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Chapultepec (Grasshopper Hill in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs) is Mexico City's principal park, "the green lung of the city". This hill has been important throughout the city's history as the perch of fortresses and palaces, and the manicured forest surrounding it now holds many of Mexico's greatest cultural treasures. The neighborhoods on either side are among the most affluent in the city.
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Chapultepec Castle
The imposing castle on top of the hill calls to visitors. Over its history, it has been the home of the Spanish Viceroys, a military college, a scene of historic battle during the Mexican-American War, the palace of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlotta, the national observatory, and the presidential palace. It is now a museum. You can walk about 1 km up the winding hill road, or take the tram that departs every twenty minutes for M$13. There are two parts to the museum: the Alcazar (with the exhibits on the life of its former residents – the emperor and the presidents), and the Castillo (now the Museum of National History). Both are decorated with remarkable murals depicting the nation's and the site's history. Don't miss the Roman-style gardens and observatory on the roof of the Alcazar. The castle also boasts a fine view of Mexico City and its surroundings. While visiting the site, you can leave your bag in the locker room for a fee near the entry to the site (at the bottom of the hill). Storing your bag is mandatory if it contains any food, and you will need to empty your water bottle at the top.
Museum of Modern Art
It showcases temporary exhibitions of Mexican and international art, and has a permanent collection of work by artists including Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, José Orozco, and Leonora Carrington, among others.
National Anthropological Museum
One of the top anthropology museums in the world. This enormous complex highlights the development and cultures of Mexico's many indigenous peoples from thousands of years ago to today, and is full to the brim with ancient artifacts and artwork. Also, the museum itself is famous for its architecture. It is possible to spend days here to see everything – allocate two hours at the very least, prioritize your specific interests, and be sure not to miss the Aztec sun stone in the big room at the end of the plaza. Interpretive signage is underwhelming and mostly in Spanish - you'll enjoy the museum more if you go just to enjoy the ancient artwork rather than to get a history lesson. Bags must be checked; personal photography is permitted (no flash or tripods). If possible it is best to avoid visiting on Sundays, when it is usually mobbed. There is a restaurant on-site.
The original collection of this modern art museum was donated by the late Oaxacan-Zapoteca artist Rufino Tamayo and his wife, and includes works by Picasso, Rothko, and Miró, Georgia O'Keefe and many others. The collection also includes works from pre-Hispanic civilizations and works by Tamayo himself. Tamayo was heavily influenced by pre-Hispanic cultures, as were other modern artists in Mexico during the 20th century. The museum is handicap accessible with elevators, ramps, and loaner wheelchairs available. An upscale on-site restaurant includes an outdoor garden dining area. An on-site museum store has a good variety of books, prints, and contemporary art objects.
David Alfaro Siquerios Museum
This museum showcases the works of famed Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siquerios.
Chapultepec Zoo
Large, modern zoo in the same style as major ones in the U.S., famous for its pandas. Very crowded on weekends. Highlights for foreign visitors are the Anfibium axolotl center showcasing the unique endangered salamanders native to Mexico City, and the tropical forests section which is relatively uncrowded and has a large proportion of animals native to Mexico and Central America, like jaguars, spider monkeys, and tapirs. Backpacks are allowed inside, but not food or drinks (a bottle of water may or may not be allowed). It is customary to stop first at the vendors outside the entrance to buy a toy spider monkey ("changuito") to wear on your head during your visit.
Museum of the Axolotl and Amphibian Conservation Center
Located inside the zoo, but an attraction of its own, this popular facility exhibits the axolotl, Mexico City's unusual native salamander species, which reproduces without ever reaching adulthood and can re-grow almost any part of its body, but is now almost extinct in the wild. On the first floor you can see the axolotls and several related species in naturalistic enclosures, and on the second floor you can see the tanks where they're breeding them to keep the species alive. The building has a limited capacity, and on crowded days (weekends) you'll have to line up to enter.
Monument to the Heroic Cadets
This impressive white marble monument stands at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in front of the Castillo. It honors six youths who gave their lives defending the stronghold from US troops in 1847. In the most dramatic telling of the legend, a cadet jumped to his death wrapped in the Mexican flag rather than surrendering to the American troops.
Outstanding house tour that will appeal to anyone interested in modern architecture. The house was designed by world famous architect Luis Barragan (whose nearby home and studio is a ). Casa Gilardi is one of Barragan's signature projects, a private home that incorporates his concepts of human livability, integration with nature, and his bold use of brilliant colors and juxtaposed shapes. Reservations must be made in advance (can be done on the web site) and the house is open only for scheduled times. Tours are guided in small groups for an intimate, unrushed experience.
A system of tanks, reservoirs, canals and waterfalls constructed by the Aztecs.
Museum of Natural History
Exhibits a history of evolution, with dinosaurs, whales, viruses, bugs, plants, human organs and more. If it's natural, it's here.
Casa Luis Barragán
The home and studio of the famed Mexican architect Luis Barragán has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. The house looks plain from the outside, but inside it opens up and exemplifies Barragan's modernist design philosophy of integrating light, and nature with open, aesthetically pleasing spaces and surfaces to create a serene and functional living space for humans. It is a .
Largest cemetery in Mexico, site of the Rotunda of Illustrious Persons. The cemetery has over 1 million grave sites. People are just dying to get in here!
Dolores Carcamo Museum
Mexico's "White House", which isn't white, but is the official residence of recent presidents. Since Andres Lopez Obrador was elected president in 2018, he and his successor have chosen to live in the Capitol building (Palacio Nacional), believing Los Pinos to be too opulent for a Mexican public servant. That decision leaves the official residence and grounds open for public tours and cultural events. Los Pinos is actually referred to as a "complex" because it isn't just one building, but rather several, in a quiet, natural area of Chapultepec Park. The presidential residence is the Casa Lazaro Cardenas, a grand 2-story mansion with marble floors, a sweeping grand staircase, and huge windows creating a bright, cheery atmosphere. When heads of state would come to visit, they would be invited to stay in a separate mansionː either the Casa Miguel Aleman or the Casa Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. The complex also includeds nature trails, tennis courts, and a helicopter pad. Today, the complex hosts outdoor concerts and cultural performances, workshops in cooking and regional arts, and other cultural activities.
Cutting edge hands-on childrens activities to nurture young minds
MUNET, Technology Museum
Planes, trains and automobiles. Pretty much any other kind of machine too, from steam engines of the industrial age to AI and the robotics of tomorrow. Great place for teens!
Former Royal Gunpowder Factory
Built by the Spanish military at the end of the colonial era; it is now used for cultural exhibits.
Chapultepec Lake
There are actually two lakes that are connected, a bridge spanning them at mid-point. Lounge around the shore, or rent a canoe or paddleboat to explore.
A large movie screen is set up on the shore of Lake Chapultepec and movie goers sit in paddle boats in the lake to watch the movies. The movies are shown on a sporadic schedule, so consult current park info to see if a movie night is taking place during your visit to the city.
Modern urban theme park opened in 2024. Thrill rides like roller coaster, swing, giant Ferris wheel and more. Requires a rechargeable card to pay for rides, which cost up to M$120 per ride. Restrooms cost M$5 to use (also paid via rechargeable card). Variety of concessions.
Botanical Garden
5.3 hectare garden showcasing more than 300 species of native Mexican plant life.
el Sope
Wide running tracks and trails with mixed elevations. Groomed, chipped clay surface. Warm up area. Very popular among local runners and fitness enthusiasts.
Venue for performing arts and popular entertainers. Shows include family friendly events like the Nutcracker Suite, Placido Domingo, and Disney on Ice as well as popular Latin and international performers including Chayanne and Gilberto Santa Rosa. Seats 10,000. Tickets available through TicketMaster.
Officially a military sports field owned by the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA), this is a well-known polo field where prestigious international matches have taken place, including the World Polo Championship in 2008 and the Prince of Wales Cup in 1993 (attended by Prince Charles, now King Charles). The regular polo season runs from November through April. Information about polo events and teams is available through the Federacion Mexicana Polo].
Elegant lakeside dining in Chapultepec park, outdoor dining area available. Menu is more American or European than Mexican, which may appeal to some travelers. Reservations accepted.
Casual upscale dining with traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is in Chapultepec Park, with a lakeside setting. The dining rooms features a glass wall with views of the lake right outside the restaurant.
Casual outdoor cafe specializing in coffee and breakfast. Popular with runners and dog walkers alike. Very pet friendly with an area set aside for customers with well-behaved, leashed dogs.
Sophisticated upscale dining in a landmark of modern architecture built on the edge of one of the lakes in Chapultepec Park. A cross between elegant dining and a cultural center that includes a gallery of contemporary art and spaces for cultural events. The menu is contemporary international cuisine with European favorites and seafood specialties that are less common in Mexico (like mussels). Tables can be reserved on Opentable.
This is a charming and luxurious restaurant which serves slightly expensive Italian fare that is surprisingly worth it. Be sure to try the Fettuccine Alfredo or the Torre de Pisa, which is mouth-wateringly delicious.
Small traditional restaurant serving antojitos and other light fare. The house specialty is roasted pork shoulder tacos.
Deliciously fascinating fusion of nouveau Mexican cuisine and Indian cuisine served in an elegantly sparse contemporary dining room. While the sabudana vada is recommended, most dishes will be unfamiliar to diners so a wise approach is to talk to the staff and trust in their recommendations.
Small streetside cafe with a few tables outside on the sidewalk and more upstairs on a 2nd floor balcony. Wide range of pastries and baked goods, including several options for vegans. Excellent coffee.
The location of the Fiesta American Grand Chapultepec is perfect, being close to the restaurants of Polanco and Condesa. Rooms are clean, quiet and very comfortable.
One of the premier Mexico City hotels, the JW Marriott Hotel Mexico City rises 26 stories high in the exclusive Polanco District. Located in the heart of the business and entertainment sector, this flagship Mexico City hotel is within walking distance to Auditorio Nacional, the city's financial hub, and some of Mexico's best shopping, dining and night life.
Comfortable upscale hotel with traditional furnishings. Located adjacent to Chapultepec Park.
Older budget hotel with spacious but minimalist rooms with worn furnishings.
Moderate hotel with dated facilities that cry out for renovation and update. Staff are friendly and location is good, across the street from Chapultepec Park and short walk to restaurants and bars of Condesa. Complimentary bicycles.
Modern luxury hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms, well-equipped gym, good breakfast included in rate. First-class service with understated elegance.
Large public market, lots of food vendors. Local vibe, not tourist oriented.
By metro
By cable car
Los Pinos Constituyentes Cablebus station (line 3) from Santa Fe is close to Section 1 of the park.
By bus
Long-distance buses from cities and states outside the Mexico City metropolitan area arrive and depart from Terminal de Autobuses Poniente (Observatorio), which is on the south side of Chapultepec, 1…
By bike
Chapultepec is a big park... really big. If you plan to explore the northern parts of Section II or much of Section III or Section IV, your best option is to rent a bike and get around by pedal power.
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