Havana September 2012

Havana Viejo II

Today we went to Obispo Street where there is a square and is opposite Havana Palace. I'm not sure if there are vendors everyday but they are definitely there on Thursdays. They mostly sell old books in Spanish and English, old Cuban currency no longer in circulation, jewellery, trinkets and watches. Most of the books are in Spanish but there are some in English too, most of the literature relates to Cuban history and heroes e.g.Che and Fidel. There are also some Cuban travel books and children's books available. 

Most of the vendors are friendly and interested in where you are from etc and others are a bit more pushy and concentrate more on the hard sell, but happens everywhere you go.

There are several forms of transportation that are everyday occurrences e.g. horse and carriage, rickshaws, old US cars, buses, coaches, bici taxis and taxis. 

There are also several references, pictures and paintings of Che Guevara all over Havana.

Che Guevara at Plaza de la Revolucion

Around the corner from the square is the Cathedral. It was open when we visited so we went in . It was ok as Cathedrals go but I've seen better. It's certainly more impressive from the outside. Entrance is free and photos are permitted. You can also arrange for for a tour guide but you are only allowed to go so far into the Cathedral if appropriately dressed so no short skirts, dresses or shorts for girls and no shorts or topless men. 

Havana Cathedral

Around the other corner from the Cathedral is La Bodeguita Del Medio which is a famous bar and restaurant of which Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of time whilst writing 'The Old Man and The Sea'. The restaurant has a lot of character with signatures and names all over the walls and framed photographs of of famous people at the restaurant previously.

La Bodeguita del Medio

The Bodeguita has 2 levels and its acceptable to go in and take photos even if you're not dining. The bar offers cocktails, spirits, juices and cigars while the food menu offers beef, fish, chicken which comes with white rice, black rice and frijoles which is very good and good quality for money. 

The food was delicious and very fast, I would definitely recommend visiting the Bodeguita for photos, a drink or food. A must see in Cuba, the waiters are also very nice and friendly.

In your time in Havana you must have seen the Havana open top bus tours. So as a proper tourist with time on our hands we decided to go on a tour. After leaving La Bodeguita we turned left towards El Malecon and the bus stop was across the street. There are bus stops all over Havana but this was the one nearest to us. There is also a bus stop at Parque Central. 

La Bodeguita del Medio

The buses run approximately run every 30 minutes and the tour runs for 2 hours. The tour is really only 1 hour but by the time you get back to where you started if you're not planning on hoping on and off its 2 hours.

Havana Tour Bus

The tour is 5CUC/$5/£3 per person and includes an explanation of all the places you visit. You will pass El Malecon, Habana University, Plaza de la Revolucion, Hotel Nacional, La Rampa, Presidents Avenue, Parque Central, Copacabana Hotel and the Aquarium. 

Bus route and itinerary 

Lastly, we visited a market on La Rampa opposite the Viva Cuba Libre painting on the wall. It's on the same block as Havana Libre on the right.

Vive Cuba Libre sign on La Rampa

This market sells the usual touristy souvenirs and jewellery but you may find something new that takes your fancy. Some vendors also sell black coral and tortoise shell but aren't shown on their tables as they only have permission to sell certain products. Bartering also goes a long way. 

La Rampa sign