11 Reasons To Visit Azerbaijan Now: The Country Everyone’s About to Discover
I first visited Azerbaijan in 1999 and, having spent several happy years living in Baku, am excited to share the many reasons to visit Azerbaijan so you can come soon and discover it for yourself.
With an incredible history, rich culture, amazing food, and modern vibe, you can explore ancient sites within walled cities in Baku. Then, next door, sip a cocktail on the 19th floor of a waterfront high-rise 5-star hotel.
Venture a little outside Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, and you’ll be in a stunning mountain environment, rich with wildlife and nature, remote villages to explore and towns like historic Sheki. Honestly, there are so many unique places to visit in Azerbaijan, that you’re going to be totally blown away. Ready to find out more?
This article shares 11 unique reasons to discover Azerbaijan and the Caspian Region. We cover Baku, Sheki, the Caucasus Mountains, Gobustan mud volcanoes. Read on for insider tips to help you create an amazing itinerary to The Land of Fire.
Is Azerbaijan Worth Visiting?
If you love exploring destinations that are a little off the beaten track, you will find Azerbaijan stimulating and we think now is a great time to visit!
Top reasons to visit now include unique sights and activities: ancient palaces, old walled cities, bubbling mud volcanoes, middle-ages petroglyphs.
Outdoorsy? Why not trek around the Caucasus mountain villages, ski and even try carpet making.
Love city life? Listen to live jazz in Baku, relax in coastal resorts, enjoy spa treatments and both traditional and high end shopping.
Azerbaijan is located on the Caspian Sea, adjacent to the majestic Caucasus Mountain Range to the north. You can base yourself in Baku the capital city and take tours around different regions.
Or, split your time between here and travel the rest of the country into more remote mountain or southern regions.
It is important to know some rural parts of the country have limited infrastructure. So it can take time to travel into remote mountainous areas. Main routes are generally excellent with paved roads and good signage.
Direct Flights into Azerbaijan are a bit limited although there are non-stop options from London and Beijing currently. Flight times from London are around 5 hours 30 mins.
Azerbaijan Airlines (Azal) flies multiple flights daily from Istanbul and Dubai as do Turkish Airlines and Emirates.
โก๏ธ Check the best fares from London to Baku here.
From New York (via Istanbul or Frankfurt) it will take you around 15 hours (including layovers). From Miami via Paris or Istanbul, itโs around an 18-hour total journey.
11 Reasons To Visit Azerbaijan
We could easily share many more than 11 reasons why Azerbaijan is an amazing adventure with unique memory making opportunities here.
But, if this is your first time visiting the Caspian Region, it’s unlikely you have time to experience them all.
So, we have selected 11 fantastic Azerbaijan Itinerary highlights to whet your appetite. We also are sharing practical tips and insights from living here and friends who call Baku home, so you can gain a little more ‘local perspective’.
Perhaps you are a Formula 1 fan, longing to see the exciting Baku race held in September each year! Combining this with a few extra days in Baku or a trip to the Caucasus mountains is a fabulous option in late Summer.
Alternatively, maybe youโre keen to explore in around around Baku at a quieter time of year, and plan trips around Azerbaijan. The weather is warm from May to October peaking around 30C/86F in the summer months of July and August.
1. Baku, Azerbaijanโs Capital City
One of the main reasons to visit Azerbaijan is to enjoy its ancient capital city Baku. Home to over 2 million people, its large footprint stretches around a point on the Caspian Sea – actually a very large lake.
Over the last two decades, Baku has evolved into a vibrant city and English is widely spoken. Here’s our guide for a first visit to Baku.
The compact, walkable UNESCO Old Walled City (ฤฐรงษri ลษhษr) is a marvel, shaped through thoughtful restoration thus protecting centuries-old buildings like The Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs Palace.
Read Our Maiden Tower Baku Complete Guide to Plan Your Visit Here!
Bakuโs modern architecture is equally stunning. Check out the incredible carpet museum or take a tour of the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Centre.
Rising out of the hillside above the city center you can’t miss the massive Flame Towers, casting orange, red and yellow reflections into the Caspian at sunset. Head to the Fairmont Hotel’s Bar 19 (19th floor) within one of these towers for magical views of the city and Caspian at sunset.
Spend an evening strolling the 100+ year old โseasideโ Boulevard that hugs the Caspian shoreline. The park is full of fountains, late night cafes, flower filled gardens, and is hugely popular with residents and visitors.
โก๏ธBook A Private Guided Walking Tour of Baku Here!
2. Mud Volcanoes & Historic Petroglyphs
Prepare to be mesmerized by the sight of multiple bubbling mud volcanoes in Qobustan (Gobustan) a short drive south of Baku. Azerbaijan is home to almost a third of these fascinating erupters so itโs something not to miss when you visit. Many exist underwater in the Caspian as well as here on land.
A recently installed walking platform guides you around around a dozen volcanoes. Although you donโt get quite as close as a couple of years ago this change better protects these burping icons of Azerbaijan from people climbing them!
While youโre in the area, head to Gobustan National Park, home to many world-famous rock carvings, some dating back 40,000 years.
The small but excellent museum on site is a good place to start before walking down a rocky pathway to the actual carvings.
3. Azerbaijani Food & Cooking Schools
I can honestly share that great food is at the heart of Azeri culture. Traditional recipes remain popular simply because they are delicious and made from locally sourced fresh ingredients.
Varieties of traditional breads are served with all meals and best eaten hot straight from the oven!
While meat features heavily, many of the dishes here are vegetarian or vegan, like aubergine (Eggplant) caviar, pumpkin pilafs, and delicious beet and walnut salads. In season tomatoes are the best weโve ever tasted!!
To fully appreciate the quality we suggest you visit a couple of traditional Azeri โtablesโ (restaurants) during your time in the country to sample these flavours and also to get to know regional dishes.
If you want to go a step further and learn a few secrets to recreate these dishes back home, why not spend a half day or day at a cooking class in Baku?
Learn about how spices play a vital role in Azerbaijan cooking as you create a lunch or dinner with local chefs or in a family home. Many include a pre-trip to either Yasil (Green) or Teza (New) Bazaars!
โก๏ธBook Your Azerbaijani Vegetarian Cooking Masterclass.
4. Try Azerbaijani Cafe Life (รงayxana)
One of the top reasons to visit Azerbaijan is its culture! Spending a couple of hours in a โTea Cafeโ or รงayxanalar as it is called locally is a fantastic experience. If you are near the Maiden Tower, head to Giz Galasi next door!
Move over black tea! How about thyme, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, lime, mountain mint, cloves, or lemongrass? There is such an abundance of fertile land here that herbs and spices grow freely and therefore are available to transform into delicious teas.
The tea ritual includes being served dried fruits and fruit jams (jellies) with your drinks – called mรผrษbbษ. Often teas here are brewed using traditional samovars, heated over a small wood-fueled fire. The tea-pot sits on top to keep warm and refills are plentiful.
Some of the best tea we ever drank was in someoneโs wild garden on a Caucasian mountain. The host picked the leaves and then brewed fresh lemongrass tea right in front of us – a unique travel memory!
5. Caucasus Mountain Villages
Travel a little outside Baku and discover โhidden gemโ mountain villages that offer more compelling reasons to visit Azerbaijan.
We suggest heading to Quba first where you can visit traditional carpet weavers at work and catch a glimpse of the unique candy cane mountains en route.
From here, head on towards (but still a bit away from) the Russian Border. You will eventually come to some of the most remote and culturally interesting villages in Azerbaijan: Xinaliq (Khinalug) and Laza.
The historically precarious road from Quba to Xinaliq has been majorly upgraded (i.e. paved). But itโs still an incredible journey over cliff top ledges with amazing views if you dare to look down ๐
Once youโre here at over 7,700 feet, itโs possible to hike to Qalayxudat using an old trail. Or, perhaps try horse-riding like residents do. A separate language called Ketch is spoken here so your Azerbaijani might not be understood!
Beyond lies Laza which is tiny but does offer a great day hike with guides over to Kuzum. In the winter, this is where to come to ski!
If you are tight on time, take a day tour from Baku to see these villages (without hiking). These are very popular so book your tour well in advance.
Alternatively, plan on 2-3 days to get here from Baku and enjoy all the villages and do some of these hikes.
/6. The Old Silk Route In Sheki
There is a reason many Azeris smile, sigh and share a look of love when you mention the town of Sheki. For us, it has to be on any Azerbaijan Itinerary.
To get here take the train, bus, drive, or an organized tour from Baku. The train is overnight and by car, it is around 5 hours on a good highway. We highly recommend that you spend at least 1 night and if you can 2, in Sheki.
This is where ancient Silk Road travelers would stop off overnight. Stay at the hotel Caravanserai and youโre going to sleep where they (& their camels) did centuries before you!
One of the main sights here is the UNESCO heritage site Khanโs Palace and Museum with brilliant mosaic and interior decor. While it is small, itโs worth seeing as is the town with its low-key feel.
โก๏ธ Stress Free Option: 2-Day Sheki Private Tour From Baku
If you love silk, donโt miss the Sheki Silk Factory. Traditional regional designs are brought back to life, each telling a story central to life in Azerbaijani culture.
Do try โhalvaโ when in Sheki – the local variety of baklava which is sold everywhere in town including the bazaar. The Azerbaijani people love sweet treats and you will be offered these on your travels.
End your afternoon at the Sheki Winery where you can taste some local Az Abrau vintages and their famous port!
From Sheiki, you are pretty close to the border to Georgia and its capital Tbilisi.
We have traveled there frequently and if you are interested in combining time in Azerbaijan and Georgia, please read our 1 Week in Georgia Itinerary.
๐TPOP Tip:
Flights between the 2 capitals are around 1 hour. You can take the train but only from Azerbaijan to Georgia (not the other way around).
7. Formula 1 Azerbaijan World Motor Racing
In 2006, the inaugural Baku F1 kicked off what has become one of the most anticipated races of todayโs circuit with its 20 corners and fast speeds.
Although hotel prices shoot up over the preceding week and spike over the weekend of the race, Baku is still pretty good value when you consider other F1 destinations like Miami or Silverstone (England).
Cars race through Baku on a course that has them skirt the ancient city wall and also speed parallel to the Caspian on main boulevards. The city transforms into a glitzy party world for a weekend full of events and entertainment. You might also spot a celeb or two in the stands!
A bonus is, that at the time of writing, it appears you can still get driver autographs in Baku (perhaps the only location to allow this), and the Fan Zone is reportedly one of the best on the circuit!
So, if you love motor racing this is probably one of your top reasons to visit Azerbaijan, combining this bucket list event with all that Baku has to offer.
To learn more about things to do in Baku for a first visit, please read our detailed One Week In Baku Azerbaijan article.
8. Traditional Hamman Baths
In the Silk Road days, traders arrived frequently at the city gates of Baku. Before they were allowed to enter, they were sent to the local Hammam for a good bath!
Within the Old City in Baku, most neighbourhoods had their own Hammam but today only a couple remain. We recommend checking out Agha Mikayi which offers separate days for women and men to use the facility.
Outside of the Old City, TazeBey Baths are easily recognizable with their ornate gold exterior design.
Also, near Fountain Square is one of the most original Hammam Baths in Baku – Fantasia Hammam.
There are many others to choose from, some more modern Spas at Luxury Hotels and others, like those above, very traditional.
Another ritual after your hammam is to have tea before you leave, so build in time for this too!
If you love Turkish Baths and have time, how about planning a trip to Baku with time in nearby Istanbul? Read our fun Things to Do in Istanbul in 3-4 Days Article for more ideas.
Hammams have different policies for entry and varying facilities, so have your hotel check which is best for you.
9. Lankaran: Hot Springs, Tea & Iron Tree Forests
One of the top reasons to visit Azerbaijan is the sheer diversity of nature found throughout the country.
Around 2 hours drive south of Baku youโll find yourself in the heart of ancient forests, wetlands, hot springs, and rich agricultural land. If you love nature and bird watching, youโre going to love visiting Shirvan National Park!
A small town of around 90,000, Lankaran is perhaps overlooked by many travelers who skip this southern subtropical coastal spot (near Iran) in favour of the northern mountains. But if you have the time, enjoy this sub-tropical region.
En route, stop off at the Masalli hot springs at Istisu. Or, an hour north, at Lerik, the village with a museum to its many centenarians! Ask someone to tell you the story of the Shepherd who lived there for over 150 years!!
The soil around Lankaran is also perfect for tea growing and over 90% of the countryโs domestic tea supply comes from these crops. Take a tour, then sample tea with the growers to learn how they get this brew to a perfect taste!
The other fascinating place to explore is Hirkan Nature Reserve where you can see the iron tree forests, now protected with UNESCO status.
10. Use Marriott Points & Ski In Azerbaijan
The ski scene in Azerbaijan may not compete with established slopes in the Rockies, Europe, or Japan! But my goodness, itโs such great value that this could turn out to be one of your top reasons to visit Azerbaijan.
A couple of hours North of Baku, Marriott Hotels (Autograph) has established 2 major hotel resorts in the heart of the Shahdag Mountain region. Two other resorts are based in Tufandag and Agbulag.
โก๏ธBook Your Accommodation at Pik Palace, Shahdag, Azerbaijan
Shahdag has been a ski resort since 2016 and is becoming more well-known around the globe. In 2025, the resort will host an international ski mountaineering World Cup competition.
With modern snow-making facilities, they can pretty much guarantee snowy slopes all season long.
There are also many outdoor winter activities if skiing isnโt for you including zip-lining, snowmobiling, tubing, snow paintball and even paragliding!
11. Land of Fire ‘Burning Springs’ Absheron
If youโre coming to Azerbaijan, also called the โLand of Fireโ, donโt miss seeing this natural phenomenon. Head to Yanar Bulag on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku.
There is a constant seepage of natural gases from under the earthโs surface which creates the fuel to set the water alight and it is quite something to see.
Other places advertise a similar experience. Check the details as some sites pipe gas to create this effect so avoid them as they are touristy and overpriced.
Centuries ago, Zoroastrianism was a major religion here such was the belief in the healing spirits of Fire and Water. Even today, some come to drink as a source of healing and we travelers usually say yes to a drink too!
Why Azerbaijan Isnโt Worth Visiting
From living here and having friends and family visit us, we believe reasons to visit Azerbaijan far outweigh those to avoid it. But here’s some things to consider:
Beach Resorts in Azerbaijan:
If you are looking for a warm-weather beach vacation hot spot, maybe consider neighboring Turkey. Yes, there is an amazing 500km coastline along the Caspian Sea and many seafront resorts.
Currently โpackageโ deals to Azerbaijan are not as competitive as those to other European beach destinations.
Driving in Azerbaijan:
It is possible to drive around Azerbaijan independently. However, to reach some mountainous villages that are worth visiting you need to be confident in off-road driving.
These routes are often single-track dirt roads at high elevations. You will find that English is less widely spoken in remote areas of the country.
Accessibility – Wheelchair & Mobility Ease:
Access for those with physical limitations may be difficult in places, so take this into account when determining your itinerary.
FAQs
Here are questions people frequently ask about reasons to visit Azerbaijan together with quality answers. We hope this helps you be even more inspired to travel to the Caspian.
Azerbaijan is full of ancient culture with UNESCO sites, stunning mountain scenery, traditional carpet making, caviar, wonderful flavours, and curiously bubbling mud volcanoes.
Baku, the modern capital city, has numerous things to do to fill a week, great restaurants to choose from. Palaces, parks, musical events, and a range of quality museums to name just a few.ย
Yes, alcohol is widely available in Azerbaijan. The legal age for drinking alcohol in Azerbaijan is 18. Drinking is not allowed in public places like on the street.
Beer is by far the most popular tipple: try the Xirdalan or Novxanฤฑ Beer brands. Carlsberg has invested in production in Azerbaijan, a sign that there is growing demand!ย
There is also a bourgeoning wine industry to explore. Most restaurants carry foreign wines from regional producers like Georgia and elsewhere in Europe.
You can bring spirits (vodka, gin) when you fly in, but there is a decent selection here especially of vodka, so we suggest buying it in Azerbaijan. It is available in the many supermarkets around town.
In cosmopolitan Baku, you will find gorgeous high-end cocktail lounge bars, some with incredible views over the Caspian.
๐TPOP Tip:
Never buy cheap alcohol on the street here (or anywhere). It is often unlabeled, homemade, largely methanol and it can kill you!ย
Azerbaijan is great value as a travel destination.
In our experience, you will find prices lower than in most Western European countries. Away from tourist hubs, you will find good value for money in accommodation, food, and transport. Note: Hotel costs in the capital spike when major events are on like the F1 racing event each September.
When we travel to Azerbaijan, we prefer to stay at smaller boutique hotels in Baku and elsewhere in the country. These fall into the mid-price range and are usually quite atmospheric in great locations. In our experience, it’s well worth paying a little more to stay in an authentic ancient Caravanserai in Sheki!
Eating out is very affordable if you choose local restaurants and the quality of food throughout Azerbaijan is fantastic.ย Check out local markets for delicious nuts, dried fruits, and cheap seasonal produce.
If you decide to use a tour company, it may be a little more expensive than driving yourself around, but it will be more relaxing if your time is limited.
In our experience living here, yes.ย Azeri culture is very family-orientated, inclusive, and respectful of others.ย It is more likely you will face issues from other foreign travelers than locals during your travels around Azerbaijan.
Although it’s fine to wear shorts and T-shirts around Baku, we suggest being a little more conservative in rural areas and around culturally important sites. If you plan to enter a mosque, bring a scarf to cover your head and wear below-the-knee/shoulder clothing.
It depends on your nationality.ย
For visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK for example, an e-visa is required. Apply at least 3 days before you plan to arrive (preferably a week or so in advance ) using the Azerbaijan Government E-Visa Application WebSite.ย
The E-Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and currently costs USD 20 plus a $5 service fee. You can pay via a credit card.
Just apply via the official government site above and have it available in printed form when you arrive at Baku airport.
Thought About Georgia?
One of the many reasons to visit Azerbaijan is that it isnโt packed with tourists (although we noticed a few more around town last visit).
This sense of freedom to roam, coupled with genuine and warm hospitality, ever-improving infrastructure, accessible historic sites, and wonderful mountains, nature/wildlife is what makes any Azerbaijan Itinerary so unique!
If you only make it to Baku, you will experience so much. And if you have the time and curiosity to venture further afield, we know youโll find a treasure trove of hidden gems that you simply won’t find in other European cities.
Read our guide to spending a week in Georgia and with easy 1 hour flights between Baku and Tbilisi, it’s a breeze to create an exciting 2 country adventure.
Azerbaijan – Making It Happen!
If it’s helpful to planning your trip to Azerbaijan here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these repeatedly, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!
โ๏ธ Flights
Find flights from your local airport to Baku. Expedia makes it easy to compare airlines and routes.
๐จ Hotels
B&B, boutique inns, self catering or a luxury resort booking.com has it and an easy 1-click reservation.
๐ซ Experiences
Plan to explore in Azerbaijan? From Baku to ancient Sheki, Viator is always adding cool new experiences.
๐ Transfers
Take the stress out of Transfers & avoid taxi lines. Welcome Pickups offers reliable worldwide services.
๐ Insurance
Good Insurance is a travel necessity these days. Visitors Coverage offers tailored global coverage.
๐ Car Rental
Looking to explore beyond Baku? Find & compare vehicles with DiscoverCars reputable site.
For more great travel planning essentials our Travel Resources will keep it simple and stress free to organize your Azerbaijan adventures.
