Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) Tours and Tickets

The Spanish built Chapultepec Castle in the late 18th century. They used it as a summer palace. Later it became a military college. Then, Mexican Emperor Maximilian I used it as his personal residence. Today, this storied castle in Mexico city is home to the National History Museum (Museo Nacional de Historia).

Chapultepec Castle was abandoned during the Mexican War of Independence. However, it played an important role in the Mexican-American War. The Mexican cadets who died defending the castle became known as “Los Niños Héroes.” You’ll find a small exhibit dedicated to the Battle of Chapultepec on the castle’s top floor.

Chapultepec Castle is situated within Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec), one of Mexico City’s largest public parks. It’s near the Roma and Polanco neighborhoods west of the city center. The location boasts millennia of history and was used by the Aztecs. You can visit numerous museums and attractions there today.

It’s easy to get to Chapultepec Castle using public transportation. You can take Line 1 of the Mexico City Metro to Chapultepec station, located at the park’s eastern edge. Alternatively, take Line 7 to Auditorio, on the western side of the park. Many bus lines serve the area.

Yes, there are multiple guided Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) tours available. As the castle is now home to the National History Museum, guided collection tours explore its highlights (while also pointing out the building’s unique heritage and architectural features). Some tours also pair visits to Chapultepec Castle with other nearby attractions.

To avoid crowds, visit Chapultepec Castle on a weekday, rather than a weekend, and avoid public holidays. It’s also wise to arrive either first thing in the morning or later in the day. The National History Museum at Chapultepec Castle typically is open Tuesday–Sunday, from morning until early evening.

Yes, there are many attractions near Chapultepec Castle. Chapultepec Park is home to a wealth of cultural highlights, including the National Anthropology Museum (Museo Nacional de Antropología), Chapultepec Zoo (Zoológico de Chapultepec), Chapultepec Woods Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico del Bosque de Chapultepec), and Museo Rufino Tamayo contemporary art museum.