Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), Havana

Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square), Havana (must see)

The Revolution Square (Plaza de la Revolución) located in Havana is one of the most significant and expansive city squares globally. It is a central place for political gatherings and historically significant speeches, especially those delivered by Fidel Castro to massive audiences, particularly on notable dates such as May 1st and July 26th annually. These events have drawn over a million Cubans, reflecting the square's importance in Cuban political and social life.

The square is architecturally and symbolically dominated by the José Martí Memorial, which includes a towering 109-meter (358-foot) tower and an 18-meter (59-foot) statue of Martí, a national hero. This monument is not just a focal point but also a tribute to Cuban independence and intellectual legacy.

Surrounding the square are crucial governmental and cultural buildings. The National Library and several ministry buildings, including those for the government and the Communist Party, are situated here, emphasizing the plaza's role as a center of Cuban governance and policy. The Palace of the Revolution, situated behind the memorial, serves as the heart of Cuban political life, housing the government and the Communist Party's main offices.

On the facades of the Ministries of the Interior and Communications, opposite the memorial, are iconic steel memorials dedicated to revolutionary heroes Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. These memorials bear significant quotations - "Hasta la Victoria Siempre" (Until the Everlasting Victory, Always) for Guevara and "Vas bien, Fidel" (You're doing fine, Fidel) for Cienfuegos - and are powerful symbols of the revolution's legacy and the enduring values it represents in Cuban society. These elements collectively make Plaza de la Revolución a pivotal site of Cuban national identity and memory.

Why You Should Visit:
Great historic site that makes for a great photo opportunity. A plus is that there are always lots of brightly colored 1950's taxis around that you can hire and/or be pictured with.

Tip:
There are many beautiful beaches an hour or so out of town and cruising to one in a vintage car that you hire from this plaza immerses you in Cuba's complexities. The roads are in pristine condition. However, please ask them to confirm upfront that price you agreed upon is TOTAL, and not per person.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Havana. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square) on Map

Sight Name: Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square)
Sight Location: Havana, Cuba (See walking tours in Havana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Havana, Cuba

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Create Your Own Walk in Havana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Havana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Historical Churches and Cathedrals Walking Tour

Discovered and conquered by Spanish colonists in the early 16th century, Havana has turned into a major religious center of Catholicism in the Caribbean. Although a communist regime is currently in power, many of the churches, cathedrals, and other religious buildings have been preserved and still give a glimpse of the city’s religious heritage.

The old Havana Cathedral, located in a...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Hemingway's Havana Walking Tour

Ever since Hemingway first visited Cuba in 1928 until his death in 1961, he felt an intense connection with the people and culture of Cuba. Hemingway lived at Hotel Ambos Mundos during the 1930s, and began, wrote, and finished several novels there. Today, you can see some of Hemingway's belongings in Room 511.

Hemingway was a frequent patron at El Floridita, famous for its daiquiris....  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Walking Tour

The Spanish founded Havana in 1519. After French pirate Jacques de Sores ransacked the city in 1555, the Castle of the Royal Force was built to protect the city.

Havana became a major stopping point between the newly discovered Americas and ancient Europe. In the 1600s, Havana was a major shipbuilding port.

Old Havana is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city has five...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Old Palaces Walking Tour

Old Palaces Walking Tour

Havana has been the seat of Cuba’s ruling gentry for centuries. Today, you can walk the streets of Old Havana and explore its palaces to get a glimpse into the city’s royal past. Although these structures now serve Havana’s citizens and visitors, they still catch your eye (and your camera lens!) with their architecture and history.

Start your trip with the ornate Presidential Palace,...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Cuban Sweets and Pastries

Cuban Sweets and Pastries

On the tropical island where sugar cane is one of the main commodities along with the rum made of the very same sugar, and where the enormous abundance of tropical fruits make up a great deal of the local diet, it is only natural to expect the richness of dessert cuisine. Pair it with the strong...
18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana

18 Uniquely Cuban Things to Buy in Havana

Rum, cigars and revolution have been, perhaps, at least until recently, the three most popular exports from Cuba. Luckily, with the embargo lifted (or soon to be lifted), those traveling to the U.S. might soon be able to pick up some of these (with the exception of revolution, perhaps) on their way...