Key Takeaways
- ✓ Iconic: Visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center is mandatory for architecture lovers.
- ✓ Cultural: Drink tea with locals in the Old City.
- ✓ Unique: See the eternal fires of Yanardag.
- ✓ Relax: Stroll the Caspian promenade (Bulvar) at sunset.
Azerbaijan is a country where you can touch the fire coming from the ground, walk through 12th-century fortresses, and marvel at futuristic skyscrapers all in the same day. Here is our curated list of the top things to do that define the Azerbaijani experience.
1. Marvel at the Heydar Aliyev Center
Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, this building has no straight lines. It flows like a wave.
Do: Walk around the exterior for photos. Inside, visit the "Treasures of Azerbaijan" exhibition and the Classic Car Museum.
2. Get Lost in Icherisheher
The UNESCO-listed Old City is the heart of Baku. Its narrow cobblestone streets are full of history.
Do: Climb the Maiden Tower for a view, visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and buy a small handmade carpet.
3. Stroll the Baku Boulevard
This 25km-long promenade hugging the Caspian Sea is the favorite hangout spot for locals. It's clean, green, and beautiful.
Do: Rent a bike, ride the "Little Venice" boats, and visit the Carpet Museum (shaped like a rolled carpet).
4. Sunset at Highland Park
The best panoramic view of the city, overlooking the Bay and the Flame Towers.
Do: Take the Funicular up just before sunset along with the locals to watch the city lights turn on.
5. Touch the Mud Volcanoes
Located in Gobustan, this landscape looks like Mars. Little mounds of grey mud bubble constantly.
Do: Dip your hand in perfectly cold mud (it's good for the skin!) and take a funny video.
6. Visit the Fire Temple (Ateshgah)
A place of worship for Zoroastrians and Hindus for centuries, built on top of a natural gas vent.
Do: Read the Sanskrit inscriptions on the cells where monks used to live and suffer for purification.
7. See the Burning Mountain (Yanardag)
A natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula. It has been burning for decades, regardless of rain or snow.
Do: Visit at night for the most dramatic effect.
8. Shop at Yashil Bazaar (Green Market)
To see how locals live and eat, go to the market.
Do: Taste and buy Azerbaijani saffron, Beluga caviar, dried fruits, and local teas to take home.
9. Experience Tea Ceremony
Tea is 90% of social life here. It is served with lemon, thyme, rose petals, and endless sweets.
Do: Order a "Chay Destgah" (Tea Set) which comes with jams, nuts, and pastries. Sit for hours and talk.
10. Scrub in a Traditional Hammam
Following the eastern tradition, a visit to a bathhouse is essential for cleansing both body and soul.
Do: Visit "Teze Bey" (for men) or other historic hammams for a "Kisa" (scrub) and soapy massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baku expensive for tourists? ▼
Museum entries are cheap ($5-10). Food is very affordable. Luxury shopping is priced similarly to Europe.
Can I take photos in museums? ▼
Yes, generally non-flash photography is allowed. The Carpet Museum and Heydar Aliyev Center are very Instagram-friendly.
How much time for Heydar Aliyev Center? ▼
Plan for at least 2-3 hours if you want to see all the exhibitions properly.
Are these kid-friendly? ▼
Yes! Specifically the Boulevard (Mini-Venice), the Zoo, and the muddy fun at Gobustan are great for kids.