best place to visit baku

• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Baku, Azerbaijan

Situated on the Caspian Sea, the Azerbaijani capital of Baku combines a Medieval old town with an ultramodern skyline, bringing together Persian, Turkic, Soviet and European influences. With the city’s best attractions ranging from scaling 18th-century skyscrapers to exploring its very own Little Venice, the Azerbaijani capital has something for everyone.

1. icheri sheher (baku’s old city).

Historical Landmark

Baku’s UNESCO-listed fortified old city was the Medieval capital under the Shirvanshahs. Today, it’s the capital’s historic heart and home to the Maiden Tower, traditional carpet weavers and a plethora of bars and restaurants . Visiting traders in eras past often referred to Icheri Sheher as the Acropolis of Baku.

2. Maiden Tower

Building, Memorial

3. Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

5. Nizami Street

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark, Shopping Mall

Named after the Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, the 3.5-kilometre-long (2.2-mile-long) Nizami Street forms Baku’s main shopping district. As you stroll along its length, pay close attention to the architecture, which moves from Baroque and Neo-Gothic to Neo-Renaissance facades and Stalinist styles.

6. Government House

7. Fountain Square

8. Flame Towers

9. National Flag Square

National Flag Square marks the western end of Baku Boulevard. Officially opening in 2007, the square is a symbol of national pride. The giant flag, which measures 70m × 35m (230ft × 115ft) on a flagpole standing 162m (531ft) tall, was featured in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest flagpole, but Baku’s efforts were overtaken in 2011 by the 165m (541ft) Dushanbe Flagpole in Tajikistan.

10. Baku Boulevard

11. Mini-Venice

12. Teze Pir Mosque

13. Baku Funicular

Train Station

14. Ismailiyya Palace

15. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

16. Palace of Happiness

17. Caspian Sea Cruise

18. Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

19. Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature

Building, Museum

20. Bilgah Beach

Natural Feature

To combine exploring history and culture with a seaside break, head 35km (22mi) northeast of Baku to Bilgah. Here, you’ll find a clean, sandy beach – the ideal spot to take a dip in the Caspian Sea. Admission is free, but you have to pay a small fee to use the sunbeds.

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Guides & Tips

Transport in baku: getting around in the azerbaijani capital.

See & Do

The 9 best museums to visit in baku, azerbaijan.

The 10 Best Things To Do in Baku, Azerbaijan

Food & Drink

9 classic azerbaijani dishes and the best places to try them in baku.

The Best Live Music Venues in Baku, Azerbaijan

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The 10 best bars in baku, azerbaijan.

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The 10 Best Restaurants in Baku, Azerbaijan

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The 10 BEST Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From exploring the 12th century fortifications of Old City to enjoying the sight of the world famous Flame Towers, these are just some of the  best things to do in Baku .

Azerbaijan’s capital, dubbed by Lonely Planet   as “the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai”, is one of the fastest changing cities in the world.

Dilapidated alleyways are now bustling with hipster cafes and international restaurants. The Flame Towers are a marvel of modern architecture. Millennials wander the streets dressed in the latest high-end fashion.

Yet Baku is not without its charm either.

At the centre of Baku lies the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounding this time capsule are stone mansions and luxury boutiques. The blend of the old and new works effortlessly.

There are a lot of tourist attractions around the city. The city is rapidly expanding and you will find many things to do in Baku to keep yourself busy and entertained.

Table of Contents

Do A Walking Tour Of The Baku Old City

See the bibi heybat mosque, climb up the maiden tower, visit the mud volcanoes at gobustan national park, check out the flame towers, wander through the azerbaijan carpet museum, don’t miss the palace of the shirvanshahs, admire the ateshgah fire temple, see the old city walls, pop in to the miniature book museum, where to stay in baku, our guide for the best things to do in baku.

We spent a few days in the capital of Azerbaijan after travelling across the Caspian Sea by cargo ship, and after so much time spent in Central Asia, the step into European style was quite dramatic.

If you’re planning on taking a trip to Azerbaijan, don’t miss these amazing things to do in Baku.

Old City or “Icharishahar”, is one of Azerbaijan’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites . It’s truly a unique, historical part of Azerbaijan and is located within the heart of Baku.

The Old City is very clean and recently renovated. It’s a very beautiful and very artful town, surrounded by fortressed walls, adding to the character.

Walk through its cobblestone streets, see and touch the stones of the ancient walls, zigzag through narrow corridors and admire the intricate art on the doors.

The Old City of Baku has a lot to offer. The town has a lot of aged buildings, a palace complex, mosques and the iconic Maiden Tower.

Across from the Maiden Tower you can book an audio tour that will elaborate on the main sightseeing points of Old City.

We always suggest a guided tour because we prefer to ask locals questions and hear the story of their hometown through their eyes.

It’s a great place to wander around. There are a lot of souvenir vendors, great tea shops and restaurants. With a beautiful view of the boulevard, picturesque moments of merchants playing chess or backgammon, interesting trinkets being sold – you won’t get tired even after hours of exploring.

It’s truly a place where time seems to have stopped.

No matter who you turn to for advice on what to see in Baku, Old City will always be the top recommendation!

The Bibi Heybat Mosque is one of the most interesting things to do in Baku, and even non-Muslims will enjoy exploring this wonderful piece of architecture.

The present day structure is from July, 1998, and is a recreation of the mosque that was built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II.

Today’s restored mosque is a classic example of the Shirvan architectural school. Interestingly enough, it is the only religious building that was completely destroyed by Stalin in 1936.

It has three domes, which follows the traditional iron shape of the old mosque and two minarets. The domes are decorated with turquoise and green mirrors, that are bordered with gilded inscriptions from the Qur’an.

The mosque includes the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum (Prophet Muhammad’s descendant), and present day serves as a spiritual centre for and a major monument of Azerbaijan’s Islamic architecture.

You are welcome to visit outside of prayer times.

To make the most of your day, book a guided 5-hour tour where you will go to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Gobustan before continuing on to Bibi Heybet Mosque and mud volcanoes!

• Location: 6 km southwest from Baku
• Opening hours: 24h/7
• Price: Free of charge

While in Baku you cannot miss climbing on top of Azerbaijan’s most recognised landmark, and the centre of the city’s historical importance.

The Maiden Tower, or as locals call it Giz Galasi , is located in the Old City and is constantly surrounded by a hive of activity from locals and tourists alike.

It was built in the 12 th century as part of the walled city of Baku. The name Giz Galasi is better translated as “Virgin Tower”, so named because of its impenetrability.

The Maiden Tower is part of UNESCO’s world heritage listing, looped in with the Old City and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace.

Climb the Maiden’s Tower just before sunset and enjoy the panoramic view of the Azerbaijan capital and its Old City – it’s a Baku must see!

• Location: in Old City district
• Opening hours: every day from 9 AM – 6 PM
• Price: 15 AZN

The other of Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Gobustan National Park, that attracts thousands of tourists annually.

This otherworldly site is a sprawling field speckled with bubbling mud volcanos, anthropological sites and sizzling lakes.

In Azerbaijan there are around 300 mud volcanoes to be found at the shore, in the sea and on islands. That’s about 30% of the world’s total, and is a main reason people choose to visit Azerbaijan.

Grab the opportunity to visit the Gobustan National Museum and learn all about the history of petroglyphs, see ancient human bones or work tools from the Mesolithic period.

To get to Gobustan National Park from Baku head to the Maiden Tower and take bus number 88 or 120 to the ‘Field of 20’ stop, then change for bus number 195 the rest of the way.

Alternatively you can book a day tour with Viator, which is actually quite a good way to see the the mud volcanos.

The Flame Towers are located on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the Old City. It’s an iconic trio of buildings that transformed the image of the city from a forgotten place to modern day Baku.

Not only does it transforms the city’s skyline, but it also pays respect to Baku’s history and predicts its strong future.

The design of the towers was inspired by Azerbaijan’s historical past of fire worship amongst locals. The buildings are shaped in a form of a flame, and are completely covered with LED screens that present movements of a fire.

From almost anywhere in the city you can see the Flame Towers, which dominate the new skyline.

Our tip is to visit the TV tower that is situated above – you will encounter the most stunning view!

• Location: 1A Mehdi Huseyn 1A Mehdi Huseyn
• Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 10 PM
• Price: free of charge

In Azerbaijan and nearby Central Asia, carpet weaving occupies a special place in the history of its national culture.

Definitively the most widespread folk art is carpet weaving. It was a part of everyday life of Azerbaijanis and turned into a national symbol.

The carpets have a high aesthetic and historic importance, so they’re also used to cover the walls and floors of homes, nomads’ tents, mosques and government buildings as well.

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was set up in 1967. Besides the obvious carpets, it also holds in possession over 10,000 objects such as ceramics, metal works, and jewellery dating from the Bronze Age etc.

The museum is primarily used for research, keeping and displaying carpets and carpet items, as well as applied art works.  

• Location: 28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Prospekti
• Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday – Sunday from 10 AM – 8 PM
• Price: 7 AZN

An important piece of Azerbaijani history is Shirvanhahs’ Palace, which was built in 15 th  century by the Shirvanshah kingdom.

The Shirvanshahs were the rulers of Shirvan, the name of the land that now occupies modern-day Azerbaijan. Being the leaders, they of course had to build an epic palace to call home.

Their Palace, alongside the Maiden Tower and the Old City, is bunched together in Baku’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

The sandstone complex is significant for the situation inside the Old City, which is located behind the fortress walls that were built by the same kingdom in the 12 th century, right around the time Baku became the capital.

That is the main reason why the architecture of the Old City is similar in emphasising the art of medieval Islamic civilisation.

The Palace consists of a palace building, the mausoleum of the King Khalilullah buried with his mother and sons, two mosques, east gate (Murad’s Gate) , bath house (“hammam”) and Sufi philosopher and scientist Sayid Yahya Bakuvi’s mausoleum.

It was restored in 2003, and now you can enjoy couple of entertaining audio-visual surprises.

• Location: Gasr, lane 1, 76, Sabail
• Opening hours: every day from 10 AM – 6 PM
• Price: 8.50 AZN

Zoroastrianism and their belief in fire worship is a fascinating religion that can be found all over Asia, and their Temples of Eternal Fire are quite well known.

In a small suburb of Baku, one of their temples still exists today and is one of most popular Baku tourist attractions.

The temple in its present state was constructed around the 17th-18th centuries, and was built by the Baku-based Hindu community.

The area is known for a unique natural phenomenon – burning natural gas outlets. That means that the underground gas coming up to the surface lights up as it makes contact with oxygen.

For that reason the temple quickly became the holy place of Zoroastrians – the fire worshipers. They thought that the inextinguishable fire had mystic properties so they flocked to the temple to worship the relic.

In the early 19th century the Temple acquired its present-day appearance.

The Fire Temple has a pentagonal structure with a castellation and entrance portal. The altar is situated right at the natural gas vent, a well from which beat eternally burning gas accompanied by four smaller flames on the rooftop corners of the pavilion.

• Location: 20 kilometres east of Icheri Sheher
• Price: 2 AZN

The Old City Walls are built on a site that has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period. The Old City of Baku reveals traces of Sasanian, Arabic, Zoroastrian, Persian, Ottoman, Russian and Shirvani presence in cultural continuity, making it one of the most culturally fascinating places in the region.

Today the walls still stand, and it’s very impressive to see how much of the Inner City’s 12 th  century defensive walls have remained.

Boasting a triple row of fortress walls, the Maiden Tower and other fortification facilities, the Old City was a magnificent stronghold.

It’s very impressive to navigate within its walls and see how the urban pattern of the city acts as a maze. It’s stunning architecture makes it one of the more popular Baku attractions.

The large squares and wide length streets gradually narrow and shrink into a geometric design which in the past, allowed full involvement of residents in defensive activities.

The only one of its kind in the world, the Miniature Book Museum was opened in 2002 by Zarifa Saahova. The dedicated bibliophile opened the museum in hopes to inspire young generations to read more, and he’s doing a great job.

The museum holds thousands of miniature-sized books, including editions of works of Dostoyevsky, Pushkin, Chukovsky and Gogol.

The books are from all parts of the world, and are written in numerous languages, including Russian, Azeri, German and English.

The oldest book in the museum is a copy of the Quran, dating to the 17th century, while the smallest tome (6mm x 9mm) is the Russian book “The Most Miraculous Thing,” which can only be read by using a magnifying glass.

Don’t miss out on the Miniature Book museum as it’s one of the unique things to see in Baku.

• Address: Icheri Sheher 67, 1-st Castle Lane, 67
• Opening hours: every day from 11 AM – 5 PM (closed on Mondays & Thursdays)

Baku Travel Guide

Doing reading on what to do in Baku can be time consuming, as well as researching on what areas are best to stay in Baku.

We have created the list of places to visit in Baku as well as a guide where to stay, in order to aid you make the most out of your Baku sightseeing experience.

For many affluent visitors to the city, the best place to stay in Baku is the iconic Flame Towers , which is under the famous Fairmont umbrella.

It’s luxurious, unique, and if it fits in your budget well worth to stay, although they are a bit far from the centre of town. Still if you’re happy taking taxis, this is an excellent place to stay. Book it on Booking.com

If you want the absolute best accommodation in Baku then check out the Four Season s for unparalleled service and quality in the city.

More of a hostel kind of person? Then don’t miss the options on HostelWorld.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hello Alesha and Jarryd your article is really helpful. I am planning to visit Baku in the 2nd week of December this year. did you visit Guba and Gabala. how many days are enough to see all these places in Baku? kindly refer to hotel names that are pocket friendly and in range of center of city.

Hi Taz, so glad the article was helpful for you. Unfortunately we didn’t get to Guba and Gabala. We would like to go back to Azerbaijan one day and explore this country more. We feel maybe 3 days would be a great amount of time. As for hotels, we are not too sure with that one. Google would be your best friend with that one. There is a lot to see and learn. Have a wonderful time and happy travels.

Nice and helpful article. i am planning to visit solo next month from October 8 to October 13.

That is exciting. Have a great time in Azerbaijan. 🙂

This blog was extremely helpful. I’m planning a trip in two weeks and I have made a note of all the things listed here for things to do in Baku.

Just one question, is the day city tour good or the night city tour or should we do both?

Thank you !

So glad you found this article helpful. It can depends on your schedule or timing. Either is great. If you have the time do both and see two different sides of Baku. Happy travels

hi Alesha and Jarryd am visiting Baku on 28th May…I would like to know whether we can walk through the old city at night after 8pm?…We are 3…me my daughter(12yrs) and my son(21yrs)….is it safe?

Waiting for your reply

Best Regards,

When we were there we did walk around at that time to dinner and the long way back to the hotel. We felt fine and did not feel in danger at all. It is all up to you and your gut feeling. Ask your hotel when you get there and see what they think. Have a great trip.

I am planning to go on 17 may .

Have a great time. 🙂

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading

Thank you for great tips. We will be heading Baku the most likely at the end of this summer 🙂

Thank you for reading and have a great time in Baku. 🙂

I really love Icherishahr and carpet museum in Baku.It was so fantastic.

Glad you had a great time. It is a great city. 🙂

I seen your baku post, Its really amazing . Thanks for sharing.

Thank you 🙂

Mud Volcanoes At Gobustan are beautiful!

Hi Mina, we missed out on the mud volcanos. We were on the boat crossing the Caspian Sea too long and our visa days ran out. We will have to return one day. 🙂

Hi Alesha & Jarryd; Your article is extremely helpful in planning and deciding upon my list of things to do in Baku. We have just 5 days and your article helped me a lot to shortlist my sights. Thanks a lot. Stay happy and blessed.

Hi Sammina, thank you so much. So glad you found the article helpful. Have a great time there. Happy travels. 🙂

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Things to do in Baku in 3 days – A complete guide

By Joan Torres 19 Comments Last updated on December 19, 2023

Until very recently, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was a real off-the-beaten-track destination only known by the most intrepid travelers.

Pierce Brosnan, in the James Bond movie The world is not enough , was the first person who finally told us about its existence, when he showed images of some oil fields right in the desert plains around Baku.

Those images, however, didn’t really trigger any interest in the country, as people thought that, perhaps, Baku was not very different from the Arab Gulf monarchies, which was a really wrong approach.

Whereas it is true that Baku is an oil-rich city and, in fact, Azerbaijan was the top world exporter at the beginning of the 20th century, many years before the Gulf monarchies discovered the black gold, on the other hand, it is also a city with a very deep history, belonging to a region which has been inhabited for thousands of years, besides having an important role in the Silk Road , as well as, of course, being part of the USSR for nearly a century.

Nevertheless, thanks to exponential development, Baku today is an almost futuristic city that manages to combine both tradition and modernity, two elements that can be seen together all across the city.

After visiting Baku on two occasions, here is a complete Baku travel guide with all the best  things to do in Baku in 3 days, including plenty of travel tips.

For more places to visit in the country, read my complete itinerary to Azerbaijan

In this Baku travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Where to stay
• How to move around
• What to do in Baku
• Where to eat
• More information

Insurance for traveling in Baku I strongly recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 coverage + 5% discount BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Introduction to traveling to Baku

From the end of the 19th century, Baku has been a global leader in oil exportation and has been growing at full speed, but it was only after the dissolution of the USSR and Azerbaijan’s post-independence, that this development was accelerated, Baku became a futuristic and modern city, perfectly comparable to European standards.

However, due to the obvious corruption, or preferably, bad resource management, this development has been exclusively focused on the capital, to the extent that its contrast with the second largest city, Ganja, where you can still find unpaved streets in the city center, is huge.

The capital of Azerbaijan is a luxurious city, a  Dubai -like-concept but with a real soul, meaning that, in the city center, you can find a Rolls Royce official store and the most luxury brand stores, along with buildings and mosques from the 12th century.

Going to Tbilisi? Check out my city guide to Tbilisi

Baku is, definitely, the most developed city in the Caucasus (including Armenia and Georgia ) but, in my humble opinion, this development is economic, not social.

Whereas, in its neighbor Georgia , many young people are quickly learning European values, in Baku, even though they are a rich and supposedly secular city, people are much more traditional, and you will quickly realize when you only see men hanging out in most places, people not speaking English and, overall, people being more closed-minded.

However, visiting Baku is totally worth it and not only due to its eccentric composition but also because it is a real blend of Europe, the East, and the Soviet Union, so, so chaotic, that it’s practically impossible to define it, and that’s the most exciting thing about it.

Visa for visiting Baku

From January 2016, you can  apply for an e-visa to visit Baku.

The visa costs 25 USD, takes 3 working days and is valid for 30 days.

For 50 USD, you can also apply for an urgent visa and get it on the same day.

All Western nationalities are eligible for the e-visa but you can check the full country list here .

Where to stay in Baku

Backpackers Hostel – Sahil Hostel – The busiest hostel in town, as it is really cheap, plus everything is brand-new and very clean. A nice place to meet other travelers, it also has private rooms.

Budget Guest House –  Khazar Old City Guest House – If you want to stay in a traditional house, in the heart of the old city, this is the most highly recommended.

Mid-range Hotel –  Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel – The top well-rated boutique hotel in town is a traditional building in the old part of Baku.

Top-end – Four Seasons –  Located downtown, this is the best 5-star hotel in Baku. The building where is it built is a real landmark, by the way.

Transportation – How to move around Baku

Moving around baku by taxi.

In order to avoid bargaining with taxi drivers, I recommend you use Uber and short taxi rides costing around 2-3AZN (1.20 – 1.70USD), so moving around by taxi is also a feasible way to check all the places to visit in Baku. Apparently, Yandex isn’t available anymore.

Moving around Baku by metro

There are two metro lines and a single ticket costs 0.30AZN (18¢). However, first, you have to get a metro top-up card which costs 2AZN (1.20USD).

Alternatively, you can buy a single-use metro card, which you can only top-up once and costs 0.20AZN (12¢).

Moving around Baku by bus

There is a modern bus network but you will have to know where you are going. The price is the same as in the metro.

How to get from and to the airport

How to get from baku city center by bus.

There are buses going and coming to the airport every 20 or 30 minutes, all day long. They drop you off in downtown, in front of 28th May metro station. A single ticket costs 1.30AZN (75¢) and it also works with the metro card.

How to get from Baku city center by taxi

With Uber, a taxi ride costs around 10AZN (5.90USD).

For generic info about moving around the country, read the transportation section of this guide.

Things to do in Baku in 3 days

In 3 days, you can cover most things to do in Baku, including a day trip to visit the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs of Qobustan .

If you are interested in all the tours offered in Baku, as well as day trips from Baku, there is a large offer of tours that can be booked online. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Map of the places to visit in Baku

What to do in Baku on day 1

The first day Baku itinerary is quite optimistic but, if you plan well ahead, I think you can manage it.

Baku Old City

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the walls of the Old City mark the boundaries of where the city used to extend.

Its oldest building is claimed to date from the 11th century, although some historians think that it might belong to the 7th.

As in any old city, the best you can do is getting lost among its entangled streets but there are a few buildings which are must-visits, like Maiden Tower , one of the most iconic buildings in the country, which is even printed in one of their notes.

The tower contains a museum that shows the historical evolution of Baku and you can also climb to the top to enjoy some of the best views in the city. Going to the top costs 10AZN (5,90USD).

The other building which you can’t miss is the Shirvanshas Palace , whose main attraction is a stunning mosque from the 15th century. The  Shirvanshas is the dynasty that ruled the region for nearly 700 years, from the 9th to the 16th century.

From all the things to do in Baku, the Old City is, certainly, the most interesting one.

Do you want to visit the Old City of Baku with a professional guide? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

The Carpet Museum

In my opinion, the cool part about the Carpet Museum is not getting in, as the outside is much more awesome than inside. Jokes aside. If you are interested in Persian carpets, just go ahead but, if not, the coolest thing is to take pictures at the waving walls that are trying to imitate a carpet.

Read: Everything you need to know to travel to Georgia

The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are the three flame-shaped skyscrapers which managed to link Baku to the concept of futurism by themselves.

To be honest, they are only 182 meters high but, due to their position, in the upper part of Baku, they are visible from anywhere.

You can get there on foot through some stairs that go along a beautiful park. There is a funicular at the bottom of the park but I always found it closed.

The towers were finished in 2012 and, besides showing off, their main purpose is to accommodate pretentious businesses like Fairmont Hotel , one of the top hotels in the city, a Lamborghini dealer store, and I don’t know what other posh stuff.

The oil extractors

This place is off the main tourist trail but, if you are interested in checking out some perfectly functional oil drillers, this is your chance.

They are not very far and, actually, you can get there on foot from the Flame Towers. They are just behind the TV tower (you can see the exact location on the map), from where you can also enjoy pretty cool views of the city and the bay.

By the way, if you get down to the seaside, you will pass by a very poor neighborhood of Baku, which clearly shows the huge social inequality that rules in this country.

Taza Pir Mosque

A one-hundred-year-old mosque, even though it was built on a place that used to serve as a sanctuary from the 15th century.

To be honest, this isn’t an outstanding mosque but, for me, the most interesting part was to see the other face of Azerbaijan, which is the face of Azerbaijani men worshipping and showing their faith to Islam.

Like all the Muslim ex-Soviet countries, the Government of Azerbaijan is secular but, its main peculiarity is that, unlike the rest of the world, the most religious people are the young ones and not the elderly that lived in the Soviet Union, as Islam is only now coming into fashion. When I was traveling in Uzbekistan , I also observed a similar situation.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Another pretty cool thing to do in Baku is visiting the futuristic building whose architect is the deceased Iraqi-British woman Zaha Hadid .

With its surrealistic and almost impossible curved walls, this building is a perfect sample of innovation and modern art.

Its surroundings are filled with super weird statues, like giant rabbits and snails, apart from the classic I Love Baku .

The building accommodates different types of temporary exhibitions. The entrance fee costs 15AZN (9USD).

Museum of Miniature Books

If you have the time, you can also visit the museum that has the World Guinness Record for the largest collection of miniature books, including the 3 smallest books ever, measuring 2mmx2mm, which can only be seen using a microscope.

Like me, you may be thinking that those mini-books don’t make a lot of sense, basically because you can’t read them, but they originate in an ancient Persian tradition.

Fountain Square and the rest of downtown

Composed of the most fashionable shops, restaurants, bars, hipster cafés, parks and so on, I recommend you finish your day in downtown, in the area around Fountain Square, the place where all the local people gather to hang out.

What to do in Baku on day 2

Yasil market.

I bumped into this market by mere chance and then I found out that it is very famous among locals, but I didn’t see any tourists.

Yasil is a traditional market which has been restored as per Baku modern standards. It is a typical fruit and vegetable market and everything sold is seasonal.

I was lucky enough to visit Baku in October, the pomegranate season, the symbol of Azerbaijan.

Almost all stalls were filled with pomegranates and they were selling freshly squeezed juice for just 1AZN (60¢).

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Did you know that Azerbaijan was formerly called The Land of Fire ?

From the 12th century, tales from travelers wandering this region mentioned the existence of several magic fires found across the area.

They thought those fires were magic because they burnt continuously without any wood but, what they didn’t know is that the fire was coming from natural underground gas fields.

Yanar Dag is one of those fires which is still burning, even though the fire is artificial today, as it was extinguished after they discovered an oil reserve next to it in the 19th century.

How to get there – Yanar Dag is outside of the city. To get there, you will have to catch the 147 bus from Azadliq metro station. Alternatively, you could also get there by Uber, which is easier, quicker and won’t cost you much.

Fire Temple Ateshgah

In the 18th century, a merchant traveler was so fascinated by one of those flames that he decided to build a worshipping temple on it.

How to get there – The temple is very close to the airport and the 184 bus passes close to it.

What to do in Baku on Day 3

Day trip to qobustan to see the petroglyphs and the mud volcanoes.

During the Stone Age, around 15,000 years ago, when the Caspian Sea waters were higher and the region was completely green and fertile, a bunch of hunters decided to settle in some caves in the area.

These caves were decorated with their own art style and more than 600 petroglyphs were drawn, many of them still being in very good conditions. Today, these paintings have become one of the best places to visit in Baku.

For more information, read my article about the petroglyphs of Qobustan (it includes prices and how to get there).

Moreover, if you are interested, you can also visit some volcanoes that expel mud , which have become a real tourist attraction. They are very close to the petroglyphs and you can only go by car.

If you want to make things easier and go with a guide, there’s this tour targeting the petroglyphs + mud volcanoes + an ancient mosque from the area. I think it’s worth it. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOUR

Where to eat in Baku

Here are my restaurant recommendations (all places are frequented by locals).

Budget – Xezer Restaurant – Local eatery serving traditional food.

Gourmet fast food – Gourmet Pendir & Chorek – The first national fast-food chain in Azerbaijan serves good quality local sandwiches and stuff like that.

Fine dining – Sumakh – A local fancy restaurant serving high-quality food and awesome service.

More information for visiting Baku

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

Tours – Here you can see a big bunch of tours in Baku, as well as day trips from Baku.

SIM Card – You will need one, especially to move around by Uber. I recommend Azercell. You can buy a SIM Card in many mobile stores but you should go to the official store of Azercell, as you will be charged the real price. There is a big one in Fountain Square.

All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination

• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Best Hostels in Baku
• Qobustan Petroglyphs and Sovietism
• Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Itinerary

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

These were my top recommendations for what to do in Baku. If you know of any other places to visit in Baku, kindly let us know in the comments section. 

19 comments

I never went to the oil extractors and i wish i had thought about that! One thing i think you should have mentioned though is the beautiful designs of some of the metro stations 🙂

oh yes, the stations were pretty nice indeed 🙂

Hey Joan, I love this travel guide to Baku very much, very detailed, thank you 🙂 I have a question: is it safe to take photos of the petrol extractors? I mean, I am pretty sure that in some countries they would not like people to sniff around them, for several reasons. I have been living in several countries in the Arab Gulf, and I am pretty sure that you would not be allowed to take photos of them. I would not even try it! Thank you and keep up the good work!

Hey Marc, thank you for your email. You can’t really compare it to the Gulf because the Gulf petrol areas are very deep into the desert and they are in restricted areas. The ones in Baku are in the suburbs of the city, some of them located right next to houses, meaning that the area is not restricted at all. Does this mean that you can take a photo of them? Well, I don’t know, but I have been there twice and there wasn’t official surveillance at all. I only saw a few workers roaming around who didn’t really care about my presence.

I was in the oil field at Romanov, 40 minutes outside Baku a few days ago. There is surveillance and locals keeping an eye open. When we were about to leave the oil field a company car came at high speed and they men in the car screamed that taking photos was forbidden. They was quite aggressive. I had the camera under my jacket, else they probably would have demanded that I delete the photos. My Azerian father in law explained that the oil companies are concerned about making the pollution too exposed in these days of social media.

wow, thanks for sharing your experience, Michael!

Very useful information, keep up the good work ! very well done !

Hi, I am reading over and again – to prepare for our short visit coming up to Baku. Just so you know, the visa is now good for 90 days. Any thoughts on survival guide for vegetarians (no egg, fish, meat, chicken, in short no animal food of any kind) who can take milk, yoghurt?

Hi Vasu, the visa is valid for 30 days. I just re-checked the official e-visa portal and there are no changes. I think you are confused because it says that you can travel for 30 days within a 90 days period but you can’t exceed those 30 days.

I am not a vegetarian, so I can’t really give you many tips. They don’t have a very vegan cuisine but I remember that most menus had salads and some eggplant-based dishes.

I cannot see the map for places to visit in Baku.

Maybe it is a problem of your browser

Thank u very much for valuable informatin you prensent for us.Baku,s weather,s more pleasent and mild and than dubai.Baku is the capital of Azeebayjan, İt,s people are turk, it was colonized by soviet 101 years ago, but they,re not russion. Thank u every body★)

Joan – your guide has proved very useful while I have been in Baku. Just to say that Azerbaijan appear to have got on board with 2-tier foreign tourist / local prices for their main sites: Maidens Tower and The Palace now both 15 Manat to access; Fire Temple Ateshgah 4 Manat & Yanar Dag 9 Manat. The Quobastan Petroglyphs were 10 Manat – but as the museum staff picked me up in their bus to take me to the site from Baku I am quids in on that one 😀

Hey Andrew, glad you found it useful and thanks for the price updates 🙂

Hi, iam planning to travel with Family December first week,. Can you please advise us as we want to see snow filled area. Can we have one day trip from Baku to hill stations. Thank you

Hi Yes, you can go to the area around Quba

Hi Joan, thank you for the amazing work! I am flying to Azerbaijan in a few days and your guide is of great help. I wonder if you have ever visited Sumqayit polluted areas and/or poor neighborhoods (slums) in Baku? I know that “Shangai” has been demolished but I am sure there are still deprived areas of the same kind. Any idea about that?

Hi Isabelle. I did walk through some slums (by pure coincidence) when I was walking around the TV tower, very close to it, but I don’t know the name of those slums

“Wow, this guide on things to do in Baku is absolutely fantastic! I recently had the opportunity to spend 3 days in this vibrant city, and this blog provided me with an incredible list of activities and attractions to make the most of my trip. From exploring the historic Old City and its charming narrow streets to visiting the iconic Flame Towers for breathtaking panoramic views, there was never a dull moment. I especially loved indulging in the local cuisine and trying out traditional Azerbaijani dishes at the various restaurants recommended in the article. Thanks to this comprehensive guide, I had an unforgettable experience in Baku and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting destination to visit!”

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Wander-Lush

15 Things to Do in Baku Old City: Guide to Visiting the Historic Icherisheher

Baku’s historic core, the walled Old City or Icherisheher , is a must-visit in Azerbaijan. This guide to Baku Old City shows you 15 things you absolutely can’t miss, plus practical tips for planning your visit.

Baku is a city of superlatives. Surrounded by soaring skyscrapers, sprawling shopping malls, ultramodern civic buildings and the Bulvar – soon to be the world’s largest public park – the walled Old City, the Icherisheher (or Baku Icheri Sheher ) is the relatively humble heart of the Azerbaijani capital.

The Azerbaijan Old City is one of the country’s most important historical places and a must-do when you’re planning what to see in Baku .

I will never forget the first moment I stepped inside the Old City gates and crossed the threshold from New Baku to the old-world walled city of Baku. I was fresh off the overnight train from Tbilisi , and I had no idea what to expect .

In that moment, it felt as if the train had whisked me not only across a state border, but also across a continent, from Europe to Asia. Walking through the Old City streets , I got the impression that I had been transported from present day back to the time of the Silk Road .

A city within a city, Baku Old Town is an oval-shaped pocket of curving roads, grand palaces and mosques, and the sunken ruins of old hammams and caravanserais.

Flash hotels, restaurants and Christian Dior boutiques sit side by side with silver merchants and carpet vendors who have been trading their wares on these streets for centuries.

In the Old Town bakeries, men carve up trays of glistening amber baklava while in the cafes, women roll fat dolma , a traditional Azerbaijani food . Inside tea houses , endless streams of chai cascade from pewter pots into little glasses, while outside, kids sit on the back stairs doing their homework while their mothers hang washing from lines strung between balconies.

Icherisheher is one of the must-see historical places in Azerbaijan and one of my favourite places in the Caucasus region . Here is my list of 15 things you absolutely can’t miss in Baku Old City.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

History of Icherisheher

The Old City is located in the southern part of Baku and is part of the Sabayil neighbourhood. It backs directly onto the Bulvar, the park and promenade that runs along the Caspian Sea.

The Icherisheher ( İçəri Şəhər , literally ‘Inner City’), is separated from the rest of Baku by a long, curved wall. In the past, there were two main gates, but now there are several openings where pedestrians and cars can pass through.

The oldest part of Baku, the Old City was first settled some time between the 7th and 12th centuries. This is when most of the major landmarks, including the Palace and Maiden Tower, were erected.

People have always lived, worked, studied and prayed within the Baku Old City walls. Much like Istanbul or the Ottoman-designed part of Skopje , it was designed to be a completely self-sufficient community.

Later in its history, the area was divided up into 10 quarters, each for a different profession (clergymen, oil workers, ship builders, etc.) and their families.

Baku started to outgrow its old walls, and the city’s new wealth saw many grand European-style buildings erected on its periphery. Like many places in the US (for example, admiring the oil-boom Art Deco architecture is one of the best things to do in Tulsa , the oil capital of the world), Baku was endowed with some magnificent landmarks during the oil boom years.

Meanwhile, fortifications and canon towers defended the Old City from invasion. When Baku was occupied by Russian forces, Baroque and Gothic-style apartment buildings were built inside the Old City, changing its face forever.

Domed bath houses lay empty; sandstone caravanserais were transformed into taverns. Courtyards and secret passageways, sunken gardens and hammams were laid to waste. Relics of Zoroastrianism, which once thrived in oil-rich Baku, were replaced first with chapels then with mosques, madrasses and mausoleums.

The Icherisheher is layered with religious, political and cultural significance. The entire history of Baku can be read in its stone walls.

In 2000, the Old City was the first place in Azerbaijan to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Along with Sheki , which was inscribed in 2019, it represents one of the region’s most valuable urban landscapes.

With formal recognition and a corresponding influx of international visitors, Azerbaijan has doubled down on its efforts to preserve the Old City’s historic sandstone buildings.

Where to stay in Baku

If it’s your first time in Baku, I highly recommend choosing a hotel located inside or close to the walls of the atmospheric Old City.

TOP CHOICE: Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.5). Located within the Old Town walls, 5 minutes from Maiden Tower, this cute hotel has tidy rooms with balconies and a rooftop terrace. Breakfast is served in a quirky dining room decorated with Caucasian carpets.

BUDGET: Cth Baku Hostel (⭐ 9.2). Located in the popular student neighbourhood of Yasamal, west of the Old City and just footsteps from Nazimi Metro Station, this hostel has budget-friendly private rooms with shared bathrooms and comfortable communal spaces for socialising.

MID-RANGE: Centric Baku Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.8). Located just outside the Old City walls close to the National Museum, this modern, stylish hotel has chic rooms with city views. A terrific breakfast is included.

HIGH-END: The Merchant Baku (⭐ 9.6). Located right on the old wall, 600m from the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, this opulent hotel has spacious rooms with private balconies and a gorgeous Silk-Road-inspired cocktail lounge.

15 magical things to do in Baku Old City

Encased in the protective embrace of Baku’s Old City walls, happily spend an entire day exploring the area. Small, but there’s a lot to do, especially if you enjoy getting lost on backstreets and practicing your street photography .

Here are 15 things you absolutely can’t miss when visiting Icherisheher.

1. Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Built in several stages over several centuries, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is Baku’s most important historic landmark. During the Middle Ages, it served as the seat of power and residence of northeastern Azerbaijan’s ruling family. According to inscriptions, Shirvan Khalil I (1417–1462) commissioned two of the main structures, a tomb and a mosque.

When restorations took place in 2003, the main building of the palace was set aside for a museum. It displays a nice collection of textiles, costumes and artefacts. Leafy gardens link the complex of burial vaults, mausoleums, gates, bath houses and reservoirs. All feature exquisite stonework and fluid inscriptions.

Don’t miss the ornate Palatial mosque (Saray məscidi) or the Divankhana , a separate octagonal building off the main palace courtyard. The exact function of the divankhana is not known, but the intricacies of Islamic design represented in the window frames are very beautiful indeed.

The Palace is open daily from 10am-6pm. Entry costs 15 AZN, and there’s an optional audio guide for an additional 15 AZN.

2. Climb the Maiden Tower

Baku’s most recognisable landmark, the Maiden Tower, has inspired many an Azerbaijani novel, ballet and opera. The structure – and the origins of its name – is shrouded in mystery.

It’s thought that the stone tower was first built by pre-Islamic Zoroastrians to serve as a fire temple and site for sky burials. Today, the tower houses a small museum on Baku history. You can climb spiral staircases all the way to the top to survey the Old City of Baku, the Bulvar, and the Caspian Sea beyond.

The Tower is open from 9am-6pm. Entry costs 15 AZN.

3. Visit the Muhammad Mosque

Built in the 11th Century, the Muhammad Mosque (or Siniggala Mosque) isn’t the city’s biggest or most impressive mosque, but it has come to symbolise Baku.

The minaret was damaged by a Russian shell during the Russo-Persian War. It was never repaired, though – Baku residents insisted it be left to serve as a marker of the city’s courage and defiance.

4. Marvel at the arcades on Bazaar Square

One of the most impressive archaeological sites within Baku Old City, the excavated Bazaar Square lies below street level. From the top, you can peer down on the stony parade that once served as Baku’s main city square.

Climb down the stairs to walk through the stone cloisters with their perfectly symmetrical stone archways. Tombs, carved sculptures and other significant artefacts are displayed in the centre of the square.

5. Trace the Old City walls

The time-worn sandstone wall that encases Baku Old City is an attraction in itself.

Along the western wall, low turrets topped with scalloped stone fringing hold catapults and canons inside, a symbol of the defensive wall’s duty to safeguard the city and its residents from invading armies.

6. Make a grand entrance through Gosha Gala Gapisi

Gosha Gala Gapisi , the Double Gate or Gates of Shah Abbas, once served as the only entrance to Baku Old City. Caravans and traders arriving to seek shelter at the hans and trade their goods in Baku’s streets would have had to pass through these wide, foreboding arches.

Baku’s coat of arms, two lions and a bull’s head, are represented in stone above one of the gates. Just inside the gate, there’s a long, low shopping bazaar selling souvenirs.

7. Have a meal inside one of Baku’s old caravanserais

When Azerbaijan was a hub on the Silk Road, merchants used to refer to the Old City as ‘the Acropolis of Baku’. A plethora of caravanseris or hans , great stone inns with stables, storage rooms and sleeping quarters, were erected in Baku to house traders stopping off on their long journey from East to West.

Some have been reduced to just their bare foundations. Others, including the Multani Caravanserai and Bukhara Caravanserai, have been preserved.

In Sheki in northern Azerbaijan, the biggest caravanserai has been turned into a boutique hotel . In Baku, the caravanserais have been transformed into restaurants and cafes.

Han Restaurant Baku, Karvansaray, Sehrli Təndir and Mugam Club are all located inside old hans. Treat yourself to a meal at one of them for a memorable Baku experience.

8. Track down the Dervish Takyeh

Baku’s Dervish Takyeh was built in the 13th Century on Gazi Muhammed Street, facing towards the Maiden Tower. Throughout its history, it was used as a mosque and a school.

Members of the Dervish sect performed their rituals behind the Takyeh’s closed doors.

9. Get lost in the back alleys

Parts of Icherisheher may look like a museum, but roughly 3,000 people live in apartments and houses inside the Old City walls. One of the most rewarding things to do in Baku Old City is wander up and down the pitched streets, between the little shops and parks.

Sand-coloured buildings rise like dunes as you squeeze through narrow alleys clotted with Ladas and Volgas. You have to crane your neck to appreciate the doorways and windowsills inscribed with cursive script and embossed with Islamic patterns.

Narrow staircases turn into steep streets, barely wide enough for two human bodies to pass. Glass window boxes protrude from some of the buildings, little extensions added on as laundries or breakfast rooms. At night, wrought iron street lamps stretch out like boney fingers holding little globes of light to lead the way. Leafy houseplants, lines of washing and doorways marked with foreign names tell you you’ve wandered into the residential quarter.

Religious ritual is part of the Old City’s living history. Walking around on a Sunday morning, we even saw an animal sacrifice taking place behind the baklava shop.

Remember that parts of the Old City are private property. Be careful not to intrude on anyone’s privacy, especially if you’re taking photos.

10. Learn the story of Baku’s ghir pourers

On one of the Old City streets you’ll see a set of peculiar statues perched on a rooftop. An accompanying placard tells the story of the Icherisheher’s ghir-pourers , to whom the statues are dedicated.

Ghir is a black tar that was traditionally slapped onto the roofs of houses and shops inside the Old City to make them weather-proof. ‘Their job had a secret symbolic meaning,’ the placard says of the ghir-pourers. ‘The hot mixture not only made the roof invulnerable to different weather phenomena, but also fastened the friendship between the houses.’

Apparently ghir-pourers were quite the men about town, striking up conversations with tenants and entertaining the neighbourhood children. It’s a lovely tale that hints at the sense of bounded community you can still feel inside Baku Old City today.

11. Find ‘that photo spot’

The ultra-modern Flame Towers can be spotted from all over Baku. In the Old City, there’s a particular sweet spot where two of the trio are perfectly framed by the stone entrance to a mosque engraved with cursive Arabic script, and a Belle Epoque apartment block in the middle-distance. This iconic image epitomises the East-meets-West, old-meets-new Baku aesthetic that so many travellers (including me) fall in love with.

We got up at the crack of dawn one morning to try and find ‘that photo spot’. After much wandering, we got there eventually. But much to my dismay, there were cars parked in the street even in the earliest hours of the morning!

We stood for a good 20 minutes completely transfixed by the view. I think my photo still turned out OK!

12. Shop for carpets and other souvenirs

If you stroll around the Old City in the early morning, you’ll see vendors setting up their stalls by hanging many-coloured soumaks (flat-weave rugs) and handwoven carpets against the sandstone walls and over railings.

There are dozens of shops in Baku Old City selling Azerbaijan souvenirs. Some specialise in carpets, others trade in silver, antiques, Soviet memorabilia, tea sets, woolly Papakha hats , and a range of other local products. The quality varies and not everything is locally made, so take your time to shop around.

And if you’re heading to Tbilisi or Yerevan next, just remember to leave some room in your bag for a few Armenian souvenirs and Georgian souvenirs , too!

If you’re interested in learning more about Azerbaijan’s carpet weaving heritage, I recommend taking a day trip to see the carpet workshops in Quba .

13. Try Azerbaijani pakhlava

You don’t have to walk far through the Old Town to find a little hole-in-the-wall sweet shop selling sticky pakhlava . Azerbaijan’s national sweet is similar to Turkish baklava, only some versions are less complex and use fewer layers of pastry. One of the most popular renditions, tenbel pakhlava (pictured above), actually translates to ‘lazy pakhlava’!

There are at least half-a-dozen varieties of pakhlava for different regions of Azerbaijan. My personal favourite is Sheki pakhlava, which is flavoured with hazelnuts, cardamom and coriander seeds.

In Baku, pakhlava is prepared in huge trays. After it’s cut into diamond shapes, half a walnut kernel or half an almond gets pressed into each piece. You normally by it by the piece or by the gram – or maybe by the kilogram if you have a particularly sweet tooth!.

14. Visit the Museum of Miniature Books

The only institution of its kind in the world, The Museum of Miniature Books houses several thousand teeny-tiny hardback tomes. The private collection of bibliophile Zarifa Salahova encompasses books penned in Azerbaijani, Russian, German and English, including a few of Shakespeare’s major works, dictionaries, and the smallest book of all, a 17th-century copy of the Quran.

Entry is free but donations are welcome. The museum is open from 11am-5pm (closed Mondays and Thursdays).

15. Vagif Mustafazadeh House Museum

There are some lovely house museums in the Caucasus – my personal favourites are in Yerevan and Gyumri . Baku’s most popular house museum is dedicated to Vagif Mustafazadeh, a jazz-pianist and composer who was born in the city in 1940.

If you’ve never been to a house museum, they’re always a bit quirky. This one is set in the three-room apartment Mustafazadeh shared with his mother, with photographs, records and personal possessions put out on display. The caretaker, Mr Vagif, speaks English and will gladly narrate the artist’s life for you.

The museum is open on weekdays from 9am-6pm. Entry costs 5 AZN.

Baku Old City tours

The best way to experience Icherisheher is by wandering the cobbled back alleys with no particular destination in mind. If it weren’t for glimpses of the Flame Towers and Soviet apartment blocks beyond the Old City’s walls, Icherisheher would feel like a time capsule.

If you’re on a tight schedule or you just prefer to have a guide to show you around, there are a couple of Baku walking tours that cover the Old City:

This six-hour walking tour of the Old City hits all the major must-sees. It includes hotel pick up, but you’ll need to pay for museum tickets and entrance fees separately.

This full-day tour incorporates a wander around the Old City as part of a larger, very comprehensive city tour of Baku. If you only have one day in Baku and you want to see everything, I highly recommend it.

Another option is the Baku Free Walking tour organised by Baku Explorer. It covers part of the Old Town and the area just outside the city wall. English tours depart every day at 10am and 1pm. More information here .

Cafes & restaurants in Old City Baku

Here are a few of the best restaurants in Baku Old City.

• Qaynana Restaurant – One in a cluster of eateries in the Old City’s northern corner. The food is expensive, but the atmosphere and the interior decorations are just magnificent. We really enjoyed eating our first lunch in Baku here – especially since the chef invited me into her kitchen to help stir the pot! Reviews & info here .
• Cay Bagi 145 (Tea Garden 145) – An outdoor tea (and shisha) lounge, with tables nestled amongst the domes of an old bathhouse and views of the Maiden Tower. Reviews & info here.
• Icherisheher Bookhouse & Cafe – A cute laptop friendly coffee house that also serves light snacks and cakes for reasonable prices. Info here .

How to get to the Old City

Baku’s metro system is efficient and easy to use. Simply buy a BakıKART metro card from one of the kiosks inside any metro station and load it with a few manat. The card costs 2 AZN (non-refundable), and a metro fare is 0.30 AZN one-way.

To get to the Old City, take the east-west Red Line to Icherisheher station, which lies just outside the western walls. When you exit the ultra-modern pyramid shaped station building, head east, and you’ll see a gate where you can enter inside.

Alternatively, city buses 6, 18 and 65 stop at Icherisheher St station just south of the metro. You can also use your BakıKART on the bus.

More things to do in Baku beyond the Old City

• Philharmonic Park
• The Heydar Aliyev Center
• Fountains Square
• The Flame Towers
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
• Nizami Street
• Gobustan Mud Volcanoes
• Discover more day trips from Baku here

7 things to pack for Azerbaijan

• An anti-theft backpack. As a general rule, Azerbaijan is a very safe place and petty crime against tourists isn’t really an issue. Still, a good anti-theft day pack is worth having to keep your valuables safe in the city. If you’re having trouble deciding, here are a few of my favourite minimalist backpack designs .
• A scarf for visiting mosques (women). A lightweight cotton scarf is my number one travel item. In Azerbaijan, it will come in extra handy for covering your hair when entering a mosque or for draping over your shoulders when visiting a market or a rural area. This neutral travel scarf goes with anything, and it even has a hidden pocket. Remember the dress code in Azerbaijan is quite conservative – women and men alike should avoid shorts and wear pants or a skirt that covers the knees.
• Walking shoes. From the cobbled streets of Sheki to the hills of Baku and the muddy landscape around Gobustan , you’ll likely be spending a lot of time on your feet in Azerbaijan. Comfy walking shoes are absolutely essential.
• A reusable water bottle. Avoid single-use plastics whenever you can. I love my S’Well water bottle for warm climates because it doesn’t sweat.
• Wine Wings. Should you decide to buy a drinkable souvenir in Azerbaijan, these handy custom-made bottle protectors will keep your vino safe and sound in your luggage. A travel corkscrew and a wine stopper are bound to come in handy, too.
• Entertainment for long bus/train journeys. If you don’t suffer motion sickness, an e-reader is great for passing the time on long bus or train journeys. If you have a travel buddy , pick up a headphone splitter – probably my favourite travel gadget of all time – so you can share a screen or a podcast. Check out my full list of essential items to make a long train or bus journey more comfortable .
• Biodegradable wet wipes. Try this convenient travel pack .

More Azerbaijan travel resources

• My best photos of Azerbaijan
• My guide to Sheki , northern Azerbaijan’s Silk Road gem
• Travelling to Quba to visit Azerbaijan’s carpet workshops
• How to travel around Azerbaijan by bus : A complete guide
• How to take a day trip from Baku to the Gobustan mud volcanoes
• The perfect Georgia Azerbaijan itinerary
• My epic Georgia Armenia Azerbaijan itinerary
• A comprehensive guide to the Baku – Tbilisi night train

Things to do in Baku Old City: Pin it!

Emily, your blog is such a treasure! Thank you for all you do! I read all your posts about Georgia before our visit last year. I learned so many great tips from you that made our journey unforgettable! This year, we are planning to visit Baku and the first thing I did was searching your blog for helpful information and beautiful pictures. I appreciate you and your work! Thank you and happy travels!

Oh thank you so much Svetlana, that’s amazing to hear! I have a new Baku guide and a few more posts on Azerbaijan coming out this month – I hope they will be published in time for your trip!

An excellent and cheap way to get around Baku is by using the Bolt taxi app – an example is Manat 2.50 to get from the old city to the Heyder Aliyev Centre.

But be aware that from the airport to the city most Bolt drivers are scamming (by gaming their app) to quote low prices. Better to negotiate a final price before entering the cab at the airport rather than arguing about the “You will pay …” app figure during or at the end of the ride. Other than that we found the Bolt drivers courteous, friendly and honest.

And thank you for the excellent Azerbaijan guides Emily! PS. We will be heading for the Georgian border (Balakan-Lagodheki) after Sheki to cross by land late September.

Hi Peter and Anne, great to hear from you! Awesome that you’re back in the region. Thanks for the Bolt tip, I used it extensively on my last visit. You find it’s even easier to use in Georgia. Let me know if you are coming to Kutaisi and would like to meet up. Take care!

Many thanks for your phenomenal photos! I am finally going to Baku next week and your photo reports have been truly inspiring. Can’t wait!

I tried to find info about where you stayed in Baku but didn’t see it. Perhaps I am blind or something 😀 Considering your amazing approach to travelling… Could you recommend any accommodation or say where you stayed?

Many thanks, Juras

Cool! Happy to hear that. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17470817

Enjoy Baku 🙂

Baku old city is very nice and beautiful.

Hi!! I wil be travelling to Baku next July! Thank you for this wonderful guide!!! By the way, where is that picture taken? I’ve been looking for it in Google Maps but I couldn’t find it.

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Baku Itinerary

Last Updated on January 24, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Because Azerbaijan is something of an “off the beaten path” destination, finding the ideal information on how to plan a Baku itinerary can be difficult.

Though a small country, Azerbaijan boasts an incredibly diverse climate and a very interesting history dating back thousands upon thousands of years, however, most visitors to this oil-rich nation choose to visit the glitzy capital of Baku.

Not a lot is known about Baku and you would be forgiven for not knowing what there is to do in this grand and bizarre city. However, spending a couple of days in Azerbaijan’s capital is sure to be an experience you will look back upon for years to come and Baku is a city that’s worth visiting.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Baku?

When planning your trip to Baku, it can be difficult to figure out just how many days you should devote to exploring the city. As a major capital and the biggest city in the Caucasus region, Baku is massive and has quite a lot to keep visitors occupied for at least a few days.

However, if you’re short on time or want to make sure you get the most out of the Azeri capital, I would say that it is worth spending at least 3 days in Baku.

This amount of time will allow you to see all of the highlights of the capital city in the downtown and Old City areas. It will also allow you to go on a day trip to some of the amazing sites surrounding the city.

If you’re short on time, spending 2 days in Baku is possible and worth it as well, it is just unlikely that you will be able to fit as much as you might like into your itinerary.

It is possible to pack the main sites of the Old City and downtown into the first day and then devote the second day to a day tour. Alternatively, you could simply devote two full days and explore Baku properly and really dig as deep as possible into the city (follow the first two days of this itinerary!)

Regardless if you plan to see Baku in 3 days or you only have 2 to spend, you are sure to be charmed by the cosmopolitan and modern vibes that this city of contrasts has to offer.

Getting To & Around Baku

First things first, it’s generally likely that you will need to apply for an e-Visa before entering Azerbaijan and visiting Baku. Check online to see if you’re required to apply for an e-Visa (citizens of countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the EU, the UK and the USA are all eligible for one). There are only a handful of nations whose citizens can enter Azerbaijan visa-free.

Plan to apply for your e-Visa at least three days prior to travelling to Azerbaijan, however, we recommend applying as early as possible to prevent any complications.

You will need to make sure that all of your information is entered in correctly and you must upload a copy of your passport.

Once your visa is approved, you will need to print it out and then present it to immigration along with your passport while at the border.

Though Baku is quite a large city, the majority of its main tourist sites are actually within very easy reach of each other on foot. If you’re not keen to walk all over the place while in Baku, the city is well-serviced by a great metro system that will get you where you need to go. You can purchase a single ticket from machines at every station.

Taxis are also affordable in Baku , but be sure to be aware of scams. To avoid being overcharged, it is best to call a taxi in advance. We recommend using the Bolt app, which operates prolifically throughout the Azeri capital.

2 to 3-Day Baku Itinerary

Day 1 – old city highlights.

The first day of this itinerary for Baku sees you exploring the lovely UNESCO-listed Old City. This area of Baku sets it apart from the likes of other oil-rich cities like Dubai as the history here dates back centuries.

Explore the Old City

Arguably the best way to get started is with a free walking tour of the Old City and the surrounding monuments. Though the free walking tour craze hasn’t quite taken off here as much as it has in other European cities, the Baku Free Tour , run by the incredibly knowledgeable Gani, is an excellent way to get your bearings and learn about Baku.

The Baku Original Free Walking tour meets every day at 11 AM in front of the Pizza Hut/KFC in Fountain Square. Though the tour is free, because demand isn’t super high, you need to make sure to book in advance online.

The tour will take you all over the old city and explain all of the histories of the area along with some nuances of Azerbaijani culture that you may have not been aware of.

Some of the highlights include learning about the disputed history of the Maiden Tower , stopping by the thousand-year-old Muhammad Mosque , and even seeing the smallest book in the world in the Museum of Miniature Books , which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of miniature books (who knew that was even a thing?).

The tour will also take you by the Shirvanshahs Palace and allow you to admire the beautiful architecture of the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall , which is modelled off of the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco.

While we always recommend free walking tours in most cities that offer them, this one was easily one of the best we’ve been on and it will give you some invaluable information on the history and culture of Baku that you will not get from simply reading a guide — including this one!

After the free walking tour, head to lunch at Dolma , which will give you a great introduction to Azerbaijani cuisine and agreeable prices.

Maiden Tower

Though you will go by this on the free walking tour, it can be worth visiting one of Baku’s most famous monuments on its own.

The Maiden Tower, which was built sometime between the 4th and 12th centuries (a lot is unknown about this structure), is one of the most defining structures in Azerbaijan’s capital. Though the true purpose of the building is not completely known and there are over twenty legends and mysteries surrounding it, there is no doubt that it is an iconic part of the Baku cityscape.

Entry into the Maiden Tower includes a small museum about Baku and the tower within. The views from the top are fine, however, it may not be worth the entry fee to get in. It is also surrounded by glass, which makes it difficult to take good photos from the top.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Constructed in the 15th Century by the former king, Ibrahim I of Shirvanshah, this beautiful palace complex is one of the top attractions to visit on any visit to the Azeri capital.

Surrounded by a lot of fascinating history, it is worth going in to see the beautiful Persian architecture and learning about how the upper classes lived in Baku centuries ago.

The view of the city from the entrance to the palace is also one of the best in Baku, as it expertly combines the antique architecture of the old city combined with sights of the ultra-modern Flame Towers.

The back door is also one of the only examples of Ottoman architecture in the city, but here you can also find an interesting addition to Baku: the cat house. These houses are scattered around the city to provide shelter and a place for food and water to the city’s many stray cats. When we were there, there was a mother with four adorable kittens who had taken up residence there. .

Day 2 – Explore Modern Baku

Day two of this Baku itinerary sees you getting outside of the old city and exploring the grand downtown area. Today is where you will get a better idea about how Baku has evolved over time and the influences it has had over the centuries.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

After spending time at the Taza Bazaar, head over to the seaside and visit the intriguing Azerbaijan Carpet Museum . Though this may sound like a peculiar concept for a well-curated museum, it is worth the 7 AZN entry fee to see.

Azerbaijan has an incredible history of carpet-making and this museum excellent displays some beautiful carpets, which are wonderful works of art, over three floors. It also includes local artisans who will demonstrate how these carpets are made by hand.

Our favourite part of the museum was on the top floor, which included carpets depicting images of stories and landmarks from Azerbaijan. It is truly amazing to see the amount of skill and detail that goes into these carpets and plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring all of this museum.

Caspian Seaside Promenade

After learning about Azeri carpet making, it’s time to take a stroll along the lovely park lining the beautiful Caspian sea

If the weather is fine, you will see lots of people out and about enjoying the sea breeze and the pleasant vibes of this area of the city. There are a few cafes along the promenade and there is also a bizarre area known as Little Venice that is full of man-made canals and bridges.

For an excellent view, opt to take the funicular to Upland Park. From there, you can get a beautiful, panoramic view of the Caspian Sea and the modern Flame Towers.

After enjoying the views of the Caspian, head to lunch at Cezar, a local restaurant close to the gate of the old city.

Explore Downtown Baku

After spending some time along the Caspian, it’s time to head inland and explore a bit more of the city’s downtown area.

If you want to have some great historical context, we recommend going on the Baku Downtown Free Tour , which meets in the same place as the old city tour (it is also necessary to book in advance for this one).

This tour will take you through Fountain Square , where you will learn its history, and along the pedestrianised and luxury-filled Nizami Street . You will also go past the ruins of the Armenian Church where you can learn a little bit about the history of the conflict between the two countries.

He will also take you to the Sahil Garden , where you will learn about why this lovely park is so controversial among locals.

The tour will also take you by a number of other sites and areas where you will learn about famous residents of Baku and some more history of this beautiful city.

Even if you’re not able to go on this tour, it’s well worth taking the time to explore this area independently or on a paid guided tour. For instance, this historic and modern Baku tour is a good option. Alternatively, you could opt for this old and modern Baku tour which offers both a day and night option.

Day 3 – Mud Volcanoes, Gobustan, Aliyev Centre & More

If you are spending 3 days exploring Baku, then your last day should be spent seeing some sites outside of the city proper, along with one of the city’s most famous buildings.

Though it is possible to take a taxi to all of these places yourself or to hire a car a drive there on your own, getting there by public transport is nearly impossible. This is why we recommend taking an organised day tour.

We opted to book through Tes Tours , who have an office in the old city, and was well worth the per-person price. Alternatiely, this guided day tour is also a great option, though doesn’t include a stop at the Aliyev Centre.

We had a friendly and knowledgeable guide who was able to give us a lot of context and information about the things we were seeing and offered great insight into life in Azerbaijan today.

Mud Volcanoes

As one of the most popular sites to visit as a day trip from Baku, the mud volcanoes are located about 80 kilometres outside of the Baku city centre and are a truly fascinating place to see.

As some of the only mud volcanoes in the world that are powered by natural gas rather than geyser forces, these mounds of bubbling mud are reached by a bumpy dirt road. The landscape surrounding them will make you feel as if you’ve left Earth altogether and they are certainly worth the journey out there.

There is also no entry fee for the mud volcanoes, so you can enjoy this bizarre natural phenomenon completely free of charge.

Gobustan Rock Art

Located not far from the mud volcanoes is another one of Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the ancient petroglyphs of Gobustan.

This historic site is filled with remnants of the prehistoric man, as evidenced by the thousands of years old cave drawings on the rock faces. Some of the petroglyphs are more than 15,000 years old and the area contains more than 6,000 rock paintings dating through tens of thousands of years.

The paintings depict the life and culture of the prehistoric humans who lived in cave areas and have provided archaeologists and anthropologists with much historical insight into the first humans.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

If you are curious to learn about religion in Azerbaijan before the country became predominantly Muslim, then visiting the Fire Temple of Baku is one of the best places to see in Azerbaijan.

This Zoroastrian temple has been in its place since the 17th or 18th centuries, however, it is an excellent place to learn about the world’s first monotheistic religion. This temple is equipped with a few flames that are powered by natural gas, so they will never be extinguished.

Zoroastrians believe that fire is the physical manifestation of God on Earth and therefore it is incredibly sacred for them. It is also the basis for the followers of the Lord of Light from Game of Thrones .

Fire Mountain

Azerbaijan is known as the “land of fire” and nowhere does that become more evident than the fire mountain. This small bit of a hillside just outside of Baku is the sight of a natural gas fire that has been burning for decades.

While it might sound kind of cool to go see a burning mountainside — I was very excited to see this for myself — it might be worth it to lower your expectations and, honestly, it can be worth skipping altogether.

Because of how much Azerbaijan has drained its natural resources, the fire isn’t nearly as big as it used to be. It takes up about one metre of a hillside and, in all honesty, I have seen more impressive fires while camping.

If you do end up visiting, they do charge a small entry fee.

Heydar Aliyev Centre

As one of the most iconic buildings in Azerbaijan today, no visit to Baku is complete without a visit to the incredible Heydar Aliyev Centre.

Officially opened in 2012, this beautiful modern building designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid is one of the most mesmerising works of contemporary architecture in the world today. The building won the 2014 Design Museum’s Design of the Year award, making Hadid the first woman in history to win.

The main enjoyment of the Aliyev Centre is outside of the building, where you can very much enjoy the gorgeous architecture and some of the outdoor temporary exhibitions. Inside, the centre boasts a massive auditorium, a museum, and conference rooms.

Where to Eat & Drink in Baku

Azeri cuisine takes influences from many of its neighbours and friends, including Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Russia, making a diverse cuisine that is worth sampling. Though it is possible to get some vegetable dishes, the cuisine is meat-heavy so it may prove difficult to be a vegetarian here.

Dolma — Though tourist-friendly, this restaurant serves a range of traditional Azeri fare at agreeable prices. The service is quite good as well.

Xezer Kafe — Located close to the old city gates, this local place has a wide menu with Azeri favourites including delicious soups, dolma, and salads. They also have an English menu to make ordering easier.

Bir Iki — This is a great option if you’re after a quick but tasty doner or shwarma after a long day of sightseeing in Baku. They offer both eat-in and takeaway options.

Coffee Moffie — This is a fantastic cafe if you are looking for a good espresso drink, a cup of Azeri tea, or a glass of local wine. Set with a trendy vibe, this cafe also acts as something of a coworking space for Baku’s freelancers and has a great wifi connection as well.

Where to Stay in Baku

Baku is trying to distinguish itself as a luxury destination, with ample choice for high-end hotels that will set you back a month’s salary. Despite this, however, there are a number of great budget and mid-range accommodation options available in the city as well. These are some of our suggestions:

Cth Hostel Baku – This small guesthouse offers a number of private single or double rooms at very affordable prices. There is a fantastic and hearty breakfast included and it is well-located within walking distance of most main sights. The staff only speaks limited English.

Sahil Hostel – A popular choice amongst backpackers and solo travellers in Baku, this hostel is a great choice in the city. Located closed to Sahil Metro and within easy walking distance of all the main sites, they have a range of private and dorm rooms available.

Seven Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is an excellent option for those looking for a little more comfort during their trip to Baku. Well located, they have a range of clean and comfortable rooms available and a helpful staff to make your stay a great one.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Baku hotels!

Cultural Notes

Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, however, it has been incredibly secular for some time and there is no state religion declared. Therefore, you will not see many local women wearing hijabs, consumption of alcohol is at a level consistent with Christian-majority countries, and in Baku, loudspeakers announcing the call to prayer are banned, though over 90% of the population identifies as Muslim.

Though there isn’t much religious adherence in Azerbaijan, the country is still quite culturally conservative and patriarchal, and traditional gender norms reign supreme, especially in more local joints in Baku. There are, for instance, cafes and bars where women might feel unwelcome and it may be unwise to wear anything too revealing.

It is also very much a more male-dominated society and it is rare to see many women working in most establishments, except for the more European-style cafes and shops.

Even the idea of men wearing shorts is a controversial topic in Azerbaijan. While the general consensus among locals is that it is okay for foreigners to wear what they will, you still might get some uncomfortable looks and glances.

I would also say it would be unwise to wear short skirts or shorts as a woman in Baku, no matter what time of year it is. Men can be a bit less cautious with their clothing choices, however, it’s worth noting that most Azeri men would not wear shorts. It is generally accepted for foreigners to wear what they desire, though.

Spending two or three days in Baku is an excellent way to see Azerbaijan’s capital and enjoy the fascinating history and unique culture of this rapidly developing city.

Are you planning to visit Baku? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Georgia to Azerbaijan: Tbilisi to Baku & Sheki to Tbilisi

Georgia vs Armenia vs Azerbaijan: Which Country to Visit?

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Your blog is informative and helpful. I had good time earlier in Georgia and now planning Azerbaijan trip based on your blog. Thank You.

Thanks for the kind words! I’m so happy we could help you plan your trips 🙂

Hi Maggie, This is a very useful blog. I just have one question. How much tip do you think is enough for the free walking tour?

Happy you found this helpful! For the walking tour, it’s common practice to tip the amount that you believe the tour was worth 🙂

Hi..can you recommend where to buy carpets? does the museum sell carpets ? also is there an artisan market? local goods, crafts etc?

Hi, unfortunately, I don’t really know where or how to buy carpets in Baku. Hope you have a great trip!

Going there for 4 days in october for the international soccer. Looking forward.. Any more hints.. Is dining expensive

Hi Patrick, thanks for your comment! Have a look at our price guide for more tips and average expenses for Baku: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/baku-azerbaijan-trip-cost/ Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Thank you great summary, will help me plan my trip next summer!!

Glad this helped, Sammie!

Thank you for sharing this itenary. We found it very useful since we made a 3-day visit to Baku on occasion of the Eid hols in UAE last weekend.

Thanks for your comment, Zajin. Hope you had a great time in Baku!

we are planning for National Day in December. 3 days was sufficient for you?

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Travel Guide to Baku, Azerbaijan [with Sample Itinerary]

Read our Baku travel guide to help you have an idea with your next journey to this wonderful capital in the country of Azerbaijan.

• List of the Best Backpacker Hostels in Azerbaijan
• The Best Spas, Massages and Hammams in the Caucasus – Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan
• Is Baku, Azerbaijan ready to host the Formula 1? A tourist’s point of view
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Azerbaijan
• List of the Best Budget Hotels in Azerbaijan

Table of Contents

Baku Travel Guide: Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

1. heydar aliyev cultural center.

Suggested Tour:  Baku: 3-Hour Private Night Tour (Yanardag & More)

2. Baku Old City

Suggested Tour:  Baku: Old City Walking Tour

3. Baku Boulevard

Suggested Tour: Baku Panoramic Night Tour

4. Flame Towers

5. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

6. Fountain Square

Suggested Tour:  Full-Day City Tour of Baku with Azerbaijani Lunch

7. Highland Park

As elsewhere in Baku, it is striking in its ideal cleanliness, well-maintained area. The observation deck offers a wonderful view of the whole of Baku. Great place for photos of the beautiful scenery of the whole city at a glance. It’s near the famous Flame Towers.

8. Ateshgah – Fire Temple

Suggested Tour:  Baku: Burning Mountain & Zorastrian Temple Private Tour

9. Maiden Tower

Suggested Tour: Baku: Historic and Modern Baku Tour

Baku Travel Guide: Sample Weekend Itinerary to Baku, Azerbaijan

Day 1 – weekend guide to baku, azerbaijan.

Baku Old City –  Start your tour by wandering around the old city of Baku. Explore everything here, eat at any restaurants or cafes, you’d get to travel back in the ancient Baku.

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum –  See how carpets are made, even the most expensive carpet of Azerbaijan.

Day 2 – Weekend Guide to Baku, Azerbaijan

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center –  Be amazed and stunned with the amazing architecture of this center. Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, it offers a lot of great photo opportunities.

Flame Towers –  You can go here by funicular or stairs. Anyhow, you’ll surely have a good time enjoying the view it offers from the observation deck.

Highland Park –  Since it’s near the Flame Towers, why not spend your time here as well?

Ateshgah – Fire Temple –  Discover and learn more about the interesting history of Zoroastrianism.

Day 3 – Weekend Guide to Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku Boulevard –  Rent a bike and stroll around this boulevard for a relaxing last day in Baku.

Maiden Tower –  Before you leave Baku, never miss the chance to visit the iconic Maiden Tower.

Baku Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Baku, Azerbaijan

*All prices are subject to change.

Where to Stay in Baku, Azerbaijan if you’re a Backpacker

Check-in Baku Hotel & Hostel

Check-in Baku Hotel & Hostel provides accommodation with a shared lounge and private parking. The units come with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. At the hostel, every room has a seating area.

Price: Starts at $25 per night for Twin Room with Private External Bathroom, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Check-in Old City Aparts

Check-in Old City Aparts features sea views and free WiFi. Every unit has a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge and kettle are also available.

Price: Starts at $32 per night for Deluxe Apartment, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Drop Inn Baku

Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk.

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Budget Double Room, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast , and free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Baku, Azerbaijan if you’re on a Budget

ATFK Hotel Baku

ATFK Hotel Baku offers a gym. Free WiFi and free private parking are also available on site. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and electric kettle. The private bathroom includes free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryer.

Price: Starts at $32 per night for Standard Double Room, includes taxes and charges, add $6 for breakfast (optional),  and it offers a free cancellation.

Sahil Hostel & Hotel

Units at the Sahil Hostel and Hotel are air-conditioned and soundproofing. Grand Prix Formula 1 Race track turn 4 and 5 are visible from some rooms of the hotel and from the main balcony. Guests can also find free toiletries and hairdryers for their comfort.

Price: Starts at $35 per night for Twin Room with Bathroom, includes taxes and charges, add $5 for breakfast,  and it offers a free cancellation.

Old East Hotel

Old East Hotel boasts a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi throughout the property. Every room at this hotel is air-conditioned and comes with a TV. Guests will also find a kettle in the room. Each room has a private bathroom. The hotel also provides tour desk services and car hire.

Price: Starts at $72 per night for Standard Double Room, add $2 for taxes and charges , free breakfast ,  and it offers a free cancellation.

Where to Stay in Baku, Azerbaijan if you want Luxury

JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel

This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of the city, on the Freedom Square. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms at the JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel feature a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, work desk, and a laptop safe. Guests will find a bath, shower, bathrobe, and slippers in each luxury bathroom. WiFi is available at a surcharge.

Price: Starts at $156 per night for Deluxe, Guest Room, 2 Double, City View, add $2 for taxes and charges , add $22 for breakfast ,  and it offers a free cancellation.

Hilton Baku

Featuring a revolving rooftop bar, a pool, and a gym, this seafront hotel is an 8-minute walk from Baku’s Old City. Air conditioning, hot drinks facilities, and a 32-inch flat-screen TV are featured in all rooms and suites at the grand Hilton Baku. Rooms are spacious and bright and feature king-sized beds. Cocktails and wonderful views can be enjoyed in the Hilton’s 360 Bar.

Price: Starts at $161 per night for King Guest Room with Mobility Access, add $2 for taxes and charges , add $19 for breakfast ,  and it offers a free cancellation.

Dinamo Hotel Baku – Adult Only

Dinamo Hotel Baku offers a unique experience with its spacious bedrooms, free WiFi, exquisite International cuisine, and classic afternoon teas. The rooms designed in Art Deco style feature exclusively commissioned fabrics, exceedingly comfortable beds, and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries. In-room mini-bar, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres are available at a surcharge.

Price: Starts at $160 per night for King Guest Room with Mobility Access, add $28 for taxes and charges , add $18 for breakfast ,  and it offers a free cancellation.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Baku

 1. shirvanshahs’ palace.

Located behind the city walls of Old Town (“Icharishahar”) the Palace is just one of the oldest symbols of Baku. Built in the 15 th century, just right at the time when Baku became the capital of Shirvanshahs kingdom, it is one of a few good remaining old buildings in Baku. In 2000 it was inscribed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

It is situated in the Old Town as mentioned already and can be reached in 5 minutes by foot from the “Icharishahar” metro station. See the google map to get a better idea.

• 4 AZN for foreigners
• 2 AZN standard price for locals
• 0.60 AZN for students

2. The Maiden Tower

Maiden Tower (“Qiz Qalasi”) is the top tourist attraction of the city. It is the second most visited building of Baku, just right after the airport. As soon as you get to the top of it, you will be amazed with the spacious view of Baku and its all beauty. Read more about the monument  here .

Just like Shirvanshahs’ Palace, the Maiden Tower is also located inside old city walls and can be reached by foot.

 3. Martyrs’ Lane and Flame Towers

During the Soviet Union this alley was known as Kirov Park, named after the Soviet Bolshevik leader. After the massacre of 1990 by Soviet troops, which is annually commemorated by all Azerbaijanis on 20 January, this park has become an alley of martyrs (“Shahidlar Xiyabani” in Azerbaijani). Now it is a symbol of pride of Azerbaijan and its independence.

From here you can get another beautiful view of Baku Bay and see the Flame Towers to its fullest and closest.

4. City Boulevard

Baku Boulevard (officially called Seaside National Park) is a place where you can observe the Caspian Sea and the most beautiful night view of Baku. Shopping malls, business centers, restaurants, ‘chaykhana’s (tea houses), sophisticated plants, main attractions will get in your way while walking there. Go to boulevard if you’re tired of the very hot weather of Baku and want to get some fresh air coming from the sea. Most importantly, take a boat tour and dive into the best feelings.

The best time to go here is at evenings as you’ll not only get the fresh air coming from the sea, but also observe the beautiful Baku lights.

5. History Museum

Once the family house of Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, the famous Azerbaijani oil magnate, now this building serves as historical museum and with its splendid view it will take you to the main historical period starting from historical times to recent history of Azerbaijan.

The museum is divided into 3 sections. The first section covers prehistoric and medieval objects varying from ancient coins, wears, military objects to human bones and tombs. The second section covers the personal possessions of the famous people of Azerbaijan history. The third section holds the mansion of Taghiyev family.

• 5 AZN for adults
• 2 AZN for students
• Free for everyone on the last Monday of every month

6. Mud Volcanoes

Yes, you heard it right. Mud volcanoes. They lie about 10 km south of Gobustan. These volcanoes are quite unique as they are not as high as usual volcanoes, with height getting maximum 2 meters. Still, nearly half of the mud volcanoes in the world are located in Azerbaijan (more than 350 out of 800 in the world) and the greatest mud volcano in the world is also in Azerbaijan (1000 meters high). The mud bubbles right from the inside of the volcano and it is usually cold, rather than hot as you might think. Also, the mud is said to be good for face and is commonly used for medical reasons.

  7. Heydar Aliyev Center

Built by Zaha Hadid, this center won the “Design of the Year” award on July 1, 2014. The center includes memorial gallery of Heydar Aliyev (ruler of Azerbaijan during Soviet era in 1969-1982 and president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003), art gallery, concert and library halls, restaurant and conference hall.

8. Ateshgah Temple (Zoroastrian Fire Temple)

Located 30 km away from the city center in Surakhany district, this temple is known as a place of eternal fire. The history of this temple goes back to 18 th century when Hindu traders were coming to Baku and selling Indian medicines and wooden materials. As Baku was situated in the Silk Road, frequent visits of traders and merchants from the east was an ordinary way of life. Although the temple is stated as being Zoroastrian, I found it quite controversial for some facts I found about it on internet. At least the texts and symbols there represent Hindu religion signs, not Zoroastrian. Anyways, visiting this place is quite important for anyone who wants to get to see some new interesting places and if you will stay in Baku at least for 3 days and have time to go to suburbs.

P.S. Interesting link to check out: http://bit.ly/templebaku

• 2 AZN for adults
• 1 AZN for students
• 0.20 AZN for pupils

9. Gobustan National Park (Petroglyph Reserve)

Gobustan is famous for its rock drawings dating back to 40,000 years. This site is considered as the one of earliest inhabited settlement of people in Azerbaijan and reflects the activities of ancient people such as dance rituals, hunting scenes, carpentry and the images of animals. It is located a bit further from Baku – 64 km to southwest of Baku.

The easiest way to get there is to get a bus number 88 or 120 from the bus stop which is by Sahil metrostation and get down on “20-ci sahe” (20th area). Then take a bus number 195 which will take you to Gobustan district. Take a taxi from there and in 5 minutes you are in Gobustan museum, where you will buy tickets. Now, go up and enjoy the petroglyphs.

10. Yanar Dagh (Burning Mountain)

Yanar Dagh is situated 25 km northeast of Baku. The reason that this place is worth checking out is its continuous fire, which never extinguishes. The flame derives from the gas reserves beneath the land and there are no pipes making it burn.

Bonus: Karavansarai (restaurant)

National cuisine of Azerbaijan has very distinct taste that will make every tourist feel a special amusement. Azerbaijani people love fatty foods and most of our national cuisine is made with different kinds of meat. However, pork is not used when preparing foods because of Islamic tradition and prohibition of pork to be eaten or preserved. Situated close to the Maiden Tower, Karavansarai restaurant will not only bring this exquisite taste to you, but also its beautiful historical view will charm you fully. It was built in 14 th century and used as caravanserai. Now it is a restaurant with traditional dishes. Make sure to bring enough money, as prices are not cheap.

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Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically. At its heart, the Unesco-listed İçəri Şəhər (Old City) lies within an exotically crenellated arc of fortress wall. Around this are gracefully illuminated stone mansions and pedestrianised tree-lined streets filled with exclusive boutiques. The second oil boom, which started around 2006, has turned the city into a crucible of architectural experimentation and some of the finest new buildings are jaw-dropping masterpieces. Meanwhile romantic couples canoodle their way around wooded parks and hold hands on the Caspian-front bulvar (promenade), where greens and opal blues make a mockery of Baku’s desert-ringed location.

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15 Amazing Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2024

Baku Quick Look Best Baku Tours: 1. Full Day City Tour 2. Sightseeing Tour 3. Gobustan and Abscheron Baku Accommodation 1. Sahil Hostel 2. Sweet Garden Hotel 3. West Inn Hotel Baku Car Hire Discover Cars

Looking for things to do in Baku? In this article, we will discover some of the best places to visit in Baku, the shining capital of Azerbaijan . I visited Baku on my way travelling overland from London to China.

Baku, also known as the city of winds, is the capital city of the Republic of Azerbaijan; a small but wealthy country in the Caucasus and a stop on the old Silk Road . I stayed with an old friend from Baku and had an incredible time checking out the Baku famous places.

The city lies at the bottom of the Absheron peninsula on the Caspian Sea (which is actually an inland lake). The city is unique in that lies 28 metres below sea level, making it the lowest capital city anywhere in the world.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Visit in Baku

Below you’ll find some of the best places to visit in Baku from the gorgeous old town to the palace of Shirvan Shahs and flame towers. These Baku attractions include historical places of interest, museums, groovy cafes and a lot more.

1. Baku Old Town (One of the Best Places to Visit in Baku)

Baku is famed for its charming old town which became a UNESCO site in 2000 and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Baku. The cobbled streets are set within medieval-style walls protecting the area from the traffic and hustle of the rest of Baku.

The old town (or old city) is the beating heart of Baku. Lose yourself in the narrow winding alleyways and cobbled streets to explore this enchanted area. The medieval stone walls separate the old town from more modern Baku. One of the best Baku places to visit!

I spent days exploring this charming part of the city and enjoyed exploring the old alleyways, city walls and many interesting shops, restaurants and cafes. The old city is definitely one of the best places to see in Baku for first-time visitors.

The best way to see the old town and learn all about its history is to take a walking tour. Click here to find out more .

Address: Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 24/7 Ticket Price: Free

2. Stroll Along Baku Boulevard

Stretching along the picturesque Caspian Sea coast, Baku Boulevard is a vibrant and lively promenade that offers a delightful escape from the bustling city centre and is one of the best places to visit in Baku.

With its lush green parks, palm-lined walkways, and captivating views of the sea, the boulevard provides a perfect setting for leisurely walks, picnics, or simply unwinding amidst nature.

The boulevard is adorned with numerous attractions and entertainment options, including amusement parks, outdoor cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues.

Visitors can rent bicycles or rollerblades to explore the promenade, take a relaxing boat ride, or enjoy the colorful displays of the Baku Eye Ferris Wheel .

Address: 92 Neftchilar Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 24/7 Ticket Price: Free

3. See the Palace of Shirvanshahs (One of the Best Baku Attractions)

The UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs is a 15th-century palace complex that is considered one of the pearls of Azerbaijan. Within the palace, the stone walls are lined with ancient tapestries and carpets.

With its intricate stone carvings, ornate archways, and beautifully adorned interiors, the palace offers a captivating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Shirvanshahs. The palace is one of the best Baku places to visit for lovers of history and architecture.

This majestic complex consists of various structures interconnected by courtyards, including the main palace, a mosque, a bathhouse, a mausoleum, and a burial vault. You can visit the palace on this walking tour. Click here to book .

Address: 9R8M+CCX, Baku, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm, Mon-Thu, 10am to 6pm, Fri-Sun Ticket Price: 10 Manat ($6.00) Website: icherisheher.gov.az

4. Climb Maiden Tower (One of the Best Baku Tourist Attractions)

The Maiden Tower, also known as Guz Qalasi, is a 12th Century tower in the centre of the old town and one of the top Baku tourist attractions. You can climb the tower for stunning views across the city and out to the Caspian.

Inside there is a museum with artifacts and displays chronicling the history of the tower and associated legends. This was one of my favourite things to do in Baku for the amazing views.

Address: Qız Qalası, Bakı, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm, Mon-Sun Ticket Price: 10 Manat ($6.00)

5. See the Ancient Market at Bazar Square

Just next to the entrance of the Maiden’s Tower is an excellently preserved market square dating back to medieval times. The main square is surrounded by an arched walkway overlooking various archaeological finds.

This archaeological site is deemed by some to be the place where Jesus’ disciple Bartholemew was skinned alive and beheaded! This Baku attraction is easily combined with a visit to Maiden Tower and the ticket price covers both attractions!

Address: Qız Qalası, Bakı, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 10am to 6pm, Mon-Sun Ticket Price: 10 Manat ($6)

6. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The National Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan is home to the largest collection of Azeri carpets in the world. The architecture of the museum resembles a folded carpet which is worthy of an Instagram shot if you are not interested in the contents of the museum itself!

Address: 28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Prospekti, Baku 1000, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 10:00 to 18:00 Tues – Fri, 10:00 to 20:00 Sat & Sun Ticket Price: 7 Manat ($4.10)

7. Shop at Yashil Bazaar

Yashil Bazaar is a bustling and vibrant market that immerses visitors in the rich flavors and vibrant colors of Azerbaijani culture. This lively marketplace is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and aromas, offering a diverse array of fresh produce, aromatic spices, traditional sweets, and local handicrafts.

As you wander through the aisles, you’ll encounter friendly vendors showcasing their wares, ready to engage in lively bargaining and share their knowledge about the products on offer.

Yashil Bazaar is not only a place to shop but also an opportunity to connect with the local community, sample authentic Azerbaijani cuisine, and gain insight into the everyday life and culinary traditions of the city. This is definitely one of the Baku places to visit to get a feel for the culture.

Address: 9VP3+4PC, Khatai Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 8am to 9pm, Mon-Sun Ticket Price: Free

8. Visit National Flag Square

The 150-acre National Flag Square is home to what was, up until 2011, the tallest flagpole in the world measuring 162 metres (531 feet).

The flagpole entered the Guinness Book of World Records, however Tajikistan then claimed the title shortly afterward. Azerbaijan’s effort is still in the top three tallest flagpoles in the world!

Address: Flag Square, Baku, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 24/7 Ticket Price: Free

9. Ride the Baku Funicular

Baku’s funicular railway was constructed in 1960 and stretches from Neftchilar Avenue to Martyrs Lane. Riding up the 455m track takes just four minutes and is a fun way to see the city. Trains depart every ten minutes.

Address: Bahram Gur on Neftchilar Avenue and Martyrs Lane. Click here for directions. Opening Hours: 10:00 to 22:00 daily Ticket Price: 1 Manat ($0.60) Website: Baku Funicular

10. See the Flame Towers

Wherever you are in the city, you can feel the presence of Baku’s imposing three glass skyscrapers that are shaped like flames. At night the towers even light up to resemble the gas natural gas flames that have burned in this land for centuries and which have contributed to the city’s wealth.

The tallest of the towers is 33 floors and the buildings contain an assortment of apartment complexes, hotels, a shopping centre and restaurants. You can book a stay in the towers on Booking.com .

Address: Mehdi Huseyn Street 1A, Sabayil, AZ1006 Baku, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 9am to 8pm, Mon-Sun Ticket Price: Free

11. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Centre

The Heydar Aliyev Centre stands as an architectural masterpiece captivating visitors with its bold and futuristic design. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the center is a symbol of modernity and cultural significance.

Its fluid curves and smooth surfaces create a sense of movement and harmony, while the gleaming white exterior seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the center houses a variety of facilities, including exhibition halls, a museum, a conference center, and a concert hall, hosting a wide range of artistic and cultural events.

The Heydar Aliyev Center not only showcases Azerbaijan’s commitment to contemporary architecture but also serves as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and intellectual discourse, making it a must-visit Baku destination for locals and tourists alike.

Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave, Baku 1033, Azerbaijan. Click here for directions . Opening Hours: 11am to 7pm, Tue-Fri, 11am to 6pm, Fri-Sat Ticket Price: Free Website: heydaraliyevcenter.az

12. Discover Baku’s Art Scene

Baku has a thriving art scene with many small galleries dotted throughout the Old City.

Some of the more interesting galleries include:

• Yay Gallery, Kicik Qala 5
• Q Gallery , Qulle Kuc 6
• Ali Samsir’s Studio, Kicik Qala Kuc 84

Places to Visit Near Baku

13. yanar dag fire mountain (one of the best places to visit near baku).

Fire Mountain, aka Yanar Dag is a burning hillside on the Absheron Peninsula outside Baku. The flame has been burning for thousands of years due to natural gas deposits in the area. Read my complete guide to Yanar Dag for more information. One of the best places to visit in Baku!

How to get to Yanar Dag: Take bus 217 from Koroglu Metro to the last stop. The journey time is approx 40 minutes.

Opening Hours: 09:00 to 18:00 Ticket Price: 3 Manat ($1.75) More Information: Guide to Yanar Dag

14. Visit the Caspian Beaches

The Absheron Peninsula is home to some wonderful beaches on the Caspian Sea. A short drive from the city, Bilgeh is a great place to cool off in the summer and less crowded than the often polluted beaches nearer to the city centre.

Address: Bilgeh, Absheron Peninsula, Baku, Azerbaijan. Take bus 185 from Koroglu Metro.

15. Gobustan Mud Vulcanos

Gobustan is a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Baku and offers a mesmerizing journey through time. This ancient landscape is renowned for its remarkable collection of rock art, with over 6,000 rock engravings and petroglyphs scattered across the rugged terrain.

Dating back thousands of years, these artistic expressions depict scenes of hunting, wildlife, rituals, and daily life of the prehistoric inhabitants of the region. Beyond the rock art, Gobustan boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with rolling hills, canyons, and mud volcanoes dotting the landscape.

Exploring Gobustan allows visitors to not only connect with the rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan but also to marvel at the raw and untouched natural wonders that have endured through the ages.

Where to Stay in Baku

Accommodation in Baku is surprisingly cheap given that it’s an oil-rich city. There are plenty of budget options from backpacker hostels up to 5-star hotels and resorts.

Sahil Hostel: This popular backpacker hostel is located just 100 metres from Baku Boulevard and has access to a metro station close by. It’s also the only hostel in Baku with a balcony overlooking the Formula 1 circuit. Dorms and private rooms are available. Click here to check prices .

Sweet Garden Hotel : This 3-star hotel is located in the heart of the old city just a few steps from the Palace of Shirvanshahs. Rooms are tastefully decorated to a modern standard and come with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and TV. Click here to book .

West Inn Hotel and Restaurant : This 5-star hotel close to the Caspian has an onsite restaurant, terrace, and bar. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and complimentary toiletries. Click here for more info .

Food and Drink in Baku

One of the best things to do in Baku is to enjoy the delicious and fresh local cuisine. You don’t have to go far in Baku to find an incredible array of cafes and restaurants.

The cuisine is influenced by nearby countries such as Turkey, Iran and Central Asia, with dishes such as plov and kebab. Rice is the staple and lamb is the preferred meat. You will also find a lot of fish given the proximity to the Caspian Sea.

Some local dishes to try:

• Dolma – minced lamb and rice wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves.
• Dovga – yoghurt with rice, chickpeas and herbs
• Kebab – chunks of grilled meat, usually lamb.
• Plov – safron-infused rice with meat and vegetables.

Weather – Best Time to Visit

Baku weather is temperate with hot summers and cool winters. Due to its proximity to the nearby Caspian Sea, it can be a windy city.

In summer the temperature averages 30c with little rain, making it a perfect destination for holidaymakers.

Spring and autumn are cool with rainy showers.

Winters are cool with the temperature rarely dropping below 1 or 2 degrees Celcius.

Getting Around

The old city is easily walkable, and there is an excellent subway network. Hiring a car is another great way to get around and will give you more freedom to explore. Our partners at Discover Cars have some great rates for Baku car hire. Click here to check the price .

How to get to Baku

Baku is served by Heydar Aliyev International Airport which has direct flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and the USA. Trip.com has some great deals on flights to Azerbaijan. Click here to check the prices .

From Tbilisi, Georgia

There is a daily overnight train that departs Tbilisi at 20:35 and arrives in Baku at 08:50. The train stops for approximately 2 hours at the border at around 21:30. Ensure your Azeri Visa is valid for the day you will cross (I made the mistake of putting the arrival date on my application, but they let me through).

• 1st Class (2 berth cabin) = 84 GEL ($30)
• 2nd Class (4 berth cabin) = 52 GEL ($18)
• 3rd Class (open carriage) = 35 GEL ($12)

You can purchase tickets at Tbilisi Railway Station. I was able to buy a ticket on the day of departure, but it’s always best to buy one a few days in advance if you can.

More Info: Tbilisi to Baku Train

From Moscow, Russia:

It seems there used to be a train from Moscow to Baku but it’s not possible to find tickets or a timetable online which could indicate there is no longer a service. Check at the station in Moscow, and if anyone has done this trip recently I would love to hear the details in the comments or by email.

Ferry (freighter ships)

There are sailings to Baku Port from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan . There are no schedules and it takes some perseverance to secure a ticket and make the crossing, but it’s an adventure I would certainly recommend if you have the time.

From Aktau, Kazakhstan:

There is a weekly (or longer) sailing between Aktau in Kazakhstan and Baku. This route should only be attempted by seasoned travellers who have plenty of spare time. Aktau is very, very far from anywhere and takes many days to reach from Almaty or Nur-Sultan.

From Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

There are two new cargo ships that also have a large passenger lounge ($100 for a seat) and cabins ($170 for a bed). The Bagtyyar and Berkarer travel between Baku and Turkmenbashi each week. Buying the tickets for Baku to Turkmenbashi was easy enough but I haven’t done this journey in reverse.

Visas for Azerbaijan

Citizens of 95 countries can apply for a single-entry Azerbaijan E-Visa valid for 30 days.

Apply for the E-visa online using the official Azerbaijan government website . The VISA costs $23 and takes 3 days to be emailed.

Baku Sightseeing FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the things to see in Baku:

Baku is an excellent tourist destination with lots of fun things to see and do. Wander around the charming old town, climb Maiden Tower and haggle for bargains at the Bazaar.

The top attractions in Baku include the Palace of Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, the F12 track and the Caspian Sea beaches. Other points of interest include Baku Boulevard, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Yanar Dag.

Baku is famous for its oil wealth, its three flame towers, and its historic old town. Parts of the city were also used as a set location for the James Bond film The World is Not Enough.

Baku is surprisingly cheap with hostels for under $10 per night and hotel rooms for around $50. Food is inexpensive, as are museum tickets and transport, making it a great destination for budget-savvy travellers.

With three days to spend in Baku spend your first day exploring the old town including the Palace of Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower and the city walls. Spend days two and three exploring the Caspian beaches, Fire Mountain and Gobustan National Park.

So, what are you waiting for? There are plenty of amazing places to see in Baku from the ancient old town to the beautiful beaches and fiery hillsides!

Check out my other articles about Azerbaijan:

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

2 thoughts on “ 15 Amazing Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2024 ”

Thanks Steve for your Baku info. Arrived today early morning sleep then explored the old town. I now know what to do day 2 and 3 . Thank you.

Greetings from next door Armenia! Glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip. Best wishs, Steve

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If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, you should definitely know the top places to visit in Baku. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, which is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea in the southern part of the Absheron peninsula. Baku faces south, towards the sea, and surrounds Baku Bay like amphitheater which creates incredible beauty of history and charm of the Orient. Being the commercial and economic center of Azerbaijan, Baku with a population of over 2 million people is the largest and most cosmopolitan city of the South Caucasus region. During independence years the city changed very quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend so organically. The etymology of the city’s name is derived or comes from the Arabic language which means bad kube (Baku city of winds). Another version states that perhaps it comes from the ancient Caucasian word bak (sun, or god), hinting at the area’s ancient role as a center for fire-worshippers millennia ago. Below is the list of the top places to visit in Baku:

1. Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard (also known as National Park) is a promenade established in 1909  which runs parallel to  Baku ‘s seafront. It is the second-largest in Europe after the park located in the Paris alongside Seine River. The park is very popular among tourists as well as locals of Baku to walk and enjoy the beauties of the city and sea. Its history goes back more than 100 years, to a time when Baku oil barons built their mansions along the Caspian shore and when the seafront was artificially built up inch by inch.

2. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described by UNESCO as “one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture”. It is located in the Inner City of Baku, Azerbaijan , and, together with the Maiden Tower, forms an ensemble of historic monuments inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments. The complex contains the main building of the palace, Divanhane, the burial-vaults, the shah’s mosque with a minaret, Seyid Yahya Bakuvi’s mausoleum (the so-called “mausoleum of the dervish”), south of the palace, a portal in the east, Murad’s gate, a reservoir and the remnants of a bathhouse.

3. Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan. Along with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, dated to the 15th century, it forms a group of historic monuments listed in 2001 under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments as cultural property, Category III. It is one of Azerbaijan’s most distinctive national emblems and is thus featured on Azeri currency notes and official letterheads.

4. Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum  displays  Azerbaijani carpets  and rug items of various weaving techniques and materials from various periods. It has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world. It moved to a new building on the  Baku ‘s seafront park during 2014 from its former location on  Neftchiler Avenue . The museum has become a research-training and cultural-educational center where many events, such as exhibitions, international symposiums, and conferences, are held. During its 50 years of existence, the museum has organized more than 30 exhibitions in different countries throughout the world.

5. Little Venice

Little Venice is one of the most beautiful sections of the Seaside National Park in Baku. This small town within the city, reminiscent of Italy’s Venice, adds a special beauty to the capital of Azerbaijan with its stunning canals and architecture. Little Venice was constructed as part of the Baku Boulevard in the 1960s and has become a favorite holiday destination for Baku citizens and guests of the city.

4. Nizami Str

Nizami Street is a large pedestrian and shopping street in downtown Baku, Azerbaijan,  named after classical poet Nizami Ganjavi. The street’s history could be traced back to Baku’s town-planning project of 1864. The street runs through the city’s downtown from west to east. It begins from Abdulla Shaiq Street, in the mountainous part of the city and ends at railroad bed on Sabit Orujov Street, near a monument to Shah Ismail Khatai in “Black City”. The total length of the street is 3,538 m.

6. Flame Towers

Flame Towers is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan, the height of the tallest tower is 182 m (597 ft) . Towers representing flames symbolize fire. The Flame Towers are completely covered with the LED screens that display the movement of a fire visible from the farthest points of the city. The light show transitions from giant flames, the colors of the Azeri flag, a figure waving a flag, and giant tanks of water being filled. Transition times are approximately 2 minutes.

7. Highland Park (Martyrs’ Lane)

Baku’s Highland Park is the highest point in the Azerbaijani capital, opening a panoramic view of the city and its bay. The city’s residents and visitors often come here to see a bird’s eye view of Baku and just have a walk. The Upland Park can be reached by funicular in 7-8 minutes from the boulevard, by climbing up the endless stone stairs or just by car.

8. Heydar Aliyev Center

Heydar Aliyev Center is the spectacular work of Zaha Hadid which is built in 2012 and covers 57,500 m 2 area. Some facts about the building:

• The recorded cost of the center is 250 mln $.
• Architects did 2.5 years of research in order to just find out how to build this amazing building.
• The material that was used to make outside of the center invented by the architects because there was no known material in order to make such a curved building.

9. Gobustan Rocks

Gobustan State Reserve located west of the settlement of Gobustan, about 40 miles southwest of the center of Baku was established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-stones in the region. Gobustan State Reserve is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings, which depict primitive people, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000-20,000 years. Gobustan Rocks is considered one of the favorite places that tourists visit in Baku.

10. Mud Volcanoes

Home to nearly a third of the world’s mud volcano’s, Azerbaijan features a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape. Mud volcanoes are closely associated with hydrocarbon and petrochemical stores underground, hence the gas trying to escape to the surface. A few of these gas leaks are constantly on fire, shooting small perpetual flames into the air and some believe that these perpetual flames are strongly connected to the appearance of the Zoroastrian religion in Azerbaijan some 2,000 years ago. This place especially is interesting for families who travel with their kids.

11. Bibi-Heybat Mosque

The Bibi-Heybat is a historical mosque in  Baku ,  Azerbaijan . The existing structure, built in the 1990s, is a recreation of the mosque with the same name built in the 13th century by  Shirvanshah  Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II, which was completely destroyed by the  Bolsheviks in 1936. Today the Bibi-Heybat Mosque is the spiritual center for the Muslims of the region and one of the major monuments of  Islamic architecture  in Azerbaijan.

12. Heydar Mosque

One of the grand architectural projects of recent times is the Mosque of Heydar Aliyev with four minarets, was built in Baku in the architectural style of Shirvan-Absheron . This mosque is not the largest construction cult-religious architecture only in Azerbaijan, at the same time in the entire South Caucasus. The area of Heydar Aliyev Mosque is 12,000 square meters, the height of the four minarets is 95 meters. The large and small domes of the mosque are 55 and 33 meters high, respectively. The facade of the mosque is made of a special stone style of Shirvanshah architecture and interior decoration is made of marble and wood.

13. Fire Temple (Ateshgah)

The Baku Ateshgah often called the “Fire Temple of Baku” is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town, a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Based on Persian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. “Atash” is the Persian word for fire. The pentagonal complex, which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetrapillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was abandoned in the late 19th century, probably due to the dwindling of the Indian population in the area. The natural eternal flame went out in 1969, after nearly a century of exploitation of petroleum and gas in the area, but is now lit by gas piped from the nearby city. Fire temple especially is considered one of the top places to visit in Baku among Indian travelers.

14. Burning Hill (Yanardag)

Burning Hill is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku. Unlike mud volcanoes, the Yanar Dag flame burns fairly steadily, as it involves a steady seep of gas from the subsurface.

15. The World’s First Industrially Drilled Oil Well

For the first time in history, the industrial production of oil started in Baku. This event was known in Azerbaijan but documentary evidence has been found recently in the archives. As a result, the world’s first oil well of 21m deep and drilled in 1846 in the village of Bibi-heybat near Baku was found and restored, which became an open-air museum.

You can visit all these top places in Baku with the accompany of a knowledgeable local guide by taking one of our private tours .

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Here is the list of best places to visit in baku:.

Teze Pir Mosque

Dənizkənarı Milli Park

Flame Towers

Best of Turkey

National Flag Square

Baku Boulevard

Little Venice

Icherisheher Fortress Walls

Best of Israel

Fountain Square

Bilgah Beach

Heydar Mosque

Nizami Street

Best of Azerbaijan

Museum Of Miniature Books

Highland Park

Palace Of The Shirvanshahs

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Top Places To Visit in Baku

If you are planning to visit Azerbaijan, you should definitely know the top places to visit in Baku. Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, which is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea in the southern part of the Absheron peninsula. Baku faces south, towards the sea, and surrounds Baku Bay like an amphitheater which creates incredible beauty of history and charm of the Orient. Being the commercial and economic center of Azerbaijan, Baku with a population of over 2 million people is the largest and most cosmopolitan city of the South Caucasus region. During the independence years, the city changed very quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend so organically. The etymology of the city’s name is derived or comes from the Arabic language which means bad Kube (Baku city of winds). Another version states that perhaps it comes from the ancient Caucasian word bak (sun, or god), hinting at the area’s ancient role as a center for fire-worshippers millennia ago. Below is the list of the top places to visit in Baku:

1. Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard (also known as National Park) is a promenade established in 1909  which runs parallel to  Baku ‘s seafront. It is the second-largest in Europe after the park located in the Paris alongside Seine River. The park is very popular among tourists as well as locals of Baku to walk and enjoy the beauties of the city and sea. Its history goes back more than 100 years, to a time when Baku oil barons built their mansions along the  Caspian  shore and when the seafront was artificially built up inch by inch.

2.  The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described by UNESCO as “one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture”. It is located in the Inner City of Baku,  Azerbaijan , and, together with the Maiden Tower, forms an ensemble of historic monuments inscribed under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments. The complex contains the main building of the palace, Divanhane, the burial-vaults, the shah’s mosque with a minaret, Seyid Yahya Bakuvi’s mausoleum (the so-called “mausoleum of the dervish”), south of the palace, a portal in the east, Murad’s gate, a reservoir and the remnants of a bathhouse.

3. Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan. Along with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, dated to the 15th century, it forms a group of historic monuments listed in 2001 under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments as cultural property, Category III. It is one of Azerbaijan’s most distinctive national emblems and is thus featured on Azeri currency notes and official letterheads.

4. Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum displays  Azerbaijani carpets  and rug items of various weaving techniques and materials from various periods. It has the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world. It moved to a new building on the Baku‘s seafront park during 2014 from its former location on Neftchiler Avenue. The museum has become a research-training and cultural-educational center where many events, such as exhibitions, international symposiums, and conferences, are held. During its 50 years of existence, the museum has organized more than 30 exhibitions in different countries throughout the world.

5. Little Venice

Little Venice is one of the most beautiful sections of the Seaside National Park in Baku. This small town within the city, reminiscent of Italy’s Venice, adds a special beauty to the capital of Azerbaijan with its stunning canals and architecture. Little Venice was constructed as part of the Baku Boulevard in the 1960s and has become a favorite holiday destination for Baku citizens and guests of the city.

4. Nizami Str

Nizami Street is a large pedestrian and shopping street in downtown Baku, Azerbaijan,  named after classical poet Nizami Ganjavi. The street’s history could be traced back to Baku’s town-planning project of 1864. The street runs through the city’s downtown from west to east. It begins from Abdulla Shaiq Street, in the mountainous part of the city and ends at railroad bed on Sabit Orujov Street, near a monument to Shah Ismail Khatai in “Black City”. The total length of the street is 3,538 m.

6. Flame Towers

Flame Towers is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan, the height of the tallest tower is 182 m (597 ft). Towers representing flames symbolize fire. The Flame Towers are completely covered with the LED screens that display the movement of a fire visible from the farthest points of the city. The light show transitions from giant flames, the colors of the Azeri flag, a figure waving a flag, and giant tanks of water being filled. Transition times are approximately 2 minutes.

7. Highland Park (Martyrs’ Lane)

Baku’s Highland Park is the highest point in the Azerbaijani capital, opening a panoramic view of the city and its bay. The city’s residents and visitors often come here to see a bird’s eye view of Baku and just have a walk. The Upland Park can be reached by funicular in 7-8 minutes from the boulevard, by climbing up the endless stone stairs or just by car.

8. Heydar Aliyev Center

Heydar Aliyev Center is the spectacular work of Zaha Hadid which is built in 2012 and covers 57,500 m 2  area. Some facts about the building:

• The recorded cost of the center is 250 mln $.
• Architects did 2.5 years of research in order to just find out how to build this amazing building.
• The material that was used to make outside of the center invented by the architects because there was no known material in order to make such a curved building.

9. Gobustan Rocks

If you visit Baku, Azerbaijan, you should definitely go to this place. Gobustan State Reserve  located west of the settlement of Gobustan, about 40 miles southwest of the center of Baku was established in 1966 when the region was declared as a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve the ancient carvings, mud volcanoes, and gas-stones in the region. Gobustan State Reserve is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings, which depict primitive people, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000-20,000 years. Gobustan Rocks is considered one of the favorite places that tourists visit in Baku.

10. Mud Volcanoes

Home to nearly a third of the world’s mud volcano’s, Azerbaijan features a messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive landscape.  Mud volcanoes  are closely associated with hydrocarbon and petrochemical stores underground, hence the gas trying to escape to the surface. A few of these gas leaks are constantly on fire, shooting small perpetual flames into the air and some believe that these perpetual flames are strongly connected to the appearance of the Zoroastrian religion in Azerbaijan some 2,000 years ago. This place especially is interesting for families who travel with their kids.

11. Bibi-Heybat Mosque

The Bibi-Heybat is a historical mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan. The existing structure, built in the 1990s, is a recreation of the mosque with the same name built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II, which was completely destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936. Today the Bibi-Heybat Mosque is the spiritual center for the Muslims of the region and one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan.

12. Heydar Mosque

One of the grand architectural projects of recent times is the Mosque of Heydar Aliyev with four minarets, was built in Baku in the architectural style of Shirvan-Absheron . This mosque is not the largest construction cult-religious architecture only in Azerbaijan, at the same time in the entire South Caucasus. The area of Heydar Aliyev Mosque is 12,000 square meters, the height of the four minarets is 95 meters. The large and small domes of the mosque are 55 and 33 meters high, respectively. The facade of the mosque is made of a special stone style of Shirvanshah architecture and interior decoration is made of marble and wood.

13. Fire Temple (Ateshgah)

The Baku Ateshgah often called the “Fire Temple of Baku” is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town, a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Based on Persian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. “Atash” is the Persian word for fire. The pentagonal complex, which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetrapillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was abandoned in the late 19th century, probably due to the dwindling of the Indian population in the area. The natural eternal flame went out in 1969, after nearly a century of exploitation of petroleum and gas in the area, but is now lit by gas piped from the nearby city. Fire temple especially is considered one of the top places to visit in Baku among Indian travelers.

14. Burning Hill (Yanardag)

Burning Hill is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside on the  Absheron Peninsula  on the Caspian Sea near Baku. Unlike mud volcanoes, the Yanar Dag flame burns fairly steadily, as it involves a steady seep of gas from the subsurface.

15. The World’s First Industrially Drilled Oil Well

For the first time in history, the industrial production of oil started in Baku. This event was known in Azerbaijan but documentary evidence has been found recently in the archives. As a result, the world’s first oil well of 21m deep and drilled in 1846 in the village of Bibi-heybat near Baku was found and restored, which became an open-air museum.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Baku

//  by  Kristin

Put on your walking shoes and spend a day seeing the 10 best places to visit in Baku using the map and directions below.  This self-guided walking tour will take you to all the top attractions in the city centre, as well as one outside – the Heydar Aliyev Centre.

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Being safe and easy to navigate, a city tour can be done by foot and on your own without a guide.

The map below shows the location of the top attractions in Baku. Tourist places are mostly located located within walking distance of each other except for the Heydar Aliyev Centre. This building can be visited either before or after the walking tour as it is a 15-30 minute taxi ride outside the city centre. In my view, this is the most interesting of all the places to visit in Baku so it should not be missed!

1. Heydar Aliyev Center

The fluid shape of the structure stands in stark contrast to the road network you approach on and the angular tower blocks surrounding it. Walking around, photographing the building’s changing shapes from waves to sharp angles, was one of the highlights of our trip to Baku. I loved this building and I could probably spend a couple of hours walking around it. However, Ben thought 30 minutes was enough.

The opening in 2012 coincided with Azerbaijan hosting the Eurovision song contest. You will see from this post that many buildings opened around the same time to showcase the ‘new’ capital.

The centre is named after the national leader from 1969-1987. He is considered the founder of modern of Azerbaijan despite the country having been part of the Soviet Union during this time.

The Heydar Aliyev Centre is more difficult to get to than most of the other sights on the list of the top places to visit in Baku but if you like architecture, this is a must-see.

How to Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center:

• Entrance : $10, or $29 for a guided tour
• Opening hours : 11am – 7pm Tue-Fri, 11am – 6pm Sat, Sun. Closed Mondays
• Taxi: 5-10 AZN return, depending on waiting time
• Bus: Buses 1 and 2 stop close to the south end of the building. Bus 5 passes one block to the north of the main entrance
• Top tip : This can be easily visited on the way to the airport. Most taxis will include a 30 minute stop without an extra charge (we paid 10 AZN to the airport including a stop here)

2. The Flame Towers

There is no way you will not see these towers while visiting Baku. Wherever you are in the city centre, the towers can be seen peeking out above or in-between buildings. Views are particularly good from the seafront promenade and from the bottom of the funicular. Up close, the buildings lose their flame like shape and there is little to see or do in the area close by.

The main reason for taking the funicular up to the top is not to see the towers but to see the panoramic views from the viewpoint at Dagustu, which is described above.

At night the towers are particularly enchanting. Each window has large screens with more than 10,000 high-powered LED lights turning the towers into roaring flames or stick-men waving Azerbaijani flags.

Construction started in 2007 and took 5 years to finish – another building finished in time for Eurovision. The towers vary in height from 140m to 182m tall and house luxury apartments, office space and a Fairmont hotel.

How to Visit the Flame Towers:

• Entrance : It is difficult to cross the main motorway snaking around the flame towers and little to see inside the buildings
• Funicular: 10am – 1pm, 2pm – 10pm Tue- Sun. Closed Monday. This is the best way to get there
• Walking: To the side of the funicular there are a series of steps leading up to the Flame Towers
• Top tip : Have dinner at the Terrace Garden restaurant (part of the Sultan Inn hotel). There are two reasons to go to here. One is the fantastic views of the Flame Towers, giving you a front row seat to the light display from the outside terrace at night. The second is the tasty food

3. Panoramic Viewpoint at Dagustu

Visit in the afternoon to see the sun shining on the city, which stretches into the distance. I was surprised at the city’s size and the number of skyscrapers lining the sea front. It is easy to forget that 25% of the population of Azerbaijan live here.

The view point terrace is filled with locals having a coffee at the park café and teenagers holding hands. There were surprisingly few tourists.

How to Visit the Dagustu Viewpoint:

• Funicular: See above under Flame Towers
• Walk:  At the top of the steps along the side of the funicular, keep to the left. After crossing the road there are a few more steps to climb
• Top Tip : Shahidlar Monument and the Flame Towers are close by, so stop here as well
• Fun fact : This is the lowest lying capital in the world, lying 28 meters below sea level

4. Marvel at Modern Architecture

The high oil prices of the early 2000s funded a futuristic building boom. Many projects can be best-described as “weird but interesting”, and Baku is often called the Dubai of the Caucasus.

What city would not want a carpet museum that looks like a rolled-up carpet? The museum took 6 years to build and the collection inside numbers more than 10,000 pieces. The building is best observed from the outside.

Located on land reclaimed from the Caspian Sea, next to the carpet museum, is what will one day be a five-floor shopping and entertainment centre. It has been under construction since 2007 and is rumoured to finally open in 2020, but we will see…

It is shaped like an eight-petal flower with a flame tower in the centre. When commissioned it was hoped that this building would become a similar icon to the Sydney Opera House. I am not sure it is quite as striking, but it is worth a look, even unfinished.

How to Visit the Carpet Museum:

• Entrance : Tickets are 7 AZN for adults and 3 AZN for children
• Opening hours : Tue-Fri 10am – 6pm and Sat-Sun 10am – 8pm. Closed Monday
• Top tip : Photos are best in the morning

5. Stroll Along the Caspian Seafront Promenade

Strolling along the seafront promenade you forget that the Caspian is not the sea. As you look out for sturgeon in the shallows, the lake stretches as far as you can see. This is, after all, the world’s largest inland body of water. It contains 40% of all lake water in the world!

The promenade stretches 6km from National Flag Square to Freedom Square. However, since June 2019, the National Flag Square end has been closed and we found it difficult to get past the construction site of the new shopping centre.

The size of the lake has changed over time. The parks and land next to the promenade was built up in the 19 th Century. At this time, all ships entering the harbour had to bring fertile soil in exchange for being allowed to dock and fill up with oil. Now, the sea is receding as temperatures rise from climate change.

• Fun fact : Apparently, it is called a “sea” and not a “lake” since the ancient Romans discovered that the water was salty (1/3 rd the amount of seawater). There is no outlet into the “actual” sea but the salt deposited by the rivers feeding it cannot drain away. This is the same effect seen in the Dead Sea

6. Walk the City Walls

The walls that today encircle part of the old city were built in the 12 th Century. At 8-12 metres high and 3.5 metres thick they are impressive to look at as you walk past its gates and towers.

Originally 1500m long, about 500m remain today. Two of the best places to see the wall are Philharmonic Park/ behind Icheri Sheher metro station and along Aziz Aliyev Street.

On the quieter stretches you can imagine a fortified city, with its cannons and catapults sitting along the top of the wall, protecting its inhabitants.

7. Ismailiyya Palace

The history of the Ismailiyya Palace is an unhappy one. It was constructed by billionaire oil magnate Nahiyev to commemorate the death of his son Ismail from tuberculosis.

While spending time in Switzerland with his sick son, Nahiyev became fascinated by Gothic architecture. He commissioned a Polish architect who spent 3 years in Switzerland drawing up the plans for this Gothic-Venetian style palace.

The architecture manages to stand out in a city of wacky futuristic buildings – this no easy feat!

8. Palace of Shirvanshahs

In the middle ages the sandstone walls and domes of the Shirvanshahs Palace were the seat of power and the residency of the ruling family of north-eastern Azerbaijan.

Built in stages over several centuries, most of what you see today is believed to have been constructed in the 15 th Century. In the mid-18 th Century the Palace was occupied by the Russians who destroyed parts of it while adopting it to warehouse military equipment.

Restoration started in 2003, which is when the Palace was converted into a museum displaying textiles, costumes and other artefacts.

The photo above, which is a well-known view, is taken from the entrance to the Palace. You do not need to buy a ticket to take this photo. The best sun conditions for this photo are during the morning.

How to Visit the Palace of Shirvanshahs:

• Entrance : Adults $5
• Opening hours : 10am – 6 pm every day
• Top tip : To see the palace complex from above without paying the entrance fee, go for a drink at the rooftop terrace at Floors. “Housing Space” is the name to put into Google to find Floors. The building is located on Qesr Donge 1, 70 Old City, next to the Palace

9. Lose Yourself in the Old Town

Built in the 11 th Century, the old town was a Silk Road transit point for goods passing through the Black Sea on their way to Constantinople from China and India.

The caravanserais, bath houses, grand palaces and mosques give you a glimpse into the past, which is in stark contrast to the modern architecture outside the city walls. To enter any of the mosques, remember to bring a headscarf if you are female.

Steep, narrow cobbled streets twist and turn as you wander through the old town. The buildings are built of sand-coloured stone giving the city a yellow look. Ladas are parked in places you never imagined a car could get to.

Sections of the old town might look like a museum but whist getting “lost” in the back streets you can see the washing lines and potted plants of the 3,000 people who live here.

• Top tip : Wander down the small non-touristy side streets to see a more authentic side to this “otherwise flashy” capital city

10. Maiden Tower

As one of the best-known landmarks, this should be included as a stop on your walking tour. However, I question whether the high entrance fee is worth the climb to the top.

The purpose of the tower and how it got its name is shrouded in mystery and legend. Based on research, it is thought to have been a Zoroastrian fire temple and a site for sky burials.

But there are as many as 20 romantic fairy tales trying to answer this question as well. The most famous is that of the fiery-haired girl.

Once upon a time, an enemy attacked Baku to capture all inhabitants as slaves. People prayed day and night for the holy fire God to save their lives. The next day, a large fire fell from the Fire Temple’s tower and a beautiful girl with hair the colour of fire walked out of it.

It was agreed that the fate of Baku would be decided in combat. If the enemy won, all the inhabitants would be taken as slaves. But if the people won, the enemy would retreat.

The enemy commander was waiting outside the city wall for the fight to start. The fiery-haired girl said she would represent the people of Baku. She was victorious.

When the commander saw that it was a brave and beautiful girl who had defeated him, he fell in love with her. He pledged to never capture Baku or the fortress and asked the girl to marry him. She said yes and the local people named the Fire Temple’s tower the Maiden Tower to celebrate their victory.

How to Visit the Maiden Tower:

• Entrance fee : 10 AZN for adults
• Opening hours : 9am – 6pm every day
• Top tip : Best seen from the outside. You can climb the spiral staircase to the top, but you get similar views from the Sultan Inn Terrace Garden restaurant (where the cost of the entrance fee will pay for lunch)

Finishing by the Maiden Tower, you are in the perfect location to go to the Sultan Inn for dinner and watch the light show of the Flame Towers, one of the other top places to visit in Baku.

Is a Visit Worth It?

If Baku is a short flight away it is a good long-weekend destination allowing time to see the top 10 places to visit in Baku as well as the mud volcanoes and Sheki .

For those of us who live further away, I would only visit Azerbaijan if the trip can be combined with Georgia . Adding Armenia would make an even better itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Baku

Having a steppe-climate, summers are hot and winters are just above freezing. Rainfall varies with August seeing the lowest amount and November the highest. It rarely snows, but the winter months can be cold and rainy. Unless you like very hot weather, spring and autumn are the best times to go.

Weather in April – May

Together with September, this is the best time to visit Baku. If you don’t want to go hiking in Kazbegi or Upper Svaneti in Georgia (which I think you should!), early May might be the best time to go. Temperatures are starting to warm up. You can expect low to mid 20 degrees Celsius  (70-80 Fahrenheit) and after July and August, May is the month with lowest chance of rain.

Weather in June – August

The temperature in Baku in June starts to increase and this lasts until mid-September, with temperatures averaging in the high 20s Celsius (80s Fahrenheit). In August, temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius (100 Fahrenheit) are normally seen at some point during the month together with high humidity. The one benefit of August is that it has the lowest amount of rainfall at 7mm.

Despite being school holiday months, July and August have lower visitor numbers than June. June is by far the most popular time to visit. This could be partly due to the Formula One being scheduled during June.

As a result hotel prices are at their highest in June. Depending on other events they can be 3x the price for the rest of the year. Although the weather is nice in June I would recommend visiting in September or April/ May for the best combination of weather and lower hotel prices.

Weather in September – October

We went in mid-September and the temperature was comfortable, like a summer’s day in the UK. The weather in September makes it the perfect month to see the top 10 places to visit in Baku listed here and to visit Georgia and Armenia .

Weather in November – March

The winter months see temperatures just above freezing and the highest chance of rain. It rarely snows, but if it does, it is most likely to happen in late January or February. Visiting other parts of Azerbaijan, especially the mountain areas, can be difficult at this time of year due to snow.

Humidity is high in the winter which can make it feel colder. These months are also the most windy. In general, this is not the best time to visit to Azerbaijan.

What to Wear in Baku

The dress code is relaxed for being a Muslim country, but you will not see any locals in skimpy clothes.

What to wear partly depends on when you go. From October to April you should cover up due to lower temperatures but in the summer months you should consider what you pack.

Before going, I read that men should not wear shorts, but all the tourists seemed to. Locals wore trousers, but Ben wore shorts and a t-shirt every day and it didn’t feel like this was viewed as impolite by the locals.

For women, it is best to avoid short skirts and tank tops. Cover your shoulders and knees and keep a scarf in your bag for when you want to go into any of the mosques dotted around the old town. I wore a knee-length skirt and a t-shirt, but our impression was that shorts would also be acceptable for women if they go down to the knee.

For the walking tour of the 10 best places to visit in Baku, in addition to following the above guidelines, the most important thing is good shoes. Also bring water, and a sunhat in the summer months.

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• Places To Visit In Baku

Places to Visit in Baku

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan, a country located on the Caspian Sea. It is the largest city in Azerbaijan and a major cultural, economic, and political centre of the country. Baku has a rich history and culture, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the 4th millennium BCE. Today, Baku is a modern and vibrant city, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, and bustling streets.

Things To See & Do

Shirvanshahs Palace

A glimpse into baku's rich history and culture.

Suggested Time

Bilgah Beach

A relaxing beach escape in baku.

Fountain Square

A vibrant social hub in the heart of baku.

Little Venice

A charming canalside experience in baku.

Baku Boulevard

A charming promenade along the caspian sea.

National Flag Square

A symbol of pride and unity in baku.

Mud Volcanoes-Gobustan National Park

A unique geological phenomenon in baku.

Heydar Mosque

A blend azerbaijani and islamic architecture.

Icherisheher

The small old town.

Museum of Miniature Books

An offbeat location.

Nizami Street

The trade street.

Maiden Tower

A world heritage site.

A Notable Landmark

A Giant Ferris Wheel

Teze Pir Mosque

A grand historic mosque.

Atashgah Fire Temple

The worship of fire.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

All about carpet weaving.

Flame Towers

A visually pleasing experience.

Highland Park

A scenic park.

Palace of Shrivanshahs

A 15th century palace.

Heydar Aliyev Centre

A cultural journey.

Denizkenari Milli Park

For a fun family day, best time to visit baku, a lively, culturally rich city that must be on your bucket list, peak season, moderate season.

• What To Expect : Temperatures in Baku during the peak season can reach up to 30°C, So be sure to pack accordingly with light clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
• Things You'll Love : Baku hosts a range of festivals and events during the peak season, so you can expect to find a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options.

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Best places to visit in baku.

Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating city that blends rich history, diverse culture, and modern architecture. Here are some of the must-visit places in Baku.

Best Places to Visit with Family

Experience the spiritual beauty of Heydar Mosque , a stunning example of Islamic architecture with its captivating exteriors, interiors, and serene atmosphere.

Explore the historic charm of Icherisheher , also known as the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting ancient structures, museums, and cobbled streets.

Discover the unique collection at the Museum of Miniature Books , showcasing thousands of tiny literary treasures from around the world.

Stroll down Nizami Street , a bustling pedestrian avenue adorned with elegant architecture, shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Uncover the mystery of the Maiden Tower, an iconic Baku landmark with fascinating legends, beautiful views, and a rich history.

Best Places to Visit with Friends

Visit the picturesque Bibiheybat area, featuring a historical mosque, stunning views of the Caspian Sea, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Take a ride on the Baku Eye , a giant Ferris wheel offering breath-taking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.

Admire the architectural beauty of Teze Pir Mosque, an ancient place of worship with impressive design elements and a tranquil ambiance.

Experience the mystique of the Atashgah Fire Temple, an ancient Zoroastrian site with a fascinating history and unique cultural significance.

Marvel at the impressive collection of Azerbaijani carpets, textiles, and handicrafts on display at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, housed within an architecturally striking building.

Best Time to Visit Baku

The best time to visit Baku is from April to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant, and the temperatures are mild, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Baku's weather from July to August can be hot, while the winter months can be cold and windy.

Good Places to Visit at Night in Baku

While Baku boasts an exciting nightlife scene, there are several options for those looking to enjoy a memorable evening like illuminated landmarks, vibrant entertainment, and lively dining scenes.

Restaurants in Baku

Baku offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Azerbaijani cuisine to international favorites. Some popular restaurants in the city include-

• Pasifico Lounge and Dining
• Abakuz Restaurant
• Pendir and Chorek

Places to Visit Baku in 1 Day

If you have just one day to explore Baku, focus on visiting the historic Icherisheher, where you can discover ancient structures like the Maiden Tower and Teze Pir Mosque while strolling along its cobbled streets.

Places to Visit Baku in 2 Days

With two days in Baku, you can explore Icherisheher on the first day. On the second day, visit the iconic Flame Towers and the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to learn about the country's textile heritage, and then unwind at the picturesque Bibiheybat area.

Places to Visit Baku in 3 Days

A three-day itinerary in Baku allows you to explore the city's cultural landmarks and modern attractions at a leisurely pace. In addition to visiting Icherisheher, Flame Towers, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, and Bibiheybat, you can also spend a day discovering the Museum of Miniature Books, the intriguing Atashgah Fire Temple, and the stunning Heydar Mosque. Complete your Baku experience with a ride on the Baku Eye, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the city.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Baku

How is the weather of baku in peak season.

The weather of Baku in peak season is temperatures in Baku during the peak season can reach up to 30°C, So be sure to pack accordingly with light clothing, hats, and sunscreen. It means you can easily plan a trip to Baku in the months of ​​​​​​​​May, June, July, August and September to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

What are the best places to visit in Baku?

The most loved attractions in Baku are Heydar Mosque, Icherisheher and Museum of Miniature Books.

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Baku?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Heydar Mosque, Icherisheher, and Museum of Miniature Books when you are in Baku to make a funfilled vacay.

Destinations Near Baku

Top places to visit in nearby destinations, other popular things to do near baku, similar places to visit in other destinations, more places & things to explore in baku, best time to visit in similar destinations, explore more, more destinations to explore, similar destination like baku, top countries to explore, top states in india, best places to visit in months, places to visit in countries from india, places to visit in states in india, best international places to visit in 2024, weather in april for similar destinations.

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• Top 10 Things To Do In Baku – The World’s Lowest-Lying National Capital

23 Mar 2023

Baku is the capital as well as the largest city of Azerbaijan. It is known across the globe for being the lowest lying national capital, located 28 meters below sea level. You will find this amazing city lying on the shores of Caspian Sea, precisely on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, alongside the Bay of Baku. It is surrounded by mountains of the Caucasus, which adds more charm to its beauty.

Baku is a city that has a medieval heart but is surrounded by contemporary infrastructure. This means that though the city has welcomed modernization, its cultural and medieval heritage is safe and sound. It is interesting to note that the old city of Baku has been marked as a UNESCO world heritage site.

10 Best Things To Do In Baku

If you are planning to visit Baku, here are the top 10 things to do in Baku:

1. Visit the Most Astonishing Flame Towers

Image Source

The people of Baku used to worship fire. The flame tower is a set of three buildings shaped as flames and covered with LED screen which display fire movements. Located on a hilltop, this tower is a symbol of Baku’s mythological history. The tower is so huge that can be seen on Baku’s skyline from almost any part of the city.

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2. Experience Royalty Of Shirvanshahs

If you love historical sites, then this is a must visit place for you. The Shrivanshahs’ palace is a UNESCO World Heritage and according to history, the palace was the home of the Shrivanshah’s, the rulers of Azerbaijan (who were called Shrivan during that era).

The sandstone complex is situated inside the Old City, right behind the fortress walls that were built by the same kingdom in the 12th century, when Baku became the capital. The art of medieval Islamic civilisation has been greatly inspired from the architecture of the Old City. The Palace consists of a palace building, two mosques, East Gate (Murad’s Gate), the mausoleum of King Khalilullah buried with his mother and sons, bath house (“hammam”) and Sufi scientist and philosopher Sayid Yahya Bakuvi’s mausoleum.

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3. Watch Bubbling Mud Volcanoes At the Gobustan National Park

The Gobustan National park in Baku has around 300 bubbling mud volcanoes. This makes around 30% of the entire volcanoes in the world. Thousands of tourists from all across the globe are attracted to this destination to see these sprawling field speckled with bubbling mud volcanoes, anthropological sites and sizzling lakes. Now you have another mesmerizing reason to visit the city of Baku. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Gobustan National museum to learn all about Mesolithic period.

Suggested Read: Azerbaijan Travel Tips: 10 Best Tips To Become The Master Of Travelers!

4. Watch Sunset From Maiden Tower

Being situated in the Old City, the Maiden Tower holds an important place in the history of Baku. It was the part of the walls of the Baku city which used to protect it from any foreign invasions.

This tower was also built by the Shrivanshahs. The locals call this tower as Giz Galasi which means the virgin tower as it was impossible to penetrate this tower. Among the top 10 things to do in Baku is watching sunset from the top of this tower.

Suggested Read: 8 Magnificent Places To Visit In Azerbaijan One Must Definitely Visit While In Russia!

5. Explore the architecture of Bibi Heybat Mosque

Known for its architectural beauty, the mosque was originally built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan II. What stands there presently is a mosque restored in the year 1998. This is because Stalin destroyed it completely in the year 1936.

The three domed structure of the mosque follows the traditional iron shape of the old mosque and two minarets. The domes of the mosque are decorated with turquoise and green mirrors which are bordered with gilded inscriptions from the Holy Qur’an.

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6. Enjoy Baku’ Ravishing Nightlife

The city is not only for history lovers but also has a lot for the party heads. Baku has a very cheerful night club environment, which is loved for the millennials. OTTO club is the first night club of Baku, which still works and receives lots of love and appreciation from the guests. What makes the club distinctive is its live music which goes on till morning and almost every day there is a live performance from a band or a DJ. Don’t forget to enjoy visiting OTTO club in Baku!

Suggested Read: Summer In Azerbaijan: A Handy Guide For Traveler’s To Enjoy The Heritage Of The Country!

7. Entertain Yourself At Dalga Beach Aquapark Resort

Image Credit: Max Romulus for Pixabay

Dalga Beach Aquapark Resort is the modern beach recreation and entertainment centre. It is located 37 km away from the city centre in Mardakan settlement of Baku.

The place has various types of water entertainment and activities including Parachute, Scooters, Play Board, Sea Bob, Banana, Mable, Fly-Fish and Ringo. Who would want to miss so much adventure? You also have 10 swimming pools, 5 restaurants, 7 bars, 6 different water slides, kids club, pools for water sports, places for day-time games, VIP pool and other places, night club, various sunbeds to enjoy. This means it has something for everyone who visits the place. Tempting!

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8. Shop From Local Baku Markets

Image Courtesy: pxhere.com

Baku has a variety of local markets which serve almost everything. From spices to clothes and from meat to carpets, you’ll get everything. You will enjoy strolling the local markets in Baku, which range from sprawling bazaars to obscure flea markets and stalls selling mementos for tourists.

Along the side of the street, you will find fresh fruits, vegetables, snacks, and clothes. Baku’s two famous markets include Taza Bazaar and Yasil Bazaar. Best things to buy as a tourist are the local spices, carpets, handicrafts and clothes, which are traditional to the city.

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9. Spend Evenings In the Nizami Street

One of the main streets in Baku is the Nizami Street. Its locals love as they come here to do shopping in fancy shops, to dine in fast food and finally take a walk around in the promenade. Photographers would find this street magical due to the livelihood it has. There are quite many things to attract everyone on this street and so it is among the best things to do in Baku.

Suggested Read: Hiking In Azerbaijan: Top 6 Hiking Trails In The Majestic Caucasus Mountains!

10. Explore Culture Through Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Carpet weaving occupies a special place in Azerbaijan’s history and nearby Central Asia. The most widespread folk art is carpet weaving and was a part of everyday life of Azerbaijanis and turned into a national symbol.

These carpets have a high aesthetic and historic importance in the lives of the locals so they’re also used to cover the walls and floors of homes, nomads’ tents, mosques and government buildings as well. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum was set up in 1967 to highlight the art of carpet weaving and its role in the history of Baku. You will find over 10,000 objects such as ceramics, metal works, and jewellery dating from the Bronze Age etc. The primary use of the museum is for research, keeping and displaying carpets and carpet items, as well as applied art works.

Further Read: 7 Best Things To Do In Azerbaijan For An Extraordinary Experience

So now that you know what all things to do in Baku, you must make up your mind for a trip to Azerbaijan . You’ll find the place so mesmerising and you might fall short of time but the city’s stories will not end. The city’s aesthetics will impress you and the rich culture would be a unique thing to explore while in Baku.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in Baku

What are the top attractions to visit in Baku?

Some of the most popular attractions in Baku are Maiden Tower, Icherisheher, Palace of The Shirvanshahs, Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku Eye, Nizami Street, Heydar Mosque, Highland Park, and Icherisheher Fortress Walls.

What are the most popular things to do in Baku with children?

Here are some of the most exciting things to do with kids: Explore the Old City Visit alluring Flame Towers Watch bubbling mud volcanoes at the Gobustan National Park Have some fun time at Dalga Beach Aquapark Resort Watch the sunset from Maiden Tower

Can I visit Baku during the current Covid situation?

Yes, you can plan a visit to Baku during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.

What is famous in Baku for shopping?

The best thing to buy in Baku is a smaller carpet as an example of carpet weaving, which is traditional in Baku. For gifts, a set of tea glasses known as Armudu, which are pear-shaped (to keep tea hot and fragrant for a long time) are great. Also, you can buy a jar of Azerbaijani jam, which is made from local fruits and berries.

What is Baku famous for?

The capital city of Azerbaijan, Balu is positioned on the shores of the Caspian Sea at the crossroad between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The destination is primarily known for its unique fusion of historical and modern architecture.

What is the best time to visit Baku?

Baku experiences a plain climate all year round. It usually has warm summers and mild winters. The months from October to December are the wettest of the year. You can visit Baku as per your plans and preference. If you travel during the June-September months, you will have summers and for the November-March months, you will enjoy winters in Baku.

How many days are ideal to explore the whole of Baku?

Baku is the largest city in Azerbaijan and there is a lot to do in this glitzy, grand, and bizarre city. Spending a couple of days in Azerbaijan’s capital is something you will cherish for a long time. A minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 7 days are ideal to explore the whole of Baku. You can choose to extend your stay as per your wish.

Which is the nearest major airport to reach Baku?

The nearest major airport to Baku, Azerbaijan is Heydar Aliyev International Airport. It is located at a distance of 21 km from the centre of Baku, Azerbaijan. People from southern countries can also fly to Lankaran International Airport, which is 250 km away from Baku. From the airport, they can hire a car and drive to their destination.

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