How to Take the Ultimate Trip to Baku

On the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is a city of striking contrasts: a walled medieval old town, grand oil-boom mansions from the early 20th century and some of the most daring modern architecture in the world. Add fire temples, bubbling mud volcanoes and a warm, generous food culture, and it makes a fascinating city break.

In the city

1. Explore the Old City (İçərişəhər)

Baku's walled old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow lanes, caravanserais, mosques and carpet shops. Wander without a plan, and stop for tea in one of the courtyard cafés.

2. Climb the Maiden Tower

The mysterious 12th-century Maiden Tower is the symbol of Baku. Climb to the top for views over the Old City and the bay; inside, a museum explores the legends surrounding it.

3. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The 15th-century palace complex of the Shirvan rulers includes a mosque, a mausoleum and a bathhouse, all built in golden limestone.

4. Marvel at the Heydar Aliyev Center

Designed by Zaha Hadid, this flowing white building has no straight lines – one of the most remarkable pieces of modern architecture anywhere. Inside are exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture.

5. See the Flame Towers light up

The three glass Flame Towers dominate the skyline. After dark, their LED screens show giant moving flames visible across the city.

6. Walk Baku Boulevard

The seaside promenade stretches for kilometres along the Caspian, with parks, cafés, the Baku Eye Ferris wheel and the Carpet Museum, shaped like a rolled-up carpet.

7. Discover the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Carpet weaving is central to Azerbaijani culture, and this museum displays centuries of beautiful rugs from every region of the country.

8. Ride the funicular to Highland Park

Take the funicular up to Highland Park (Dagüstü Park) for the best panorama of the city and the bay – especially at sunset, when the Flame Towers light up behind you.

9. Stroll Nizami Street and Fountain Square

Baku's main pedestrian street is lined with grand oil-boom buildings, shops and cafés, and leads to the lively Fountain Square.

Beyond the city

10. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple

On the Absheron Peninsula, this fortified temple was used by Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian worshippers who came to pray at the natural gas flames that once burned here.

11. Watch the hillside burn at Yanar Dag

At Yanar Dag – "Burning Mountain" – natural gas seeping from the hillside has been burning for decades. Visit after dark for the most dramatic effect.

12. See the rock art at Gobustan

About an hour south of Baku, Gobustan National Park protects thousands of rock carvings, some made over 10,000 years ago. The modern museum explains their meaning.

13. Find the mud volcanoes

Near Gobustan, small mud volcanoes bubble and gurgle on a bare hilltop. Azerbaijan has more mud volcanoes than any other country. Tours usually combine them with Gobustan.

Food and drink

14. Feast on Azerbaijani food

Try plov (saffron rice with meat and dried fruit), qutab (thin stuffed flatbreads), dolma and lamb kebabs, finished with sweet pakhlava.

15. Drink tea the local way

Tea is served in pear-shaped glasses with jam, sugar cubes and sweets. Spend an afternoon in a traditional tea house – it's the heart of Azerbaijani hospitality.

Practical tips

• Visa: apply online through the official ASAN e-visa portal if your nationality needs one.
• Money: the currency is the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards are widely accepted in the city, but carry cash for small shops and markets.
• Getting around: Baku has a metro and buses; buy a BakuCard for both. Taxis are booked easily with ride-hailing apps.
• Dress: Baku is relaxed and modern, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques.

Planning a wider trip? Compare Baku with our four-day guide to Dubai, or sort your mobile data before you go with our guide to the best eSIMs for travel.