Places to Visit and Things to Do in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is located adjacent to the Caspian Sea on the south-eastern end of the Caucasus mountain range. Like Turkey, Azerbaijan is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures. This was a region occupied under USSR. You will find middle eastern cuisine side by side with Soviet buildings. You will find Iranian style tea alongside Vodka. Though majority of the population is Muslim, you will find the people & culture to be quite liberal with barely any conservative Muslim traits. One of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan is the capital city of Baku, which is a very unique blend of modernism and tradition. You will see this in the culture, lifestyle as well as the architecture. The things to do in Azerbaijan are quite inexpensive compared to other countries in the region. Azerbaijan has strong roots in Zoroastrianism as well. In fact Zoroastrianism is said to have originated in Azerbaijan. The word Azer translated to fire, which is the center of worship in Zoroastrianism. Many of the historical places to see in Azerbaijan reflect Zoroastrianism. Despite majority population adopting Islam, fire is still considered an important part of the nation’s identity. The flame towers are a testament to their respect for fire as a symbol of Azerbaijan culture. The Ateshgah fire temple in Baku is another important Azerbaijan tourist spots of Zoroastrian origin. Even the cuisine here is a blend of various countries from East, West and Middle East. There are also influences of Soviet culture on the food.  Rice preparations are popular, especially Pilaf or Pillau or Plov. Azerbaijan tourist attractions in cuisines also include armudu, qutab, dushbara, baliq, dolma, lavangi, kebabs, Qovurma, and many more. Among local desert dishes you should try pakhlava, shekerbura, Shor Gogal, Guymag, and Badambura. The spices and fruits of this region are exceptional and even exquisite to some extent. There are festivals dedicated to apples, pomegranates, persimmon, and hazelnuts. These items are also very cheap compared to other countries, so you should keep some luggage space & some cash for shopping spices, herbs and fruits on your Azerbaijan travel. There are several variety of tea unique to the region, though most of them are of Iranian & Persian origin. The black tea is also among Azerbaijan attractions. The carpets are also a popular shopping item in Azerbaijan. You can shop for carpets at the carpet festival as well. The people are very hospitable & you will experience a very welcoming vibe. At times, people will go out of their way to help tourists and visitors. You will notice this near Azerbaijan tourist attractions as well as in remote rural areas.

Azerbaijan has undergone several regime changes throughout its history and this is reflected in the variety of  historical Azerbaijan tourist attractions across the country. The most popular among Azerbaijan tourist spots is the beautifully architecture Alinja Castle. It looks almost mythical with the structure on the edge of the mountain and the dominating view of the valley. This Azerbaijan attraction is also a popular hike destination for people on Azerbaijan trip. If you enjoy exploring topographies you are gonna love Azerbaijan. There are several topographically varying places to see in Azerbaijan. The country hosts 9 out of 11 climate zones. It also shows great contrasting landscapes within the country. Things to see in Azerbaijan include mountains, beaches, deserts, forests, valleys, and meadows. Hiking & trekking are among the most popular things to do in Azerbaijan. Half of the mud volcanos in the world are located in Azerbaijan, more specifically in the Qobustan region. The mud volcanos, though not strictly among Azerbaijan tourist places, attracts lots of adventure spirited people. There are also few Azerbaijan tours with Mud Volcano visits in their itinerary. In terms of nature and landscapes Azerbaijan sightseeing is as breathtaking as it is various. The quaint villages in the mountains are also a beautiful Azerbaijan sight. The pastoral life is a unique experience within itself which you can experience in Azerbaijan tours. Some of these mountain villages look almost straight out of fantasy movies. One of the most unique lores of the mountains of Azerbaijan is related to landing of Noah’s Ark. The town of Nakhchivan is also known as Noah’s town. The tomb of Noah is also among Azerbaijan tourist places. Another aspect of tours in Azerbaijan associated with the mountains is the medical tourism. There are many spas, medical therapy centers, recreational therapy centers etc. around Azerbaijan. And finally you have Ski resorts among top Azerbaijan tourist spots.

Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

1. Baku

Baku is the capital city of the country and also its largest city. Majority of top things to do in Azerbaijan can be found in Baku. The places to visit in Baku include historical structures, religious sites, beaches and natural landscapes.

2. Ganja

Ganja is part of Ganja-Gazakh province of Azerbaijan. It is the second largest city in the nation after Baku. Ganja was an important city under the Russian rule. The Azerbaijan tourist attractions here include art galleries, museums, historical buildings, theaters and more.

3. Shamkir

Shamkir is located at the foot of the lower caucasus mountain range. It has breathtaking natural landscapes and is one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan for exploring forests and mountains.

4. Lankaran

Lankaran is a coastal city facing the Caspian Sea. It is known for the unique fire springs phenomenon as well for its coastal landscapes. It is also known for the archeological sites and museums.

5. Mingechivir

The biggest Azerbaijan tourist attractions found in Mingechivir are around the city’s eponymous dam and reservoir. There are several adventure and leisure activities to enjoy around the reservoir and that’s what pulls most people to Mingechivir when they visit Azerbaijan.

6. Naftalan

Naftalan is well known among places to visit in Azerbaijan for it’s unique health and spa resort. This area is known to treat you will natural crude oil therapies, massages and baths. This is something people come to Naftalan to experience during Azerbaijan trip.

7. Nakhichevan City

Nakhichevan city is part of the eponymous republic state of Azerbaijan, which is geographically separated from the country, but not politically. The city is visited for its history, art, culture, architecture and festivals.

8. Sheki

Sheki is located in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan. The city is known for small historical sites and beautiful view of the caucasus mountains. The eponymous rayon is visited by people on Azerbaijan trip for hiking, camping, skiing and nature trails.

9. Sumqayit

This is the third largest city among places to visit in Azerbaijan. The city is very close to the national capital city Baku. Sumqayit is known as a coastal paradise. It is most famous for its beaches, resorts and waterspouts activities.

10. Khachmaz

Khachmaz is not exactly a coastal city, but is quite close to the Caspain Sea. The beaches here are not as developed as those in other regions of Azerbaijan. The coast line close to the city is still beautiful.

11. Shamakhy

Shamakhy is most known for the region’s traditional dance and rugs. Being an important point along the Silk Route, there are several historical tourist attractions in Shamakhy.

Best time to visit Azerbaijan

You have two windows in terms of weather & climate considered as best time to visit Azerbaijan. You first window is from April to July and the second window is September to November. If skiing and other snow activities are on your list of things to do in Azerbaijan, then go for the summer months. But, if you are looking to explore nature on hiking trips and wish to see the mountains green, then take the first summer window to visit Azerbaijan. There are several places to see open regardless of when you take Azerbaijan trip. It is the adventure and outdoor things to do in Azerbaijan which require consideration. Trekking trips on mountains is also popular among things to do in Azerbaijan, which also is possible during summer months only. Same goes for beach & coastal activities on Azerbaijan tours. The best time to visit Azerbaijan is actually subjective to what experiences you wish to have. You should plan Azerbaijan tours accordingly, most of the Azerbaijan tourist spots will remain open regardless of the season.

Popular Festivals, Events & Things to do in Azerbaijan

1. Goychay Pomegranate Festival

• • Dates: November 12
  • Location: Goychay
  • This festival is revolves around the Pomegranate fruit. Everything is themed around the fruit. All cuisines, from amuse bouche to the desert are prepared from Pomegranate. It is expression of culinary creativity with the fruit. It can be one of the best time to visit Azerbaijan. The festival also involves a parade displaying traditional music & dance and is one of the best things to see in Azerbaijan.

2. Quba Apple Festival

• • Dates: October 8
  • Location: Guba
  • This festival is celebrated on occasion of Apple harvest. The festival is dedicated to all fruits in general, but the apples are starts of the evening. It is celebrated in a food-festival sort of way mixed with traditional Azerbaijan customs.

3. Hazelnut Festival

• • Dates: Depends on Harvest
  • Location: Zagatala
  • This is another harvest related festival in Azerbaijan. Celebrated in the Zagatala district, this festival is a festival dedicated to Hazelnuts and almost everything you can do with Hazelnut fruit and tree. It’s a fun place to visit in Azerbaijan for foodies.

4. Persimmon Festival

• • Dates: Depends on Harvest
  • Location: Balakan
  • Yet another festival focused on harvest of fruit is the Persimmon Festival, dedicated to, you guessed right, the Persimmon fruit. Everything is Persimmon themed, the food, the clothing, the decorations. These harvest festivals are particularly incredible in the variety of cuisines you get to explore around one single fruit. You can take home a recipe or two to create yourself.

5. Kata Festival

• • Dates: To be announced
  • Location: Nakhchivan
  • Kata is a variety of pie, traditional to Azerbaijan and specifically to the region of Nakhchivan. People celebrate this festival by preparing and presenting their own variation of Kata for people to taste.

6. Quba Carpet Festival

• • Dates: October 8
  • Location: Guba
  • Quba Carpet Festival is celebrated alongside Quba Apple festival. Many merchants showcase their carpets to be sold to the people attending the festival. Azerbaijan carpets are famous and you can purchase from a huge variety at this festival. Carpet shopping is one of Azerbaijan tourist attractions and this festival is dedicated to that. One of the major advantage of this festival is that you won’t have to hunt down carpets in different markets, you will get an unmatched variety in one place.

7. Gutab Festival

• • Dates: June 1 & 2
  • Location: Sumgayit
  • This festival revolves around a special Azerbaijan dish called Gutab or Qutab. Sumgayit holds a food festival of sorts to celebrate various preparations of Gutab. You will see various professional chefs and even home-makers participate in this festival to present their varioation of Gutab. If you visit Azerbaijan during this festival, you can taste the popular this local dish.

8. Festival of Sacrifice / Gurban Bayram / Eid al Adha

• • Dates: July 30
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • This is the muslim festival celebrating the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham. Known as Eid al Adha in Arabic, the festival is known as Gurban Bayram in Azerbaijan. The festival is marked by preparations of goat or lamb meat cuisines prepared in homes of the people.

9. Maiden Tower International Art Festival

• • Dates: July 4
  • Location: Baku
  • Maiden Tower Festival celebrates the inclusion of the iconic Azerbaijan attractions in UNESCO World Heritage list. Many artists from across the world flock the city of Baku with their own renditions of the Maiden Tower. Each edition of the festival adds something new to the tradition. If you visit Baku during July, this festival is unique cultural engagement.

10. Grape and Wine Festival

• • Dates: August 30 & 31
  • Location: Meysari, Shamakhi
  • This festival celebrates the tradition of wine making and the harvest of local grapes in the region of Shamakhi. You will see people of Meysari village dress up in traditional attire and a celebration with dance, music, and traditional games. It is one of the best time to visit Azerbaijan if you are interested in living the old culture & traditions of the region.

11. Silk Road Music Festival

• • Dates: June 29 to July 3
  • Location: Shaki
  • This music festival features musical & dance performances by artists from various countries. The music festival also promotes traditional Azerbaijan dance & music as well. This festival is good for cultural engagement when you visit Azerbaijan.

12. Novruz Bayram / Nowruz

• • Dates: March 21
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • Novruz Bayram marks the New Year in Zorastrian tradition. This festival is celebrated in homes of the Zorastrian people with fine delicacies being prepared and candles being lit to welcome the new year.

13. Victor’s Day

• • Dates: May 9
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • Victor’s Day celebrates victory in World War 2 and the sacrifice of the martyrs in war against Germany.

14. Azerbaijan Republic Day

• • Dates: May 28
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • This day marks the anniversary of formation of Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. The day is a national holiday and is marked by patriotic events and parades in Azerbaijan.

15. Day of National Salvation of Azerbaijan People

• • Dates: June 15
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • This is the day when Heydar Aliyev was reinstated as the leader of the nation. Heydar Aliyev is a very important political figure in the history of Azerbaijan, and this day is also celebrated in a very patriotic manner.

16. Ramazan

• • Dates: April 24 to May 24
  • Location: All across Azerbaijan
  • The holy month of Ramazan or Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims all cross Azerbaijan. The holy month is observed by prayers and fasting. The fast is observed during the day, the evening is bristle with festivities. You will see many street markets in Azerbaijan during the month of Ramazan. There are several traditional sweets prepared and sold on the streets during this month. If your Azerbaijan trip falls in Ramazan, you will face a few restrictions during the day, but it will be exceptionally festive during the night.

17. Festival of Colors in Azerbaijan

• • Dates: June 15
  • Location: Azerbaijan
  • This festival seems to be inspired by the Indian religious festival of Dhuleti & Holi. It is a festival when people throw colours on one another and rejoice. It is basically one large party in the full of music, dancing, feasting and of course, colours. If you wish to mingle with the locals, then AF Aquapark Complex should be among your list of places to visit in Azerbaijan.

18. Baku International Jazz Festival

• • Dates: October 18 to 27
  • Location: Baku
  • Baku International Jazz Festival is one of the reasons for Azerbaijan travel of many musicians. The festival hosted in Baku, which itself is one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan, invites Jazz performers from various countries at the same time promoting the local talent.

19. Gabala Music Festival

• • Dates: March 29
  • Location: Gabala
  • Gabala music festival sees performers from various countries of Asia, America, Europe, and Middle-East perform in open air stadium. It is one of the biggest and most popular music festival in Azerbaijan.

20. International World of Mugham Festival

• • Dates: March 11-18
  • Location: Shaki
  • This festival is dedicated to the Mugham music style of Azerbaijan. But, the participants of the festival come from various countries. This festival is highly focused on Azerbaijan culture, especially the music.

Emergency Contacts for Azerbaijan Tourist

Police: 102
Ambulance: 103
Fire Fighters: 101

Useful Mobile Apps for Azerbaijan

1. Azerbaijan Guide

This app is very useful to seek out best places to visit in Azerbaijan. It contains almost all information you would need when you visit Azerbaijan. You can search and locate Azerbaijan tourist attractions, nightlife spots, places to eat, shopping locations etc. You can also find transport options to places to see in Azerbaijan. You can also hunt down cultural activities, adventure activities and other things to do in Azerbaijan with this app. This app is the first thing you should get on any Azerbaijan tours.

2. BakuBus

BakuBus is only active in the city of Baku to seek public transport. You can find bus stops and bus routes within Baku. It works similar to Google map for public transport system of Baku. This app is really useful to find buses taking to places to visit in Azerbaijan capital city. The app doesn’t work offline, so you need an internet connection.

3. Uber

You can use Uber to call a cab in Azerbaijan to move around and reach places to visit in Azerbaijan.

4. Waze

Waze is a navigation app useful in Azerbaijan trip. This app not only gives navigation, but also gives you traffic updates, so you know which routes to take and which to avoid on Azerbaijan travel.

5. Dostavka.az

This app is similar to Zomato, it helps you order food from restaurants & cafes. But, if you are taking Azerbaijan tours, you wouldn’t want to eat in your hotel or airbnb. This app is equally great for searching and discovering restaurants, cafes, lounges, and other places to eat or hangout when you visit Azerbaijan.

6. PRO Azerbaijan

PRO Azerbaijan is similar to Azerbaijan guide in many regards with certain variations in terms of details and information. You can download both and choose which you want to use on your Azerbaijan trip. This app also guides you to best places to visit in Azerbaijan and things to do in Azerbaijan with public transport guide & restaurant guide. This app has a little more local information about the cities, history of Azerbaijan tourist attractions, and folklores.

7. TapTable

TapTable is an app for booking table in restaurants, cafes and other food outlets. Not all outlets are registered on this app, but it comes in handy during busy weekends when you visit Azerbaijan.

Safety Tips during Travel to Azerbaijan

• Tourists are revered in Azerbaijan, by both the people & the government. Crimes against tourists have more severe punishments, hence tourists are very safe when they visit Azerbaijan.
• Be careful while driving in Azerbaijan if you have rented a car to go about visiting places to see in Azerbaijan. The condition of the roads is not great and the local drivers are rather rash. Avoid driving at night on Azerbaijan trip.
• Even if you are not taking an Uber or other cab service, check the rates in these apps, before taking taxi. The drivers do overcharge tourists on Azerbaijan trip.
• When encountered with Police, ask for official identification. There have been incidents of fake police extracting money from tourists in form of fines. This is something you should look out for in rural as well as urban areas. This is especially seen in some of Azerbaijan tourist places.
• The crime rate in Azerbaijan is low, though you should be vigilant of mugging and petty street crimes on your Azerbaijan tours. Do not walk alone late at night. You won’t have much problem walking in a group.
• The “OKAY” hand gesture is considered rude in Azerbaijan, equivalent to middle finger in the west. So do not show the gesture to anyone. Pointing also is considered rude, you can use an open palm or whole hand to point towards things, but not the finger.
• Private travel for tourist by road is a little bit restricted in Azerbaijan. So if you  want to go to best places to visit in Azerbaijan which are far away from where you are staying, you should check with your local guide or your hotel for more information.
• When shopping in Azerbaijan, you can negotiate prices. Shopkeepers do overstate the prices to tourists.
• Littering is strictly prohibited and you will be charges with heavy fines.
• When visiting bars & clubs, women especially should not accept drinks from strangers, there have been incidents of drinks being spiked.
• Be respectful of the Aliyev family and the ruling government when you visit Azerbaijan.
• Armenia & Azerbaijan are fierce enemies, so do not talk about Armenia on Azerbaijan tours.
• On the same note, it is dangerous to visit the areas where Armenia & Azerbaijan share border. The Nagorno-Karabakh region has been long disputed between the two nations and is greatly conflict stricken.
• Azerbaijan is Muslim majority country, so you should be careful not to insult any local traditions, customs, beliefs, or practices.
• Any type of dressing is fine in Baku, but when exploring other places to visit in Azerbaijan, it is advisable to dress modestly.