Things To Do
in İsmayıllı

İsmayıllı is a picturesque town located in the northern part of Azerbaijan, nestled among the stunning backdrop of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Known for its rich cultural heritage, the town is a hub for traditional crafts and local cuisine. Visitors can explore beautiful landscapes, lush forests, and numerous historical sites that reflect the region's diverse history.

İsmayıllı is also famous for its warm hospitality, making it an inviting destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring İsmayıllı
morning
:

Start the day with a visit to the local bazaar to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh fruits and traditional pastries.

afternoon
:

Explore the historical Juma Mosque and then hike the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the region.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional Azerbaijani dishes, followed by a leisurely stroll through the town center.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Visit the ethnographic museum to learn about the local culture and history of İsmayıllı.

afternoon
:

Take a guided tour to the nearby Sheki region, famous for its architecture and natural beauty.

evening
:

Return to İsmayıllı for dinner at a family-run café, followed by a visit to a local tea house to experience Azerbaijani tea culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🍎1 kg of apples$1
🚕Taxi ride (within town)$3
🏨Night in a budget hotel$30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural scenery and landscape.
  • Rich cultural heritage and welcoming locals.
  • Affordable cost of living.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Some areas may have limited English speakers.
  • Public transport options can be sparse.
  • "Salam" - Hello
  • "Təşəkkür edirəm" - Thank you
  • "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me/Sorry
  • "Nerədədir...?" - Where is...?
  • "Xeyir" - No

Places to Visit in İsmayıllı

Visit one of these nice places.

Juma Mosque

An architectural gem showcasing intricate tile work and a stunning minaret.

Greater Caucasus Mountains

Breathtaking landscapes perfect for nature photography.

İsmayıllı River

Scenic river views ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the area.

Culinary Guide

Food in İsmayıllı

İsmayıllı offers a delectable array of local dishes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of Azerbaijan, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

İsmayıllı Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Plov

Aromatic rice pilaf often served with meat and vegetables.

Must-Try!

Dolma

Stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and herbs.

Kebabs

Grilled meat skewers seasoned with traditional spices.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

İsmayıllı Bazaar

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local snacks.

Street vendors

Various stalls selling traditional pastries and snacks like qutab (stuffed flatbreads).

Climate Guide

Weather

İsmayıllı experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Winters can be cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers are warm and pleasant, averaging around 25-30°C. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures, making these seasons ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Hospitality

Azerbaijani people are known for their hospitality; it's polite to accept offers of tea or food.

Dress modestly

When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively to show respect.

Greetings

A firm handshake is common when greeting someone; be sure to greet everyone in a group.

Safety Guide

Safety

İsmayıllı is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure. It's advisable to stay informed about local laws and customs.

Tipping in İsmayıllı

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping customs

It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants if service is not included.

Payment methods

Cash is widely used, but credit cards are accepted in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a great time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Warm weather is perfect for hiking and exploring the region's natural beauty.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage create picturesque landscapes.

Winter

Cold weather can bring snow to the mountains, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.

Nightlife Guide

İsmayıllı at Night

İsmayıllı has a low-key nightlife scene, primarily revolving around local cafes and tea houses. While clubs are limited, you can enjoy live traditional music and dance at local venues. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Hiking in İsmayıllı

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Quba-Qusardi Trail

A scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Gabala Mountain Trails

Various trails ranging from easy to challenging, perfect for both casual hikers and experienced trekkers.

Airports

How to reach İsmayıllı by plane.

Gabala International Airport

Located approximately 30 km from İsmayıllı, this airport offers domestic and limited international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

İsmayıllı is relatively walkable, especially in the town center where most attractions are located within walking distance. Sidewalks are available, and pedestrian-friendly areas make it easy to explore on foot. However, outside the town center, transportation may be needed to reach more remote areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Azerbaijanis

The majority ethnic group, known for their rich traditions and hospitality.

Lezgins

A minority group in the region with their own distinct culture and language.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Azerbaijan has a strong football culture, and local teams often play in regional leagues.

Wrestling

Traditional wrestling is popular, with local competitions held periodically.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in İsmayıllı is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot. Public transport options include buses and shared taxis, although schedules may be less frequent. It's advisable to plan ahead for any longer journeys.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting İsmayıllı.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian options

Many local dishes can be made vegetarian, such as dolma and various salads.

Gluten-free options

Some traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free, but it's advisable to check with the restaurant.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare services in İsmayıllı are basic, with a few clinics available for minor ailments. For serious medical issues, residents often travel to larger cities like Baku. Travelers are advised to have travel insurance and consider bringing any necessary medications with them.

Discover Azerbaijan

Read more in our Azerbaijan 2025 Travel Guide.

Azerbaijan Travel Guide