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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.
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A system of tanks, reservoirs, canals and waterfalls constructed by the Aztecs.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.