A visit to Baku would be incomplete without a stroll along the Seaside Boulevard. This vibrant promenade offers a plethora of attractions for visitors, including museums, amusement rides, parks, cafes, restaurants, and much more. The boulevard itself is a stunning blend of beauty and diversity, with its central section adorned by lush greenery and vibrant flowers, leading down to the shimmering waters of the Caspian Sea.
In terms of its significance for the country, Baku’s Seaside Boulevard can be likened to Moscow’s Red Square or St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Unique historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks can be found at every turn.
Established in 2007, the Musical Fountain has become the centerpiece of the Seaside Boulevard. Located within Seaside Park, its intricate water jets dance into the night sky in sync with the accompanying music, attracting crowds of spectators every evening. There is truly no other fountain in the world quite like it.
Seaside Park exemplifies a creative approach to designing a green oasis within the city. Work on the park began concurrently with the boulevard in 1909, and it has since earned its status as a national treasure. The park is home to dozens of tree species, countless shrubs, and decorative plants. Among its exotic offerings are an avenue of giant cacti and blooming baobabs.
One of the park’s intriguing features is the 75-meter parachute tower, built in 1936, which has recently been restored and now shines with its original lighting. Another popular attraction is “Little Venice,” a network of artificial waterways featuring authentic gondolas imported from Italy.
The boulevard is also home to the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, which carefully preserves a collection of around one million carpets. Among its exhibits are unique works crafted by Azerbaijani and Persian weavers from the 18th century, as well as extraordinary carpets that resemble paintings and maps.
The museum’s building is designed to mimic the shape of a rolled-up carpet, a theme that continues throughout its interior. Visitors can witness the creation of these masterpieces firsthand, as skilled artisans work at traditional looms on every floor, just as they did centuries ago.
At the southern end of the promenade, just beyond the Carpet Museum, lies a significant national landmark—National Flag Square. Spanning 60 hectares, the square features a flagpole that towers at 162 meters, with the flag itself measuring 35 by 70 meters and weighing a total of 220 tons.
The square also showcases other national symbols, including the coat of arms, anthem, and map of Azerbaijan, all crafted from gilded bronze. Additionally, the National Flag Museum is situated here, further enriching the cultural experience.
While many notable sites along the waterfront are relatively new, one area retains the atmosphere of the ancient city—Ichari Shahar, colloquially known as “The Fortress.” This is the oldest residential quarter in Baku, still encircled by fortress walls. In the 1970s, it was designated as a historical and architectural reserve.
The Maiden Tower, an ancient fortification of the Old City, is prominently visible from the waterfront, standing at a height of 28 meters.
From the Seaside Boulevard, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views not only of the Caspian Sea but also of Baku’s iconic landmarks. Among these is the Flame Towers, soaring 182 meters high and visible from nearly every point along the promenade. The architecture of these tallest buildings in the city mimics the shape of flames, reminiscent of the flames depicted on Baku’s coat of arms.
Behind the skyscrapers rises the city’s main landmark—the Baku TV Tower, which stands at an impressive 310 meters.
The Seaside Boulevard is a place where time seems to fly by, offering a full day of activities that can feel like mere minutes. Anyone who finds themselves on the boulevard is sure to discover entertainment that suits their tastes. Those who prefer a leisurely pace can stroll along the wide, well-maintained promenade, relax in cozy cafes and tea houses, or visit the Ferris wheel for a bird’s-eye view of the city from 60 meters up.
Even at night, the boulevard buzzes with activity, as chess enthusiasts gather around oversized chess pieces set on the pavement. Street exhibitions have become a cherished tradition, and children can enjoy a charming “mini train” ride, which adults also find delightful.
History buffs will undoubtedly wander toward the ancient Palace of the Shirvanshahs, meandering through the narrow streets of the Old City, and take the time to admire the historic Puppet Theatre. For those who lead an active lifestyle, the large Water Palace and boat rides on the Caspian Sea offer exciting options. Music lovers can visit the Mugham Center, dedicated to the traditional Azerbaijani musical genre.
For those looking to shop and have fun, various entertainment centers await, including the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the capital, Park Boulevard. This vibrant area features a well-developed infrastructure with shops, dining establishments, hotels, and recreational facilities. Travelers and locals alike will find everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Once, a formidable wall stood along the shores of the Caspian Sea, protecting the city from enemy incursions. However, in 1909, after extensive deliberation, the Baku administration allocated a remarkable sum of 600,000 imperial rubles to establish a new boulevard along the coastline. Philanthropists also contributed to this ambitious project, which attracted the talents of the best architects and builders through a competitive selection process, ultimately culminating in the design by G. M. Temirkulov.
The first landmark of the newly constructed boulevard was a summer bathhouse, resembling a palace from a fairy tale, surrounded by lush flowerbeds and greenery.
Due to fluctuations in the Caspian Sea’s water levels, the shoreline experienced periodic flooding. Consequently, from the 1940s to the present day, the promenade has undergone multiple renovations and expansions. Each year, Baku Boulevard has become more beautiful and expansive, though it has lost some of its original structures, including the enchanting summer bathhouse.
Today, the seaside boulevard stretches from the maritime terminal to National Flag Square, with urban planners aiming to extend its length to an impressive 25 kilometers in the future. This ambitious project promises to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors, ensuring that Baku’s Seaside Boulevard remains a cherished destination for generations to come.