Book flights to Baku (GYD)

Book your visit to Baku

Baku is one of the most eclectic and vibrant cities in the world, where east meets west, and a merging of cultures gives it a unique character. Azerbaijan’s capital is wrapped around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City, surrounded by ancient fortress walls that speak of the capital’s strategic importance through the centuries.

Take a stroll through its winding cobbled streets and you’ll discover exclusive boutiques and coffee bars, restaurants and stores selling international brands.

Wooded parks and lush gardens make Baku a truly green capital, surrounded by the desert on one side and the Caspian Sea on the other. A walk along the promenade as the sun sets is the perfect way to finish a busy day in Baku, followed by some fine dining in one of its many restaurants.

Things to do in Baku

The Baku Boulevard is the most enchanting place to spend an afternoon, as you stroll along the Caspian Sea coast. Stop halfway for a delicious ice cream, or head to the walkway in the evening when it comes alive with street food vendors, entertainers and lively crowds.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old Town is Baku’s oldest quarter. Cobbled streets wind their way around the inner citadel, surrounded by the stone walls of the fortress, and look out for landmarks such as the Maiden’s Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

One charming place to discover is the Miniature Book Museum, nestled against the western wall of the inner city. Baku’s museums and galleries, including the Museum of Modern Art, are filled with local artwork and fascinating exhibitions.

Activities in Baku

For some of the best views of the city, take the funicular lift to the top of the dramatic Flame Towers, where the observation deck gives you stunning panoramic vistas, especially during the evening.

A half-hour drive out of the city takes you to Ateshgah, the Fire Temple. This sacred Zoroastrian site is beautifully preserved and well worth a day trip to see where the eternal flame, fuelled by natural gas, has burned for centuries. Or drive for an hour and a half along the coast to the Qobustan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a truly unique landscape filled with ancient petroglyphs and incredible mud volcanoes.

For a great family day out, a trip on the Baku Ferris wheel is a must, followed by a trip to the delights of Baku Zoological Park.

Food in Baku

For some of the best views of the city, take the funicular lift to the top of the dramatic Flame Towers, where the observation deck gives you stunning panoramic vistas, especially during the evening.

A half-hour drive out of the city takes you to Ateshgah, the Fire Temple. This sacred Zoroastrian site is beautifully preserved and well worth a day trip to see where the eternal flame, fuelled by natural gas, has burned for centuries. Or drive for an hour and a half along the coast to the Qobustan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a truly unique landscape filled with ancient petroglyphs and incredible mud volcanoes.

For a great family day out, a trip on the Baku Ferris wheel is a must, followed by a trip to the delights of Baku Zoological Park.

Shopping in Baku

While Baku may have plenty of modern malls and department stores to explore, nothing quite beats the energy and buzz of a Bazar. Baku has several to discover, including Taza Bazar and Yasil Bazar, also known as the Green Market. Remember that haggling is mandatory, especially if you want to take an authentic Azerbaijani carpet home as a memento!

For a more leisurely shopping experience, the most popular retail area is Nizami Street. This 3km-long street is the Downtown area of the city and is pedestrianised so you can shop at your leisure. You’ll find boutiques and independent stores as well as plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can stop and refuel before wandering around a few more galleries or shops. It’s just as lively in the evening, when it’s a little cooler.