On top of Chapultepec Hill sits the castle that overlooks the park. It has been a military academy, the home of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota and of several presidents, and since 1939 it has housed the National History Museum. From its terrace you look down Paseo de la Reforma and over the park. It’s about 1.2 km from Hotel Emma Boutique, plus the climb up the hill.
Practical information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from the hotel | 1.2 km, plus the climb up the hill |
| Getting there | On foot, or Chapultepec Metro (Line 1) and the pedestrian ramp up the hill |
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00; closed Mondays |
| Cost | Paid admission; free on Sundays for Mexican visitors |
| Suggested time | 2 to 3 hours, including the climb |
Hours published by INAH, the national institute that runs the museum. Check fees and notices on its website before you go.
What to see at the castle
- The Alcázar: Maximilian and Carlota’s rooms on the ground floor and Porfirio Díaz’s upstairs, with period furniture.
- The stained-glass gallery: windows with figures from Greco-Roman mythology, commissioned under Porfirio Díaz.
- The murals: works by David Alfaro Siqueiros, Juan O’Gorman and José Clemente Orozco in the history galleries.
- The carriages: including one Maximilian and Carlota used every day, later used by Benito Juárez.
- The terrace and the Alcázar garden: the view along Reforma toward downtown.
Getting there from Hotel Emma Boutique
- On foot: about 15 minutes to the park, toward Chapultepec Metro station, then 10 to 15 more minutes up the pedestrian ramp. It’s a steady slope, so take it easy.
- By Metro: from Sevilla, 200 m from the hotel, take Line 1 toward Observatorio and get off at Chapultepec, the next stop. From there, enter the park and walk up the hill.
- By taxi or app: ask to be dropped at the park entrance nearest the hill; cars don’t drive up to the castle.
Tips for your visit
- Don’t go on a Monday: the museum is closed, and so is the park’s First Section.
- Arrive at opening time: lines grow toward midday, especially on Sundays, when entry is free for Mexican visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen; between the walk and the galleries, you’ll be on your feet for hours.
- Pair it with the Museum of Modern Art or the National Museum of Anthropology, both in the same section of the park.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are Chapultepec Castle’s opening hours?
The National History Museum opens Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00. It’s closed on Mondays.
How much does Chapultepec Castle cost?
Admission is paid. On Sundays it’s free for Mexican visitors. Check the current fee on the INAH website.
How do I get to Chapultepec Castle by Metro?
Get off at Chapultepec station on Line 1, enter the park and walk up the hill on the pedestrian ramp.
Where to stay near Chapultepec Castle?
In Roma Norte, Hotel Emma Boutique is about 1.2 km from the castle and 200 m from Sevilla Metro, one stop from Chapultepec.