🇦🇿 Azerbaijan

10 best places in Baku

Baku is a city of contrasts on the Caspian shore, where a medieval fortress wall stands within sight of the futuristic Flame Towers and a seaside boulevard stretches for miles along the water.

Sight

Icherisheher (Old City)

A UNESCO-listed walled quarter of narrow lanes, caravanserais, and old-world Eastern atmosphere.

Sight

Maiden Tower

A mysterious eight-storey 12th-century tower that has become the city's defining landmark.

Museum

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

A 15th-century royal residence complete with mausoleum, mosque, and courtyard bathhouse.

Museum

Heydar Aliyev Center

Zaha Hadid's flowing, seam-free building, the flagship of Baku's contemporary architecture.

Sight

Flame Towers

Three skyscrapers that ignite in LED flame patterns over the bay every night.

Park

Baku Boulevard

A miles-long Caspian promenade with parks, a Ferris wheel, and the city's evening stroll.

Sight

Fountains Square

The pedestrian heart of downtown, lined with cafés, shops, and a constant flow of people.

Market

Taza Bazar

A covered food market piled high with spices, dried fruit, and Azerbaijani cheeses.

Café

Old City Tea House

A traditional teahouse in Icherisheher serving baklava, shekerbura, and strong black tea.

Restaurant

Sumakh Restaurant

A modern Azerbaijani restaurant reinventing pilau and grilled meats with a contemporary touch.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit Baku?

April to June and September to October are the most pleasant. Summer on the Caspian is hot and humid, and winter is windy - Baku is literally the city of winds. The Old City is walkable year-round.

How many days do you need in Baku?

Two or three days cover the Old City, the Maiden Tower, the Heydar Aliyev Center and the seaside boulevard. Add a day for the Gobustan petroglyphs, the mud volcanoes and the Absheron peninsula. A week lets you reach Sheki or Quba.

Do you need a visa for Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan runs an e-visa system for many nationalities, and citizens of several CIS countries enter visa-free. Requirements vary a lot by passport and have changed several times. Check the official portal before booking.

Is Baku expensive?

Cheaper than Europe, pricier than most of its regional neighbours. Rent near the boulevard and the Old City sits well above the outer districts. Public transport, taxis and local food stay affordable.