Chapultepec Castle (Mexico’s National Museum of History)

Sitting high above one of Mexico City’s best green spaces is Chapultepec Castle. It sits on top of a hill that has been a sacred place for Aztecs and housed a military academy, imperial residence, and presidential home. Now, it’s a museum.

The castle that was once home to Mexican Emperor Maximilian I how houses the National Museum of History (in Spanish: Museo Nacional de Historia) featuring rooms dedicated to various stages of Mexican history.

Large, colorful murals are a highlight, as is a room devoted to jade furnishings. On the top floor, there are former residences surrounding a landscaped courtyard and observatory that have been restored to their former opulent glory. And patios surrounding the building offer wonderful views out over Chapultepec Park (Bosque de Chapultepec) and Mexico City.

Photos of Mexico’s National Museum of History

What To Know Before You Go

• The museum is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 to 5, but check with the official website to confirm the current opening hours.
• You’ll have to check your bag at a checkpoint at the bottom of the hill by renting a locker for a small fee.
• It’s a bit of a hike uphill to get to the castle.
• In general, you can wander around self-guided, although there is a preferred direction in the flow of traffic.
• It’s a pleasant and easy walk from the National Museum of Anthropology to Chapultepec Castle.
• On weekends it can get quite busy, as can the rest of Chapultepec Park as families, especially with children, flock to the area.