Things To do in Baku
Baku is one of the most fascinating capital cities you can visit. Here are 21 things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan. Indeed, it probably won’t get a similar reaction as Paris, Rome, or Dubai, however, its less popular standing doesn’t mean nothing remains to be finished here.
This amazing city has a lot to offer, and the location of its geographic intersection between the East and West makes it an interesting city. Continue reading for our recommendations for the best things to do in Azerbaijan’s capital.
Azerbaijan in general and Baku are destinations off the beaten path. What’s more, that was positively important for the interest for our visit. Having said that, Azerbaijan is trying to do a lot more to get more people to visit their unique nation. E-visas are now available to citizens of many nations, and visa regulations were eased in 2018. effortless and requiring only a few dollars to be exchanged. Nothing else of those annoying sending travel papers off. No more arranging at government offices. Before you go here, you can read more about the E-visa process and what you need to know.
Baku is famous for winning the Eurovision Song Contest, but other than that, what else is there to do in the city? The following is a list of our favorite 21 things to do in Baku (tested!).
Things To do in Baku?
#1 Baku city walking Tour
Like such countless urban communities, the free strolling visit is a superb method for getting to know a city. Understanding the worthwhile activities in Baku is also helpful.
#2 Miniature book museum
Wow, that’s a surprise. Moreover, you won’t find it anywhere else. This is not only one of Baku’s best activities but also the only miniature book museum in the world. Don’t believe what I say. The good folks at the Guinness Book of Records have confirmed that claim. Over 6,000 books in dozens of languages are housed here. Additionally, there are three of the world’s smallest books, each measuring 2 mm by 2 mm. You are correct if that sounds small; in order to read them, you will need a special magnifying glass.
A special stop must be found in Baku.
#3 Maiden Tower
The Lady Pinnacle accompanies numerous anecdotes about its utilization and the way in which it happened.
Mythology and legend form their foundation. In any event, it seems to have been underlying the twelfth 100 years. It plays a huge role in the history of Azerbaijan. #4 Ponder life in the Governor’s Garden is now protected by UNESCO. This stunning garden is outside the city walls of Old Baku and is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. In one corner, you’ll find everyone old and contemplative, and in the other, you’ll see young couples making out (they can’t do that at home!). You should be able to get an idea of its aesthetic appeal from the fact that it is also a popular location for wedding photos.
#5 Shirvinshah’s Castle
Tracing all the way back to the fifteenth 100 years, this Shirvinshah’s Royal residence is another UNESCO-safeguarded piece of Azerbaijan’s set of experiences. The castle contains a principal royal residence building, internment vaults, a mosque, and a sepulcher. With a few small exhibitions inside, plan to spend an hour here wandering.
Tickets at section: Shivinshah’s Castle || 30-an hour || 12 manats
#6 Little Venice
Baku has removed its own piece of Europe by making its own Little Venice. You can take a gondola along a small network of canals near the main Caspian Sea promenade. It’s not quite like Venice, but it’s still something to see and enjoy.
#7 Carpet Museum
Assuming you’ve detected the structure that seems to be Aladdin’s floor covering, that is the rug exhibition hall. The world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets can be found here. During your visit, you can find out about the different winding around methods and appreciate a portion of the noteworthy floor coverings. The floor covering creating strategies of Azerbaijan has likewise been distinguished by UNESCO as a ‘Magnum opus of immaterial legacy’.
Tickets at the passage: Carpet Museum || 1 hour || 10 manats #8 Explore the Old Town The winding, cobblestoned streets of the old town can be easily explored within the city walls. The old town’s winding streets actually have a defensive quality to them from earlier times. They ended up being very muddling to possible intruders. This made it a lot simpler for local people to safeguard themselves when the need emerged. There are times when cars whirl around tight corners at frightening speeds. Still, you can hear them coming over those cobblestones at least.
#9 Visit the Flame Towers
By this point, you should have seen them. The tallest construction in Azerbaijan, they’re made to look significantly taller being set on a slope above Baku. There aren’t many places in Baku where the towers aren’t visible. The towers are shaped in a way that demonstrates Azerbaijan’s cultural connection to fire. We stayed at the Fairmont, a hotel in one of the towers, during our visit. The old town and surrounding areas are breathtaking from the top floors.
Go to the Old Town to get a great view of Baku’s “old and new” architecture for a one-of-a-kind angle on the towers.
#10 Nightfall at Highland Park
Good Country Park sits above Baku, simply before the Fire Pinnacles. This is a great spot to watch the sunset over Baku because it is packed with monuments, wide spaces, and plazas. Sit back and take in the view of the flame towers, the old town, and the Caspian Sea.
#11 Attend the Flame Towers show at night
If you’ve been waiting for the sunset at Highland Park, you might as well wait a little longer. At night, the fire towers turn on a light presentation with various examples and impacts.
It is an excellent nighttime spectacle with the Azerbaijani flag waving, glowing blue, and, my personal favorite, burning flames. In the evening, take in the view from any location with a clear view of the towers. The show is about ten minutes long.
Note: The effect of the light show needs to be seen from a distance, so don’t try to reach the towers’ base.
#12 Take the funicular.
It takes a lot of effort to climb up to Highland Park. If you don’t like doing cardio with a lot of climbing, take the funicular instead. It will take you up a steep hill near the Carpet Museum and below Highland Park.
Tickets at the door:
#13 Fountain Square
is your primary shopping promenade. It is home to numerous major international brands and is scattered with a suite of restaurants. The Baku funicular takes 5 minutes and takes 1 manat. It’s a more laid-back shopping district than most, with sculptures, cobblestone streets, and green space scattered throughout.
#14 Baku Boulevard
A stroll along Baku Boulevard’s wide promenade is a must because half of Baku faces the Caspian Sea. Meander past families partaking in the natural air, elderly people men playing chess, and children going around. The avenue closes at the Floor covering Gallery and has incredible perspectives on the Fire Pinnacles as well.
#15 Go to the Heydar Aliyev Center Cultural Museum.
As you approach Baku from the airport, you will pass this building. And you’ll be forced to stare at it and turn your head as you pass, unable to look away. The word remarkable underplays how astonishingly unique this building is. However, it is truly singular, appearing to be a melted mixture of white tiles. You are treated differently as you move around the building. You might even walk on the building itself in some places.
A museum with rotating exhibits is housed within this impressive structure. Be sure to check out what’s on display inside as well as what you can see from the outside.
#16 Ateshgah, Fire Temple
Zoroastrianism was a significant religion in Azerbaijan through the ages, and this sanctuary is a remnant of that time. As previously stated, fire has been a significant factor in the history of Azerbaijan. The fire temple explains how and why the Zoroastrians of medieval times worshipped fire and how important it was to their religion. The consuming flares will keep you warm on a cool day as well.
You’ll find the sanctuary found 30 minutes beyond Baku.
Tickets at the door: Ateshgah Fire Temple || 30 minutes || 4 manats
#17 Yadar Dag, Fire Mountain
Another unique attraction, “fire mountain” is 30 minutes outside of Baku. On your way to this location, you’ll pass numerous gas stations and oil wells. A substantial gas reserve exists in Azerbaijan. Many acknowledge that these reserves have contributed to Baku’s and Azerbaijan’s overall economic success.
A farmer discarded a cigarette in the 1960s, which caused the ground to catch fire. An opening for a natural gas reserve existed right here. Currently, this gas reserve burns day and night even in the rain and snow.
We arrived during the construction of a new tourist area when we were there. The government has invested in constructing an amphitheater as a result of its growing popularity. Tourists will be able to relax and take in the flame thanks to this.
The entry fee is 9 manats. as the construction of the tourist attraction comes to an end.
On a four-hour trip, you can combine Yadar Dag and the Ateshgah Temple, as well as a visit to a Haydar Aliyev Center.
BOOK NOW: Yadar Dag and Ateshgah Temple Private Tour || 4 hours ||
#18 Muhammad mosque
This is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan that is still standing. It was built in 1078 AD and is in the Old Town. Additionally part of the UNESCO assurance nearby, the minaret endured harm in 1723. It’s not difficult to place where the minaret was revamped by then.
#19: Go to the TV tower
The TV tower itself is similar to those found all over Eastern Europe. Because of its height, it makes an excellent viewing platform for Baku. A reservation is usually required at a restaurant, which is on the top floor.
#20 Try Dolma
We’ve reached number 20, but what? There is no food. Eating is obviously one of the most compelling activities in Baku. The cuisine of Azerbaijan is a mixture of the cultures that meet at its intersection. The Azerbaijanis are extremely proud of their version of dolma, even though you may have tried a variety of other countries versions. This time, we tried the dolma, which was a stuffed eggplant with meat inside. It tasted good. The use of eggplant was much superior to that of vine leaves, which are frequently utilized in other cultures.
While every Azerbaijani restaurant will have its own version, we can point you to two places where we had the best Dolma. Make a beeline for the suitably named Dolma café or Firuze found simply close to Wellspring Square.
#21 Attend a Formula One Grand Prix
Okay, this one isn’t exactly tried-and-true, but I’d love to make it so! The city is extremely proud to host the Formula One Grand Prix annually. It is unquestionably one of Baku’s most amazing activities. You’ll see advertising hoardings and barriers everywhere. Although the Formula One race is a huge event, the accessibility to tickets makes the Azerbaijani version appealing. Tickets for the event in a couple of months could be purchased while one was there.
Why not join a major international sporting event while you are in Baku? It will probably run at generally a similar time every year. Check the F1 schedule nearer to the time.