Azerbaijan is a fascinating and unique country, as it is the place where East literally meets West. Sheki was an important marketplace on the Silk Road, linking Asia, Rusia and the Caucasus. So, there are lots of unique things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan that make it worth the journey.
- Travel to Azerbaijan
- About Sheki
- Best time to visit?
- Getting there
- Getting around
- How long do you need?
- Things to do in Sheki
- Sheki to Signaghi
- Food in Azerbaijan
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- More about travel in West Asia
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!
- Read more about things to do in Baku.
About Sheki
Sheki was once a major city and vital hub of trade along the Silk Roads from Asia.
Geographically the city is divided in two by the Gurjana River. The older northern part of the city is built on the mountain while its southern part extends into the river valley.
The location of the city has been that of importance since the Middle Ages. The old city of Sheki came to prominence in the mid-1700s when rulers (Khans) made it the capital of their Khanate.
At that time, it was a major centre for silk production and silkworm cultivation. It became known for its skilled artisans and the trading of silk and silk fabrics, in particularly Kelagayis (silk headscarves) that are like what Azerbaijani women wear today.
With the trade and economy of silk, Sheki flourished as a cosmopolitan city that accommodated and adapted its culture as new influences and cultural elements arrived via the Silk Roads.
These varied cultural influences are evidenced today by the city’s religious diversity apparent in its numerous mosques and churches.
Today it is a beautiful old city to visit.
Language in 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 Sheki, Azerbaijan?
The best time to visit Sheki 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 this is a beautiful time of year up in the hills.
We visited Azerbaijan in June and had brilliant sunshine and a nice temperature in Sheki.
Getting to Azerbaijan
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 to Sheki
The simplest way to get from Baku to Sheki is to take a bus or Mashrutka.
There are several departure times for the buses throughout the day. We had a bit of a wait at the Baku Bus Station and got an afternoon bus Baku to Sheki.
However, the Mashrutka depart all throughout the day as soon as the minivan is full.
- Read how to get the bus or Mashrutka from Baku to Sheki.
Getting around in Sheki
Once you arrive at the bus station in Sheki most of the accommodation options are within walking distance.
Plus, all the things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan listed below are in walkable distance from the centre of town.
Getting from Sheki to the border crossing for Azerbaijan – Georgia
We got a Mashrutka from the Sheki Bus Station to Balakan. Then from Balakan we got a taxi to the Azerbaijan – Georgia border crossing.
How long do you need for the things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan?
With 1 – 2 days you can explore most of the listed things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan.
We stayed two nights in Sheki and crossed the border to Georgia on the third day. So, we really had one full day of exploring in Sheki.
Things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan
The following are not in particular order. But these are 10 top things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan on your first visit – or before crossing the Azerbaijan – Georgia border from Sheki.
1. The Sheki Fortress
The Sheki Fortress is at the top of the hill above the town and encloses the Sheki Khan’s Palace and historical buildings.
It is estimated to be some 250-years-old. The fortress was built to protect the city of Sheki from foreign invaders.
In its heyday the wall measured 1,300 metres and had 15 defensive watchtowers around the length!
- Tip: The best way to get up to the fortress is to walk up through town, though there is a small minivan (Marshtruka #22) that goes up regularly.
2. Sheki Khan’s Palace
Of all the things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan the Khan’s Palace is the biggest attraction. It is one of the most magnificent pieces of architecture in the region.
The palace is located atop a slope on the eastern side of the city, enclosed within the walls of Sheki Castle.
The design and structure of the Khan’s Palace combines red brick with red cobblestone – and does not contain a single nail!
The palace along with the Caravansary accommodation and other merchant houses, reflect the wealth generated by silkworm breeding and the trade in silk cocoons from the late 18th to the 19th centuries in Sheki.
- Tip: Sheki Palace is open every day from 9am until 6pm.
3. Khans Mosque – Things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan
The Khan Mosque Complex, after Sheki Khan’s Palace, is one of the most significant historical sites that reflect the history and culture of the Sheki Khanate.
The mosque was completed in 1769, so it predates the palace and was the main Juma Mosque at the time.
It is hard to miss from the outside with the historic towering minaret today. Though if you can go inside, there is the typically stunning woodwork inside the prayer hall as in mosques from Central Asia and further east.
4. Nukha Three Saints Church
The Three Saints Church in Sheki is a former Russian Orthodox church building located near the Khan’s Palace too.
Though, the history that has been uncovered of the church’s foundation is rather ambiguous. This in turn has led some researchers to identify the building as a Caucasian Albanian Church, a former Mosque and/or a chapel for the Imperial Russian garrison.
It is another reminder of how much history there is here in Sheki. Plus, the ambiguity emphasises again that it really is a crossroads in geography as well as culture and history!
5. Shekikhanovs’ House
This is a second palace in Sheki that was built around the same time as the larger Khan’s Palace. Though this one is decidedly less opulent with only one decorated room for the guest reception room.
There are many mixed messages about whether or not this was actually a Winter Palace. Though it sounds more like it was occupied year-round by relatives of the Khan.
- Tip: The Shekikhanov House is open from 9am until 6pm daily, with a lunch break between 1pm-2pm.
6. Sheki Upper Caravanserai
The Sheki’s Caravanserais provided a place to stay overnight in the city. As well as being used as centres for exchanges and negotiations for merchants and other people travelling along the Silk Roads.
In Sheki there are two main historic Caravanserai – Upper and Lower – that were constructed in the 18thcentury.
In the Upper Caravanserai (the larger of the two) there are over 300 rooms and storerooms. Which part of – with good news for travellers today – the grounds converted into hotel accommodation and an outdoor seating restaurant.
7. Sheki Lower Caravanserai
The second Caravanserai in Sheki is located on the same street, further down towards the centre of town.
This one is significantly smaller (and you unfortunately cannot enter).
But it was another important part of Sheki’s trading poignance and was known as the Ashaghi Caravanserai or Lower Caravanserai. This too dates to the 18th century.
8. Godak Minaret – Things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan
We walked the entire rounds of Sheki during our visit. Then on our way down from the Khan’s Palace and the Upper Caravansary we looped around past the historic Godak Minaret.
This is also a part of Sheki’s Historical Centre. The minaret was built in 1811 and similarly has been since included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
9. Sheki Halva
The Sheki Halva is absolutely one of the other essential things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan! It is one of the most popular food products from this region.
Just below the Upper Caravansary and on the street up towards it is a row of several Sheki Halva shops.
If you haven’t yet tried Halva in Azerbaijan, it is slightly different to further west. The Sheki Halva is quite like Baklava. It is made from crushed walnuts or hazelnuts and flavoured with spices and smothered in honey. It’s delish!
10. Sheki Teze Bazar
Teze Bazar is the local market in Sheki. It isn’t far from the bus station so distance-wise it is another of the things to do in Sheki while you are in town.
The marketplace isn’t as large as those in Baku. But it has all the bustle and colours and hum of other Azerbaijani and Central Asia markets.
There is everything from fresh produce to soft cheeses and hard. An entire section is dedicated to butchery and meats. Or there are pots of honey and tightly bunched herbs stacked in bundles overflowing the small tables.
Other things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan
If you have more time, there are some other nearby things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan too.
- Yeralti Hammam
- Khan Wine House
- Craftsmen’s House
- Art Residence
- Sheki State Art Gallery
- Museum of Folk and Applied Art
- Sheki WWII Memorial Viewpoint
- Church of Kish
- Sheki History and Ethnography Museum
- Sheki Halva
We always gravitate to the markets and bazaars. But otherwise just a wander around the historic old part of town is a cool experience!
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 is absolutely one of the things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan.
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:
- Plov – Azerbaijani rice pilaf
- Shishlyk Kabab – marinated meat
- Dolma – stuffed vine leaves
- Dushbara – dumpling soup
- Gürzə – folded dumplings
- Piti – Azerbaijani stew
- Yarpak Xangal – layered pasta and meat
- Pakhlava – Baklava
- Shekerbura – sweet almond pastry
- Ayran – savoury dairy drink
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!
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS – Where to eat in Sheki, Azerbaijan
Aside from trying the famous Sheki Halva, there are some great local restaurants to make the most of traditional Azerbaijani meals – and Sheki Piti.
- Karbala’I Sadiq’s Bakery: This is a traditional bread bakery on the main street heading up towards the Khan’s Palace serving delicious, fresh Sheki bread.
- Serin Restorani: This was another highlight of things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan for us. This restaurant is famous for Sheki Piti (recommended to us by our hotel and just adjacent) but they had incredible friendly service too – and delicious Sheki Piti!
- Restoran Qaqarin: Another great local restaurant with traditional dishes and friendly service.
- Lower Caravanserai Restaurant: The Lower Caravanserai is home to the Sheki Karvansaray Hotel including an outdoor seating restaurant. We had tea in the afternoon in the garden setting which was beautiful.
ACCOMMODATION – Where to stay in Sheki, Azerbaijan
There is a range of accommodation in Sheki to fit different budgets.
We really enjoyed our stay at the basic but very friendly Tubram Hotel before crossing the border from Sheki to Georgia.
- Budget – Tubram Hotel
The lovely lady manager is very friendly and welcoming and will send you a message on WhatsApp to check your arrival time. We arrived off the bus from Baku to Sheki and the manager sent instructions and was there waiting for us. We had a beautiful breakfast each morning – and the hotel even made a birthday cake for Harry!
- Budget – Ilgar’s Guest House
For backpackers heading onwards to Georgia, this is a popular and friendly homestay for budget travellers.
- Budget-Mid-Range – Ruma Qala Hotel
Another comfortable low-cost option with awesome views.
- Mid-Range – Min Ali Hotel
This is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Sheki, Azerbaijan. The hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, a playground for children, a garden, free private parking, and free Wi-Fi.
- Mid-Upper – Karvansaray Hotel
This is the ultimate experience in Sheki – to stay in one of the historic Silk Road caravanserai hotels!
Read more about travel in West Asia and Eastern Europe
- 10 Things To Do In Pristina, Kosovo.
- 20 Things To Do In Bucharest, Romania.
- Border Crossing: Romania to Moldova.
- Border Crossing: Kosovo to North Macedonia.
- 20 Things To Do In Podgorica, Montenegro.
- 14 Things To Do In Belgrade, Serbia.
- Border Crossing: Serbia to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Border Crossing: Bosnia to Montenegro.
- 10 Things To Do In Chisinau, Moldova.
More useful links for your travels in Europe and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on travel to West Asia and things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan!
