Visiting Maiden Tower Baku: Complete Guide, Costs + Why It’s A Must!
When I lived here, the Maiden Tower was one of my favourite places to come and bring all my family and friends who came to visit Baku. Since 2001, the tower has been a UNESCO protected site.
Climb the 12th-century spiral staircase, stopping on each floor to discover museum exhibits. At the top, enjoy 360-degree city views to the Caspian Sea that laps the coast of Azerbaijan.
Our guide details what to expect at the tower, entrance prices, nearby cafes etc. Near to the Maiden Tower, you’ll discover other historical walled city sights from mosques to caravanserai.
Our articles reflect our personal experiences in featured destinations. When you book using a link on our site, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information.
Visiting Maiden Tower Baku: Overview
When the tower was first built, it is thought it stood in the waters of the Caspian Sea. Over the centuries the sea’s (or rather the lake’s) water has receded. So when you visit today, you will find the tower some distance away within the city gardens.
It’s a place of historic mystery! Debate continues as to why the tower was built in the first place. What was its purpose? To protect the inner city? Maybe to study the stars or even a place of religious worship?
When you visit, listen to some of the ideas and make up your mind 🙂
Another question is how the tower got its name. There are several fascinating stories. A sad one recounts a young girl who flung herself from the top of the tower. We won’t spoil things – hear more when you visit the Maiden Tower.
Across the city of Baku, you will find stunning architecture, old and new. Ancient silk route caravanserai buildings sit next to 21st century glass towers. This is a beautiful city to explore and the tower is no exception. It’s a great starting point if this is your first visit to Azerbaijan.
Best Maiden Tower Baku Tour
If you enjoy learning more about local history, a guided tour is a great choice.
You can do a specific tour of the Maiden Tower. Perhaps make a morning or day of it and incorporate a visit here with a walking tour of Baku.
Here’s a selection of our favourite walking and city tours to consider.
➡️ 2-3 Hour City Baku Tour: Here To Check Availability!
➡️ 6 Hour Baku City Tour: Here To Check Availability!
For more ideas of what to do in Baku, read our Baku First Time Visit Itinerary Guide. This article gives you a wide range of activities for a fun-packed visit.
Before You Go
This section covers the basics of what to know before you visit the Maiden Tower Baku.
Opening Hours and Ticket Costs
Open Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Entry costs: 10 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat) for adults.
Student’s and children’s tickets are discounted to 5 AZN.
There is no need to book in advance unless you prefer to. You can use a credit card to pay or cash at the ticket booth just outside the tower entrance. A Guided Tour is usually available in English.
🎒Our Tip: Buy a Baku City Card for discounts on many sights and activities. It’s worthwhile for 2-3 days in Baku. Buy it at the airport, your hotel, or at travel offices around town.
What to Wear When Visiting Maiden Tower Baku
The weather in Baku is usually warm and sunny from April to September. In the peak of summer, it is hot, reaching up to 80/90 degrees Fahrenheit.
So if you are planning to visit during these months, wear comfortable loose clothing and sturdy walking shoes.
A hat & sunglasses are helpful for when you’re outside at the top! Don’t forget your camera for some great city rooftop shots if you enjoy photography!
If you are visiting in winter bring layers. It can snow in Baku but more likely it will be cooler and at times windy.
What to Bring
It is fine to bring a bottle of water but large bags (eg. backpacks) and food are not allowed inside.
Don’t worry, the nearest cafe to the Maiden Tower is one of our favourite spots. Pop in here afterwards for refreshments or something to eat. See below for our full suggestions on places to eat in the Old City Baku.
🎒Our Tip: It is Quieter to visit Early in the Day. Visit at Sunset for stunning photos!
What To Expect At Baku’s Maiden Tower
At the entrance, head to a small booth to buy an entrance ticket. Then, walk over to the main door to show your ticket before entering.
Inside the tower, take your time as you visit each floor. There are 3 museum areas within the tower with good explanations in both English and Azeri languages. Some exhibits are interactive multimedia – it’s well done!
The stairs are stone and in places quite narrow and steep (remember this was built many centuries ago).
If you have any mobility restrictions it might not be for you so check at the ticket office if you need any guidance or help. Azeris are extremely friendly and helpful so don’t be shy in asking!
You can take photographs inside but do be mindful of any requests to avoid using a flash as some of the items are very old and require protection. You will see a museum guide on each floor, happy to answer any questions or explain more to you.
Give yourself 30-45 minutes to enjoy the journey to the top and then step outside into the sunshine and beauty of the old city skyline.
🎒Our Tip: If you are visiting with kids, they will love the tower. It’s just so different inside and from the outside than anywhere else.
How To Get Here
You don’t need (or want) to drive in Baku. The city hasn’t got a lot of easy parking spots and it can be difficult to find your way around narrow streets and one-way systems.
Getting to the Maiden Tower is easy, especially if you’re staying in or around Old City Baku. You won’t need transport as the walk from our recommended hotels in this part of town is no more than 10-15 minutes.
We always enjoy the stroll through cobbled streets, some residential, others with small shops, cafes, Chaykhana (tea houses), and a range of local restaurants.
If you are coming from further away in Baku to visit Giz Galasi, we suggest the reliable and safe metro. The nearest stop is Icheri Sherer (Old City stop).
Here’s a general map of Baku Metro routes with the nearest stop to the Maiden Tower to the bottom left of the red line.
When you exit you will see signs in English directing you to the tower. However, it’s easy to spot once you’re out of the station, just look in the opposite direction from the Caspian Sea.
Alternatively, grab a taxi from your hotel, or book Uber or Bolt via your App. These are reliable and efficient.
Another way to get to the Maiden Tower is to take a city tour and get off at this stop. They run throughout the day and into the evening in summer and it’s a great way to enjoy the sights and get your bearings when visiting a new city.
➡️ Check Out This Highly rated Baku City Tour Availability!
Where To Eat Nearby
As we mentioned, the Maiden Tower is in the Old City area of Baku. Once you have completed your tour, why not relax at one of the many local cafes or restaurants nearby.
Azerbaijani food is delicious, usually freshly made to order and makes the most of local seasonal produce. Being vegetarian, I have always found a good choice of plant based food here.
Do remember that the Old City Baku is a tourist hot spot and not all restaurants are as authentic as the ones we recommend from our time here.
Cafes and Restaurants Nearest to The Maiden Tower
The following 4 places to eat are all around 15 minutes max. walk from the maiden tower and offer delicious Azeri menus along with unique atmospheres.
The nearest tea-house cafe to the Maiden Tower Baku Entrance is Qiz Qilasi, a couple of minutes walk away. They serve traditional tea with delicious nuts and dried fruits. We always return here when we are back in Baku. Google Maps link to Qiz Qilasi Cafe.
Also very close to this is Tea Garden 145, another relaxing spot with far reaching views of Baku. Come here for breakfast before visiting the Maiden Tower. Or enjoy lunch or dinner. They also offer shisha pipes. Google Directions to Tea Garden 145.
Shakh Garden is the nearest restaurant to the Maiden Tower Baku and offers a range of Azeri dishes in a converted 15th century setting. They have traditional entertainment and music performances.
Art Club Restaurant, rated in the Top 5 restaurants in Baku. It is a much more expensive option, but the atmosphere and food is outstanding. Many say it’s in line for a future Michelin Star – we’ll see!
The setting is fantastic. This building dates back to the 18/19th century and has been carefully brought up to date. We feel its a perfect place for a special dinner when in Baku. Book ahead as it’s popular every day of the week!
Where To Stay Nearby
On our first visit to Baku visitor accommodation was sparse. Back then the best option was to stay in a small guesthouse or Soviet era hotel.
Today Baku boasts an incredible range of places to stay. From 5 star global brands to small boutique hotels in the heart of the old city there’s a good choice.
Here’s 3 of our favourites to check out as you plan your visit to Baku. We have selected these based on staying here ourselves and being very central.
📍Old Palace Baku – a good value hotel in central Baku only a few steps from the Maiden Tower and other unmissable sights within the city. The decor may be a little older than other hotels, but the service is consistent. Breakfasts here get top scores.
📍Antique Boutique Hotel – in the heart of the Old City, this is a small, traditional hotel with a warm welcome. It’s a perfect location for exploring central sights. Breakfasts are served in a sun filled room overlooking the rooftops of Old Baku. We prefer to stay here when we come to Baku.
📍Four Seasons Hotel – if you are looking for a luxury stay in Baku, minutes from the Old City, this is it! Room face the Caspian Sea or Flame Towers, and a impressive spa/pool add to the lure of this global brand.
FAQs
Here are our answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the tower.
Most experts agree that the tower likely was built as a fortress or means of early detection of potential invaders. But, there are no formal records dating back to the 12th century so it’s still an open question. This mystery is in part why the tower is such a great place to visit.
Entrance to the Maiden Tower is typically 15 Azeri Manats for Adults. This is approximately USD $9.
If you are a student and visiting from overseas you will get a discount if you show your Student ID.
No, there is no elevator or lift system in the 12th century Maiden Tower. Visitors need to be able to climb up and down 5 floors of circular stone steps comfortably.
If you are unable to climb the tower, there are other options to enjoy city views from a higher elevation.
For example, the rotating restaurant/bar at the Baku Marriott hotel, or the Fairmount 19th Floor Bar within one of the Flame Towers to name a couple of modern ones!
Or take the city bus tour and get off at the ‘Highlands’ Stop and enjoy stunning vistas for miles around.
You can have a coffee or a meal here too and it’s beautiful to stroll around on a sunny day. We lived round the corner from this spot so it’s a personal favourite in Baku.
You will also find a statue of famous Azeri poet Nizami Ganjavi and memorials to Azeri soldiers who lost their lives in several conflicts including WW2 and the Russian invasion of 1990.
Other Sights Near Maiden Tower Not To Miss
After climbing the Maiden Tower, there are several more fascinating sights in or close to Old City Baku that will make your visit even more memorable.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Within the Old City lies another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It is easy to combine a visit to the Maiden Tower with the Palace in a morning or afternoon.
Google Maps Link to Shirvanshahs Palace from the Maiden Tower.
The impact of the Shirvan dynasty was long lasting in Azerbaijan and this 15th century palace helps us understand the way these royals lived and ruled.
The palace interior has exhibits and there are information plaques posted throughout the campus.
Baku Boulevard and Caspian Sea Promenade
Join the stunning Baku Boulevard only a few minutes walk from the Maiden Tower. This much loved and ever evolving city promenade hugs the Caspian Sea.
As you walk, take in views of the water, flower filled gardens, people sitting at cafes. You will see the Baku Yacht Club and the Baku Eye, a large Ferris wheel, 200 ft tall with 30 rotating cabins.
Here’s a Google Maps Link to the Baku Eye.
Baku Carpet Museum
Maybe you already visited the Carpet Shop next to the Maiden Tower. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of beautifully made Azeri and regional carpets.
We have several rugs at home that we bought 15 or so years ago. We believe ours will last forever!
If you want to learn more about the history of carpet making walk to the Baku Carpet Museum. The displays of exquisite antique carpet patterns from across the country are so impressive. It’s closed on Mondays.
It’s a few minutes walk from the Maiden Tower to the Carpet Museum, so no need for taxis or subway trains!
For more information on things to do in Baku for a first visit, please read our Why Visit Baku Guide. It’s packed full of additional activities and visitor tips.
Re-Tracing Silk Road Steps
The Old City of Baku is full of historic buildings. Don’t miss ancient exploring narrow alleyways, browsing through traditional arts and crafts stalls.
As you stand atop the iconic Tower and look down, it’s easy to imagine days of the Silk Road. The modern face of Baku from here is equally captivating and full of activities to enjoy.
We hope our guide helps you to plan an amazing visit to the Maiden Tower in Baku, Azerbaijan.
