Chapultepec Castle — Attraction in Mexico City

AMAZING place to see and understand historically, but suffers from no restaurant, no food allowed anywhere on the grounds, no audio guide, and unbearable crowds. Confusingly also called "The National Museum of History", Chapultepec Castle is divided into two parts. The first is the "Alcazar", where the emperor Maximillian and his wife Carlota lived, as well as where Porfirio Diaz later lived. It's WONDERFUL to see the the preserved and re-created rooms where they lived, their outfits, their carriages, and their VIEWS! The second part of the museum on the lower floor doesn't really have a name according to the staff, but it's nicknamed the "Historic Halls" and it's basically a museum of national history. I know, I said in the beginning that the castle is called the Museum of National History, and it is. The whole two part thing. The staff and online info insists. But really they should call the bottom floor part that actually IS like a national museum of history by that name, instead of calling the whole site that. It's terribly confusing.

Anyway, The alcazar/imperial rooms part is mostly outside and epic. The "historic halls" part, which is really a museum in and of itself, is also wonderful, BUT it's WAYYYYY too crowded and hot to enjoy. Crank the a/c up and lower the temp about 5 degrees and do a timed entry or something, because I LOVE history museums, AND it has a world-class art collection, very well curated, but you simply cannot enjoy it as it feels like you are on an crowded metro bus even by 11:00 am.

The hardest part about such a great museum is no restaurant or place to buy food or drink. That's terrible. It's hot and crowded and SO MUCH TO SEE, but you have to hurry through it because if you don't you will be starving and thirsty and then have to walk a 15 minute walk down a hill in the sun before there is anything, and even that is just food stands. The nearest sit-down restaurant is who-knows-where.

So, overall, a FANTASTIC place, that simply cannot be enjoyed without changes in management style. But I hope they do because I loved it there and wanted to spend...

Before visiting this stunning castle, I’d like to kindly share a few important reminders that you shouldn’t forget. First and foremost, food, water, or any kind of drink is not allowed inside the castle grounds. There are no cafés or shops inside only a few drinking fountains. Be sure to bring your own water and stay hydrated before entering.

Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk up the hill to reach the castle is a bit long and steep almost like a light hike. If you choose to wear stylish or high heeled shoes, make sure you’re able to walk comfortably in them.

We visited this beautiful castle on two separate days. The first time, we didn’t realize that weekends offer free admission, which resulted in extremely long lines and large crowds. On our second visit, we went during the week, paid the admission fee, and it was so much more peaceful. We were able to truly enjoy the space and take many beautiful photos.

Technically, you’re required to pay a small fee if you plan to take photos. While many people didn’t pay and still took pictures freely, I would recommend paying the fee if you’d like to take photos with a clear conscience.

Definitely wear sunscreen and check the weather in advance before heading out. (I learned this the hard way I actually got sunburned and lost a layer of skin from the intense heat and sun.)

The walk up is incredibly scenic, and once you reach the top of the hill, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Mexico City. The gardens and the exterior of the castle are absolutely gorgeous, with stunning stonework throughout.

Inside the castle once home to royalty you’ll find exquisite rooms. The ceilings are absolutely magnificent, adorned with painted artwork, and some windows feature beautiful decorative designs. Most plaques and descriptions are available in both English and Spanish.

We truly had a wonderful time. It was so beautiful that I’m certain I’ll return to this castle every time I visit Mexico City.

With deepest respect and...

Came here on a Thursday at 9, which is when it opens because we wanted to avoid the crowds, and it worked - except for one school trip but we only ran into them once at the beginning. Tickets are sold down at the hill (the castle is on top of the hill so it is a bit of a trek) but there are not really any signs as to where to purchase the tickets. We only knew because shortly after we started up the hill, a kind soul told us that we need to purchase the tickets in the little house first because if you get up there and you don't have a ticket, they'll send you right back down. For the tickets, you have to pay cash and they want you to pay in exact change. We didn't have exact change (I mean who does, nowadays?) so we had to pay with a bigger bill and we realized that she shorted us our change. And she knew exactly what she was doing because as soon as we went back to the window, she immediately gave us the correct amount. You also can't bring water and they make you spill it out once you get to the top.

Other than that, the castle is very beautiful and there are lots of details. You can look at each room behind ropes and each room has an information plaque telling you what the room was used for. Overall, it took us about an hour to walk through everthing, once we were up there.

It also looked like they were setting up for some kind of event here. A wedding here would be beautiful (though probably very expensive).

Definitely worth a visit. Just remember to go early, buy tickets, and count...