Continuing a long walk through the narrow streets, I recommend you not to leave the main streets as it is the only thing that is restored and the rest needs urgent rehabilitation although if you want to see the authentic Old Havana it is essential to get lost in its streets, where you can breathe the old.
An obligatory stop is the Plaza Vieja de La Habana, restored and beautiful, where we can refresh ourselves and have a drink. In the same square, on the rooftop of the Gomez Vila building, upon payment of 3 cuc, we can contemplate a great view of Old Havana and enter the camera obscura (periscope given by Spain in 2004) and contemplate, with a brief explanation of the view from there.
We continued to the Church of San Francisco de Asis and right next to it the Gardens of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, very nice to see. Near the square and heading towards the cathedral we can see art exhibitions in the patios of colonial houses. Very interesting to see Cuban art. It is always very present in almost every place from cigars to painting, sculpture or music.
On the way we have to stop at the Hotel Ambos Mundos and the Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales and Plaza de Armas, with its well preserved wooden floor. In the square every day there is a flea market with old and very curious things. You can find some relics at a very good price (the entrance to the bars and halls of the hotels is free and they allow the entrance, as well as most of the exhibitions and patios of the colonial houses, although in some occasions, it is convenient to be polite or to give a small tip).
We arrived at the square of the Cathedral Virgen de la Concepción. There are two cafes that are very good. To visit the Cathedral inside there is a schedule.
From there we headed to the famous Bodeguita del Medio. It was made famous by Ernest Gemingway. I have to say that it is a must stop, but it is the worst mojito you can have in the city. They have live music.
We’ll call it a day for today.