Highland Park is located on a hill above Baku and has one of the best views of the city. You can see the Caspian Sea, the Flame Towers, and Martyrs' Alley from here. There are stairs, quiet paths, and places to sit and relax. People come here in the evening to watch the sunset, and it’s also a popular stop for visitors.
Going on a Highland Park road trip is easy when you have your car. The park is just 10 minutes from Baku city center by car, and the roads going up are smooth and safe. Renting a car in Baku lets you visit at your own pace. Our blog will also show you nearby stops you can enjoy during the same trip, so you can make the most of your time in Baku.
Turkish travelers should start their Baku journey in Highland Park because it offers a full view of the city’s layout. You can understand where landmarks like Baku Boulevard, the Caspian shoreline, and the Flame Towers sit in relation to each other. From the funicular ride at Baku Boulevard to the Alley of Martyrs at the top, this park combines important historical sites. You will appreciate how Highland Park honors the past, especially its memorial to the 1990 Black January victims, as it reflects a shared respect for national struggle and independence. It’s easy to drive here, and you’ll find quiet paths and tea spots that help you relax before or after sightseeing.
Booking your car online before arriving at Baku airport saves time and gives you more choices. Most international car rental platforms let you choose the vehicle type, pick-up location, and insurance options ahead of time. When you land, you can head straight to the rental desk at Baku Airport, show your confirmation, and pick up your car immediately.
You must show a valid Turkish driver’s license and passport to rent a car in Baku. Most rental companies will ask for an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your local license, especially if you plan to explore outside the city. You also need a credit card under your name to handle the deposit. Drivers must be at least 21 years old.
Think about what kind of trip you’ll be taking. A compact car will do if you’re staying in the city. But if you're planning a road trip to places like Gobustan or Gabala, go for a mid-size sedan or SUV for more comfort and better handling on country roads. Traveling with family or friends? Choose a larger vehicle like a 7-seater to ensure everyone has enough space. Always double-check if your car comes with GPS, air conditioning, and unlimited mileage, especially if you’ll be driving long distances.
Highland Park is more than just a green hill. It holds stories about Baku’s past, from ancient times to wars and independence. Every part of the park connects to something important in Azerbaijan’s history. You’ll notice the park isn’t just designed for beauty. It also honors events and people who shaped the country’s identity, making it a meaningful stop for anyone who wants to understand what Baku stands for.
The area was first known as English Park, because it was the burial ground for British soldiers after World War I. Later, during the Soviet era, it was renamed Stalin Park, then Kirov Park, after a Soviet leader. Many public events took place here under Soviet control.
After Azerbaijan gained independence in 1990, the statue of Kirov was removed. The area became known as Highland Park, or Dağüstü Park in Azerbaijani. From 2011 to 2013, the government made significant changes. New lights, smooth paths, and green areas were added to make it more welcoming.
One of the most essential parts of the park is the Alley of Martyrs. This is where people who died during the Black January attack and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are buried. This place is a sacred site for many locals, where they remember and honor the country’s heroes.
There’s plenty to explore once you enter Highland Park. Some spots hold deep historical meaning, others are perfect for photos, and a few are peaceful resting areas with great views. If you’re wondering what to see at Highland Park, these places offer a whole experience of the park’s history, culture, and beauty.
This long, tree-lined path features rows of black marble tombstones for those who died during Black January and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It’s one of the most emotional places in Baku. At the end of the lane, a golden Eternal Flame burns as a tribute to the country’s martyrs. Locals visit this site during national holidays and remembrance events.
You’ll get a clear view of the Flame Towers from multiple spots within the park. These three glass-covered skyscrapers light up in vibrant colors at night, often showing the Azerbaijani flag or images of flames. The view becomes especially striking during sunset when the towers reflect golden light. This viewpoint is one of the most photographed areas of Highland Park. You can also look out over Baku Boulevard, the Caspian Sea, and parts of the Old City from the same platform. Whether day or night, this spot is a must-see for tourists who want the city’s full skyline in one frame.
Built in the 1980s, Gulistan Palace is one of the most important cultural buildings in the park. Gadzhibekov and Amirkhanov designed it, and later earned a state award for its architecture. The palace is used today for official events and cultural programs. Its most famous moment came in 1994, when Azerbaijan signed the Contract of the Century here, opening its oil resources to the world. The building is on a hill inside the park and is easy to spot.
As you walk through Highland Park, you’ll pass several historic and literary statues. These include Nizami Ganjavi, a famous poet from the 12th century; General Azi Aslanov, a national hero of World War II; and Bahram Gur, a legendary warrior from Azerbaijani literature. These sculptures show the country’s respect for literature, military bravery, and national history. Some are near benches and fountains. Others stand on their own with plaques that explain their meaning.
The Green Theater is a cultural landmark inside Highland Park. First opened in the 1960s, it was restored in 2007 and now hosts concerts and public events. The outdoor stage has seating built into the hill, making it one of the city’s most unique performance spaces. Not far from it, you’ll find the Highland Park Funicular, which connects the Carpet Museum area near Baku Boulevard with the park. Built in 1960, the funicular offers a short but scenic ride uphill.
Once you arrive, there are many ways to enjoy the park. Some activities help you learn about the past, while others offer peaceful moments or new experiences. Here are ten things worth doing during your visit.
A walking tour is one of the best ways to understand Highland Park’s layout and meaning. A local guide will take you through Alley of Martyrs, the Eternal Flame, and the best viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about Azerbaijan’s past, including its Soviet years, the Black January attack, and how the park has changed since independence. These walks are usually slow-paced and informative.
Exploring Highland Park on a Segway is a fun way to cover more ground without walking too much. After a short lesson, you’ll move through the park on smooth, paved paths. The ride includes stops at the Flame Towers viewpoint, sculptures, and fountains. The guide will explain what you see, from modern landmarks to old Soviet structures. You’ll also pass the funicular station.
Highland Park is one of the best spots in Baku for a sunset picnic. You can bring your snacks or pick up food from a local café near the park. Find a bench or sit on the grass to watch the sky turn orange and pink over the Caspian Sea. As the sun sets, the lights of the city skyline and Flame Towers begin to glow.
If you love photography, this park is full of great angles. A photo tour with a guide helps you find the best spots for skyline shots, sunset views, and memorial photos. Highland Park is photogenic during the golden hour, just before sunset. You’ll learn tips on lighting and framing and get context about what you’re capturing, like why the Eternal Flame was built or the meaning behind local sculptures. Whether you use a phone or a DSLR camera, you’ll leave with images that show this peaceful site's beauty and deeper meaning.
A cultural heritage tour goes deeper than just sightseeing. A guide will walk you through the design and symbolism of the park, from the choice of building materials to the placement of fountains and stairways. You’ll learn about Baku limestone, the architects behind places like Gulistan Palace, and the stories of people honored by the statues and memorials. Many guides also talk about Soviet-era changes and how the park has become a symbol of national pride.
In Azerbaijan, drinking tea is part of the culture. At Highland Park, you can stop at one of the cafés and enjoy a small tea ceremony with local flavors. Tea is served in curved glasses called armudu, usually with sweets like pakhlava, fruit jams, or dried fruits. Some places even serve tea with a view of the sea or skyline. This is a good way to relax after walking.
The park is open all year, but some months have better weather and lighting. Here’s how to plan your visit:
Food near Highland Park reflects the rich culinary traditions of Azerbaijan, influenced by Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern kitchens. As you walk through the park or explore its nearby streets, you’ll find dishes made with fresh herbs, seasonal vegetables, and a wide variety of meats, especially lamb and fish. Because Baku is close to the Caspian Sea, grilled seafood is also a common item in many restaurants. The food is both flavorful and tied to the local culture, offering Turkish tourists a familiar taste with a new twist.
Some must-try meals include plov, a rice dish often cooked with meat, dried fruits, and aromatic herbs. Another popular item is qutab, a thin flatbread filled with cheese, greens, pumpkin, or minced lamb. For something hearty, try piti, a slow-cooked lamb and chickpea soup, or dushbara, small dumplings served in broth with vinegar and garlic. Vegetarians can enjoy options like badimjan dolma, which is stuffed eggplant with herbs and vegetables, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad sprinkled with sumac. These traditional foods are available in cafes within or near the park.
For a full meal, visit restaurants like Mangal Steak House, known for its grilled kebabs and vegetables; Terrace Garden, which offers lamb shanks and fresh salads; or Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, where you can enjoy lavangi and eggplant caviar in a cultural setting. If you prefer a light break, many cafes around Highland Park serve Azerbaijani tea in armudu glasses, along with sweets like pakhlava and homemade jams.
As evening falls, Highland Park becomes quieter and more reflective. One of the most striking things you’ll see is the Flame Towers, which light up in changing colors as the city turns dark. These modern towers, shaped like flames, are covered with LED lights that display fire patterns or the Azerbaijani flag. From Highland Park, you get one of the best views of this display. The colors reflect on nearby buildings and even the sea below. This light show draws many photographers and couples who want to enjoy the city from above.
Highland Park is the perfect starting point for any Turkish traveler exploring Baku. It gives you a wide view of the city, the sea, and the skyline. You can walk quiet paths, visit the Alley of Martyrs, or enjoy tea while watching the sunset. Everything in the park is easy to explore, from the funicular ride to the cultural monuments.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Baku. We offer budget-friendly daily rates, online booking, and pick-up location at the airport. With a wide range of vehicles and flexible plans, it’s perfect for road trips to Highland Park and beyond.
