Where to Take the Best Photos in Baku? Our 10 Must-See Spots

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a magnificent, historic, and unique city. It’s a dream for photographers, architecture lovers, and anyone who wants to explore something different. Baku has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten spots for stunning photos while you are there.

In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1.  Flame Towers

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In Baku, Azerbaijan, there are three skyscrapers known as the Flame Towers. The tallest tower is 182 meters high. Azerbaijan's moniker "The Land of Fire" is referenced by the three flame-shaped towers, which are meant to represent the components of fire. There are 130 private flats spread across 33 stories in the three magnificent structures.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Symbol of Azerbaijan’s “Land of Fire” heritage meets ultra-modern ambition.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset for dramatic silhouettes and nighttime for the full light show.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture them from across the bay or with a drone for the full skyline effect.

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2. Icherisheher (Old City)

Every Azeri resident takes pleasure in Icherisheher, the Old City, which is considered the jewel of the country. Despite only covering 22 hectares, it is home to hundreds of ancient sites. Within Baku, Icherisheher is a distinctive town with its own residential neighborhoods and infrastructure. Icherisheher is home to more than 1300 families with hotels, many museums, and commercial and catering establishments.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  UNESCO-listed walled city that feels both Persian and Mediterranean.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning to feel the peaceful silence of the past..
• Photography tip 📷
  Play with light and shadows in the alleys and photograph the Maiden Tower from below.

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3. Heydar Aliyev Center

Zaha Hadid created the enchanting 57,500 m2 Heydar Aliyev Center building complex in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is renowned for its unique architecture and flowing, curving style that avoids abrupt edges. The primary contractor, Dia Holdings, is owned by individuals connected to the offshore business network of the governing Aliyev family in Azerbaijan. It is one of the best unique spots for photography.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It's a sculpture building you can walk inside.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon, when the white surface glows gold in the sun.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot it wide and low to exaggerate its wave-like form.

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4.  Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea Promenade)

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Another lovely location is Baku Boulevard, a promenade that parallels Baku's waterfront and was created in 1909. Its history spans over a century, during which Baku oil barons constructed their homes along the Caspian shore, and the seashore was gradually constructed. Both residents and visitors love this expansive 26-kilometer promenade because it offers an amazing combination of urban flare and natural beauty.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s a seaside promenade on the world’s largest inland body of water.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Blue hour, just after sunset.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the skyline reflection on the water or long shots of the lit-up Ferris wheel.

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5. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

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One of Baku's modern structures is the Carpet Museum, which is located on Seaside Boulevard. The striking structure, which resembles a rolled-up carpet, was created by Austrian architect Franz Janz and debuted in 2014. With more than 6,000 rugs, the Carpet Museum currently has the greatest collection of Azerbaijani carpets worldwide. Numerous designs that represent the local way of life, environment, and beliefs can be found here.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  The building itself is an architectural pun—and a national treasure.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Midday for the best light on the metallic exterior.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the grassy hill across the street to capture the full roll effect.

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6. Upland Park (Highland Park)

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Azerbaijan's capital is home to the well-known Highland Park Baku. Visitors can take in a stunning panoramic view of the city and bay from its highest point. Visitors and residents alike visit the park to unwind, take a stroll, or enjoy the scenery. Because of its location, Highland Park was given its name. Because the parking zone is situated on a hill, there is a stunning view of the surrounding attractions from the observation platforms.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One view captures Baku’s layers: ancient, Soviet, and space-age.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Right before sunset to catch the golden light and stay for the lights turning on.
• Photography tip 📷
  Bring a tripod and take wide-angle shots across the entire cityscape.

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7. Nizami Street (Torgovaya)

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Locals refer to Nizami Street, which is a really attractive area, as Torgovaya Street. It is common practice to refer to Fountain Square, the surrounding historic district, and Nizami Street, as well as the street itself. The Street is comparable to the Taksim neighborhood of Istanbul, Moscow's Arbat, or New York Broadway. Stated differently, Nizami Street is the busiest pedestrian area in the center of Azerbaijan's capital city.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s where Parisian architecture meets Persian heart.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the lights make the whole street shimmer.
• Photography tip 📷
  Frame the symmetry of the cobblestone paths with a long exposure crowd blur.

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8. Bibi-Heybat Mosque

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Baku, Azerbaijan, is home to the stunning Bibi-Heybat Mosque. The current building, which was finished in the 1990s, is a duplicate of the old mosque from the 13th century that was constructed at Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II's request. The old mosque is well-known for its exquisite architecture, beauty, and historical significance.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s spiritual, historic, and stands proudly on ground that once silenced prayer..
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, when the mosque is quiet and sunlit.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use a wide lens to capture the full scale with the Caspian in the background.

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9. Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

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In terms of natural wonders, Yanar Dag is one of the many distinctive and unique sites in Azerbaijan. Yanar Dag is a slope just outside Baku that has been blazing with natural gas for thousands of years. Known as the "Burning Mountain of Baku," hundreds of people visit this location annually to take in the breathtaking view of the unending flame. This is another unique spot for photography lovers.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s literally a mountain that burns 24/7. Need we say more?
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the flames are most visible and dramatic.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the fire with a long shutter to show its movement.

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10.  Highland Park & Martyrs' Lane

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In Baku, Azerbaijan, a notable memorial to those killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh War and Black January events is called Martyrs' Lane. Graves, a wall bearing the names of the departed, symbolic architecture, and an eternal flame burning in remembrance of the martyrs are all features of the cemetery. It provides a panoramic aerial view of Baku from its hilltop location.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A mix of emotion, architecture, and panoramic views in one spot..
• Best time to visit 📅
  On the hour, early morning, or Sunday, for a full show.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from the upper terrace for a perfect frame of the Flame Towers against the fading sky.

Final Thoughts

These are the best photography spots you will never miss in Baku. But there is really much more to see and enjoy, as the city has endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Baku.

Ready to go explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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