Due to its historical significance, the Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), previously the Plaza Civica prior to the Revolution, is worth a lengthy stay. Pope John Paul II performed mass in this iconic square during his 1998 visit to Cuba, and over a million people have gathered here to hear Castro speak.
The José Mart Memorial, with its 109-meter grey tower and white marble statue of the Cuban national hero, stands over the area. You can visit the modest museum or ride the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
The square is surrounded by government buildings, including the Ministry of the Interior, which is emblazoned with the iconic portrait of Che Guevara.