Flame Towers (Alov Qülleleri)

The basics

The Flame Towers are a staple of sightseeing tours of Azerbaijan’s capital city. The best way to experience the monument is in its illuminated glory on a night tour. These let you see Baku from a fresh perspective when temperatures have cooled, and typically visit the highest point of Highland Park for panoramic views and let you sample traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.

Things to know before you go

• You can stay overnight in the Flame Towers if you book a room at the 5-star Fairmont Baku, a luxury hotel.

• You’ll find restaurants, bakeries, an IMAX cinema, and cafés inside the Flame Towers' three buildings.

• It’s free to admire the Flame Towers from popular viewing areas such as Seaside Boulevard and Highland Park.

How to get there

The closest subway station to the Flame Towers is Icherisheher, on the Red Line. From there, the buildings are a 30-minute walk away, or you can take buses 18 or 53 to reach it more easily. Tours often transport you around the city in air-conditioned comfort to save you from navigating public transport.

When to get there

The Flame Towers are truly spectacular after dark, when their surfaces become a giant display of more than 10,000 LED lights that paint the towers with colors of fire, water, and the national flag. During the fall and winter months of September through February, the sun sets as early as 5:30pm.

What to eat in Baku

Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring Baku by night, sample some of the city’s most traditional dishes, which are inspired by Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisine. Pilaf rice dishes burst with spice, saffron, and dried fruit; shish kebabs feature perfectly grilled lamb, chicken, or vegetables; and qutab is a savory pancake typically filled with yogurt, spinach, and herbs. Don’t forget to wash it down with freshly brewed tea.