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Fountains Square, Azərbaycan - Things to Do in Fountains Square

Things to Do in Fountains Square

Fountains Square, Azərbaycan - Complete Travel Guide

Fountains Square (Fəvvarələr Meydanı) is the vibrant heart of Baku, Azerbaijan's capital city, serving as the main pedestrian area and cultural hub. This bustling square is surrounded by elegant 19th-century architecture, upscale shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city. The area comes alive in the evenings when the fountains are illuminated and locals gather to socialize, shop, and dine. The square connects seamlessly with Nizami Street, Baku's premier shopping boulevard, and provides easy access to the historic Old City (Icherisheher) and the modern Flame Towers. As the social and commercial center of Baku, Fountains Square offers visitors a perfect blend of Soviet-era urban planning and contemporary Azerbaijani culture, with street performers, outdoor cafes, and a constant buzz of activity that captures the essence of modern Baku.

Top Things to Do in Fountains Square

Explore the Historic Old City (Icherisheher)

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, just a short walk from Fountains Square. This ancient walled city contains medieval mosques, bathhouses, and the iconic Maiden Tower, offering a fascinating glimpse into Baku's rich history spanning over a millennium.

Booking Tip: Entry to the Old City is free, but individual attractions like Maiden Tower cost around 2 AZN ($1.20). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Look for certified local guides at the entrance.

Visit the Flame Towers

Marvel at Baku's most iconic modern landmarks, three flame-shaped skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline. Take the funicular or taxi up to Highland Park for the best viewing point, especially spectacular at sunset when the towers are illuminated with LED displays.

Booking Tip: The viewing area is free, but funicular tickets cost 0.20 AZN. Best visited during sunset hours (timing varies by season). Restaurant reservations in the towers should be made 2-3 days in advance.

Stroll Along Nizami Street Shopping Boulevard

Experience Baku's premier pedestrian shopping street, stretching from Fountains Square through the city center. Browse international brands, local boutiques, and traditional craft shops while enjoying street performances and the vibrant atmosphere of this historic commercial district.

Booking Tip: Shopping is free to browse, with prices ranging from budget souvenirs (5-20 AZN) to luxury items. Most shops open 10 AM-10 PM. Currency exchange offices offer better rates than hotels.

Experience Traditional Azerbaijani Cuisine

Sample authentic dishes like plov (saffron rice), dolma, and fresh Caspian Sea caviar at traditional restaurants around Fountains Square. The area offers everything from casual tea houses to upscale dining establishments serving both local and international cuisine.

Booking Tip: Meals range from 15-50 AZN per person depending on restaurant level. Make reservations for dinner, especially weekends. Try lunch specials (12-2 PM) for better value at upscale restaurants.

Take a Caspian Sea Waterfront Walk

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Baku Boulevard (Seaside Park), stretching along the Caspian Sea coastline. This beautifully landscaped promenade features parks, cafes, and entertainment venues, with stunning views of the bay and city skyline.

Booking Tip: The boulevard is free to access 24/7. Bike rentals available for 5 AZN/hour. Evening walks offer cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset views. Boat trips from the harbor cost 10-25 AZN.

Getting There

Heydar Aliyev International Airport is located 25 km northeast of Fountains Square, with regular bus service (Bus 116) costing 0.30 AZN or airport taxis for 25-35 AZN. The journey takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Bolt and BiTaksi offer convenient airport transfers. For overland travel, Baku's central bus station and railway station are well-connected to the city center via metro and bus networks, with the 28 May metro station being the closest to Fountains Square.

Getting Around

Fountains Square is highly walkable and connects to Baku's efficient metro system, with the nearest stations being 28 May and Sahil. Metro tickets cost just 0.30 AZN per ride, and the system covers most major attractions. Taxis are abundant and affordable, with typical rides within the city center costing 3-8 AZN. Ride-hailing apps offer transparent pricing and English-language service. For exploring the immediate area around Fountains Square, walking is often the best option as most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking distance.

Where to Stay

Fountains Square Area
Old City (Icherisheher)
Sahil District
Nizami Street Vicinity
Flame Towers Area
Caspian Waterfront

Food & Dining

The Fountains Square area offers an exceptional dining scene ranging from traditional Azerbaijani restaurants serving fresh Caspian caviar and aromatic plov to international cuisines in modern settings. Traditional tea houses provide an authentic cultural experience with local sweets and strong Azerbaijani tea, while upscale restaurants in nearby hotels offer refined takes on regional cuisine. The pedestrian areas around Nizami Street feature numerous cafes perfect for people-watching, and the nearby Old City contains charming restaurants in historic buildings. Street food vendors offer affordable local snacks, and the area's proximity to the Caspian Sea ensures excellent fresh fish and seafood options.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Baku

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Firuze restaurant

4.5 /5
(7344 reviews) 2

Bake&Roll Sushi Bar

4.8 /5
(1710 reviews) 2
meal_delivery

SUSHI ROOM BAKU

4.7 /5
(1484 reviews)
meal_delivery

Dolce Far Niente (Crescent Mall)

4.7 /5
(556 reviews)

Voodoo Roof

4.9 /5
(299 reviews)
bar

Trattoria L'Oliva

4.6 /5
(253 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Fountains Square is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for walking and outdoor dining. Summer months can be quite hot and humid, but the square comes alive in the evenings when temperatures cool down and the fountains provide a refreshing atmosphere. Winter visits are possible but can be windy due to the proximity to the Caspian Sea, though the holiday season brings beautiful decorations and a festive atmosphere. Evenings year-round are particularly magical when the square is illuminated and filled with locals and visitors enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official exchange offices rather than hotels for better rates, and always carry small denominations as many vendors don't accept large bills
The fountains are most spectacular in the evening when illuminated, and this is also when the square has the most energy with street performers and social activity
Learn a few basic Azerbaijani or Russian phrases as English isn't widely spoken, though younger people in tourist areas often have basic English skills

Explore Activities in Fountains Square