Havana (Old Havana)Outdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Spanish Port to Capital City

Havana, or San Cristóbal de la Habana, was founded by the Spanish in 1519. The initial location, possibly near Batabanó on the south coast, was unsuitable due to climate and swampy conditions. By the mid-16th century, the city relocated to its current harbor on the northwestern shore. It surpassed Santiago de Cuba as the island's most important city and became the capital in 1552. This position made it a crucial port for Atlantic shipping, especially for the Spanish treasure fleet.

Architectural Development and Urban Planning

The urban layout of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, has maintained its original character, with plazas surrounded by buildings and narrow streets. Key defensive structures like the Castillo de la Real Fuerza were built between 1558 and 1577, making it the oldest stone fort in the Americas. The 18th century brought urban planning, with the demolition of the city walls. In 1772, the Marquis de la Torre, Captain General of Cuba, commissioned an esplanade, the Paseo de Isabel II (now Paseo del Prado), inspired by Madrid's promenade. This became Havana's most recognized address in the 19th century, lined with colonial mansions and neoclassical palaces built by the sugar aristocracy. Further transformations occurred in 1925 when French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier redesigned the Paseo del Prado, adding laurel trees, marble benches, and the bronze lion sculptures in 1928.

• —Castillo de la Real Fuerza — This star-shaped fort, completed in 1577, is the oldest stone fortress in the Americas. Its location inside the bay made it ineffective for defense, so it became the governor's residence. It now houses the Museum de la Ceramica and the Cuban Maritime Museum.
• —Palacio de los Capitanes Generales — Built between 1776 and 1792, this Baroque palace on Plaza de Armas served as the official residence for Spanish Captains General during the colonial period. It later housed the US military government, the Cuban presidency, and the Havana City Council before becoming the City Museum in 1967.
• —Catedral de San Cristóbal de La Habana — This Baroque cathedral, dating back to the 18th century, stands on its namesake square. Its facade and the square it overlooks are a starting point for visitors.
• —Plaza Vieja — Laid out in 1559, this square was originally called Plaza Nueva. It features Cuban Baroque alongside Art Nouveau architecture. Historically, it was used for military exercises, markets, and public executions.
• —Convento de San Francisco de Asís — This convent, with its Baroque architecture, stands on its namesake square. The church is used for concerts due to its acoustics.
• —Hotel Ambos Mundos — This hotel is known for its association with Ernest Hemingway, who lived and wrote here in the 1930s. Visitors can see his former room, which is now a small museum.
• —Paseo del Prado — Officially Paseo de Martí, but commonly known as El Prado, this tree-lined promenade runs from Parque Central to the Malecón. It was redesigned in 1925 by French architect Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier and features marble benches and eight bronze lion sculptures installed in 1928.

The dry season, from late November to April, is the best time to visit Old Havana. Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) with less humidity. January to March typically have the least rainfall. This period is suitable for walking and outdoor activities.

Avoid the rainy season, from May to October, especially September and October, due to the risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. Temperatures reach 32°C (90°F) in August, humidity is high, and rain is frequent. July and August are also peak vacation months for Cubans, leading to more people.

José Martí International Airport (HAV) is Havana's main international airport, 18 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of the city. Taxis are the most convenient way to get to and from the airport, with fares to central Havana typically ranging from $30 to $50 USD. Pre-arranged private transfers are also an option.

Within Old Havana, walking is the best way to get around, as many streets are pedestrian-friendly and landmarks are accessible. For longer distances, yellow taxis are government-operated and typically cost $5-15 USD for city trips. Colectivos, or shared taxis (often classic American cars), follow specific routes and are more economical. Bicitaxis (bicycle taxis) are suitable for short distances in narrow streets. Ride-hailing apps like La Nave are available. Public buses (guaguas) are inexpensive but can be crowded and have unpredictable schedules.