Ultimate 7 Day Baku Itinerary: Old City, Mountain Villages & 3 Flaming Towers!

Planning to visit to Azerbaijan and need a great Baku Itinerary? With an intoxicating fusion of east and west, ancient and modern, this capital city has numerous unique attractions.

Discovering the Old Walled City and visiting Highland Park are just two top attractions amongst the many fun things to do in Baku. Book an adventure or two a little further afield, and you’re going to land with an exciting Baku itinerary. Oh, and Azeri food? It’s delicious!

Situated on the Caspian Sea, Baku exudes an air of coastal glamour, with a wide sweeping boulevard, making it one of a kind destination. In fact, since my first visit many years ago, stepping foot into the old city, and shopping in bazaars, Baku and Azerbaijan has evolved but retains unique cultures.

This post gives you a 1 week itinerary in Baku, ideal for a first visit. It helps you understand what it’s like to visit Azerbaijan, best things to do in Baku, and top day trips. We have organized ideas day by day to help you plan an unforgettable time.

Baku Itinerary Basics

Whether you’re planning to explore before or after an exciting event like the Baku Formula 1 Grand Prix, or coming here to explore a bit off the beaten path, do give yourself enough time to get to know Baku.

Although you can see the city highlights in a few days, a week in Baku gives you some time to discover some amazing places outside the capital.

With a safe, family-friendly culture, vibrant nightlife, and overall good value for money, Baku beats most expectations in our experience!  

Here’s our framework to get your 7 days in Baku Itinerary up and running. Use it as a baseline, or follow it as is!

• ➡️ Day 1/2: Old City & Central Baku
• ➡️ Day 3: Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & Fire Temples
• ➡️ Day 4: Baku Beyond the Old City & Hamam Baths
• ➡️ Day 5-6: Trips To Guba, Caucasus Village or Sheki
• ➡️ Day 7: Baku

Before we jump into things, here’s our suggestions on accommodation in Baku.

Where to Stay In Baku

We prefer to stay within the walled Old City which is the historic heart of Baku or just off the Boulevard.

Our picks below are based on location, atmosphere, service and overall value for money.

Where to Eat In Baku

There are so many options when it comes to eating out in Baku. Don’t overlook local cafes on the Boulevard which are cheaper with great local food.

Our dinner restaurant suggestions for your first night (& later in the week) are:

• Art Club Restaurant – stunning interior with excellent menu in the old city.
• Chinar – at bottom of Funicular is a personal favourite with outdoor seating and casual pan-asian menu.

• Firuze – decorated walls with Azeri carpets, this is cool dining with a wide menu that has good veggie options (as do most Azerbaijan restaurants!).
• Malacannes 145 – rave reviews for this Shisha Lounge and Terrace Restaurant within a period building.

And these restaurants have views over the Caspian Sea:

• SAHiL Restaurant – a long time favorite and we always love to return for good food, service and views of the Caspian.
• Black City Lounge and Terrace – a few mixed reviews for service, but the location is hard to beat for a waterfront cocktail.
• VASILCHUKÍ Chaihona No.1 – reliable food and outdoor terrace with warm atmosphere.

If you have dietary restrictions or want a specific type of cuisine, check with your hotel for local suggestions, or ask your walking tour guide.

Things To Do At Night Baku

Baku is a lively city and you can choose from many evening activities from dining out with seafront views, to a traditional hammam bath experience, or hitting the nightclubs.

Here’s our Top Baku evening suggestions for you to add into your Baku Itinerary to suit your interests and energy levels:

1. Stroll the Boulevard

You have to walk the Boulevard at least once when you’re in Baku.

This is a 4km boulevard with traditional tea cafes and small kiosks selling treats from candy floss to ice cream. It’s a delight and full of families enjoying an evening out, especially during summer and at weekends.

You will get amazing views of the Flame Towers dancing with colors as night falls and in the other direction, the Port of Baku shines out as a modern symbol.

2. Relax At A Local Hammam

Agha Mikayil Hammam is a traditional bathhouse in the old city, within an ancient building. It is open to women on Mondays and Fridays and men every other day. Others in town tend to be men only.

3. Enjoy Live Jazz or Arts Performance

Baku has a rich arts culture, from galleries to jazz clubs, opera, ballet and an impressive state Philharmonic complex.

Check local magazine guide Baku Life for what’s on during your visit. The Baku international Jazz Festival is a big pull – now in its 21st year.

For touristy but entertaining traditional Azeri dance and song performances, the atmospheric Mugham Club near to the Maiden Tower is popular.

4. Baku Street Food Tour

A Baku Street Food Tour is a fun way to sample lots of local dishes with a guide whisking you around town for a couple of hours.

Baku has a vibrant nightlife with clubs, bars and you won’t be bored if you are a late night fan!

Baku Itinerary Day By Day

Here’s our daily plan for Baku. We have left Day 7 open for a lazy morning, checking out and getting to the airport.

Day 1: Old City Baku

Known locally as ‘İçəri Şəhər’, the 12th century medieval city center is the #1 place to visit in Baku.

Honestly, when you enter the double gates that are the main entrance, you might well feel you’re in an Aladdin’s Cave!

Originally designed in an amphitheater design, the area within the old city is roughly 22 hectares, secured by stone walls 8- 10 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide! A UNESCO world heritage site, it’s also full of small boutique hotels, tea-houses, cafes and some excellent restaurants.

Guided Walking Tour

Finding your way around can be a bit disorienting initially, and yes it’s challenging to find all the hidden gems within these stone walls. So we suggest you start your week by booking a guided Baku Walking Tour.

🔍 Check Baku 2 Hour Walking Tour Availability

This shorter 2 hour or so guided walk is a perfect introduction, because you walk by most of the attractions we cover in this article. Knowing their location makes it much easier to find your way back later 🙂

Some of the fantastic historic buildings on your walk including:

• Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası)
• Palace Complex of The Shirvanshahs
• Mohammad Mosque & Other Important Mosques
• Khan Caravanserai
• Agha Mikayil Hamam

Lunch Spots In Old City Baku

Once you’re done with your tour, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the old city. Here are 3 places to eat we recommend as we’ve enjoyed them too:

Qala Divari – Casual dining, wide menu, with plenty of options for vegetarians.

Cay Bagi 145 – a blend of tea house and restaurant with views of the old caravanserai and Maiden Tower.

Museum Inn Hotel Terrace – we have always loved this spot in Baku with views over the old city.

After lunch, spend the afternoon visiting 2 of the historic sights that you walked by earlier: Maiden Tower, and Shirvanshahs Palace.

Climb Baku Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası)

An icon of the city,  there is many a tale as to why this 29 meter tower was built. When you take the city walking tour, no doubt you’ll get your guide’s views too.

Some historians regard it as a fortress lookout point as the sea came up here centuries ago. Others love to share tales that are the stuff of legends. Decide what you want to believe when you visit!

Unfortunately there is not an elevator, so if climbing is not possible, you can enjoy the architecture from below on the paved area.

Next to the entrance of the Tower, you will find a tree-shaded, relaxing cafe called Qiz Qalasi. It’s a perfect spot to sip Azeri tea and watch life go by. One of my favourite spots in Baku I love returning to.

Explore The Palace of the Shirvanshahs

It’s only a 5 minute stroll from the Maiden Tower or Qiz Qalasi Cafe to the sprawling medieval complex that is Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

It was built back in the 15th century when after a major earthquake, the capital of Azerbaijan returned to Baku along with these rulers.

The complex reflects both royal and religious history. Shirvanshah Khalilulla I ruled over its early construction along with his son Faruk, until the son was killed. The Ottoman Empire rulers continued the construction for a period and then further parts were destroyed by the Russians in the 18th century. 

Happily, today it is open to all to visit. Start in the main courtyard and then explore the living quarters including the Throne Room. Finish off at the mosque and a mausoleum.

Browse The Miniature Book Museum

Just around the corner from the Palace is the Miniature Book Museum, free to enter and open 11 am-6 pm.  It is closed on Mondays and Thursdays!

Pop your head in for a few minutes to discover a library of tiny literature of every possible genre.

It’s fun and fascinating, and apparently in the Guinness Book of Records!

Day 2: Baku Hop On-Hop Off Bus

On a second day in Baku why not explore some city highlights beyond the old city. (Don’t worry, we have more ideas for the old town on Day 4 and in our What to Do in Baku At Night section below.)

Taking a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour drops you at several stunning look out spots including Highland Park and the incredible Baku Flame Towers.

The first bus of the day starts at Azadlig Square, but you can get on at any of the stops. You can’t miss this as it’s a huge square parallel to the Boulevard, often called Freedom Square.

You can check the full route on this Baku City Tour Route downloadable PDF.

There are 3 ‘don’t miss’ stops we suggest for today. But feel free to jump off and on at your leisure: your ticket is valid for a full 24 hours.

As Highlands Park and Flame Towers are fairly close together, we suggest doing these in the afternoon, and visit Heydar Aliyev Center in the morning.

• Heydar Aliyev Center
• Highlands Park
• Carpet Museum

Heydar Aliyev Center & Museum

Baku’s architecture reflects its unique mix of European, Islamic, Ottoman and Soviet influences, creating a fusion of style which is quite unique.

You may have spotted this futuristic building as you arrived from the airport and it truly is a stunning piece of modern architecture. Having been at events inside, it’s a world class facility.

Designed by British Iranian architect Zaha Hadid, the brief was to create a building in the name of Heydar Aliyev (the previous president who is seen as the father of modern Azerbaijan), symbolizing the break away from Soviet times.

It was completed in 2012 and the structure does not have a single straight line in its design! Plan to spend an hour or two here.

The main reason for coming here is to appreciate the amazing architecture, but there is also a museum, part of which is dedicated to Heydar Aliyev. Rotating exhibits, and occasional performances are also held here, so check if there’s something of interest to you during your stay.

You can enjoy lunch in this remarkable building or just relax with a coffee. And if you are a classic car enthusiast, buy a ticket to view the on-site collection. An odd exhibit in this modern space, in our view, but it seems to be popular!

Highland Park & Funicular

After rejoining the bus tour, stay on board until Highland Park Stop, a hill top part of the city, where you can usually catch a welcome gentle breeze on a hot day!

As you get off the bus you might feel like you’re in a Parisian garden such are the grand design of the stairs and terraces. There’s been a lot of upgrades since I lived around the corner and it’s a beautiful space in the city.

You can also visit the Mosque Of The Martyrs and across from it the Eternal Flame Memorial which has a flame burning at its base. Pause here for a few minutes and then continue to Martyrs’ Alley.

This is where the bodies of Azerbaijan fighters were laid to rest after the ‘Black Friday’ massacre by Russians in 1990, and in other regional conflicts. The graves show the faces of those buried here and it is an important place for reflection.

On a lighter note, you will have incredible views of the Baku Flame Towers from here. I love the combination of odd and new from this viewpoint as it sums up the city so well. (We suggest heading to them for sunset during your stay and enjoying their vivid colours at dark when you stroll along the Boulevard).

Next, find a seat on the cafe terrace to soak in the panoramic views of the city and the Caspian. Order a cay (tea) and maybe lunch. Plan for a couple of hours here.

Once you’re ready either get back on the Hop On Hop Off Bus to continue your tour, take the Funicular Ride down to the Carpet Museum, or walk down steps to the Boulevard.

National Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan has a rich heritage of carpet weaving. If you want to buy an authentic souvenir, a hand-made rug will last for years.

Before you start shopping though, visit the UNESCO-supported Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum which was set up in 1972 and has thousands of beautiful exhibits.  

The museum is near the  Boulevard and is designed to look like a rolled-up carpet as you can see in the photo above! The collection is remarkable and it’s well worth spending an hour especially if you love aesthetics and artsy things.

We especially loved the history of designs that link back to regions of Azerbaijan and elsewhere in the Caspian and Central Asia region.

Day 3: Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & Fire Temple

After a couple of days in Baku, we suggest you book a trip out of town and explore a couple of remarkable Azerbaijan sights.

This highly rated Gobustan Mud Volcanoes Tour leaves from Baku and includes entrance into the Museum. You will also visit the unique Gobustan National Park around an hour south of Baku.

Most tours also stop at the impressive Bibi Heybat Mosque on the roadside as you head south from Baku and pass through what was the village of Bibiheybət. Today it merges into Baku suburbs.

The modern, beautiful architecture reflects the original one built here in the 13th century but which was totally destroyed by the Bolsheviks in 1936. It took until 1990 until this replica was complete and it is definitely worth a visit.

Petroglyphs At Gobustan National Park

Next, you will arrive in Gobustan which is a small village, but just beyond is an important historic site. 

Start in the well-appointed museum to get an overview. Then drive on further to the site where the petroglyphs can be viewed up close.

It’s quite rough walking, so wear shoes with good tread. Put yourself back in time and imagine how life might have been here. It’s quite intriguing as you stand in what is an arid desert.

Bubbling Mud Volcanoes

After Gobuston, it’s on to the mud volcanoes, and if you have kids with you, they will LOVE these. They bubble and pop and are (I was informed when I moved here for several years) only to be found in Azerbaijan.

Follow the viewing walkways around the many bubbling volcanoes – it will take around 30 minutes or so.

Ancient Fire Temple & Burning Hillsides

Ateshgah Temple is an example of the fire temples where people would come to pray around the flames.

Some gas sources are piped these days (for safety and not to disappoint visitors). However, when you see Yanardag, a natural gas flame that burns constantly on the Absheron Peninsula hills, you can imagine how it must have looked to early dwellers.

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Day 4 Bazaars, Shopping & Flame Towers

Browse Yashil or Teze Bazaar

Any Baku Itinerary has to include time in one of the city bazaars. When I lived here, I loved Saturday morning trips to Yashil Bazaar (Green Market). It’s still my go to spot in Baku for fresh produce. See if you can find fresh pomegranate juice or if in season local tomatoes and cucumbers.

These along with local white cheese (pender) and freshly baked flat bread makes the best ever picnic basket!

This is a also great place to buy spices, dried fruits and herbs to bring home. Be prepared to bargain a little – it’s the culture!

Teze Bazaar is another Baku institution and been operating for over 80 years. It’s also a little more central if you prefer to be closer to down town.

Nizami Street and Fountain Square Shops

Alternatively, Nizami street and Fountain Square are lined with retail options too – shoppers, you will love Baku.

Also don’t miss the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, just outside the main old city gates.

For a more modern shopping experience, head to one of the modern shopping malls in the city center. The flower shaped Deniz Mall has modern shops or head to the Port Baku area for your designer goods!

Although touristy, I love hunting through the stores in the Old City for a gift or two.  If you find yourself drawn back here, make time to stop by the  renown poet Aligaga Vahid’s statute.  

Visit Baku Flame Towers For Sunset

While you are here, you will be drawn to three massive towers rising out of the hillside.  

These architectural icons dominate the skyline but at the same time, blend in with the old and remind us of the important role Baku played in the early energy sector development.  

I lived in an apartment nearby when these gigantic glass towers were being built. It was pretty noisy for months as they drilled the foundations, but hey that’s all in the past now, and I love them!!

Visit the 19th Floor Fairmont Hotel Bar for a sunset cocktail as you soak in more views. Come a little early and have appetizers as you enjoy the setting sun!

Day 5/6 – Day Trips From Baku

While in Baku, enjoy a couple of day trips to Guba, a mountain village, or to ancient Sheki. Here’s the best options to consider:

1. Quba, Candy Cane and Khinalig Day Tour

Tick off several ‘bucket list’ Azerbaijan things to do on this full day Quba and Khinalig Tour lasting around 12 hours. It includes a visit to the remote Central Caucasus village of Khinalig via an old Soviet 4×4 vehicle.

As you leave the city behind, you will get an appreciation for rural life as you see small settlements and enjoys views of the striped ‘Candy Cane’ mountains.

Within an hour, you will be in the town of Quba.

One of the main things to do here is to visit Quba Carpet Weaving Factory and Museum. Watching weavers follow intricate designs that reflect regional traditions is mesmerizing. They work so fast and it’s well worth a visit.

🎒TPOP Tip: If you want to visit the Carpet Factory for longer, it might be easier to book this via your hotel directly.

Beyond Quba, keep going to the tiny settlement of Xınalıq via an off road old Soviet vehicle. The village of around 2000 inhabitants is literally perched on top of a mountain and so remote that you can only get here in summertime.  

Times are unchanged from centuries back with distinct dialects, and artisan, farming based living. It’s truly a special experience to meet some of the villagers, and eat lunch with them at home or a local restaurant.

2. Overnight Trip To Sheki, Azerbaijan

From our personal experience living in Azerbaijan, we honestly feel that it’s worth booking an overnight trip out of Baku.

If you want to experience a little different side of Azerbaijan, book this Private 2 Day Tour to Sheki, north west of Baku. It’s around 300km from the capital.

It’s around 4 hours drive on highways to Sheki and en route you will likely stop a couple of times, including Shamakhi to see the oldest Juma Mosque, and in Gabala, known for its winter sports like skiing.

Once in Sheki, you can enjoy a range of activities including wine tasting, sampling the famous local candies (sweets). Sample Bamya (doughnut texture), Mindal (toffee caramel nuts) and Sheki Halva (baklava) which is different from anything you might have tried in Baku.

A must in Sheki is visiting the UNESCO Khan’s Palace which was where the ancient Khan rulers would welcome their guests. It’s unbelievably rich in decor, history and is still a place of prayer!

Sheki is also a great place to shop for locally made handicraft souvenirs like printed fabrics made into napkins, tablecloths and scarfs.

A highlight is staying in an ancient Silk Road Caravanserai, or at least visiting here, if you choose stay elsewhere. We loved our stay in this unique hotel, and highly recommend it.

🎒TPOP Tip: There are 1 day small group Baku to Sheki Tours which may be perfect for solo travel, or if your budget is tight.

If you decide on x2 Day Tours vs. an overnight trip to Sheki, this next option for a day trip from Baku is something entirely different: artisan village and wine tasting tour!

3. Tour to Shamakhi, Lahij & Azerbaijan Winery

While Azerbaijani wine hasn’t perhaps made it to the wider world, it has improved hugely in the last few decades. Much of the grape growing regions were neglected under Soviet times, but now there is a small but flourishing industry.

This Lahij and Winery Tour from Baku combines an opportunity to visit a winery with another unique experience: a stop in Lahij. This Azeri village is famous for tin and copper workshops located on original cobbled streets.

Day 6 – Final Day in Baku

You may be ready to relax around your hotel, or perhaps return to the Old City for a few hours. We have a few additional ideas depending on your interests:

Visit A Baku Museum

Of course much of what we have in this itinerary includes museums in Baku from the Maiden Tower to Nizami Literature Museum. If you love history, we also suggest checking out these:

National Museum of History of Azerbaijan – just off Fountain Square, this is the country’s largest museum, and where to come to discover centuries of the nation’s past. Closed Mondays, but otherwise open from 10 am to 6pm. Free.

Noble Brothers Villa Petrolea Museum – completed in 1884 by Swedish Brothers who brought wealth to Azerbaijan in energy development. The ground floor of Villa Petrolea is now a museum and full of rich designs of the time. Closed Mondays, open from 10am to 6pm. Free.

🎒TPOP Tip: We’ve heard reports that the museum is not always open as advertised. Have your hotel call ahead before you visit to check!

Take An Azeri Cooking Class

If you’ve enjoyed eating local foods, book a local Azeri cooking class so you can find out the secrets of your favourite local dishes.

➡️ Check Availability: Chef led Cooking Class With Wine Tasting in Baku

Play A Round At Baku Golf Course

Maybe you’re an avid golfer? If so, Azerbaijan has invested millions to bring its clubs to international levels. Book in for a morning round at Baku Dreamland Golf Club.

Baku Rooftop Bars

There are no excuses not to find yourself a rooftop bar spot during your last evening in Baku. As well as our favorites, the Fairmont 19th Bar, & Sultan Inn here’s other great options:

• Hilton’s 360 Rotating Sky Bar,
• Promenade Hotel Terrace
• Infinity at the Marriott.

Baku – Making It Happen!

From the times I have spent living and visiting here over 15 years, I know you will leave Baku with new friends!  The Azeris are some of the most hospitable people on our planet. Go see for yourself!

If it’s helpful to planning your trip to Baku, Azerbaijan here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these ourselves again and again, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!

✈️ Flights

Find flights from your local airport to Baku, Expedia makes it easy to compare airlines and routes.

Check Availability

🏨 Hotels

B&B, boutique inns, self catering or a luxury resort booking.com has it and an easy 1-click reservation.

See Availability

🎫 Experiences

From Baku City Tours to Caucasus Mountain Overnight Trips, Viator has unique experiences.

Find Your Fun

🚖 Transfers

Take the stress out of Airport Transfers & avoid taxi lines. Welcome Pickups offers reliable worldwide services.

Availability & Book

🚑 Insurance

Good Insurance is a travel necessity these days. Visitors Coverage offers tailored global coverage.

Check Options

🚘 Car Rental

Looking to explore beyond Baku on your own. Find & compare vehicles with Rental Cars reputable site.

See Car Options

For more great travel planning essentials check out our Travel Resources full of ways to help you plan great trips!

Baku Map

Azerbaijan views itself geographically as European; Baku sits on the Caspian Sea, which is in fact a lake. Actually, it’s the largest inland lake in the world, measuring 149,200 square miles (386,400 square km).

To the north lies Russia, to the west Georgia, and to the south Iran and Armenia.  There is also a very short 11-mile border with Turkey!

Best Time to Visit Baku?

For the best weather, plan to visit Baku in May/June or wait until September/October. It can be very hot in July/August and you won’t enjoy walking around during the day time.

Many Azeris escape to their country dachas (summer cabins) out of the city. Baku does have a breeze. Sometimes it can be quite windy but don’t let this put you off at all – it’s a plus in mid summer!

Although winters in Baku are mild and typically frost free, surprisingly it can snow occasionally in Baku.  There is a ski resort in Quba, north of Baku if you’re looking for a new alpine run!

Azerbaijan loves Public Holidays:  the 20+ public holidays are listed here.

On these dates, some public sites may be closed. Restaurants, parks, waterfront, and shops may be busier as Azeri families spend time together.

Getting To Baku

Currently the best air routes to Baku from within Europe or USA are with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Frankfurt with Lufthansa.  

Azerbaijani Airlines or Azal (the national airline) has direct flights from major hubs of Abu Dhabi, London, Berlin, Paris and regional hubs like Tbilisi. 

There is no metro or train service from the airport to town but you can take the AeroExpress Bus. It runs every 30 minutes and is a bargain at 1.30 AZM.

Alternatively, pre-book a car transfer with Welcome Pick Ups, or order an Uber once you arrive.  Most central hotels have shuttle/ airport transfer options too. It’s around a 30-40 minute drive.

Trains To Baku

Unfortunately the international overnight train service between Tbilisi, Georgia into Azerbaijan (Baku) has been suspended. At the time of writing it does not appear to re-starting any time soon. 

Baku, Azerbaijan Packing Essentials

For a week in Baku, and a couple of trips out of town, here are a few must pack items:

• Comfortable shoes. Walking is a must as you explore the city’s cobbled streets, climb steps, and hike around on any trips out of town.
• Hat, headscarf and knee length clothing if entering mosques.
• Sun-hat and sunscreen if visiting in summer months.
• Some ‘dressy’ clothing. Azeris dress well and are smart and outfits well put together. For evening dining, enjoy dressing up!
• Shorts are becoming more ‘the norm’ but most Azeris do not wear shorts out and about!
• Binoculars as city views are simply incredible!

Tips for Getting Around Baku

Central Baku where a lot of the tourist sights are, is easy to navigate on foot. There is a reliable and safe metro system which is cheap way to get across town as part of your Baku itinerary.

Azerbaijani Metro Guide site has a route map and instructions on buying tickets. The metro stations are well maintained and some are really beautiful.

Uber and Bolt taxi services are  available and, from our experience, are reliable and remove any need to bargain on fares. Your hotel can advise what works based on your location and destinations.

Beyond Baku, you will need to decide whether to take tours, hire a driver or rent a car.  Roads between the main cities are pretty good, but driving may not be what you are used to. If you want to head to some of the mountain villages, I strongly suggest you hire a driver or take a tour.

FAQs

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Azerbaijan?

Yes. Azerbaijan introduced an e-visa process a few years ago transforming the process of getting a tourist visa to enter the country.
Apply Here for An Azeri E-Visa and within 48 hours you’ll receive an email with your visa attached! A single visa is currently $25 USD.

What’s the Currency of Azerbaijan?

The currency is the Azeri Manat (AZM) and credit cards are widely accepted. Have small cash to hand for entrance tickets, Baku funicular tickets, buying water, or a coffee.
If you visit Yashil or Teze Bazaars, bring local cash to buy local fresh produce or souvenirs.

Is Azerbaijan expensive?

In general Azerbaijan is not expensive. Visitors will find prices in Baku good value unless you’re planning to stay at 5 star/luxury accommodation and use private drivers, in which case you will pay international prices.

Tips are not expected in Azerbaijan but are appreciated. You can pick up cash at the airport on arrival or just ask at your hotel for the nearest ATM.

What language is spoken in Azerbaijan?

The national language is Azerbaijani. It may be reassuring to know English is widely spoken by the younger generation. In central Baku all the main attractions are sign-posted in English and Azeri. Many locals also speak Russian.

Are there beaches in Baku?

There are resorts along the Caspian coast north and south of Baku. But I think the draw of Azerbaijan is to explore the old city, mountain countryside and culture. You can easily plan an afternoon at the pool or beach resort for a break from sight-seeing.

Try Combining Baku, Tblisi or Istanbul!

Chances are you are going to be travelling quite a way to visit Baku. So here’s an idea.

Why not consider Georgia. We have a great 7-10 Day Georgia Itinerary (Country) including Tbilisi, and the Kazbegi mountain region as well as famous Georgian wine-tasting areas.

Alternatively, it’s only a short flight to Istanbul and with multiple flights a day, it is easy to combine a few days here with time in Baku.  You might even fly via Turkey to get to Azerbaijan, so even more reason to consider a combined trip.

Check out our 3 Day Guide to Istanbul for First Time Visitors.

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