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.