Tourist Attractions in Baku

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Baku

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Baku

In the capital of Azerbaijan, the past meets the future face to face. The modern architecture of the city is as beautiful as the historical buildings of the Icheri-Sheher district and has great cultural value. The flaming towers rival the ancient Maiden Tower in expressiveness. The magnificent forms of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace somewhere even lose out to the pomp and luxury of the newly built Bibi-Eybat Mosque.

Today Baku enjoys all the advantages of generous financial flows from oil and gas production, as well as a rich historical heritage, which the city inherited from the colourful previous centuries. The city’s tourism industry is developing very rapidly, as new cultural facilities are constantly being built in Baku and places of interest to visitors to the republic are appearing.

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Baku

Heydar Aliyev Centre

 4.7/5

9373 reviews

A cultural centre located on the avenue of the same name, which was built by a Turkish construction holding designed by the famous architect Zahi Hahid. The complex is multifunctional and includes spacious conference halls, a museum, offices and exhibition galleries. The Heydar Aliyev Centre was built for the purpose of studying the cultural values, language, history and traditions of the Azerbaijani nation.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Icherisheher

 4.7/5

12539 reviews

An ancient residential neighbourhood surrounded by a strong fortress wall. Icheri-Sheher is a national historical monument of great cultural value. People have lived in this place since the Bronze Age. In the period of the Early Middle Ages there was already a rather dense residential building here. Icheri-sheher was the capital of the Baku Khanate in the 17th and early 19th centuries.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Seaside boulevard

 4.7/5

147 reviews

The boulevard was laid out at the beginning of the 20th century on the initiative of the city authorities. As part of the works to develop the future avenue and park, the embankment was ennobled, trees were planted and infrastructure elements were built. Twice a significant part of the boulevard was flooded due to the rising level of the Caspian Sea. In the 2000s, a musical fountain, a theatre, a cinema and restored attractions were built in the park. The last reconstruction was carried out in 2015.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Flame Towers

 4.7/5

1587 reviews

Three skyscrapers rising in the modern central part of Baku, which are made in the form of tongues of flame. The grandiose evening illumination creates the effect of giant torches pointing into the sky. The lighting design of the Flame Towers is recognised as the best in the world. The construction of the structures was completed in 2012. The interior space is occupied by a hotel, residential apartments and commercial premises.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Qız Qalası

 0/5

The exact time of construction of the structure is unknown. It is believed that it could have been erected during the reign of the Sassanid dynasty in the III-VII centuries or even earlier. In the XII century it became part of the defence system of the Baku fortress. The original purpose is not clear either. Perhaps it was a ritual building of Zoroastrianism followers. In 2000, the tower was included in the UNESCO list.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

 4.5/5

1684 reviews

Palace complex of the 13th-16th centuries, built in the Shirvan-Absheron architectural style. The palace was the residence of Shirvanshahs at the time when Baku was the capital of Shirvan. The complex includes a 15th century mosque, royal tomb, Diwan-Khane, bathhouse and mausoleum of medieval scientist and thinker S.Y. Jalaleddin Bakuvi. Despite the fact that the buildings of the ensemble were erected at different times, it looks quite harmonious.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Bibiheybat

 4.7/5

1059 reviews

The temple was built in 1998-99 on the site of a historic 12th century mosque that was blown up as part of a state programme to eradicate religion in the 1930s. It is believed that the first building was designed by architect Mahmud ibn Saad. The new structure was built in full compliance with the canons of the Shirvan school of architecture. Photographs from the early 20th century, old plans and other historical documents were widely used for this purpose.

Open time

Təzə Pir Mosque

 4.6/5

568 reviews

The temple of the early XX century, built by the project of Z. Akhmedbekov on the funds of local philanthropist N. Ashurbekova. The mosque was closed after 1917 and until 1943 the building was not used for its intended purpose. After 1917 the mosque was closed, and up to 1943 the building was not used for its intended purpose. It managed to avoid the sad fate of the Bibi-Eybat mosque. The inscriptions on the outer facade of the building are made of gold, valuable mahogany was used for window openings and doors.

Open time

Monday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Juma Mosque

 4.7/5

151 reviews

The mosque is located within the historical neighbourhood of Icheri-Sheher. Some researchers believe that in the pre-Islamic era there was a pagan fire sanctuary on the site of the temple. The first building was erected in the early 14th century. After its destruction in XVII century the mosque was erected anew. The second building existed till XX century, then it was destroyed by fire. The construction of the beginning of the XX century has survived.

Open time

Heydar Mosque

 4.7/5

770 reviews

Modern temple built in 2012-14 by order of President I. Aliyev. It was inaugurated in 2015. The Azerbaijani leader wished the mosque to be named in honour of his father Heydar Aliyev, a charismatic and revered leader who made an invaluable contribution to the development of statehood and national identity. The building was built in the traditional Shirvan-Absheron style.

Open time

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

 4.4/5

2125 reviews

The museum was established in 1967. At first, the exposition was located on the territory of the Juma Mosque. In 2014, a new building was constructed for the extensive collection. The exposition includes about 14 thousand carpets, national clothing, jewellery, chased dishes and other items of applied art. The museum plays an important role in the study of carpet history. Its staff has repeatedly taken part in international symposia.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature

 4.5/5

260 reviews

The museum is an important cultural centre of Azerbaijan. It contains the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani literature and carries out serious scientific activities. It was founded in 1939, but the first visitors could get here only in May 1945 right after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The museum is housed in a 19th century mansion, which underwent major restoration in the 1960s.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Azerbaijan State Museum of Art

 4.3/5

248 reviews

The gallery exhibits a vast collection of works by Azerbaijani, Russian and European artists, placed in separate thematic halls. The total number of exhibits is more than 17 thousand. In addition to paintings, the collection contains jewellery, textiles, tableware, carpets, sculptures and other artefacts. The museum was established in 1936 on the territory of a picturesque 19th century mansion.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

 4.2/5

360 reviews

The collection covers an area of about 2,000 m² and contains about 120,000 objects, of which 20,000 are permanently on display. The rest of the exhibits are stored in the museum’s holdings. The collection covers a wide period of the history of the eastern part of the Caucasus, including the emergence and decline of kingdoms, the arrival of various religions, the origins of traditions and other informative sections. The museum was opened in 1920.

Open time

Museum of Modern Art

 4.4/5

392 reviews

The gallery collects works by artists who created in the 20th and 21st centuries. About 800 canvases, as well as many photographs, sculptures and various installations are exhibited here. The museum gives a great opportunity to get acquainted with the works of modern Azerbaijani artists – E. Shahtakhtinskaya, O. Eldarov, S. Bahlulzade, T. Salahov and many others. There is also a section with works by Western European masters.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Museum of Miniature Books

 4.5/5

325 reviews

The collection is located in the Icheri-Sheher neighbourhood. The museum has existed since 2002. Its collection is made up of exhibits from a private collection of books belonging to Z. Salakhova, the sister of contemporary artist T. Salakhov. For 30 years she has collected more than 6.5 thousand books from 64 countries of the world. The museum funds contain quite rare editions of famous classics, published in limited editions.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre

 4.5/5

171 reviews

State theatre of Azebraijan, founded in 1920. Since then, the stage has changed several names until it was named in honour of the national poet S. Vurgun. Vurgun. The theatre’s repertoire has always consisted of the best works of Russian and foreign classics, as well as works by Azerbaijani authors. In 2006-2008 the general reconstruction of the building was carried out. Every year the repertoire is renewed, 6-8 new plays are included in the playbill.

Open time

Azərbaycan Dövlət Akademik Opera və Balet Teatrı

 4.6/5

224 reviews

The stage has existed since the early 20th century. Residents of the city call the theatre “Baku Opera”. F. Chaliapin, M. Plisetskaya, E. Obraztsova, M. Caballe, V. Gordeev and other stars of ballet and opera stage performed here in their time. The building of the theatre was erected at the expense of the Mailov brothers. M. Mussorgsky’s opera “Boris Godunov” was chosen as the premiere production. The contemporary repertoire consists of immortal classical works.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Palace of Happiness

 0/5

An architectural monument of the early 20th century, built at the expense of industrialist M. Mukhtarov to a design by I. Ploshko. The magnate decided to build the palace after travelling around Europe with his wife Lisa, who was impressed by the magnificent Venetian palazzos. The architecture of the building is a mixture of elegant French Gothic and luxurious Italian Baroque.

Flag square

 0/5

The square decorated the capital of Azerbaijan in 2010. It was laid out by decree of President I. Aliyev. The project was developed by an American architectural company in co-authorship with an Azerbaijani firm. The square occupies an area of 60 hectares. A 162-metre high spire topped with the national flag of gigantic size (length – 70 metres, width – 35 metres, weight – about 350 kg) is installed in the middle.

Baku Olympic Stadium

 4.6/5

989 reviews

The stadium opened in 2015. According to the UEFA classification, it belongs to the 4th category. It hosted the opening/closing ceremonies of the 1st European Games, as well as some athletics competitions. It is also planned to host matches of the 2020 European Football Championship. The arena is multi-sport, i.e. adapted for different types of competitions. It has a capacity of 69,870 spectators.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Molokan Gardens

 4.5/5

725 reviews

A city park built in the 1930s. Throughout the Soviet period in the history of Azerbaijan, it was very popular with the residents of the capital. In the 1990s, burials of people who died during the Black January events were made on the territory of the park. Since then it was declared a memorial park. There is a viewing platform in the park, which can be reached by the city funicular railway.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Martyrs' Lane

 4.6/5

307 reviews

The alley is located on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh Park. It is a mass grave, where the victims of the events of January 1990 are buried, as well as people who died during the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Previously, a Muslim cemetery was located here. In the process of burial, a tombstone was discovered “Shahids of 1918” The bodies found in the old burials were reburied in the mass grave.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Molokan Gardens

 4.5/5

725 reviews

One of the oldest parks in Baku, which was laid out in the second half of the 19th century. Since then, it has been reconstructed and changed its name several times. The square was named in honour of the poet Khagani. The garden is located on a small territory of 0.8 hectares. In its central part there is a swimming pool and a sculpture “Three Graces”. The park alleys are designed in such a way that they lead to the central sculptural composition.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Fountains Square

 4.7/5

327 reviews

One of the first squares in Baku, its architectural appearance was formed by the mid-19th century. The place is surrounded by green alleys and city monuments of the XIX-XX centuries: the Grand Hotel, the old cinema, museums and the Armenian temple. In the centre there is a fountain with an original sculptural group. In 2010, the square was reconstructed, as a result of which the area acquired a more modern look.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours