10 great things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

If you’re planning a trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, you’re in for a treat. The capital city is full of fascinating history, stunning architecture, and unique cultural experiences. Here are my top 10 must-do activities in Baku:

Check Out The Old Town Of Baku

The Old Town of Baku, also known as Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest part of the city. It’s surrounded by medieval walls and features narrow, winding streets that lead to historic buildings and monuments. Inside the Old Town, you can find landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was once the residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty rulers, and the Maiden Tower, which is a mysterious cylindrical structure that dates back to the 12th century. The Old Town also has several charming cafes and restaurants where you can try local cuisine and relax after a day of exploring.

Good to know | If you want to eat dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in old town, make sure to book in advance! When I visited all high rated places were full on a Saturday evening, even though there were barely any tourists in the city.

See the oil pumps and oil fields around Baku

Baku has been known as the “City of Oil” since the late 19th century, and the oil industry still plays a significant role in the city’s economy. It’s not hard to see why it earned this name – all around the city there are hundreds and hundreds of colorful oil pumps and fields that dot the landscape. You’ll see them as you travel along the highway or take a stroll through the countryside. The pumps are left unguarded and painted in bright colors, making them an unforgettable sight. Actually it was my first time seeing an oil field, and it was quite shocking to see how small-scale and accessible these little oil pumps looked, almost like everyone could just pop one in their back garden. I always imagined oil extraction as something huge, dangerous and fenced off. Here you can actually just walk up to the structures and snap some photos, which is what I did.

One of the best places to witness the scale of the industry is at the Bibi-Heybat Oil Refinery, which is located on the outskirts of Baku. You will have a chance to see this part of town if you decide to visit the nearby Bibi Heybat mosque. 

Good to know | If you go on an organized day trip from Baku in any direction, you will be able to see the oil fields. If you want to go it alone, you can combine it with Bibi Heybat mosque – Take a taxi to the mosque, and after visiting, head north on foot towards Baku Higher Oil School Bus Stop. As you walk, you’ll notice numerous oil pumps scattered around on your right everywhere you look.

Visit one of the famous Mosques And Check Out Its Interior

There are 3 outstanding mosques to visit in Baku, the Heydar Mosque, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque and the Taza Pir Mosque. I decided to visit the latter.

The Taza Pir Mosque is located close to the city’s other main attractions, making it easy to visit. Situated on a hilltop, the mosque offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, which you can enjoy by walking up before or after visiting the old town. Its blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture styles make it one of the most beautiful mosques in the city. The mosque’s exterior is striking, with intricate details and beautiful carvings on the walls and domes. Inside, the stunning chandeliers, ornate tiling, and intricate carvings make it equally impressive. When I visited, there were barely any people inside or around the mosque. The entrance is located to the side, not directly at the gate where the long pathway leads, so it can be easily missed. The atmosphere inside the mosque is peaceful and serene, making it a great place to pause and reflect. 

Good to know | The mosque is open between 4am and 9pm. Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. 

Stroll Along Baku Promenade And Check Out Mini Venice

The 4km long Baku Promenade is a beautiful spot to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the fresh sea air. It runs along the Caspian Sea and offers stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline. 

There are three things you can check out on the way. The first one is the carpet museum (it’s a huge building shaped like a carpet, hard to miss! :D). The second highlight is Mini Venice, which is a miniature replica of the famous Italian city. Here, you can take a ride on a gondola and explore the canals that wind through the miniature city. It’s not a stunning site in itself, but the promenade is a pleasant place to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere anyway. And lastly you can do a bit of shopping in the Caspian Waterfront Mall, which is housed in a beautiful modern building and has many famous mid-priced fashion brands (for high-end luxury there are other dedicated malls).

I was also curious to see the Caspian sea for the first time. Don’t get too excited though, there is absolutely nothing to see, just (surprisingly green) water. It’s rather the knowledge that you are standing on the shore of a new sea for the first time! There are also several cafes and restaurants along the promenade where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Good to know | The carpet museum is closed on Mondays (otherwise open 10 am to 6 pm). The entry fee is 15 manat for adult international visitors. Mini Venice is open every day from 10:40 am to 11:30 pm). The entry fee is 3 AZN for adults and free for kids under 5. 

Hike Up The Highland Park for a great view

The Highland Park is a beautiful park that offers panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea. The park is located on a hill that overlooks the city and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. It is also home to the Eternal Flame Memorial, which is dedicated to the soldiers who died in World War II. There’s a sense of calm and serenity in the park, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Admire The Hypermodern Beauty Of Heydar Aliyev Centre

The Heydar Aliyev Centre is a remarkable example of modern architecture in Baku, and it’s definitely worth a visit to admire its unique design. The building was designed by Zaha Hadid, a world-renowned architect who was known for her cutting-edge and innovative designs. The structure is made of white concrete and appears to be a continuous curve, with no apparent beginning or end. Inside the building, you can explore the various exhibitions and displays that showcase Azerbaijan’s culture and history. The center also hosts a range of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. 

Good to know | Open every day except Monday, from 10 am to 7 pm. The entry fee varies depending on the exhibition or event, but it’s usually around 15 to 20 AZN for adults. 

Go On A Day Trip To Gobustan And The Mud Volcanoes

About 65 kms south of Baku lies Gobustan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock art and mud volcanoes. You can take a day trip from Baku to explore this unique landscape and learn about the area’s history. 

The rock carvings in Gobustan, Azerbaijan are considered to be one of the most significant and well-preserved collections of prehistoric art in the world. These petroglyphs were created by ancient inhabitants of the region over thousands of years, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period. The carvings depict a wide variety of subjects, including animals like wild boar, deer, and gazelle, as well as human figures engaged in hunting, dancing, and other activities.

Many of the carvings are thought to be connected to ancient religious practices, and some of the images are still being studied by scholars today to uncover their true meaning. The site itself is also notable for its beautiful natural surroundings, with rolling hills and sweeping vistas that make it an ideal spot for hiking and exploring. 

Mud volcanoes are one of Azerbaijan’s unique natural wonders. The largest concentration of mud volcanoes is in Azerbaijan – there are over 400 mud volcanoes in the country, with the majority located in the Gobustan region. These geological features are formed by the release of natural gas and mud from the Earth’s surface. As the pressure builds up, the mixture of mud and gas is forced to the surface, resulting in eruptions of bubbling mud.

The mud volcanoes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from small mounds to larger hills, with some reaching up to several hundred meters in height. They are also known for their varied colors, from white and gray to yellow, red, and even black. Some mud volcanoes are active, while others are dormant. It’s a unique experience to see the bubbling mud and feel the heat and sulfuric smell emanating from the vents. Some mud volcanoes even spew flames and can be quite a sight to behold, while others are cold enough that you can stick your hand in them.

Good to know | A day trip usually costs around 30 AZN, but you have to buy some of the entry tickets on top. Ask the tour company what the trip includes. The entrance fee to Gobustan is 10 AZN for adults and 1 AZN for students.

Learn About The History Of The Zoroastrianism In Azerbaijan At Ateshgah Fire Temple

Ateshgah Fire Temple, also known as the Baku Atashgah, is a unique historical and cultural monument located in Surakhani, a suburb of Baku, Azerbaijan. It was originally built during the 17th-18th centuries as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. The temple was constructed on top of a natural gas vent, which fueled the fire temple. The temple’s architecture is a mix of Indian and Azerbaijani styles. The central building is a quadrangular pavilion with a domed roof, and there are four small cells at the corners. The main attraction of the temple is the burning flame that has been burning for centuries. The flame was believed to be sacred and was worshiped by Zoroastrians.

Good to know | The temple is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except on Mondays. Visitors are advised to dress modestly when visiting the temple, and it is recommended to wear clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. For foreign visitors, the entrance fee is around 20 AZN

Admire the Flame Towers, from up close or afar

The Flame Towers are a modern landmark of Baku. These towering skyscrapers are covered in LED screens that display a flickering flame effect at night, making for a truly stunning sight.

Try Azerbaijani cuisine

Azerbaijan is famous for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Turkish, Persian, and Russian influences, reflecting the country’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Here are some interesting dishes to try while you’re here:

• Plov: A traditional Azerbaijani rice pilaf, usually made with lamb, chicken or beef, and flavored with saffron.
• Shah Plov: An interesting variant of plov, ‘Khan ashi‘, or shah plov, consists of a hearty rice base, topped with meat and finished with a crust of fried dough. It is made of flaky lavash, in which the plov is cooked. Since the dish can remain warm for up to several hours after cooking, it is perfect for weddings, parties, and other special occasions.
• Qutab: Flatbread filled with herbs, meat, or cheese, usually served with yogurt. (My personal favorite, especially the herb one filled with parsley and dill. Yum!)
• Dushbara: Small dumplings filled with minced lamb and served in a meat broth with sour cream.
• Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs.
• Kebab: Grilled skewers of meat, usually lamb or beef, that are seasoned with various spices and herbs.
• Lavangi: Chicken or fish wrapped in grape leaves and baked with walnuts, onions, and pomegranate seeds.
• Kutum: A Caspian Sea fish that is typically grilled or baked and served with a side of pomegranate sauce.
• Mangal Salaty (vegetable salad): People in Azerbaijan love salad, which is a huge plus! They serve a variety of fresh vegetable salads with kebabs and other meat dishes. There are a wide range of salads, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, red onions, pomegranate seeds, herbs, sunflower or olive oil, and garlic, among others.
• Sheki halva: A traditional Azerbaijani sweet made from ground sesame seeds, sugar, and nuts.
• Pakhlava: A pastry filled with chopped nuts, sugar, and honey syrup.