Chapultepec Castle Tours

Step into a world of emperors, presidents, and revolutionaries. Secure your tickets to Mexico City's iconic hilltop castle and witness centuries of history unfold from its majestic terraces.

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Varies by tour
3 Languages
Small groups available
Free Cancellation
Everything You Need to Know

Complete Experience Guide

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Experience

Explore the Castle of Emperors and Presidents

Perched majestically atop Chapultepec Hill, the Castillo de Chapultepec is the only true castle in North America to have housed royalty. This historic landmark has served as an imperial palace, presidential residence, and military academy, and now stands as the proud home of Mexico's National Museum of History. A visit here is a journey through the nation's turbulent and triumphant past, from pre-Columbian times to the Mexican Revolution. Wander through opulent staterooms, admire breathtaking murals by famous artists like Siqueiros, and step out onto terraces that offer unrivaled panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis of Mexico City. Booking a tour or securing tickets in advance is the best way to immerse yourself in the stories and splendors of this iconic site.

Why Book Your Chapultepec Experience With Us?

Real Traveler Reviews

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Curated Selection of Tours

We don't list everything; we only feature the best. Our team selects top-rated tours from reputable operators like GetYourGuide, saving you time and ensuring a quality experience.

Trusted Local Guides

Choose from a variety of guided tours led by professional, licensed guides who bring the rich history of the castle to life with engaging stories and insights.

Flexible Options for You

Life happens. That's why we offer options with flexible cancellation policies, allowing you to book with confidence and peace of mind.

Instant Confirmation

No waiting, no wondering. Receive your e-tickets directly to your inbox immediately after booking, ready to be shown on your mobile device for easy entry.

Explore Chapultepec Castle and discover its history dating back to Aztec times
Marvel at the castle's opulent interiors adorned with intricate murals
Admire the breathtaking views of Mexico City from the castle's balconies
Immerse yourself in Mexico's vibrant culture as you wander through Chapultepec
Live a memorable experience thanks to the history & beauty of Chapultepec Castle

Essential Information

Know Before You Go

Entry & Tickets
The castle is closed on Mondays
Online booking is highly recommended to avoid long lines
Last admission is typically 4:30 PM
On-Site Rules
Large bags, backpacks, food, and drinks are not permitted inside
Flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts
Drones are strictly forbidden on the castle grounds
The Walk Up
There is a significant uphill walk from the park entrance to the castle
A small train (Trenecito) is available for a small fee for those with mobility concerns
Allow at least 15-20 minutes for the walk up the hill

Not Allowed

Large bags or luggage
Pets (except service animals)
Food and drinks
Essential Information

Booking Tips

  • Book tickets online at least a few days in advance to avoid long queues, especially for weekend visits.
  • Consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the complex history of Mexico and the castle's artifacts.
  • Check for combo tour options that might include the castle and the National Museum of Anthropology for a full day of cultural immersion.
  • Remember the castle is always closed on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water bottle (to drink before entry)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Camera or smartphone
  • A valid government-issued ID
  • A light jacket or sweater

Best Seasons to Visit

The dry season, from November to April, offers the most pleasant weather with clear skies, ideal for enjoying the panoramic views. Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday) are significantly less crowded than weekends.

What to Wear

Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the uphill walk and extensive grounds.|Dress in layers; Mexico City's high altitude means weather can change quickly, and it can be cool in the shade or inside the castle rooms.|Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, is highly recommended as you will be exposed to the sun on the terraces and during the walk.

Planning

Historical Context

The site of Chapultepec Hill has been sacred since the time of the Toltecs and Aztecs. The current building's construction began in 1785 by a Spanish viceroy. It later became the site of the heroic last stand of the 'Niños Héroes' during the Mexican-American War, the opulent home of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, and the official residence of Mexican presidents until 1939, when it was decreed to be the National Museum of History.

Photography Tips

  • Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grand scale of the terraces and city views.
  • The best light for exterior shots is during the golden hour in the late afternoon.
  • To photograph the stained-glass windows, expose for the highlights to prevent the colors from blowing out.
  • Be patient and wait for moments when crowds clear to get cleaner shots of the interior rooms.

Insider Tips

  • Arrive 15-20 minutes before the castle opens to be among the first inside.
  • Take the small shuttle train up the hill to save your energy for exploring the castle itself.
  • Start your visit on the upper floor (the Alcázar) before the crowds build, then explore the ground-floor museum exhibits.
  • Download an offline map of the castle grounds beforehand to help you navigate.

Our Partners

  • We are proud to partner with trusted, world-class booking platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator to bring you a curated selection of the best travel experiences available.

Fun Facts

  • Chapultepec means 'Hill of the Grasshopper' in the Nahuatl language.
  • It is the only castle in North America that has been inhabited by actual royalty.
  • The famous balcony scene in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film 'Romeo + Juliet' was filmed at the castle.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary depending on the specific tour or ticket option selected. Many of our partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Please check the specific details on the booking page before confirming your purchase.

Social Media

Share your experience: #ChapultepecCastle #CastilloDeChapultepec #MexicoCity #CDMX #VisitMexico #MexicoHistory

Book Before You Go

Customer Reviews

What Our Guests Say

Real experiences from real travelers

E
Emily Carter
United Kingdom • 2024-07-22

Absolutely Breathtaking Views and History!

Booking our tickets online was the best decision. We walked past a huge queue and went straight in. The castle is stunning, but the real highlight is the view from the terraces. You can see the entire city! The history inside is fascinating, especially the rooms of Maximilian and Carlota. Highly recommend getting a guided tour to truly appreciate it.

C
Carlos Rodriguez
USA • 2024-07-18

A Must-Do in CDMX, But Be Prepared to Walk

This place is incredible. The amount of history packed into one building is mind-boggling. The murals are powerful and the preserved rooms are like stepping back in time. My only advice is to wear your most comfortable shoes. The walk up the hill is no joke, but it's totally worth it. We didn't take the little train, but saw many people who did.

A
Akira Tanaka
Japan • 2024-07-15

Elegant Castle, Peaceful Escape

A beautiful and serene place in the middle of a bustling city. I spent hours just wandering through the different halls and gardens. The stained-glass gallery was my favorite part. The booking process was very easy and I received my e-ticket instantly. It was a very smooth experience from start to finish.

J
Jürgen Schmidt
Germany • 2024-07-10

More than just a castle!

I was impressed by how this place is both a beautiful castle and a comprehensive national history museum. It tells the story of Mexico so well. Booking a tour with a guide was essential for us, as our guide explained the context behind the artifacts and murals, which we would have missed otherwise. Fantastic experience.

I
Isabelle Dubois
France • 2024-07-05

Magnifique! A bit crowded but worth it.

The castle is truly magnificent. The architecture, the gardens, the views... everything is superb. We went on a weekend and it was very crowded, so I would suggest a weekday visit if possible. Booking tickets ahead of time is a must. Don't miss the carriage collection!

L
Liam Murphy
Australia • 2024-06-28

Stunning piece of history

What a place! The walk up through the park is lovely, and the castle itself is just spectacular. You could spend a whole day here. The rooms are so well preserved, and the panoramic views are worth the price of admission alone. A definite highlight of our trip to Mexico City.

S
Sofia Oliveira
Brazil • 2024-06-20

História e beleza em um só lugar!

Incrível! O Castelo de Chapultepec é uma parada obrigatória. A história do México está viva em cada sala. Reservar os ingressos com antecedência nos poupou muito tempo na fila. A vista da cidade é de tirar o fôlego. Leve água e prepare-se para caminhar bastante, mas cada passo vale a pena.

B
Ben Carter
Canada • 2024-06-15

Great museum, plan ahead.

This is a world-class museum. The exhibits are detailed and cover a huge span of Mexican history. My advice is to book a tour that includes tickets to avoid any hassle. Also, note that they make you check larger bags, so pack light for the day. The whole experience was fantastic and a great way to understand the country better.

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