Azerbaijan’s buildings combine ancient art for which it was always famous, traditional patterns, a variety of historical details, and modern designs that are streamlined or inspiring with their height, elegance, and plasticity. The diversity inherent in its cityscape will astound you. You will be inspired by both the scale and captivating beauty all around. I couldn’t choose my most favorite building in Baku from the entire list since my tastes lean toward both ancient and modern art. Therefore, I have curated a guide on all the best famous buildings in Baku, Azerbaijan, so that you’ll have an easier time choosing your favorite building.
1. Palace of The Shirvanshahs
Of course, I would like to start the list with the oldest and my favorite building in Baku: the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This is one of the largest monuments of Azerbaijani architecture, built by the rulers of Shirvan during the transfer of the capital from the city of Shamakhi to Baku. The Shirvanshahs’ old home, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, was constructed in Baku between the 14th and 16th centuries. I always take my foreign friends to see the Palace of the Shirvanshahs once they visit Baku. At the moment, the territory of the Palace complex is under protection and is recognized as a historical and architectural museum-reserve. In 2000, the Palace was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The two-story structure houses rooms of 50 different sizes and shapes connected by three narrow spiral staircases. Of the 25 rooms on the second floor, only 16 have survived to this day, but it is worth spending your time on the beauty of those that have been preserved. There are many details to talk about what occurred in this place many years ago, so make sure you take the time to explore every corner of the Palace. The lower floor of the building has 27 rooms, which served as a room for servants and for storing household supplies, and has been preserved exactly as it was built in the 15th century.
The dates on the inscriptions on the architectural landmarks that are a part of the Palace complex provide information on when the Palace of The Shirvanshahs was built. Only the tombs and minaret of The Palace Mosque have complete inscriptions that suit this purpose. The name of the ruler who gave the order for these structures to be built may be seen on inscriptions.
When you go to Baku, I suggest spending around half a day to explore the major buildings of the Palace. Enjoy every single moment of being here since the atmosphere of this old building in Baku will keep you fascinated.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Address: Zamkovskaya Side-street, 76 Icherisheher, Baku
Website: Palace of The Shirvanshahs
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: from 2 AZN (1 USD)
2. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Be sure to visit the Heydar Aliyev Center when you are in Baku. The building itself is very impressive not only because of its status but also its views. Starting construction in 2007, it was designed by the world-famous architect Zaha Hadid. There are almost no straight lines in the building, and the external and internal appearance is in perfect harmony with each other. The center unofficially can be considered one of the main modern symbols of Baku.
The undulating structure symbolizes duration and infinity: rushing up and then merging with the earth again. The lines on the building also have their purpose - they indicate the connection of the past with the future. The white color is a symbol of a bright future and allows the sun’s rays to slide over the surface to emphasize the prominent parts of this stunning building.
The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center was opened in May 2012 to mark the 89th birthday of the national leader Heydar Aliyev. In 2014, this building received the “Design of the Year” award. It is hard to photograph it in all its glory and the scale of the center is amazing, and many undulating folds protrude from behind each other in such a way that, depending on the viewing angle, the shapes of the building change and seem to flow from one to another. Every time I visit this place, I take new photos of it and still can’t get enough of the aesthetics.
The area of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and the adjacent landscape measure almost 16 hectares (39.54 acres), of which around 2 hectares (4.94 acres) are devoted to the building alone. The complex includes the main building and underground parking. The center mainly consists of three sections: the museum, exhibition halls, and the auditorium where lectures and symposiums are held.
Heydar Aliyev Center
Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave, Baku 1033
Website: Heydar Aliyev Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 15 AZN (8.82 USD)
3. Azerbaijan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet
Baku, being the capital of the country and the main center of culture, has many cultural buildings. The most famous and, in my opinion, the most beautiful cultural institution in Baku is the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. It was initially named after the founder of Azerbaijani realistic literature, materialist philosopher, and public figure Mirza Fatali Akhundov and is known for its rich history, star artists, and captivating performances, some of which are masterpieces of national art.
It was built in the Art Nouveau style and the architectural solution and the overall composition of the building are very expressive. The “modern” direction and its characteristic stylization determine the decorative treatment of the facade and the luxurious interiors. It consists of two floors, where there are 38 boxes and stalls on the first level and a balcony and a gallery designed for 221 spectators on the second. Inside the building, there is a foyer, an auditorium, and a stage, which corresponds with the classical canons. I admire the harmonious balance of noble gold and red colors inside this theater.
Before buying a ticket for themselves and their children, parents should make sure that the performance has no age restrictions, since many of them only allow children over 12, or sometimes even 16. If you are not planning to see any plays, at least make sure you cross by the building to admire its beauty.
Azerbaijan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet
Address: 95 Nizami street, AZ1001 Baku
Website: Azerbaijan State Theatre of Opera and Ballet
Price: Depending on show
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4. Flame Towers
Flame towers in Baku are not only a symbol of the modern capital of Azerbaijan but also a reference to the country’s tourism concept. Azerbaijan or “Land of Fire” is all about the ancient Zoroastrian culture, the hot sun, and the oil that ensures the well-being of Azerbaijan. The wonderful thing is that even if you do not have time to explore the towers completely, you can still see them while you walk across Baku. Due to the height of the towers, and their location on a hill, they are visible from almost any point in the city.
The complex consists of three towers with a total area of more than 230,000 square meters (2,475,699 square feet), the foundations of which are reinforced with heavy-duty pylons that go into the soil for almost 40 meters (131.23 feet). The facades of the buildings consist of fixed LED screens that continuously broadcast the flames lapping across them. This made it possible to turn the ultra-modern Flame Towers not only into the dominant structure of the cityscape but also into one of the largest art objects on the continent.
Baku Boulevard offers the best views of the Flame Towers.
Flame Towers Baku
Address: Mehdi Huseyn, Baku AZ1006
Price: Free
5. Baku State Philharmonic Hall
The history of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Society’s founding is a striking illustration of how both Eastern and Western traditions converged for mutual benefit, and the structure itself serves as an example of the fusion of the visual and performing arts. The bright and elegant building is located in the city center, near the Icherisheher metro station. While exploring the city, you are sure to pass by this building since it’s located near the entrance to the Old City, which makes it noticeable.
The Muslim Magomayev Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall was founded at the turn of the twentieth century, and in 1912, the beautiful structure emerged, fitting in wonderfully with the surrounding architectural landscape. Baku State Philharmonic Hall is surrounded by a beautiful park and small cafes and it is defended by one of the walls of the Old City.
In addition to concerts by groups working at the Philharmonic, performances by famous foreign soloists are also held here. Over the past years, foreign artists have been invited by the government to perform with various philharmonic groups. If you have no plans to go to a concert, then come sit on a bench in the park and listen to the music drifting across from the building.
Baku State Philharmonic Hall
Address: Istiglaliyyat Street 10, Baku, Azerbaijan
Price: Depending on show
6. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
We move on to another unique structure that serves as a physical representation of Azerbaijani art and culture. The Carpet Museum is shaped like a rolled-up carpet and is situated on a boulevard with views of the Caspian Sea.
By the way, these curved lines are repeated in the internal organization of the space, which makes the exposition itself very unusual. On the first floor, there is a small cafe, a shop, storage rooms, office space, and toilets, and the second, third, and fourth floors are occupied by exhibition halls. The Carpet Museum is convenient for visitors and well thought out: there are escalators and elevators, and seating areas with sofas are provided.
It is noteworthy that this particular museum, founded in 1967, became the world’s first specialized exhibition space of this kind. For a short period, it was named after Latif Karimov, a man who was not only creating carpets but also analyzing them, eventually publishing seminal scientific work on Azerbaijani carpets.
You can take about an hour and a half to tour the museum, and, in my opinion, you should not miss visiting this spot. Carpets are a significant part of the culture of Azerbaijan, so every tourist should be interested in at least briefly exploring this topic.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Address: 28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Prospekti, Bakı 1000, Azerbaijan
Website: Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 7 AZN (4.12 USD)
7. Baku Crystal Hall
Baku Crystal Hall is an indoor arena located on the Caspian coast in Baku. The building has a crystalline shape and the façade is fitted with LED lights, which bring out different manifestations of dynamic lighting to highlight the membranous facade and different moods.
Baku Crystal Hall was built to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. The total area of the complex is around 31,000 square meters (3,33,680.90 square feet), and the area of the arena is about 11000 square meters (1,18,402.90 square feet). Concerts, events, sports competitions, and much more are held here.
If you decide to explore the modernist building, it is better to ride bicycles to it, as otherwise, you will have to walk several kilometers to the hall. On the boulevard, you can rent bicycles and enjoy the fresh air by the Caspian Sea as you ride along.
Baku Crystal Hall
Address: Sabail District, Bayil Settlement, National Flag Square, AZ1003 Baku
Website: Baku Crystal Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: From 18 AZN (11 USD)
Perfect your bucket lists for Baku
Thanks to its natural resources and willingness to contribute funds for development, Baku is equipped with new details every day. New buildings are being built, old ones are being restored, innovations are planned, and everything’s happening at a tremendous speed. I won’t be surprised if when you come to Baku, you’ll be able to find your new favorite building!
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