Things To Do
in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia along the caspian Sea, blending ancient Silk Road heritage with modern architecture. Baku's skyline of the Flame Towers rises beside the medieval Icherisheher, while music, tea culture, and carpet traditions reveal warm hospitality. The country offers varied landscapes from the Caspian shore to the Caucasus mountains, with rich biodiversity and surreal mud volcanoes.
Visitors can savor plov, kebabs, saffron desserts, and other Azerbaijani specialties in both urban and rural settings.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in the Old City. Wander through the ancient streets, admiring the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Experience the historical vibes and take plenty of photos along the cobblestone paths.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant, tasting dishes like plov and dolma. Visit the Carpet Museum to learn about the rich textile heritage of Azerbaijan. Spend time browsing local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Watch the sunset over the Caspian Sea from the promenade. Dine at a seaside restaurant offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Finish the evening with a peaceful stroll along the illuminated boulevard.
Travel early to Gobustan National Park to explore its UNESCO-listed rock engravings. Take a guided tour explaining the prehistoric petroglyphs and their significance. Breathe in the fresh air while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Head to the nearby mud volcanoes, unique geological features found in the region. Witness bubbling mud and steaming vents that make for an otherworldly experience. Have lunch at a countryside spot offering local flavors.
Return to Baku and relax at your accommodation. Optionally, visit a traditional tea house to sample Azerbaijani teas and sweets. Reflect on the day's natural and archaeological wonders in a tranquil setting.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and snack | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $25-40 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel room per night | $40-70 |
| 🚕Local taxi short trip | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality
- Diverse landscapes from Caspian shores to the Caucasus mountains
- Delicious, distinctive cuisine and accessible travel within the country
- Vibrant capital city with a growing arts and nightlife scene
- Occasional language barriers outside major tourist areas
- Rapidly changing visa and travel rules can affect planning
- Public transport outside major urban centers is more limited
- Some rural areas have challenging road conditions
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Necəsiz?" - How are you? (formal)
- "Çox sağ olun" - Thank you very much
- "Xahiş edirəm" - Please
- "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Haraya getmək istəyirsiniz?" - Where is [place]?
- "Bu nədir?" - What is this?
- "Yardım edə bilərsiniz?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Azerbaijan
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic cylindrical tower rising from the Caspian coast; dramatic silhouettes against the skyline, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Three towering skyscrapers with a dramatic night-time illumination; best photographed from the waterfront or Highland Park with city lights reflected on the bay.
Stretch of promenade along the Caspian Sea; the uniquely curved Carpet Museum building provides a striking contrast to modern architecture.
Ancient rock carvings set in a desert-like landscape; a surreal location for wide-angle and detail shots alike.
Stone temple complex with a dramatic approach; great for architectural detail and sunset lighting.
Food in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant saffron rice dish layered with meat (often lamb), herbs, and sometimes dried fruit; a staple at celebrations and casual meals.
Must-Try!
Stuffed grape leaves or vegetables filled with a savory mixture of meat, rice, and herbs.
Thin flatbreads folded around herbs, cheese, or minced meat, often pan-fried with a crisp edge.
Small dumplings served in a fragrant broth with herbs and garlic.
Slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew traditionally cooked in clay pots, enjoyed with bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market offering fresh produce, herbs, spices, and dried fruits; great for sampling street snacks and buying ingredients.
Markets near the Icherisheher area where you can try kebabs, simit, fresh fruit, and local cheeses from street stalls.
Casual seaside stalls offering quick bites like kebabs, pies, and sweet pastries with views of the Caspian.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Azerbaijani hosts are known for warmth and hospitality; politeness and a smile go a long way in social interactions.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and rural areas; shoulders and knees should be covered in conservative contexts.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or during private gatherings.
A handshake is common; close friends may kiss on the cheek in informal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Azerbaijan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is good. Rounding up the bill is appreciated in cafes. For taxi drivers and tour guides, a small tip is common if you are satisfied.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Baku. Cash in AZN is useful for smaller shops and local markets; some places may accept USD or EUR. ATMs are common in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry conditions near the coast with sea breezes; expect high humidity in Baku. Water and sun protection are essential; early mornings and evenings are the best for outdoor activities.
Mild temperatures with pleasant air; great for city walks and outside dining. Rain is possible, especially in late autumn.
Cool to cold, particularly away from the coast where it can be windy. Snow is possible in the Caucasus mountains; warm clothing is advised.
Fresh and green, with the Novruz holiday in late March/April bringing festive atmosphere and cultural events.
Azerbaijan at Night
Hiking in Azerbaijan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic forested trails through rolling hills and natural beauty near Gabala, suitable for day hikes and photography.
Mountain routes with alpine scenery and panoramic views, popular for longer hikes and seasonally accessible via chairlifts.
Gentle hikes around ancient sites and desert-like landscapes with clear viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Azerbaijan by plane.
Main international gateway to Azerbaijan, about 20-25 km from central Baku; well-connected by road and metro extension; numerous international and regional flights.
Second-largest airport serving western Azerbaijan; useful for regional trips to the Ganja region and nearby attractions.
Southern Azerbaijan airport serving the Lankaran region; convenient for探索 the Caspian coast and Lerik area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group, predominantly Shia Muslims, with a strong sense of national identity and a history shaped by Silk Road trade and modern development.
Includes Lezgins, Talysh, Russians, Kurds, and other groups contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the country with enthusiastic fan culture and professional leagues.
Traditional sport with deep roots in Azerbaijani culture; seen in cultural events and competitions.
Well-supported martial arts disciplines with successful national programs.
A notable pastime and competitive activity with a history of success in international events.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, including vegetable plov, dolma with rice and herbs, qutab with greens, and soups like dushbara with vegetable broth. When eating out, ask for no meat stock and look for vegetarian mezze or bread with dips.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Azerbaijan.