Things To Do
in Baku
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant metropolis uniquely blending ancient history and modern architecture, reflected in its UNESCO-protected Old City and the futuristic Flame Towers. Situated along the Caspian Sea, it offers stunning waterfront promenades and views, complemented by a rich cultural life featuring museums, theaters, and a diverse culinary scene.
Baku's dynamic energy is also evident in its hosting of international events, including the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, highlighting its growing importance on the global stage.
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Xahiş edirəm" - Please
- "Təşəkkür edirəm" - Thank you
- "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Necəsən?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Maiden Tower, one of the most iconic symbols of Baku. Explore the narrow streets and ancient architecture of the Old City, known as Icherisheher.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and try traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Afterward, head to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a stunning example of medieval architecture.
Walk along the Boulevard by the Caspian Sea and enjoy the sunset view. End your day with dinner at a restaurant offering panoramic views of the city.
Visit the Flame Towers, an emblem of Baku's modern skyline. Take a ride to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city.
Explore the Heydar Aliyev Center, known for its futuristic design by Zaha Hadid. Spend time in the surrounding park, enjoying the art installations.
Head to the Nizami Street area for shopping and entertainment. Enjoy dinner at a popular cafe and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Modern architecture and infrastructure.
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other major cities.
- Diverse cuisine with a mix of Middle Eastern and European influences.
- Beautiful coastal location along the Caspian Sea.
- Attractive for business and investment opportunities.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Occasional political tension and instability.
- Language barrier for non-Azerbaijani speakers.
- Hot summers and cold winters may be uncomfortable for some.
- Traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Pollution concerns in some parts of the city.
- Underdeveloped rural areas compared to urban centers.
Best Activities in Baku
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historical streets, visit the Maiden Tower, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the city.
Enjoy a stroll along the Caspian Sea, take in beautiful views, and visit seaside cafes and entertainment areas.
Discover the scenic trails around the iconic Flame Towers and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Relax in the park's green spaces, have a picnic, and enjoy breathtaking views of Baku and the Caspian Sea.
Tours
Uncover the best of Baku with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Baku
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic trio of skyscrapers with an LED lighting system that illuminates the city skyline at night.
Historic 12th-century tower offering panoramic views of the Old City and the Caspian Sea.
Zaha Hadid-designed cultural complex known for its futuristic architecture and unique photo opportunities.
Scenic waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the Caspian Sea and Baku's modern skyline.
Food in Baku
Baku Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional rice pilaf typically prepared with saffron, various spices, and a choice of meats such as lamb, chicken, or beef. Recommended to try at Sirvanshah Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Grape leaves or cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and herbs. It's a must-try at Mugham Club Restaurant.
A type of dumpling filled with spiced meat, served in a hearty broth. Best enjoyed at Karvansara Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Baku better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of local produce, spices, and authentic street foods such as qutab, a thin stuffed pancake, and crispy baklava.
Known for its vibrant food stalls offering an array of Azerbaijani snacks like shekerbura (sweet pastries), and kebabs. It's a great place to sample street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Baku, it is important to show respect to elders by using formal titles and addressing them with proper etiquette.
When visiting religious sites or attending formal events, it is important to dress modestly and conservatively to show respect for the local culture.
Greetings are an important part of Azerbaijani culture. A firm handshake and maintaining eye contact are considered respectful when meeting someone for the first time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Baku with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Baku
Ensure a smooth experience
In Baku, Azerbaijan, it is common to leave a small tip (around 5-10% of the bill) at restaurants, especially if the service was satisfactory. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated but not mandatory.
Cash is widely used for transactions in Baku, though credit and debit cards are becoming increasingly accepted, especially in larger establishments. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Baku.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Baku as the weather is mild and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery. Expect crowded streets and higher hotel prices due to the start of tourist season.
Peak tourist season with sunny and hot weather. Expect crowded tourist attractions and beaches, as well as higher prices for accommodations. Many outdoor festivals and events take place during this time.
Another good time to visit Baku, with pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to summer. The city hosts various cultural events and festivals during this season, and hotel prices begin to drop.
Off-peak season with cold weather and occasional snowfall. The city is less crowded, and hotel prices are at their lowest. Some indoor cultural events and exhibitions are still available for tourists.
Baku at Night
Hiking in Baku
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes, Gobustan offers a range of hiking trails that showcase the unique geological and archaeological features of the area.
Located not far from Baku, this national park provides opportunities for hiking with stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains and a variety of flora and fauna.
This mountainous region offers diverse hiking trails with breathtaking landscapes, from lush forests to panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
While a bit further from Baku, Goygol is known for its beautiful lake and well-maintained hiking paths that lead through picturesque scenery.
One of the highest mountain villages in Azerbaijan, Khinalug offers hiking opportunities with unique views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Baku through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Baku by plane.
The main international airport in Baku, Azerbaijan, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Located in Tbilisi, Georgia, it is one of the largest airports in the region, approximately 550 km from Baku.
Situated in Kutaisi, Georgia, this airport serves as a secondary hub for low-cost airlines, about 600 km from Baku.
Located in Ganja, Azerbaijan, it is one of the largest airports in the country, about 350 km from Baku.
An airport serving Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, approximately 450 km from Baku, it provides domestic and some international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Azerbaijan, making up approximately 90% of the population.
An ethnic minority group residing primarily in the northern regions of Azerbaijan, including parts of Baku.
A significant minority in Baku, particularly due to historical ties and economic factors.
A small minority community in Baku, reflecting historical tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
An indigenous group to the region, although their numbers are relatively small.
Includes smaller groups such as Jews, Ukrainians, Georgians, and others, constituting less than 1% of the population.
The Soul of Baku
Discover the essence of Baku through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is immensely popular in Baku, with several local clubs and a strong fan base. The city hosts major matches and tournaments.
Wrestling, including traditional Azerbaijani wrestling, is a prominent sport in Baku, with many local and national competitions held.
Chess enjoys great popularity in Azerbaijan, with Baku being home to numerous chess clubs and events. The country has produced several world-class players.
Aerobic and rhythmic gymnastics are popular in Baku, with many athletes competing nationally and internationally.
Basketball has a growing community in Baku, with local teams participating in various leagues and competitions.
Athletics events attract many participants and spectators, with Baku hosting various track and field competitions.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is a significant event held in Baku, showcasing the city on an international motorsport stage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Baku.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Azerbaijani cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants in Baku offer delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes such as eggplant dolma, pomegranate salad, and various grilled vegetables.
It's possible to find gluten-free options in Baku, especially at restaurants that cater to international guests. Some traditional Azerbaijani dishes like grilled meat and rice-based plov can also be gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Baku with these cultural adventures.
