Baku: A Travel Guide

Baku, the city of winds, is the largest city and capital of Azerbaijan. Lying near the Caspian Sea, Baku is steeped in history. Three sites in the area have been marked as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nowruz is a big holiday in Baku that lasts for seven days. It is one of the best time periods to visit the city. Seasons like autumn and spring will be comfortable to go around Baku, as other times the weather is too harsh. Operators like Visit-Azerbaijan, that specialize in tours of Azerbaijan can be useful if you are from a different country and need to plan a full holiday.

How to get there?

One can make trips to Baku, Azerbaijan from Turkey and Iran through Kars–Tbilisi–Baku railway, commuter ferries or catamarans. The Heydar Aliyev International Airport also provides services to Baku. There are cabs, intercity buses and metro system for travel within Baku.

Where to stay?

You can stay in the old town or choose a modern accommodation near the shoreline. There are plenty of hostels if you are travelling on a strict budget. For a medium budget, you can experience the Icheri Sheher Hotel in the old town or go for Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, one of the best Azerbaijan Hotels known for luxury.

What to do?

The UNESCO sites - Shirvanshahs’ Palace and the Maiden Tower, located within the city walls, are accessible by foot. Gobustan, a few kilometers away from Baku is also a historical attraction. The Baku Boulevard or Seaside National Park has best night views of Baku as well as the Caspian Sea. The Ateshgah Temple is another historical site that may pique your interest. Natural attractions like the Yanar Dagh, a burning mountain, where the flame never goes out due to the gas reserves and the mud volcanoes are a must see. Check out the ancient hamams or baths along with the beautiful Caravanserai. Little Venice, Fountains Square and Bilgah Beach are other places downtown that you can enjoy. The Nizam Street is great for shopping, but if you don’t prefer that, walk the street for its beautiful lighting at night.

What to eat?

If you are in Baku, you must try the local cuisine. The food can be cheap, and you can try items like Plov, fried dough vegetable filled packets or traditional pancakes like Goyarti Gutabi. There are international fast food chains in Baku if you are more comfortable with those. Plov resembles biryani that includes meat, spices, dry fruits and nuts. Try Qutab – a pancake filled with cheese, meat or vegetables and Dushabara which is similar to Japanese momos. There are other dishes like Saj, Ghuru Kingal, Badambura, Pakhlava and Dolma that make up the local cuisine and are a must try.

Baku is a magical city, a fusion of old and new. The local influences along with modern touches make it a unique experience. There are plenty of tour operators that can help you with the planning and booking. Visit-Azerbaijan, a specialized operator for Azerbaijan, has great tour packages, transport and hotel services to make your trip memorable in every way.

Top things to do in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan straddles Asia and Europe and has a rich history that goes back to the stone age. It has a diverse environment with the Caspian Sea to the east, the Caucasus Mountains to the north and flatlands in the center. Almost 50% of the earth’s mud volcanoes can be found in Azerbaijan. The country is a wonder and an offbeat destination from the usual ones like France, Italy or Egypt. Getting a visa is not an issue as tour companies like Visit Azerbaijan can help with e-visa too. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore a whole new world.

Visit Baku’s Old Town

Baku’s old town still has the cobbled streets, cafes and museums for history enthusiasts. The Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace are a definite stopover. See the old hamams and the caravanserai that is maintained beautifully. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum exhibits the styles and beliefs embedded in the product and is worth a visit.

Trip to Gobustan

The Gobustan National Park lies 40 kilometers away from Baku. There are more than 6000 rock carvings dating from the Stone Age. The oldest carving is around 15,000 years old. A short ride away are the famous mud volcanoes that can be seen gurgling away.

Explore the National Parks

Azerbaijan has its fair share of national parks that are known for its diversity. The Absheron National Park is 60 km from Baku with rolling sand dunes and the Caspian Sea. The Hirkan National Park has evergreen forests and is home to the Caucasus Leopard. The Shirvan National Park is a semi-desert park that has campgrounds and bungalows for overnight stays. The Lake Aggol in Agh Gol National Park is a great spot for migratory birds with the lake teeming with fish.

Sample the tea, wine and honey

The village of Ivanovka, known for its Russian culture has the best honey and grapes. The grapes are used to make wine which is unique to the region. You can take wine excursions to Hajihatamli where a hotel provides tours and samples. Tea is an integral part of the culture and is served in small armudu glasses. Try some in the local teahouses, where its served with jam or sweets.

Discover the Silk Road City

Sheki was a Silk Road city which is still a center of trade for arts and crafts. Browse through shops selling papaq hats, traditional tekelduz embroidery and shebeke. You can purchase local handicrafts and enjoy the local architecture. Sheki is a good place to start your journey to Azerbaijan.

Indulge in the local cuisine

Azerbaijan has some of the most delicious food on offer. The western and Asian influences can be clearly seen. Most dishes use a mix of vegetables such as aubergine, tomatoes, spinach, cabbage, beans, sweet pepper and cucumber. Lamb, poultry and beef are cooked with spice, fruits and nuts to get unique flavors.  Some of the popular dishes are plov, dolma, halva and qutab. Baliq a fish-based dish is grilled and served with a sauce. Lavangi, lulya kebab and piti are meat-based dishes that will leave you asking for more.

Azerbaijan has a lot to offer to a curious traveler. There are Azerbaijan holiday packages offered by Visit Azerbaijan who specialize in tours and related services for the country. So, don’t wait for an opportunity, but make one and book your package for Azerbaijan right away.

Azerbaijan Holiday Packages And Baku Sightseeing Tours

Baku tours are about visiting Azerbaijan where modern European architecture of the Flame Towers is neighbouring with the ancient Maiden Tower in the Old Town. In the suburbs of Baku, you would see petroglyphs as well as mud volcanoes in the Gobustan National Park, Zoroastrian temple of fire worshippers Ateshgyah on the Apsheron peninsula and several other interesting landmarks. You will take a lot of innovative emotions as well as lifetime impressions from a day tour.

The few who visit fly into the capital, Baku, to enjoy the architectural loveliness, the nearby fire temples, and the 40,000-year-old rock art. Here are our recommendations on the amazing city tours in Baku to enhance your travel experience. Azerbaijan Holiday Packages are very cost-effective.

History Walking Tour of Old Baku

Azerbaijan as well as Baku have a rich history from the early Zoroastrians to medieval Shirvanshahs and the late 19th century oil boom. Joining one of the tours in Baku to see and learn about this history as well as culture makes a wonderful way to appreciate the capital’s back story.

The History Walking Tour begins at Icheri Sheher Metro Station at 11 am, taking visitors through the old streets of the Inner City. You’ll see as well as learn about the mystical Maiden Tower as well as have the chance to climb to the top and go inside the Shirvanshah’s Palace Complex. Guides explain the facts and tell you interesting stories from the past about the sights as well as attractions you’re visiting.

Baku Sightseeing Tours

Fascinating streets, balconies adorned with flowers, along with cozy parks, restaurants serving traditional and European cuisine - this is what instantaneously rush you in the eye as well as enchant at very first sight. But the Old Town is also of occupied of various museums and architectural monuments, leaving far in the old days - this is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs as well as the Museum of Miniature Books, and the grand Maiden Tower, went up to the top floor of which, you will observe the attractiveness of the Old Town and the Baku bay from a bird's-eye.

Explore Baku attractions and wonderful of the city with us in Half-Day City Baku Sightseeing Tours. Get to recognize the unknown territories as well as explore historical heritage sites. Beginning from the Old Town as well as finishing in Baku Seaside Boulevard you will discover the history of both ancient and modern buildings. You will hear lots of stories about the civilization, people, music as well as food of Azerbaijan along the way. Your friendly tour guide will also offer you tips on how to spend your days in Baku as well as which places you may visit later on. Your tour is the ideal introduction of Baku for the first time visitors who wish to see every interesting part of the city in just a one day.

Baku Day Tours And The Wonderful Baku Hotels 3 Star

As tourism increases in Azerbaijan, the typical visitor changes from oil specialists to interested tourists. In the capital, the traditional juxtapose against the modern while blending history, culture, food as well as fire. Here are our recommendations for the wonderful hotels in Baku for comfort, location as well as value for money.

Luxury hotels in Baku once catered to wealthy business executives as well as oil tycoons. But with the recent surge in tourism as well as better-connected flights, several visitors want to travel as well as experience Azerbaijan’s capital in style.

Here’s our few Baku’s best hotels for the vital level of comfort and indulgence.

Shah Palace Hotel

Shah Palace Hotel is a Baku Hotels 3 Star at a very affordable price. The inner huge covered courtyard adds value as well as the view from the entrance and from the balcony is impressive. Relaxing atmosphere, excellent breakfast. Large rooms as well as very comfortable beds. The gym is free, sauna as well as massages available, luxury bathroom. Excellent location for business as well as leisure. Best choice, one of the finest luxury hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Hotel Hilton Baku

Hotel Hilton Baku is a guaranteed agreeable experience, room check-in upon arrival to check out upon departure. The staff is very well trained, very well-mannered and well experienced. Hotel rooms are attractive as well as the amenities including sauna, pool, bars are to a high standard. Great accommodation and service, certainly one of the finest luxury hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Great check in experience and brilliant comfortable well-appointed rooms. A real feeling of warmth and comfort. The bed is in line with the Sheraton’s standard and provided a very high level of rest for a weary traveller. Room service is efficient as well as accurate, always delivered with a cheerful attitude. Exceptional value for money, absolutely one of the wonderful luxury hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Fairmont Baku Flame Towers

This is no doubt the flashiest luxury hotel in Baku. Sitting atop a hill, at one end of the boulevard, the Fairmont Baku Flame Towers is situated in the eponymous Flame Towers complex, a set of three towers housing the hotel as well as office space. The towers have become a symbol of modern Baku Day Tours and are lit at night in a continuous explain of lights that at some point puts a flame on their facade. The towers are previously shaped like flames as well as burn above the city to represent the Land of Fire pseudonym Azerbaijan has adopted, both etymologically as well as symbolically.

JW Marriot sits

JW Marriot sits in the spirit of the city centre next to Azadliq Square in Baku City Circuit neighbourhood. World-class shopping services are within walking distance of the Marriot, too. This elegant luxury hotel in Baku features a total of 243 rooms from deluxe, family as well as suites with views of the Caspian Sea or city skyline. The smart interior designs offer each room an individual appearance while maximising the level of natural light. JW Marriott’s amenities are second to none in Baku, boasting five restaurants, a spa as well as fitness centre, the city’s major ballroom as well as a nightclub.

Enjoy a mesmerizing day four in Baku, Azerbaijan

When you think of exotic destinations that have a European vibe, you think of countries in the Baltic regions of the continent. Countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia etc. are the perfect destinations for that. But, what if you visit someplace that gives you the benefit of lesser crowds than Paris and more affordable than Dubai and still giving you the best of both countries? This may not seem real but experience a Holiday in Baku Azerbaijan once and see for yourself. This beautiful Eurasian nation is perfect for a quick international getaway. With relaxed visa norms, cheap visa costs and simplified process, Azerbaijan's tourism sector is on the rise. Thus, let's plan your next vacation to Azerbaijan. 

Visa and Tickets

If you are not a resident of one of the 14 countries that are allowed to get a Visa on arrival, you will have to apply for a visa to travel to Azerbaijan. Luckily, most of the countries can apply online for an electronic visa.

Coming to the tickets, a return ticket from New York to Baku can be bought for as low as 700 USD. For immediate flights, expect to pay higher prices. Set fair alerts and watch out for deals that come out periodically. 

Accommodation 

Depending on the purpose of your visit, you should book your hotel accordingly. There are hotels near the airport, in the main city center area as well as the business district area. Budget hotels start for as low as 30 USD. At mid-range hotels, you can expect to pay between 80-120 USD. For a high-end hotel, you can expect to pay between 125-400 USD for each night. 

If you are looking to see the sights, it is better to book a hotel near the Old City area as most of the tourist sights are located around this region. 

Food

Whenever you are visiting a foreign country, one of the foremost things you should try is the local cuisine. The local cuisine of Azerbaijan is full of fruits, vegetables, hummus, meat and most of all, bread. Bread is considered sacred here in Baku. The Azeri style of cooking will surely delight your palate. 

Besides the local cuisine, other cuisines of the world are also present here. Restaurants serve fusion cuisine along with European Cuisines and American cuisines. 

Sights to See

There are many hotspots in and around Baku that you must visit. There is the old walled city which is now a UNESCO heritage site. Walk along the small streets or enjoy a cup of coffee in the chic cafes present here. You can even enjoy the prehistoric sights such as the Gobustan National park. There's a mountain here known as burning mountain or Yanar Dag where a fire has been burning continuously. Besides that, there are the mud volcanoes that spew mud thousands of feet in the air. And let's not forget the eclectic architectural stylewhich is visible in the prominent buildings of Baku. You can even enjoy the European vibe of the streets while on your way to the fountain square in the old city.

Book one of the local Baku Tours that take you along to see the ancient history and the modern present of the country. Do sample the delicious and sweet local version of tea which is consumed with Jam. The weather here can be harsh sometimes, so carry appropriate clothing for the season. Book your hotels well in advance if you are travel days happen to fall during the peak seasons. You'll meet some of the friendliest people who besides the language barrier, welcome you with open arms.

You will have quality 5 Star Hotels at an affordable price while traveling in Baku, Azerbaijan

Are you planning a trip to Baku, ---- the capital city of Azerbaijan? Then, it is definitely altogether going to be an unforgettable experience of your life. Both the country and the city are such an exceptional place to visit that you will applaud your decision of including the place in your travel list immediately after your tour is over. Let’s see what you can enjoy with Trips To Baku Azerbaijan!

The city is, in fact, an amazingly exceptional place to visit. You will have the flavor of both the European and oriental cities in one place. The city architecture has a great impact on the western form but yet they have managed to keep their own identity. It is carrying the legacy of their Islamic past although it is not totally an Islamic state. It was also a part of the Soviet Union. But presently, it is in no way a communist country. And altogether what will actually captivate you is the presence of all the elements a bit in the air of the city and the country.




You will have a good number of quality 5-star hotels in Baku 

You must be looking for a place to stay comfortable so that your trip to Baku could be both agreeable and enjoyable. The 5 Star Hotels Baku Azerbaijan will never disappoint you. Being located in the central place of the city, most of them offer excellent transport connections to the city. You will have the city metro stations very close to your hotel main entrance. The international airport and the main rail station also would be within the reach of the half-an-hour drive. Therefore, whether it is for a city tour or a hangout in the Caspian beach, you will never have to have a problem with transportation.
In almost all the hotels, you will have stylish lobbies embellished with elegant furniture. You could hang around there and relax after a brief tour of the city. All these hotels offer you stunning rooms and suites with excellent amenities.  They will provide you with24-hour room service along with tea and coffee making facilities.

You will be provided hi speed free Wi-Fi and individual climate control. The satellite TV will be there in your room and you can access any global television channel lying on your bed. Most of the hotel rooms are so excellently designed that you will have an excellent panoramic view of the city of fire from your hotel room window.

Almost all the hotels have excellent restaurants with affordable prices where you can try the local cuisine along with continental dishes. The swimming pools and the lounges offer you to relax a bit where you will have services of international quality.  You can enjoy a spa after a day-long travel and rejuvenate yourself for the next morning.

But the most amazing stuff is that you will have all these amenities and services of international quality in Baku at an unexpectedly affordable price. It may vary in different websites, but it also enables you to opt for the lowest one offered to you in a particular travel site.

Have Total Enjoyment Of Baku Sightseeing Tours And Rejuvenate In The World Class Luxury Hotels At The End Of The Day

Being one of the most interesting countries to explore amongst the world tourists, the craze for traveling the country and its capital Baku is becoming a common trend in the recent time. From the medieval period, when Azerbaijan was within the Persian Empire, it started making its impact in the global scenario. The architectural signature of that period is still there in the country, especially in the capital city Baku.

When oil and natural gas was found in profuse in the country in the early twentieth century, the country became a point of huge financial interest of the western world. And with them, the cultural inflow of the western world started taking place in the country. That is why today we find signs of marvellous European architecture in all over the city which has raised immense curiosity amongst the tourists from all over the world.



The city is an excellent blend of European and oriental culture. The flavor of the cuisine of multiple cultures along with their own azerin cuisine will enthral your taste buds to the limits. You will simply laud your selection of the travel destination at the end of the whole course of the tour.
The sightseeing tours of Baku is simply fascinating

Baku has so many things to offer that you will need a meticulous planning before you start your city tour. There are many tourist agencies who will offer you excellent city tour package. You may opt for that. You can also make your plan for Baku Sightseeing Tourson your own.

You need a whole day or two to have a satisfactory visit to the city. A half-a-day will at least require for the tour of the sightseeing of Baku. Baku old town is a huge tourist attraction and it is declared as the world heritage site by the UNESCO. You will require a separate plan to stroll that part.
There are other sites of historical interests like Mystic Ateshgah and Burning Mountain or Absheron towers located in Mardakan village. You need to plan a separate schedule for those tours. In the main city, you must have a morning stroll towards the Fire Flame towers and in the evening you will be amazed to enjoy the beautiful outward lighting of those towers.

But one thing you will have to plan separately and that is to experience the variety of cuisine Baku offers along with its Azeri cuisine. It will definitely be a lifetime memory for you.

Baku has plenty of Luxury hotels where you can have your ultimate relaxation

Baku offers five-star luxury hotels in abundance and that too in very reasonable price. If you consult different travel sites, you will find different prices in different sites for Azerbaijan Luxury Hotels. Most of them are located in the central part of the city and that enables you to access any of your destinations quite conveniently.You will have world-class amenities there and after a whole-day city tour, it will be enough for you to have complete rejuvenation of both of your body and mind.