Some places make a trip to Baku feel complete. Highland Park Baku is one of them — the highest point in the capital, where the whole city spreads out below you. From here, you can see the fast-paced modern skyline at your feet, the famous Flame Towers rising behind you, and the endless Caspian Sea on the horizon.
Getting There: On Foot or by Funicular
Reaching the top is part of the experience. You can climb the stone staircase through century-old pine trees, or take the more relaxed option — the funicular, running since 1960. The glass-roofed cars glide through a green tunnel in just a couple of minutes, but the short ride still feels special.
The Viewpoint and the Flame Towers
The main draw is the Highland Park viewpoint, with its striking balustrade overlooking the Seaside Boulevard, the State Flag, and the old town of Icheri Sheher. Right above the park stand the three massive Flame Towers — impressive up close, and even more striking after dark, when their glass facades turn into giant LED screens showing flames and the national flag. This is where some of the most memorable photos of Baku are taken.
From a City Park to a Place of Memory
The park's history goes beyond its views. During the Soviet era, it was a regular city park with rides and dance floors. Today, the site has a memorial character instead. Martyrs' Lane sits here — a place honoring those who lost their lives during the events of Black January in 1990 and the Karabakh war. At the end of the lane, on the edge of the hill, burns the Eternal Flame, a monument where visitors find complete, quiet stillness — a sharp contrast to the noise of the city below.
Best Time to Visit
Morning suits travelers who prefer quiet, uncrowded walks and soft light for panoramic photos. Sunset, though, is the most magical time — you can watch the sun dip behind the Caucasus foothills as Baku transforms from a bright, stone-colored city into an evening skyline glowing with thousands of lights.
Visiting with a Guide
Hearing the story of this place from a professional guide who knows every detail is a completely different experience than walking through on your own. Highland Park is usually part of a wider Highland Park tour through the city, available as a bus tour in Baku or a group tour in Baku, depending on what works best for you.
Right now, you can buy tour with discount on one of the following routes, all of which include Highland Park:
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