Plan your visit
Plan your visit
Prepare for your trip up Chapultepec Hill. Learn exactly what to bring, what to leave behind, and how to structure your day.
Chapultepec Castle
Bosque de Chapultepec I Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11100 Ciudad de México, CDMX
GPS 19.4204, -99.1821
Open directionsGetting there
Getting to the base of the hill
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: A steady uphill walk from the park entrance gates at the base of the hill up to the castle doors. | 15-20 mins | Free | No public vehicles are permitted to drive to the top; it is a paved ramp. |
| Train: Take Metro Line 1 (Pink) to Chapultepec station, then walk into the park. | 20-30 mins from downtown | $5 MXN | The most affordable and popular transit method for reaching the park. |
| Bus: Take Metrobús Line 7 to the Gandhi or Lieja stops, followed by a walk through the forest. | 20-30 mins from Reforma | $6 MXN | A very convenient option if you are staying along Paseo de la Reforma. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is completely closed on Mondays. The most comfortable time of year to visit is during the dry season, from November to April.
Arrive at 9:00 AM to avoid the midday heat and heavy crowds. Remember that the hilltop is exposed to the elements. Sudden closures can happen during heavy rain or lightning.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
All bags and backpacks are strictly prohibited inside the castle.
You must leave large items in lockers at the base of the hill.
How the day runs
Suggested itineraries
Focus entirely on the castle and its immediate grounds in a single morning.
- Arrive at the park
Use the lockers at the base for any bags or water bottles.
- Walk the ramp
Take the 1-kilometer uphill walk to the castle entrance.
- Tour the Imperial Rooms
View the Malachite Room and Empress Carlota's Bedroom.
- Explore the Museum
Walk through the National Museum of History galleries.
- Panoramic Terraces
Enjoy the sweeping views of Paseo de la Reforma.
Combine the castle with the nearby Anthropology Museum.
- Anthropology Museum
Arrive early to see the Aztec Stone of the Sun without crowds.
- Lunch in the area
Grab food outside the park or near Paseo de la Reforma.
- Chapultepec Walk
Walk through the park to the base of Chapultepec Hill.
- Castle Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring the castle and its gardens.
Arrival and Entry Rules
Getting to the castle requires physical effort. No public vehicles drive to the top. You must walk a paved 1-kilometer ramp, which takes 15 to 20 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip for this walk and the interior marble floors.
Security rules are very strict. You cannot bring food, drinks, or water bottles inside. Large bags and backpacks are also banned. Lockers are available at the base of the hill for a small fee. Read our Bag Policy & Lockers guide to prepare properly.
Easiest way to do it
Early Access Chapultepec Castle & Anthropology Museum
5 h 4.6 (2,322)
- Ticket to Chapultepec Castle
- Professional guide
- Ticket to Anthropology Museum
From$83per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How long does it take to walk up to Chapultepec Castle?
It takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk from the park gates to the castle doors. The path is a steady, 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) uphill ramp.
Can you bring water into Chapultepec Castle?
No. All food, drinks, and water bottles are strictly prohibited inside the complex. You must consume them before entering or leave them in the lockers at the bottom of the hill.
What is the best time of day to visit Chapultepec Castle?
The best time to visit is right when the gates open at 9:00 AM on a weekday. This allows you to avoid the midday sun, large school groups, and the heavy crowds that arrive later.