Explore Baku: 14 Unmissable Experiences - A Complete Guide to Backpacking Baku

Explore Baku: 14 Unmissable Experiences

A Complete Guide to Backpacking Baku
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

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Azerbaijan, or the "Land of Fire", is a country of contrast between the old and the new. No other country has gone through such a drastic transformation from the Soviet era to now as Azerbaijan, and the best place to see this transformation firsthand is in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan.

The moment you step foot in Baku, you will be surprised at how clean and well-thought-out the city is. Within the old town, you will find both old stone structures and hypermodern buildings all nestled together, waiting for you to explore.

With the injection of oil money, the city has also become a playground for architectural experiments. The futuristic Heydar Aliyev Art Center, Zaha Hadid's brainchild, and the massive stone-built Heydar Mosque are a few examples of the great pieces of architecture you will find in Baku.

Within this guide, we will visit all of these beautiful hypermodern architectures mentioned here, as well as explore the old part of the city, among other exciting attractions you shouldn't miss while in Baku. Without further ado, let's begin with the Baku Things to Do Map.

2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Azerbaijan2 Weeks Backpacking Itinerary for Azerbaijan

Baku Things to Do Itinerary Map

Baku Things to Do Itinerary Map

14 Incredible Things to Do in Baku

1. Check Out the Old Town of Baku

A view from the street of Baku's Old Town in Azerbaijan.

The Old Town area in Baku is considered to be one of the most ancient parts of the city. Many of the structures you will find here, such as the Maiden Tower, date back to the 12th century.

The fortified walls around the Old Town of Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Old Town is fortified by a medieval stone wall as old as the city itself. Within this wall, you will find many interesting sights to explore.

Baku's Old Town at night in Azerbaijan.

One of the sights I highly recommend you visit is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century palace complex, where you will find the palace, the burial vaults, and the shah's mosque. You can also pay to get in and see the relics and artifacts they keep in the palace, or you can enjoy the view of the palace from the outside.

Planning to visit soon?
๐Ÿ›Œ Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. Home Boutique Hostel (Budget)
  2. Prestige Hotel Baku (Mid-Range) ๐Ÿ‘ Top Pick
  3. Sahil inn Hotel (Formula 1 view) (High-End)
๐Ÿ„ Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
  1. Gobustan & Absheron Tour All Entrance Fees included (Group or Private) (7 hours) ๐Ÿ… Top Pick
  2. Full Day Sightseeing Tour of the main Attractions around Baku (10 hours)
  3. Gobustan and Absheron tour (All Entrance Fees And Lunch Included) (8 to 9 hours)
๐Ÿš˜ Renting a car: Discover Cars.
๐Ÿฅ Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

The view of the Flaming Towers from the Palace of The Shirvanshahs in Baku, Azerbaijan.

In front of the palace, there is an awesome photo spot on the balcony of the Palace, where you will be able to capture the old Shah's mosque as well as the hypermodern Flaming Towers in one frame, showing the stark contrast between the old and the new. Be sure to keep an eye out for that while walking around ๐Ÿ˜‰.

The Maiden Tower in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Other than the Palace, there is also the ancient Muhammad Mosque built in the 11th Century that you can visit, the Maiden Tower, a 12th-century monument that you can climb, and the beautiful crisscrossing old streets that make you feel like you are traveling in time.

2. Visit Bibi-Heybat Mosque and Check Out its Interior

Bibi-Heybat Mosque facade in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Just outside the city center, along the highway going south, you will find a large mosque on the side of a mountain. From the outside, it may seem like a regular mosque, but the true beauty of the mosque lies within its stone walls.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque from the Balcony in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Inside Bibi-Heybat Mosque, you will find the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, which is beautifully decorated with sparkling green walls and ceiling. Islamic patterns can be found in almost every corner of the mosque's interior.

Bibi-Heybat Mosque is now popular for pilgrims from all over Azerbaijan, especially women, as it is a place of worship for infertile women. Legend has it that some women came here on foot, worshipped, and gained the ability to give birth within a year.

The green interior and the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum inside the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Baku, Azerbaijan.

Photos by Interfase.

Unfortunately, I was there twice and could not get in both times. The first time, there was a service happening inside. The second time, they had already closed the mosque. So, if you are lucky enough to get inside, please do not hesitate to let us know what it was like in the comments section.

3. Admire the Hypermodern Beauty of Heydar Aliyev Centre

The entrance of Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Aliyev Centre is probably one of the most beautiful and significant modern pieces of architecture in the entire city. It is the brainchild of the late Iraqi-British architect, Zaha Hadid.

Me standing in front of Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Its distinct fluid look of curves and flows stands out from everything you will find in the city. The complex often hosts exhibitions, as well as activities and gala concerts.

Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku from the side, Azerbaijan.

For about 15 AZN per person, you can get inside and check out the exhibition that is currently happening. For a full list of events and activities being held at Heydar Aliyev Centre, be sure to check out the official website for more information.

Heydar Aliyev Centre as seen from the road in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Even if you don't plan to see the exhibition, the surrounding park is also a great place to go for a picnic or simply hang out with your friends and enjoy the building from the outside.

Tours & Tickets You Might Like

4. Buy Some Spices and Tea Leaves at Yashil Bazaar

A friendly vendor at Yashil Bazaar wanted me to take a photo of him in Baku, Azerbaijan.

On your way from Heydar Aliyev Centre, be sure to opt-in for a walk back to the city center so you can pass by Yashil Bazaar, a huge market where you will find a good variety of fresh fruits, colorful spices, and delicious delights that you can buy back home as souvenirs.

The colorful spices being sold at Yashil Bazaar in Baku, Azerbaijan.

People are very welcoming, and they will let you try many of their local snacks and sweets for free if you are curious. These Azeri versions of "Turkish delights" are extremely sweet, though, so if you plan to buy some sweets back home, try them all out first.

A spice shop in Yashil Bazaar, Baku, Azerbaijan.

With most bazaars, don't forget to negotiate with the vendor before buying anything. It's part of their craft, and they do seem to enjoy a good bargain, so give them all you have and smile a lot ๐Ÿ™‚.

5. Stroll Along Baku Promenade and Check Out Mini Venice

Baku Promenade in the evening in Azerbaijan.

One of my favorite pastimes in Baku is to go on a long walk along Baku Promenade in the evening. This 4-km long promenade is located along the coast of the Caspian Sea, and it goes all the way from the House of Government to the Carpet Museum with many interesting things to see along the way.

The view of Baku from Baku Promenade in Azerbaijan.

Once you set foot on the Promenade, you will find yourself on the spacious walkway right by the beautiful Caspian Sea, and you will be able to see the Flaming Towers, the Caspian Waterfront Mall, and all the beautiful architecture along the Promenade.

Mini-Venice in Baku, Azerbaijan.

One of the most photogenic places in Baku is the Mini-Venice, a small network of waterways built to depict what Venice looks like, hence the name.

People on a boat at Mini Venice in Baku, Azerbaijan.

It is pretty gimmicky with people waiting in a long queue to get on one of these boats, but I gotta admit they did a great job building it. Despite its gimmick purpose, the place is very photogenic, especially at sunset, so be sure to check it out.

The carpet museum in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Be sure to also check out the Carpet Museum once you are done at Mini-Venice. It is in a building shaped like a carpet. You can't miss it! ๐Ÿ˜….

6. Hike Up the Highland Park at Sunset

The view of Baku at night from the Highland Park in Azerbaijan.

After you have reached the Carpet Museum, continue across the road and walk up the stairs. This will lead you to the top of Highland Park, a beautiful park with an unmatched panoramic view of Baku.

The Flaming Towers from the Highland Park in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There are over 250 steps that stand between you and a balcony with a panoramic view of the city, so be prepared to walk up. You can also spend 1 AZN and take the funicular up to the top as well if you don't feel like walking.

A mosque at the Highland Park being towered by the Flaming Tower in Azerbaijan.

The best time to visit Highland Park is right before sunset, so you can avoid the heat while climbing. By the time you arrive at the top, you should be able to catch the sunset in time.

Shahidlar Monument in the Highland Park in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Up at the top, you will find several monuments dedicated to the soldiers and civilians who were killed during the Black January Massacre, a great reminder of the dark, often unknown past of the people of Azerbaijan.

A fire projected on The Flaming Towers at night in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Be sure to stay up there until it's dark to see the Flaming Towers and the light show up close. It is quite a sight to behold, especially when they project a flame on the Flaming Towers.

7. Be Blown Away by the Beauty and Scale of Heydar Mosque at Night

The lit-up Heydar Mosque at night in Baku, Azerbaijan.

One of the hidden gems my local friend showed me while I was in Baku is the Heydar Mosque, a massive mosque located in the northern part of the city. For some reason, the moment I set my eyes on the mosque, it just reminded me of a cathedral I saw in Copenhagen.

Heydar Mosque's facade in Baku, Azerbaijan.

What makes Heydar Mosque so special is how the entire mosque lights up at night, creating a forever calming presence of the mosque that overlooks the quiet neighborhood around the area.

The Dome of Heydar Mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Unfortunately, the mosque is not open to the public, so we could only appreciate it from the outside, but that was more than enough for me. If you have the time, take a taxi and check out Heydar Mosque at night.

8. Go on a Day Trip to Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes

The Gobustan Sign in front of Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

Are you tired of spending your day in a big city like Baku? Why not spend a day exploring all the different landscapes around the city instead?

Humans being depicted in the engraves found in Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

There are sights like Gobustan, where they discovered prehistoric rock engravings, and mud volcanoes, one of the few you can put your hands in, that you should not miss when you are visiting Baku.

Humans and a snake being depicted on the stone engravings in Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

Gobustan, for example, is a great place for you to learn about the prehistoric people who settled in this part of the world since the 8th millennium BC.

The landscape around Gobustan in Azerbaijan.

Gobustan may not seem like a place of interest when you look at it from the outside, but what is interesting about Gobustan are all the thousands of rock engravings and petroglyphs that depict hunting scenes, people, ships, constellations, and animals, some of them as old as the 12th Century BC.

A clear walking paths in Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

To appreciate Gobustan, you will need a tour guide to explain everything to you, as no English signs explain what each engraving means. So, I would recommend getting a tour to take you there.

More human depiction on a rock in Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

A tour I recommend you go with is the Gobustan and Absheron tour (All inclusive) tour, which will take you from Baku to Gobustan as well as mud volcanoes, Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), and Ateshgah Fire Temple for around 50 USD AZN per person, including lunch.

More animals being depicted in Gobustan, Azerbaijan.

The guide speaks perfect English, and they will be able to explain everything about Gobustan and the culture of Azerbaijan in greater detail. Be sure to book the tour the day before. The entrance fee to Gobustan is 10 AZN for adults and 1 AZN for students.

The landscape around mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan.

Mud Volcanoes are another great sight to see near Baku, and they are also included in the places you will be visiting with the tour. There are several mud volcanoes around Baku, and the tour will take you to one of them and let you stroll around.

A popping bubble of the mud volcano in Azerbaijan.

Be sure to try to stick your hands in it. Due to the water from the Caspian Sea, the mud volcanoes around Baku are surprisingly cold. How often do you get to stick a hand into a mud volcano right?

A mud volcano found near Baku, Azerbaijan.

There are many other day trips and tours you can take from Baku. If you are interested in exploring further or looking for a more private trip, I highly recommend you browse through all the available tours here.

9. Learn About the History of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan at Ateshgah Fire Temple

The inside of the Ateshgah Fire Temple where the eternal fire is located in Azerbaijan.

Another great tourist attraction that is located not too far from Baku is the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a 17th-century place of worship that was frequented by Hindus, Sikhs, and, most importantly, Zoroastrians.

The eternal flame of the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Azerbaijan.

The temple featured a natural eternal flame, giving it its name. Unfortunately, the eternal flame went out in 1969 after a century of gas exploitation in the surrounding area. Now, the fire is lit again via a gas pipe connected from another city.

An Indian pilgrims depicted in the museum in Ateshgah Fire Temple in Azerbaijan.

The temple itself is located in a castle-like fortification, with the fire located at the center, whereas the rooms to the museum surround the temple itself. The entrance fee to the Fire Temple is 4 AZN for adults and 1 AZN for students.

The Persian as well as the Sarsakit inscription found at the site of Ateshgah Fire Temple in Azerbaijan.

Again, in order to understand how Zoroastrianism travels from the north of India to here and spreads throughout the ancient Persian world, it is best explained by the tour guide.

The prominent Persian influence from Ateshgah Fire Temple in Azerbaijan.

Thankfully, the visit to Ateshgah Fire Temple is often included in the day trip itinerary I recommend you take above, so be sure to book a tour to Ateshgah Fire Temple when you are in Baku.

10. Spend the Night Away at Nizami Street

The busy Nizami Street at night in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Last but not least, go for a walk along the pedestrian shopping street of Nizami, where you will find a ton of people, both locals, and visitors, all walking up and down the street, socializing and eating and drinking their way through the night.

Nizami Street in the morning in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Along two sides of Nizami Street, you will find countless stores and restaurants for you to indulge yourself in. The street is especially lively on Friday and Saturday nights, so be sure to check out what's happening around Fountain Square. You can also go on a night walking tour around Baku, which is quite something to behold.

11. Be Mesmerized by Hundreds of Oil Pumps and Oil Fields in Baku

One of the many colorful oil pumps in Baku, Azerbaijan.

I don't know about you, but I have never actually seen an oil field before. When I was traveling in a taxi along the highway in Baku, I was surprised to see hundreds and hundreds of colorful oil pumps, all asynchronously extracting "black gold" from Earth.

A close-up look at the oil pumps found in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Oil is a big part of this country, no doubt, and they are really proud of it. So much so, in fact, that they painted them in colorful colors and didn't even fence off their oil pumps. One can just walk up and take a photo of it, and that is exactly what I did.

The Oil Pump found while walking from Bibiheybat Mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan.

If you are looking for an oil field to see in Baku, as I did, all you have to do is follow my steps and take a taxi to Bibiheybat Mosque. From the mosque, continue on foot north to Baku Higher Oil School Bus Stop and on your right, you should find plenty of these oil pumps everywhere you look.

12. Go on a Random Weekend Trip with Mountain Host

A waterfall we found near Lerik in Azerbaijan.

One of the best tips I got from a local friend of mine is the existence of a hiking group called Mountain Host. With this group, you can go with a group of locals and explore the mountains and waterfalls in Azerbaijan that you couldn't easily reach without your car.

Camping with Mountain Host in Lerik, Azerbaijan.

I went one weekend with them to Lerik and we camped and hiked to several waterfalls in the region. Depending on which weekend you are there, you might find yourself summiting the highest mountain in Azerbaijan!

A night around a campfire with Mountain Host in Lerik, Azerbaijan.

The cost will depend on the trip, but it is often affordable. Mountain Host will provide you with local insurance coverage so you know you are in good hands with them.

Gabala Waterfall in Lerik, Azerbaijan.

To see what is happening on the weekend of your trip, you can check out their official event page. Send Mursal a message, and he will let you know about everything from the gear you need to the pick-up spot, etc.

13. Visit Yanar Dag, the Burning Mountain

Yanar Dag and the burning mountain in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Personally, Yanar Dag is one of the most underwhelming attractions I've seen in Baku. The Burning Mountain does sound quite intriguing on paper, but when you have to pay 9 AZN to see it and realize how small an area the Burning Mountain is, you will start to wonder if you have just wasted 9 AZN on it.

What's left for the burning mountain in Baku, Azerbaijan.

But since most of the tours you get from Baku often include Yanar Dag together with Gobustan, Fire Temple, and mud volcanoes, you will have to decide for yourself whether you want to pay 9 AZN to get in or not. I'd say it's not worth it.

14. Visit the Miniature Books Museum

Shelves of miniature books at Miniature Books Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan.

I stumbled upon the Museum of Miniature Books by accident while I was exploring the Old Town in Baku. When I saw the sign, I was curious, and as it turned out, it was quite interesting as well.

The scale of miniature books found at Miniature Books Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The moment I walked, an old lady asked me where I was from. When I said Thailand, she dragged me to a small section on a shelf, and there they were, Thai books, well, the miniature version of them at least, all lined up nicely on the shelf.

Miniature books from many countries found at Miniature Books Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan.

It looks like they have miniature books from almost all around the world displayed in this museum, and best of all, the museum has free entry! If you have some time to spare in Baku, be sure to drop by and say hi to the old lady there ๐Ÿ˜‰.

Where to Eat and Drink in Baku?

Try Local Cuisine at Xezer Restaurant

Although I didn't get to eat at Xezer Restaurant myself, as every time I go there, there were never seats available, I have heard many people raving about the affordable local cuisine here. So, if you want to try your luck, be sure to check out Xezer Restaurant and try some of their delicious Borsh.

Kafe Gallery in the Old Town of Baku, Azerbaijan.

If you are looking for a lovely romantic cafe to sit at night in the old town, I recommend Kafe Gallery, a little cafe tucked away between the small crisscrossing streets of Baku's Old Town.

You should try their delicious black tea with spice or cinnamon and their baklavas on the side. You will not regret it.

Azerbaijan Travel Video

Watch it on Youtube

When to Visit Baku, Azerbaijan?

Sunset behind the Flaming Towers in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The best time to visit Baku, Azerbaijan, is in either spring or autumn, where the temperature is moderate, and the colors of forests and mountains are in full swing.

Baku is surrounded by desert terrain, so it can get quite hot in the summer and freezing in winter. I would avoid these periods if you do not enjoy exploring in the heat or cold weather.

Baku is also known as the City of Wind, and it can get extremely windy at any time of the year, so be prepared when you visit Baku.

How to Get to Baku, Azerbaijan?

Traveling to Baku from abroad is very straightforward. The city is connected with Turkey, home to one of the largest airline carriers in the world, Turkish Airlines, so you should have no trouble finding a flight from anywhere to Baku via Istanbul or Ankara.

From the US, there are no direct flights to Baku, but you can fly via Turkish Airlines to Istanbul or Ankara and transfer to Baku from there.

From within Europe, you should be able to fly directly from the UK via Azerbaijan Airlines, from Paris via Air France, or from Frankfurt via Lufthansa.

From Asia, there are no direct flights from the Far East to Baku. However, the region is well-connected via Turkish Airlines, so you can fly to Baku via Istanbul or Ankara. Other Middle Eastern airlines, such as Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad Airlines, are great options.

To find a cheap flight to Baku, I would recommend 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 Tbilisi, Georgia to Baku, Azerbaijan?

If you are already in the Caucasus, you can travel from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Baku with an overnight train. However, it's a long journey, taking around 12 hours, and the train has seen better days.

The train leaves from Tbilisi daily at 8:35 PM, and you will arrive in Baku at 9:00 AM the next day. You will pass through immigration at around 11 PM, so do not cozy up and get ready for the night before then.

The train ticket should cost you around 15 USD (24 AZN) for a 3rd class sleeper (open plan). If you want a 4-person/2-person private compartment, go for a 2nd or 1st-class sleeper seat, respectively.

Keep in mind that many people take this train every day, so I recommend getting your ticket a day or 2 earlier before your departure date.

Scam to Watch Out: I have received a report that sometimes, an old train lady will come up to your private compartment if there's space left and tell you that a big snoring guy is coming and she can redirect him to another compartment if you give her money. This is often a ruse, so avoid giving her cash.

15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi

How To Get From Baku Airport To The City Center?

Baku Airport Express 24/7 Bus Schedule in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There is a 24/7 Airport Express bus that will take you from the airport to Baku Central Station and vice versa. The Airport Express runs every 30 minutes from 6 AM to 7 PM. From 7 PM to 9 PM, it runs every 40 minutes, and from 9 PM to 6 AM, it runs every hour.

In order to get on the bus, you will need to get the BakuCard electronic payment, which can be purchased from a machine on the left-hand side of the Terminal Exit in front of the airport near the bus stop.

From the machine, there are 2 options: a 2-times paper card for the Airport Express and a plastic card that can be topped up and used on the city bus, metros, museums, etc. I would recommend getting a plastic card so that you can use it elsewhere in the city.

The plastic card will cost 2 AZN, and then you can add money. I would say 5-10 AZN should cover everything (city bus will cost 0.3 AZN per trip), including a round trip to the airport via the Airport Express (1.5 AZN per trip).

After you get the card, go to the bus and tap the card on the machine. You should be able to see how much money is deducted from your card and the remaining balance.

The Airport Express should take around 45 minutes to take you to the 28 May bus stop right in front of Baku Central Station, and from there, you can walk or take a taxi, ideally using Uber or Bolt.

How to Get Around Baku, Azerbaijan?

An old orange car parked in the Old Town of Baku, Azerbaijan.

In most cases, most of the tourist attractions I listed here are within walking distance, except for a few that will require you to take a metro or a taxi.

Metros: As previously mentioned, by the time you get to the city center, you should have acquired a BakuCard. With this card, you can utilize the Baku Metro system, which is a cheap and easy way to get around the city.

There are 3 metro lines in Baku, with large portions running through the city center. I often use the metro to get to Baku Bus Terminal, which is quite far from the city center. One trip with the metro will cost you around 0.2 AZN.

Taxi (via Bolt): Bolt is a taxi-calling app that works just like Uber or Grab, and it is the most convenient way to get around Baku. If you have a lot of luggage or are planning to visit a place far from the metro lines, be sure to download Bolt (Android|iOS).

How Many Days to Spend in Baku, Azerbaijan?

One of the Flaming Towers as seen from the Old Town in Baku, Azerbaijan.

There are many things to do in Baku, and some attractions require you to cover some distances. So, at minimum, I would recommend spending at least 2 full days (3 nights) in Baku.

If you have the time and want to see everything within this guide, I recommend spending around 3 full days (4 nights) in Baku before you go and explore the rest of the country.

Day 1: Go on a day trip and visit Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes, Yanar Dag, and Ateshgah Fire Temple. Spend the rest of the evening at Nizami Street.

Day 2: Visit Yashil Bazaar and Heydar Aliyev Centre in the morning, and spend your afternoon exploring the Old Town. Stroll along Baku Promenade and check out Mini-Venice in the evening on your way to Highland Park to watch the sunset.

Day 3 (optional): Spend the day visiting Bibi-Heybat Mosque and then walk along the highway to check out the oil field. Spend more time exploring the Old Town and go up to Maiden Tower or the TV Tower in the evening. Visit Heydar Mosque at night before ending the day.

How Much Money Do I Need for Baku?

Baku is not expensive but not cheap, especially compared to Tbilisi. With the 2 full days itinerary in mind, we can calculate the amount of money we will be spending in Baku as follows:

Accommodation: 7 AZN x 3 nights = 21 AZN

Food: A good meal in Baku should cost around 8 AZN per meal. So, for 3 meals a day for 2 days, you will be paying around 48 AZN for food.

Transportation: From the airport and back, you will be paying 2 AZN (for BakuCard) and 0.6 AZN for a round trip between the airport and the city center. In total, you should be paying around 3 AZN for transportation.

Activities: Going on a shared tour to visit Gobustan and other attractions around Baku will cost around 50 AZN per person.

Total Budget: 122 AZN (72 USD).

Is it Safe in Baku?

Generally, Baku is very safe, where petty thefts, especially targeting tourists, are almost nonexistent. I have heard reports about scams and taxi drivers overcharging tourists, but nowadays, you can avoid them by simply using an app like Bolt to call one instead.

Personally, I didn't experience any scam attempts throughout my time in Azerbaijan, but it is good to be aware of them. Other than that, you might get a few creepy stares from men if you are a woman traveling alone. However, there is nothing else to worry about in Baku.

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 Baku, 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 Baku, Azerbaijan:

Finding reliable access to WIFI in Baku is not hard, but it is also not easy. Most restaurants along Nizami Street should have WIFI, but fast and reliable ones are hard to come by. I recommend getting a local SIM card if you want to stay connected or plan to travel elsewhere in the country.

Azercall Data plan for local sim card as of 2019.

Azercell is a great option if you are looking to buy a local SIM card. You can buy one right at the airport when you arrive. The prices range from 29 AZN (1 GB) to 65 AZN (unlimited data), depending on the amount of data you need.

I would recommend that you get around 5 GB of data (40 AZN), especially if you are planning to travel further in Azerbaijan after Baku.

For more information about Azerbaijan's local SIM card: Azerbaijan Prepaid Data SIM Card.

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.

What to Pack for Baku, Azerbaijan?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Baku, Azerbaijan:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Azerbaijan

Looking for more information for your trip to Azerbaijan? Here is a collection of articles about Azerbaijan that you might find useful.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Categories DestinationsAsiaCaucasusAzerbaijan

2 Comments


Patricia 's profile picutre
Patricia

Thank you for your blog!
I just booked a weekend trip to Baku.


Pete Rojwongsuriya's profile picutre
Thank you for your blog!
I just booked a weekend trip to Baku.

Hope you enjoy the trip!


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