magnificent and convey poignantly rich stories and history. It's clear to see the original castle for the Spanish Viceroy but the elegance and the gilding came with Maximilian in the 1840's.

+5

David Ren

Chapultepec Castle is one of the most fascinating historical sites in Mexico City. Perched above the city, it offers not only beautiful views but also a rare, layered look into Mexico’s complex history — from pre-Hispanic times to empire, independence, and modern nationhood. Walking through the castle, you can clearly feel how power, identity, and history shifted over time. The rooms, murals, and artifacts are thoughtfully preserved, and the narrative is compelling without being overwhelming. The combination of history, architecture, and setting makes this place truly special. It’s not just scenic — it’s intellectually and historically engaging. A must-visit if you want to understand Mexico beyond the surface.

+22

Weni Wang

A small but well kept castle. It's located on the top of the hill with a nice few of the massive Chapultepec park. The walk from the gate to the top of the hill is not long but it's another 85meter climb. So total elevation where the castle sits is about 2,325 above sea water. If you're not used to hig elevation, take a slow walk because you will run out of breath easily and get light headed. The indoor garden on the 2nd floor is a must see. It has a small tower in the middle of the park and a nice fountain. A row of oil paintings needly displayed on the balcony. I enjoy my visit and will recommend this place. It can be crowded but it's a must see if you visit the park. This castle is the best attraction of the park. You can see how lush the park is from the castle balcony.

+7

Pere A

Chapultepec Castle is an absolute gem in Mexico City! From the moment I stepped onto the grounds, I was captivated by the stunning panoramic views of the city skyline stretching out below – skyscrapers like the BBVA tower framed by lush trees and hazy horizons. The architecture is breathtaking, with its grand stone facades, elegant columns, manicured gardens filled with hedges and vibrant flowers, and those iconic terraces overlooking everything. Inside, the history comes alive through intricate stained glass windows depicting classical scenes, powerful murals like Diego Rivera’s depictions of Mexico’s revolutionary past (the “La Represión” one was particularly striking), and exhibits of military uniforms, weapons, and opulent rooms that transport you back to the era of emperors and presidents. What made it even better was the serene, quiet atmosphere – a peaceful oasis amid the urban chaos. I booked skip-the-line tickets and opted for a tour guide, which was totally worth it; they provided fascinating insights into the castle’s role in Mexican history, from Maximilian’s residence to its transformation into a museum. It turned a beautiful visit into an informative adventure. Highly recommend for anyone visiting CDMX – 5 stars all the way!

+6

Ivan Rodriguez

This is a must visit if you’re in Mexico City. The views are amazing and the art you see is also great. When I went they were having a concert in the open area on the second floor. This was very nice. Please be prepared to walk to get there. You walk up hill for a bit but then on the way down it’s a lot easier. Also, you can buy tickets at the gate don’t worry about purchasing in advance. Also, no water/drinks are allowed so make sure you are done before you go in.

P U

Beautiful castle, home to more than 62 vireyes and presidents , a lot of home display pieces of art from that time and mexican history. Gorgeous gardens and balconies with incredible views of the park and Paseo de la Reforma angel statue. Entrance fee $100 pesos . Pictures allow, a bit of walk from main entrance to the castle about 10 minutes .Washroom available. Bad check by the entrance. Crowded most days.No water or food allowed inside. Mondays is closed. Definitely a place to see .Time to spend 3h plus to make the visit worth it.

+9

raquel morfin

Entrance was about 5USD. There was a lot of art, history, and scenery here. Easily spent a few hours here. The only con for those who may be older or with disabilities, you must walk uphill in order to arrive to the castle. There were a few cars that were able to enter, I assumed for drop off. I would look into this if needed.

+7