AZ
Baku
Flame Towers and a medieval walled city on the Caspian
Flame Towers and a medieval walled city on the Caspian
The walled Icherisheher is a UNESCO-listed warren of medieval lanes, caravanserais and mosques, anchored by the enigmatic Maiden Tower rising above the Caspian shore.
💡 Climb the Maiden Tower for views over the old and new city.
Baku’s three flame-shaped skyscrapers dominate the skyline and, after dark, become giant LED screens flickering with fire, waving flags and pouring figures, a symbol of the modern city.
💡 View them at night from the boulevard or the Highland Park lookout.
Zaha Hadid’s fluid, curving white masterpiece is one of the world’s most striking modern buildings, a landmark of flowing architecture housing exhibitions and cultural events.
💡 The sweeping exterior is the highlight; great for photos.
The long seaside promenade along the Caspian is the city’s favourite place to stroll, with parks, cafes, a funicular and views of the bay and skyline.
💡 Ride the funicular up to Highland Park at sunset.
The elegant 15th-century royal palace complex within the old city is the finest monument of Azerbaijani medieval architecture, with courtyards, a mosque and a mausoleum.
💡 Combine it with a walk through the surrounding old-city lanes.
Azerbaijani cuisine is a delicious Caucasus-meets-Persia blend: try plov (saffron rice with meat and fruit), kebabs, dolma, dushbara dumplings and qutab stuffed flatbreads. Baku’s restaurants range from traditional to trendy, and the city is famous for its black tea served with jam and its rich pastries. Do not miss a meal in a caravanserai restaurant in the old city.
Explore the walled Old City, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace, then see the Flame Towers light up at night from the boulevard.
Marvel at the Heydar Aliyev Center, stroll the Caspian boulevard and ride the funicular to Highland Park for the views.
Head out to Gobustan’s ancient petroglyphs and bubbling mud volcanoes on the Absheron peninsula.
The metro and buses are cheap and easy with a rechargeable BakiKart travel card.
Cards work in the city, but keep some Azerbaijani manat for markets, taxis and small cafes.
Baku is famously windy; bring a layer even in summer, especially by the sea.
April to June and September to October are mild and ideal; summers are hot and windy.
Download Azerbaijani offline to bridge the language gap.
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Flame-Tower Baku, the rock art of Gobustan, Silk Road Sheki, mountain-resort Gabala and the high Caucasus of Quba — five sides of Azerbaijan.