Baku – a unique city that combines the mystical charm of the East with the modernity of the West, where every moment fascinates you, from the narrow streets of the ancient Inner City to the breathtaking views of the seaside boulevard. As the capital of the Land of Fire, Baku offers an unforgettable travel experience with its delicious cuisine, hospitable people, and magnificent architecture.
Baku, in addition to being the capital of Azerbaijan, is also known as the historical, cultural, and business center of the Western Asian country. By the way, despite being exposed to strong winds throughout the year due to its location on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, Baku, nicknamed the City of Winds, is also adorned with magnificent seaside views. With a population of over 4 million, Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the entire Caucasus region.
Baku offers exciting attractions for everyone: while sunny beaches provide a perfect place to relax, elegant theaters and unique museums satisfy cultural tourists. Modern architecture contrasts sharply with the ancient Inner City neighborhoods, while beautifully designed parks create a perfect environment for relaxation. Trendy cafes and nightclubs attract the attention of young people, and delicious cuisine pleases every taste. There are numerous pedestrian-friendly streets and entertainment centers to ensure the comfort of both residents and visitors. Regardless of your age or interests, it is hard to resist Baku’s vibrancy and festive atmosphere.
Let’s take a closer look at Baku, the city of wind and fire, where Eastern and Western cultures merge.
A Brief History of Baku: The earliest records about Baku date back to the early Middle Ages. The name Baku means "City of God" or "Land of God" and was founded in the 5th century AD. The first settlements in the region were established at the crossroads of migration and trade routes of the Great Silk Road. During the Mongol invasion in the 1400s, the city suffered significant damage but saw an economic revival in the following century.
Throughout history, Baku was part of various Turkic states until the early 19th century when the Russian Empire annexed the territory. On May 28, 1918, following the National Movement, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established. This republic lasted for 23 months until 1920 when Baku, along with the entire country, was incorporated into the USSR, remaining under Soviet rule until full independence was achieved in 1991.
Today, Baku is the leading economic and cultural center of the South Caucasus.
Baku offers a variety of tourist attractions to delight all kinds of travelers:
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Take a stroll along the famous Baku Boulevard, a must-see for first-time visitors. Stretching over 25 kilometers along the Caspian Sea, the boulevard captivates visitors with impressive views of its original architecture. (Baku dress code tip: Regardless of the season, bring a jacket, as Baku Boulevard will eliminate any doubts you might have about why the city is called the City of Winds!)
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Immerse yourself in the stone walls of İçəri Şəhər, rich in historical and Old World charm.
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Feel like a prince or princess in the Shirvanshahs' Palace, which served as the government residence in medieval Baku and was featured in the famous Soviet film "The Diamond Arm."
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Climb the Maiden Tower, one of the capital's symbols and most mysterious structures, offering a precise history lesson and a stunning city view.
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Relax at Highland Park while enjoying breathtaking views of Baku and the Caspian Sea from the city's highest point.
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Visit the Carpet Museum to explore Azerbaijan's stories through the exquisite decorations and interwoven colors of traditional local carpets.
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Boost your cultural IQ at the Heydar Aliyev Center, which amazes contemporary art lovers with its unique architecture and informative exhibitions. Don’t forget to stay after sunset to appreciate the center’s spectacular illumination.
The surroundings of Baku also offer additional adventure opportunities: immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient cave paintings at Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve, unravel the mystery of the ever-burning flames of Yanar Dag, explore the Absheron Peninsula, home to more than half of the world's mud volcanoes, or take a journey into the past by visiting the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a place of worship for Zoroastrians for centuries.
You can explore Baku on foot or via the metro, taxi, or public buses. If you want to visit as many places as possible in a short time, renting a bicycle or scooter from the Baku Boulevard is a fun alternative. For more details on getting around the city, see the Public Transport section below.
Museums in Baku: Baku is the country's historical, business, and cultural center, offering travelers dozens of museums and art galleries. The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, the Open-Air Gala Museum, and the famous Archaeology and Ethnography Museum are among the most visited spots for those interested in learning about Azerbaijan’s history and traditions.
For those seeking something more unusual, the Baku Museum of Miniature Books, which houses three of the world’s smallest books, and the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, designed like a rolled-up carpet, are worth visiting.
Theaters in Baku: Baku's travel experience offers a variety of concerts and performances that will delight both young and old. Among the most admired cultural venues are the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, which regularly hosts classical and traditional concerts in a magnificent domed hall dating back to the early 20th century, and the Azerbaijan State Drama Theater, home to the country’s best performances.
One of the oldest theaters in Baku is the Russian Drama Theater, opened in 1920, which continues to captivate audiences with entertaining children's performances and classic Russian and Soviet literature adaptations.
For a unique cultural experience combined with open-air ambiance, the Baku Open Air Cinema screens classic and modern films with stunning views of the Caspian Sea during the summer.
Baku's Parks: Although Baku is a large metropolis, you can enjoy nature in many of its beautiful parks. Both locals and visitors have the opportunity to relax in Baku's well-maintained gardens and parks, with fountains, benches, and shady paths.
In Officer's Park, you'll find a green oasis with charming walking paths and delicate vines entwining the trees. Playful children, photographers, chess players, and flower vendors add to the park's enchanting atmosphere with their beloved statues and figures.
In the Central Botanical Garden, with over 2000 trees, bushes, and flowering plants, it is possible to escape the sun's rays during hot summer days.
Another beautiful, shaded green getaway is Nizami Park in the Old City. One of the oldest public parks in Baku, Nizami Park offers a chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the large, windy city.
Shopping in Baku: Like most modern capitals, Baku offers endless shopping opportunities. For those wondering if Baku is expensive or not, rest assured that there are shopping options available for every budget.
One of the most popular shopping spots among both locals and tourists is the Green Market, filled with tempting perfumes, colorful clothes, spices, and souvenirs. The Green Market is much more than just a shopping place; it’s an experience in itself, offering a chance to learn about the long-standing customs and lifestyle of local Azerbaijanis. You can chat directly with local vendors while purchasing seafood, meat, spices, nuts, cheese, fruits, and vegetables (all at affordable prices), and you can learn about the variety and types of available products, while also improving your bargaining skills.
If you’re looking for branded clothing, shoes, accessories, or jewelry, visit one of Baku's many shopping malls. Each mall has countless stores, satisfying eateries, and entertainment spots that will provide hours of fun for the whole family. The most popular ones are Port Baku Mall, Genclik Mall, and 28 Mall. With wide walkways, stores filled with world-famous brand clothes, and comfort indoors, Baku’s malls are a perfect way to return to the 21st century after a few daily historical tours.
Baku Cuisine: No Baku travel guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s delicious cuisine! For tasty and unforgettable memories of Azerbaijan, look no further than the fresh local cuisine. The rich taste of Azerbaijani dishes made from old traditional recipes will undoubtedly delight your taste buds, and their lively flavors, delicate combinations of ingredients, and aromatic Azerbaijani spices will amaze you.
The main ingredients of Baku cuisine include lamb, beef, chicken, and fish, as well as locally grown fruits and vegetables. Fresh herbs serve as an inseparable component that enriches any dish, adding a light, natural flavor. While in Baku, be sure to try bozbaş served in broth, dovğa, the mouthwatering Baku baklava, and shah plov, a fragrant rice dish cooked in paper-thin layers. The different Azerbaijani qutab, stuffed with cheese, herbs, pumpkin, or meat, will change your fast-food ideas, offering an affordable and delicious snack.
Vegetarian Restaurants: Baku has several specialized vegetarian restaurants, as well as various European and Indian cafes, pizzerias, and high-end restaurants that can offer a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Although the local cuisine is meat-based, options like fresh salads, vegetarian qutab, and dovğa make great choices for vegetarian travelers who wish to experience Baku’s unique flavors.
Coffee-Shops in Baku: There are numerous cozy cafes and tea houses in the center of Baku, offering famous Azerbaijani tea, a variety of coffees, and irresistible desserts. Many tea houses are quite affordable, so even budget travelers can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or fragrant tea in Baku’s central, relaxed atmosphere. Starbucks and other internationally renowned coffee shops can also be easily found.
Public Transport in Baku: Traveling around Baku has never been easier, as the capital now offers various affordable and well-developed public transport options to quickly and comfortably get from point A to point B.
Buses: Buses in Baku operate from 06:00 to 01:00. On average, you will have to wait 5-15 minutes for your bus. In the city center, a bus ride costs only 0.4 Manat (0.12 USD), and to the outskirts of the city, it costs 0.50 Manat (0.21 USD). The old public transportation, including minibuses, was replaced by modern, comfortable buses in 2009, continuing to provide modern public transportation for the city.
The Baku Metro consists of 26 stations and is divided into red, purple, yellow, and green lines. To use the metro, you need to obtain a special card; a one-time metro pass can be used for a single trip, while a reusable plastic card can be recharged and used again as needed. The plastic card costs 2 Manat (about 1.2 USD) and can also be used on buses. Regardless of the trip length, each metro ride costs 0.4 Manat (0.18 USD).
Taxi: Thanks to the well-developed taxi system in the city, with many different taxi companies operating, traveling in Baku is very convenient. You can easily order a taxi by calling a short phone number or using an app on your phone. Keep in mind that fares may increase during bad weather or rush hours. Most apps and taxi call centers offer services in English as well.
Car Rental Services: For those who prefer to explore the city with their own car and are bold enough to understand Baku's road rules, many local and international companies offer car rental services! To rent a car in Baku, you will need a valid driver's license and insurance. Note that an international driver's license is not required; a document issued in your country will be sufficient. The rental price varies depending on the car's make and model. Payments can be made in cash or by credit card.
Cycling: An extensive bicycle rental network makes it possible to explore the city on two wheels, especially if you wish to discover the 25-kilometer-long Baku Boulevard. The bicycle lock is usually included in the rental price, so if you decide to enter a place, you can easily leave it on the street. In 2019, the active development of bike paths and the installation of bicycle racks began in Baku.
How to Get to Baku?
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Baku is by plane. Heydar Aliyev International Airport accepts flights from all over the world, with regular flights from major airlines such as Aeroflot, UIA, S7, AirBaltic, Air France, and others. In 2015, the airport terminal was awarded a prestigious 4-star category. Among many other services, the airport offers free Wi-Fi, luggage lockers, restaurants, waiting areas, VIP lounges, pharmacies, a first aid station, a mother-child room, and a Duty Free zone. You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi or by frequent comfortable buses.
Languages Spoken in Baku: The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, which is a Turkic language widely spoken in the streets. However, many citizens of former CIS countries also speak Russian, Ukrainian, and other languages in Baku. As Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union for many years, the majority of the older population speaks fluent Russian.
In restaurants and cafes, especially in the city center, menus are almost always available in English. Many waiters and servers are often fluent in English as well. Similarly, you can easily communicate in English in the city's large shopping complexes, offices, and companies.
Currency in Baku: The national currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat, which maintains a strong exchange rate of approximately 1.7 AZN per 1 USD. The Manat is represented by 8 banknotes and 6 coins called "qəpik." Along with local banks, you can easily exchange money at small currency exchange points at the airport, bus stations, train stations, and in the city center. Almost all stores and cafes accept credit card payments or card-to-card transactions. However, it is recommended to have some cash (preferably smaller denominations) on hand in case you need to find an ATM at the last minute.
Is Baku Safe?
Baku is considered one of the safest cities, with high levels of public order maintained. The city is known for its local residents' hospitality and friendliness, which allows tourists to feel comfortable and secure. The Azerbaijani government takes appropriate measures to ensure safety, making the capital an excellent place to explore both during the day and at night. Naturally, as in any large city, it is recommended to pay attention to your personal belongings and follow basic safety guidelines. Overall, Baku is a friendly and safe place for tourists.
