Revolution Square

An adventure to Revolution Square benefits from a little forward thought. The space feels endless at midday, when crowds thin under the sun and the air fills with the echoing calls of street vendors. Those seeking quieter moments often visit early in the morning, when the light softens the harsh angles of the buildings, or in late afternoon, when golden hour paints everything—statues, flags, faces—with fire. Though guided tours bring pops of activity, independent travelers will find easy access via taxi, vintage car, or public bus. Once inside the plaza, expect broad, open avenues—there are few shaded spots, so sun protection makes a difference. The plaza itself is open-air and free year-round; no tickets required.

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon; December to April offers milder weather.
• How to get there: Arrive by classic car, taxi, or local bus; popular taxi drivers gather near Old Havana for quick rides here.
• Accessibility: Flat, spacious terrain suits strollers and wheelchairs; few benches or rest areas, but wide sidewalks.
• Average visit duration: 30 minutes (quick tour) to 2 hours (photo ops, full exploration).

Dominating the square, José Martí Memorial soars skyward—a sleek gray needle with a panorama deck at its peak. Cuban flags ripple in the breeze. Along a concrete face, Che Guevara’s iconic visage gazes out from the Ministry of the Interior, strikingly framed in steel; nearby, Camilo Cienfuegos' outline echoes the tribute theme. Seven lanes of traffic curve around the plaza, but the center feels calm, often dotted with school groups and locals. For deeper insight, guided tours reveal stories beneath the stone. And in quieter corners, old trees and benches provide welcome retreat for people-watching or a quick break.

• José Martí Memorial: Tower with city views; small museum at the base sharing Martí’s story.
• Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos Murals: Famous concrete-and-steel tributes, a must for classic Havana photos.
• Revolutionary Buildings: The National Library, government ministries—a backdrop where history still happens.
• Photo ops: Early morning light on the memorial, late sunlight glinting off the Che mural, wide skyline shots from the viewing platform.
• Historic moments: Imagine the voice of Fidel Castro—the plaza once held over one million people for his speeches.