Ganja, the second-largest city in Azerbaijan with a name that is hard to forget, is a city full of beautiful red brick architecture, a plethora of things to do and see, and a great base to go explore the beautiful lakes of Goygol and Maralgol.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to travel to Ganja, including important details on how to get around, as well as a list of the best things to do in and around Ganja for solo travelers. Without further ado, let's take a look at the map of incredible things to do in the city:
Ganja Things to Do Itinerary Map
Quick Summary
| โฅ๏ธ Must Visit: | Shah Abbas Mosque (Juma Mosque) |
|---|---|
| โ๏ธ Great Day Trip: | Lake Maralgol |
| ๐ Place to Stay: | Baku Hotel Ganja |
| ๐ค๏ธ When to visit: | Sep - Oct |
8 Best Things to Do in Ganja, Azerbaijan
1. Check Out Shah Abbas Mosque (The Juma Mosque)
- ๐ Location: Shah Abbas Mosque (Juma Mosque) [Map Link]
- โก Pete's Take: "A beautiful mosque with lots of old structures to see. Before visiting, read a little about the Safavid dynasty; you will get more from this place when you know the context."
Ganja, through so many conquests by foreign powers throughout its lifespan since the 9th Century, has a plethora of beautiful ancient architectures all around the city, and one of the most prominent ones is the Shah Abbas Mosque, or as some call it, Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque).
Built in 1606 by order of Safavid ruler Shah Abbas I, the Shah Abbas Mosque, also known as the Juma Mosque, is one of Ganjaโs most important examples of 17th-century architecture. It was designed by Sheikh Baha' al-Din al-Amili and built from the red brick that gives so much of central Ganja its distinctive look.
The Shah Abbas Mosque is located right at the center of Shah Abbas Square, which has a ton of other beautiful old buildings, making it the perfect place to begin your exploration of Ganja.
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Where to Stay in Ganja, Azerbaijan?
2. Visit the Mausoleum and a Turkish Bath at Shah Abbas Square
- ๐ Location: Chokak Baths [Map Link]
- โก Pete's Take: "Donโt miss the Tomb of Javad Khan while youโre in the square."
From the Shah Abbas Mosque, you will find yourself in a large, spacious square surrounded by other beautiful, red-brick buildings that are all worthy of your attention.
Within the Shah Abbas Square, you will find the Chokak Baths, an old Turkish bath boasting several iconic Turkish Bath domes that are hard to miss, as well as the Tomb of Javad Khan, a tomb erected on the grave of Javad Khan, the last Khan of Ganja, which was accidentally discovered during the USSR period while they were trying to build a fountain.
3. Admire the European-Style Architecture of Ganja State Philharmonic Hall
- ๐ Location: Ganja State Philharmonic Hall [Map Link]
- โก Pete's Take: "Doesn't this building look like it belongs in Europe? I love how out of character it is from the rest of the cityscape!"
Right by the Shah Abbas Square, you will also find a large, grandiose building reminiscent of some old buildings you might find in Europe. This building is the Ganja State Philharmonic Hall, a concert hall built for orchestral performances in the name of the great Ganja-born composer, Fikret Amirov.
This delicately designed building also has an observation tower attached to it, as well as a beautifully designed fountain decorated with national ornaments right by the entrance.
Although the building may resemble some of the grand old buildings of Europe, the current Ganja State Philharmonic Hall is actually much newer. Construction of this building began after its foundation was laid in 2012, and it officially opened in November 2017.
The area itself has gone through several transformations over the years, which makes the modern Philharmonic Hall an interesting contrast to the much older red-brick architecture around Shah Abbas Square.
4. Walk by the Javad Khan Pedestrian Street
- ๐ Location: Javad Khan Pedestrian Street [Map Link]
- โก Pete's Take: "Walk the whole street slowly so you can take in the historical buildings on both sides."
Right across the road from the Ganja State Philharmonic Hall is the Javad Khan Pedestrian Street, a shopping street where you can find several historical buildings all lined up on both sides of the walking street.
The street runs along the side of Ganja Mall, where you can find souvenir stores, restaurants, and shops to indulge yourself in. You can also go there simply to appreciate the beauty of the historical buildings or to engage in people-watching, as the locals often hang out here in the evening.
5. Visit Heydar Aliyev Square and the City Hall at Sunset
- ๐ Location: Heydar Aliyev Square [Map Link]
- โก Pete's Take: "Be sure to stay here after sunset so you can see the entire building light up!"
Not too far from Shah Abbas Square, you will find a large space with a huge building and a monument of Heydar Aliyev on the side. This is the Heydar Aliyev Square, and the grand building is the Ganja City Hall.
The Ganja City Hall was constructed during the Soviet era in 1961, and it is a great example of the architectural style the Soviets had mastered during their reign.
The facade of City Hall is an example of the Stripped Classicism architectural style that strips off all the "wasteful" ornaments, leaving us with a simplified but recognizable classical building.
The best time to visit City Hall is at sunset when the sky turns purple and the building is illuminated by lights. You will also find many people out and about in the evening, as it is a popular meeting point among locals.
6. Admire the Beauty of Imamzadeh Complex
Photos by Tarkhan Pashazade
- ๐ Location: Imamzadeh Complex [Map Link]
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: Free
- โก Pete's Take: "The complex is about 7 kilometers north of central Ganja, and you can take bus number 33 or just use Bolt to get there."
After seeing all of the tourist attractions in the Old City of Ganja, it is time to go out and explore what the surrounding area of Ganja has to offer. First and foremost, one of the most significant religious buildings that is popular among pilgrims and shouldn't be missed is the Imamzadeh Complex.
Imamzadeh Complex is located 7km north of Ganja City Center. The complex consists of a mosque, a caravanserai, a cemetery, and funeral monuments, and the most beautiful of all, the mausoleum, all surrounded by a red brick wall.
Photos by Tarkhan Pashazade
The exterior design of the Imamzadeh mausoleum is a great example of the beauty of Persian art and patterns, which can be seen on many of the ancient Persian-era buildings around this part of the world.
Photos by Tarkhan Pashazade
Within the mausoleum, you will find the grave of one of the sons of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the great-grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Hence, it is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the city.
You can reach the Imamzadeh Complex via bus #33, or you can hail a taxi via the Bolt app. The taxi should cost somewhere between 4 - 6 AZN one way. The entry to the Imamzadeh Complex is free of charge.
7. Visit Goygol Lake
- ๐ Location: Lake Goygol [Map Link]
- ๐ฐ Entry Fee: 2 AZN per person
- ๐ Opening Hours: 9 AM - 6 PM
- โก Pete's Take: "I paid 60 AZN for a taxi there and back, which included waiting while I visited both lakes; well worth the day trip!"
Located around 50 km south of Ganja, there is a beautiful blue lake situated at the foot of the Lesser Caucasus. The lake stands at 1,556m above sea level, and it is one of the most popular lakes around Ganja for the locals to visit.
Lake Goygol, one of the 8 great lakes around Ganja, is one of the most beautiful sights you can see in Azerbaijan. You can reach the lake by taxi, but the taxi will only go as far as the parking lot, and then you will have to continue on foot.
There is a nice viewpoint at the Goygol Hotel Restaurant overlooking the lake from above, so be sure to walk by there after the taxi drops you off.
You can also walk down along the road to the lake and you will find another cafe/restaurant where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the sight of Lake Goygol up close.
Gรถygรถl National Park is a protected area, so stick to the designated visitor areas and any routes that are open during your visit. Access to some parts of the park can be controlled depending on conditions, and you should follow instructions from park staff rather than wandering away from marked areas.
Thankfully, there is another lake not too far from Lake Goygol that offers more things to do and has significantly fewer tourists you can visit after Lake Goygol.
Getting from Ganja to Lake Goygol
For an independent day trip from Ganja, the easiest option is still to arrange a taxi or private transfer to Lake Goygol and agree on the return trip and waiting time in advance. There is no dependable direct city bus from central Ganja all the way to the main lake visitor area.
When I visited, I paid 60 AZN for a taxi to drive me up to Lake Goygol and back, including waiting time. The driver picked me up at 9 AM, the drive took around an hour, and I spent about 4 hours taking my time at Lake Goygol and Lake Maralgol before returning to Ganja at around 4 PM.
8. Hike Up to Lake Maralgol
- ๐ Location: Lake Maralgol [Map Link]
- ๐ฐ Park Entry: Included under the 2 AZN Gรถygรถl National Park entrance; internal transport, if required, is separate
- โก Pete's Take: "Not being able to swim was a little disappointing, but I still enjoyed spending a couple of hours there."
Lake Maralgol is actually the highlight of my visit to Lake Goygol. It's a smaller lake located deeper into the national park, and you can only get there by transportation provided by the park through Lake Goygol, so your taxi won't be able to drive you there.
When I visited, the park used a mini-bus to connect the Lake Goygol visitor area with the access point for Lake Maralgol, followed by a short climb on paved steps. Internal transport arrangements can change, so confirm the current setup at the park entrance when you arrive. Once you reach the top, you will find yourself face-to-face with Lake Maralgol, with the iconic Mount Kapaz looming in the background.
At Lake Maralgol, you will have the opportunity to explore the lake a little bit more than at Lake Goygol. There are a few short walking trails along the lake that you can take to get away from the crowds.
There is also a cafรฉ on a hill overlooking Lake Maralgol, so you can take your time and rest from the hike. I ended up just walking along the lake to a remote part, found a shade to sit under, and enjoyed my packed lunch.
Unfortunately, you can't swim in any of the lakes here due to security reasons, so there's no need to pack your swim suits. After spending an hour or two at Lake Maralgol, you can catch the mini-bus back to Lake Goygol and return to Ganja with your taxi driver.
Getting from Lake Goygol to Lake Maralgol
To get from Lake Goygol to Lake Maralgol, you can wait for a mini-bus at the bus parking spot located not too far from the Goygol Hotel Restaurant.
When I was there, the mini-bus ran roughly every 15-30 minutes and cost 1 AZN each way. The ride took about 10 minutes, followed by a short climb up the stairs to the lake. Since the park controls internal access, confirm the current shuttle frequency and fare at the entrance rather than relying on my old timetable.
For the return, head back to the same Maralgol access point and follow the parkโs current transport arrangement back toward Lake Goygol.
Other Things to Do in Ganja
1. Go Urban Exploring and Discover Abandoned Orthodox Church
When I was in Ganja, through the magical sight of Google Earth, I found an Abandoned Orthodox Church located not too far from Ganja City Center. On your way back from Lake Goygol, you can ask your taxi to stop by this church so that you can go and have a look.
I went ahead and climbed into the church through a window just to check out how massive the church is. The interior really reminded me of the Church of the Ancient Armenian City of Ani in Eastern Turkey.
I could only imagine how beautiful it would be if the city actually renovated the church and turned it into a proper tourist attraction. Too bad it seems like they do not have any interest in restoring what was lost of the remnants of Orthodox Christianity in this part of the world.
2. Visit the Bottle House
Photos by Urmen19
Not too far from Ganja Old Town, you will find a peculiar-looking house built with 48,000 glass bottles appropriately named the Bottle House. It is a work of art by Ibrahim Jaffarov, a Ganja resident in the 1960s, who dedicated the house to Ibrahim Jafarov's brother who went missing during World War II. Be sure to drop by there when you are in Ganja.
3. Walk by Shah Abbas Caravanserai
Like most ancient cities along the Silk Road, Ganja also has Caravanserai, a place where merchants of the Silk Road would come and rest from the day's journey.
The building boasts beautiful red-brick architecture that can be seen throughout Ganja. The Caravanserai was actually part of the Khan's Palace, together with the Shah Abbas Mosque and the Chokak Baths, hence the similarity of the exterior.
Unfortunately, the building was being restored, so I was unable to get in. However, the architecture outside is still impressive, and it is worth dropping by if you are around Ganja Old Town.
4. Check Out the Arc of Triumph at Ganja Heyder Aliyev Park
Located on the western outer rim of Ganja city, the Ganja Heydar Aliyev Park is the largest urban park in the city, stretching for 450 hectares. There are fountains, flowers, an amphitheater, museums, and the most impressive of all, the Arc of Triumph located on the northern end of the park.
The park is especially beautiful after sunset, so be sure to drop by around that time. To get there, you can either call a taxi via the Bolt app for 3 AZN, or you can take bus #1 and #4 for 0.3 AZN.
5. Visit Nizamiโs Mausoleum
Photos by Nuhun
Last but not least, outside of Ganja, there is another great tourist attraction to visit, Nizami Mausoleum, a mausoleum dedicated to the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi.
You can get there by taxi or take bus number 23. Bus number 23 leaves from Ganja Market and it will cost you 0.3 AZN per trip.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ganja?
Sip a Cup of Coffee at Coffeemania Ganja
If you are looking for a nice cafe to take a break from the day of exploration, Coffeemania Ganja is a great cafe to do so. The cafe overlooks Shah Abbas Square from the balcony in Ganja Mall, giving you a great vantage point of the area.
They serve Western-style food like sandwiches, as well as kebabs, together with a ton of drink options ranging from lemonade to coffee. They also have reliable WiFi, making it the perfect place to sit and work on your laptop in Ganja.
Azerbaijan Travel Video
When to Visit Ganja, Azerbaijan?
The best times to visit Ganja are generally April to June and September to October, when temperatures are more comfortable for walking around the city and visiting the mountain scenery around Lake Goygol and Lake Maralgol. Autumn is especially beautiful around the lakes as the forests begin to change color.
July and August are perfectly doable, but Ganja can get hot and dry during the day, while the national park is usually cooler thanks to its higher elevation. Winter is much colder and mountain conditions can affect access, so I would choose spring or autumn if the lakes are a major reason for your visit.
How to Get to Ganja, Azerbaijan?
How to Get to Baku?
Most international travelers will reach Ganja via Baku. Heydar Aliyev International Airport has connections with major hubs in Europe, the Middle East, and the region, so the most practical route is to search for a flight to Baku and then continue to Ganja by train or bus.
Flight networks change frequently, so rather than relying on a specific airline or connection, compare the routes available from your departure city for your actual travel dates.
To find a cheap flight to Baku, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get from Baku to Ganja?
From Baku, the two easiest public-transport options are the train and intercity bus. I would check the train first because Azerbaijan Railways now runs modern passenger services through Ganja, while buses are useful if their more frequent departures fit your itinerary better.
On the other hand, marshrutkas run more often, so if you can't align yourself with the train schedule, marshrutkas are a great option as well. They both take about the same time and are similarly priced, so you can choose whichever mode of transportation fits your itinerary.
Train: The train is the more convenient option of the two, as you will get to travel on their newly modernized European-style trains. To catch the train from Baku to Ganja, you will have to get to Baku Central Railway Station, which is easily accessible via 28 May Metro Station.
Current Azerbaijan Railways services include modern trains on the Baku-Gazakh route that stop in Ganja, as well as sleeper services passing through the city. Journey times and fares depend on the specific train and class, so use Azerbaijan Railwaysโ official booking site for the departure you want rather than relying on my old 7-10 AZN fare.
For an official train schedule and online booking, you can visit Azerbaijan Railways' official website here.
Things to Note: If you are searching for a ticket on the official website, you might have to input the destination name in Azerbaijani language. So, if you can't find Baku and Ganja, try BAKI and GฦNCฦ respectively instead.
Once you arrive in Ganja, the train will drop you off at Ganja Central Station, where you can request a lift on the Bolt app or grab a taxi to Ganja city center.
Bus (marshrutka): If you want to take the marshrutka, you will have to go to Baku International Bus Terminal which is located in the northern part of Baku.
The official Baku International Bus Terminal currently lists frequent daily buses from Baku to Ganja for around 13.10 - 13.50 AZN. The published timetable shows departures throughout the day; check the official schedule for your date because departure times can change.
To get to the bus terminal from the city center, you can either call a taxi via Bolt (Android|iOS) or take the metro to Avtovaghzal Station. The Baku Metro fare is now 0.60 AZN per trip.
Once you arrive in Ganja, the bus will drop you off at a bus stop by a roundabout outside of the city. From there, you can call Bolt or grab a taxi to your accommodation.
For an official bus schedule and booking, you can check out the official website of Baku International Bus Terminal Complex here.
How to Get from Sheki to Ganja?
If you are currently traveling in Sheki and would like to go to Ganja, you can take a marshrutka directly from Sheki to Ganja without having to backtrack to Baku.
In Sheki, head to Sheki Central Bus Station and ask for the next direct service to Ganja. When I traveled this route, there were five departures at 8:00, 8:30, 9:10, 11:50, and 13:30, the fare was 4 AZN, and the journey took about 3 hours. Treat those times and that fare as a record of my trip and confirm the current departure at the station.
You do not have to buy the bus ticket at the kiosk. Simply go to the marshrutka with a GฦNCฦ sign on the windshield, find a seat, and you can pay the bus driver directly. Make sure to go there early to get a seat as it fills up quickly.
How to Get from Ganja Bus/Train Station to Ganja City Center?
The Ganja Bus Stop and Ganja Central Station are both located outside of the city center, and the best way to get to the city center is to use the app Bolt and request a ride from there.
A ride from a bus/train station with Bolt will cost you about 2-3 AZN, and it will take around 15 minutes to get to the city center.
How to Get Around Ganja, Azerbaijan?
The majority of the tourist attractions are within walking distance from Shah Abbas Square, so you can visit most of them on foot. Some places, like Imamzadeh Complex, are too far from the city center, and you will have to take a taxi instead.
As mentioned earlier, the best way to travel around the city with a taxi is to use the app Bolt and request a ride from there. The price can range from 2-6 AZN depending on the distance.
To get to Goygol and Maralgol lakes, you will have to hire a taxi driver to drive you there and back. For more information, check out the Getting from Ganja to Lake Goygol section.
How Many Days to Spend in Ganja, Azerbaijan?
To see most of the interesting sights in Ganja, I would recommend that you spend at least one full day here. If you have time and would like to take it slow, 2 full days are also recommended.
Day 0: On the day you arrive, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Shah Abbas Square, Ganja Philharmonic, Javad Khan Street, and Heydar Aliyev Square, all of which are located in the same area.
Before the day ends, talk to your accommodation and ask them to organize a ride to Lake Goygol the next day.
Day 1: Spend the entire day exploring Lake Goygol and Lake Maralgol. It should take you about 3-5 hours for the trip. If you have enough time left in the evening, you can also visit the Imamzadeh Complex.
Day 2 (optional): If you didn't have enough time on the first day, you can move the Imamzadeh Complex to the second day, along with visiting Nizamiโs Mausoleum and all the activities listed under Other Things to Do in Ganja.
How Much Money Do I Need for Ganja, Azerbaijan?
For this itinerary, I would now budget roughly the following for two nights in Ganja:
Accommodation: Allow around 35 - 60 AZN for 2 nights in a budget hostel or simple guesthouse, depending on your dates and whether you book a dorm or private room.
Food: Budget around 35 - 50 AZN for simple local meals, snacks, and drinks over the stay.
Transportation: Allow around 65 - 90 AZN for local taxis plus a private round-trip taxi/transfer to Gรถygรถl National Park. When I visited, I paid 60 AZN for the Gรถygรถl round trip alone, so use that as a historical reference rather than a guaranteed current quote.
Activities: Gรถygรถl National Park currently charges 2 AZN per person for standard entry. Allow a few extra manat in case you use park transport or other paid services inside the park.
Total Budget: 140 - 205 AZN (82 - 121 USD) per person
Is it Safe in Ganja, Azerbaijan?
I felt comfortable traveling around Ganja independently, but use the same normal precautions you would elsewhere: keep an eye on your belongings, use reputable transport, and take extra care when crossing busy roads.
At Lake Goygol, remember that you are inside a protected national park. Stay within areas open to visitors and follow any instructions or access restrictions from park staff.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Azerbaijan?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Ganja, Azerbaijan without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Ganja, Azerbaijan:
Ganja is quite reliable when it comes to finding reliable WIFI. Your accommodation should have fast working WIFI for you to use. If not, you can always find a cafe (Coffeemania is highly recommended) in Ganja Mall and use their free WIFI.
If you want to stay connected all the time while you are in Ganja, or if you are looking to use the taxi-hailing app, Bolt, I would recommend that you get a local SIM card.
Azercell is one convenient option for visitors. Its current 30-day Travel packs include 30 GB for 39 AZN, 60 GB for 59 AZN, and 120 GB for 79 AZN, with a SIM or eSIM included. Foreign visitors can activate the tourist packages through Azercell sales and service centers with a valid passport.
If you only need maps, messaging, and ride-hailing during a short Azerbaijan trip, the 30 GB package is already more than enough for most travelers. You can check the latest packages on Azercellโs official Travel packs page.
Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
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