Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car
Local costs

Baku travel guide

Baku Tourism | Baku Guide

You're Going to Love Baku

On the fault line between East and West, Baku is unlike anywhere else on earth. Azerbaijan's capital offers a fascinating Soviet legacy, soaring towers that could have been transplanted from Shanghai, along with a beautiful ancient center. Contradictory it may be, but Baku is always a delight.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Baku

1. The UNESCO-Listed Historic Center

Baku's Old City dates back almost a thousand years. Ringed with an impressive set of walls, it sits atop a maze of tunnels and features countless historic sights, including the Maiden Tower.

2. The Caspian Coast

Baku sits on the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland sea. Take cruises across the sea, explore beaches like Bilgəh or stroll along Baku's elegant seafront promenade.

3. Plenty of Museums to Explore

Baku is rich with museums, including a recently opened Carpet Museum, the National Museum of Azerbaijan History, and the Museum of Modern Art, which includes works by Picasso and Dalí.

4. Visit the Absheron Peninsula

Baku's hinterland is well worth visiting, from the Ateshgah Fire Temple to the spectacular natural gas vents of Yanar Dag.

5. World-Class Kebabs

If you are a kebab fan, Baku is the place to head. For a treat, try the liver kebabs from Sultan's, a local favorite.

1. The UNESCO-Listed Historic Center

Baku's Old City dates back almost a thousand years. Ringed with an impressive set of walls, it sits atop a maze of tunnels and features countless historic sights, including the Maiden Tower.

2. The Caspian Coast

Baku sits on the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland sea. Take cruises across the sea, explore beaches like Bilgəh or stroll along Baku's elegant seafront promenade.

3. Plenty of Museums to Explore

Baku is rich with museums, including a recently opened Carpet Museum, the National Museum of Azerbaijan History, and the Museum of Modern Art, which includes works by Picasso and Dalí.

4. Visit the Absheron Peninsula

Baku's hinterland is well worth visiting, from the Ateshgah Fire Temple to the spectacular natural gas vents of Yanar Dag.

5. World-Class Kebabs

If you are a kebab fan, Baku is the place to head. For a treat, try the liver kebabs from Sultan's, a local favorite.

What to do in Baku

1. Palace of the ShirvanShahs: The Pearl of Azerbaijan

A historical monument that is breathtaking in its scale, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is made up of stunning mausoleums, gran stone pavilions, intricate stone carvings, and mosque spires. It also includes a bathhouse. These are all the markings of the presence of the 15th-century Shirvanshah dynasty and the beautiful palace still stands tall and majestic, if a little dusty and characteristically worn with age, rising and visible from a distance. Anointed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, an afternoon roaming its beautiful steps and terraces would be an afternoon spent whisked back in time.

2. Maiden Tower: Surrounded by Mysteries and Legends

So iconic and central to the Azerbaijani culture is it that the Miden Tower appears on the Azeri currency notes, stamps, and official letterheads. The Maiden Tower stands alongside the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and is also on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Once you look past its imposing and stalwart stone facade and climb up its stairs to the very top, it's easy to see why: besides being a monument dating back to the 12th century, the Maiden Tower gives visitors a unique, panoramic view of the Old City, Baku Boulevard and the sparkling waters of the Baku Bay. And what about when you're done delighting in the view? Head down to its mini museum, which marks the historical evolution of the city.

3. Fountain Square: The Heart of the City

Comprised of multiple fountains encapsulated within the main square, this area has an instantly calming effect on all those who gather at her steps. And, yet, it is also the place where the city hosts large public gatherings, cultural festivals and outdoor events. Once you've strolled around and taken in the beauty of the Fountain "Balls" at night or the glint of sunset off the fountain in the Governor's Garden, it's easy to see why. The modern passages and stylistic cobblestone streets create a distinctly mixed cultural experience: there are flourishes from Soviet rule, Mediterranean influences, Persian and Balkan remnants, and Arabian palm trees.

4. Gobustan National Park: A Natural Wonder

Lady Luck has blessed Baku with the history, culture and the desert beauty of the natural world. The Gobustan National Park is better known as Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and, unsurprisingly, its historical significance along with its unique landscape has catapulted it to yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. The petroglyphs carved into the rockfaces date back at least to 10,000 B.C. and there are more than 6,000 of these markings made by early civilizations. Walking through its deeply-etched ravines and traveling up its rocky hills is an exploration in itself.

5. Heydar Aliyev Center: Modern Curves

Designed by the late, incomparable British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural point of attraction for visitors and locals alike. It houses an auditorium, a gallery, and a museum. It's fluid and flowing form are the mark of a rapidly modernizing and prosperous Baku.

1. Palace of the ShirvanShahs: The Pearl of Azerbaijan

A historical monument that is breathtaking in its scale, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is made up of stunning mausoleums, gran stone pavilions, intricate stone carvings, and mosque spires. It also includes a bathhouse. These are all the markings of the presence of the 15th-century Shirvanshah dynasty and the beautiful palace still stands tall and majestic, if a little dusty and characteristically worn with age, rising and visible from a distance. Anointed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, an afternoon roaming its beautiful steps and terraces would be an afternoon spent whisked back in time.

2. Maiden Tower: Surrounded by Mysteries and Legends

So iconic and central to the Azerbaijani culture is it that the Miden Tower appears on the Azeri currency notes, stamps, and official letterheads. The Maiden Tower stands alongside the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and is also on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Once you look past its imposing and stalwart stone facade and climb up its stairs to the very top, it's easy to see why: besides being a monument dating back to the 12th century, the Maiden Tower gives visitors a unique, panoramic view of the Old City, Baku Boulevard and the sparkling waters of the Baku Bay. And what about when you're done delighting in the view? Head down to its mini museum, which marks the historical evolution of the city.

3. Fountain Square: The Heart of the City

Comprised of multiple fountains encapsulated within the main square, this area has an instantly calming effect on all those who gather at her steps. And, yet, it is also the place where the city hosts large public gatherings, cultural festivals and outdoor events. Once you've strolled around and taken in the beauty of the Fountain "Balls" at night or the glint of sunset off the fountain in the Governor's Garden, it's easy to see why. The modern passages and stylistic cobblestone streets create a distinctly mixed cultural experience: there are flourishes from Soviet rule, Mediterranean influences, Persian and Balkan remnants, and Arabian palm trees.

4. Gobustan National Park: A Natural Wonder

Lady Luck has blessed Baku with the history, culture and the desert beauty of the natural world. The Gobustan National Park is better known as Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and, unsurprisingly, its historical significance along with its unique landscape has catapulted it to yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. The petroglyphs carved into the rockfaces date back at least to 10,000 B.C. and there are more than 6,000 of these markings made by early civilizations. Walking through its deeply-etched ravines and traveling up its rocky hills is an exploration in itself.

5. Heydar Aliyev Center: Modern Curves

Designed by the late, incomparable British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural point of attraction for visitors and locals alike. It houses an auditorium, a gallery, and a museum. It's fluid and flowing form are the mark of a rapidly modernizing and prosperous Baku.

1. Palace of the ShirvanShahs: The Pearl of Azerbaijan

A historical monument that is breathtaking in its scale, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs is made up of stunning mausoleums, gran stone pavilions, intricate stone carvings, and mosque spires. It also includes a bathhouse. These are all the markings of the presence of the 15th-century Shirvanshah dynasty and the beautiful palace still stands tall and majestic, if a little dusty and characteristically worn with age, rising and visible from a distance. Anointed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, an afternoon roaming its beautiful steps and terraces would be an afternoon spent whisked back in time.

2. Maiden Tower: Surrounded by Mysteries and Legends

So iconic and central to the Azerbaijani culture is it that the Miden Tower appears on the Azeri currency notes, stamps, and official letterheads. The Maiden Tower stands alongside the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and is also on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Once you look past its imposing and stalwart stone facade and climb up its stairs to the very top, it's easy to see why: besides being a monument dating back to the 12th century, the Maiden Tower gives visitors a unique, panoramic view of the Old City, Baku Boulevard and the sparkling waters of the Baku Bay. And what about when you're done delighting in the view? Head down to its mini museum, which marks the historical evolution of the city.

3. Fountain Square: The Heart of the City

Comprised of multiple fountains encapsulated within the main square, this area has an instantly calming effect on all those who gather at her steps. And, yet, it is also the place where the city hosts large public gatherings, cultural festivals and outdoor events. Once you've strolled around and taken in the beauty of the Fountain "Balls" at night or the glint of sunset off the fountain in the Governor's Garden, it's easy to see why. The modern passages and stylistic cobblestone streets create a distinctly mixed cultural experience: there are flourishes from Soviet rule, Mediterranean influences, Persian and Balkan remnants, and Arabian palm trees.

4. Gobustan National Park: A Natural Wonder

Lady Luck has blessed Baku with the history, culture and the desert beauty of the natural world. The Gobustan National Park is better known as Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and, unsurprisingly, its historical significance along with its unique landscape has catapulted it to yet another UNESCO World Heritage site. The petroglyphs carved into the rockfaces date back at least to 10,000 B.C. and there are more than 6,000 of these markings made by early civilizations. Walking through its deeply-etched ravines and traveling up its rocky hills is an exploration in itself.

5. Heydar Aliyev Center: Modern Curves

Designed by the late, incomparable British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural point of attraction for visitors and locals alike. It houses an auditorium, a gallery, and a museum. It's fluid and flowing form are the mark of a rapidly modernizing and prosperous Baku.

Where to Eat in Baku

If you want to enjoy some of the finest kebabs on earth, head to restaurants like Sultan's, Sehrli Tandir, or Şəki. There are also plenty of Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and French places as well. Expect good kebabs to cost around ₼5-10, but gourmet meals to come to far more, around ₼40-50.

When to visit Baku

Baku in October
Estimated hotel price
C$ 35
1 night at 3-star hotel
Baku in October
Estimated hotel price
C$ 35
1 night at 3-star hotel

High summer can be a little intense for some, so visit between April and June or September to October for the best weather. Winters tend to be chilly, and many attractions close for the season.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Baku

Plane

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is 15 miles out of town. To reach Baku, take the express bus, which costs ₼1.30 or take a taxi for around ₼60.

Train

Baku has rail connections to Moscow and other Russian cities, as well as Kiev in Ukraine.

Car

If you are driving north from Bilasuvar, take the E119. From Mingecevir and the west, take the E60 all the way to Baku.

Bus

Buses run into Baku from all of Azerbaijan's major cities, and there are international services from Russia and Iran as well.

Plane

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is 15 miles out of town. To reach Baku, take the express bus, which costs ₼1.30 or take a taxi for around ₼60.

Train

Baku has rail connections to Moscow and other Russian cities, as well as Kiev in Ukraine.

Car

If you are driving north from Bilasuvar, take the E119. From Mingecevir and the west, take the E60 all the way to Baku.

Bus

Buses run into Baku from all of Azerbaijan's major cities, and there are international services from Russia and Iran as well.

Airports near Baku

GYDBaku Heydar Aliyev

Airlines serving Baku

Lufthansa
Good (7,207 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,894 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,819 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,861 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,286 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,594 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,092 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,224 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (924 reviews)
Egyptair
Good (358 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (266 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,805 reviews)
Pegasus Airlines
Good (627 reviews)
China Southern
Good (100 reviews)
Gulf Air
Good (200 reviews)
Kuwait Airways
Good (303 reviews)
Ajet
Good (13 reviews)
SriLankan Airlines
Good (74 reviews)
Aegean Airlines
Excellent (761 reviews)
flydubai
Good (140 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Baku

İçərişəhər - Baku's old town, İçərişəhər is a UNESCO-listed gem. Don't miss the views from the 95-foot-high Maiden Tower.

Popular Neighborhoods in Baku

Khutor - another old part of Baku, Khutor is full of flower-decorated lanes and buzzes with street life. Safe and charming, it's a great place to explore on foot.

Yaşıl Bazar - Baku's major market, Yaşıl Bazar is the place to go to find fresh, juicy pomegranates and locally made quince jam.

Khutor - another old part of Baku, Khutor is full of flower-decorated lanes and buzzes with street life. Safe and charming, it's a great place to explore on foot.
Yaşıl Bazar - Baku's major market, Yaşıl Bazar is the place to go to find fresh, juicy pomegranates and locally made quince jam.

Where to stay in popular areas of Baku

Most booked hotels in Baku

See all
Sheraton Baku Intourist
5 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 142+
View
Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard
5 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 119+
View
Radisson Hotel Baku
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
C$ 139+
View
Modern Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
C$ 46+
View

How to Get Around Baku

Public Transportation

NIIM runs buses and the subway in Baku. A single ticket costs just ₼0.20, so they represent excellent value. If you ride the subway, you'll need to buy a BakiKart for ₼2 before traveling.

Taxi

Taxis are a cheap way to get around in general, charging about ₼1.30 for every mile.

Car

Car rental options in Baku include AvtoRent, AzRent, and Aznur. Expect to pay about ₼35 per day.

Public Transportation

NIIM runs buses and the subway in Baku. A single ticket costs just ₼0.20, so they represent excellent value. If you ride the subway, you'll need to buy a BakiKart for ₼2 before traveling.

Taxi

Taxis are a cheap way to get around in general, charging about ₼1.30 for every mile.

Car

Car rental options in Baku include AvtoRent, AzRent, and Aznur. Expect to pay about ₼35 per day.

Find car rentals in Baku

The Cost of Living in Baku

Shopping Streets

Baku's bazaars include Yaşıl and Taza, and both are great places to shop for bargains. There are also huge malls at Park Bulvar and Port Baku, which are crammed with international brands.

Groceries and Other

Supermarket options include Makromart, Bizim, and Neptun, where you can expect to pay around ₼2.50 for 12 eggs.

Cheap meal
C$ 6.18
A pair of jeans
C$ 46.08
Single public transport ticket
C$ 0.15
Cappuccino
C$ 3.18

Baku Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Baku city guide for the best Baku travel tips. To help you organize your Baku trip ideas, this Baku visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.