Top Things to Do and Tourist Attractions to Visit in Baku

July 19, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 5787 Views

Baku is one of the most historically and culturally rich places to visit in the Caucasus. It is also the largest city in the region. The capital of Azerbaijan is also known as Baky or Baki. The city lies on the Absheron Peninsula facing the Caspian Sea. The city derived its name from the Arabic word Bakuh. It was also called Bukaya by some Arabs. This roughly translates as a city thrashed or pounded by winds. The roots are reflected in the city’s title “City of Winds”.

During Soviet rule, however, the city was known as Cyrillic. Baku has had a long history of invasions and has been a part of many empires. These empires have contributed to the numerous historical and cultural Baku tourist attractions of today. The city is bifurcated into three very distinct-looking parts. First is the historical city, where you will find the most monuments, museums, and other Baku sightseeing spots. This is followed by the dull and gloomy-looking region which emerged during Soviet rule. Finally, you have modern Baku tourism with iconic landmarks like the flame towers among its attractions.

Baku is not only an amalgamation of several empires but also of several religions. People embark on Baku travel for religious visits as well. The city has Mosques, Churches, and Zoroastrian fire temples. Besides these places to visit in Baku, there are several reasons for Baku tourism, even if it is just for leisure. The city bristles with history and culture, there are incredible monuments, the food is great, the wines are incredible and the beaches are pristine. If that doesn’t attract the traveler animal inside you, then nothing will.

Baku tourist places are also quite inexpensive to visit. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in the region. But that doesn’t mean that it has less to offer. Baku travel guide will take you to incredibly interesting places to see. Steeped deep in history, these Baku famous places couples with low travel and accommodation cost can be considered a hidden gem among tourist places of the world.

You can start your journey with the things to see in Baku’s Old City. This part of the city has been included among UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will get an idea of the lives of the people during the high middle ages. There are several Baku tourist spots you can visit in this part of the city itself. The area is called Icheri Sheher by the locals, meaning the Old City, and it is among the most famous places in Baku. The Old City is also a walled area. The fortification was done in the 16th century and still stands strong today. You can take a guided tour along the wall among things to do in Baku.

Another UNESCO heritage site among tourist attractions in Baku is the famous Maiden Tower. It is one of the most well-known historical landmarks of the city featured in several Baku travel guidebooks. It is said that the tower was built by the locals to observe the celestial bodies. This tower also served the defense strategy of the city. It is a well-known monument to visit during Baku, Azerbaijan tourism.

There is also a historical monument among Baku tourist places which was previously submerged in the Caspian Sea. Sarcophagi from the Sabayil Fortress have been retrieved from under the ocean and relocated to Kanegah Complex. The Fortress itself still rests underwater.

Baku is one of the most popular places to visit on the Silk Road. Several traders and travelers embarked on Baku travel along the famed route. These people would rejuvenate themselves at the Caravanserais and you can do the same when you visit Baku. There are two Caravanserai among things to see in Baku with the same structure as others found on the Silk Road. Both of these attractions are not just for sightseeing, they still run regularly serving people on Baku tourism. They are among the top places to see in Baku.

Among modern famous places in Baku is the Heydar Aliyev Center dedicated to the art and music of the region. The Flame Towers are also tourist spots to visit in the modern part of the city.

There are numerous places to visit in Baku. The more you look the more you will find. Owing to the several things to do in Baku, you would need more than a couple of days to explore this city. There are also several major tourist attractions near the city which you can visit along with Baku sightseeing.

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Table of Contents

Top 20 Tourist Places to Visit in Baku

1. Baku Old City (Inner City – Icherisheher)

The old town area of Baku has a rich history and vibrant culture. It has some of the best places to visit in Baku. The area is surrounded by medieval fortifications and has many historical buildings. The old town has beautifully incorporated ancient structures with modern structures. The area is also quite popular for its bazaars, food joints, cultural experiences, and fun things to do in Baku for nightlife. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this area.

I suggest you should go for a Guided Tour of Old City.

2. Palace of The Shirvanshahs

This white sandstone palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as home to several rulers of Azerbaijan. Built around the 12th century, this palace is among the most beautiful things to see in Baku. It is renowned for its medieval Islamic architecture and sandstone-carved designs. You will need 2 hours to tour the entire complex of the palace and various tourist spots in it.

3. Bibi-Heybat Mosque (Bibiheybat)

Built around the 13th century, this large mosque is renowned for its architecture and beautiful interior designs. From the outside this mosque looks like several other medieval Islamic architecture, but as you enter the mosque you will be greeted by intricate designs and colors. Only after exploring this mosque from within will you understand why it is a highlight of Baku sightseeing. This mosque is also an important pilgrimage site as it houses the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, one of the descendants of Prophet Mohammad. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this mosque.

4. Maiden Tower

This 12th-century tower is a major highlight of the city’s medieval fortification. It is called Giz Galassi, the Maiden Tower because it has never been captured by invaders. It is also among the best Baku tourist attractions to visit for a bird-eye view of the old town. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to tour this tower.

5. Heydar Aliyev Center

Designed by Zaha Hadid, this complex is one of the finest works of modern architecture. The design of this complex will make you feel as if you are standing on a spaceship or have been sent to the future. The center hosts several events and exhibitions, many of which are open to all people. You should definitely check out this center from the inside during Baku travel. It will take you 30 to 45 minutes to tour this entire place.

6. Yashil Bazaar (Green Bazaar)

Traditional bazaars are a major highlight of Baku tourism. This particular market is well known for its spices, tea leaves, fresh produce, traditional items, handicraft, local products, beverage shops, and food joints. The market is among the top Baku attractions to buy souvenirs. You will need at least an hour to explore this market.

7. National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

This is the largest museum in the city and tells the story of Azerbaijan. The museum is housed in an Italian Renaissance-style mansion. The mansion is well known for its lush interior decor. Once you explore this museum, you will get a new perspective on Baku, Azerbaijan tourism. You will be able to see each place with its historical and cultural context. The museum has more than 30,000 historical artifacts on display. You will need about 2 hours to tour this museum.

8. Baku Promenade

If you want to check some vibrant seaside venues when you visit Baku, this promenade is the perfect route to take. The 4 km promenade has the Caspian Sea on one side and modern attractions on the other. You will get to see iconic landmarks of the city like Flaming Towers, Caspian Waterfront Mall, Carpet Museum, and so on. You need about 30 to 45 minutes to stroll this road.

9. Little Venice

This park recreates the city of canals. The park is full of Italian-style buildings and attractions connected by a network of canals. You can take a gondola ride to tour this park and get from one point to another. It is one of the most beautiful Baku tourist places. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring this park.

10. Heydar Mosque

This modern mosque is renowned for its striking architecture. It looks like a blend of medieval Islamic architecture with hints of European Gothic revival style. You will not find this mosque in many Baku travel guides because tourists are not allowed inside the mosque. But, it is an incredible monument worth seeing just for its facade. The mosque is lit up at night and looks very mystical. You will need 15 to 20 minutes to admire this mosque.

11. Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve (Qobustan National Park)

This stretch of the desert has historical caves, archeological sites, religious sites, natural monuments, and mud volcanoes. This preserved area is associated with some of the best things to do in Baku. The pre-historic rock engravings date back to the 8th millennium BCE. It is quite fascinating to see the imprints of early sapiens. The mud volcanoes are equally famous tourist attractions in this National Park. The mud collected from these volcanoes are said to have medicinal properties. You will find several spas and beauty treatments based on volcanic mud in the city. The National Park is also popular for adventure activities in Baku including hiking, trekking, off-roading, camping, and so on. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to explore Gobustan National Park.

I suggest you should book a Full Day Guided Tour of Gobustan National Park and Absheron with Round-Trip Transportation.

12. Atashgah Zoroastrianism Fire Temple

This temple is one of the most important religious places for Zoroastrians and is deeply associated with the origin of the religion. People from several religions come to this temple to offer prayers. It is one of the most fascinating places to see in Baku. The temple is built like a fort and its interiors feature carvings, statues, symbols, murals, and paintings associated with Zoroastrianism. You will need about an hour to tour this temple.

I suggest you should book a Tour of Atashgah Fire Temple in advance.

13. Taza Pir Mosque

This beautiful mosque is known for its beautiful architecture, ornate interiors, and its gold-plated minarets. The surroundings of this mosque are also wonderfully designed to evoke peace and tranquility. It is also included among Baku’s famous places as it is closely associated with the 1917 October Revolution. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to tour this mosque.

14. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The carpets of Azerbaijan are quite popular. This museum looks at the history of the art and craft of making traditional Azerbaijan carpets. The building that houses this museum is also among the top Baku tourist spots. It is designed like a rolled carpet. Inside the museum, you will get to see the types of equipment and techniques used to weave the carpets. You will also see some wonderful works of art adorned on the carpets. It will take you about an hour to tour this museum.

15. Nizami Street

The street is designed like a cobblestoned Italian street. The design also borrows elements of the traditional Arabian market. It is one of the most famous places in Baku for shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying this area.

16. Yanar Dag

The fires of this mountain are considered the birthplace of Zoroastrianism. Owing to its eternal flames, this place is called the burning mountain. The flames have been burning for ages and still do today, though not with the might they once had. The continuously burning flames are still quite fascinating things to see in Baku. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to see these flames.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Yanar Dag with Gobustan National Park and Fire Temple.

17. Miniature Books Museum

The collection of this museum includes miniature versions of several famous and important books. These books are from different cultures and in several different languages. It is one of the most interesting Baku tourist attractions. As you tour this museum you are bound to come across a book you know about. Then it becomes even more intriguing to see a miniature version of it. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.

18. Dalga Beach Aquapark Resort

This waterpark is great for leisure, recreation, and entertainment. The resort has a lot of rides, games, activities, and more. After a lot of Baku sightseeing under the sun, you will want to have a splash. You can easily spend a couple of hours chilling at this waterpark.

19. Baku Nightlife

Baku has a wild nightlife scene. Even the streets of the city have a very party vibe once the sun is gone. Some of the best things to do in Baku for nightlife include bars, clubs, pubs, dance clubs, lounges, and more. The rooftop clubs and music bars of the city are especially popular among tourists. Many people do actually party all night in Baku.

I suggest you should try a Baku City Night Tour.

20. Baku Beaches

Being a coastal city, the beaches in Baku are among its top attractions. The beaches have a lot of activities, games, and adventure sports. Or you can be here to just chill. The beaches are also great places to visit in Baku for nightlife, drinking, and dining. The beaches have amazing bars, clubs, seafood restaurants, and street food joints. Some of the best beaches in Baku are Shikhov, Crescent, Bilgah, Amburan, and Absheran. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the sand and the ocean.

If you are looking for more Baku tourist places, check out the sections below. We have put together an exhaustive list of attractions and activities you enjoy in and around the city.

Things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

Maiden Tower
Icheri Sheher
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Yanar Dag
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Martyrs’ Alley
Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Miniature Books
Bibiheybat Mosque
Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature
National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan State Museum of Art
Teze Pir Mosque
Heydar Mosque
Ismailiya Building
House of Government
Palace of Happiness
Muhammad Mosque
Sheki Caravanserai
Nizami Ganjavi Monument
Azerbaijan State Museum of Musical Culture
Ramana Qalasi
Independence Museum of Azerbaijan
Monument of Richard Sorge
Khazar Islands
H. Z. Taghiyev History Museum
Multan Karvansarayi Monument
Museum of Archeology & Ethnography
Uzeyir Hacibeylinin Ev Mayuzi
The Museum Center
Bukhara Caravanserai
Russian Orthodox Church
Samed Vurgun Park
Sabayil Castle
Aliagha Valid Monument
Gosha Gala Gapisi
Armenian Church Baku
Tahir Salahov Home Museum
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Artist Ali Shamsi Workshop
Stone Chronical Museum
Behram e Gur Monument
Seyid Yehya Bakuvi Turbesi Mausoleum
Jaffar Jabbarli’s Museum
Tuba Shahi Mosque
Ashur Mosque
House Museum of Abdullah Shaig
Mosque of Martyrs
Agabala Guliyev’s Museum
Statue of Heydar Aliyev
V Mustafazadeh House Museum
Samad Vurgun House Museum
House Museum of Leopold and Mstislav Rostropovich
Chin Mosque
Khidir Mosque

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

Absheron National Park
Baku Archipalego
Boyukshor Lake
Kick Zira Island
Dash Island

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

Taze Bey Bath
Heydar Aliyev Center
Baku Eye Ferris wheel
Mini Venice
Baku Zoological Park
Byuk Zira Island
Central Botanical Garden
Olympic Star
Baku Karting
Koala Park

Shopping in Baku, Azerbaijan

Fevvareler Meydani
Nizami Street
28 Mall
Port Baku Mall
Park Bulvar Mall
Ganjlik Mall
Nargiz Shopping Mall
Sadarak Shopping Center
Baku Outlet Park
Metropark Shopping Mall
Korff Baku
Ebruni Market
Baku Mall
Eksluziv Wine House

Beaches in Baku, Azerbaijan

Shikhov Beach
Crescent Beach
Bilgah Beach
Amburan Beach
SeaZone Beach

Sightseeing in Baku, Azerbaijan

Flame Towers
Socar Tower
Philharmonic Park
Denizkenari Milli Park
Fevvareler Meydani Park
Highland Park
Nizami Street
Upland Park
Flag Square
Funicular Street
Baku TV Tower
Molokan Gardens
Fuzuli Park
Freedom Square
Sovetsy Baku
Zabitler Park
Seaside Boulevard
Azneft Square
Dede Qorqud Park
Nizami Park
Baku Panaromic Observation Deck
Zorge Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Baku, Azerbaijan

Pivnaya Apteka
Bidoner
Coin Cafe
Tendir
Art Club
Social
Da Massino
Karvan Saray
Masti Baku
Kitchen Master Indian Restaurant
Green Garden 145
Portofino Lounge
Fireworks Urban Kitchen
Meatadore
Mari Vanna
Nakhish
Lavita Lounge
Maharani Indian Restaurant
Bake & Roll
Farmer’s Kitchen

Where to Stay in Baku?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Baku. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Baku.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Baku

How to Reach Baku, Azerbaijan?

By Air

The Heydar Aliyev International Airport is your best bet for Baku travel. The airport is situated in the city itself. Several international airlines land at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. You can pick airlines including Lufthansa, Turkish Airways, Qatar Airways, Austrian Airlines, Aeroflot, Azerbaijan Airlines, and many more to visit Baku. There are also several other smaller airlines you can use for Baku Azerbaijan tourism.

Once you are done with the airport formalities you have two options to get to your hotel or the places to visit in Baku. The airport has a bus service leading to the city as well as to the metro stations. You can continue Baku sightseeing from there onwards. There are also cab services available at the airport to take you around for things to use in Baku. The regular cabs at the airport charge unreasonably high. You will be surrounded by loads of taxi drivers as soon as you exit the airport. Just ignore them and walk on. The most convenient option is to get uber or any other cab booking service. The price is reasonable and you will get picked up from the airport to visit Baku attractions or to reach your hotel.

By Road

Baku is very well connected by the train network as well as the bus network of Azerbaijan. You will be able to use a combination of these for Baku travel from anywhere in Azerbaijan.

As for international road travel, you can pick up trains from Ukraine and Russia to Baku, Azerbaijan tourism. You can catch one of the trains running between Baku and Moscow thrice a week. A train runs to St. Petersburg once a week, which can take you to visit Baku tourist attractions. You can also take trains from Georgia to reach Baku.

By bus, you can visit Baku from Iran and Turkey. There are also minibusses running between many towns of Azerbaijan connecting to the country’s capital.

By Water

Being a coastal city you can get a ferry service to visit Baku’s tourist attractions. Several ferries from different countries can be used for Baku travel via the Caspian Sea. You will get a ferry ride from Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan to enjoy Baku tourist places every week. You do have to clear the visa formalities before embarking on a journey unless your passport permits a visa on arrival for Baku Azerbaijan tourism. The ferries run quite irregularly and so ensure the dates and timings of the ferry services while planning your journey to Baku’s famous places. There are also two days or three days packages from these countries to visit Baku. Some of the packages come with a Baku travel guide as well.

Image Reference

Baku Old City (Inner City – Icherisheher) – maksym niezhentsev / PixaBay
Palace of The Shirvanshahs – Urek Meniashvili / Wikimedia Commons
Bibi-Heybat Mosque (Bibiheybat) – Emin Bashirov / Wikimedia Commons
Maiden Tower – Robert Wilson / Flickr
Heydar Aliyev Center – Dmitry Karyshev / Flickr
Yashil Bazaar (Green Bazaar) –
National Museum of History of Azerbaijan – Urek Meniashvili / Wikimedia Commons
Baku Promenade – Leon Yaakov / Flickr
Little Venice – Nigar2nigarnigar / Wikimedia Commons
Heydar Mosque – Michael.vainshtein / Wikimedia Commons
Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve (Qobustan National Park) – premierclub / PixaBay
Atashgah Zoroastrianism Fire Temple – Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Taza Pir Mosque – Frokor / Wikimedia Commons
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum – Sek Keung Lo / Flickr
Nizami Street – shankar s. / Flickr
Yanar Dag – Rita Willaert / Flickr
Miniature Books Museum – Stanislav Kozlovskiy / Wikimedia Commons
Dalga Beach Aquapark Resort –
Baku Nighlife – AlixSaz / Wikimedia Commons
Baku Beaches – Renata Baniuliene / Flickr