The Ultimate Guide To What To Do In Baku

Baku is the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan. It is a city of juxtapositions, with its modern skyline overlooking the old city – an area of cobblestone streets and ancient sites that contains some of the oldest traces of an organized city anywhere in the world. It is undoubtedly a fascinating place to explore, but with so much on offer it can be difficult to know what to do in Baku. This guide is your ultimate source to the best attractions, sites and day trips to enjoy during your time in the city.

Sightseeing In Baku

The Old Town of Baku lies at the heart of the city and is a great place to start exploring. Here you will find 19th century architecture next to walkways that date back centuries earlier. The city walls provide a wonderful backdrop, while the Shirvanshah Palace, Maiden Tower and Caravanserai – the city’s landmarks – are must-sees.

Part of Baku’s appeal is that it provides a captivating blend of old and new. Away from the floating markets and bazaars of the old town, you can find modern marvels such as the Flame Towers that reach high skyward into shimmering fire-style lighting around nightfall. And if you’re feeling daring, why not sample a ride on the Baku Eye, from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Museums and Galleries in Baku

History buffs will love what Baku has to offer. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Azerbaijan National History Museum showcase everything related to Azerbaijan and its cultural heritage, comprehensive enough to keep even avid museum-goers enthralled. Another great spot is the Heydar Aliyev Centre, an Azeri national museum known for its iconic architecture.

Those interested in art can also find exciting cultural places to visit. The Nizami State Museum of Azerbaijan Literature is a beautifully-maintained structure that shows off 16th century calligraphy and manuscripts. Further down is the AzNavour museum, dedicated to one of Armenia’s greatest singers, Charles Aznavour, who was actually born in this area. To get an in-depth understanding of the region’s culture, check out Cult.az – known for its exhibition on contemporary Azeri culture, it’s one of the fastest growing museums in Baku today.

Culinary Delights in Baku

Baku is famed for its succulent cuisine, and it doesn’t disappoint! Head to Old Town Square or Nevchi Garden near Fountain Square and devour some traditional Azerbaijani dishes such as kebab with pita or pakhlava (a dessert made with a type of pastry). The city is also famed for its beautiful tea gardens, so do enjoy a hot cup of Chyen Tea while admiring the stunning views.

For those feeling adventurous, there are plenty of interesting venues to choose from. For a traditional Azerbaijani experience, head over to Meykhana – a live music venue where Azeri folk dances take place as guests tuck into traditional Azeri cuisine. For something completely unique, visit Salaseiner – also known as the ‘Etnokafe’, it serves traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with vegan options too!

Shopping in Baku

Shopping enjoyment is always on the agenda during any visit to Baku. From local brands stores to flea markets – this is a true paradise for shoppers of all types. Teze Bazaar – close to Metro Station 28 – is the place to come for fresh fruit, vegetables and spices and Taza Bazar also offers superb prices on everything including clothes and souvenirs – two essential stops for any visitor! Head over to Fountains Square for high-end luxury stores and multi-brand retailers, while Nizami Street offers a range of upmarket shops. There are also a handful of urban malls that feature everything from pharmacies and electronic stores to cake shops and cinemas.

Day Trips From Baku

Day trips are a great way to get off the beaten track and really experience Azerbaijan culture in depth. If you plan enough time for your visit, there are quite a few locations worth exploring outside of Baku:

• Absheron Peninsula: located just north of the city, this triangle-shaped peninsula has old relics such as fire temples and medieval sites that are worth checking out.
• Sheki: about 4 hours by car from Baku, this town boasts captured history such as 12th century fortresses, ancient ruins and churches – enough to keep adventurous visitors occupied.
• Nəngi Castle: located south of Baku near Sumgayit city, this 15th-century castle was once used by Azerbaijani rulers. It is now home to lush gardens and stunning towers.
• Shahdag: located 250 km north east from Baku, this mountain resort is an ideal destination for skiing during winter months or glorious hikes and sightseeing during summer.

Exploring Azerbaijan with Viator

Whether you’re looking for an activity with friends or just want something different to do this weekend, Viator has some great activities to choose from all across Azerbaijan! For example, why not try out their Baku Wine Crawl? This incredible tour takes you to several of the most popular wine bars in town for fantastic food, cocktails and more! It’s an amazing way to experience the city like an insider whilst also tasting some delicious local wines – perfect for those looking for an unforgettable experience!

Baku is a destination full of surprises, with plenty of activities available for travelers of all ages. The aim of this article was to give you an in-depth understanding of what there is on offer while visiting Baku – from top attraction sites such as Old Town Square and Heydar Aliyev Centre (don’t miss these!) through to culinary delights, shopping experiences and day trips outside of the city. So whether you are planning your first trip or just looking for some inspiration on what there is to do in Baku – this guide has something in store for everyone!