The Plaza de la Revolucion, formerly the Plaza Civica prior to the Revolution, is worth a brief stop due to its historical significance. During a 1998 visit to Cuba, Pope John Paul II celebrated mass in this famous square, and more than a million people have gathered here for Castro’s speeches.

Overlooking the square is the Jose Marti Memorial with a 109-meter gray tower and white marble statue of the Cuban national hero. Visitors can browse the small museum here or take the lift up the tower for panoramic city views. Government buildings surround the square, including the Ministry of the Interior building adorned with the iconic image of Che Guevara.