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Baku tours, sightseeing, activities & things to do Baku Tours offer a unique chance to explore the vibrant city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Our Baku tours are designed to showcase the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a fun and exciting adventure, our expert guides will ensure you have a memorable experience. Book your Baku tour today

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PLACES TO VISIT IN AZERBAIJAN: THE PERFECT BAKU CITY TOUR

I recently had the opportunity to explore the wonderful places to visit in Azerbaijan including the unusual capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, also the biggest city in Azerbaijan. This enchanting city facing the Caspian Sea is a study in contrasts. 

Seventh century structures compete for attention with modern skyscrapers. Ancient caravanserai , rest-stops on the old Silk Route, sit next to world-renown architectural landmarks.

There is so many sights to see in Azerbaijan , especially Baku, that you’ll need a well-planned Baku itinerary to help you maximize your time.  Here is what just might be the perfect Baku city tour.   Join me on this unforgettable adventure in beautiful Azerbaijan.

When I was a kid in high school, I frequented a candy store outside my subway stop that sold paperbacks.

One day I found a book called Ali and Nino , by Kurban Said, about a Muslim Azerbaijani boy and a Christian Georgian girl that fall in love in Baku around the time of WW I, an especially turbulent time in Azerbaijani history just before Soviet rule.

The book did such am amazing job describing Baku that I fell in love with this exotic city so outside my cultural frame of reference.  I read up on the fascinating things to see and do in Baku. I wondered what Azerbaijan cuisine was like. 

I knew I’d visit one day.  Although I have always loved travel, I believe that specific book kicked my wanderlust into high gear and influenced my life-long travel passion.

Many years later, I was reading one of travel guru, Paul Theroux’s many travel books.

He said that as a young man he came across the book Ali and Nino that caused him to fall in love with the city of Baku, a place he had never heard of, and that the book was instrumental in contributing to his passion for travel.

“This wonderful novel—beautifully constructed, vivid and persuasive, a love story at once exotic and familiar—is living proof that art is indestructible and transcendent” said Theroux.

When I read Theroux’s comments I thought it interesting that this book had the identical effect on two different people. It seems the book is a great travel endorsement for Baku. How appropriate Theroux’s words were!

I finally made it to Baku and the city did not disappoint. Down to the lazy cats lounging in the sunny streets of Old Town, Baku was everything I imagined it would be.

Table of Contents

Baku, Azerbaijan: Facts to help you get around

Azerbaijan has about 10 million people approximately 40% of which live in the capital city of Baku.

Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim country.  Only a small percentage of women wear veils, alcohol is easily obtained, and the sexes mix freely. There are no clothing restrictions, but women must cover themselves when entering mosques. Veils are available for free at mosque entrances.

About 80% of Azeri people are nominally Shia Muslims. The remainder are a combination of Sunni, Jews, Christian and other religions. The people pride themselves on their religious tolerance.

Azerbaijan’s ancient religion is Zoroastrianism which dates back over three thousand years. It was the dominant religion until Islam arrived in the 7th century CE.  Vestiges of Zoroastrianism are still visible in modern Azerbaijan today.

Historians believe that Zoroastrianism influenced many modern-day religions including Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. It is believed the ancient Zoroastrians worshipped fire.

Most nationalities require visas to enter Azerbaijan. Visas are easily obtained online or by contacting a visa service such as iVisa .

The language in Azerbaijan is Azeri, a Turkic language closely related to Turkish. An Azeri speaking person and a person speaking modern Turkish will be able to understand each other.

Russian is widely spoken especially with the older generation.  Younger people prefer to study English. Many tourism workers will speak English.

Baku can be as inexpensive or as luxurious as you like. Accommodations range from the opulent Four Seasons and Fairmont Hotels to cozy, well-situated hostels and everything in between. Likewise, there are meals and transportation options for every budget.

Azerbaijani currency is the manat. One manat is about $0.59 of a U.S. dollar.  ATMs are readily and conveniently located throughout Baku. 

International credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in tourist locations, but less so in areas outside Baku.

Uber is available in Azerbaijan and much cheaper than standard taxis.

There are buses and subways with convenient routes, but you need to buy a BakiKart (Metrocard) at main subway station kiosks to use public transportation. The price is 2 manat.

An average subway ride is 0.30 of a manat so one BakiKart will get you several subway rides.  This is one of the cheapest rides I’ve encountered.

Places to visit in Baku, Azerbaijan: the perfect Baku city tour 

One of the most remarkable Azerbaijan places to visit in Baku is Old Town, the historical core. It is the oldest part of the city with some historians dating the construction as far back as the 7th century.

This is the best place to start your Baku sightseeing.

The historical core of Old Town, a favorite Azerbaijani tourist spot, is about 50 acres of winding alleys lined with homes decorated with iron-wrought terraces opening to sunny plazas all surrounded by towering fortified walls.

Buildings through the city are constructed in the local white limestone. This makes the structures appear a creamy white color that dazzles in the sunlight.

The town itself, along with its major historical sights of Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs, were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. These are two of the most important Azerbaijan points of interest and among the best places to visit in Azerbaijan.

The Maiden Tower in Old Town is considered a symbol of Baku. and one of the top Azerbaijan attractions. It is a circular tower, almost 100 feet high, believed to have been built in the 12th century over an already existing structure from the 5th to 6th centuries.

Legend has it the tower has never been breached, hence the name.

Inside the tower is a small museum displaying the history of the city.  Climb to the top for a great view of Baku, its winding alleys, hidden gardens, mosque minarets and the circular bay. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs is the former seat of the ruling Shirvanshahs who ruled in Azerbaijan in the 15th century.  No longer a palace, today it is more like a well-maintained museum, mausoleum and garden on the original palace site.

The architecture is typical of the time and place; graceful arches, delicate carvings and lush peaceful gardens with tinkling fountains.   It is also the burial site for past royalty, one of the more interesting rooms.

This is one of the top Baku tourist attractions.

There is a small area where an attendant will take a picture of you in period clothing, a tacky tourist tactic I’ve never been able to resist. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Azerbaijan, try this for a cool memory of your trip.

The Medieval Market Square is an archeological site right in front of the Maiden Tower so it is impossible to miss. What was once the square is today an exhibition center for interesting excavated stones representing animal figures.

This area is considered by many to be the spot where one of Jesus’ disciples, St. Bartholomew was martyred.

For me the most interesting aspect of this area is the caravanserai converted into restaurants.

A caravanserai is a place where the travelers on the ancient Silk Road would come to rest with their animals as they continued their journey across central Asia and Europe. 

The travelers would set up shop in little alcoves and stable their animals in an open central area. After a few days they moved on.

Azerbaijan was a major stop on that route. Many of the caravanserai remain and have been converted into restaurants which you see throughout Baku. This was one of the best historical places to visit in Azerbaijan.

Nearby is the Museum of Miniature Books . This is the private collection of Zarifa Salahova who, over a 30-year period, had the patience to accumulate this remarkable collection and share it with the public.

You’ll find miniatures of the classics as well as the Bible and Qur’an. The smallest book requires a microscope to see.

Donations of miniature books have joined the collection from all over the world making it one of the quirky places to visit in Baku. It is worth a visit if only for curiosity’s sake.

Right around the corner you’ll find the Coin Museum , a modest little museum housed in a one-room mosque displaying ancient coins.

There are a series of ancient public baths in Baku most of which are ruins, but really cool ruins. These baths were segregated, of course, and one interesting story involves the woman’s bath.

When a woman was being considered for marriage, the parents negotiated the deal while the couple were prohibited from meeting. 

Wanting the couple to be as well-matched as possible, the groom’s mother would evaluate the prospective bride in the nude while at the public baths and make a recommendation to her son based on the review.

The poor bride never knew she was being judged like a sow.  The legend does not say if the evaluation was ever reciprocated.

Old Town is the artistic center of Baku. One of the most pleasant things to do in Baku’s Old Town is to wander in and out of the little art studios. 

You can see the artist at work as well as view the artwork on display. You might end up taking home a beautiful artistic memento of your trip. It’s fun to wander around this neighborhood. It has less tourists and is one of the more sedate and authentic places to visit in Baku .

Some of the more prominent galleries include: Ali Samsir’s Studio and Q Gallery but there are several.

Highland Park Area

The area around Highland Park, one of the highest points in the city, is a good place to learn more about Azerbaijan’s more contemporary history. The various monuments commemorate Azerbaijan’s heroes. It is one of the most moving places to visit in Azerbaijan.

After the Zoroastrians, Muslims settled in the Caucasus area and firmly established Islam in the 700s CE. That’s how Azerbaijan became a Muslim country.

From 1806 to 1917 Azerbaijan was part of the Russian Empire. In 1917 the Russian Empire fell, an event that reverberated worldwide. 

Azerbaijan took advantage of this to declare their independence and formed the first secular Muslim republic in the world, a fact recognized by most major powers of the time.

The celebrations were short-lived however, because what became the Soviet Union subdued them in 1920.

From 1920 to 1991 Azerbaijan existed under Soviet rule but the desire for freedom was too strong and they again struck out on their own.

On the days of January 19 and 20, 1990, Soviet tanks and troops took to the streets of Baku killing and wounding demonstrators calling for independence.  Hundreds were killed on those days the Azeri refer to as Black January.

It is here in Upland Park where you see the utterly devastating memorial to the demonstrators. The images of 131 Azeri men, women, children and couples are etched in black stone, in perfect rows in a spot called Martyrs Alley.

It is a moving exhibit, one of the somber places to visit in Azerbaijan which cannot be missed.

Also in Upland Park is one of the best views of Baku from this high vantage point as well as the beautiful Highland Park Mosque.

The Carpet Museum

From Highland Park you can take the cable car down to the city to visit the famous Carpet Museum. If you are looking for totally unique places to visit in Azerbaijan, this is it!

Don’t think carpets can be THAT interesting?  Think again! You will be surprised when you leave and find yourself thinking that this is one of the marvelously unique places to visit in Baku…a perfect complement to your unique Baku city tour.

First of all, the museum is built in the design of a rolled-up carpet. The two first floors display the country’s most beautiful carpets representative of their respective regions.  There are also several examples of carpet design during the Soviet era, bizarre! 

Lastly there is an amazing collection of all the interesting things you can do with a carpet.  It’s so unusual you have to see it for yourself.

Fountain Square

The ideal spot for people watching, Fountain Square is a series of pedestrianized streets outside of Old Town starting at the Square and gradually cascading down to the sea where it connects to a shopping mall by a pedestrian bridge.  This is one of the very cosmopolitan and trendy places to visit in Azerbaijan.

It is an innovative, graceful piece of engineering and architecture.

The shops lean towards the high-end.  The restaurants are trendy. The leafy park is populated by African parrots. 

One of the main thoroughfares, Nizami Street, has outdoor chandeliers! The entire effect is magical and you feel you are in a cross between Dubai and Paris.

At night the area sparkles with twinkling lights. Find some of the best clubs and restaurants of Baku here or just hang out at one of the many street cafes and watch the world go by.

The Flame Towers

Azerbaijan, and Baku in particular, has been associated with fire throughout its history.  The country’s original practitioners of Zoroastrianism are said to have worshiped fire. 

Three flames have decorated the Azerbaijani coat of arms for centuries and the country’s natural gas cause areas of the country to sprout flames from the earth.

Due to this association with fire, these three dramatic and imposing skyscrapers have become a symbol of Azerbaijan. They are built in the shape of a flame, hence the name. Some refer to them as steel Azerbaijani mountains. Of all the fascinating places to visit in Azerbaijan, this is a top contender.

Completed in 2012, the tallest tower reaches 597 feet into the sky. One of the towers is a luxury apartment building, one is a 250 room Fairmont Hotel, and the last is an office complex.

The towers are visible from everywhere in Baku and one of the most interesting things to see in Azerbaijan.

Where to stay in Baku .

The Boulevard

Baku’s “Bulvar,” also known as seaside boulevard, corniche or seawall is the largest in Europe at over 3 km long. It fronts the Caspian Sea and is dotted by parks, an enormous Ferris wheel and bike rental stations (5 manat/hr). 

Throughout the day and evening the local residents stroll the Bulvar and enjoy the sea air.

Every evening from about 8 pm until midnight the Flame Towers put on a light show like no other.  Each one of the 3 buildings lights up alternately displaying the colors of the Azeri flag, burning flames or other designs.

This spectacle can be seen from all over the city but the view from the Bulvar is especially impressive because it appears the city is on fire.

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center

Probably one of the most unexpected things to see in Baku, the Heyday Aliyev Cultural Center is a must-see cultural bonanza.

The iconic building itself is the star here.  Designed by world-renowned Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and named for the president of Azerbaijan from 1993 to 2003, the complex was completed in 2012. 

It is said that an aerial view reveals the building to be Heydar Aliyev’s signature.

Inside there is an informative exhibit presenting the former president’s life and times. Also on show is a remarkable puppet collection, a mock up of various city buildings and art exhibits.

What will wow you, however, are the interior lines of the building; so fanciful, unusual and unexpected.  The center was constructed with no angular lines at all, only smooth curves creating an impression of a flowing structure. 

It’s like visiting a bizarre futuristic Disney exhibit or what you imagine the interior of an alien spaceship to look like.

Yasil Bazar

I love visiting local markets and the Yasil Bazar is definitely one of the best places to visit in Baku. Here is where you can get a real feel for the country; what things cost, what people eat; the locals’ daily interactions. In Baku the market to go to is the Yasil Bazar.

Yasil Bazar sells fruits, vegetables, meat, nuts and spices. Good items to purchase that are typical of the area are the delicious Azeri teas, the local saffron and the sweet baklavas in dozens of colorful variations.

Azeri cuisine. What to eat in Baku and where to eat it.

I really liked Azeri food.  The cuisine has lots of variety and the food is very “farm-to-table.” There are many wonderful restaurants in this cosmopolitan capital of Azerbaijan.

An Azeri meal begins with a small salad followed by soup.  Next comes the main course and dessert.  This format never varied wherever I went.

All meals are accompanied by a type of water flavored with fruits, botanicals like black basil and sugar.  It is very refreshing and should be served cold.

Meat did not feature prominently as a main course.  The most meat I saw was bits of chicken and lamb accompanied by vegetables and rice (plov).  The real stars of the Azeri meal are vegetables…and lots of them. 

Eggplants, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower and some unrecognizable (but delicious) veggies are everywhere.  If you are a vegetarian, move to Baku!

One apparently typical local dish I saw on several occasions is stuffed eggplant, pepper and tomatoes in one dish.  Dolmos, stuffed grape leaves, are also common.  They can be stuffed with rice, ground meat and/or cheese and taste very different from what you get in the States.

You eat dolmos with yogurt, a typical accompaniment. Dolmos are so common there are even restaurants named after the dish.

 Dolma Restaurant, for traditional Azeri food.  OCAQ Art Café is a cute little spot right next to the ancient wall and near the art galleries.

5 Awesome day trips from Baku, Azerbaijan

The best day trips from Baku will take you to locations filled with high artistic achievement, mysterious temples, and amazing natural phenomenon.

After a couple of days exploring Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan with a Baku city tour , it’s time to discover its surroundings. 

I’ve gathered a small selection of some of the most interesting day trips from Baku .  All of these outings are within one or two hours of Baku giving you an opportunity to visit them all within one or two days depending on how much time you spend at each location and what your interest level is.  But they are all worth visiting.

From richly decorated mosques to blazing mountains to prehistoric rock carvings and cave art, these day trips from Baku will make you rethink your impressions of this little-understood country.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque

This graceful, cream-colored mosque appears deceivingly understated on the outside. But once inside you are greeted with a kaleidoscope of colors from the light streaming in through the stain glass windows.

The domes are decorated with emerald-green mosaics and golden colored inscriptions from the Qu’ran. The tombs rest in an enclosed area encased in silver gates and gold-colored roofs.  The combined effect of the colors, designs, and textures is stunning.

Rebuilt in the 1990s after the identical model the Soviets destroyed in 1934, the mosque stands majestically before the Caspian Sea about 20 minutes from Baku Old Town.  It contains the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of Muhammad.

When visiting, women will be provided with a robe covering–that looks like an old hospital gown–to wear while in the mosque.

The Mud Volcanoes

About one and a half hours from Baku is an area known for subterranean mud volcanoes.  The road there is in great condition until you hit the detour to the location.  Then the road becomes unpaved, bumpy and very steep.

There are taxis nearby to take people whose cars cannot travel to the volcanoes.

Once you get there you will see a barren grey landscape with dozens of volcanoes from tiny ones less than a foot high to much larger ones.

Azerbaijan is home to over a third of the mud volcanoes in the world.  They are formed from pockets of underground gas that force themselves to the surface. 

You would think that the volcanoes are hot but since they are not caused by magma, they are very cold.  A totally weird and counter-intuitive feeling is to dip your fingers in the “boiling” mud and feel the cool texture.

The local residents believe the mud has medicinal qualities to cure or alleviate skin conditions and they collect the mud in plastic bottles for sale to tourists and residents.

The Petroglyph Museum in Gobustan

A few minutes from the Mud Volcanoes is the Petroglyph Museum in Gobustan. The museum offers an in-depth explanation of the prehistoric petroglyphs, or rock carvings, found in the area.

The exhibit recreates the people who made the petroglyphs, why and for what purpose.

The petroglyphs are significant because of their variety and artistic achievement which many compare to the cave art found in the Altamira caves of northern Spain. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More than just a museum, the location functions as an educational center with over 20 exhibition rooms and a small 3D theater.

Kids will love the “please touch” exhibits. I thought they were pretty cool too.

After learning about the petroglyphs, the fun part is to stroll through the grounds of the Gobustan National Park and actually see them close up.

Gobustan Rock Art in the Gobustan National Park

It is fascinating to imagine our long-ago ancestors carving their visions into the rock. There are designs of bison and other animals that were so important to their survival. Images of pregnant women also feature prominently, perhaps an homage to a fertility goddess.

One set of carvings I found especially interesting were those of groups of people next to each other that appeared to be holding hands.  Some of the figures were clearly male, others female with smaller figures representing children.  

They appear to be moving together, perhaps dancing.  What were these people trying to do all those tens of thousands of years ago in that cave? What fears were they trying to dispel? What prayers were they hoping to get answered?

I found the images poignant and moving.

As these destinations are so close together, it is easy to combine the Petroglyph Museum, Gobustan National Park and the Bibi Hayat Mosque into one of the perfect day trips from Baku.

The Fire Temple of Ateshgah

The Ateshgah of Baku is often referred to as the “Fire Temple of Baku.” 

This is a structure that looks like a cross between a medieval castle and a Hindu temple about an hour from Baku. In fact, the temple has been used by many religions including Zoroastrian, Hindu and even Sikh.

Constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries, the Ateshgah has been turned into a museum and was declared a state historical-architectural reserve by decree of the President of Azerbaijan.

The central temple sits in the center of a courtyard surrounded by stone walls with little alcoves which were used as cells.  To convey the historical use of the temple, wax figurines have been placed in the cells depicting the lives the worshipers lived.

The star attraction is the fire in the central temple. The fire blazed naturally from escaping natural gas for nearly a century and has been replaced by a gas pipe line.  If you take a picture at a particular angle, it appears as if you are engulfed in flames.

All the while I was wandering the temple and the exhibits I was thinking about what interesting creatures we humans are.  How we have been driven to create and to connect spiritually throughout history no matter where we are. 

I always come to the conclusion that the more I learn about the world the more I realize how little I know.

Yanar Dag is a natural fire that burns continuously on a hillside in Baku near the Caspian Sea. The flames can rise as high as 3 meters in the air. It is said the fire was initially lit by a shepherd in the 1950s and has remained blazing ever since.

Geologists say the Yanar Dag fire is the result of hydrocarbon gases sprouting up from the earth’s surface.

Azerbaijan is known as the land of fire.  This natural phenomenon is unexplained when seen with the naked eye. The site has taken on religious significance for some residents over the years.

The site is the base of a large hill surrounded by an arena of sand.  There is a small seating area for people to sit and observe the blazing fire.  It’s amazing to see it burn with no visible fuel, it’s just fire sprouting from a mountain.

The site is impressive enough during the day, but at night, the sight of the blazing flames against the night sky is truly remarkable.

Want to know more about Azerbaijan and its fascinating capital? Check out these books.

Where to stay in Baku, Azerbaijan

Need more hotel suggestions? Try either the Sahil Inn Hotel or The Merchant Baku . Both are located near the city center and close to public transportation. 

What are some of your thoughts on the best places to visit in beautiful Azerbaijan?

BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,  money-saving links  to book your trip:

• Research and  book your flight  with  Skyscanner . I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
• For  car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend   Discover Cars .
• Book your accommodation  with  Booking.com . I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
• Protect your trip  and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use  Travelinsurance.com  and have been very happy with them.
• Looking for a  small group tour  to unforgettable destinations with top professionals?  Intrepid Trave l is your choice.
• For more  general tours  to any destination or attraction,  book with   Viator . Check them out.
• Need a visa?   Get your visa  for all countries with   Passport Visa Exp ress.
• Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
• Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
• Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.
• The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.

I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.

Talek Nantes

1 thought on “places to visit in azerbaijan: the perfect baku city tour”.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN: THE PERFECT BAKU CITY TOUR – Travels with Talek http://pemenangbola.net

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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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Tours in Baku are an excursion into the history of science, religions and the trading East. Tours in Baku are a resort vacation on the coast of the largest salt lake on earth, which is called the Caspian Sea. A tour to Baku is a paradise for gourmets, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Finally, this is a tour to the fastest city in the world, because it was in Baku that the record for automobile speed in urban conditions was set. In 2016, Finnish driver Valteri Bottas reached 378 km/h in the Formula 1 European Grand Prix. Faster on the ground in urban conditions have not yet accelerated.

Excursions in Baku with our company are guaranteed not to leave guests without the best impressions of our city. We conduct tours of evening Baku with its noticeable illumination, the Old City with narrow streets, where popular films were filmed in Soviet times ... excursions to spiritual places with visits to the temples of the three religions of Abrahamism, as well as around the capital, which is part of Gobustan and the Absheron Peninsula.

By clicking on the lists below, you can get acquainted in detail with our tour programs - group, individual (both one-day and multi-day tours) with the features of the routes and prices for tours in Baku.

Baku Exclusive Tours

Baku Exclusive Tours Catalogue is your gateway to an extraordinary travel experience. Explore the rich religious heritage, vibrant shopping scene, and delicious cuisine of Baku with our all-inclusive Baku Exclusive Tours Catalogue. From religious sights tours to pub crawls to gastronomic adventures, we offer a diverse selection of tours to suit every interest. Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of Fire.

Baku City Pub Crawling

You will visit:  Four pubs in Baku.

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, photgraphy, four shots.

  From 50 ₼

Baku Shopping Tour

You will visit:  Deniz Mall, Souvenir Shops In The Old City, Port Baku Mall, Eastern Bazaar, Yashil Bazaar (Green Bazaar)

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, lunch, transfer from hotel and back to hotel, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 188 ₼

Baku Religious Sites Tour

You will visit:  Religious sights of the Old City, Ashkenazi Synagogue, Mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back to the hotel, lunch, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 280 ₼

3 Nights 4 Days #1

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Tour Day 4:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

This package includes:  Hotels(B&B), transfers, professional guides, lunch during trips, fees to museums and attractions, air conditioned vehicles.

  From 277 ₼

3 Nights 4 Days #2

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 4:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 291 ₼

5 Nights 6 Days #2

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from airport to the hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Tour Day 4:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 5:  Sheki Tour Day 6:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 609 ₼

7 Nights 8 Days #1

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Day 4:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 5:  Sheki Tour Day 6:  Guba-Khinalig Tour Day 7:  Leisure time in Baku Day 8:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 830 ₼

Baku Outdoor Activities

Baku offers many locations for lovers of outdoor activities, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, diving, snorkelling, yachting, etc. On the territory of Baku there is one of the national parks of Azerbaijan - the Absheron National Park, where you can walk along the quicksands of the Caspian Sea and get to the Shah Spit of Baku, where the sea will surround you from three sides. There are also more than 300 mud volcanoes in Baku, which can be visited not only during standard excursions, but also during a hiking trips. Hiking in Baku is very popular not only among local youth, but also tourists coming to Azerbaijan due to the fact that there are many historical and cultural monuments that can be found during tours. Among them are rock paintings left tens of thousands of years ago, medieval defensive towers, abandoned caravanserais. You can not ignore the beach activities in Baku. After all, Baku is located on the Absheron Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Absheron National Park Shahdili Hiking Tour

You will visit:  Absheron National Park Shahdili Hiking Tour

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back to the hotel, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 210 ₼

Baku Fishing Tour

You will visit: Pirallahi Island, Pirallahi Bridge, Fish Restaurant

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, comfortable transport with air conditioning and seat belts, pick-up and drop-off from the hotel, spinning rods, bait, lunch during the tour

  From 450 ₼

Baku Group and Private Tours

Our group and private tours in Baku are carefully curated to showcase the best of what this city has to offer. Our tours range from half-day city tours to full-day excursions to the surrounding countryside. We offer both group and private tours, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, nature, or food, we have a tour that's perfect for you. Our tours conducted in Baku are led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge and insights with you.

Baku Night Tour

You will visit:  Baku Upland Park, Baku Boulevard (Mini Venice), Heydar Aliyev Center

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning

Baku City Tour

  From 60 ₼

Old City-Night Baku

You will visit:  The Hightland Park, Baku Boulevard, Heydar Aliyev Center, The Old City, The Palace of Shirvanshahs

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, diner, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 70 ₼

Gobustan Tour

You will visit:  Mud Volcanoes, Gobustan National Museum, Gobustan Open Air Musem

Includes: Professional English speaking guide, hotel transfer, comfortable vehicle with seat belts and air conditioners, entry fees, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, lunch.

Absheron Tour

You will visit:  Ateshgah (The Fire Temple), Yanardag (The Burning Mountain)

Includes:  Professional English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to museums (Temple of Fire, Yanardag), comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

Old City-Baku

During this tour will visit:  The Upland Park, Baku Boulevard, Heydar Aliyev Center, The Old City, The Palace of Shirvanshahs

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, comfortable vehicle with seat belts and air conditioning, meals (Menu: Saj, national dish, Old Garden salad, soft drinks, tea with sweets).

  From 80 ₼

Baku Lights Tour

During this tour you will visit:   Ateshgah, Yanardag, Baku Upland Park, Mini Venice, Heydar Aliyev Center. 

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back, entry fees, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning, lunch, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, diner.

  From 100 ₼

Gobustan-Absheron-Baku Night Tour

You will visit:  Gobustan National Museum, Ateshgah, Yanardag, Baku Upland Park, Mini Venice, Heydar Aliyev Center. 

Includes: Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back, entry fees, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning, lunch, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, diner.

  From 150 ₼

Wander-Lush

12 Exciting Day Trips From Baku: Mud Volcanoes, Mountain Hikes, Mosques & More

This round-up of the best day trips from Baku, Azerbaijan includes short independent trips you can do with public transport and longer Baku tours. Whether you’re looking for nature, hiking, culture, history or food and wine, this list has something for you!

Baku is the gateway to some of Azerbaijan’s most incredible mountains, surreal landscapes of mud and fire, enthralling villages, and even the wine region.

It’s easy to get waylaid by the capital’s charming the Old City, Icherisheher , and the ultra-cool urban architecture , but don’t forget there are plenty of amazing things to see and do right on Baku’s doorstep.

I recommend spending at least 2-3 full days in Baku . That’s enough time to see the city highlights plus take 1-2 day trips around the Absheron Peninsula and beyond.

For all the best things to see and do in the city, see my Baku City Guide .

Getting around Azerbaijan can be a bit challenging, but it’s possible to do many of these Baku day trips independently using marshrutka vans or trains. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions for each destination.

For longer drives and more complex routes, I highly recommend joining either a guided tour or taking advantage of the hop-on-hop-off-style transfers available. In the next section, I list my top picks.

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.

Quick links: The best Baku day tours

⭐ Top-rated Baku day trip: Combined tour to the Gobustan mud volcanoes, petroglyphs, Yanar Dag & Bibi Heybet Mosque → Check availability here on Viator .

⭐ Best extended day trip: Tour of the copper workshops in Lahic and ancient Shamakhi with an Azerbaijani picnic lunch in the forest near Ismailli. → Check availability here on Viator .

⭐ For mountain scenery & hiking: Day trip to Xinaliq, Azerbaijan’s highest village → Check availability here on Viator .

⭐ For architecture & culture: Day trip to Sheki and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Palace of the Sheki Khans → Check availability here on Viator .

⭐ For Azerbaijani wine: Day trip to Qabala → Check availability here on Viator .

Map of Baku day trips

→ Click here to open the map .

How to plan a Baku day trip

I’ve included detailed transport information for each destination in the next section. 

Here is a quick overview of your transport options for travelling out of Baku plus a few handy links:

Metro & intercity buses

Many of these shorter day trip destinations on the Absheron Peninsula are easy to reach from the Old Town using a combination of metro and buses. Public transport in Baku is linked up to Google Maps, which makes it very easy to navigate the city using your phone.

Pick up a rechargeable BakıKART for 2 AZN when you first arrive. A single metro trip costs 0.30 AZN, and bus fares range from 0.30-0.50 ANZ depending on the route.

Regional buses

You no longer have to travel all the way to Sumqayit to catch a marshrutka or coach. Regional buses to towns and cities outside Baku now depart from the International Bus Terminal Complex located here . To get there from Icherisheher, simply take bus 37 from Nizami Garden to Bilajari Circle (0.30 AZN; 20 mins).

The bus station publishes schedules and fares on their website – which is surprisingly easy to use. Check times and ticket prices for popular destinations here .

Organised day tours

Generally speaking, organised day trips from Baku are great value for money and take a lot of the hassle out of travel. I highly recommend joining a day tour with private transportation for longer trips, especially anything that requires more than three hours of travel.

Viator has the best range of itineraries and tour companies in Azerbaijan. Click here to browse all day trips from Baku .

Best day trips from Baku for history, culture & scenery

1. day trip from baku to gobustan national park – mud volcanoes & petroglyphs.

• Distance from Baku: 65 km (40 miles)
• Travel time: ~4 hours return
• Best for: History, culture, adventure, families with kids

A short drive south via the Caspian coast, Gobustan (Qobustan) is by far the most popular day trip from Baku. This was one of the first places I visited after arriving in Azerbaijan and it’s an experience I’ll never forget .

There are two things to see in the area. First and foremost, the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is one of the country’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites , where you can observe more than 6,000 petroglyphs – some 40,000 years old . After visiting the small but fascinating exhibition, you are then led through the open-air museum to view the ancient engravings hidden amongst caves and boulders. Entrance costs 10 AZN per person and includes an English-speaking guide.

There are mud volcanoes all over the Absheron Peninsula, including a big cluster 1.5km inland from Gobustan. It’s a short off-road drive from the museum to reach this otherworldly landscape, where little craters bubble and puff, spilling ice-cold mud onto the dry earth.

How to get to Gobustan from Baku with public transport

To get to Gobustan from Baku independently, you’ll need to use a combination of public transport and taxis.

First, take a south-bound bus 125 from Azneft Square to the Karvansaray Shopping Centre (0.40 ANZ; 30 mins). Cross the road to Bina Shopping Centre and board the south-bound 195 bus (1.30 AZN; 45 mins) to Gobustan House of Culture in the centre of Gobustan town. From there, a local taxi to the National Park takes around 10 minutes and should cost ~12 AZN. A taxi to the petroglyphs and the mud volcanoes combined should cost ~30 AZN.

Best Gobustan day tours

TOP CHOICE: Gobustan, Mud volcanoes, Fire temple, Fire mountain Group Tour with Bag Baku . This is the tour I did when I visited Gobustan. English-speaking guides and transport to/from Baku are included, but you need to purchase your own museum ticket. They also make a quick stop at the ‘burning mountain’, Yanar Dag (see the next section for more info). → Check prices & availability .

PRIVATE TOUR: Gobustan, Mud volcanoes, Fire temple, Fire mountain Private Tour . If you prefer to travel sans group, Bag Baku offers the same itinerary as a private tour. It’s very good value for money. → Check prices & availability .

2. Day trip along the Absheron Peninsula – flaming hills & fire temples

• Distance from Baku: 100 km (62 miles)
• Best for: Adventure, scenery

The Absheron Peninsula is the piece of land that extends into the Caspian Sea north and east of Baku. As well as more mud volcanoes and a surreal shoreline of oil rigs, this area offers a range of other quirky landscapes and attractions – including the famous ‘flaming mountain’, Yanar Dag, and the Ateshgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple.

A tour of Absheron from Baku will typically include Gobustan to the south plus several stops to the east of the city. It involves a bit more driving, but it’s worth it to book a combination tour if you have time to see more of the area.

If you just want to visit Ateshgah or Yanar Dag, you can quite easily do it independently by bus. See numbers #9 and #10 on this list for more information.

Best Absheron Peninsula tour

ALL-INCLUSIVE GROUP OR PRIVATE TOUR: Gobustan & Absheron Tour All Entrance Fees and Lunch Included . Available as a private or group tour, this itinerary includes hotel pick up, lunch, and tickets to Gobustan Reserve. Yanar Dag and the Ateshgah Fire Temple are also included in the itinerary. → Check prices & availability .

3. Day trip to Khinaliq – hiking & high mountain villages

• Distance from Baku: 220 km (137 miles)
• Travel time: ~8.5 hours return
• Best for: Nature, mountain scenery, hiking

Khinaliq (Xinaliq / Khinalug) is one of the most popular places to go hiking in Azerbaijan. Located north-west of Baku in the Greater Caucasus mountains, the tiny village of 2,000 people is considered to be the highest and most isolated in the country. (Along with Ushguli and Bochorna in Georgia , it’s among the highest in the South Caucasus region ).

Khinaliq’s main attraction is its pristine mountain scenery, best appreciated when hiking along one of the marked alpine trails around the village. The History-Ethnography Museum of Khinaliq offers insights into the area’s Caucasian Albanian heritage and Tikmes embroidery traditions.

Sometimes called the ‘museum under the open sky’, this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Azerbaijan and one of the most spectacular landscapes in the region. Because it’s such a long drive – and because there’s so much to see – it’s best to spend a few nights in Khinaliq, staying at one of the local guesthouses in town.

If you’re pressed for time, it’s possible to visit in a day from Baku, but only by joining a guided tour. I only recommend this one for the summer months when the high mountain pass is completely clear and the days are long.

Best Khinaliq tours

TOP CHOICE: Quba and Khinaliq Village Tour . This 10-hour day trip has a packed schedule. On the way to Khinaliq from Baku, you’ll visit Besh Barmag mountain, Masdargah waterfall, Qachrash forest, and a number of other scenic viewpoints. After a short stop in Quba village, the tour culminates with a full two hours in Khinaliq. → Check prices & availability .

BUDGET GROUP TOUR: Guba Khinalug from Baku Group Tour . This budget-friendly tour includes stops at Besh Barmag mountain, Qachrash forest and Masdargah, and still gives you three full hours to explore Khinaliq. You’ll eat lunch with a local family and get a chance to visit the History-Ethnography Museum plus a local mosque. → Check prices & availability .

BEST CHOICE FOR HIKERS: Khinalig-Galakhudat hike with Bag Baku . If you want to focus on hiking, this day trip takes you straight to the mountains to maximise your time on the ground. The hike from Galakhudat village to Khinaliq is 8km (easy grade) and takes around five hours to complete. Arriving in the village by foot is a special experience. When you get there, you’ll be greeted with a home-cooked meal. → Check prices & availability .

BEST CHOICE FOR SCENERY: Khinalug and Candy Mountains (Group or Private) Tour . This tour follows a slightly different route and includes stops at the ‘Candy Cane Mountains’ near Khizi (similar to the ones in Udabno in Georgia ) as well as Qachrash forest on the way up to Khinaliq. → Check prices & availability .

4. Day trip to Quba – Azerbaijani carpet weaving & Jewish history

• Distance from Baku: 168 km (104 miles)
• Travel time: ~5 hours return
• Best for: Culture, history, textiles

Quba (Guba) is a small town in the foothills of the Caucasus that’s used as a departure point for visiting Khinaliq. Some hiking tours make a quick pit stop here to change vehicles, but if you’re interested in culture and traditional textiles , it’s a worthy day trip destination in its own right.

Quba is known for being the country’s apple-growing capital (more than 1000 varieties of the fruit grow here) and the home of one of Azerbaijan’s seven schools of carpet weaving. Workshops and studios line the main streets, with women diligently knotting huge soumaks and pile rugs behind closed doors. Qadim Quba is one of the most popular workshops and welcomes visitors to tour the studio.

Grab lunch and an apple tea at Alma Cafe on the river before crossing the bridge to Red Village (Girmizi Gasaba). A total contrast to the rest of Quba, this neighbourhood sports rows of tidy red-tiled houses. Home to a large community of Mountain Jews, it was once the only entirely Jewish settlement outside of Israel and the US. Nicknamed ‘Little Jerusalem’, it’s now believed to be the world’s last shtetl.

Visit a few of the eight local synagogues (the Six Dome Synagogue is particularly impressive) and the world-class Mountain Jews Museum . Having opened in 2019, it catalogues the area’s unique history from the mid-18th century onwards, including the WWII period, and provides an insight into local culture and Juhuri language. Entrance costs 10 AZN.

How to get to Quba from Baku with public transport

Quba is ~2.5 hours from Baku by road and easy to reach by bus. Marshrutka minivans and larger coaches both depart from Baku International Bus Station.

When you arrive, proceed to the top level and look for buses waiting in the large outdoor depot area. If in doubt, ask around. Drivers depart regularly throughout the day (every 30 to 60 minutes), with the first bus leaving at 7.30am and the last bus at 5.55pm. Double check the schedule before you go. Tickets to Guba cost 4 AZN per person.

Buses terminate (and return to Baku) at the new bus station on the east side of Quba.

5. Day trip to Sheki – Silk Road history & the Palace of the Sheki Khans

• Distance from Baku: 300 km (186 miles)
• Travel time: ~9 hours return
• Best for: Culture, history, scenery

Sheki is my favourite place in Azerbaijan and a must-visit for every traveller. Ideally you should plan to spend 2-3 days in Sheki , but if one day is all you have, it’s better than nothing.

Alongside the newly UNESCO-listed Palace of the Sheki Khans with its glimmering shebeke stained glass windows, you should wander the historic Sheki old town, which features charming cobbled streets and several restored Silk Road-era caravanserais. One of the stone inns has been refurbished and serves as a hotel. Staying the night here is truly one of the best experiences you can have in Azerbaijan.

Sheki is a long drive from Baku – and it will be an exhausting day – but I still think it’s worth it to make the trip out. There’s no way you can do this by public transport though, so your only option is to hire a taxi or join an organised tour.

Best Sheki tours

TOP CHOICE: Private Sheki Tour . This day tour includes door-to-door transfers from Baku and an English-speaking guide. On the way to Sheki, you’ll stop at the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, but most of your time will be spent in Sheki touring the summer palace, the Albanian-Caucasian Church of Kish, and the caravanserai. → Check prices & availability .

MULTI-DAY OPTION: Shamakhi, Gabala and Sheki tour (All inclusive) . If you can find time in your itinerary, this overnight trip has a much better pace, is more affordable – and most importantly, it allows for a night and full day in Sheki. On the first day, you’ll drive up from Baku stopping at the Diri Baba Mausoleum, the town of Ismailli, Gebele and Nohur Lake. The second day features an in-depth tour of Sheki before returning to Baku in the late afternoon. Accommodation at the Sheki Palace Hotel and two lunches are included. → Check prices & availability .

6. Day trip to Shamakhi and Lahic – ancient mosques & Coppersmiths

• Distance from Baku: 173 km (108 miles)
• Travel time: ~5.5 hours return
• Best for: Culture, history

Shamakhi (Şamaxi) and Lahic (Lahij) are two charming small towns in central Azerbaijan. Shamakhi is one of the oldest cities in the country and formerly served as the Shirvanshahs’ capital until 1192. Known for its carpet weaving, poetry and folk dance, it’s also home to one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, the Juma.

The lush hills around the city hold many treasures, including wineries and even alpaca farms! The Yeddi Gumbaz (‘Seven Domes’) is a historic cemetery complex above the city and the final resting place of the last ruler of the Shirvan Khanate .

Fifty kilometres deeper into the mountains via a nail-biting serpentine road, the tiny village of Lahic is a UNESCO Creative City famed for its old streets and coppersmiths’ workshops. Step back in time as you wander the rows of tiny wooden shops, walking to the beat of a dozen anvils tapping beautiful designs into plates and jugs.

Again, you could easily spend 2-3 days exploring this area but it’s still possible to see the highlights on an extended day trip from Baku.

How to get to Shamakhi from Baku with public transport

There are no direct buses to Shamakhi that I’m aware of. The easiest way to get there is to take a bus from Baku International Bus Station to Gabala and ask the driver to drop you off early on the highway outside Shamakhi. Buses depart every hour between 10am and 6pm. Journey time is around 2 hours, and the fare is 7.60 AZN.

To get to Lahic from Shamakhi, you’ll need to take a local taxi. This should cost around 7 AZN.

Best Shamakhi & Lahic day tours

TOP CHOICE: Lahij Tour & Picnic Party (All inclusive) . This full-day tour includes a visit to Shamakhi, two hours in Lahic, plus an Azerbaijani feast with local wine in the forest near Ismailli on the way back to Baku. → Check prices & availability .

TRANSFER: Independent Tour to Shamakhi & Lahij . If you prefer something more hands-off, this transfer service from Baku is unguided. The driver will make two pit stops at Diri Baba Mausoleum and the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi before arriving in Lahic, where you get a full three hours to explore the town at your own pace. → Check prices & availability .

7. Day trip to Gabala – mountains, waterfalls & skiing

• Distance from Baku: 216 km (134 miles)
• Travel time: ~6 hours return
• Best for: Mountain scenery, skiing, hiking, adventure

Azerbaijan’s premier outdoor resort, Gabala is one of the best places in the Greater Caucasus for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, the slopes of Tufandag Mountain Resort transform into trails for quad-biking, hiking and paragliding.

Gondolas whisk visitors up and down the mountains. In Gabala city, you can find Caucasian-Albanian churches and a gamut of local restaurants, while there are several waterfalls and lakes walking distance from the centre.

This landscape is a breath of fresh air after buzzing Baku and the perfect place to relax in a hot spring and take in some cool mountain air. A three-hour drive from the city, it’s another long day trip but quite easy to organise travelling either by bus or with a private driver.

How to get to Gabala from Baku with public transport

Buses depart from Baku International Bus Station once an hour starting from 10am. Travel time is 3.5-4 hours, and the fare is 7.60 AZN. In Gabala, buses terminate (and return to Baku) from the Bus Station here .

Best Gabala day tours

TOP CHOICE: Shamakhi and Gabala Tour (All inclusive) . The highlight of this day tour is riding the gondola at Tufandag for a close encounter with ‘Sleeping Beauty Mountain’. On the way up from Baku, you’ll stop at the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi and break for a picnic lunch in the forest near Ismailli. The tour culminates with a visit to Lake Nohur. → Check prices & availability .

BUDGET GROUP TOUR: Gabala & Shamakhi Group Tour . This affordable day trip covers Shamakhi, Ismailli and Lake Nohur while also giving you 90 minutes to ride the gondola at Tufandag. Lunch and tea are included but note that cable car tickets must be purchased separately. → Check prices & availability .

8. Day trip to Azerbaijan’s wine region – scenery & vineyards

• Best for: Wine, culture, scenery

While neighbouring Georgia and Armenia are better-known for their ancient winemaking techniques , it might surprise you to learn that Azerbaijan has a long history of viniculture as well. Just south-west of Gabala at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, the Savalan Valley is one of Azerbaijan’s premier wine regions and home to a number of vineyards.

An Azerbaijani wine tour usually includes a tour of the grounds followed by tastings of regional wines accompanied by local snacks. The biggest commercial vineyard in Savalan, ASPI Winery, is Italian-Azerbaijani and specialises in European-style riesling, chardonnay and merlot.

Best wine tour from Baku

TOP CHOICE: Wine Tour Qabala with Local Lunch . Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll visit the small Museum of Wine before touring the vines at Savalan ASPI. A tasting of four wines with local bites follows. On the way in from Baku, you will make a stop at Nohur Lake to drink tea and eat local bread. → Check prices & availability .

4 easy half day trips from Baku using public transport

9. ateshgah zoroastrian fire temple – one of azerbaijan’s most sacred sites.

• Distance from Baku: 23 km (14 miles)
• Travel time: ~1.5 hours return

Located on the eastern edge of the city, 30 minutes from the Icherisheher Old Town, Baku Ateshgah is one of the oldest and most important Zoroastrian monuments in Azerbaijan.

Built by the Persians in the 17th century, it has served various purposes over the centuries, including as a place of worship for Hindus and Sikhs. An eternal flame fanned by natural petroleum reserves went out in 1969. It was reignited with the help of gas piped in from Baku.

Entrance to Ateshgah costs 4 AZN per person. Allow for around 60 minutes to visit the temple.

How to get to Ateshgah from Baku with public transport

Starting from the Old City, take the Red Line metro east to Ulduz station (15 mins) then connect with bus 184 to the last stop, Surakhani Station (20 mins). From there, it’s a 600-metre walk.

→ Click here to see a list of day trips that include Ateshgah Fire Temple .

10. Yanar Dag – one of the most popular short day trips from Baku

Azerbaijan’s iconic ‘burning mountain’ is located north of Baku city, around 23km from the Old Town. Legend has it it’s been on fire since the 1950s when a shepherd threw a match into a patch of natural gas.

Yanar Dag is open every day from 10am until 7pm. Entrance costs 9 AZN. It’s best to visit in the early evening to see the three-metre-high flames erupting from the sandstone hill. There’s also a museum cafe-souvenir shop onsite. See here for more information.

How to get to Yanar Dag from Baku with public transport

Ride the Red Line Metro from Philarmonia Garden to Avrasiya Clinic (30 mins), then connect to bus 147 to Yanardagh Reserve (25 mins). The bus terminates right at the entrance to the complex.

→ Click here to see a list of day trips that include Yanar Dag .

11. Mardakan Castle – An alternative Baku day trip

• Distance from Baku: 30 km (19 miles)

Please note: Mardakan Castle is currently closed for renovations.

Located east of Baku past the airport, Mardakan Castle is one of two fortifications in this part of Baku that borders the coast. Built in the 12th century, it has a distinctive quadrangular shape with five tiers and an inner courtyard. The central 22-metre-tall tower has an internal staircase that leads to a viewpoint with stunning views of the Caspian Sea.

How to get to Mardakan Castle from Baku with public transport

Take the Red Line Metro to Koroghlu Station (20 mins), then cross the road to change to the number 136 bus. Get off at the Nizami Cultural Centre (30 mins) and walk another 400 metres to reach the castle. You can’t miss it.

12. Shebeke Beach – sand & sunsets near the city

• Distance from Baku: 40 km (25 miles)
• Travel time: ~2.5 hours return

Baku might not strike you as a beach destination, but there are white-sand Caspian beaches within easy reach of the city centre in the northern Bilgah district. Bilgah Beach Hotel is a popular place for swimming. Quieter beaches can be found at Shebeke and Dachnikov on either side of the peninsula.

How to get to Shebeke Beach from Baku with public transport

Starting from Icherisheher, ride the Metro Red Line to Koroghlu Station (20 mins) and then hop on bus 171. After another 40 minutes you’ll arrive at Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel. From there, it’s an 800-metre walk down to the closest beach or a short taxi ride to the pier at Plyaj Dachnikov.

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: Utopia Hotel (⭐ 8.5). Located within the Old Town walls, this hotel has simple, tidy rooms and a rooftop terrace with water views. Staff are helpful, and the complimentary breakfast is a nice bonus. It’s great value for Baku. I stayed here recently with my dad.

BUDGET: Cth Baku Hostel (⭐ 9.4). 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 (⭐ 9.4). 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 (⭐ 9.4). 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.

Azerbaijan essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I use when I’m planning a trip to Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Baku on Skyscanner .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Azerbaijan and apply for an expedited visa online.

DOCUMENTATION: Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre-book a private transfer from Baku Airport to your hotel.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Azerbaijan hotel deals on Booking.com or book a Baku hostel .

SHORT ON TIME? Get to know Baku on this Old City walking tour , or join this panoramic night tour to see Baku in her best light.

AZERBAIJAN GUIDEBOOK: Get your copy of the new Lonely Planet Caucasus guidebook (February 2022).

ALI AND NINO: Pick up a copy of Ali and Nino , Azerbaijan’s national novel. I can guarantee that Kurban Said’s evocative descriptions of Baku will get you excited for your trip!

More Azerbaijan travel resources

• All the best things to see and do in Baku , Azerbaijan’s capital city
• My best photos of Azerbaijan to inspire your travels
• Plan your trip: The ultimate Caucasus itinerary or an efficient 10-14 day Azerbaijan Georgia itinerary
• How to travel to/from Baku and Georgia by overnight train
• Tips for travelling around Azerbaijan by bus
• Guide to exploring Baku Old City
• The 12 best day trips from Baku
• Why you must visit the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku
• How to take a day trip from Baku to Gobustan for the mud volcanoes
• Guide to Sheki , Azerbaijan’s most beautiful city
• Guide to Quba , Azerbaijani carpet weaving
• How to spend the night in a Silk Road caravanserai in Azerbaijan

Your details on how to travel independently in the Caucuses is really helpful, and as far as I can tell, only found on your blogs. Today I used the “ Gobustan from Baku with public transport” guidance and it was spot on. I have used similar advice for Georgia and Armenia. Your blog rocks!

Thanks so much Kevin! Really appreciate it.

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3 Nights 4 Days Baku City Tour Package

• Baku ( 3 N)

Baku is a famous city in Azerbaijan known for its historical and modern architecture. This is an ideal holiday destination with plenty of tourist attractions, fantastic food, and wine. Also, you can enjoy an exhilarating F1 race in Baku, which will take place from April 28 to 30, 2023. Avail yourself of the best 3 nights 4 days Baku city tour package and explore the ancient architecture of local mosques and other landmarks. Stroll around the vibrant markets, shop for some amazing souvenirs, and try some delicious local food for the ultimate holiday experience.

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan and is famous for its tall observation towers, lush green parks and gardens, pristine beaches, and marvelous palaces. It has a beautiful long coastline, making it a unique city. Take advantage of the Baku tour package and get ready to explore the hidden gems of the city. Also, here you will get several breathtaking and magnificent views for a peaceful and relaxing experience.

Enjoy an Enthralling F1 Race with Baku Tour Package

Embrace the undiscovered treasure of Baku, also known as “Windy City.” The incredible beauty, charm, and interesting history of the city make it an amazing tourist attraction. The 3 nights 4 days Baku city tour package will give you a chance to explore the architectural beauty of the city.

• Baku City Tour
• Enjoy Baku and Old Town City tour
• Have a Leisurely Day Enjoying the Formula 1 Race

The first day of your 3 nights Baku city tour package starts as soon as you reach the airport. Here you will meet our local representative, who will transfer you to the hotel. Check in and relax in the cozy ambiance of the hotel. Now get ready for the amazing city tour and explore the major historical and architectural sites. At first visit the Old Town that is the heart of Baku. Here you can discover the Palace of Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, Museum of Miniature Books, caravansaries, mosques, baths, etc. Now, go for Baku Boulevard through the Building of Baku City Executive Power, Governor Garden, Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, building of Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Stroll along the promenade that celebrates its 110th anniversary this year and explore Little Venice, the International Mugam Center, the Carpet Museum in the form of folded carpet, Baku Eye- Ferris Wheel, Crystal Hall, and Government House.  

Visit Cultural Center named after Haydar Aliyev, one more epic showplace, modern complex construction that includes an auditorium, museum, exhibition halls, administrative offices. The construction of the building was covered on the channels of Discovery and Science Channel, dedicated to the most courageous engineering projects of modernity and architectural masterpieces of the world. Enjoy photoshooting on the background of Cultural Center and in the field of “I love Baku” sign. 

The tour also involves truly iconic Flame Towers with interactive panels, Congress Hall, Socar Tower, Azersu Building in the form of a water droplet, and Olympic Gymnastics Arena, Olympic Stadium. The excursion will end at the upland park, which is a spectacular place where you can enjoy an unsurpassed view of the city, which has a completely new look at night, lit up with glaring lights. This trip includes driver cum guide and exclude entrance fee. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.

Start the second day of your holiday in Baku with a flavorsome breakfast at the hotel. Now you are free to explore the city at your own pace. This is a golden opportunity to enjoy the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2023 in Baku. Witness the cars running through the ancient cities. You can also savor some delicious food in the nearby restaurants. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.

This is the third day of your vacation in Baku . Have a delicious breakfast served at the hotel. Get ready to enjoy a leisurely day in this amazing city. Also, you can chill and enjoy the exhilarating F1 race from your hotel’s balcony, as the hotel is facing the Grand Prix location. Visit some local markets to buy some amazing souvenirs. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.

On the last day of your 4 days Baku city tour package , enjoy a healthy breakfast and complete all the check-out formalities. Now, you will be transferred to the airport for your next destination.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

• Half day Baku and Old Town City tour on medium car
• Baku Airport to Hotel in city Center on medium car
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Baku at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku (Executive Suite Double Room - with breakfast)
• Hotel in city Center to Baku Airport on medium car
• Inclusive of all current applicable taxes
• If city/resort fees/tourist taxes are applicable then the same will be payable directly at hotel /apartment
• Driver & guide tipping
• Beverages not included in the quotation
• Luggage truck & porter
• Early check-in, late check-out
• Peak/festival period surcharge
• Visas & Airfare, entrance fee (unless specified)
• 50% supplement for arrival/departure transfer between 2200 hrs - 0700 hrs

Change / Cancellation Policy

• Between 31 And 45 Days Before Arrival: 25% Of The Package Cost
• Between 11 And 30 Days Before Arrival: 50% Of The Package Cost
• Between 06 And 10 Days Before Arrival: 75% Of The Package Cost
• Cancellation Within 05 Days Before Arrival Or No-Show: 100 % Non-Refundable

Additional Information

• Package is not valid during special events, peak seasons, and exhibition
• Rate is subject to change at the time of booking
• Terms and conditions apply

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Similar Packages

3 Nights 4 Days Baku City Tour Package FAQs

Below we have curated the list of 3 nights 4 days Baku city tour package. 

• Visit Palace of Shirvanshahs 
• Explore Maiden Tower, Museum of Miniature Books 
• International Mugam Center, Carpet Museum

The F1 Race is going to be held in Baku City Circuit on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

One can easily cover all the important highlights of Baku in three days.

Baku is a city in Azerbaijan and is known for its historical and modern architecture.

Baku is known for its eclectic and dynamic nightlife. Here you can attend several bars, clubs and music concerts.

Why and When to visit Baku Azerbaijan – A week’s first-timers itinerary

Why visit Baku, Azerbaijan you might wonder? Well, you’re searching for somewhere new to explore, a place with a mix of great food, ancient traditions but modern comforts. But you also crave a touch of ‘something new’ and creature comforts? Great, then why not get to know this magical city full of cultural fusions and modern pride and possibility.

I will admit I visited a very different Baku for the first time in 1999. At this time, Azerbaijan was hard at work shaping its forward path after independence from the Soviets, for the second time in a century.  I was lucky enough to live here in the 2000s for several years and always love returning to Azerbaijan most recently in 2023.  

Here’s our guide to spending a week in and around Baku, with practical tips to make the most of your visit. For many, it may be reassuring to know English is widely spoken by the younger generation and within Baku, main attractions are well sign-posted in English.  

Table of Contents

Introduction to Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan may not top the lists of ‘countries visited yet, but hey that’s THE reason to go now.  It’s growing in popularity fast. With loads of unique things to do and see, a safe, family friendly culture and eating out pretty good value, Baku beats expectations! So, we really encourage you to explore this small, hospitable and beautiful part of the world. 

In a week in Baku, you can tour medieval palaces hidden in the heart of the walled city. After sightseeing, you can sip a cocktail overlooking the entire city from a different rooftop bar each night.

If you’re thinking about mountain hiking after spending time in Baku, you might encounter less English in smaller remote villages, but doesn’t this just add to the adventure?  

First, let’s cover some basics!

Where is Baku?

Azerbaijan views itself geographically as European – remember the country did win a recent Eurovision Song Contest! To the north lies Russia, to the west Georgia, and to the south Iran and Armenia.  There is also a very short 11-mile border with Turkey! We don’t get into politics on our blogs but be aware of the tensions and restrictions associated with historical and ongoing regional conflicts if you plan to travel between countries in region.  

Baku sits on the Caspian Sea, which is in fact a lake. In fact, it’s the largest inland lake in the world, measuring 149,200 square miles (386,400 square km)—larger than the area of Japan. Click here for more amazing facts about the Caspian.

There are resorts along the coast but I think the draw to coming to Azerbaijan is to explore the city, countryside and culture although an afternoon at the pool or beach is always a lovely break from sight-seeing.

When's the best time to visit Baku?

For the best weather, plan to visit in May/June or wait until September/October. It can be very hot in July/August and you won’t enjoy walking around as much. Many Azeris escape to their country dachas (summer cabins) out of the city. Baku does have a breeze. Sometimes it can be quite windy but don’t let this put you off at all – it’s a plus in mid summer!

Although winters in Baku are mild and typically frost free, surprisingly it can snow occasionally in Baku (here’s our dog, Ellie, when she experienced her first  snowfall!)  There is a ski resort in Quba, north of Baku if you’re looking for a new alpine run!

Good to Know: Azerbaijan has 20+ public holidays!

Azerbaijan is a country that loves Public Holidays.   There are over 20 public holidays in Azerbaijan listed here . On these dates, some public sites may be closed. Facilities like restaurants, parks, waterfront areas and shops may be busier as Azeri families spend time together.

Do I need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?

Yes, BUT it’s so easy now as you just apply on-line for an e-visa! Here’s what you need to know.

Azerbaijan introduced an e-visa process a few years ago. Believe me, this has transformed the process of getting a tourist visa to enter the country.   Just go on-line and apply here and within 48 hours you’ll receive an email with your visa attached! A single visa is $20 USD (2023).

What's the currency of Azerbaijan?

The currency is the Azeri Manat (AZM) and credit cards are widely accepted. I find it is good to have a bit of cash to hand for entrance tickets, buying water or a coffee. Tips are not expected but appreciated. You can pick up cash at the airport on arrival or just ask at your hotel for the nearest ATM.

Most travellers will find prices in Baku good value unless you’re hitting the 5 star/luxury end in which case you will pay global prices.

Getting to Baku

Currently the best air routes from within Europe or USA are with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.  Azerbaijani Airlines or Azal (the national airline) has a limited service but this includes direct flights from major hubs of New York, London and regional hubs including Qatar.  There are also sufficient regional carriers  if you fancy combining time in Azerbaijan with say Uzbekistan or Georgia.

Important Tip. If you have visited Armenia, you may be questioned about this before being permitted to enter Azerbaijan. 

There is not a metro or train service from the airport to town (30-40 mins) so either pre-book with booking.com or Uber once you arrive.  Most central hotels have good shuttle and transfer options too.

Land crossing/Trains into Baku

Unfortunately the international overnight train service between Tblisi, Georgia into Azerbaijan (Baku) has been suspended and at the time of writing does not appear to re-starting passenger border services  any time soon.  You can leave Azerbaijan into Georgia but cannot enter into the country.  It’s worth checking the status if you plan to travel independently, but reliable data can be sparse to come by.

Where to Stay in Baku

Just look on Booking.com and you will see the huge range of accommodation options available in Baku. Take your pick from the stunning seafront ‘Four Seasons’ to mainstream brands like Hilton and Marriott with great facilities, pools and central locations.

Our preference is to stay within the walled Old City; the historic heart of Baku. In 2023, we stayed at a small boutique hotel, Royal Antique. Use Booking.com or  contact them direct for best rates. Here’s the breakfast room with beautiful views and a wonderful eager to please, happy team!

Packing for Baku, Azerbaijan

Above all, you want to be comfortable on your travels.  For a week in Baku and a couple of trips out of town there are a few items we urge you to pack including:

– comfortable shoes – walking is a must to explore the city’s cobbled streets, climb steps, and hike around on trips out of town;

– headscarf and knee length clothing if entering mosques

– sun-hat and sunscreen

– a little more ‘dressy’ clothing. Azeris dress well and are smart and outfits well put together. For evening dining, enjoy dressing up!

– shorts are becoming more ‘the norm’ but most Azeris do not wear shorts out and about!

– binoculars as city views are simply incredible!

Tips for Getting Around Baku

Central Baku where a lot of the tourist sights are, is easy to navigate on foot. There is a reliable and safe metro system which is cheap way to get across town if you need to. T he Azerbaijani Metro Guide site has a route map and instructions on buying tickets . The stations are well maintained and some are really beautiful.

Uber and Bolt taxi services are  available and, from our experience, are reliable and remove any need to bargain on fares. Your hotel can advise what works based on your location and destinations.

Beyond Baku, you will need to decide whether to take tours, hire a driver or rent a car.  Roads between the main cities are pretty good, but driving may not be what you are used to. If you want to head to some of the mountain villages, I strongly suggest you hire a driver or take a tour.

A Week in Baku Itinerary

This itinerary blends time in the heart of beautiful  Baku and sprinkles in 2 trips outside the city.  There are so many great places to eat across the city so we won’t recommend daily restaurants by day. However, we share some of our Baku favourites towards the post end!

Use our ideas as a baseline, or follow it as is! If you need help from a travel specialist, we highly recommend Regent Holidays who know this part of the world so well, and offer a range of organized trips to take the work out of your lap!

Day 1 - Introduction to Baku

Morning - old city walled city "icheri sheher".

First, download a map of the city center.  Next, make your way to the double gates that are the main entrance into the UNESCO recognized 12th century, medieval city of Baku. It’s simply stunning with narrow streets leading to homes, museums, shops, parks, cafes, restaurants and hotels. 

Book with Baku City Tours for a free city walking tour . We do this because despite having lived here, it’s a great way to keep updated. What’s more, we meet local residents who love their city! Arif was a fantastic guide and passionate about his country and its future. His company also offers other tours in Baku and beyond so check out their site above.

After a few hours of exploring, find yourself a traditional restaurant in the old city. 

Afternoon - Hop On-Hop Off Bus to Highland Park

Consider taking the Hop On/Hop Off bus to get your bearings around the broader city.  With 16 stops, this route takes around 1.5 hours to do a full circuit. Why not get off at the Highland park stop for a refreshment (ice cream anyone?) and soak in the panoramic views of the city and the sparkling waters of the Caspian.

You will see a mosque as you walk around the gardens at the top, and several memorials.  Take a walk down what is called Marty’s Alley, where etched faces of those lost in conflict decorate memorial graves. Whatever views you hold, this is a poignant place and a reminder of ongoing conflicts within the region.

Flame Towers of Baku

While you are here, you will be drawn to three massive towers rising out of the hillside.  These architectural icons dominate the skyline but at the same time, blend in with the old and remind us of the important role Baku played in the early energy sector development.  More on how to spend time here on Day 6!

To return to the city, take the funicular down to the Boulevard at sunset for stunning views across the city and Caspian Sea.

Day 2 - Magic Carpets and Ancient Palaces

Morning - visit the carpet museum.

Azerbaijan has a rich heritage of carpet weaving. If you want to buy an authentic souvenir, a hand-made rug will last you years. Before you start shopping though, visit the UNESCO supported National Carpet Museum. which was set up in 1972 and has thousands of beautiful exhibits.  The museum is near the  Boulevard and is designed to look like a rolled up carpet as you can see in the photo below!

Tip: If you want to see carpet making, head to Guba (a couple of hours north of Baku), where traditional weaving continues. You can even take a class!  When our Dad came to visit Baku, visiting the carpet weavers was one of his highlights and the carpet we bought remains bright and beautiful to the day! We also did some bargaining 🙂

Afternoon - Discover Palace of the Shirvanshahs

You likely walked past The Shirvanshahs Palace if you took our suggested walking tour yesterday. Now it’s time to get inside the ancient palace system and the royal way of life that existed here centuries ago.

Open from 10am to 6pm you can easily spend a hour or so here. Buy your ticket at the small booth as you enter through the main gate. Its 15AZM for foreigners and you can book onto a tour, if you enjoy getting more of the secrets and stories of which there are many!

Just round the corner from the Palace, is the Miniature Book Museum, free to enter and open 11am-6pm.  It is closed Monday and Thursdays! Pop your head in for a few minutes and discover a library of tiny literature of every possible genre. It’s fun and fascinating and apparently in the Guinness Book of Records! And between the two, is a beautiful tea garden.

Stroll the Baku Boulevard

After a rest from all that exploring, why not stroll the waterfront Promenade. Exit the old city and cross the main road back towards the carpet museum and you will find yourself in a wide boulevard filled with life,

This is a 4km boulevard  with traditional tea cafes and small kiosks selling treats from candy floss to ice-cream. It’s a delight and full of families enjoying an evening out, especially at weekends. You will get amazing views of the Flame Towers dancing with colors as night falls and in the other direction, the Port of Baku shines out as a modern symbol of the prosperity of the country

Day 3 - Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

Why not take a trip out of town and explore a couple of remarkable Azerbaijan sights?

The unique Gobustan National Park is around an hour south of Baku.

First, we recommend a stop at the impressive Bibi Heybat mosque. It’s right on the roadside as you head south. It’s modern but beautiful to visit en route. Many tours to Gobustan will make a stop here.

Next you will arrive in Gobustan which is a small village, but just beyond is an important historic site. 

Start in the well-appointed museum to get an overview. Then drive on further to the site where the petroglyphs can be viewed up close.

It’s quite rough walking so wear shoes with a good tread. Put yourself back in time and imagine how life might have been here. It’s quite intriguing as you stand in what is really an arid desert.

Mud Volcanoes

After Gobuston, it’s on to the mud volcanoes, and if you have kids with you, they will LOVE these. They bubble and pop and are (I was informed) only to be found in Azerbaijan. When we visited in May 2023, a new walkway and viewing system was being constructed along with a mud spa, so that will be a new experience on offer soon!

This day is really best done with a tour because they will give you lunch and it will be around 7 hours door to door. There are limited restaurant facilities in these locations so bring a picnic if you’re traveling independently.

Day 4 - The Old, The New and The Pool

Morning- maiden tower.

You will likely have seen this on your first day city tour and subsequently as you walked around the Old City.  There is many a tale as to why this tower was built back in the 7 or 8 th century. Some regard it as a fortress lookout point as the sea came up here centuries ago; others love to share the tales that are the stuff of legends. You decide what to believe when you visit!

The entrance for foreigners is 15 AZM. There’s a booth next to the base of the tower where you can purchase a ticket. There’s a small museum inside and as you wind your way up the 29 meters of stone staircase, each floor has artifacts to browse over. On reaching the top, you will get great views of the city but a Perspex glass (new, since I lived here) makes taking photographs a little less pleasurable!

Next to the entrance of the Tower, you will find the shady, relaxing cafe called Qiz Qalasi. It’s a perfect spot to sip some Azeri tea with traditional nuts, and jam as you watch life go by. One of my favourite spots in Baku.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Next grab an Uber over to the ‘out of the world’ sensational Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by British Iranian architect Zaha Hadid. The brief was to create a building in the name of Heydar Aliyev (the previous president who is seen as the father of modern Azerbaijan), symbolizing the break away from Soviet times.

It truly is a stunning piece of design and hosts many events, exhibitions and international meetings. Entrance to the museum is currently 15 AZM – use the Heydar Aliyev Official site to buy an e-ticket for entry or buy at the door. 

Afternoon - Relax before evening of Azeri culture

If you haven’t already snuck in a little time by the pool, then we suggest you take this afternoon to relax and soak up some rays. 

And now you’re all chilled, why not head out for some live music or theatre show. Baku has a rich arts culture, from galleries to jazz clubs, opera, ballet and an impressive state Philharmonic complex. Check local magazine guide Baku Life for what’s on during your visit. The Baku international jazz festival is a big pull – now in its 18th year.

Day 5 - Day out in Quba Region

Book yourself on a tour that heads north of Baku on the M1 Highway. As you leave the city behind, you will get an appreciation for rural life as you see small settlements and stop off at local sights like the cute Candy Cane mountains.

Within an hour, you will be in Quba staring at the beauty of the Caucasus mountains and exploring small villages where life is so different from the city. Your guide will help you with ideas of things to do but some may be worth checking out ahead of time. It is possible to rent cabins and spend a few days here too. 

Maybe you’re an avid golfer? If so, Azerbaijan has invested millions to bring its clubs to international levels and you can book in for a round at the Guba Golf course w hich golfer friends speak highly of. There is also a course in Baku.

Beyond Quba, most tours keep going to the tiny settlement of Xınalıq. It is literally perched on top of a mountain and so remote that you can only get here in summertime. Baku City Tours have a great day out that combines these destinations o r check with your hotel.  Don’t miss Quba! It’s so relaxing and rejuvenating here.

Day 6 - A little shopping & sipping

Morning - bazaars and bargain hunting.

Living in Baku means visiting the local bazaar for the best food on offer. I used to love my Saturday morning trips to Yashil Bazaar (Green Market) which still is my favourite. You will find fresh produce, spices, herbs, pendir (local cheese), fresh pomegranates, juiced to order, meat, cakes – yes all you could possible want to eat.

This is a great place to buy spices, dried fruits and herbs to bring home. Be prepared to bargain a little – it’s the culture! Teze Bazaar is a Baku institution and been operating for over 80 years. It’s also a little more central.

For a more modern shopping experience, head to one of the modern shopping malls in the city center. The flower shaped Deniz Mall has modern shops or head to the Port Baku area for your designer goods! Nizami street and Fountain Square are lined with retail options too – shoppers, you will love Baku.

Although touristy, I love hunting through the stores in the Old City for a gift or two.  If you find yourself drawn back here, try to make time to stop by the  renown poet Aligaga Vahid’s statute.  

Visit a Tea Cafe In Baku

Next door, is a small cafe which is a little tent full of traditional tea samovars. They have delicious teas, coffee and cakes to choose from and you’re looking right at the old city wall. This is how I like to spend an hour on my last afternoon in Baku.

Afternoon/Sunset at the Flame Towers

So, we’ve given you a little time in this itinerary to pack or visit another part of the city on your last afternoon. But before you head to the airport, we think a last night cocktail is needed at the Fairmont’s Bar 19, within one of the Flame Towers you’ve been admiring all week. 

Take an Uber and park yourself at the window area and just marvel at the city you’ve got to know.  They have a light bar menu too if you’d like to eat here. Enjoy as the city’s night lights start to sparkle beneath you.

Other amazing rooftop bars

There are no excuses not to find yourself a rooftop bar spot during your week in Baku. Other great central spots for a cocktail with stunning vistas are the Hilton’s 360 Rotating Sky Bar or Infinity at the Marriott to toast the end of an incredible week in Baku! 

Baku Restaurants

Gone are the days of heavy carb loaded food in this part of the world. Just check out Baku Restaurants on Trip Advisor and you’ll see what I mean!

The fusion of Persian, Russian and European flavors create a delight in local food options. Equally, you will find excellent Asian, Italian, Indian options from relaxed cafes to fine dining.  We recommend trying at least one traditional restaurant because the food will be authentic and more affordable. Qula or Old Baku Restaurant.

Around Nizami (Fountain Square) you will find restaurants for every taste. An interesting one is an old Cheese factory and the current menu is built on this concept! Fun.

Restaurants to Street Food in Baku

If you want to venture out of the city center a little, grab a ride to White City which has erupted in recent years with designer shopping and elegant eating.

For Asian, Chinar (at the bottom of the Funicular ride) remains a top favourite, and Indian is available along with other regional delights including Iranian and Georgian.

My favourites are old city rooftop restaurants with striking vistas along with your glass of wine,

Finally, don’t overlook street food like the always available Azeri Kebab. You will find many kiosks around Fountain square to buy this ever popular local snack.

Baku - A Fusion of Culture

Baku’s architecture reflects its unique mix of European, Islamic and Soviet influences. It’s a fascinating destination and although you can easily fill a week with this itinerary, there is so much more to discover.  Imagine:

-hiking in the rugged Caucasus mountains,

-joining the annual Baku Formula 1 Race Party (dates are 13-15 September in 2024),

– traveling west to Sheki staying overnight at its stunning caravanserai (ancient trading stop). While here, enjoying local baklava made from hazelnuts. You can even take a cooking class here to learn more about delicious Azerbaijan food. If you’re a foodie, you will love Azerbaijan!

Why Visit Baku Azerbaijan

So many destinations are ‘over visited’ these days! We feel Baku and Azerbaijan offer fresh travel adventures with an element of freedom to roam.

Finally, if you are interested in regional travel incorporating Baku:

How about a roadtrip around Georgia, a neighbour of Azerbaijan. We have a great post on what to see in Georgia from mountains to wine-tasting.

Equally, it’s only a short flight to Istanbul and with multiple flights a day Istanbul is easy to combine with Baku.  Check out Istanbul Highlights for First Time Visitors.

From the times I have spent living and visiting here over 15 years, I know you will leave Baku with new friends!  The Azeris are some of the most hospitable people on our planet. Go see for yourselves!

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Tour in Baku

If you want to spend Interesting and at the same time informative Tour in Baku you definitely have to look thought this tour itinerary and book as soon as possible without wasting any time.

We`ll show and make you feel the outstanding harmony of ancient and modern Baku together while exploring the monuments belongs to B.C and A.C which were located inside Ichari Shahar ( Old City) and enjoy spending time in Boulevard Baku

Highlighted places:

• Ismailliya Building
• Double Gates –Ichari Shahar
• Sailor`s Home
• Multani & Bukhara Caravanserais
• Maiden Tower
• The Complex of Shirvanshahs` Palace
• Miniature Book Museum
• Upland Park

If you wish to make the tour to 15 th century you will visit the Complex of Shirvanshah`s Palace. Inside the complex there are several monuments: Residence Building, Divankhane, Palace Mosque, Family Memorial Mausoleum, Hamam (the Bath House), the Mausoleum of Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, Murad`s Gate . Your tour guide will show the interesting points and inform you about all the details.

After Shirvanshah Palace you will visit the Miniature Book Museum. It is the only existed museum of miniature books in the world and museum . 6500 miniature books from 64 different countries collected by Zarifa Salahova (famous artist Tahir Salahov`s sister) and she opened such a unique and interesting private museum. The world’s three smallest books with size of 2mm x 2mm each that can only be read with the use of a magnifying glass which were published by “Toppan Publishing House” are also exhibited in the Baku Museum of Miniature Books.

• Departure Any point inside the city
• Included Personal English-speaking guide (other languages on request) Hotel Pick up & drop off Customizable Personal Experienced Driver Personal English-speaking guide (other languages on request)
• Not Included Entry fees Personal expenses Any meals

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• The tours are all yours: photo-stops, breaks at your convenience. Tour itinerary discussed with your guide.

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Address: Baku, Azerbaijan

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