Baku Boulevard and Highland Park make a city day that combines the Caspian waterfront with views over downtown Baku and the Flame Towers. Start on the boulevard side of Baku, then head uphill to Highland Park, where the observation spot is free.
- Baku Boulevard is also known as Seaside National Park.
- Highland Park overlooks downtown Baku and the Flame Towers.
- The Baku Funicular connects the boulevard with Highland Park.
Choose a starting point on Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard is a public park and promenade along the Caspian waterfront, so you can begin with a stroll beside the bay. From a hotel in Baku, Baku city centre is about 8 minutes by car or 52 minutes on foot.
The boulevard dates to April 7, 1909, after preliminary construction in the area began in the second half of the 19th century. It received National Park status on December 29, 1998. Rather than trying to cover the whole waterfront, choose a stretch that leaves time to reach Highland Park later.
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Deniz Mall, Little Venice, the Baku Eye and the Surakhani Ship Museum are among the attractions along the boulevard. You could make one of these a stop before continuing along the water.
Follow the waterfront promenade
A walk along Baku Boulevard follows the Caspian shoreline and is the simplest way to take in the waterfront before heading uphill. The park stretches 16.7 km and covers 215.164 hectares, so treat it as a long linear route rather than a small square to cross in a few minutes.
You can walk or rent a bicycle or electric scooter along the boulevard. If you want to combine a stop with the walk, Little Venice and the Baku Eye are among the named attractions; the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Deniz Mall are other options along the route.
For a different central-city itinerary, a one-day route through Baku Old City focuses on the historic district.
Reach Highland Park and its viewpoints
Highland Park is a free observation spot overlooking downtown Baku and the Flame Towers. It gives the day a change of scene from the flat waterfront, with a view across the city and bay.
The Baku Funicular connects the boulevard with Highland Park and first opened in 1960. You can use it to link the two parts of the day; the city’s walking-tour itinerary also groups Highland Park with the Eternal Torch monument, Martyrs’ Alley, the Flame Towers area, the funicular and the boulevard.
If you have time for the wider walking-tour route, include its nearby landmarks on the way to or from the viewpoint. Otherwise, keep the plan simple: promenade first, Highland Park after, then return toward the boulevard by funicular.
Check access, steps and return transport
Access conditions around the boulevard can vary during recurring events, so check the official site before you go. The Seaside Boulevard Department says Formula 1-related restrictions are implemented annually in the lead-up to the event; sections of the park and access points can be affected.
For the return journey, the funicular links Highland Park and the boulevard. If you are planning to use city buses or other public transport for the rest of the day, Baku public transport options can help with that part of the trip.
FAQs
Is Highland Park free?
Yes. The official tourism site describes Highland Park as a free observation spot overlooking downtown Baku and the Flame Towers.
Does the Baku Funicular connect the boulevard to Highland Park?
Yes. The Baku Funicular connects Baku Boulevard with Highland Park and first opened in 1960.
Can you rent bicycles on Baku Boulevard?
Yes. Bicycles and electric scooters are available to rent along the boulevard.
What else can you see along Baku Boulevard?
Attractions include the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Deniz Mall, Little Venice, the Baku Eye and the Surakhani Ship Museum.