Now 20 January has become a national holiday of deep emotional meaning. Formerly the V.I. Lenin palace of culture, this concrete and glass building faces a square with gardens and fountains and the red tower of the National Bank of Azerbaijan. The Republic palace can seat an audience of 2000. Its contruction dates from the 1970s, with a desing by architects V.Shulgin and E. Melkhisedekov. During the summer some self-styled entrepreneurs clean parts of the beach and charge and admission fee of a fee manats.
Many vendors offer assorted drinks and food.
In the low season Shikhov is a good place for relaxing walks or some jogging on the sand.