Things To Do
in Göyçay

Göyçay is a charming town located in central Azerbaijan, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful Gobustan National Park and offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Azerbaijani life. The town is famously celebrated for its pomegranate orchards, making it a delightful destination for fruit lovers.

With a blend of history, nature, and warm hospitality, Göyçay presents a unique experience for travelers.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Göyçay
morning
:

Start your day with breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Azerbaijani pastries and tea. Afterward, visit the Göyçay History Museum to learn about the town's rich past.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the lush pomegranate orchards and enjoy a guided tour to understand the cultivation process. Then, head to the local bazaar to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh fruits.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional restaurant where you can enjoy dishes like plov and dolma, followed by a leisurely walk around the central park.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation, then take a short drive to Gobustan National Park to explore its ancient rock carvings.

afternoon
:

Return to Göyçay for lunch at a street food stall, trying local kebabs. After that, spend time at the Göyçay Lake enjoying the serene views.

evening
:

Conclude your trip with dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a cultural performance showcasing Azerbaijani music and dance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a local restaurant5-10
Coffee1-2
🍉Fresh fruit (1 kg)1-3
🚌Local bus fare0.20
🏨Budget hotel night15-30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences and historical sites.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly and hospitable local people.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Language barrier may exist as English is not widely spoken.
  • Public transportation may not be as frequent or reliable.
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Çox sağ ol" - Thank you
  • "Bəli" - Yes
  • "Xeyir" - No
  • "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Göyçay

Visit one of these nice places.

Göyçay Lake

A scenic spot ideal for capturing the tranquil waters surrounded by lush greenery, especially at sunset.

Gobustan National Park

Famous for its ancient rock carvings and stunning geological formations, offering unique photo opportunities.

Pomegranate Orchards

Vibrant orchards during harvest season provide a colorful backdrop for photography, showcasing the town's agricultural heritage.

Culinary Guide

Food in Göyçay

Göyçay offers a delightful culinary experience, with its rich flavors and traditional dishes reflecting Azerbaijani culture.

Göyçay Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Plov

Aromatic rice dish often served with meat, vegetables, and saffron, a staple in Azerbaijani cuisine.

Must-Try!

Dolma

Stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, offering a burst of flavors.

Kebab

Grilled meat skewers, typically marinated and served with fresh vegetables and bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Göyçay Bazaar

A bustling market where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and traditional snacks, perfect for sampling local flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Göyçay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and blooming flowers, while summer can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C. Autumn is characterized by cooler weather (10-20°C) and beautiful foliage, and winter can be cold, with temperatures dropping to -5°C, occasional snowfall, and a cozy ambiance.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Show respect to elders by greeting them first and using polite language.

Hospitality

Guests are usually offered food and drink; it's polite to accept or at least taste what is offered.

Dress Modestly

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid revealing clothing.

Safety Guide

Safety

Göyçay is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be observed, such as not displaying valuables and being aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit streets at night.

Tipping in Göyçay

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping around 10% is customary in restaurants; however, always check if a service charge is included.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are also used in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a perfect time to explore the outdoors and enjoy local festivals.

Summer

Hot weather, ideal for visiting lakes and orchards, but stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Autumn

Harvest season for pomegranates; the landscape is painted in warm colors, making it a picturesque time to visit.

Winter

Cold temperatures, occasional snowfall; it's a quieter time, perfect for enjoying indoor cultural activities.

Nightlife Guide

Göyçay at Night

Göyçay has a relaxed nightlife scene with a few local cafes and restaurants offering live music and cultural performances. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, making it a nice place to unwind after a day of exploring. While not as vibrant as larger cities, the local bars provide a cozy environment for enjoying Azerbaijani tea and conversation.

Hiking in Göyçay

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gobustan National Park Trails

These trails offer stunning views of the rock carvings and the surrounding landscape, suitable for all skill levels.

Khanlar Mountain Trail

A more challenging hike that provides breathtaking views from the summit and is popular among experienced hikers.

Airports

How to reach Göyçay by plane.

Zaqatala Airport (ZTU)

Located approximately 120 km from Göyçay, this airport connects to major cities in Azerbaijan and offers domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Göyçay is relatively walkable, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. The town center is pedestrian-friendly, allowing visitors to explore local shops, cafes, and parks on foot. However, some attractions, like Gobustan, may require transportation.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Azerbaijani Ethnic Group

The predominant demographic group, known for their rich cultural traditions and hospitality.

Minority Groups

Includes various ethnic minorities such as Lezgins and Tuvan people, contributing to the town's diverse cultural landscape.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is a popular sport in Göyçay, with local teams competing in regional leagues.

Wrestling

Traditional wrestling is practiced and celebrated in the region, with local competitions held annually.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Göyçay is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot. Public transportation consists of buses and taxis, with buses being an economical option for getting around. However, schedules may vary, so it's advisable to plan ahead.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Göyçay.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; however, it’s advisable to inquire about meat-based broths in soups.

Halal Food

Most food in Göyçay is halal, but always check with the restaurant if you have specific requirements.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Göyçay are adequate for minor health issues. There are local clinics and hospitals, but for more serious conditions, it's advisable to seek treatment in larger cities like Baku. Travelers are recommended to have health insurance for coverage.

Discover Azerbaijan

Read more in our Azerbaijan 2025 Travel Guide.

Azerbaijan Travel Guide