Things To Do
in İsmayıllı
İsmayıllı is a town in northern Azerbaijan and the administrative center of Ismailli District. It sits amid forested hills and rugged mountains, offering a gateway to the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. The town blends rural hospitality with traditional crafts, orchards, and nearby historical sites.
Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, nature walks, and a calm, welcoming Azerbaijani atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike along the nature trails of İsmayıllı. The crisp morning air and the sounds of chirping birds will invigorate your spirit. Don’t forget to capture the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests.
After a hearty lunch at a local cafe, continue your adventure by visiting the nearby Gilazi Waterfall. Spend your afternoon relaxing by the water, taking in the mesmerizing scenery. Feel free to dip your toes in the cool water or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
As the sun sets, head to the local marketplace to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Sample traditional Azerbaijani snacks and connect with friendly locals. Wind down your day by enjoying a quiet evening stroll along the banks of the river.
Wake up early and venture into nearby villages to witness the traditional way of life of the locals. Explore the cobblestone streets and take part in a local cooking class, learning to prepare famous Azerbaijani dishes. Embrace the warmth of the community as you engage in friendly conversations with villagers.
After lunch, visit the local artisans who create exquisite handicrafts, from carpets to pottery. Observe their skills and perhaps even purchase a unique souvenir to remember your journey. Spend some time at a local tea house enjoying the traditional Azerbaijani tea in a cozy atmosphere.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional folk music performance at a local cultural center. Let the enchanting melodies and vibrant dances transport you deeper into Azerbaijani culture. Sip on some local wine as you reflect on the day’s experiences.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧺Market groceries | $2-6 |
| 🚗Taxi within town | $3-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic mountains and nature
- Traditional Azerbaijani hospitality and cuisine
- Relatively budget-friendly travel in rural areas
- Calm, authentic rural town experience
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Some tourist infrastructure in/outside the town may be basic
- Mountain roads can be challenging in winter
- Language barrier for non-Russian/English speakers in some spots
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Xoş gəlmisiniz" - Welcome
- "Çox sağ olun" - Thank you very much
- "Bəli" - Yes
- "Xeyr" - No
- "Zəhmət olmasa" - Please
- "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
Places to Visit in İsmayıllı
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic 19th-century clock tower in the central square, a classic subject for street photography.
Terraced hillside views and copper craft shops along the road into Lahij, ideal for wide landscape shots.
Panoramic alpine vistas and forested slopes in the nearby national park at golden hour.
Rugged gorge with the river below; dramatic light and reflections at sunrise.
Quaint courtyard scenes and traditional architecture perfect for intimate photos.
Food in İsmayıllı
İsmayıllı Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice cooked with saffron or mixed with lamb or chicken; a staple at most eateries and markets in Ismayıllı.
Must-Try!
A yogurt-based soup with herbs and greens, light and refreshing, commonly served warm or chilled.
Slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew prepared in a clay pot, typically served with flatbread and herbs.
Grape leaves or peppers stuffed with a herby rice mixture, sometimes with meat and spices.
Stuffed flatbread, often filled with cheese, greens, or meat and pan-fried to a crisp edge.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh produce, nuts, honey, dairy, and breads; best visited early for the freshest selections.
Small stalls along the Lahij route offering kebabs, flatbreads, yogurt drinks, and quick bites perfect for a hillside stop.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Salam'. Dress modestly, especially in rural villages and religious sites.
Ask permission before photographing people; be discreet around religious sites.
Guests are often offered tea or fruit; accept politely and engage in light conversation.
Safety
Tipping in İsmayıllı
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not always expected. 5-10% is typical if service is not included; round up taxis.
Cash in AZN is widely preferred in markets and smaller eateries; larger cafes and hotels may accept cards. ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool evenings in the mountains; expect afternoon showers and refreshing nights. Perfect for hikes and outdoor markets.
Cold and snowy conditions on higher elevations; some mountain roads may close. Indoor markets and cafés are cozy refuges.
Mild temperatures with blooming fruit trees and green valleys; great for nature photography and village walks.
Harvest time with orchard scents, clear skies, and golden light over the hills; ideal for scenic drives.
İsmayıllı at Night
Hiking in İsmayıllı
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic path connecting village terraces with views of the surrounding mountains; ideal for a half-day hike.
Easy to moderate day hike with panoramic valley views.
Riverside trail with waterfalls and wood bridges.
Airports
How to reach İsmayıllı by plane.
Baku's main international gateway; 250-300 km drive to Ismayilli depending on route; good flight connections.
Regional airport near Gabala; smaller flights and charter services; 60-120 km from Ismayilli depending on route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents, with minority communities in the region.
Small numbers living in the wider Ismailli District.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed; local clubs and community games.
Traditional and modern wrestling events are common during festivals.
Popular in the surrounding foothills and national parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting İsmayıllı.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy dolma made with grape leaves, cheese pastries, salads, dovga, and vegetable platters. Ask for meat-free versions of classics like piti.