What are the Best Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan?

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a fast-growing tourist destination. Located on the coast of the Caspian Sea, it is the largest city in the Caucasus region. This port city is a great place to enjoy the rich history and culture of Azerbaijan, as well as visit some incredible attractions. But, what are the best things to do in Baku?

Baku is a melting pot of culture, art, and cuisine. There is something here for everyone, whether you are looking for a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway. From visiting ancient castles to taking in stunning monuments, here are some of the best things to do in Baku.

Visit Old City Baku

Old City Baku is the heart and soul of the city and is the most popular attraction to visit. Located at the southeastern end of Baku’s Inner City, Old City Baku contains some remarkable archaeological sites from different historical periods. This site also houses important monuments and monuments from the 12th century.

The area is surrounded by city walls that were originally built in the 9th Century. While walking around Old City Baku you will find several iconic buildings such as Shirvanshah Palace – a 16th century royal palace – and Maiden Tower – a 12th century cylindrical tower. Here you can also see unique architecture from different ages, such as the ruined walls from the 7th century and Mud Volcanoes – which were formed due to underground oil fires.

Old City Baku is also home to many monuments and mosques that are popular tourist attractions. Visitors can also read about Azerbaijan’s national story at Azerbaijan National History Museum located in Maiden Tower, as well as find traditional souvenirs at Park Boulevard Shopping Centre.

Experience a Cultural Night Out

Experience a spectacular evening with cultural performances at Fountain Square or stroll around Nizami Street for its vibrant mix of restaurants and entertainment venues. Afterwards, make sure to take a ride on the Sheki-Zaqatala cable car to enjoy impressive views of Baku.

The best time to visit is usually during peak summer months, when people come together to enjoy music and dance festivals like Daynakura Fire Festival and Baku White City Fire Fest. But beyond the cultural events, local street musicians and folk bands provide music and stories to enjoy while walking around the city streets. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars which offer delicious traditional dishes, perfect to pair with an amazing evening atmosphere. Further, bars and clubs around Fountain Square host some of the best international acts and have something for every music lover!

Explore Nizami Street

Nizami Street is Baku’s oldest street with plenty of shops and shopping centers. It stretches from Fountains Square to 28 May Street with souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes located all over it. Visitors can explore different architectural styles with traditional buildings and modern establishments placed side-by-side along this popular street. It’s also a great location for finding unique souvenirs as this street has several stores selling local crafts, clothing, carpets and textiles that you won’t find anywhere else. Tourists can even participate in an exciting carpet weaving workshop here to learn more about this special craftwork!

Discover the Palace of The Shirvanshahs

The Palace of The Shirvanshahs is one of the most important landmarks in Baku. The complex was home of the ruling family of Shirvanshahs between 13th-16th centuries and today it is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is situated on Icheri Sheher hill surrounded by city walls with 40 towers, making it one of the most significant historical sites in Azerbaijan. Here you can explore various buildings including Diwan’s cult buildings, The Mugham Hall and The Divankhana Hall with walls decorated with exquisite patterns and vibrant colors.

Visit Gobustan National Park

Gobustan National Park is an archaeological site located south of Baku on the coast of Caspian Sea. This national park is full of fascinating ancient rock arts carved into cliffs at a time before written history was recorded. It’s here where you will find more than 6000 rock engravings and petroglyphs that date back as far as 40,000 years ago. In addition to rock arts, Gobustan National Park offers an immense variety of flora and fauna with picturesque landscapes consisting of limestone formations, mud volcanoes, fields and even archaeological sites from different eras.

Take a Trip to Yanar Dag

Yanar Dag is an awe-inspiring sight located just outside Baku and means “burning mountain’ in Turkish language. It’s located on a slope of a hill covered with perennially burning gas flames made up from natural gas which was probably caused by an earthquake some 5000 years ago. Visit this place during sunset hour to admire its gorgeous red glow against the darkening sky. This spectacular site has become one of the most visited places near Baku due to its remarkable view and interesting cultural story behind it.

Experience Wine Tasting in Wine Crawl Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a more modern adventure, then join a Wine Crawl Walking Tour in Baku! This tour will take you through some of the cities hidden treasures while getting to taste some delicious local wines. You’ll be guided through a vibrant outdoor market where you can sample traditional Azerbaijani delicacies before exploring Old Town’s backyard bars, cafes and wine cellars where you will taste some delightful local wines chosen by your knowledgeable guide. With this tour, you will get to experience Baku’s bustling street life and unique culture while enjoying extraordinary wines from around the world! So take your taste buds on an adventure and book your Wine Crawl Walking Tour now!

Visiting Baku is like exploring different eras with modern amenities displayed alongside historical sights that tells stories from the past. With each visit comes a chance to experience something new and exciting – so start planning your dream trip today! From visiting ruins of ancient cultures to more modern experiences like wine tasting in a walking tour, there are plenty of amazing things for everyone to enjoy in Baku!