Baku, Azerbaijan

From ancient landmarks to timeless villages, Azerbaijan offers a unique selection of things to see and do.

Azerbaijan is often called the Land of Fire and there are several reasons why. The word ‘Azerbaijan’ literally means ‘protector of fire’; the country is abundant in oil and natural gas; it was a centre of fire worshipping; and fire has always been one of the symbols of its capital, Baku, which today is reflected in the amazing Flame Towers.

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan and largest city in the world located below sea level. Baku is among the top ten destinations for urban nightlife. City is also the cultural, scientific and industrial centre of Azerbaijan. Baku is known for its alleys, mosques and historic buildings, due to which it is now listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Apart from this city has lot of art and cultural activities with modern business sector including a bustling petrochemical industry.

What to do in Baku

1. Explore Baku's Old City

Baku’s medieval core is a UNESCO-protected site surrounded by 12th-century walls, brimming with history and Eastern architecture. Here you’ll find the Maiden Tower, Baku’s most mysterious site – no one knows for certain what it was originally built for! Meanwhile, occupying the highest spot in the citadel, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace was the 15th-century residence of Azerbaijan’s medieval rulers. Beyond its main attractions, the ‘Inner City,’ as it’s called by the locals, is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways home to some of Baku’s oldest residents, as well as artists’ workshops, souvenir stalls and traditional restaurants serving classic Azerbaijani dishes.

2. Stroll through Baku’s oil-boom architecture

When Baku’s oil industry boomed in the late 1800s, a new architectural layer appeared around the Old City. Blending Gothic, baroque, neoclassical and art nouveau, these buildings nonetheless blended harmoniously into the urban landscape, leading visitors to nickname Baku the ‘Paris of the Caucasus’. Largely ignored during the Soviet era, local enthusiasts have since thoroughly researched these oil-boom buildings, shaping their secrets into thrilling architectural walking tours. Many of them were designed by German and Polish architects, lending parts of central Baku a distinctly European feel. For the most prominent example of German architecture in Baku, visit the neo-Gothic style Church of the Saviour on 28 May Street.

3. Stroll along the Caspian seaside boulevard in Baku

Beyond the Old City there is no better way to get a feel for Baku’s relaxed, Mediterranean atmosphere than by strolling along the much-loved Seaside Boulevard – the capital city’s promenade. This beautiful sweep of coast offers hours of pleasant strolling along the waterfront with ever-changing views of the city. You'll be able to stop for a ride on the Baku Eye, float along the canals of Little Venice or take a short romantic cruise across the Baku Bay. In the midst of all the strolling, don’t miss dining at one of several contemporary restaurants serving great national cuisine, often accompanied by local folk music, and pause for tea at a classic Azerbaijani teahouse.

4. Shopping boutiques & bazaars in Baku

Baku has the perfect combination of international shops, fashion boutiques and traditional stores and bazaars. Find whatever you need in this lovely city.

From carpets and antiques to cosmetics and cars, Baku’s many malls, boutiques and showrooms have all the luxury brands. The oldest part of the city – Icherisheher (Old City) – is scattered with characterful antiques and souvenir shops, yet hands down the busiest shopping and strolling area is around Nizami Street in the city centre. For a real local experience, though, head to one of several traditional bazaars which are infused with the aromas of fresh produce brought daily from the country’s fertile regions. The city also boasts several contemporary malls (Ganjlik, 28, Port Baku) packed with international brands, coffee shops, cinemas and restaurants.

Public Transportation in Azerbaijan

Only the capital, Baku, has a metro system, which operates between 6am and 12am. Stations, trains and facilities are clean and safe with trains running every two to three minutes. There are two lines – the Red Line from Icherisheher to Hazi Aslanov, and the Green Line from Khatai to Darnagul.

Azerbaijani Cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine is one of the most interesting cuisines in the Caucasus and deservedly enjoys wide recognition.

A classic Azerbaijani meal typically lasts for about 3-4 hours and always begins with tea. Azerbaijanis uses mostly black leaf tea and brew it strong, usually with wild herbs (sage, thyme, mint, etc.), and drink from special pear-shaped glasses called Armudu.

After tea and a bit of friendly conversation, the salads and snacks are served. After that, a soup is served – it usually contains meat, fish, or chicken, and is sometimes even made from yogurt. Some soups such as Piti, Dushbara, Sulu-Khingal, Kyufta-Bozbash, is served for both the first and second courses.

The main course is served following the first and is also prepared with meat, poultry, and fish. The fish are native to the Caspian Sea and the range of fish dishes varies – fish Kebabs, soup Kyufta, as well as baked, fried, boiled, stewed, Pilaf with fish and even fish Dolma. Mainly sturgeon, salmon, white fish and others are used.

One of the most popular dishes in Azerbaijan is Kebab, which is lamb strung on skewers and fried on a barbecue using the smoke from burning coals.

When to visit Baku

Azerbaijan is called the land of fire, but Baku could be easily nicknamed the land of the wind.

Although the weather is quite stable throughout the year, and you can expect mild winters and warm summers, the wind can often pick up out of nowhere and completely change your experience. But generally, the best months to visit are during summer between June and September when days are dry and warm.

Winter brings lower temperatures, although temperatures are not that cold in Baku such as in the mountains (where it is pretty common to have snow in January and February), it can be rainy and foggy at times. It rains more often in Baku between October and November.

Overall, weather-wise, the best time to travel in Baku is between June and September.

How to Reach Baku

Flying to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Airlines operates regular flights to Azerbaijan from Ankara, London, Paris, Barcelona, Milan, Moscow, New York, Dubai, Tehran and Tel Aviv. British Airways also runs direct flights from London to Baku. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is served by many international airlines like British Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways.

By Rail

Azerbaijan can also be reached through railroad from Russia and Georgia. Apart from this there are also daily busses from Iran, Russia, Georgia and Turkey.