Baku Azerbaijan Travel Guide
Welcome to Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea. This Baku Azerbaijan Travel Guide showcases a dazzling blend of ancient heritage and futuristic architecture, where centuries-old mosques and caravanserais stand alongside sleek skyscrapers and the iconic Flame Towers.
At the heart of the city lies the UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher), a maze of cobblestone streets, medieval walls, the iconic Maiden Tower, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Wander the atmospheric alleys, discover hidden teahouses, and explore one of the most beautifully preserved historic centers in the Caucasus.
Beyond the Old City, stroll along the Caspian waterfront on Baku Boulevard, admire the sweeping views from Upland Park, and experience the modern marvels of the Heydar Aliyev Center and the Carpet Museum. By night, watch the Flame Towers light up in a fiery spectacle that has become the symbol of the city. With its mix of Persian, Ottoman, and Soviet influences, world-class cuisine, and year-round events, Baku offers an unforgettable fusion of culture, energy, and seaside charm.
Best Azerbaijan Itineraries
Baku Itineraries
Choose the perfect itinerary based on how much time you have
1 Day in Baku
Quick VisitBest for: First-time visitors and short layovers.
- Baku Old City (Icherisheher) – UNESCO site
- Maiden Tower & Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Baku Boulevard & Seaside Park stroll
- Flame Towers viewpoint (especially at sunset)
- Evening walk through Fountain Square
Tip: Start early in the Old City to avoid crowds and enjoy the best morning light on the ancient walls.
3 Days in Baku
RecommendedBest for: First-time visitors wanting city highlights + culture.
- Full Old City exploration & museums
- Heydar Aliyev Center & modern architecture tour
- Carpet Museum & National Museum of History
- Baku Boulevard by day + Highland Park views
- Local cuisine (plov, dolma) & Fountain Square nightlife
Tip: Stay in or near the Old City or Boulevard area for the best atmosphere and walkability.
7 Days in Baku
Deep DiveBest for: Slow travelers and those exploring beyond the capital.
- Thorough discovery of Baku’s Old City, museums & modern side
- Gobustan Petroglyphs & Mud Volcanoes day trip
- Ateshgah Fire Temple & Absheron Peninsula tour
- Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) & wine tasting in the region
- Caspian Sea boat trip or beach day + day trip to Sheki/Ganja
Tip: Use Baku as your comfortable base to explore the Absheron Peninsula, ancient sites, and other parts of Azerbaijan.
How to Get to & Around Baku
Practical guide to reaching and exploring Azerbaijan’s modern capital on the Caspian Sea
By Plane
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
• Major hub with direct flights from Europe, Asia, Middle East & CIS countries
• 25–40 min from city centre
• Airport Express bus: 1.30 AZN
• Taxi / Bolt: 15–25 AZN
By Train
Baku Central Railway Station
• Comfortable trains from Tbilisi (Georgia), Moscow, and other Azerbaijani cities
• Night trains from Sheki, Ganja & other regions
• Book via ADY app or railway.az
By Bus
Frequent & affordable connections
• From Sheki: 4.5–6 hrs (€8–12)
• From Ganja: 3–4 hrs
• From Tbilisi: 8–10 hrs
• Main station: Baku International Bus Terminal (Avtovokzal)
Getting Around Baku
• Modern metro system (single ride 0.30 AZN)
• Buses & marshrutkas: 0.30–0.50 AZN
• Bolt / Uber / Taxi: 4–12 AZN within city
• Old City & Boulevard best explored on foot
Top Things To See & Experiences in Baku
Top Attractions in Sheki
4 must-visit places that define Azerbaijan’s fairy-tale mountain town
Sheki Khan’s Palace
UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece with stunning shebeke stained-glass windows and vibrant frescoes.
Must-See:
• Intricate palace interiors
• Rose garden & ancient trees
• Summer residence of the khans
Sheki Caravanserai
Magnificent 18th-century Silk Road inn, now a charming hotel and museum piece.
Must-See:
• Grand courtyard
• Trading hall architecture
• Historic atmosphere
Church of Kish
Ancient Albanian church in the picturesque village of Kish, one of the oldest in the Caucasus.
Must-See:
• 12th-century architecture
• Peaceful mountain setting
• Cultural museum inside
Gelersen-Görersen Fortress
Dramatic medieval fortress on a cliff offering breathtaking views over Sheki and the Caucasus.
Must-See:
• Panoramic mountain vistas
• Ruins & hiking trails
• Sunset viewpoints
