Exploring the City of Baku: Where to go and What to See

Baku, Azerbaijan, is one of the most enchanting cities located on the beautiful Caspian Sea. With a vibrant culture, friendly locals, and loads of things to see and do, Baku is quickly becoming an internationally renowned destination. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, a thrilling night on the town, or just a relaxing stroll through the city’s historic streets, the City of Winds has something to suit all tastes. Here’s our guide to the most exciting things you can do in Baku.

1. Take in a Performance at the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

One of the most famous attractions in Baku is the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. Opened in 1910, this beautiful theatre, with its gorgeous red brick exterior and bustling, art deco interiors, has long played host to some of the city’s most renowned performances. Whether you’re a fan of opera or ballet, it’s worth catching a show here at least once during your stay in Baku. Check their website for a list of upcoming performances.

2. Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

One of the most interesting places in the entire city is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This striking structure, located at the heart of Old Town, was built between the 12th and 15th centuries as a summer residence for the rulers of Shirvan. Inside, you’ll find various chambers decorated with tiled fireplaces, intricate carvings, and turquoise-tinted cloister walls—all a testament to the city’s glorious past. Don’t miss out on this remarkable piece of history during your time in Baku.

3. Take in Views from the Flame Towers

Baku is currently home to some of the most cutting-edge architecture in all of Central Asia. Among them are the Flame Towers, three striking golden-gold towers situated at the heart of Baku bay. When lit up at night, these impressive constructions emit a striking red, orange, and purple glow—creating a truly breathtaking effect for anyone gazing upon them from afar. Make sure to take your camera up to one of the observation decks for a never-to-be-forgotten view of this modern metropolis.

4. Spend an Evening at Flame Gardens

Once night falls, head over to Flame Gardens, which sits adjacent to the Flame Towers. This popular leisure and retail complex features tons of outdoor and indoor activities suitable for people of all ages. On summer nights, you’ll find locals gathering on one of the outdoor concert stages, while new restaurants and bars have recently opened to meet the demand of ever-growing crowds.

5. Enjoy Azerbaijani Food Down at Baku Old Town

The Historic Old Town area is one of the best places in Baku to sample some delicious local cuisine. Here, you’ll find plenty of cosy restaurants offering signature Azerbaijani dishes such as dolma (stuffed vegetables), plov (Boiled rice with vegetables or meat) and rice and yogurt soup (dovga). Sit down for some cozy meals here after spending a day sightseeing around old Town and be sure to order some local wine or beer with your meal—they will surely be a treat for your tastebuds!

6. Step Back in Time at Ateshgah Fire Temple

The Ateshgah Fire Temple is one of Baku’s most unique attractions—a Zoroastrian shrine set atop a hill just outside of town. This incredible piece of history has been dated back to some 2,000 years ago, making it one of Azerbaijan’s oldest religious sites. As you wander around its intricately designed interiors and spot vast flames dancing from its main alters, you’ll get a sense of just how significant this place was to ancient peoples of the region.

7. Discover Cupertino Park

If you’re looking for a bit of respite from sightseeing, be sure to make your way over to Cupertino Park, located north east Baku. This 26 hectare park is a mecca for lovers of nature and features recreational areas, ponds, picnic spots and a range of fun activities. Don’t miss out on boat rides offered on Cupertino Lake and be sure to keep an eye out for local folk who often perform traditional regional music here in the evenings— it’s truly an experience not to be missed!

8. Dive into Nightlife at Baku Pub Experience

Baku after dark can be quite an adventure as this city buzzes with energy at nightfall. Pub enthusiasts should make their way to Buku Pub Experience where they’ll find great food and drinks from around he World as well as an excellent programme of themed events or DJs spinning today’s hits through till late into the night. This lively venue can easily become your favorite destination for late night fun and lively conversations in Baku! Check out Viator’s Baku Pub Experience tour to discover more about this incredible spot and find out how you can have fun here while discovering more about Baku’s nightlife scene!

Whether you plan on exploring some ancient historic sites or live it up at one of Baku’s many nightclubs—there’s something here for everyone in this exciting city! We hope our guide will help you plan some amazing experiences during your time in Baku—all that’s left to do now is have some fun!