These are the 21 Best Things to Do in Chapultepec Park Mexico City (Including Hidden Gems)
Wondering What activities can we do in Chapultepec park?
I live in Mexico, and have visited Chapultepec Park many times — and I’m here to help you discover all the fun things to do in Chapultepec Mexico City.
Bosque de Chapultepec, which means Chapultepec Forest, though it’s more often called Chapultepec Park, is one of the most-visited urban parks on the planet.
It joins the likes of Central Park in NYC, Showa Memorial Park in Tokyo, and Bois de Boulogne in Paris to share this honor.
🚴♀️ The best way to cover the most ground in Chapultepec Park is by bike. Join your guide Alberto, a Mexico City cyclist and runner, on this Discover Chapultepec on Bicycle Tour to visit all the must see spots in this huge park.
Like these other parks, Chapultepec Park in Mexico City is massive — as in 1,700 acres massive —and divided into three distinct sections.
You could spend weeks there exploring the nine museums, two lakes, the Mexico City Zoo, and much more — so you have to be selective with your time in Chapultepec Park.
Below, you’re going to discover many of the highlights in this massive urban forest, so you make sure can see everything you want to.
After planning your itinerary, check out all the Chapultepec Park FAQs at the end, with all the general information you need about visiting Chapultepec Mexico City.
Best Things to Do in Chapultepec Park CDMX
1. Chapultepec Castle (Castillo Chapultepec)
The Castillo de Chapultepec is the only true castle in North America, as it was only the official residence of royalty.
Formerly the home to Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota, the Chapultepec Castle and adjoining National History Museum, and among the best sites in Mexico City.
It’s a little bit of an uphill climb to get to the castle, but once you get there, you’re rewarded for your efforts.
The Chapultepec Castle has some of the most beautiful views in Mexico City, as its located hight atop a hill overlooking the whole park, Reforma Avenue, Centro Historico, and the rest of the city.
🏰 Chapultepec Castle FAQ
How much does it cost to get into the Chapultepec Castle?
Chapultepec Castle tickets cost $90 MXN pesos (about $5 USD) for adults ages 14-59. Kids 13 and under, and adults 60 and older, get in free.
🤑 Mexico City Travel Tip: Admission to Chapultepec Castle is free on Sundays; but arrive early to beat the large crowds.
What is the dress code for Chapultepec Castle?
No — Neither the castle nor the park has a strict dress code.
The only places that might enforce a dress code in Chapultepec Park are the restaurants, like the fancier El Lago Restaurant.
Can you visit the Chapultepec Castle as a tourist?
Yes — Castillo de Chapultepec Castle is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
2. Museo Nacional de Historia (Mexico City National History Museum)
Much of the inside of the Chapultepec Castillo is actually a museum — the National History Museum.
As the name says, it chronicles Mexico City and Mexican history through exhibits and fine art pieces from the Colonial Period.
As you’re inside of a castle, the interior itself is a work of art as well!
3. National Museum of Anthropology
This Museo Nacional de Antropología (Mexico City Anthropology Museum) is the most visited of all Mexico City museums.
It is also massive — spanning 23 exhibition halls and 3,225 years of history, from the Olmecs to the Toltecs to the Maya and Aztecs.
In short: You could spend hours there and not see it all.
They offer one-hour English tours, but it barely scratches the surface at this Mexico Anthropology Museum.
You’ll really only see the highlights on the free tour, like the Piedra del Sol (Aztec calendar, or Aztec sunstone), Olmec heads, Coatlicue statue, Moctezuma’s headdress and a few more pieces.
🗿 Best Anthropology Museum Tours
If you’re truly fascinated by Mexico’s extensive and profound history, book this Museum of Anthropology Tour with Carlos, a student of Mexican history.
The tour has a near perfect 5-Star rating, and 1,875+ reviews.
4. Bike Ride Chapultepec Park
One of the most fun ways to see the park is by bicycle.
Mexico City has the great EcoBici bike share program available, and you can buy a one week pass for less than $20 USD.
With your EcoBici membership, you can explore Chapultepec Park and other areas of Mexico City.
🚲 Muevete en Bici Sunday Bike Ride in Mexico City
Wondering, What is there to do in Mexico City on a Sunday?
For those who will be in Mexico City on Sunday, don’t miss the Muevete en Bici Mexico City bike ride.
The 20-mile route (32 km) goes straight through Chapultepec Park, from the Reforma neighborhood to the Polanco neighborhood.
5. Chapultepec Park Tours by Bike
You can also book Bike to All the Best Chapultepec Park Attractions Tour with Alberto, a Mexico City local.
As they say, having a local is a travel game changer.
Let Alberto show you the most popular places and some of the hidden spots in Chapultepec Park — the ones only locals know about — like the Altar a la Patria.
He’ll also take you to the other top things to see in Mexico City, like Paseo de la Reforma, Monumento a la Revolución and Catedral Metropolitana (Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral) in the Zocalo.
6. Museum of Modern Art at Chapultepec Park
The Museo de Arte Moderno features contemporary art by both international and Mexican artists.
The big names from their permanent collection include Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros and Rufino Tamayo.
While visiting, take a leisurely stroll through the Sculpture Garden outside. It has statues by several prominent artists, including Fernando Botero.
7. Chapultepec Angel Wings Sculpture: Alas de la Ciudad
Alas de la Ciudad, or Wings of the City, are a pair of giant bronze angel wings, made by famed Mexican sculptor, Jorge Marin.
You can take at photo at this popular Mexico City Instagram spot just outside of the National Museum of Anthropology and Librería Porrúa Bookstore, on Avenida de la Reforma.
8. Paddle Boat Ride on Chapultepec Lake
Rent a paddle boat at Chapultepec to see some of the park from the water.
There are also row boats and swan boats for rent, but remember to get there early on weekends to avoid long wait times for a rental.
There are two lakes in this park; the rental boats are at lake in Section 1, near the Chapultepec Zoo and Casa del Lago (Chapultepec Lake House Museum).
9. Casa de Lago Cultural Center
This is one of the smallest museums in Chapultepec Park, but is worth a quick visit if you have the time.
They have rotating exhibits outside of this charming lake house, and a small but interesting gallery inside.
If you’re boating on the lake or eating at El Lago restaurant, check out the Chapultepec Lake House Museum.
10. Rufino Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum
Founded by Mexican artist, Ruffino Tamayo, his namesake Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo houses a large collection of international contemporary art.
The Tamayo Museum is the second largest Mexico City contemporary arts museum, after the MUAC Museum on the UNAM campus.
💧 Walk the Water Mirror Path: The Tamayo Art Museum and National Anthropology Museum are next to one another.
When walking between the two, make sure to take the pretty Water Mirror Path.
11. Niños Heroes Monument
The six niños heroes (boy heroes) are part of Mexican patriotic folklore.
Debates abound as to the true story of the boys’ death, but these child cadets did die defending Mexico.
The Monumento a los Niños Héroes (Boy Heroes Monument) is one of the nicest sculptures found in any parks in Mexico City.
12. Experience the Audiorama Sound Bath
When you need a take a break from a long day of exploring the Mexico City Chapultepec Park, head to Audiorama.
In this area, there are colorful benches where you can relax, listen to music coming for speakers all over the area, and tune out the world.
🤐 Note: There is no talking allowed in Audiorama Chapultepec, so many read or just relax.
13. Moctezuma Baths at Chapultepec Park
The Baños de Moctezuma historical monument was built in the 15th Century, during the reign or Aztec king Moctezuma.
It was used a type of perhispanic spa bath, a place for breeding exotic fish, and as a place to store water collected from nearby springs.
14. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Chapultepec Park
Wondering, Where to eat near Chapultepec Park?
Well, you don’t even have to leave the park to get a great meal, as there are some Chapultepec Park restaurants you’ll love.
However, if you’re looking for Mexico City tacos, check out these options.
El Lago Restaurante
El Lago, which means The Lake, does in fact overlook one of the lakes in Chapultepec Park.
Grab an outdoor table to enjoy the nice views, and enjoy their menu of Mexican classics prepared with a twist.
They also what many call the best brunch in Mexico City; it’s served buffet style and only on weekends.
Bistró Chapultepec
An indoor/outdoor restaurant with lakeside tables and an upscale casual vibe.
Bistro Chapultepec Restaurant serves a fusion of European and Mexican cuisines, during breakfast, lunch, dinner services. ▶︎ Check out their menu here.
15. Chapultepec Weekend Street Food Market
🤔 Wondering, What’s the best time to visit Chapultepec Park?
While weekend are certainly more crowded, they are also more fun.
There’s a carnival atmosphere on weekends in Chapultepec Park, with souvenir vendors selling Mexican handicrafts, and food vendors linking the walkways and selling yummy Mexican foods and snacks at this unofficial street fair.
16. Chapultepec Water Garden & Carcamo de Dolores Museum
This space is the result of a multidisciplinary vision, combining architecture by Ricardo Rivas, engineering by Eduardo Molina Arevalo, and art by Diego Rivera.
You’ll often see it referred to as just the Water Garden, but it’s really two spaces next to one another, located in Section 2 of the park.
Carcamo de Dolores has murals by Mexican artist, Diego Rivera, and a small hydraulic structure which the outdoor water flows through.
Admission to the Carcamo de Dolores Museum $26 MXN pesos ($2 USD).
The Water Garden is a large garden that has fountains built around hidden reservoirs.
Its highlight is the large sculpture of the Aztec rain god, Tláloc, made by Diego Rivera, which is partially submerged.
Admission to the Water Garden is FREE.
17. Chapultepec Park Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Garden at Chapultepec Park is said to be the first botanical garden in Mexico, made with exotic plants brought in from other parts of the country.
Today, it has more than 300 varieties of plants, fruit trees, succulents, agaves and cacti, and 14 species of wild dahlias.
The Best Things to Do in Chapultepec Park with Kids
18. Ride the Train Around the Park
Just near the entrance to the Chapultepec Castle, you and the kiddos can board the Chapultepec Trail and take a ride around the park.
🚂 Note: The train operates on weekends only.
19. Papalote Children’s Museum
Located in Section 2 of the park, kiddos will love the Chapultepec Children’s Museum. In fact, this is one of the best museums in Mexico City for kids.
It has indoor exhibits, an outdoor garden space and a 76-foot (23 m) Digital Dome to explore the Solar System while visiting the premier Mexico City children’s museum.
Admission is $199 MXN pesos ($10 USD).
20. Visit the Pandas at Chapultepec Zoo
The Zoológico de Chapultepec boasts more than 200 species of animals, including giraffes, jaguars, lions, tigers, and even two panda bears.
The zoo in Chapultepec Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am-4:30pm, and admission to Chapultepec Zoo is FREE.
21. Parque La Hormiga (Ant Park)
The Ant Park is a 9.5-acre (3.8 hectare) outdoor play space, with areas designed for children of different age groups.
The main play area is a climbing structure made of ropes, which resembles a large ant’s nest.
La Tapatía is another great children’s area in Chapultepec Park.
Chapultepec Park Map
Above is a map of Chapultepec Park Mexico City, and though it’s in Spanish, will give you an idea of the park’s layout.
At nearly 1,700 acres, it has been subdivided into these three sections of Chapultepec Park. For more information on the three sections, head here.
Where is Chapultepec Park located?
It’s located in the center of Mexico City, bordering neighborhoods including Reforma, Polanco, San Miguel Chapultepec and Cuauhtemoc, and near Roma and Condesa.
You can get to Chapultepec Park by walking, taking an Uber or taxi, or from the Chapultepec Metro Station.
🏩 Looking for hotels near Chapultepec Park Mexico City?
You’re in luck as many of the best hotels in Mexico City are within a mile of Chapultepec Park.
These include budget options and many of the best luxury hotels in Mexico City, like the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons.
▶︎ Book your hotel near Chapultepec Park now!
Chapultepec Park Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chapultepec park safe?
For the majority of travelers, Chapultepec Park is safe.
You will want to stick to designated pathways and remain aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings at all times to ensure you stay safe.
The park closes at sundown, so you can’t be there at night.
What are the Chapultepec Park hours of operation?
Chapultepec Park is open from 5am-6pm during Daylight Savings Time and 5am-7pm for the rest of the year, though some attractions close earlier.
Are there bathrooms in Chapultepec Park?
Yes — There are restrooms located throughout Chapultepec Park.
They cost $5 pesos to use (about $0.25 USD), and you will need peso coins to enter.
What is a fun fact about Chapultepec Park?
Here are two: 1) Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park receives an estimated 15 million visitors per year.
2) It is the oldest and largest urban park in all of Latin America, and among the oldest urban parks in the world.
How big is Chapultepec Park CDMX?
The Chapultepec Park size is close to 1,700 acres (7 km², or 688 hectares).
Is Chapultepec the largest park in the world?
While it is one of the largest urban parks in the world, it pales in comparrison to the largest of them all — Chugach State Park in Akchorage, Alaska, at 495,204 acres (2,004 km²).
Is Chapultepec bigger than Central Park?
Yes — The Bosque de Chapultepec is almost double in size of Central Park in New York City.
Central Park spans about 845 acres, so Chapultepec wins in the Chapultepec Park vs Central Park size category.
Can you bike Chapultepec park?
Yes — You can even book this Discover Chapultepec on Bicycle Tour, or rent of the Mexico City public bikes via EcoBici.
Is it worth going inside the Chapultepec Castle?
Yes — This is the only castle in North America, and has a lot of history as well as beauty.
Located high atop a hill, it also has some of the best views of Mexico City.
Can you bring pets to Chapultepec Park?
Wondering, Is Chapultepec Park pet friendly? If you’re traveling to Mexico City with a pet, I know you must be curious about this.
The answer is no, Chapultepec Park does not allow pets of any kind. This does also include service animals.
What does Chapultepec mean in English?
In Nahuatl, the Aztec language, the word chapultepec means Hill of the Grasshopper.
What are the three sections in Chapultepec Park?
The massive Bosque de Chapultepec Forrest Park is divided into three sections — Section 1, Section 2 and Section 3.
Of the three, you can only go to Sections 1 and 2, which have the most things to do in Chapultepec Park.
1️⃣ Chapultepec Park First Section
- Chapultepec Castle & National History Museum
- National Anthropology Museum
- CDMX Modern Art Museum
- Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum
- Lago Mayor: The biggest lake in Chapultepec Park
- Lago Menor: A smaller lake
- Chapultepec Fountain & Chapultepec Aqueduct
2️⃣ Chapultepec Park second Section
- Papalote Children’s Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Carcamo de Dolores Museum & Water Garden
- Chapultepec Botanical Gardens
3️⃣ Chapultepec Park third Section
There’s are no Chapultepec Park attractions in this section; it’s basically just natural forrest areas. Section 3 of Chapultepec Park is not open to the public.
When does Chapultepec Park close?
Wondering, Is Chapultepec Park open right now? That answer depends, as Chapultepec Park hours vary by section.
Section 1 is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 5am-8pm during Daylight Saving Time, and 5am-7pm during the rest of the year.
Sections 2 and 3 remain open daily, 24 hours a day.
Is Chapultepec Park closed Mondays?
Chapultepec Park Section 1 is closed on Mondays for maintenance. However, Chapultepec Park Section 2 is open on Mondays.
Note that Section 1 of Chapultepec Park contains some of the most popular attractions.
These include Chapultepec Castle, National History Museum, National Anthropology Museum, Modern Art Museum and Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum.
How much does it cost to get into Chapultepec park?
It is FREE to enter the park itself, but the museums in Chapultepec Park have an admission cost.
The Chapultepec Castle is free on Sundays, but arrive early because it gets very busy.
What is special about Chapultepec park?
Known as the Lungs of Mexico City, this park keeps the city breathing.
Besides that fun fact, there’s so many great things to do in Bosque Chapultepec.
These include visiting the biggest museum in Mexico, the National Anthropology Museum, and the only castle in North America, Castillo Chapultepec.
My Final Thoughts on Visiting Chapultepec Park
Is Chapultepec Park worth visiting?
Yes — In fact, it’s one of the top things to do in Mexico City.
You could spend days there and not see it all, as one of the largest urban parks on Earth because there’s something for everyone in El Parque Chapultepec
This includes the Anthropology Museum for history buffs, Tamayo Museum and Museum of Modern Art for art lovers, and miles of walking, running and hiking trails for fitness and nature lovers.
🤑 Besides all that, admission to Chapultepec is FREE, so the park is definitely worth checking out, even if you’re not visiting any museums.
For budget travelers, this is one of the best free things to do in Mexico City.
Which parts of Chapultepec Park will you visit?
Which places in Chapultepec Park Mexico City caught your eye? I know there are A LOT of choices.
With so many options, you’ll never be wondering what to do in Chapultepec Park — but you might run out of time to see all the best things to do in Chapultepec Park.
If you need my help picking places and deciding how to spend one day in Chapultepec Park, here are my Top 5 favorite places in Chapultepec Park:
- Anthropology Museum at Chapultepec Park
- Chapultepec Park Botanical Gardens
- Castillo de Chapultepec Castle & Museum
- Chapultepec Audiorama Sound Baths
- Lago Mayor Chapultepec Lake
