Baku Boulevard, Baku (must see)

Baku Boulevard is a promenade that was constructed in 1909. The park began as a horticultural program that included the planting of trees and shrubs. It was then expanded to provide a recreational area for the growing city. The original design for the park featured a bathing house, pavilions, and a luxury restaurant. A casino designed by Polish architect Jozef Plosko was added in 1912.

The boulevard was designated a national park in 1999 by President Heydar Aliyev. Since then, the amusement park has added new rides, a Parachute Tower has been reconstructed, new public art has been installed, and a musical fountain has been constructed. There is also a yacht club and a multi-story shopping mall with a 5D cinema.

Several of Baku Boulevard’s best-known attractions are concentrated along the waterfront. One of the easiest to recognize is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, whose building resembles a giant rolled carpet. Immediately beside it is Mini Venice, a small network of artificial canals, islands, and bridges where visitors can take short boat rides.

From the Carpet Museum, continue along the boulevard in the direction of National Flag Square, to the south. Farther along, after passing the large Deniz Mall, you will reach the Baku Ferris Wheel, also known as the Baku Eye. Its large circular frame is easy to spot from a distance and offers elevated views over the Caspian Sea and the city skyline.

The park is also regularly used for cultural gatherings, celebrations, parades, and concerts, making the boulevard both a sightseeing route and one of Baku’s main recreational spaces.