What To Do In Baku? Find Out The Best Things The Azerbaijani City Offers

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and its most populous city. Located at the junction of Europe and Asia, it’s the beginning point of the ancient Silk Road, former home to Zoroastrian fire temples and one of the earliest oil boomtowns in the world. It has seen great empires come and go and endured invasions and occupation by multiple powers, from the Arabic caliphate to the Mongol empire to Russia.
Today, Baku is a bustling and dynamic modern city with a lively art scene, world-class museums and galleries, spectacular architecture and an incredible variety of activities. From its picturesque cobblestone soccer arena to its traditional wooden tea houses, the city has something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
So what are some of the best things to do in Baku? Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

Explore Historic Old Town

The historic Old Town of Baku, also known as the Inner City, is one of the foundations of the city. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The oldest part of Baku’s Old Town is Icheri Sheher (which translates as “inner city”). This fascinating area features an authentic medieval streetscape with historic buildings, mosques and caravanserais which were used by travelers along the Silk Road and other trade routes.
Icheri Sheher also has some great museums, such as the Museum of Miniature Books and the Carpet Museum. Be sure to visit the Maiden Tower and enjoy the stunning views from its top of the city’s skyline.

Enjoy Nightlife

Baku is a vibrant city bursting with life and energy, no matter what hour of the day it is. The nightlife here is especially exciting and offers a large selection of bars, clubs and lounges that stay open until dawn. The most popular nightlife hotspots include La Bohemia Baku, Eleven Pub, Fisherman’s Lodge and Bar, TStop Club and Black Diamonds.
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, be sure to check out one of Baku’s traditional tea houses – you’ll find them all around the city. They offer a unique cultural experience – sip a cup or two of sweet black tea while listening to traditional music played by gypsy bands on accordions or keyboards.

Shop at Local Markets

Shopping in Baku is an exciting experience – there are several markets full of colorful goods and an array of souvenir shops. One of the most famous markets is Bakr Bazaar, located near Nizami Street. Not only is it popular among locals but it’s also one of the city’s oldest markets. Here you’ll find a huge selection of goods from traditional Azerbaijani carpets to jewelry, clothes and other souvenirs.
Don’t miss out on Bibi Heybat, an historical neighborhood where traders have been selling fresh seafood for centuries. The traditional heart of the market is held inside a grand mosque – be sure to visit it for great seafood dishes and a glimpse into local life.

Visit World Heritage Sites

Baku is bursting with World Heritage sites – four in total, which were inscribed by UNESCO in 2003. These include two ancient cities, AteshgahFire Temple and Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. The Ateshgah Fire Temple was an ancient Zoroastrian worshipping complex constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries – it features a unique combination of Hindu and Islamic architecture. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was an important Stone Age settlement over 10 millennia ago – it includes a fascinating collection of petroglyphs and tombs carved into granite outcrops at various locations around the region.

Visit Other Local Attractions

As well as its many attractions listed above, Baku also has plenty more to offer for visitors looking for interesting experiences. These include Heydar Aliyev Center – a stunning contemporary building designed by Zaha Hadid and boasting a conference hall, auditorium and museum; Yanar Dag – an impressive natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries; and Mount Mingachevir – a picturesque mountain park perched on top of a hill overlooking Baku Bay.

Conclusion

Baku is an incredible city that has something for everyone to enjoy. From its captivating history and culture to its lively nightlife and plenty of attractions, it’s sure to offer an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore. So why wait? Pack your bags and head over to Azerbaijan’s capital for an adventure you won’t forget!
If you are considering visiting Baku Turkmen Tourism’s Guideis a great resource to learn more about all that this wonderful city has to offer!