Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City

In this post you will find a lighthearted history of Chapultepec Castle, as well as some practical tips on what to expect when you visit.

Quick History of Chapultepec Castle

In the 1780s, Spanish Viceroys began construction on a modest little summer home – Chapultepec Castle. It was abandoned during the Mexican War of Independence, then subsequently used as a Military Academy. During the Mexican-American war, the United States took possession of the castle after the Battle of Chapultepec.

Side note: Did you know the United States Marine Corps memorialized their victory in the “Marine’s Hymn”? The line “From the Halls of Montezuma” is probably not the most factual representation (the castle was built a couple of hundred years after Aztec Emperor Montezuma was ousted). It is still a fine notion. We can all agree to blur the lines of fact a teeny bit, at least where art is involved. Right?

The second Mexican Empire brought with it Maximillian I. As any thoughtful husband would do when moving his wife halfway across the world, he ordered a massive remodel and spent WAY too much money furnishing it. Sure, it was an unpopular move, but don’t you know the place was a disaster after being used for so many purposes the previous 75-ish years? I’m on Max’s side on this one!

Long story short, things didn’t work out well for ole Max. The Empire fell, and he was executed. His beautiful castle became an observatory for a few years, then the residence for Mexican Presidents. President Lazaro Cardenas decreed it to be a museum, which is why we get to visit it today.

Our Visit to Chapultepec Castle

The Chapultepec Castle tour is split into two sections. One section is a National History Museum FULL of artifacts. For this portion, we should have hired a guide. I knew nothing about the art and very little about Mexican history. Most of the placards were in Spanish only, which drastically diminished our ability to consume any information. I used Google Translate for some items that appeared especially noteworthy.

The second section was definitely better for me, as the focus was more on daily life in the castle. If you enjoy intricate details and excessive luxury, this place is a feast for the eyes. Not exaggerating when I say even the door hinges had the monogram on them. As any good southern girl should be, I was impressed.

Perhaps the most breathtaking area of Chapultepec Castle is the outdoor vistas. There are miles of fabulous verandas, which showcase the incredible greenspace within the city. My party planner brain imagines every imaginable social soiree can and should be hosted on these brilliant terraces. Fun fact: Chapultepec Castle was the venue for the Capulet Mansion in Romeo + Juliet (the one starring Leonardo DiCaprio).

Practical Matters

Tickets – $85 pesos each 

Transportation – We walked from our apartment in Roma Norte to Chapultepec Park. Once inside the park, there is plenty of signage to lead you to the castle.

Concessions – Tons of options to eat in the park, but no food allowed on the castle grounds. They even made us dispose of a bottle of water.

COVID Protocol – Temperature checks, hand sanitizer, and masks required. The place is huge and the crowd was light, so we felt safe.

Restrooms – Located throughout the venue. Probably the nicest baños in Mexico. 

Teddy Friendly? – No

Would we go back? – Yes

Chapultepec Castle Recap

We had a great time at Chapultepec Park and Chapultepec Castle. We got a TON of steps in and soaked up the nice weather. Hopefully, this post makes you excited to visit it the next time you are in Mexico City. I’m just sure you will love it!

Related Posts:

Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City

Mexico Pyramids – Awestruck in Teotihuacan!