Baku

Introduction

You will find yourself in Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. Situated on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula along the Bay of Baku, this metropolis serves as the primary urban center for the nation. As the only metropolis in the country, it is home to a significant portion of the national population.

Experience a unique geographical setting where you reside in the lowest-lying national capital in the world. Located below sea level, Baku stands as the largest city globally situated at such an elevation while overlooking the Caspian Sea in the Caucasus region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding that Baku's climate is influenced by its location on the Caspian Sea, resulting in hot and dry summers and cool, breezy winters with occasional snowfall. The city sits on a semi-arid peninsula where the center appears as a green oasis amidst a brown landscape. To prepare for the local environment, be aware that the city is very breezy most of the year. You can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere before your trip by reading the book Ali and Nino.

While Baku is considered safe, you should exercise caution regarding the local traffic, as many drivers do not obey rules or speed limits. Be particularly careful on roads at night due to potholes and dimly lit cars. To navigate the city effectively, you can use the metro, a well-developed bus and minibus network, or explore walkable areas like the Inner Walled City, The Boluvar, and Fountain Square. If you need to communicate with authorities, be prepared to speak in Azeri, Turkish, or Russian.

Getting there

Since land borders are closed to civilian traffic and sea routes have ceased, you must arrive in Azerbaijan by air. You will fly into Heydar Aliyev International Airport, located on the Absheron peninsula. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines and connects Baku to various destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Once you land, you have several options for reaching the city center:

• Take the T1 Airport Express bus to the railway station or Koroglu metro station.
• Ride the N16 bus directly to Samed Vurgun Park in the heart of Baku.
• Board a minibus to reach the 28 May Metro Station.
• Arrange a taxi, though you should negotiate the price before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged by unmarked cabs.

Getting around

You can explore the city on foot, particularly through the pedestrian alleys and streets surrounding the old town, the seafront, and Fountain Square. When crossing busy roads where tunnels are unavailable, use your phone screen to signal your presence to drivers at night and follow others across. For a more active journey, Baku is bike-friendly with mostly flat terrain in the old town and downtown areas. While there are no dedicated lanes, you can navigate these streets safely by staying toward the foot-walk side and using hand signals to alert other traffic. You may also choose to ride the funicular to reach the Flame Towers and the Viewpoint.

Public transportation offers several ways to navigate the city:

• The metro is an affordable way to travel, though you should be mindful of crowded rush hours and difficult-to-spot signage at certain transfer stations.
• Buses and minibuses reach almost any location, with some newer red buses requiring electronic cards for payment.
• An electric train connects various parts of the city and surrounding areas like Sumqayit.
• Taxis are available throughout the city; however, it is important to agree on a price before your trip begins or use a mobile app to negotiate a fair rate.
• Rental cars provide flexibility for longer trips, though you should be aware of automated speed cameras throughout the region.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and location. For those seeking budget options, the Old Town offers several choices including Caspian Hostel and Guest House Inn, both situated in this historic area. If you prefer a more upbeat environment with amenities like a kitchen and common areas for games or movies, Cheeky Carabao Backpackers Hostel provides a well-located stay.

For mid-range stays, the Altstadt Hotel offers private facilities and breakfast in the Old Town, while the Consul Hotel is located in the Genclik district. Other central options include the Diplomat Hotel and Empire Hotel. If you prefer to stay near the airport or enjoy extensive amenities, consider the Holiday Inn Baku Airport, Park Inn by Radisson Baku Hotel, or Rigs Hotel. For a more luxurious experience, the Excelsior Hotel Baku, Hyatt Regency Baku, and Park Hyatt Baku offer high-end services and facilities.

• For those seeking beach-focused experiences, the Amburan Beach Club in Bilgah and Crescent Beach Hotel in Shikhov feature pools and coastal access.
• The AF Hotel Aqua Park offers a large resort complex with saunas and water slides.

Food & drink

You can find a wide variety of dining options throughout the city, ranging from quick meals at local kebab shops to more formal sit-down experiences. For traditional flavors, many establishments serve Azeri and Turkish cuisine, including hearty dishes like Piti, various kebabs, and organ-meat-based delicacies. If you prefer international fare, you can find everything from Italian pasta and pizza to French cuisine and Mexican tacos. For a more specialized experience, look for Georgian specialties or Asian fusion and Indian dishes.

To enjoy the local culture, visit an outdoor tea house (çayxana) to enjoy tea and sweets while potentially challenging a local to a game of backgammon or dominoes. If you prefer coffee, several cafes offer selections ranging from simple roasts to baked cakes and sandwiches. For those seeking a drink at night, you can find traditional beer and vodka in local settings, or visit various bars and pubs for cocktails and a social atmosphere. Some venues offer elevated views of the skyline while you dine on European or Azeri cuisine.

What to see and do

Explore the historic Old City, a walled fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site where you can discover numerous landmarks on foot in a single day. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs serves as a primary highlight of this district, featuring a complex that includes a main building with various dimensions, burial vaults, a mosque with a minaret, and a nearby bath-house. Nearby, you can visit the Saray Mosque, known for its rectangular plan and distinctive minaret, or find your way to the Maiden's Tower. This cylindrical eight-story structure stands on a solid rock foundation along the coastline and is considered one of the most majestic monuments in Baku.

The Old City offers a wealth of architectural diversity and historical sites for you to explore:

• Various historic bathhouses, including the Hajji Gayyib bathhouse with its octagonal halls and heated floors, and the Gasim-bek bath.
• Several mosques such as the Muhammad Mosque, known for its minaret, the Molla Ahmad mosque, and the Beyler Mosque.
• Multiple caravanserais located along trade routes, including the Bukhara Caravanserai, Multani Caravanserai, and the Two-Storeyed Caravanseray.
• Fortress walls and towers dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries.
• The Salyan Gates and Shemakha Gates located in the northeast of the district.

When to go

You can experience a variety of conditions depending on the season, as the Caspian Sea helps moderate the local climate while consistent winds blow throughout the year. During the summer months, you will encounter hot and dry conditions paired with a very breezy atmosphere.

When you visit during the winter, the weather turns cool and moderately wet. While you may experience occasional snow and nights that drop below freezing, the region remains one of the driest areas in Azerbaijan.

Three days in Baku

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Inner Walled City. You will experience the local atmosphere as you walk through the Boluvar and visit Fountain Square.

Day two, you can explore the area near the Caspian Sea. You can take a ride to see the architecture of the Ali and Nino.

Day three, you can spend your time in Samed Vurgun Park before preparing for your departure from Baku.