Baku is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan. It is located on the southern shore of the Apsheron Peninsula.
Baku has a vibrant life regarding theatre, opera and ballet, drawing both from the rich local dramatic portfolio and from the international repertoire. The Azerbaijan State Theater of Opera and Ballet, designed by architect N. G. Bayev, is one of the most ornate music halls in the city. The State Philharmonic Hall with excellent acoustic conditions often holds performances outside, in a pleasant park. The Carpet and Applied Arts Museum exhibits the carpets from all periods, styles and from both Azerbaijan proper and the Azeri provinces in Iran.
Most of the pubs and bars are located within the Fountain Square and are usually open till the last order. There are several English pubs, among them "Chaplins", "Shakespeares", "Finigans" and the "Rig bar", and one International, "Phoenix Bar" which tends to be the liveliest bar in town,especially at weekends. There is also a Jazz Club. The Baku International Jazz Festival is organized annually.
Notable beaches include Shikhovo and "One Thousand and One Nights".