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North America > Mexico > Central Mexico > Mexico City > Mexico City/Chapultepec

Mexico City/Chapultepec

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Chapultepec is a district of Mexico City. "Chapultepec" means "Grasshopper Hill" (Chapul - Grasshopper / Tepec - Hill) in Nahuatl, the language of the "Aztecs". The hill and surrounding district has much significance in Mexican history. The Bosque de Chapultepec (Náhuatl, "hill of the grasshoppers") is Mexico City's principal park and, with an area of 4sq.km/2.5sq.mi, its largest.

Get in

Map
19°25′4″N 99°11′14″W
Map of Mexico City/Chapultepec

Walk. You can easily walk from the Metro (subway) station – the 1 Auditorio station may be more convenient than 2 Chapultepec.

See

Museo Nacional de Antropología
Castillo de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Castle)
  • 1 Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art), Paseo de la Reforma s/n, ☏ +52 55 5553 6233. Tu-Su 10:30-17:30. 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. $35 MXN. 
  • 2 Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Anthropological Museum), Av Paseo de la Reforma y Calzada Gandhi s/n, ☏ +52 55 4040 5300. Tu-Su 09:00-19:00. Considered to be one of the top museums of its kind in the world, this enormous complex has permanent exhibitions highlighting the development and cultures of Mexico's many indigenous peoples. Also, the museum itself is famous for its architecture. It is possible to spend days here to see everything – delegate two hours at least and be sure not to miss the Aztec sun stone. Bags must be checked; and personal photography is permitted (no flash or tripods). If possible it is best to avoid visiting on Sundays, when it is usually mobbed. A restaurant and gift shop are also located in the museum. $59 MXN (adults), free (seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers); free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents (ID required). 
  • 3 Castillo de Chapultepec y Museo Nacional de Historia (MNH) (Chapultepec Castle), Bosque de Chapultepec I (metro Auditorio line #7 orange or Chapultepec line #1 pink), ☏ +52 55 4040 5215. Tu-Su 09:00-17:00. 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 up the winding hill road, or take the tram that departs every twenty minutes for a fee of $13 MXN. 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. $59 MXN (adults), free (seniors over 60, children under 13, teachers); free on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreign residents (ID required); fee for video camera and flash photography is not permitted; audioguide 65 pesos. While visiting the site, you can leave your bag in the locker room near the entry to the site (at the bottom of the hill); the fee to use a locker is 10 MXP (as of 2013). Storing your bag is mandatory if it contains any food or even a water bottle.. 
  • 4 Museo Rufino Tamayo, Paseo de la Reforma 51, ☏ +52 55 5286 6519, . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. The collection in 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, as well as by Tamayo himself. $40 MXN. 
  • 5 Sala de Arte Publico Siqueiros (David Alfaro Siquerios Museum), Tres Picos 29, ☏ +52 55 8647 5340. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00. This museum showcases the works of famed Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siquerios. $12 MXN (adults), free (students/teachers/seniors/children under 12); free admission on Sundays. 
  • 7 Monumento a los Niños Héroes (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. Free. 
Luis Barragán house and studio
  • 8 Luis Barragán House and Studio (Casa Luis Barragán). The home of the Mexican architect Luis Barragán has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and work. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Do

Lago de Chapultepec

Chapultepec Park has many landscape walks through the trees. Vendors line the paths of many areas where you an buy souvenirs, juices, tacos, ice cream, toys, and even lucha libre masks.

  • 1 Lago de Chapultepec (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. 
  • 4 La Feria Chapultepec Mágico (Chapultepec Amusement Park), Circuito Bosque de Chapultepec s/n, ☏ +52 55 5230 2121. hours vary by month. Has a set of roller coasters. $90 MXN general admission (includes all attractions). 
  • Catch an outdoor concert.

Buy

  • A lucha libre mask from a sidewalk vendor.

Eat

  • 1 Alfredo di Roma, Campos Elíseos 218 (in the Hotel Presidente Inter-Continental), ☏ +52 55 5327 7766. M-Th 13:00-23:30, F Sa 13:00-24:00, Su 13:00-19:00. This is a charming and luxurious restaurant which serves slightly expensive Italian fare that is surprisingly worth it. Be sure to try the Fettuccini Alfredo or the Torre de Pisa, which is mouth-wateringly delicious. 

Sleep

  • 1 Fiesta Americana Grand Chapultepec, Mariano Escobedo 756 (Colonia Anzures), ☏ +52 55 2581 1500, fax: +52 55 2581 1501. 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. $150+ USD. 
  • 3 Hotel Camino Real Polanco, Mariano Escobedo 700 (Colonia Anzures), ☏ +52 55 5263 8888, fax: +52 55 5263 8889, . This 5-star hotel surpasses hotel expectations to be somewhat of a work of art. It combines modern architectural profiles with obvious pre-Hispanic pyramid reminiscences. It has been the headquarters for two soccer World Cups and for the Olympic Games. It's a true example of opulence and well worth the indulgence. 
  • 4 JW Marriott Mexico City, Calle Andrés Bello 29, ☏ +52 55 5999 0000. 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. $179+ USD. 
  • 5 Marquis Reforma, Paseo de la Reforma 465 (Colonia Cuauhtémoc), ☏ +52 55 5229 1200 x4152, fax: +52 55 5229 1212, . Awarded The Best Business Hotel in Mexico City for Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2004, this 5-star hotel is one of Mexico City's finest. Built in the Art Deco style, it has an exclusive feel through its high standards of fittings and furnishings. Ice sculptures are frequently used as decorations in this area. There are excellent views to be had of the woods and castle of Chapultepec, as well as the Glorietta de Diana Cazadora. $219+ USD. 

Connect

This district travel guide to Chapultepec is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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