Baku
Save28 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
UNESCO walled old town of lanes, caravanserais and mosques
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Enter via the main gates near Fountain Square
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles
- Visit in the evening for light
📷 Photos
- 2
12th-century cylindrical tower, emblem of Baku
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb for views of the bay
- Allow 45 minutes
- Go before sunset
📷 Photos
- 3
15th-century royal palace complex in the Old City
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Allow an hour
- Check audio guides
📷 Photos
- 4
Three flame-shaped skyscrapers lit up at night
3 tips
- Best viewed from the Old City or Boulevard
- Go after dark for the light show
- Photograph from Highland Park
📷 Photos
- 5
Flowing white cultural centre designed by Zaha Hadid
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Check museum exhibitions inside
- Take a taxi or bus
- Visit at golden hour
📷 Photos
- 6
Long seaside promenade with parks, cafés and a Ferris wheel
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Stroll at sunset
- Rent a bike for the full length
- Cafés line the waterfront
📷 Photos
- 7
Rock art site with petroglyphs and mud volcanoes
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Combine with mud volcanoes
- Bring water and a hat
📷 Photos
- 8
Historic fire temple of Zoroastrian and Hindu pilgrims
3 tips
- Combine with Yanar Dag
- Allow about an hour
- Go by taxi
📷 Photos
- 9
Natural gas flames burning on a hillside
3 tips
- Visit after dark
- Combine with Ateshgah
- Take a taxi or tour
📷 Photos
- 10
Pedestrian shopping and cafe street in the city centre
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Great for evening walks
- Look for street performers
- Cafés fill up on weekends
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Baku tips
Transportation
- Get a BakuCard: The rechargeable BakuCard works on the metro and city buses; buy and top it up at station machines.
- Use ride apps: Bolt and Uber are widely used in Baku and avoid haggling with street taxis.
- Walk the Boulevard: The seaside Baku Boulevard is a pleasant way to move between the Old City and other areas.
Security
- Avoid unofficial taxis: Street taxis may overcharge visitors, so prefer apps or agree on the price first.
- Be cautious with photos: Avoid photographing government buildings or military sites.
- Watch for bar scams: Be wary of friendly strangers inviting you to bars where bills can be inflated.
Saving
- Eat in local spots: Small cafés serving qutab, dolma and plov are cheap and tasty.
- Ride the metro: The metro is one of the cheapest ways to get around and features grand Soviet era stations.
- Enjoy free views: Highland Park offers free panoramic views of the city and Flame Towers.
Weather/Clothing
- Prepare for wind: Baku is known as the City of Winds, so bring a windproof jacket.
- Pack light in summer: Summers are hot and dry, so wear light clothes and carry water.
- Layer up in winter: Winters are cool and windy with occasional cold snaps, so pack a warm coat.
Cultural
- Drink tea: Tea culture is strong in Azerbaijan, often served with jam and sweets in a çayxana.
- Dress modestly at mosques: Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf when visiting religious sites.
- Try plov: Azerbaijani plov with saffron rice is a festive dish worth seeking out.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Old City early: Icherisheher is calmer in the morning, perfect for exploring the Maiden Tower area.
- See the Flame Towers at night: The towers light up after dark, best seen from the Boulevard or Highland Park.
- Check visa rules: Many visitors need an e-visa, so apply online through the official ASAN Visa portal before travel.
1-day itineraries in Baku
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.