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.
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.
When to Visit Baku
Estimated hotel price
Baku in {1}
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.
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.
Airports near Baku
Airlines serving Baku
Where to stay in popular areas of Baku
Most booked hotels in Baku
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.
Car rental agencies 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.
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.