How to Plan your Historic and Modern Baku Tour

Are you planning a trip to Baku? If yes, then you must have already realized that the city is a beautiful blend of history and modernity. Baku has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the medieval period. It also has some of the most beautiful contemporary architecture in the world. In this blog post, we will take you through how to plan your Historic and Modern Baku Tour.

Experience

The tour includes three parts that will take you through different periods of Baku’s history. The excursion will begin by the entrance gates to Gosha Gala Gapisi in the Old City. You will get to see medieval architectural examples from the 12th century. The Old City is a UNESCO world-heritage listed site, and it is an open-air museum with many sights to see. You will walk through the ancient streets of the Old City, and your guide will explain its history and significance. After that, you will go through the examples of 19th and 20th-century buildings in the city, which are mainly linked to the oil boom and the history of the Russian Empire. You will see the architecture from the oil boom period. Finally, the tour will discuss the Soviet occupation of Azerbaijan and life in Baku today.

Highlights

• Walk through the ancient streets of the Old City
• See the architecture from the oil boom period
• Visit Upland Park to see the best panoramic views of Baku

Full Description

This tour has been designed to showcase the history and modernity of Baku. The walking tour takes you through different periods of the city’s history. It will give you insights into the rich cultural heritage of Baku and will show you some of the most beautiful contemporary architecture in the world. The tour is approximately 4 hours long and is excellent for those who want to learn more about Baku’s history and architecture. The first part of the tour takes you through the Old City. You will walk through the ancient streets, and your guide will explain its history and significance. You will see the entrance gates to Gosha Gala Gapisi, which is the starting point of the excursion. The Old City is a well-preserved medieval town, and it is an open-air museum with many sights to see. The second part of the tour takes you through different periods of Baku’s history. You will get to see examples of 19th and 20th-century buildings in the city, mainly linked to the oil boom and the history of the Russian Empire. You will see the architecture from the oil boom period. The final part of the tour takes you to Upland Park to see Baku’s best panoramic views. The tour discusses the Soviet occupation of Azerbaijan and life in Baku today. You will get to see the contrast between the ancient city and the modern Baku skyline.

Inclusions

The tour includes the following:

• Professional guide
• Transfer from the old city to Upland Park and Haydar Aliyev center (for private options)
• Funicular ticket
• Food
• Hotel pick-up (for private options)

How to Book the Tour

To book the Historic and Modern Baku Tour, visit this website. The tour takes approximately four hours, and the price includes the services of a professional guide, transfer, funicular ticket, food, and hotel pick-up for private options.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku is an amazing city that blends history and modernity. The Historic and Modern Baku Tour is a fantastic way to discover the city’s rich cultural heritage and its contemporary architecture. We hope this guide has helped you plan your tour of Baku.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baku

Are you planning a trip to Baku? Then you might have a lot of questions about this beautiful city. Here are some frequently asked questions with all the answers you need to know before starting your journey.

1. Where is Baku?

Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan, which is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to the south.

2. What is the population of Baku?

As of 2021, the estimated population of Baku is around 2.3 million, which makes it the largest city in Azerbaijan.

3. What is the official language in Baku?

The official language of Baku is Azerbaijani, which is a Turkic language widely spoken in Azerbaijan and Iran. However, English and Russian are also commonly spoken in most of the touristy areas and hotels.

4. What is the currency used in Baku?

The national currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat. You can easily exchange your foreign currency at any bank or currency exchange offices. Most hotels and restaurants in Baku accept credit/debit cards as payment.

5. What is the best time to visit Baku?

The best time to visit Baku is during the spring and autumn seasons, which is from April to June and September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without the heat of the summer or the cold of the winter. However, the summer season from July to August can be quite hot and humid, and the winter season from December to February can be cold and snowy.

6. What are the top tourist attractions in Baku?

Baku is a city full of historical landmarks, iconic architecture, and cultural attractions. Here are some of the top attractions you should not miss while visiting Baku:

• Old City (Icherisheher)
• Maiden Tower
• Shirvanshahs’ Palace
• Flame Towers
• Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)
• Baku Boulevard
• Nizami Street
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

7. How can I get around in Baku?

Baku has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro, taxis, and private taxis (Uber, Bolt, etc.). However, the most convenient way to get around in Baku is by using the metro system, which is fast, efficient, and cheap. You can also rent a car or a bike and explore the city on your own.

8. What are some local dishes to try in Baku?

Azerbaijani cuisine is known for its rich flavors, spices, and meaty dishes. Here are some of the local dishes that you should try while in Baku:

• Plov (Pilaf)
• Dolma (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
• Lavangi (Stuffed Chicken)
• Qutab (Stuffed Pancakes)
• Dushbara (Meat Dumplings)
• Kebab (Grilled Meat Skewers)
• Piti (Lamb Stew)
• Baklava (Sweet Pastry)

9. Is Baku a safe city for tourists?

Baku is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any other major city, there may be petty crimes such as pickpocketing or theft. It is advised to take necessary precautions while traveling such as avoiding dark and isolated areas at night, keeping an eye on your belongings, and using official taxis instead of private ones.

10. What are some traditional souvenirs to buy in Baku?

Baku has a variety of souvenir shops where you can find traditional handicrafts, carpets, and Azerbaijan-themed items. Here are some of the popular souvenirs to buy in Baku:

• Azerbaijan Carpet
• Pomegranate-themed souvenirs
• Gaval Dash (Musical Stone)
• Chai Set (Tea Glasses and Teapot)
• Traditional Clothing and Scarves
• Local Spices and Sweets

These are just some of the frequently asked questions about Baku. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to this beautiful city. Happy travels!

How to spend your time as a tourist in Baku

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern technology. From its rich cultural heritage to stunning architecture, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this multi-cultural city. Here are some of the best things to do in Baku:

1. Visit the Old City (Ichari Shahar)

The Old City, known locally as Ichari Shahar, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest parts of Baku. Visitors can wander through its narrow alleys and cobblestone streets to see the restored fifteenth-century palace of the Shirvanshahs, as well as other well-preserved medieval buildings. The Old City also boasts a number of museums and art galleries that showcase Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

2. Take a walk along Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard, stretching for 3.7 miles along the Caspian Sea coastline, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the impressive views of the city skyline. The boulevard features numerous cafés and restaurants, playgrounds, and Baku’s famed Carpet Museum.

3. Marvel at the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that dominate the city skyline, are a must-see for any tourist in Baku. Inspired by the country’s rich oil and gas reserves, the towers are covered in LED screens that show mesmerizing flame effects at night. Visitors can also take an elevator to the top of one of the towers for a panoramic view of Baku.

4. Explore the Central Botanical Garden of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

The Central Botanical Garden, located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, is a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you can stroll among thousands of plant species, including rare and exotic plants from around the world. The garden also features a butterfly pavilion, a lake, and several picnic areas for visitors.

5. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center, named after Azerbaijan’s former president, is a stunning example of contemporary architecture in Baku. Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the center houses exhibition halls, a conference center, and a museum dedicated to the life of Heydar Aliyev. Visitors can marvel at the building’s futuristic curves and explore its exhibitions and events.

6. See the Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower, also located in the Old City, is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history. The tower, which dates back to the twelfth century, is a symbol of Baku and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a stunning view of the Old City and the Caspian Sea.

7. Try local cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and exotic ingredients. Visitors to Baku can sample local delicacies such as plov (rice dish), dolma (stuffed vegetable dish), and qutab (flatbread stuffed with meat or vegetables) at one of the city’s many restaurants or street food vendors.

8. Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park and the mud volcanoes

Gobustan National Park, located just outside of Baku, is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore Azerbaijan’s geological wonders. The park is home to a number of prehistoric rock carvings and features unique mud volcanoes that are unlike anything else in the world. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history and geology.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, architecture, or simply enjoying the local cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do and see in this amazing city. So pack your bags and book your ticket – Baku awaits!