Chapultepec Park, or Grasshopper Hill, is the largest city park in the world, an awesome expanse of greenery marbled with walking paths that meander between quiet ponds, monumental buildings, and a world-class collection of museums. Visitors could enjoy a quiet afternoon in its embrace, surrounded the sidewalk stands, soccer games, and other amusements, or explore the park for months on end, finding something new every day.
The park was probably set aside as green space in the 1300s, but wasn't officially protected until 1428, by King Nezahualcoyotl. The Spanish and Mexican governments have since maintained most of its natural integrity, though they did add aqueducts, palaces and other public spaces within.
The most popular attractions include the massive zoo, also founded in the 1400s; the National Museum of Anthropology; La Feria Chapultepec Mágico, a small amusement park; the Ninos Heroes Monument; and the President's mansion at Los Pinos. Or just enjoy a picnic beneath the spreading trees, and watch the city stroll by.
Chapultepec Park is enormous, sprawling some 220 hectares (543 acres) through the center of Mexico City. It lies 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Zócalo, or Central Plaza, bordering the popular upscale neighborhoods of Reforma and Polanco, convenient to many of the great city's best hotels. The Metro Parque Chapultepec stop drops you off right at the park.
