Bazar Lake (Naxchivan Center)

Lake Bazar is an artificial lake situated in the city center of Nakhchivan and is really a recreation area in the midst of the urban area. The center is suitable to be covered on foot; according to your location, it takes 10–25 minutes to walk up to the lake. A city taxi takes a few minutes; the short-distance fare of 2025 in the city costs 4–5 AZN and 3–4 AZN if ordered through an application.

The lake area is a public park; there is no entrance fee and it can be freely used all day. The shoreline is surrounded by parkland and green spaces. You can walk around the lake at a leisurely pace in 15–20 minutes.

Designed for recreation along the lake, the construction of this park has benches on the shore, places to sit down, and tree-shaded areas around. Lake Bazar is a quick refreshment in the center and a midday break.

A cafe is situated just in front of the lake, and, therefore, its view overlooks the lake. Hot and cold drinks and food are served here, while in the window seat or terrace, the view overlooks the water. The operating hours of the cafe are 10:00–12:00, so you can visit both day and evening.

Boat tours are available for Lake Bazar. Prior to boarding, payment is made to the attendant at the lake area according to the prevailing daily rate. In this way, a short lake tour is afforded without having to leave the city.

This lake area is suitable for families and children. The area is much safer for the kids because it is far from traffic circulation. However, young children should always be accompanied by an adult around the lakeshore.

For photography, the lake offers a clear composition where the water surface, green space, and cafe can combine into a single frame. During the evening, the lights in the cafe reflect into the water for clear nighttime photographs. It creates a pleasant atmosphere after sunset, ideal for both walking and taking pictures.

Spring – April to May, and autumn – September, are the most pleasant seasons weatherwise to see the lake. Lake Bazar is in the city center. Nakhchivan city security rules also apply in this area. It can be visited all year round; even if the boat service is suspended in winter due to the weather conditions, you can enjoy the view when the cafe is open.

Restrooms in the lake area are provided at the cafe in front of the lake. Since Lake Bazar is a city park, there is no separate prayer room in the premises; mosques in the center of the city are utilized for worship. Open fires and barbecues are strictly prohibited at Lake Bazar since it is a city park; light food and beverages that do not disturb the park’s surroundings can be consumed.

The atmosphere at Lake Bazar is mostly calm during the year. Since the cafe operates from 10:00 AM up to midnight, one can expect higher activity during summer evenings and weekends; the place is much quieter during the day on weekdays. The surroundings of the lake are flat and allow easy wheelchair access; with a companion, one will have no problem making the short route around it.

In terms of accommodation, the Tabriz Hotel Nakhchivan and the Grand Nakhchivan Hotel in city center are close to the lake. One can reach Lake Bazar on foot when staying in these hotels or by a short taxi ride for 4–5 AZN. The lake is a part of daily life for the people living here, and you can use it as an “insider” point to get to know the city.