baku tourism in december

Things to do in Baku in December

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December is a good time to visit Baku . The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 43—49°F (6—10°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Baku during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of Baku's historic Old City, explore the Absheron Peninsula's ancient fire temples, visit the Baku Museum of Miniature Books, and more!

Baku has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Baku. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Baku in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear

Attractions

Best events and things to do in Baku in December

Top experiences in december, take a guided tour of baku's historic old city, explore the absheron peninsula's ancient fire temples, visit the baku museum of miniature books, take a day trip to gobustan national park, go ice skating at the baku crystal hall, take a winter walk along the caspian sea boulevard, holidays in baku in december.

• World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day ( December 31 )
• New Year's Eve ( December 31 )

Other notable holidays

• Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan ( November 8 )
• State Flag Day of Azerbaijan ( November 9 )
• Day off for State Flag Day of Azerbaijan ( November 11 )
• Constitution Day ( November 12 )
• National Revival Day ( November 17 )
• New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• New Year's Holiday ( January 2 )
• Martyrs’ Day ( January 20 )
• Ramadan Start ( March 1 )
• Women's Day ( March 8 )
• Women's Day observed ( March 10 )
• Nowruz ( March 20 — 24 )
• Ramadan holiday ( March 31 — April 1 )
• Weather in Baku in December

Temperatures on an average day in Baku in December

The average temperature in Baku in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 49°F (10°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Baku , August, has days with highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 45°F (7°C) and lows of 38°F (3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Baku in December based on historical data.

Visiting Baku? See our Baku Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in December

General weather summary, what to wear in december, best attractions for baku in december.

Top searches in Baku

Popular road trips from baku, what's the weather like in baku.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Baku for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Baku in January
• Weather in Baku in February
• Weather in Baku in March
• Weather in Baku in April
• Weather in Baku in May
• Weather in Baku in June
• Weather in Baku in July
• Weather in Baku in August
• Weather in Baku in September
• Weather in Baku in October
• Weather in Baku in November

All road trips from Baku

• Baku to Istanbul drive
• Baku to Moscow drive
• Baku to St. Petersburg drive
• Baku to Tbilisi drive
• Baku to Jerusalem drive
• Baku to Abu Dhabi drive
• Baku to Yerevan drive
• Baku to Sochi drive
• Baku to Paphos drive
• Baku to Tehran drive
• Baku to Tel Aviv drive
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• Baku to Sharm El Sheikh drive
• Baku to Bucharest drive
• Baku to Batumi drive
• Baku to Kyiv drive
• Baku to Doha drive
• Baku to Ayia Napa drive
• Baku to Petra - Wadi Musa drive
• Baku to Vilnius drive
• Baku to Goreme drive
• Baku to Lindos drive
• Baku to Sofia drive
• Baku to Rhodes Town drive
• Baku to Isfahan drive
• Baku to Kazan drive
• Baku to Selcuk drive
• Baku to Ankara drive
• Baku to Marmaris drive
• Baku to Fethiye drive

Explore nearby places

• Ashaga-Stal
• Mingachevir

All related maps of Baku

• Map of Baku
• Map of Masazir
• Map of Novxani
• Map of Pirsagi
• Map of Mardakan
• Map of Shuvelan
• Map of Qobustan
• Map of Khizi
• Map of Siyazan
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• Map of Ismailly
• Map of Quba
• Map of Qusar
• Map of Khinalug
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• Map of Laza
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• Map of Akhty
• Map of Lerik
• Map of Derbent
• Map of Astara
• Map of Khuchni
• Map of Mingachevir
• Map of Sheki
• Map of Gishi

Baku throughout the year

• Baku in January
• Baku in February
• Baku in March
• Baku in April
• Baku in May
• Baku in June
• Baku in July
• Baku in August
• Baku in September
• Baku in October
• Baku in November
• Baku in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Baku?

Get inspired for your trip to Baku with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Vast and jaw-droppingly original, this Zaha Hadid building is a majestic statement of fluid 21st-century architecture forming abstract waves and peaks…

Maiden’s Tower

This tapering 29m stone tower is Baku’s foremost historical icon, with rooftop views surveying Baku Bay and the Old City. Possibly millennia old, its…

Yarat Contemporary Art Centre

Yarat means 'create', a spirit that's in ample evidence in this centre's many thought-provoking installations that don't shy away from sociopolitical…

Flame Towers

Completed in 2012, this trio of sinuous blue-glass skyscrapers forms contemporary Baku's architectural signature. The three towers range from 28 to 33…

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This splendid confection of sandstone walls and domes was the seat of northeastern Azerbaijan’s ruling dynasty during the Middle Ages. Mostly 15th century…

Fountains Square

Ever-popular with strollers, this leafy piazza forms Central Baku’s natural focus. The fountains for which it is named include one topped by shiny…

This joyous tailor-made gallery uses struts and tubing to create a wide variety of intimate viewing spaces, in many of which you can recline on bean-bag…

Carpet Museum

From historic flatweaves to modernist picture-rugs, this tailor-made museum displays and explains a superb collection of Azerbaijani carpets. It's housed…

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Architecture

Sep 5, 2019 • 5 min read

It’s known as the ‘City of Winds’, but while Azerbaijan’s capital is indeed among the world’s breeziest, the nickname can also be applied its eclectic…

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The Best Time to Visit Baku: A Traveller's Guide

Picture yourself wandering on the historic streets of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, where ancient architecture meets modernity. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Caucasus," is because of its captivating fusion of Eastern and Western influences, stunning skyline and bustling markets that roar from far the sides and attract the travellers. From the cobblestone ways of the Old City to the glittery skyscrapers along the Caspian Sea , this city has so much to offer to its visitors from all over the globe. With its unique blend of culture, history, and contemporary attractions Baku stands out of all the destinations of a tourist. 

It’s about the adventures ,an enthusiast of history exploring ancient fortresses, a foodie who wants to try the Azerbaijani cuisine or a fashion lover in search of chic boutiques in the city centre. In any way you're gonna love this city filled with a  diverse range of experiences.

To help you out to find a perfect getaway exploring the highs and lows of each time of year , this blog is a real guide in all means, embarking you through the seasons of Baku . In this guide we will make sure to get all in one plate from sun-drenched days by the Caspian Sea to colourful spring blooms in city parks even cosy winter evenings savouring traditional Azerbaijani hospitality.So pack your bags and prepare to discover why Baku truly is a traveller's paradise, no matter the season. Explore Baku to its fullest with our exclusive Baku Tour Packages .

Understanding Baku's Climate 

This place is one that doesn’t have a particular climate and hence its range is diverse , characterised by its unique and distinct seasons. To make the most of your trip, ensuring about the climate and weather is a crucial step while  planning your visit .

Spring: March to May

During this time ,Baku awakens from its winter dreamland with mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. A delightful time to explore each and every city’s parks and gardens . especially ,Philharmonic Garden and Upland Park where you can view the picturesque lush greenery .The pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor activities like walking tours of the Old City or boat rides on the Caspian Sea. In every possible way this weather will turn your peace wanting wish fulfilled 

Summer : June to August

Becoming a bustling hub of activity with warm temperatures and long sunny days this city transits beautifully during this time . In Baku Summer is the  peak tourist season attracting visitors from all over the world. With festivals , concerts, and outdoor events channelising a vibrant atmosphere for travellers this city brings life through its Azerbaijani culture.

Autumn : September to November

Experiencing cooler temperatures and colourful foliage, Baku starts preparing itself for the changing of seasons . It is the most beautiful time to visit Baku , exploring the city's historical landmarks and enjoying scenic walks along the Caspian Sea boulevard. This mild weather is just perfect for all of this . In nearby vineyards travellers can experience the annual grape harvest festivities. Indulging  in seasonal delicacies at local restaurants can be an add on to all the delights you were having in Baku offering memories that last a lifetime .

Winter :  December to February

This season arrives with chilly temperatures and occasional snowfall to the city. Well , this isn’t a good time to have a visit to Baku, but for those seeking a quieter experience it’s a place no-one can oversee even if they want to. Outdoor  adventures like winter sports are best suited because of nearby mountains, otherwise exploring  indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and traditional tea houses will be great choices to be made in this season .

To determine the best time to visit Baku  doesn’t all depend on its seasons but varies greatly according to your trip to Baku . So whether you are a lover of  sunny summer adventures or cosy winter getaways , Baku will never turn his back on you , it promises to offer year-round for every type of traveller.

Read Blog: Best Place to Visit Baku

Peak Season: Summer Delights 

No double thoughts about why summer is a popular time to visit Baku, it’s warm weather and various options of outdoor activities this season draws the most crowd to this place . Baku basks in sunshine in the months of  June to August creating the  perfect backdrop for exploration and adventure.

During the hours of this season this city has a wide range of plenty of options for every traveller's interests. Baku's beaches along the Caspian Sea are great places to lounge on the sandy shores ,enjoying refreshing dives in the water. Even the water enthusiast wpu;d definitely like to take the advantage, so the weather condition to get busy in activities like  jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.

Beside the beaches , Baku has green spaces and parks where visitors can enjoy picnics, scenic walks, and outdoor yoga sessions with their loved ones . Not a chance to forget about the most scenic view of the city ,the iconic Baku Boulevard stretched over the kilometres can be a great spot for cycling, and people-watching or simply immersing yourself in nature’s beauty .

Summer in Baku does just not bring an abundance of outdoor activities but also offers a calendar full of events and festivals that add to the city's lively atmosphere . One of the most popular ones is the Baku International Jazz Festival , held annually in June having performances showcasing world-class jazz across the city. The Baku Sea Festival, held in July, celebrates the city's maritime heritage.  The Baku International Folk Festival in August offers insights of the country's rich and diverse cultural heritage through its folk music, dance performances, and craft exhibitions. So this city has an immerse way to astonish each traveller of all ages with the moments that are unforgettable.

Off-Peak Seasons: Spring and Autumn Charm 

The seasons of spring and autumn have some other ,unique charms and advantages which are known to some intelligent travellers . to explore Baku at a more relaxed pace the  off-peak season gives way to that  with fewer crowds because of mild temperatures.

During the months of March to May it becomes an ideal time for outdoor exploration. One of the highlights that spring comes with are the  parks and gardens that come to life with colourful blossoms.

In contrast, autumn brings its own brand of charm to Baku, with cooler temperatures and stunning foliage that totally transforms the city . the colour of the leaves changing into gold, red, and orange the gardens and parks of Baku turn into magical places that can’t be missed at any cost . The Gobustan National Park has ancient rock formations that set against a backdrop of fiery foliage.

Without the crowds and heat of summer the only chance to enjoy the city's natural beauty and cultural attractions  is to visit Baku during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

Winter Wonders: Exploring Baku in the Cold

Say it or not, Baku in the winter is a worthwhile destination even in the colder months. A cosy ,charming and memorable way to embark your journey Baku, can be done through it’s festive celebrations and winter sports activities.

One of the highlights of winter in Baku is the festivities that veils the city during this holiday season. From late December to early January, Baku comes alive with twinkling lights and decorations along with festive markets selling handmade crafts, traditional sweets, and holiday treats. By  attending holiday concerts and performances while tasting seasonal delights at local cafes and restaurants will help you to explore this city more .

Just a short drive from the city centre, travellers can visit the nearby mountains for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. In addition to festive celebrations, these outdoor adventures and winter sport activities can go along with other discoveries .

Now to unleash the potential Baku has stored in experiencing Baku's winter magic,travellers have to dress warmly and be prepared for the harsh weather conditions before even planning to think of visiting at this season . Layered clothing, thermal wear, and sturdy footwear are essential for surviving to watch the winter magics of this city  Additionally, savouring the flavours of Azerbaijan is one of the things you won’t be wanting to ,iss out as their traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, such as hearty soups, grilled kebabs, and warming stews are just perfect to fight off the winter chills.

Some tips from your friend

To make the most of this trip there are some tips that can help you alot along the journey .The tips aren’t that out of the world kinda but yes genuine and a bit of a considerable one. Regardless of the season, when packing for your trip, be sure to include essentials like comfortable walking shoes, versatile clothing for layering, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. 

While exploring Baku,try to reach beyond the typical tourist spots and discover the city's hidden gems. A stroll through the charming cafes, artisan workshops, and historic landmarks of the Old City would be nice . Visiting  local markets like Taza Bazaar and Yashil Bazaar will make you experience its culture and tradition closely.

Whether you are at the bustling streets of downtown Baku or escaping to the tranquil parks and gardens, you should embrace every moment of your Baku adventure  and be grateful for all the unforgettable memories you created that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion 

Baku offers a diverse range of experiences year-round, making it a captivating destination for travellers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the warm summer days filled with outdoor activities to the colourful blooms of spring, the vibrant foliage of autumn, and the festive celebrations of winter, Baku has something to offer for every season.

It's important to recognize that the best time to visit Baku ultimately depends on individual preferences and interests. Whether you're drawn to the bustling crowds of summer, the tranquillity of shoulder seasons, or the cosy charm of winter, Baku welcomes you with open arms.

As you embark on your Baku adventure, armed with the insights shared in this blog post, we encourage you to explore beyond the typical tourist spots and embrace the city's hidden gems. Start planning your Baku getaway today and prepare to be enchanted by the beauty and culture of this enchanting city.

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Things to do in Baku – a budget-friendly guide to Azerbaijan’s exquisite capital city

What are the top things to do in Baku? If you’re on a tight budget and want to explore Baku without breaking your piggy bank, here is a list of the cheapest and most fun activities to do in Baku.

Baku, it sounds like a species of parrot but in reality, it’s the name of the bustling capital city of Azerbaijan . I’m not very fond of big cities and I prefer to sleep in my tent somewhere in the woods rather than being cramped up in a dorm room in a city, but I gladly made an exception for Baku!

This lively metropolis is a world on its own. The Lonely Planet describes it as “the love child of Paris and Dubai” and once you visited the city, you’ll understand why.

I would also describe it as the big brother of Batumi , an odd but beautiful Georgian city on the coast of the Black Sea. Baku has a beautiful boulevard on which you can walk for hours and it’s particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

The city also has many little parks where you can hide between the green bushes, an old historical city with the neo-Ottoman Shahidlar mosque, a museum of miniature books, incredible eye-catching architecture such as the Heydar Aliyev Center, and of course, the iconic Flame Towers towering above the city.

I always feel lost whenever I enter a huge city, especially during the first days. There’s a chance you’ll see me sitting on a bench dazed by the heavy traffic and crowds of people, not really knowing where to go or what to do.

That’s why I put together this guide with things to do and places to stay in Baku so you won’t feel as lost as me and you won’t need to break your piggy bank.

It can be an expensive city if you don’t watch out so it’s good to know a few useful things about Baku before you go. I would still recommend you to sit on a bench and observe the people and the surroundings. It’s always a fun thing to do, especially while sipping on a coffee.

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Read more about the visa requirements and registration in Azerbaijan !

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A short introduction to Baku

The name ‘Baku’ can be interpreted as ‘city of winds’. After a walk through the streets, you quickly understand why. Azerbaijan’s capital city is located on the western Caspian seaside and you can often feel the harsh sea breeze blowing through the city’s streets and messing around with your hair.

Baku is the largest city in the Caucasus and is the political, scientific and cultural center of Azerbaijan. The city is hip, modern, chaotic and multicultural with architecture that spans multiple generations and styles that neighbor in interesting ways.

For example, the futuristic Flame Towers are placed right behind the centuries-old city walls. One moment you find yourself walking in the hypermodern shopping streets and a few streets further you can come face to face with grand old 19th century styled apartment blocks or wooden houses with hanging balconies that evoke the spirit of the Silk Road.

Kind of a crazy mix but it works. It creates a unique atmosphere and your camera will love it!

Baku is also the industrial center of Azerbaijan. The city lies on the Apsheron Peninsula which is rich with underground sources of oil and natural gas.

That’s why Azerbaijan is historically called the Land of Fire. The many oil rigs on the coast are visual proof of that. Unfortunately this contaminates the seawater with oil so Baku isn’t exactly the place to go on a beach vacation (except for Bilgah beach ).

But do not fear, you won’t get bored here as there are plenty of other (free) things to do in and around Azerbaijan’s metropolis.

Is Baku safe?

Before traveling to a new city, we often wonder if it’s safe. You might be asking yourself if Baku is safe for students or expats or if the Azerbaijan capital is safe for solo female travelers.

My take on it is that Baku is a very safe city. Crime level there is extremely low compared to other big metropolises around the world. Foreigners feel very comfortable in this city and the whole atmosphere of Baku is quite peaceful.

Even if you’re a solo female traveler, you can wander around the parks of Baku without worrying about being bothered or harassed by men.

The streets are very clean and with the creation of a new tourist police service Baku is safer than ever.

Now does that mean that nothing bad ever happens in Baku? Of course not. Like in all big cities, small crimes such as pick-pocketing are not unheard of.

Use common sense when traveling in crowded areas in the city center or late at night.

To avoid being a victim of pickpockets keep your wallet in your front pocket or carry a money belt . Another great option is to travel with a slash-resistant and lockable anti-theft bag . I would also recommend getting good travel insurance that covers theft .

Top things to do in Baku – 14 places worth visiting

1. Icheri Sheher

Icheri Sheher or “Old Town” is the heart of the city and is located right in the center of Baku. It’s the place where ancient Baku was founded and has a history of thousands of years.

Icheri Sheher was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The town is surrounded by fortress walls and is a historical ensemble of numerous unique monuments such as the Shirvanshah’s Palace complex, the Maiden Tower, mosques, minarets and the ruins of caravanserais (old inns where travelers could rest) and bathhouses.

Walking around in Baku’s Acropolis feels like walking back in time. There’s a cozy atmosphere, especially at night when the locals are preparing food, playing backgammon or just sitting around and drinking tea in the streets.

Entrance fee : Free

2. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Shirvanshahs literally means “the kings of Shirvan”. Shirvan was the main territory of the Shirvanshah kingdom and the palace was built in the 15th century in the center of Icheri Sheher.

The architectural style is very exquisite and it emphasizes the art of medieval Islamic civilization.

The Palace complex contains the palace building, the Royal mosque, the Key Gubad mosque, the Divankhana mausoleum where king Khalilullah is buried with his mother and sons, Sufi philosopher Bakuvi’s mausoleum and the ruins of bath houses.

Entrance fee : 10 AZN 

3. Discover the city with the Hop on Hop off bus tour of Baku

If you just arrived in Baku and want to get a quick tour of the city for cheap, why not try a hop on hop off bus? This is a great activity to get a quick sense of the city and it brings you to so many of the places mentioned in this guide.

You can get on board at any of the 15 stops along the circuit and buy a 24-hour ticket from the conductor for only 20 Manat. If you have only a few days to spend in Baku and want to see as many places as possible, this is definitely an activity I would recommend!

The bus ticket includes earphones for the audio-guide, a city map, and extra information about most of Baku’s touristic attractions.

At each stop, the bus will stop for two minutes allowing some time to take pictures. You can also hop off the bus to explore the different sights and hop back on again when the next bus comes along, an hour later.

The first stop is across the road from the Hilton Hotel in Azadlig square.

This is where you can find the bus at the beginning of its loop:

The bus runs from 10 AM to 7 PM daily and the ticket is valid for 24 hours.

Bus fee : 20 AZN but the ticket is valid for 24 hours

4. Museum of Miniature Books

This museum, located in Icheri Sheher, is the only one in the world that is dedicated to miniature versions of books. This library is the private collection of Zarifa Salahova and contains thousands of tiny books that originate from all around the world and are written in numerous languages, including Azeri, Russian, English and German.

It’s definitely worth visiting this unique museum!

Entrance fee : Free, donations are welcome

5. Stroll around Taza Bazaar

One of the things we love to do while we travel is to visit local bazaars. They give a glimpse into the daily life of the local people, they are a sensory experience and usually very photogenic.

The Taza Bazaar is one of the largest markets of Baku and was opened more than 70 years ago. It’s actually one of the oldest bazaars in Azerbaijan. It is located in the center of the city on Samed Vurgun street.

If you want some amazing pictures of the bazaar, try getting there in the early morning when the light is just perfect. If you’re staying in a hostel and you feel like cooking, you can buy fresh vegetables, herbs, oriental spices and Caspian sea fish there.

6. The Workshop of Ali Shamshi

While you’re wandering through the narrow lanes of the Old City, you’ll suddenly come across a psychedelic looking wall. This is the exterior of Ali Shamshi’s studio, who is a talented artist.

His tiny studio is filled with colorful paintings and quirky installations. Pop in his studio while you’re visiting Icheri Sheher.

Entrance fee : free

7. Sunbathe at Bilgah beach

If you want to swim and spend some time working on your tan, Bilgah Beach is the perfect place to do so. While many of Baku’s beaches are spoiled because of oil pollution, Bilgah beach is a clean sandy beach and a great spot to enjoy the sea.

It’s just 35 kilometers northeast of Baku. Admission is free and we’re sure you’ll end up staying there sunbathing for hours. You can get there by taking Bus 185 from Koroghly Metro. The bus stops at Bilgah Sanatorium.

The bus stop where you need to wait is located close to this intersection:

8. Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is probably one of Baku’s most famous landmarks. There are a lot of different theories about the purpose of this tower but none is confirmed.

One theory is that the tower was part of the Shirvanshah’s defense system and served as a beacon. People sent alarm signals from this tower to other towers, using smoke by day and fire by night.

Another theory is that this tower used to be a Zoroastrian temple of fire worship and that with the changing times in the Middle Ages later functioned as a defense tower.

A local friend also told us another legend about this tower: The Shah’s (king) daughter fell in love with a guy whom her father refused her to marry.

The king built this tower to lock her up and the daughter became so desperate that she jumped from the tower and killed herself.

One tower, many stories. You can go inside the tower, visit the interactive exhibits and climb the spiral stairs to the top and be rewarded with a nice view of the city.

Entrance fee : 10 AZN

9. Upland Park

Another place where you will be rewarded with an amazing view is Upland Park. The park summarizes the architecture in Baku – a blend of Ottoman, Soviet and ultramodern architecture.

It’s a nice place to walk around. I would definitely recommend you to go there at sunrise or sunset as you’ll have a fantastic view of the harbor and the Caspian Sea. It’s a fairly comfortable climb up the stairs but you can also get there by taking the funicular.

Entrance fee : 2 AZN if you take the funicular, free if you walk

10. Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are the tallest skyscrapers in Baku, with a height of 190m. This iconic trio of buildings marks the city’s skyline and is evidence of the country’s oil wealth.

The towers also promote its historic identity as they are inspired by Baku’s history of fire worship.

The three flame-shaped towers are set in a triangular shape and each tower has a different function. The tallest of the three is a 39-story residential luxury apartment building.

Imagine the views from your kitchen while having breakfast in the morning! The second tower is a hotel and consists of 318 rooms spread over 36 floors.

The third one is an office tower that provides many commercial office spaces. Not a bad place to work if you ask me! I reckon that those offices definitely come with a nice view!

The towers provide a spectacular light show once the sun goes down. The facades of the three Flame Towers function as large display screens which uses more than 10.000 high-power LED lights!

The light show makes the towers look like they are burning as it depicts a beautiful array of red flames going towards the sky. The display of lights is also arranged to show the Azerbaijani flag in all its glory.

Entrance fee: The towers are not open for public visits, unless you’re a resident, office worker or hotel guest. The price of one night in the hotel costs around $170 per night , not exactly a budget-friendly price.

You could always try to become friends with someone who lives in the residential tower or give your best smile at the security guards…

11. Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center is an architectural masterpiece! This cultural center is named after Heydar Aliyev, the first secretary of Soviet Azerbaijan and later president of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2993 – 2003).

The building is considered as one of the main attractions for tourists and became a symbol of modern Baku.

The cultural center was opened in 2012 and was designed by the Iraqi-British award-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The overall shape of the building resembles a wave-like ascension from the ground towards the sky followed by a gradual descent down to the earth.

The center received an award in 2014 for Design of the Year.

The Heydar Aliyev Center houses a conference hall, the Heydar Aliyev museum and multiple exhibition halls. The museum presents the history of Azerbaijan and different stages of Heydar Aliyev’s life and work.

One of the exhibition halls demonstrates all the periods of the history of Azerbaijan and displays items related to different areas of Azerbaijani culture.

Entrance fee: Admiring the architecture of the building is free but if you want to go inside the center, you can buy a ticket for 12 AZN.

This ticket provides you access to the museum and the “Azerbaijan Treasures” exhibition within the Center. You can also buy separate tickets for the other exhibitions that are held.

12. Baku Boulevard

The Baku Boulevard is a 3 km long promenade which runs parallel to Baku’s seafront. It was established in 1909, in a time when the Baku oil barons built their mansions along the Caspian shore.

At the beginning of the Soviet period, the boulevard’s area was mismanaged and the situation became worse as the sea began to rise so high that many of the trees and shrubs in the park started to die because of the salinity of the water.

After a big clean-up and a huge renovation and reconstruction work, the boulevard became a popular place for locals and tourists to stroll and relax.

There are now many small parks, fountains, and restaurants. There’s even a weird little Venice setting where you can rent tiny gondolas.

13. Get lost in the streets and get surprised

It sounds cliché but the best way to visit Baku is by picking a random street, start walking and getting lost. You’ll find interesting little shops, exquisite buildings, colorful mosques, beautiful parks, and odd monuments.

14. Enjoy the sunrise over the Caspian sea

Last but not least on this list of cool things to do in Baku: Enjoying a beautiful sunrise from the pier of Baku. Baku has a long pier that extends far out into the sea. some of the sunrise scenes I captured in this video are from that location.

It’s the perfect place to witness the sun rising above the sea in all its glory. You’ll hear the sound of the waves gently splashing on the peer while feeling the sun gradually warming up your skin.

What are the best day trips from Baku?

Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire due to the huge amount of underground oil and gas sources. The natural gas in Azerbaijan’s bowels is so much that it comes to the surface over and over again.

In some places a match dropped accidentally can ignite the gas, which will keep on burning until it fully exhausts. No wonder that Azerbaijan became a pilgrimage destination for fire-worshippers, followers of the Zoroastrian religion.

They believed that the fire sources were the manifestation of divine power so they built altars and temples to worship them. In the suburbs of Baku are some very interesting and unique places where you’ll learn more about the history and richness of the Land of Fire.

1. The mud volcanoes of Qobustan

There are about 1000 mud volcanoes in the world and Azerbaijan is home to one-third of them because the country is a big source of oil and natural gas. The mud volcanoes are formed in places where pockets of underground gas find a weak spot in the earth and force their way to the surface.

That starts first with a big explosion, then a huge flame but instead of magma, there will be a big eruption of mud. Interesting enough the mud is cold so you can touch it without hurting yourself.

The substance contains a lot of minerals so sometimes people come here to take a mud bath in the volcanoes. The mud volcanoes in Qobustan were formed in 2001 and they are definitely a very interesting phenomenon worth visiting!

How to get to the mud volcanoes from Baku by public transport:

Take bus 125 or any other bus that goes to the Bina Mall. This trip costs 0.50 AZN and you can buy the bus ticket in the ticket machine at the bus stop.

Get off the bus at the mall (it’s the end station anyway) and take bus 195 towards Qobustan and Alat. Don’t get off at Qobustan unless you want to visit the museum .

Although the mud volcanoes are referred to as ‘the Qobustan mud volcanoes’, they are actually located near Alat. Ask the driver to stop at the bus stop in Alat.

It’s a tiny little bus station near a small village. The journey from the mall to Alat is about 55 minutes and costs 0.80 AZN which you pay to the driver once you get off the bus.

You’ve got two options when you’re in Alat. You can take a taxi to the volcanoes. Don’t worry about finding a taxi, the taxi drivers will definitely find you!

They will give you ridiculous prices but don’t give in. Don’t pay more than 15 AZN for a roundtrip! Start walking away and they will lower their price.

The second option is to walk. Walk for about 50m towards the village, take the first road to the left and follow this road for about 2km until you come across train tracks.

Cross it and keep walking. You’ll be up for a long walk in the desert – about 5km one way. Keep following the dirt track and you will see a sign that says ‘volcanoes’. Follow that sign up the hill and you’ll suddenly see the hidden mud volcanoes appear. Take plenty of water with you as it can be super hot in summer!

Check out our vlog about the mud volcanoes:

[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcLWamrq078&t” width=”600″ height=”400″]

2. Qobustan National Park

The National Park of Qobustan is cut up with numerous ravines (in Azerbaijani Qobu), so it’s clear where the park got it’s name from. Qobustan is home to thousands of rock engravings spread over 100km.

The engravings display hunting scenes, people, ships, constellations, and animals. The oldest petroglyphs are 12.000 years old!

UNESCO included the Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in the World Heritage List in 2007.

It’s considered to be of “outstanding universal value” for the quality and density of the rock art engravings, for the substantial evidence the collection of rock art presents and for the cultural continuity between prehistoric and medieval times that the site reflects.

There’s also a museum on the site that presents a lot of background information about the history of the area and the rock engravings.

Entrance fee: 2 AZN, entrance to the museum is included in this price

How to get to Qobustan from Baku by public transport:

Get off the bus at the mall (it’s the end station anyway) and take bus 195 towards Qobustan and Alat. The journey from the mall to Qobustan takes about 40 minutes and costs 0.80 AZN which you pay to the driver once you get off the bus.

You’ll know when to get off because you’ll see a sign with ‘Qobustan’. You can always ask the bus driver in advance to stop there.

The museum and rock engravings are at about 6km from the bus stop in the direction of the hills. You can walk the distance if you’re up for it but make sure that you’re prepared as it can be very hot during summer.

The walk is partially uphill. You can also opt for a taxi, which will be very easy to find but less easy to bargain with taxi drivers. Don’t pay more than 20 AZN and maybe you can make a deal to include a visit to the mud volcanoes for this price (see the section above). The museum is open from 9 am until 5 pm.

3. Atesghah Temple of Baku or Fire Temple of Baku

The Ateshgah Temple of Baku (‘Atash’ is the Persian word for fire) is a religious temple in Surakhani, a suburb of Baku. The pentagonal complex was constructed in the 17th – 18th centuries. In the middle of this complex sits an altar with a natural gas vent, which is known for its natural “eternal flame”, a phenomenon of burning natural gas outlets.

This flame went out in 1969, after the exploitation of petroleum and gas in the area but it’s now lit by gas pipes from the nearby city.

The temple was founded as a pilgrimage and holy place of Zoroastrians – a group of religious people who worship fire – who were involved in the Silk Route Trade.

They attributed a mystical significance to the inextinguishable fire and came here to worship the relic and practice fire rituals. The temple altar is surrounded by a number of small cells, which accommodated the ascetic worshipers and pilgrims.

The temple ceased to be a place of worship after 1883 with the installation of petroleum plants and the complex was turned into a museum in 1975. It was also nominated for the List of World Heritage Sites in 1998.

Entrance fee : 4 AZN

How to get to Ateshgah Temple from Baku by public transport:

Take the metro to Koroghlu. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines in the metro stations and costs 0.50 AZN. Get out at the metro station called Koroghlu.

Walk out the station and to the buses that go towards the suburbs (there’s a sign that will tell you ‘towards Baku’ and ‘to suburbs’). You’ll also see a lot of taxis but you can ignore the drivers who will call out to you.

Take bus 184 towards Amirjan settlement. The last stop of this bus is directly next to Ateshgah temple. All you need to do is cross the train tracks.  

The ride takes about 16 minutes. Pay the driver 0.40 AZN once you get off the bus. 

Walk towards the big walled complex. Chances are that you’ll see a few buses parked there. Enter the gate, go to the right and purchase your entrance ticket at the little kiosk right next to the entrance of the temple.

4. Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain)

One of the most famous tourist places of the “eternal flame” in Azerbaijan is the mountain of Yanar. Well, the word mountain is a bit exaggerated as it’s rather a hill but it’s still quite a fascinating place.

It reminded me a lot of Mount Chimaera in Turkey – which can be properly called a mountain. Both places have natural gas burning in its slopes since ancient times.

Perfect place to have a campfire if you ask me! Yanar Dag has a 10m long wall of fire that is burning continuously alongside the edge of the hill.

The best time to watch it is in the evening when the sight of the blazing hill is most effective. The legend goes that it was a shepherd who actually ignited the fire in the 1950s by tossing a cigarette and that the hill has burnt ever since.

Yanar Dag is declared a state-protected conservation area since 2007.

Entrance fee : 3 AZN

How to get to Yanar Dag from Baku by public transport:

Take the metro to Koroghlu. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines in the metro stations and costs 0.50 AZN.

Get out at the metro station named Koroghlu. Walk out the station and to the buses that go towards the suburbs (there’s a sign that will tell you ‘towards Baku’ and ‘to suburbs’).

You’ll also see a lot of taxis but you can ignore the drivers who will call out to you. Take bus 217 towards Yanardag qorugu. This is also where you have to get off the bus. The journey takes about 30 minutes from Koroghlu and you pay 0.45 AZN to the driver when getting off the bus.

Where to stay in Baku

Baku is a city that is worth taking the time to discover, so you will want to stay there at least a night or two. It is a city rich in traditional architecture but it also blends in modern elements.

Baku also offers a wide selection of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.

Maybe you’re asking yourself What are the best and cheapest budget hostels in Baku? Here are some hostels where we stayed that we absolutely recommend:

Mr. Hostel Baku

This is a very colorful and cozy hostel right in the city center. It’s the perfect place to relax after a backpacking adventure around Azerbaijan. The staff speaks perfect English and will help you with your registration if needed.

The old city is just 10 minutes away from this hostel so it’s a location where a lot of backpackers end up staying. Freedom Square and the flame towers are less than a 20-minute walk from Mr. Hostel.

Although this establishment is right in the city center of Baku, it feels really calm and quiet inside. There are plenty of desks and cozy couches to work from in the main lobby and the internet connection is super fast.

When we were there, the receptionist helped us get our ferry ticket to cross the Caspian sea and they showed us tons of cool activities we could do in the city. We can’t recommend this place enough.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Mr. Hostel Baku”

Freedom Hostel

The living room of this hostel reminded us more of a luxurious home than a budget accommodation. Freedom hostel is a very spacious establishment and the kitchen is huge!

There is also a nice terrace where Cynthia and I spent our evening relaxing in the setting sun.

Baku metro station, as well as the subway station, are not far and can be reached in a few minutes.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Freedom Hostel”

Cheeky Carabao Backpackers Hostel

This hostel has some really cool features. It has a ping-pong table where you can play in the evening with other backpackers, cool walls covered in graffiti and massive rooms. We loved chilling in the lobby and meeting kindred spirits.

The dorms of this hostel are very spacious, and clean and they have very big windows. If you like to cook, there are a few corner stores nearby in Baku where you can get vegetables. The kitchen of the hostel comes fully equipped with pans, dishes and a working stove and oven.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Cheeky Carabao Backpackers Hostel”

What are the best and cheapest restaurants in Baku?

Baku has a really wide range of restaurants. There are options for all kinds of travel budget. Whether you can’t wait to try local dishes at a great price or you crave international cuisine, eating in Baku won’t disappoint you.

Here are a few budget restaurants that we recommend you check out while in the Azerbaijani capital:

This small cafe became one of our favorite places to eat out when we stayed in the Azeri capital. Araz Cafe is a cozy place with fantastic food almost right next to the fountain square on Nizami street.

For being an Azeri cafe, Araz has some of the best Plov I ever had. It’s as delicious as the rice dishes I ate in Uzbekistan . If you don’t like meat, there are different good options for vegetarians in this restaurant.

Araz Cafe is also a great location to smoke shisha while listening to some live music. If you don’t like the smoke of shisha (how can you not love that perfume?) the cafe has a huge terrace where you can also eat and enjoy a great time.

This is where you can savor the delicious meals and experience the ambiance Araz Cafe offers:

Dolma Restaurant

This restaurant is also located near fountain square close to the old city. The establishment owes its name to a dish famous in Azerbaijan; the dolma.

It’s a dish made of rice and meat stuffed inside grape leaves. This restaurant is probably the best place in Baku to enjoy the typical Azeri dish.

If you’re very hungry, this is the place where you should eat, the portions are humongous and you’ll leave the place absolutely stuffed. If you enjoy wine, you should try out the local pomegranate wine and finish your meal with a shot of strong Raki.

This is where you’ll find Dolma Restaurant in Baku:

This is the restaurant I recommend if you’re looking for a quiet and romantic venue. Eating in Sumakh feels like eating in a five star Michelin restaurant, both for the high quality of the food and for the beautifully decorated dining room.

From the quality of service to the food, design, and atmosphere of the restaurant, in Sumakh everything is at the highest level.

This restaurant has very traditional and authentic Azerbaijani dishes as well as some savory European options. To accompany the meal, Sumakh also offers a fine selection of Azerbaijani wine.

This is where Sumakh is located:

How to get to Baku and travel around the city

How to get from the airport of baku to the city center.

If you fly to Azerbaijan, you’ll be landing at Heydar Aliyev international airport in Baku. Getting from Baku’s international airport to the city center is not very complicated. The airport is located just 21 km away from the city center and you can there by taxi or by city bus.

I explain everything you need to know about reaching the city center from Baku’s international airport in this article .

How to get a taxi in Baku

Taxi drivers in Baku tend to ask exorbitant prices if they see you’re a foreigner. For Azerbaijan as for Central-Asian countries like Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan , it’s better to download the Yandex app on your phone.

Yandex works as a cab-hailing app meaning you won’t have to negotiate directly with the driver and you can avoid being ripped off.

If you use Yandex in Baku, the taxi rides become extremely cheap. Short taxi rides with this app cost 2-3 AZN which is the equivalent of 3 USD.

If you don’t travel with a phone or can’t download Yandex, getting a taxi in Baku might be a bit more complicated. Most official taxis in Baku don’t have a taximeter and drivers typically charge around 15 AZN for rides around the city.

If you don’t speak Russian or Azeri they might even ask more. Taxi drivers generally don’t accept foreign currency so make sure you have some manats with you.

As in Russia it’s quite common to flag down private cars and agree on a price for the ride, this might seem strange, but you’ll see plenty of locals doing it.

Traveling around Baku by city bus

Baku has a very good city bus system. Buses are quite modern and rival city buses you would find in Europe. A bus ticket inside the city costs around 0.20 AZN while buses to the suburbs will typically charge from 0.30 AZN to 0.50 AZN.

Here is a map of all the bus stops in Baku.

Taking the metro in Baku

Traveling around Baku by metro is very practical and you can easily reach a lot of interesting sights around the city. There are two main metro lines in Baku, one going around the city center and another roughly in a northwest-southeast axis. Twenty metro stations are currently opened in the Azerbaijani capital.

A single metro ticket costs 0.30 AZN and the metros are operating between 6 AM and 1 AM the next day.

I hope you will enjoy your stay in Baku as much as we did! In case you have to wait multiple days to catch the boat to Kazakhstan , and have some time to kill, you’ll know what to do in Baku!

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of the links, we get a commission at no extra costs to you! See it as a small donation to keep this blog going. Thank you!

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Have a look at our videos of Azerbaijan . Hope we can inspire you to visit this beautiful and off-the-beaten-track country!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO – AZERBAIJAN TRAVEL TIPS:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Azerbaijan
• Visa, registration and border crossing in Azerbaijan
• Traveling from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan across the Caspian Sea by cargo ship

7 thoughts on “Things to do in Baku – a budget-friendly guide to Azerbaijan’s exquisite capital city”

“Wow, this blog post on ‘Things to Do in Baku’ is an absolute gem! It beautifully captures the essence of Azerbaijan’s exquisite capital city and provides a comprehensive guide for budget-friendly explorations. The author’s attention to detail and personal experiences truly make this article stand out. From exploring the historic Old City to indulging in mouthwatering local cuisine, this guide offers an impressive range of activities to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture and charm of Baku.

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

By Joan Torres 19 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this Baku travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

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

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Introduction to traveling to Baku

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

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

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

Going to Tbilisi? Check out my city guide to Tbilisi

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

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

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

Visa for visiting Baku

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Baku

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

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

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

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

Transportation – How to move around Baku

Moving around baku by taxi.

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

Moving around Baku by metro

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

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

Moving around Baku by bus

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

How to get from and to the airport

How to get from baku city center by bus.

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

How to get from Baku city center by taxi

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

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

Things to do in Baku in 3 days

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

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

Map of the places to visit in Baku

What to do in Baku on day 1

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

Baku Old City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Carpet Museum

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

Read: Everything you need to know to travel to Georgia

The Flame Towers

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

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

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

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

The oil extractors

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

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

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

Taza Pir Mosque

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

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

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

Heydar Aliyev Center

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

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

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

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

Museum of Miniature Books

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

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

Fountain Square and the rest of downtown

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

What to do in Baku on day 2

Yasil market.

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

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

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

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

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

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

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

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

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

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

Fire Temple Ateshgah

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

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

What to do in Baku on Day 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Baku

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

Budget – Xezer Restaurant – Local eatery serving traditional food.

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

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

More information for visiting Baku

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

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

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

All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination

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

Check more city guides

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

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

19 comments

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

oh yes, the stations were pretty nice indeed 🙂

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

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

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

wow, thanks for sharing your experience, Michael!

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

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

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

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

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

Maybe it is a problem of your browser

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

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

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

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

Hi Yes, you can go to the area around Quba

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

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

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

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

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

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

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

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

Yet Baku is not without its charm either.

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

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

Table of Contents

Do A Walking Tour Of The Baku Old City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You are welcome to visit outside of prayer times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baku Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you !

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

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

Waiting for your reply

Best Regards,

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

I am planning to go on 17 may .

Have a great time. 🙂

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for reading

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you 🙂

Mud Volcanoes At Gobustan are beautiful!

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

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

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

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

20 Must-Visit Attractions in Baku, Azerbaijan

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

Icheri sheher (baku’s old city).

Historical Landmark

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

Maiden Tower

Building, Memorial

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

Nizami Street

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark, Shopping Mall

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

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Government House

Fountain Square

Flame Towers

National Flag Square

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

Baku Boulevard

Mini-Venice

Teze Pir Mosque

Baku Funicular

Train Station

Ismailiyya Palace

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

Palace of Happiness

Caspian Sea Cruise

Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature

Building, Museum

Bilgah Beach

Natural Feature

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

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The Best Time to Visit Baku, Azerbaijan for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Baku for ideal weather are

April 2nd to June 17th

September 3rd to november 18th.

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Baku Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Baku Travel Info

Weather in baku.

Average temperatures in Baku vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel very nice much of the year, but hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The area is somewhat temperate — in the 48th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Baku, the hottest months are August, July, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid August where highs are regularly around 94.3°F (34.6°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 76.2°F (24.6°C) at night.

Baku Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Baku temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Baku Perceived Temperature (F)

Baku perceived temperature (c), average baku temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Baku are July, May, and then August. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early May. For example, on the week of April 30th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late January and early February with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of January 29th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Baku.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Baku (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Baku has some very humid months, with other comfortably humid months. The least humid month is July (54.5% relative humidity), and the most humid month is February (77.5%).

Wind in Baku is usually calm . The windiest month is March, followed by February and April. March’s average wind speed of around 7.2 knots (8.3 MPH or 13.3 KPH) is considered “a gentle breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early to mid March where average top sustained speeds reach 13.2 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Baku.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to baku.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Azerbaijan; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Sep 18, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Baku, Azerbaijan is June, followed by May and July. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Baku in November. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall baku travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderate. Highs range from 83.1°F (28.4°C) and 48.4°F (9.1°C) with far warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is rare with 1 to 3 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see the least precipitation with 0 to 1 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Baku, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 85.4°F (29.7°C) and 52.2°F (11.2°C), which will feel comfortable given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a normal amount: 2 to 4 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is too cold this time of year in Baku to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 52.8°F (11.6°C) and 40.3°F (4.6°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 6 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Azerbaijan › Baku, Azerbaijan

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Insider Tips to Explore the Azeri Capital – Baku Travel Guide 

Last Updated: August 24, 2021

what to do in Baku

As per a ballpark figure, over a quarter of residents live in the capital city of Azerbaijan. Baku features a dramatic landscape — an architectural mix that reminds one of the graceful Paris and innovative Dubai. Add to this its unequalled cosmopolitan urban charm with well-cobbled streets, recently built subway and fast Wi-Fi. All of this is nestled up together in a clean, beautifully laid out city.

Embracing both tradition and modernity, it is a beautiful city that fits right in your bill. Thanks to the city’s groundbreaking development which manages to entertain all ages and interests. While couples can meander through the wooden parks holding hands, families can relish mouthwatering food at restaurants overlooking the sea.

Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Baku

Most people are aliens to Baku’s lifestyle. In fact, you may have many questions about this destination, such as: Is Baku cheap to travel to? Is Baku safe for travellers? How do we reach Baku? Do locals speak English? This Baku travel guide will answer all your queries in the simplest terms.

Best Time to Visit

Although the temperature is mild all year round, April-June (spring) and September –October (autumn) are the best times to visit Baku. You can have a whale of a time as the city is in full spring. It is dry and warm — the streets turn into a burst of colours and mountains wrapped in sunshine. The city fires up for celebrations and cultural explorers can sightsee their favourite destinations. Then from September to October, marvel at the sandstone and green landscapes with magical transformations of nature.

Get to Baku

Now, since your holiday is planned, and things are booked, everything depends on how you reach this undiscovered gem of a city. It depends on several factors like budget, time and preferences.

To reach by plane, book tickets to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), which is located 15 miles out of town. There are no direct flights from the US and Asia, but you will have no issue finding a flight via Turkish or Middles Eastern Airlines. There are direct flights to Moscow, Frankfurt, Kiev and Minsk, while flights from other European cities may have one/ more stopovers. From there, you can hop on the express bus to reach Baku or hire a taxi that could be a tad expensive.

The train ride is an experience on its own. It will whiz you past the scenic fields and verdant landscape. There are cars that will offer comfort and privacy at higher budgets. You can pre-book to avoid delays. Alternatively, you can buy tickets for a public bus that connects Baku with the major cities and costs you less. There are international services from Russia and Iran as well.

Get Around Baku

One of the useful things to know before travelling to Baku is the mode of transportation that runs within the city. There are buses and subways that work in a widespread network to carry you to your desired places. Taxis are cheap with 1.30 for every mile, while car rentals can unsettle your budget by demanding 35 per day.

Religion and Language

Islam is the predominant religion in the country. There are other residing communities as well, such as minority Jewish and Orthodox Christians. Most people in Azerbaijan can’t speak English, so it comes in handy to know a phrase or two in their native language for easy conversations. The widely spoken languages are Azerbaijani and Russian.

Oil-Rich City

The history of Azerbaijan is revolved around oil and gas reserves. The second oil boom in 2006 brought another revolution that raised some of the exemplary architecture. Due to the cutting edge technology and unique vision, you get the opportunity to marvel at jaw-dropping masterpieces.

Major Tourist Attractions

The blue-glassed Flame Towers, the residence of the ruling dynasties Palace of the Shirvanshah, MOMA museum with bean-bags, tailor-made Carpet Museum, waterfront promenade Bulvar, the World Heritage Site of İçəri Şəhər, vantage point at Maiden’s Tower and the leafy piazza Fountains Square are must-visit tourist attractions in Baku. Then tick off Heydar Aliyev Centre, explore Yashil Bazar, visit Mud Volcanoes, and pay homage at Bibi-Heybat Mosque.

Currency Exchange

• Another significant thing that you should know is that the official currency of Azerbaijan is manat (code: AZN; symbol:).
• Exchange the foreign currency with the national currency for seamless transactions. The restaurants, shops and markets may accept the US Dollars but are hesitant about accepting the old banknotes issued before 1992.
• It is handy to carry money in small denominations while shopping.
• Always exchange the currencies in banks, airports or hotels, and do not deal with private individuals to avoid fraud.
• Discuss the money with taxi drivers in advance, as they request you to pay in national currency.

Law and Order

• The traffic on the roads is organised and scrutinised by the police all around. They help to maintain peace and order. So, it’s better to carry an identification card in case of any misunderstanding or problem.
• Wear decent clothes that are not transparent or revealing to stay away from unwanted attention or fine. Wear walking/ hiking shoes for a comfortable excursion. It could get hot outside, so get those breathable shirts and dresses.
• Being drunk on the streets is highly prohibited and could result in a punishable offence.

Accommodation in Baku

There is no dearth of fancy hotels and low-priced accommodations in Baku. It stands up to the expectations of being the luxurious capital city of Azerbaijan. You can let your hair down when you prefer to stay in the popular neighbourhoods of Baku, such as the UNESCO-recognised İçərişəhər, flower-crammed Khutor, and the buzzing market ofYaşıl Bazar.   The best-rated, contemporary hotels are Fairmont Baku offering 5-star services, Flame Towers with its rooftop pool, and the Sheraton Baku located in the vicinity of the airport. You are welcomed with warm hospitality and world-class facilities.

It does not harm to tip when eating in any of the restaurants of Baku. A tip of 10% looks friendly. Moreover, in a few restaurants and open-air cafes, if you tip in advance, you can enjoy some real fast services.

Baku is absolutely safe for tourists. Petty thefts are almost negligible. No brownie points for this — stay vigilant in a new destination and use local apps for navigation, to avoid any scam by taxi drivers.

As you browse the local markets and souvenir shops, haggling is encouraged to get the best prices.

Q1. What is BAKU?

BAKU is the capital city of Azerbaijan, a country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia.

Q2. What is the perfect time to explore BAKU?

The perfect time to explore BAKU is between April to June and September to October.

Q3. Name some key attractions in BAKU.

Some popular tourist attractions in BAKU include the Old City (Icheri Sheher), the Flame Towers, the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Q4. Is BAKU a safe city?

Yes it is generally a safe city.

Q5. What languages are spoken in BAKU?

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, which is the most widely spoken language in BAKU. Russian and English are also widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.

Baku is a city that will leave an incredible impression on your heart. All you got to do is to know a few things and follow these tips for a butter-smooth vacation.

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Shaheen Taj

Shaheen Taj is a freelance travel writer by profession. She is particularly fond of traveling and loves to jot down her experiences and cultural diversities of different countries.

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Baku Itinerary

Last Updated on January 24, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Baku?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting To & Around Baku

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 to 3-Day Baku Itinerary

Day 1 – old city highlights.

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

Explore the Old City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maiden Tower

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

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

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

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

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

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

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

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

Day 2 – Explore Modern Baku

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

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

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

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

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

Caspian Seaside Promenade

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

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

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

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

Explore Downtown Baku

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mud Volcanoes

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

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

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

Gobustan Rock Art

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

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

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

Ateshgah Fire Temple

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

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

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

Fire Mountain

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

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

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

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

Heydar Aliyev Centre

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

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

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

Where to Eat & Drink in Baku

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Baku

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

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

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

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

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

Cultural Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related Posts:

Is Baku Expensive? An Azerbaijan Trip Cost Guide

Baku to Sheki: How to Get There & Things To Do

Where To Stay in Baku: Best Hotels & Areas

About Maggie Turansky

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glad this helped, Sammie!

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

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

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

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• Azerbaijan In December 2024: Where To Go And What To Do For An Exciting Holiday Experience

Cover Image Credit: Pixabay.com

Enveloped by the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is a marvelous country known for its spellbinding Caspian coast, rich history, and cultural traditions. This ‘Land of Fire’ possesses a perfect amalgamation of eastern and western architecture that makes it a true delight for tourists across the world. Azerbaijan features nine of the world’s eleven climate zones and every climate is unique in itself. But, the month of December has a lot to offer to its tourists. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, nature lover, or looking for a leisure trip, Azerbaijan in December is indeed a splendid choice for a vacation.

Weather In Azerbaijan In December

December is considered as one of the best months to visit Azerbaijan, as you can experience the world’s most thrilling winter activities. In the month of December, Azerbaijan is covered with snow as the temperature ranges between 3.0°C and 8.0°C. As observed in the previous years, the lowest possible peak is -13°C and the highest is 18°C. Apart from winter sports, you will be able to embrace the festive mood of Christmas.

5 Places To Visit In Azerbaijan In December

Find out where to go and what to see during your trip to Azerbaijan in the month of December. Make sure your itinerary is crafted around these locales for a rich holiday experience.

Image Source

Baku is Azerbaijan’s capital situated along the Caspian Sea. This beautiful city is a unique fusion of cool modern skyscrapers studded with LCD screens and the old royal walled city of Icheri Seher. Among all of these, the must-visit place is the Three Flame Towers, that light up in the night, producing a dazzling view. These skyscrapers in Baku’s city are brilliantly crafted and curved like flickering flames. Those who love modern culture can visit the splendid museums featuring over 900 artworks. Also, there is a famous market for cheese and spices in Baku called Teze Bazaar, where you can buy unique spices. Near Baku, lies Yanar Dağ that burns continuously on the hills of the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea.

Ideal for: Sightseeing and photography Travel Tip: Baku is one of the cheapest cities in Azerbaijan

Circle Trip To Azerbaijan And Georgia: Discover Best Places And More!

After Baku, Ganja is the second biggest industrial and cultural city of Azerbaijan. Ganja is one of the most fascinating cities in Azerbaijan, with a unique culture, heritage, and rich history. You can be a part of Novruz Festival celebrations, to know about the beauty of Azerbaijan’s traditions and culture. The topmost sightseeing places of Ganja are eclectic forests, vineyards, rivers, mountains and panoramic lakes.

Ganja is well-known for the “Bottle House ”, a visual delight adorned with nearly 50,000 glass bottles. Ganja is also home to several unique monuments like the Tomb of Nizami and the Juma Mosque. Last but not least, pay a visit to the Ganja market to taste the local food of Azerbaijan.

7 Breathtaking Beaches In Azerbaijan For A Sunkissed Vacation In 2022!

Bounded by the picturesque mountains, Sheki is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities of Azerbaijan. Sheki reflects ancient culture and is home to spectacular architectural and historical sites. Sheki deserves your visit, as it is noted for its sumptuous Baklava, artisans, friendly nature and hand-made souvenirs.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sheki Khans’ Palace, a history museum, and medieval fortress. You can just wander around Sheki and admire the ornamental Persian gardens, stunning murals, and stained glassworks.

Travel Tip: Take a taxi to conveniently reach Sheki. Things to Do: Horse riding, Hamam or public bathing, and Hiking

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

4. Lankaran

Lankaran is one of the spectacular places, situated on the coast of the Caspian Sea. People visit this city due to its old historical places and lush green nature. The city of Lankaran is renowned for a lot of ancient historical monuments. The strategic location was always the plus point in its history.

There are various historical places in Lankaran that attract a huge number of tourists. Among them, Maiak, Tomb of Sayyid Khalifa, Yanar Bulag (Burning Spring in English), Gizil Agaj National Reserve and Old Prison and Lighthouse are the most popular ones.

Ideal for: Photography

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

5. Khachmaz

Khachmaz is not as famous as other cities of Azerbaijan, but don’t let that fool you. Khachmaz is the most iconic city to visit during your trip to Azerbaijan in December. You will be surprised to discover some of the unique places and things in Khachmaz. Khachmaz is renowned for its luxurious resorts, shopping centers, spas, and restaurants.

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

6 Things To Do In Azerbaijan In December

Now that you know of all the fabulous places to see in Azerbaijan, let us proceed to the activities that this destination is famous for.

Nestled in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Shahdag is the first and largest Ski resort in Azerbaijan. Skiing down the magnificent Caucasus Mountains will leave you awe-struck. Shahdag has ski trails for both beginners and professionals. Shahdag ski resort comprises around 14 ski tracks of 17 kilometers long, of different levels of complexity.

You can rent or buy a helmet, skis, snowboard or any other important equipment from a Ski Shop equipped with the most state-of-the-art equipment. With the help of lifts and gondolas, you will be taken atop the slopes. To make your skiing a magical experience, the friendly staff will assist you with professional advice.

Best Hotels to Stay: Zirve Hotel, Gaya Residence, Shahdag Hotel & Spa, Pik Palace, and Park Chalet

Shopping In Azerbaijan: What To Buy & Where To Shop In The Land Of Fire

2. Zip Lining

One of the most adventurous and heart-pounding activities to do, when you are in Azerbaijan in December is Zip Lining. If flying through the sky-high charismatic mountain valleys is what keeps the thrill alive in you, then Zip Lining is what you should try for. This phenomenal ride starts with safety guidance before you climb up the highest slope.

You will travel at a velocity of up to 20-25 km/hour and will be supervised throughout the activity. It’s easy to capture the bird’s eye view of the astonishing snow-capped mountains of Azerbaijan. So, make sure to include Zip Lining activity to your itinerary.

Tip: Wear something comfortable or the harness around your waist and thigh area would hurt.

5 Exciting Festivals In Azerbaijan That Will Add All Those Festive Vibes To Your Trip

4. Quad Biking

If you are planning to explore the world’s most enchanting Caucasus Mountains, then Quad Biking is one of the finest adventure sports. Before kicking the engine, you will be given a brief instruction about the safety rules and how to operate those heavy machines. Protective helmets are provided to you to ensure safety.

This adrenaline-fuelled quad biking is one of the favorite winter sports among many adventure enthusiasts. It’s no wonder why most of the tourists love Quad Biking. When you ride down to the striking Caucasus Mountains on a four-wheeled bike, you will be amused to witness the hidden beauty of Azerbaijan.

Tip: If you are a beginner, then make sure you choose the right vehicle that suits your level of strength.

7 Best National Parks In Azerbaijan To Witness Its Wildlife

5. Snow Tubing

Snow tubing is one of the easiest and most effortless winter activities to do. Snow Tubing doesn’t require any specialized equipment and guidance, you just have to grab your tube and slide on the snow. Snow Tubing is an outstanding activity to experience the charm of the winter season. Snow Tubing is ideal for tourists of all ages. Whether you are going with your family, or with your loved ones, Snow Tubing is a totally different experience to enjoy.

Hiking In Azerbaijan In 2022: Top 6 Hiking Trails In The Majestic Caucasus Mountains!

6. Paragliding

Paragliding through the enchanting mountains of Azerbaijan is a whole new experience. Paragliding is performed in the Zaqatala, Gusar between 30 to 60Km of the Baku-Shemakha highway. The professional staff of the Fly Shahdag paragliding team will provide you safety equipment like helmet, shoes, and gloves to ensure a safe paragliding experience. You will have a certified instructor with you, that makes sure a soft landing at a specific point.

7 Best Things To Do In Azerbaijan For An Extraordinary Experience

It’s always satisfying when you plan a trip to an unseen place and it turns out to be the most memorable one. Azerbaijan is one such magnificent destination that you will never forget. Plan a trip to Azerbaijan In December and explore it all with your loved ones for a truly exciting holiday experience.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Azerbaijan In December

What is Azerbaijan famous for?

Azerbaijan is called ‘The Land of Fire’ which has been continuously burning for 65 years. Yanar Dağ, a burning mountain is one of the famous places, to see naturally burning fire.

What is there to do in Azerbaijan in the winter?

Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snow grooming trips, Quad biking tours, Horse Riding, Snow tubing, Zip Lining and Paragliding are some of the famous winter activities to do in Azerbaijan.

Is Azerbaijan safe for tourists?

Yes, Azerbaijan is safe to visit with your family and friends.

Is Baku cheap or expensive?

Compared to other Azerbaijan cities, Baku is very cheap. Your stay in Baku can cost you around $20 USD including accommodation and food.

What currency is used in Baku Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijani Manat is the currency used in Baku and throughout the country of Azerbaijan. The currency code for Manats is AZN.

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Sujata Dogra

A keen observer, an avid reader, a complete foodie, a pet lover and a curious entrepreneur with a vision to empower women. Penning down thoughts and musings come naturally, so, what better way to make a living than do what you love the most. Sujata started off as a content writer and today spearheads a content agency with an all-women team, where each day is about exploring the strength within, overcoming challenges and aiming to scale new heights. Her idea of a holiday well spent is visiting beautiful destinations, experimenting with food and trying out adventure activities.

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What’s it REALLY like to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan?

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

When I think back to my travels in Baku, Azerbaijan, one anecdote comes to mind. I’m driving through the highway as we speed past modern, silver buildings interspersed with sand-colored mosques and souks, set back against the arid landscape. My guide points out a cluster of buildings on one side of the highway.

“See those buildings?” he tells me. “Our journalists live there. They get to live there for free.”

I smile weakly and say, “Oh. For free. Cool.” Inside, I’m thinking, really? In exchange for what?

That’s what it’s like to grow up in a country without freedom of the press. Journalists living in government-provided housing is seen as something to extol to international visitors, rather than something that should be kept under wraps.

That’s not to say that Azerbaijan is horrifying. Far from it. I found Baku to be an intriguing destination, quite often perplexing, and well worth a three-day visit with my boyfriend before traveling on to Georgia and Armenia.

Table of Contents

Azerbaijan: A Modern Land of Fire

Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire — this is a country where flames can and do burst out of the earth in unexpected places. There are places close to Baku where you can see eternal flames billowing out of the ground, or even from the water. And the reserves of natural gas cause unusual geological effects, like bubbling mud volcanoes.

And sitting in the middle of that fiery desert, on the banks of an inland sea, is one of the world’s most prolific collections of modern architecture. The most famous of which are three modern towers shaped like flames, lighting up with even more flames at night.

If you mention modern architecture set against a desert, where do you think of first? Dubai, maybe, or Doha, Qatar? I got a similar vibe from Baku. Azerbaijan is rich with oil money, thanks to its location next to the Caspian Sea, which had led to insane levels of recent development.

While Dubai and Doha have their share of modern buildings, Baku sprawls like neither city. As you’re driving around Baku, it seems borderline uncanny that you can cruise over so many hills and still see all kinds of modern, interesting buildings.

Within this unusual setting, there are a lot of cool places in Baku to explore and enjoy.

Best Things to Do in Baku

The good thing about visiting a city like Baku is that there isn’t an established tourist trail — you don’t need to hop from sight to sight.

Have dinner overlooking the Flame Towers. On a whim, I ended up at Panoramic Restaurant . While most of the windows face away from the Flame Towers, there is a tiny outdoor patio with only three tables that has a view of the Flame Towers! Do what I did — go early in the day to check it out, then make a reservation for that exact table for sunset that evening.

Explore the old city of Baku. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where the architecture differs enormously from the rest of the modern city. The old city dates back to the 6th century and it gives you an idea of the incredible cultural history in this region from Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Shirvani, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures. The Maiden Tower is a great spot for a view of the Flame Towers. And just outside the old city is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

Visit the markets. What struck me about Baku’s markets is how immaculate they are. I’m used to seeing piles of produce flung in every direction; it seems like Azerbaijanis make every effort to shape their produce into the most aesthetically pleasing piles. The conical shapes on the mango slices and dried flowers are perfect.

It extends to larger fruits, too. Apples were stacked in clean straight lines; perfect green watermelons made up the perimeter. One table even grouped tomatoes not just by type but by size, arranging them into perfect mounds!

Normally I’m a bit uneasy at markets because I feel guilty when I don’t buy anything, but I felt more relaxed here. That and men kept giving me macadamia nuts to sample — the best macadamia nuts I’ve ever tasted. (Did I buy any? Nope. Macadamias are one food that I avoid because if I have one, I’ll have a million.)

Check out Heydar Aliyev Center.  In a city filled with modern architecture, this is one of the most famous buildings of all (and a symbol of Azerbaijan, named after its most beloved leader). The building contains a museum and conference center with rotating exhibitions. But even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it, because it’s in the middle of a giant park, which becomes a place to see and be seen at sunset.

This is easily the best Instagram spot in Baku. I recommend coming around sunrise or sunset for the best light.

Enjoy the cafe scene. While the old city was surprisingly more dead than I expected, I loved the neighborhood just east. This area was filled with all kinds of interesting cafes and restaurants, and I loved walking around and exploring.

Spend an evening down by the Caspian Sea. I was a bit surprised that there was so little seafood on the menus in Baku, despite being located on the sea. But there is one place where seafood is the star: Derya Fish House .

Once you step out of your cab, you arrive to a windy waterfront filled with locals celebrating the end of the day. Oh, and it’s cheap! The two of us had a whole fish, bread, a bowl of olives, eggplant caviar, lemons, pickled vegetables, cheese, and pomegranate sauce on the side for just $18.

Best Day Trips from Baku

The best day trip from Baku is its most famous day trip — to Qobustan to see the mud volcanoes and petroglyphs.  Qobustan National Park (sometimes written as Gobustan) is just under an hour’s drive from Baku.

Qobustan is known for its mud volcanoes. To get to them requires an off-roading vehicle. When my car pulled to the side of the road, I assumed we’d be getting into some kind of jeep — but was I ever surprised when we got into a tiny Soviet-era Lada! It didn’t look like it would last a day in the desert, let alone go off-roading to mud volcanoes!

And soon we reached the mud volcanoes.

The gurgling is a lot slower than I thought it would be — just a constant, slow BLURP! BLURP! every few moments. Like the volcano had eaten a lot of beans that day.

The landscape is beautiful and dramatic — but that wasn’t all we’d see.

Next up in Qobustan was the petroglyphs — ancient rock art. I’ve seen ancient rock art in other parts of the world, like Kakadu National Park in Australia , but this rock art is uniquely impressive. You see people dancing, people hunting, petroglyphs of animals. It has survived remarkably well, and this is why Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing Qobustan was one of the highlights of my time in Azerbaijan, and I feel like you can’t go to Baku without making a stop here.  See tours to see Qobustan’s mud volcanoes and petroglyphs.

The other half of my day was spent touring the famous sites on the opposite side of Baku. Here you’ll find two more attractions that prove that Azerbaijan is the land of fire: Ateshgah, the Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanar Dag, where the fire bursts from the earth.

Ateshgah is a temple on the outskirts of Baku. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, though ceremonies have taken place on the same site as early as the 10th century, and it has been a center of worship for Zoroastrians, Sikhs, and Hindus. The flame inside the temple is naturally occurring, but it actually went out in 1969 due to environmental destruction. The fire today is lit by Baku’s main gas supply.

At Yanar Dag, you can see a steady fire burning from the bottom of the hill. Fed by natural gas, this is another fire that never extinguishes. It was so toasty down by the fire — I have never wanted to have a stick and a bag of marshmallows so much in my life! (And let’s not kid ourselves, a bag of graham crackers and chocolate waiting by the table.)

Ateshgah and Yanar Dag are two places that show you how interesting of a natural environment Azerbaijan is. See tours to Ateshgah and Yanar Dag here.

Azerbaijan Food

What kind of food will you be eating in Azerbaijan? Delicious food. Surprisingly good food. The dishes I ate were most similar to Turkish cuisine, fresh and flavorful. While there were some similarities to their Georgian and Armenian neighbors, Azerbaijani food is very much its own thing. I was only in the country for a few days, so this is by no means an exhaustive guide, but it contains several of my top hits.

I ate a lot of dolma — vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat. While “dolma” can mean stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves in other cultures, in Azerbaijan it can mean any kind of stuffed vegetable.

Also popular are kebabs of all kinds, and plov, roasted rice and meat dishes.

Eggplant dip was everywhere — made from roasted eggplant, peppers, and onions and mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. This was the perfect start to a meal. You eat it with bread.

My absolute favorite dish was at Panoramic Restaurant in the Old City — I can’t remember the name and REALLY should have written it down, but it was a skillet filled with chicken, cherries, potatoes, and chestnuts. It sounds like a winter dish but it was solely on a hot summer night.

While you don’t see a ton of fish on the menus in Azerbaijan, you will down at restaurants on the Caspian Sea like Derya Fish House . I recommend ordering a grilled white fish with pomegranate sauce on the side — it brings the same kind of acidity that you get from lemons.

As for Azerbaijani wine, it does exist and it’s worth sampling, but it’s nothing to write home about. Georgia and Armenia have much better wine.

Azerbaijanis love sweets and pastries, and I tried a few different kinds of baklava — one made with walnuts, one made with almonds, one made with hazelnuts. I honestly think walnuts are king — they need that slightly bitter flavor to cut the sweetness. Hazelnut baklava was dangerously sweet!

And Azerbaijanis are crazy about tea. Tea breaks are important punctuation marks of the day. You can sweeten tea with jam, and they serve it with small pastries.

This is just a sample of the delicious food I ate in Azerbaijan.

Want to learn more about Azeri cuisine?

Go on a food tour in baku..

Travel Azerbaijan with JayWay Travel

On this trip I traveled as a hosted guest of JayWay Travel , a boutique travel agency specializing in Eastern and Central Europe.  I’ve worked with JayWay Travel in Ukraine in the past and they do such a good job putting together bespoke itineraries where you don’t have to worry about a thing. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia as new destinations where they have local experts.

For my three-day trip to Baku, that meant pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport; a full-day private tour to Qobustan and the fire region, including a stop at a market; a local SIM card, and support throughout the trip. That was perfect for me — I knew my first day would be spent napping and taking it easy due to the weirdly timed flight (see more on that below), and I liked getting to do my own exploring on the final day.

As I always say, if you’re an experienced traveler, you don’t need JayWay in order to travel. But JayWay is perfect for your parents, older travelers, less experienced travelers, and experienced travelers who want someone else to plan their trip for a change. It’s an enormous time-saver when you’re busy, too.

The Caucasus is a fantastic travel destination, but it’s not nearly as easy to travel as Europe. Azerbaijan is a country just waking up to tourism, and they don’t have the established tourism infrastructure of other countries. It’s a good place to have a helping hand.

Learn more about JayWay’s Azerbaijan trips here.

Where to Stay in Baku

Most of the time when I visit a new city, I stay in the old town or old city because it’s usually the prettiest, most central part of town.  Baku’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which made it seem like a slam dunk, and so I stayed at a hotel in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel.

While I had a good stay there, I actually don’t recommend staying in the old city of Baku. It’s beautiful but it’s mostly inaccessible to cars (to get an Uber or taxi, you need to walk a distance outside the old city); you are constantly going up and down stairs; there are lots of aggressive touts around the Maiden Tower; there aren’t as many cafes and restaurants as you would think. If you have mobility challenges, you should absolutely avoid staying in the old city.

If you do want to stay in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel is a nice midrange choice. It’s comfortable, the internet works well, it’s not too deep into the old city, and the staff are great. And the best thing about this hotel is that it has an Illy cafe in the lobby. Reliable quality coffee isn’t always easy to find!

So which Baku neighborhood is best? I recommend staying in a hotel just east of the old city. This area is home to lots of cool restaurants, cafes, parks, and nightlife. And because it’s part of the main city, cars can drive the streets and you can hail Ubers close to your hotel. Most of it is flat, though there are some steeper parts.

Recommended Baku Accommodation:

• Luxury: JW Marriott Absheron Baku
• Midrange: Passage Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Renaissance Palace Hotel
• Find deals on more Baku hotels here.

Azerbaijan Visa

Azerbaijan requires a visa for most visitors. In the past it was difficult and expensive for most westerners to get an Azerbaijan visa for longer than a few days. Now it’s MUCH easier and cheaper — you can get an e-visa online for just $20! See the full list of nationalities eligible for the e-visa here.

You order the visa online, it takes around three days to process, and you print it out and bring it to immigration with your passport. Don’t keep it on your phone; bring an actual printed copy.

Order your visa directly from evisa.gov.az . NOTE: THIS IS THE CORRECT SITE; DO NOT BE FOOLED BY IMPOSTERS! There are many third party visa sites that mimic the layout of this site, then try to charge you $50 for the same exact thing. I almost got fooled by one of those sites.

Flying to Baku with Azerbaijan Airlines

I flew nonstop from New York to Baku on Azerbaijan Airlines.  This is the one direct flight from the United States to Azerbaijan. The flight takes 11 hours and currently flies twice per week.

While it’s awesome to fly nonstop, the flight leaves at an awkward time: it departs New York at 11:30 AM and arrives in Baku at 6:30 AM, which is 10:30 PM New York time. As a result, you probably won’t be able to sleep much if at all, and you’ll likely spend your first day in Baku in a jet-lagged stupor. Plan a low-key day for your arrival if you take this flight.

I was lucky to fly in Azerbaijan Airlines’s Comfort Club, as someone special upgraded me for my birthday. Comfort Club is like the stop between premium economy and business class.

You get comfier seats and a TON more space (the seats go much further back but don’t lie flat), you’re served multiple courses for meals, and you get lounge access at the airport (in my case, the cheese-and-champagne-filled Air France lounge at JFK). I was able to stick my feet straight out without touching the seat in front of me (I’m 5’4″). I didn’t get into the entertainment but there was a decent selection of movies. For an 11-hour flight where I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep much, I was so glad to have this level of service!

If you’re coming from the US on another line, you can get connections on Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. Azerbaijan Airlines flies to cities including Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Paris, London, Dubai, and several Turkish and Russian destinations.

Travel to Azerbaijan BEFORE Armenia

If you’re planning to travel throughout the Caucasus, you should try to travel to Azerbaijan before Armenia. It will make your life much easier.

Azerbaijan and Armenia don’t have diplomatic relations, and all borders are closed. Armenians are not allowed to enter. (While Armenia doesn’t have diplomatic relations or border crossings with Turkey, Armenians are allowed to travel to Turkey anyway, so Azerbaijan is much stricter.)

When I arrived in Azerbaijan, I was asked if I had ever traveled to Armenia. I said no, and there was no evidence of Armenia in my passport. But I do know people who have been interrogated heavily for traveling to Armenia previously, regardless of their nationality.

If you have visited the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is Azerbaijani land currently occupied by Armenia, you will automatically be rejected. (They also ask you if you’ve traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh when you apply for your visa, which will also earn you a rejection if your answer is yes.)

However, Armenian immigration officials are more forgiving. They do ask you if you visited Azerbaijan and why, but if you only visited as a tourist, they don’t care and they let you in without any problems. This is why I recommend visiting Azerbaijan first and Armenia second. (It’s best to go via Georgia, either by land or by plane.)

Unfortunately, ethnic Armenians of different nationalities (whether they’re American, Russian, French, Lebanese, Argentine, or something else) are often rejected at the border based on their last name. From what I’ve researched, it seems to come down to the mood of the immigration officer, and I’ve heard that some people try to convince the immigration officials that their last name is Persian.

If you’re an ethnic Armenian who wants to travel to Azerbaijan, or a person whose last name ends in -ian or -yan, I recommend you do more research. This is beyond my pay grade.

Traveling to Baku: The Takeaway

I’m very happy that I got to travel to Baku — but I think this is a one-and-done trip. Which is fine! Not every destination has to be an “I can’t wait to go back” destination. I’m so glad that I visited and had the experience this interesting city had to offer.

Looking back at my two-week trip to the Caucasus, I think that starting with Baku was a good idea. I was able to take advantage of the only nonstop flight to the Caucasus from New York, and then I moved on to Georgia and Armenia, which were both more impressive. I wouldn’t have done it any differently.

Chisinau and Minsk: Two Offbeat Soviet Cities

Essential Info:  My trip in Baku was entirely organized by JayWay Travel , a travel company that organizes custom private tours in Central and Eastern Europe. They organize everything as soon as your feet touch the ground in your country, from flights and tours to airport pickups and a cell phone or SIM card. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan as one of their new specialties, along with Georgia and Armenia. In Baku I stayed at the  Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel . Rates from $56. When using Uber to get around Baku, be sure you check the license plate — some drivers here operate with a different car than the account they claim to have. Never get in a car unless they match. Travel insurance is essential before every trip — in case of an emergency, it could save your life and finances. I use and recommend  World Nomads  for trips to Azerbaijan.

Many thanks to JayWay Travel for hosting me on my Caucasus trip, including covering my expenses in Azerbaijan. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Have you traveled to Azerbaijan? What did you think?

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• Azerbaijan ›

Flaming mountains, mud volcanoes, azure ocean waters and a skyline that is as futuristic as it is reminiscent of a fortress are just some of the contradictions that are quintessentially Baku. In fact, almost every Baku travel guide will tell you about its striking mélange of styles and cultures, as Asian, European and Middle Eastern influences come together to create a truly exotic experience. However, it isn’t until you partake in local rituals such as drinking tea with strawberry jam that you’ll start to truly understand its unique blend of cultures. As you walk down its streets, you’ll be left wondering if it’s the old-world charm or new age progress that lend Baku its magnetic appeal. Medieval-era fort walls serve as the perfect backdrop to swanky designer stores and international restaurant chain outlets – the perfect pitstops for tourists returning from sunbathing along the Caspian Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City is dotted with several towering sites that transport you back in time to when the Old Silk road ran through the city. Modern-day vendors recreate the mood by calling you out to try their Beluga Caviar at the local bazaars, while just a few steps away, a Zorastrian temple, a miniature-sized book museum, and a mosque built in the 11th century, entice you to dive into the cultural melting-pot that is Baku.

Current weather in Baku

Baku is best known for.

• City breaks
• Weekend getaways

Baku tourism essentials

Weather in Baku:  Given its sub-tropical climate, the weather in Baku can highly vary depending on the season. The summer months see temperatures hit a pleasant 26°C while in winters, the temperatures could go down to as low as 4°C. While you can expect snow during the winter months, you can also expect rain during November.

Best time to visit Baku: The best time to plan a Baku tour depends somewhat on your personal weather preferences. However, April to August are generally considered the best months to visit since the days are long and the weather allows you to explore the outdoors as well as spend time swimming in the Caspian Sea waters.

Things to do in Baku: ● Visit the Old Medieval City to explore Persian architecture. ● Marvel at the Flame Towers, modern-day skyscrapers that are rooted in cultural and religious beliefs. ● Take a walk down the Caspian Sea Boulevard post sunset and soak in the pleasant city lights. ● Indulge in mud spas for an experience that is as relaxing as it is rare.

Food specialities in Baku: Whether you are relishing some fresh-off-the-pan Qutab, savoury meat pancakes or digging into pakhlava, you’ll always find yourself in the middle of an enchanting culinary experience on your Baku holiday. However, make sure you set some time aside on your itinerary to appreciate its teas, breads, and most of all, caviar.

Good to know

• Rates displayed here are indicative only and are subject to change.

December in Azerbaijan

December in Azerbaijan is the last month of autumn and the beginning of winter. The weather begins to cool down with average temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 2°C (36°F). However, in some areas of the country, especially mountainous areas, temperatures can drop below freezing.

is characterized by shorter days and longer nights with an average of 8 to 9 hours of daylight. This is also a relatively wet month with an average rainfall of about 30 mm. Showers and snowfall are frequent this month, especially in the northern regions.

Azerbaijan’s landscapes are covered with a layer of snow, creating a magnificent winter landscape. This makes it the perfect time for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Higher elevations, such as the Shahdag and Tufandag ski areas, offer great opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts.

Culturally, December is an important month for Azerbaijan as it marks the celebration of several national holidays. One of the most important holidays is National Renaissance Day, commemorating the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991. Other holidays include Azerbaijan Solidarity Day, Constitution Day, and Internal Army Day.

is also a month of celebration as people begin to prepare for the New Year’s celebration. Streets and buildings are beautifully decorated with lights and decorations, and local markets offer a variety of traditional foods and gift celebrations.

In general, December in Azerbaijan is a transition to winter with cold temperatures, rain, snow, and the excitement of holiday celebrations.

IF YOU PLAN A TRIP TO AZERBAIJAN CONTACT TOURSBAKU FOR ORGANIZATION. We will organise Your trip, make hotel reservations, and help to create a wonderful itinerary!

+994 51 598 02 17

[email protected]

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