Walking Tour in Baku Old City: Exploring the Ancient City of Lights

Are you planning a trip to Baku? If so, you’ll want to visit the oldest and most culturally significant part of the city – the Old City. Exploring the Old City on foot gives you the opportunity to really get to know the city. On this walking tour of Baku’s Old City, you’ll get to see its ancient walls, mosques, and a variety of other sights.

What to See on a Walking Tour of Baku’s Old City

The Old City of Baku is situated on the Unabdeh plateau an area which has been inhabited since ancient times. On a walking tour of the Old City, you’ll get to explore some of its historic sites and attractions, including:

• The Palace of The Shirvanshahs
• Maiden Tower
• The Caravanserai
• The Historical Bathhouse
• Gala Fortress
• The fourteenth century Shoichi Mosque

These are just some of the attractions that you’ll explore along the way. Other points of interest include Baku’s old markets and bazaars, as well as its many ancient buildings and monuments.

What Does a Baku Old City Walking Tour Include?

Most walking tours are approximately three hours long and will take you around the Old City, giving you the opportunity to explore its attractions in depth. Typically, the tour starts with a visit to the Palace of The Shirvanshahs, which was the residence of Baku’s rulers for several centuries.

The historic center of Baku is built around a Medieval Castle which was built in the ninth century and surrounded by walls for protection. As part of your walking tour of the city, you’ll visit the Palace Gate, the Palace Square, and many other interesting sites. You’ll also get to visit the Maiden Tower, which is one of Baku’s most iconic landmarks. A trip to the Caravanserai is also included on most tours and this impressive structure was once used as an overnight stop by travelling merchants.

What Else is Included?

Most tours also include a visit to Baku’s Historical Bathhouse and other interesting places such as zoroastrian temples, craftsman workshops, cemeteries and mosques. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample Azerbaijani food at one of Baku’s traditional restaurants or cafes.

Is a Baku Old City Walking Tour Worth it?

A walking tour of Baku’s Old City is an excellent way to explore the city in depth and gain a greater understanding of Azerbaijani culture and history. Tours typically include an expert guide who can provide interesting insight into key sites as well as a good overview of the local area. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone who wants to learn more about Baku and its historic culture, a walking tour of the city is well worth considering.

Baku’s old city walking tours offer an excellent insight into one of the world’s most fascinating cities. From ancient monuments and heritage sites to stalls filled with local delicious delicacies, a walking tour of Baku’s old city has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Baku, do consider taking a tour with GetYourGuide. A guided walking tour of the Old City is surely one of the best ways to explore and experience this beautiful city!

An Insider’s Guide to Baku: Exploring the Ancient City of Lights

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a beautiful place to explore in the Caucasus region. The city is the perfect blend of ancient and modern, with a rich cultural heritage, historical architecture and a thriving contemporary arts scene. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through the streets of Baku’s Old City, also known as Icheri Sheher, and explore the best cultural experiences, off-the-beaten-path suggestions, dining spots, and local attractions.

Local Attractions in Baku Old City

Baku’s Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s surrounded by ancient walls and the Caspian Sea. This part of the city is brimming with historical landmarks such as the iconic Maiden Tower, the towering walls of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, ancient mosques, and narrow streets.

The Maiden Tower is situated along the seafront and has become an iconic symbol of Baku within the Old City walls. Pay a visit to the tower to learn more about its historical significance and climb to the top for stunning views of the Caspian Sea.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is another historical landmark that’s well worth a visit. The palace complex dates back to the 15th century and was in use by the Shirvanshah dynasty. Explore the palace, take a stroll through the gardens and soak up all the history and culture.

Dining Spots in Baku Old City

Azerbaijani cuisine is a culinary blend of flavors from the Silk Road, Russia, Persia, and the Caucasus. When in Baku, it’s a must-try for foodies to have Plov and Dolma, the locally loved national dishes. One of the best traditional Azerbaijani restaurants in the Old City is Art Garden. They have an extensive menu, a great ambiance, and live music sessions in the evenings.

Nar Cafe is another popular spot in Baku Old City, serving up delicious Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist. Try their kebabs, vegetarian dolma and fresh salads while taking in the views of the stone-paved alleys of the Old City.

Cultural Experiences in Baku Old City

Experience Azerbaijani traditional art and craftsmanship at the Carpet Museum. The museum has an impressive carpet collection, including some of the rarest carpets in the world. You can explore the intricate designs and history behind each piece.

Another cultural experience is visiting the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall. This historic venue has been in use for over 80 years and regularly hosts classical and traditional Azerbaijani music concerts. If you’re a music enthusiast, don’t miss a chance to catch a performance.

Local History in Baku Old City

Discover the local history of Baku in the Museum of Miniature Books, which is home to a collection of over 13,000 books, all scaled-down miniature versions of their actual size. The museum houses informative artifacts about Azerbaijan’s history, including the oil industry, musical heritage, and cultural traditions.

Visit the Museum of Modern Art, which showcases the works of current Azerbaijani artists. See the rich and varied art of performers from painters and sculptors to video and performance artists.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions in Baku Old City

To get away from the crowds, head to the Old City’s tea houses for a taste of traditional Azerbaijani culture. One of the best is the Tea House on Seid Abbasov Street, serving tasty local pastries and tea in a cozy and vintage ambiance.

You can also explore Baku’s “memory lane,” also known as the Elchin Amiraslanov street sculpture walk. The path takes you through a visual history of Azerbaijan and its people by displaying sculptures of famous writers and poets who made significant contributions to the country’s artistic and cultural milieu.

In conclusion, a visit to Baku’s Old City is worth it for anyone who wants to experience centuries of culture and history of Azerbaijan. So, grab your walking shoes, delve deep into the city’s narrow alleys, and get lost in an unforgettable experience.