Baku Travel Guide: 14 Best Things to Do & 3-Day Itinerary

14 Incredible Things to Do in Baku

1. Check Out the Old Town of Baku

The Old Town, or Icherisheher, is the historic core of Baku and one of the oldest parts of the city. Its monuments span several periods of Baku's history, including the Maiden Tower, whose exact age and original purpose are still debated, and the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

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.

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.

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 😉.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 ♥️ Must Visit

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.

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.

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.

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.

4. Buy Some Spices and Tea Leaves at Yashil Bazaar

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.

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.

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 🙂.

5. Stroll Along Baku Promenade and Check Out Mini Venice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 😅.

6. Hike Up the Highland Park at Sunset

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.

There are over 250 steps between the waterfront and the panoramic viewpoints, so be prepared for a climb. Alternatively, you can take the Baku Funicular up toward Highland Park if it is operating during your visit. When I was there, the ride cost 1 AZN, but treat that as a record of what I paid rather than a current fare.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 ☀️ Great Day Trip

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?

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.

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.

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.

You can visit Gobustan independently, but I still think a guide adds a lot of context to the petroglyphs and the surrounding landscape. The modern museum provides interpretation before you enter the archaeological landscape, so a guide is useful rather than essential.

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.

A good guide can add a lot of context to Gobustan and the wider Absheron Peninsula. If you are taking a tour, check whether admission to Gobustan, the mud-volcano complex, Ateshgah, and Yanar Dag is included, because attraction prices and combo tickets have changed considerably since my trip.

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.

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?

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

One of the best tips I got from a local friend during my trip was a hiking group called Mountain Host. I joined one of their local trips to explore mountains and waterfalls that would have been difficult for me to reach independently without a car. Check their current page before planning around them, as schedules and activity can change over time.

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!

When I traveled with them, the trips were affordable and mine included local insurance coverage. Since this was based on my own trip, confirm the current price, inclusions, insurance terms, and itinerary directly before booking.

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

Personally, Yanar Dag was one of the most underwhelming attractions I visited around Baku. The Burning Mountain sounds intriguing on paper, but the actual burning area was much smaller than I expected. When I visited, admission was 9 AZN; the current foreign-adult ticket is 15 AZN.

Many Absheron tours still combine Yanar Dag with Ateshgah, Gobustan, and the mud volcanoes. There is now an official 25 AZN combined ticket for Yanar Dag and Ateshgah, or a 35 AZN combo that also includes the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex, which makes more sense if you are visiting all three.

14. Visit the Miniature Books Museum

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. Admission is still free; it is currently listed as open from 11 AM to 5 PM and closed on Mondays and Thursdays.

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.

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 😉.

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.

Enjoy Tea and Pakhlava at Kafe Gallery

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.

When to Visit 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?

For most international travelers, flying remains the simplest way to reach Baku. Heydar Aliyev International Airport has direct connections to a growing number of cities across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the wider region.

From the US, you will generally need at least one connection. From Europe and Asia, the available nonstop and one-stop routes change regularly, so I would compare your departure city directly rather than planning around an old fixed list of airlines.

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?

The Tbilisi-Baku overnight train finally resumed in May 2026 after being suspended for several years. There is one important restriction, though: Azerbaijan currently allows foreigners to enter from Georgia by rail only if they are citizens of countries that have visa-free entry to Azerbaijan. Travelers who require an Azerbaijani visa or e-visa cannot currently use this train to enter the country, so check your nationality against the official entry rules before buying a ticket.

For eligible travelers, the current daily train leaves Tbilisi at 9 PM and arrives in Baku at 6:24 AM the following morning. It now uses modern Stadler sleeper carriages, so this is very different from the older train I originally described in this guide.

Current fares are substantially higher than the old 24 AZN sleeper I took. The modern train offers sleeper compartments, with published terminal-to-terminal fares starting at roughly 81 AZN for a four-berth Comfort compartment, while higher classes cost more. Prices can be dynamic, so check the current fare when booking.

If you are not eligible to enter Azerbaijan by rail, flying from Tbilisi to Baku is the straightforward alternative. Azerbaijan's ordinary road land borders remain restricted for foreign entry without special permission, although foreigners are generally permitted to leave Azerbaijan through a land border.

Looking for a complete guide on things to do in Tbilisi?15 Incredible Things to Do in Tbilisi

How To Get From Baku Airport To The City Center?

There is still a 24/7 Aero Express bus connecting Heydar Aliyev International Airport with Baku Central Station at 28 May. It currently runs every 20 minutes from 6 AM to 11:15 PM and every 45 minutes overnight.

You can pay with a BakuCard purchased from the machines outside the terminal. A single-use airport card currently costs 1.50 AZN, while the reusable BakuCard costs 2 AZN at the airport and the Aero Express fare using it is 1.30 AZN.

If you are also going to use the metro and city buses, the reusable card is the more useful option because it works across Baku's public transport network. City fares vary by route, while a metro ride currently costs 0.60 AZN.

The airport lists the trip to 28 May / Baku Central Station at around 30 minutes, although traffic can make it longer. From there, you can walk, use the metro, or take a taxi through an app such as Bolt.

How to Get Around 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 useful stations around the city center. I often used the metro to get to Baku Bus Terminal, which is quite far from the center. A metro trip now costs 0.60 AZN using BakuCard.

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?

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 can still be explored relatively affordably, but the old 122 AZN budget is no longer realistic. For the 2-full-day / 3-night itinerary above, I would now budget roughly:

Accommodation: Allow around 60 - 90 AZN for 3 nights in a hostel dorm or simple budget accommodation. Prices rise considerably during major events and busy weekends.

Food: Budget around 60 - 90 AZN for two full days plus arrival/departure meals if you mostly eat at inexpensive local restaurants, bakeries, and casual cafes.

Transportation: Allow around 10 - 20 AZN for the airport bus, BakuCard, metro/bus trips, and a little extra for occasional Bolt rides. The Aero Express currently costs 1.30 AZN each way with a reusable BakuCard, while the metro costs 0.60 AZN per ride.

Activities: Budget around 50 - 80 AZN for a shared Absheron/Gobustan day trip or a combination of paid attractions. If you enter several Old City museums as well, allow extra: Shirvanshahs Palace alone is currently 24 AZN for a foreign adult.

Total Budget: 180 - 280 AZN (106 - 165 USD) per person.

Is it Safe in Baku?

During my trip, I felt safe walking around Baku and did not experience theft or scams myself. As in any large city, keep normal precautions around valuables and crowded places. Taxi overcharging is one of the easier problems to avoid by using an app such as Bolt and confirming the fare in the app rather than negotiating on the street.

Personally, I did not experience any scam attempts during my time in Azerbaijan. Solo travelers should still use the same precautions they would in other major cities, especially late at night, and keep in mind that experiences can differ from mine.

Which tourist SIM card is best for 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.

Azercell remains one of the main options for travelers who want a local SIM or eSIM. Its current tourist packages are much more generous than the plans available when I visited: 39 AZN for 30 GB, 59 AZN for 60 GB, or 79 AZN for 120 GB, all valid for 30 days and including national/international call minutes.

For most travelers, the 30 GB package should already be more than enough. The SIM or eSIM itself is included with the tourist package, and foreign visitors need to present a valid passport at an Azercell sales or service point.

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.