Impressive Tourist Attractions to Visit and Things to Do in Sheki (Şəki)

March 22, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2510 Views

Shaki, also known as Sheki, is a city in the northwestern part of Azerbaijan. The city sits at the southern plains of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. There are several historical places to visit in Sheki. It held an important position on the legendary silk road. You will come across several top things to do in Shaki which are in one way or other related to the history of the silk road. There is also a historic hotel which is famous for having hosted travellers and merchants on the Silk Road.

There are several beautiful things to see in Shaki like the Palace of the Khans. This wonderful palace is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city also features several other buildings with rich Islamic and Persian architecture. Shaki tourist attractions like the Winter Palace and Sheki Fortress are two more prime candidates of such architecture. You can also include the regional history museum and house museum of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade as important historical attractions during Shaki sightseeing.

Like many cities and towns in Azerbaijan, you will get to see amazing views of mountains and valleys when you visit Sheki as well. These mountains hold some incredible nature trails ranging from a couple of hours to an entire day. There are trails leading to villages, hill tops, sightseeing points and historical ruins. If you are looking for outdoor things to do in Sheki, these trails would satiate your desire for adventure.

On the cultural side, the city is famous for local food dishes like the Sheki Halva and Sheki Piti. Both of these can be considered Shaki attractions in their own right. The city has a few markets and traditional bazaars you can explore during Sheki travel to purchase local produce, souvenirs, handicraft items, textile and so on.

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Table of Contents

Top 8 Tourist Places to Visit in Sheki

1. Palace of Shaki Khans

This palace is one of the best places to visit in Sheki. It is an opulent palace and belonged to the khanate of the Afsharid Dynasty. The design elements are heavily influenced by Persian architecture. You will need about an hour or so to explore this palace when you visit Shaki.

2. Shakikhanovs’ Palace

This used to be the winter palace of the khanates of the region. This palace may not look much appealing from outside. But, from inside it is among the most beautiful things to see in Shaki. You will need 1 hour for this palace.

3. Sheki Fortress

The fortress is quite large and contains quite a few Shaki tourist attractions within its walls. You get to see the fortress, churches, painting gallery and a market inside this fortress. You would need 2 hours for this fortress during Shaki travel.

4. Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore

This museum is dedicated to the history of the region and also its culture and folklore. It is one of the most important Shaki attractions. You would need an hour or so for this museum.

5. Sheki Old Town

The old town is popular for several top things to do in Sheki. You can see some nice historical buildings, enjoy local market, explore restaurants and street foods. You can easily spend an hour exploring this area.

6. Caravanserai Silk Road Hotel

This hotel has historically served several people along the silk road. It is included among places to visit in Shaki for its rich history. You wouldn’t need about 20 to 30 minutes for this hotel.

7. Kish – Bash Goynuk Trail

If you are looking for some adventurous things to do in Shaki, you should head for this trail. The trail takes you from Kis village to Goynuk village. During this trail you will come across forests, grass-fields, hills, valleys and rivers. You will need about 4 to 5 hours for this nature trail.

8. Bakhtiyar Vahabzade Home Museum

This is one of the lesser known aspect of Shaki sightseeing. It is dedicated to the life and work of Azerbaijan poet and writer Bakhtiyar Vahabzade. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum.

If you are looking for more places to explore during Sheki travel, check out the section below.

Things to do in Sheki

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Sheki

Palace of Shaki Khans
Galarsan Gorarsan Fortress Ruins
Shaki Fortress
Shakikhanovs’ Palace
Museum of Local History
Bakhtiyar Vahabzade House Museum
Juma Mosque
Three Saints Church
Silk Factory
World War 2 Memorial
Hyder Aliyev Museum
Sheki Government Painting Gallery
Rashidbey Efendihad House Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Sheki

Kish – Bash Goynuk Trail

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Sheki

Bio Garden
Caravanserai Hotel
Cultural Park of Sheki
Abduxaliq Hamam

Shopping in Sheki

Sheki Bazaar
Silk Road Market

Offbeat Places & Adventure Activities to Do in Sheki

Hiking

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Sheki

Chelebi
Xancinar
Istanbul
Ovuclar Mekani
Kerpish
Gagarin
Laziz
Ahmad Haraadir
Gagarin
Shebeke

Where to Stay in Sheki?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Muar. Here We recommended all luxurious, mid-range and budget Hotels in Sheki.

Custom Tours Package in Sheki

How to Reach Sheki?

By Air

The closest airport for Shaki travel is the Tblisi Airport which is about 8 hours drive away. But it is situated in Georgia. Other viable airports you can pick to visit Shaki are Zaqatala International Airport, Ganja International Airport and Qabala International Airport. You don’t get direct transport from the airport, but you can easily get transport options from respective cities where these airports are situated.

By Road

You can get trains for Sheki travel as well. You get direct trains from Baku, Balakan, Zaqatala and Qax. The bus network is more widespread and you can get direct or connecting buses from almost every city and town in Azerbaijan.

If you are planning to reach Shaki by road, you should head for routes AZN60 or AZN15.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to visit Sheki.

Image Reference

Palace of Shaki Khans – Robert Wilson / Flickr
Shakikhanovs’ Palace – Urek Meniashvili / Wikimedia Commons
Sheki Fortress – Interfase / Wikimedia Commons
Shaki Museum of History and Local Lore – Tarkhan Pashazade / Wikimedia Commons
Sheki Old Town – Adam Jones / Flickr
Caravanserai Silk Road Hotel – Ludvig14 / Wikimedia Commons
Kish – Bash Goynuk Trail –
Bakhtiyar Vahabzade Home Museum –