Highland Park, Azərbaycan - Things to Do in Highland Park

Things to Do in Highland Park

Highland Park, Azərbaycan - Complete Travel Guide

Highland Park in Baku, Azerbaijan, represents one of the capital's most prestigious and scenic districts, offering stunning panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and the city's iconic skyline. This elevated neighborhood combines modern residential developments with historic significance, serving as a tranquil escape from the bustling city center while maintaining easy access to Baku's main attractions. The area is characterized by tree-lined streets, upscale housing, and several parks that provide residents and visitors with peaceful green spaces. The district's strategic location on higher ground makes it particularly attractive for both living and visiting, as it offers cooler temperatures and cleaner air compared to lower-lying areas of Baku. Highland Park serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider Baku region, with its proximity to both the historic Old City (Icherisheher) and the modern Flame Towers district. The area reflects Azerbaijan's rapid development and modernization while maintaining connections to the country's rich cultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Highland Park

Explore Upland Park and Martyrs' Lane

Visit the solemn memorial complex dedicated to those who died in the Black January tragedy and Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The site offers breathtaking views over Baku Bay and the Caspian Sea, making it both a place of remembrance and scenic beauty.

Booking Tip: Free to visit, best experienced during sunset hours for optimal lighting and views. Allow 1-2 hours for a respectful visit and photography. No advance booking required.

Panoramic City Views from Highland Viewpoints

Take advantage of the elevated position to capture stunning photographs of Baku's skyline, including the famous Flame Towers and the historic Old City. Multiple viewpoints throughout the area offer different perspectives of the cityscape.

Booking Tip: Best visited during golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for optimal photography conditions. Free activity, though consider hiring a local guide for $20-30 for historical context and best vantage points.

Walking Tours Through Residential Gardens

Stroll through the well-maintained residential areas featuring beautiful gardens, tree-lined streets, and examples of both Soviet-era and modern Azerbaijani architecture. The peaceful atmosphere provides insight into upscale Baku living.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity that's free and best enjoyed during cooler morning or evening hours. Respect private property and stick to public walkways and designated paths.

Visit Local Parks and Green Spaces

Enjoy the various parks and recreational areas that make Highland Park a green oasis within Baku. These spaces offer playgrounds for families, walking paths, and quiet spots for relaxation away from urban noise.

Booking Tip: Free access to most parks, open during daylight hours. Bring water and sun protection during summer months. Some parks may have small cafes with reasonable prices ($5-10 for refreshments).

Photography and Sightseeing Excursions

Join organized photography tours or create your own route to capture the unique blend of modern and traditional architecture visible from Highland Park's elevated position. The area serves as an excellent starting point for broader Baku exploration.

Booking Tip: Photography tours range from $40-80 per person for half-day experiences. Book through reputable local operators who know the best lighting conditions and legal photography spots.

Getting There

Highland Park is easily accessible from Baku's city center via taxi (approximately 15-20 minutes, costing $5-8), public bus routes, or the Baku Metro system with connections to nearby stations. The area is well-connected to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which is about 30-40 minutes away by car. Many visitors choose to stay in Highland Park specifically for its convenient location and then use it as a base for exploring other parts of Baku and Azerbaijan.

Getting Around

The Highland Park area is best explored on foot due to its residential nature and scenic walking paths, though the hilly terrain may require moderate fitness levels. Local buses connect the area to central Baku, and taxis are readily available for longer distances or when carrying luggage. The Baku Metro system provides efficient connections to major city attractions, with the nearest stations accessible via short bus rides or taxi trips costing $2-4.

Where to Stay

Highland Park Residential Area
Upland Park Vicinity
Martyrs' Lane District
Seaside View Heights
Central Highland Zone
Garden District

Food & Dining

Highland Park offers a mix of upscale restaurants, local cafes, and family-run establishments serving traditional Azerbaijani cuisine alongside international options. The area features several restaurants with panoramic views over Baku, making dining an experience that combines excellent food with spectacular scenery. Local specialties include plov (pilaf), kebabs, and fresh Caspian Sea fish, with meal costs ranging from $8-15 for casual dining to $25-40 for upscale restaurants with views.

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)
all dining options →

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Highland Park is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking and outdoor activities. Summer months can be quite hot, though the elevated location provides some relief from the heat experienced in lower parts of Baku. Winter visits are possible but may limit outdoor activities, though clear winter days offer excellent visibility for panoramic city views.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings for quieter experiences and better photography opportunities without crowds
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the area involves hills and uneven terrain in some locations
Combine your Highland Park visit with trips to nearby attractions like the Flame Towers or Old City for a full day of Baku exploration

Explore Activities in Highland Park