Away With The Steiners

10 Things To Do In Baku, Azerbaijan And 3 Cool Day Trips From The City. 

Sarah Steiner

Ever wondered about travel to Azerbaijan and West Asia?  We touched down in Baku not knowing what to expect. Though the outcome was an incredible city steeped in history, delicious food, bustling with markets and outlined on the skyline with iconic modern towers.  There are all kinds of things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan that make it a brilliant destination for a trip.

Travel to Azerbaijan 

The country of Azerbaijan is geographically small.  It is located on the border between Asia and Europe.  So, Azerbaijan has one of those cultures which is particularly difficult to define. 

It is a Caucasian country with a large Turkish and Iranian influence.  Though it also used to be part of the Soviet Union. 

So, the result is an interesting mixed terminus to learn about.  The country that you travel to today is a strange mix of divergent cultures, cuisine, landscape and people.  But it is weirdly, fascinating – in a good way for a traveller!

Market things to do in Baku Azerbaijan.
Welcome to the colourful land of Azerbaijan by the way.

What is it like to travel in Azerbaijan? 

I’ve got to say that travel to Azerbaijan has always been something on my bucket list.  We absolutely loved exploring Central Asia – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan – and I had heard there were many similarities. 

Well?  The expectation was excitingly correct.  It is an amazing part of the world to travel in.  

We really enjoyed Baku.  We did several day trips from the city to see the famous gas crater, petroglyphs and boiling mud.  

Then we took a bus north to Sheki and continued onwards over the border and on into Georgia. 

Exploring the incredible thermal valley of Gobustan National Park.

About Baku 

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.  It is located quite literally at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, in Azerbaijan, but it is generally considered part of the European continent. 

The capital city is famous for its modern architecture like the Flame Towers, historic Old City (Icherisheher), and as a hub of culture and oil-rich economy.

The ultra-modern Flame Towers can be spotted from all over Baku.  Though then you turn the corner and you’re walking along a cobbled pathway leading to a historic Hammam or 15-century Mosque!

It truly is an incredible city to learn about, visit and explore. 

Language in Baku and Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani is the official language in the country, which is a Turkish dialect.  Most people will also speak Russian but, apparently, not as well as their Central Asian neighbours. 

Though in Baku, some young people – like the ones we met – speak English too. 

What is the best time of year to visit Baku, Azerbaijan? 

The best time to visit Baku is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October).  At this time of year it makes for pleasant weather and ideal sightseeing conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15-24 degrees Celsius. 

Baku can be hot and dry during the summer (July – August).  Though it is also a beautiful time of year up in the hills. 

We visited Azerbaijan in June and had brilliant sunshine and a nice temperature. 

Berry time is absolutely the best time of year right?

Getting there

Baku International Airport has regular daily connections to Europe and many other countries in Asia and the Middle East.  

We flew from Frankfurt directly with Lufthansa.  Though there are also plenty of budget airlines that fly from various directions towards Turkey and Middle East. 

Azerbaijan has an eVisa for most nationalities. 

The arrival then into Baku is very straightforward with the eVisa.  For us it took less than 30 minutes to get through and find our bags.

Getting around

In Baku, it is easy to get the Metro around the city.  Or you can use Uber to move around by taxi. 

Getting out of Baku or further out of the city you can take a taxi, Marshrutka or bus. 

Taxi
Taxis are everywhere in Baku. We got a taxi easily to Sadarak Market one day and it is easy and convenient to get a taxi straight from the airport.  We had heard it should be around 50 Manat to the city and that was pretty accurate.  

Marshrutka
Locals move around the country and between cities by Marshrutkas. This is the term for what public mini vans are called in the former Soviet Republics. They are cheap, leave once they are full and they are connected to pretty much any town and city in the country.

Bus
The intercity buses are a good option between Baku and Sheki. Or unless you are tempted by the very full Marshrutka? Which albeit does leave sooner as it goes when full. But far out I can’t tell you the number they were loading into the one we quickly swapped our tickets from over to the bus! 

At Baku Central Station deciding between a Marshrutka or intercity bus to Sheki.

How long do you need? 

For a first-time visit to Baku, 2 – 3 days is a good amount of time to see the main sights and experience the city’s blend of ancient and modern attractions. 

If you have longer, there are some incredible day trips to nearby Gobustan National Park. 

Things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

The following are not in particular order.  Though you will no doubt spot the impressive Flame Towers first as you land!  

These are 10 top things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

1. The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are the three flame-shaped skyscrapers that give Baku it’s famously modern juxtaposition in West Asia as a post-Soviet nation. 

The towers are 182 meters high.  Which if comparing with Middle Eastern skyscrapers isn’t much, due to their position, in the upper part of Baku, they are visible from anywhere.

2. Yasil Bazar

Yasil is a traditional market which has been restored as per Baku modern standards. It is a typical fruit and vegetable market and everything sold is seasonal.

We visited in June with stalls and rows of summer berries and fruits piled beautifully. 

Piles and rows of fresh produce at Yasil Bazaar.
Starting with the taste test of some of the berries and pastries given to us by the friendly vendors at Yasil Bazaar.

3. Baku Old City – Icherisheher

The Icherisheher (İçəri Şəhər) which literally means ‘Inner City’ is separated from the rest of Baku by a long, curved wall.

It is a stunning and superbly historic part of Baku.  There are restaurants, cafes and tourist markets set up within the old inner city.  Though for the most part it looks like stepping back into time just based on the architecture and cobbled paving! 

Albeit parts of Icherisheher may look like a museum.  But it is estimated that around 3,000 people live permanently in apartments and houses inside the Old City walls. 

A walk through the Old City is one of the best things to do in Baku for sure. 

4. Maiden Tower – Things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

Because of its unique shape and design, the Maiden Tower has become an unofficial symbol of Baku.  It is one of the most famous historical monuments of the city, though it also has quite a story to go along with it. 

There is a legendary tale of the king willing to force his daughter to marry a man she doesn’t love.  Thedaughter who then, to escape an unwanted marriage, tragically jumped from the tower into the Caspian Sea.  

Another theory tells that they are thought to bear the name Maiden Tower to symbolize their impregnability by the enemy during attack.

The famous tower has been the subject of many Azerbaijani poems and plays.

Azerbaijani breads cooking in a tandoor oven.

5. Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This palace, together with the Maiden Tower, forms an ensemble of historic monuments inscribed under UNESCO.  As you enter the old city and explore you will inevitably see the historic minaret at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.  

The grounds have been restored as a museum – impressively for a 15th century palace – with a mosque, Hammam, burial vaults and artefacts and relics on display. 

Plus, there is a complete model replica of the old walled city surrounding the palace.  Which is useful to get a bit of orientation before exploring!

6. Baku Boulevard Park

Baku Boulevard is a promenade which runs parallel to Baku’s seafront.  We had read that the history of the promenade dates to 1909.  Which was a time when Baku oil barons built their mansions along the Caspian shore and when the seafront was artificially built-up inch by inch.  

It is quite incredible to think of the history of this unusually positioned port city.  

Then when you walk along near the waterfront you can see the old spots where they still have the machinery standing that was used for drilling and filling. 

Inside one of the museums about Gobustan Region.

7. Fountains Square – Things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

The famous Fountains Square is a public square in downtown Baku.  It is in the heart of town between Baku Boulevard and Nizami Street.  So, you pretty much can’t help but cross the square at some stage exploring things to do in Baku. 

The square is a busy and vibrant public space, perfect for strolling – and people-watching.

8. Martyrs Lane and Eternal Flame Memorial 

Martyrs’ Lane is a memorial site in Baku that was formerly known as the Kirov Park.  It is a cemetery honouring those killed by the Soviet Army during Black January and the First Nagorno-Karabakh War.  

At the point of the complex is a memorial with the Eternal Flame burning in remembrance.  

Albeit it is a solemn place for a walk. Though the site is close to the Flame Towers and next to Highland Park and offers views of Baku’s waterfront. 

More sweets? When in Baku, right?

9. Nizami Street

Nizami Street in the centre of the city is a bustling pedestrian avenue.  This is a more downtown part of Baku.  It is the newer part of the city.  Though it is still a blend of architectural styles ranging from Baroque to modern. 

On our second part of our stay in Baku we met with friends at a festival on one evening in Nizami.  It was like a huge amusement and activity park set up for families – of which we had a blast! 

Trying a (very sour) yoghurt dessert at Sadarak Market.

10. Sadarak Market 

We sort of chanced upon this find this enormous market by accident.  But it was such a great day out in Baku and we ended up having THE nicest lunch out at Sadarak Market. 

The local staff at the hotel knew how much we enjoyed the Yasil Bazaar and suggested we go to Sadarak Market and a certain spot for lunch.

It is about 30 minutes’ drive from central Baku.  Sadarak Market is a shopping mini-town over a wide spread area.  There are loads of different large halls, huge parking lots and areas of the market entirely dedicated to clothes, electronics, homewares, fruits and fresh produce, and so much more. 

We barely touched the surface of the market for sheer scale.  But we loved the produce sections.  The vendors were very friendly and curious to know where we were from. 

Though undoubtedly one of the highlights of Sadarak was the delicious lunch at Araz Café.  We can’t’ recommend the Plov – and all the rest – highly enough.  

We even stopped in for lunch again on the way back to the city from Gobustan a few days later! 

Marshrutky dropping passengers at the huge Sadarak Market.
Inside one of the endless rows of homewares and clothing amidst the hunt for fresh produce (and more berries).

OTHER – Things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

If you have longer in the city, there are lots more attractions and things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan. 

We wandered a huge amount of the old city and new city parks and lanes.  It is a stunning part of the city to stay in and visit.  Though I’ve got to say that seeing the Oil Extractors along the waterfront was also quite fascinating! 

Everywhere we explored the hospitality was generous.

DAY TRIPS – Things to do near Baku, Azerbaijan

If you have additional days in Baku, I really recommend getting out of the city as well.  We made several trips out to visit Gobustan and to see the Yanar Dag gas crater. 

Gobustan National Park.

FOOD – Cuisine in Azerbaijan 

This is very good news for travellers!  The cuisine of Azerbaijan, like its people, is a real blend of cultures and flavours.  

The influence for dishes that are ‘national’ icons comes from all over the region, from Turkey to Russia, Iran and even Greece. 

It even differs with favoured regional dishes.  Like Sheki Piti – which you must try if you go to Sheki or spot it on the menu. 

The Azerbaijani breakfast is heavy in dairy products with various types of white cheese, and cream, as well as honey, soft tandoori bread and eggs.

Black tea is the national beverage and is offered everywhere.

Other dishes to try in Azerbaijan: 

I still can’t pronounce the Azerbaijani-famous Yarpak Xangal…

But if you have ever been to Central Asia there is a very similar dish in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan called Beshbarmak made with a pasta – and worth trying! 

There is tea with every meal of course.

Restaurants, cafes and eateries in Baku, Azerbaijan 

Baku’s Old City (Icheri Sheher) has numerous restaurants, including options for Azerbaijani cuisine, international flavours, coffee houses and tea cafes. 

A second favourite-again lunch at Araz Cafe.

ACCOMMODATION – Where to stay in Baku 

We stayed in two parts of Baku during our visit – first in the Old City and then out in the New City part. 

Read more about travel in West Asia and Eastern Europe 

More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

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