A Guide To Bosque De Chapultepec, Mexico City

Things to do / Highlights

Also referred to as the city’s lungs, Bosque De Chapultepec is a breathtaking enormous ecological space that is considered one of the biggest city parks in the world. Its name directly translates “Chapultepec forest” in English. Its vast area covers 686-hectare (277 acres) of the metropolis. With its immense size, tourists have plenty of things to do, and a day is not enough to indulge in its limitless offerings. Here are some fun things that you should not miss in Bosque De Chapultepec.

Explore the Chapultepec Castle

Nestled atop Chapultepec Hill in Bosque De Chapultepec, Chapultepec Castle is a historic site and a main attraction in the park. It was once home to Emperor Maximilian, Porfirio Diaz, and other Mexican rulers. Its elevated location provides panoramic views of Mexico City. Chapultepec Castle is also The National Museum of History. It houses significant objects that date as old as 400 years back in the past. Completed in the mid-19th century, Chapultepec Castle has transformed from a military institution to an imperial residence, and at the present time, a national museum. Inside the castle, there are 12 rooms designated for exhibits.

Go on a museum tour

The vastness of Bosque De Chapultepec offers plenty of activities for tourists. If you are into history, culture, and art, you will not be disappointed in Chapultepec Forest as it has a multitude of museums with diverse exhibits. Some of the most popular museums in Bosque De Chapultepec include The National Museum of Anthropology, The Museum of Modern Art, Casa de Largo Cultural Center, The National History Museum, and more.

Make friends with adorable animals at Zoologico De Chapultepec

In total, there are four zoos in the whole of Mexico. Zoologico De Chapultepec is one in Bosque De Chapultepec. It is home to more than 2000 animals. The animals in the zoo do not only come from South America, but hundreds of them were flown from the other side of the world. Some of the animals you’ll find in Zoologico De Chapultepec include kangaroos, Hyenas, jaguars, hippos, giraffes, and endangered species like the giant panda, Mexican wolf, and California Candor.

Enjoy a picnic by the lake

After marveling at the beauty of Chapultepec Castle and making friends with giant pandas in Zoologico De Chapultepec, you might like to relax and enjoy nature views in Chapultepec Lake. It is a scenic body of water that you will surely love. You can have a picnic in the seating area with shady trees or rent a boat and sail through the lake with the love of your life or your best friends.

What to eat

Chapultepec Market

Bosque De Chapultepec is not only home to the Chapultepec Castle, Zoologico De Chapultepec, numerous museums, and recreational areas, but it also has a vibrant and bustling market on site. There are lots of food stalls in the market that offers different culinary delights. Mexican fare, as well as snacks, ice creams, cookies, and candies, are all available in the market. Pro-tip, try some superb Mexican street food like tacos, chicharron, torta ahogada, tamales, dried fruit balls, and mouth-watering mango with spicy salsa.

Bistró Chapultepec

Bistró Chapultepec is a charming dining spot and hangout place in Bosque De Chapultepec. It showcases a beautiful modern rustic interior design with wooden furniture, ornamental plant decorations, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcases the picture-perfect views of the park. There are different sections in the restaurant where you can have a seat, depending on the size of your group. Plus, there’s al fresco dining for guests who want to enjoy the fresh air. Bistró Chapultepec specialized in scrumptious Mexican-European cuisine.

Del Bosque

Offering picturesque water views, Del Bosque is set in an idyllic location in Bosque De Chapultepec, close to an enchanting lake. It is an upscale contemporary restaurant that is built with expansive windows, which makes the inside a bright, cool, and cozy haven. Del Bosque offers palatable Mexican fare. Its menu has a wide array of different culinary delights, from plates of tuna carnitas to fruity drinks. Soups, salads, burgers, and cakes are also offered in this fantastic restaurant.

Things to buy

Souvenir items

You can not leave Bosque De Chapultepec without purchasing some lovely trinkets to mark your visit to this stunning city park. Chapultepec Market does not only sell delicious street food and snacks, but there are vendors in the fair that sell souvenir items like key chains, toys, postcards, accessories, clothes, artisan crafts, and even books. Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone at home, you will never run out of souvenir ideas in Bosque De Chapultepec.

Travel tips

Dress code

Everyone is welcome in Bosque De Chapultepec. This park does not have many rules, and it is not strict on dress codes either. Although guests are not asked to wear a certain type of clothing, you have to take note that the park is big and it has lots of open spaces, as well as elegant palaces. You might prefer clothing that is safe for all these settings. Wear comfy shoes that will enable you to endure long hours of walk. Plus, they are appropriate footwear when you explore Chapultepec Castle. Cozy and breathable tops and bottoms are also a good choice as the weather in the park can get warm sometimes. Dresses for OOTDs are also a thumbs up, as long as they are not too revealing, especially that a park is a family-friendly place with lots of kids roaming around the area.

Wheelchair accessible

Most parts of the park are wheel-chair accessible and the museums and dining spots in it also have facilities that aid disabled guests. Officially, Bosque De Chapultepec is wheelchair accessible park and a fun place to explore, even for people who are physically challenged.

How to get there

Remember that Bosque De Chapultepec is enormous. You have to be sure which part of the park you want to head over to, especially if you’re only visiting for a day. It is divided into three sections. Primera Seccion is where the zoo, Chapultepec Castle, and most museums are located. La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico, dining spots, Mexico’s national cemetery, the lake, and other museums are in Segunda Seccion. Parks with lush forestry and wildlife nests in Tercera Seccion.

By bus

Public transport is a popular mode of transportation in Mexico City. If you are a tourist who is on a tight budget, you will find bus transport very convenient. Going to Bosque De Chapultepec? Go to Izazaga - Callejon San Miguel* and hop on a bus that stops at **Cetram Metro Chapultepec. From Cetram Metro Chapultepec, it will only take you 12 minutes to reach the park. Also, there’s a night bus in Chapultepec - Metro Balderas that travels to Constituyentes - Gobernador Tiburcio Montiel. From there, it’s only a 3-minute walk to Bosque De Chapultepec. Be sure to ride on a bus with 34-A signage.

By subway

If you choose the subway, the train that stops in a station nearest to Bosque De Chapultepec is LINE 1.

Take a cab

If you have an extra budget, hail a cab for a more comfy ride to Bosque De Chapultepec. It’s easy to find cabs in Mexico City as they are everywhere. Just be prepared to pay a metered fare.

Book a ride

Ride-hailing apps are also accessible in Mexico City. If you are the techy type and someone who likes instant gratification, book a ride from any pre-downloaded app on your phone. Lyft, Uber, Rideshares, and Ride Guru are all available in Mexico City.

Bosque De Chapultepec information

Bosque De Chapultepec

Address: Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico

Official website: Bosque De Chapultepec

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am- 5pm (closed on Mon)

Department of tourism: Visit Mexico City

News & updates for Bosque De Chapultepec: Bosque de Chapultepec park, cultural center of Mexico City / Mexicos City’s Chapultepec Park wins “Large Urban Park Gold Award”