Azerbaijan

Baku

Baku blends ancient walls with futuristic towers on the Caspian Sea.

Local time: UTC+4
Population: 2.3M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Moderate

Food$$$$$About $32 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $70 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.4 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇦🇿 AZN =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

GYDHeydar Aliyev International AirportMain international gateway, 17 km northeast of centre.

How	Cost	Time
Bus T1 Airport ExpressRailway station (via Koroglu metro)	1.30 AZN with BakiKart	30–40 min
Runs every 30 min; contactless cards accepted.
Bus N16Samed Vurgun Park (city centre)	1 AZN	40–60 min
Every 30 min, early morning to late night.
Minibus 13528 May Metro Station	0.40 AZN	60 min
Stops at airport traffic circle, 15-min walk from terminal.
TaxiCity centre	15–50 AZN	20–30 min
Negotiate before; airport monopoly can be pricey.
Ride app (Bolt)City centre	10–20 AZN	20–30 min
Often cheaper than airport taxis; use app to avoid haggling.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Baku

Getting around

Metro for cheap cross-city hops; taxis or ride apps for the Old City and late nights.

Metro ★Runs 06:00–24:00. Fare 0.60 AZN with a Bakı Metropoliten Kart (3 AZN refundable deposit).
BusBuses cost 0.60 AZN. Newer red buses need a metro card to pay.
Taxi / ride apps ★Agree on the fare beforehand; a typical city trip is 4–10 AZN. Ride apps like Bolt work.
Rental carSpeed cameras are common and fines arrive by SMS. Drive carefully.
WalkingPedestrian zones around Fountain Square and the Old City. Crossings can be risky at night.
BikeThe city is fairly flat and bike-friendly, but there are no dedicated lanes.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you, since the Old City, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace along the seafront fit one day.

Best for

CultureOld City walls, palaces and the carpet museum.
HistoryFire temples, petroglyphs and Soviet-era layers.
FoodPlov, kebabs, pomegranates and tea with jam.

Weather by month

8°3°Jan🌧 7d

9°3°Feb🌧 5d

11°5°Mar🌧 7d

17°9°Apr🌧 4d

22°14°May🌧 6d

29°20°Jun🌧 2d

31°23°Jul🌧 2d

31°23°Aug🌧 2d

26°19°Sep🌧 4d

20°14°Oct🌧 8d

14°9°Nov🌧 9d

10°5°Dec🌧 7d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Baku has cold, damp winters and hot, dry summers. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking.

Best time: April to May and September to OctoberHighs around 17–26°C with moderate rain. Good for the Old City and the boulevard.
Summer is hot and dryJuly and August reach about 31°C with lows near 23°C. Go out early or after sunset.
Winter is cold and dampJanuary and February sit near 8–9°C highs and 3°C lows, with around 5–7 rain days.
Wettest in autumn and early winterNovember has about 9 rain days and October about 8. Bring a light rain jacket.
Windy cityBaku is known as the City of Winds. The seafront can feel cooler and breezier than inland streets.
What to packLayers for spring and autumn, a warm coat for winter, and light breathable clothes plus sunscreen for summer.

Landmarks 15

Must-see · 9

1
Icherisheher
The walled Old Town is Baku's heart and a UNESCO-listed maze of lanes, caravanserais and courtyards. It is the best place to start a first visit. Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat; it is walkable from the city centre and free to enter.
2
Maiden Tower of Baku
This mysterious cylindrical tower inside Icherisheher is the city's symbol and offers views over the Old Town and bay. Climb it for the panorama and the small museum. Buy a ticket on site and go on a weekday morning to skip queues.
3
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
A 15th-century royal complex with a courtyard, mausoleum and palace rooms, right inside the Old Town. It pairs naturally with the Maiden Tower on a walking day. Check opening hours before you go and allow about an hour.
4
Flame Towers
The three flame-shaped skyscrapers are Baku's modern icon and glow at night. Best seen from Baku Boulevard after dark. You cannot usually go up, so plan a walk along the seafront for the view.
5
Heydar Aliyev Center
Zaha Hadid's flowing white building is a must for architecture fans and houses exhibitions inside. The exterior is photogenic from every angle. Take a taxi or metro and check exhibition tickets in advance.
6
Baku Boulevard
A long Caspian seafront promenade for strolling, with the Flame Towers and carpet museum nearby. It is ideal at sunset. It is free and easy to reach from the centre on foot.
7
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The building shaped like a rolled carpet sits on the boulevard and holds a rich collection of Azerbaijani carpets. It is a good indoor stop on hot or rainy days. Combine it with a boulevard walk.
8
Ateshgah of Baku
The fire temple at Surakhany is a historic site of fire worship on the Absheron Peninsula. It is a short trip outside the centre. Go with a taxi or tour and allow half a day with Yanar Dag.
9
Yanar Dag
A hillside where natural gas keeps a fire burning, a striking sight tied to Azerbaijan's 'land of fire' identity. It is outside the city, so pair it with Ateshgah. Visit in the evening for the best effect.

Cultural

Other Religion 1

Museum 2

Urban Hub 2

Islamic 1

Skyscraper 1

Modern Architecture 1

Park 1

Old Town 1

Tower 1

Palace 1

Modern History 1

Market 1

Activities

Food 1

Plans

Baku rewards visitors with a mix of history, culture, and modern flair. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One full day on foot: walled Old City in the morning, seafront icons after sunset.

Stay: Old City. Inside the walls, walk to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Quiet lanes, but narrow streets and few cars.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 80
Taxis: ≈ AZN 51

Day 1

Old City walls and palaces

Tickets ≈ AZN 70 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 31

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 220 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
1

09:00–11:00 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Enter through the gates and wander the lanes. Shops open around 10:00.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 246 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

11:15–12:00 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

A few minutes' walk inside the walls. Go early to beat tour groups.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 398 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
3

12:15–13:15 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Short walk uphill. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

13:30–15:00 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old City. Book ahead at peak times.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9

Day 2

Seafront and after dark

Tickets ≈ AZN 10 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 21

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 787 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ AZN 5
1

15:30–16:30 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Check the day before.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
2

16:45–18:15 · Free · Baku Eye and boat rides cost extra

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Walk the seafront park toward the towers.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ AZN 6
3

18:30–19:00 · Free to view from outside; observation deck price varies

Flame Towers Landmark quest

Best after dark. Deck hours check on the day.

Open Best seen after dark; deck hours check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1499 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5

Day trip · History

Fire temples, burning hillside and the Old City's layered past in one day.

Stay: Old City. Inside the walls, walk to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Quiet lanes, but narrow streets and few cars.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 155
Taxis: ≈ AZN 148

Day 1

Fire and stone outside the centre

Tickets ≈ AZN 100 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 131

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 20 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ AZN 18
1

09:30–10:30 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Ateshgah of Baku Landmark quest

On the Absheron peninsula; arrange a taxi or driver for the morning.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 18 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ AZN 17
2

11:00–11:45 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Yanar Dag Landmark quest

Short drive from Ateshgah. Roughly 09:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 66 km · ≈ 2 h 44 min · ≈ AZN 51
3

13:00–18:00 · ≈ AZN 60–120 shared tour; check inclusions

Mud volcanoes tour (Gobustan)

Half-day Gobustan tour usually departs morning; book ahead and confirm timing.

Open Half-day tours usually depart morning
Taxi back to your hotel · 59 km · ≈ 2 h 28 min · ≈ AZN 46

Day 2

Old City history on foot

Tickets ≈ AZN 55 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 17

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 242 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
1

16:30–18:30 · ≈ AZN 20–50 per person; tip extra

Old City walking tour

Tours usually run morning and afternoon; confirm the slot.

Open Tours usually run morning and afternoon
Taxi · 249 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

18:45–19:30 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Check closing time for the season before you go.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 466 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
3

19:45–20:30 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Tea with jam near Fountain Square to finish.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 490 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4

Day trip · Food

Market, tea, plov and a slow walk between the Old City and Fountain Square.

Stay: Fountain Square. The pedestrian heart of the city: cafés, shops and easy walks to the Old City and the boulevard.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 50
Taxis: ≈ AZN 52

Day 1

Market morning, Old City afternoon

Tickets ≈ AZN 40 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ AZN 6
1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Yasil Bazar Landmark quest

Go early for the freshest produce. Roughly 08:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 08:00–19:00 daily
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ AZN 6
2

10:15–11:15 · Free to walk

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Short walk or taxi. Shops open around 10:00.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 1057 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

11:45–13:45 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Wander the lanes before lunch.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

13:30–15:00 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch. Book ahead at peak times.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ AZN 8

Day 2

Tea and evening square

Tickets ≈ AZN 10 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 17

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 859 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ AZN 5
1

15:30–16:15 · Free to browse; prices vary

Carpet and antique shops in the Old City

Browse carpets and antiques; agree prices before buying.

Open Roughly 10:00–19:00
Taxi · 433 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

16:45–17:30 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Tea with jam and sweets near Fountain Square.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 482 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
3

17:45–18:30 · Free

Fountain Square

Evening stroll; shops open to about 21:00.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 189 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ AZN 4

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

One packed day: walled Old City in the morning, seafront landmarks and sunset views after.

Stay: Old City. Inside the walls, walk to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Quiet lanes, but narrow streets and few cars.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 95
Taxis: ≈ AZN 63
Hotel: AZN 90–320

Day 1

Old City walls and towers

Tickets ≈ AZN 70 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 31

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 220 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
1

09:00–11:00 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Start early before tour groups. Wear shoes for cobblestones.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 246 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

11:15–12:00 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Short walk inside the Old City. Hours vary by season, check on the day.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 398 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
3

12:15–13:15 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Five minutes on foot. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

13:30–15:00 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old City. Book ahead at dinner time.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9

Day 2

Seafront and sunset

Tickets ≈ AZN 25 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 32

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ AZN 8
1

15:30–17:00 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Heydar Aliyev Center Landmark quest

Taxi from the Old City. Closed some Mondays, check first.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed some Mondays · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ AZN 8
2

17:15–18:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

18:30–20:00 · Free · Baku Eye and boat rides cost extra

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Walk the seafront as the light drops.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ AZN 6
4

20:15–20:45 · Free to view from outside; observation deck price varies

Flame Towers Landmark quest

Best after dark. Deck hours check on the day.

Open Best seen after dark; deck hours check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1499 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

Fire temples, burning hillsides and the old walled core in a single day.

Stay: Old City. Inside the walls, walk to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Quiet lanes, but narrow streets and few cars.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 90
Taxis: ≈ AZN 80
Hotel: AZN 90–320

Day 1

Old City history

Tickets ≈ AZN 70 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 21

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 242 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
1

09:00–11:00 · ≈ AZN 20–50 per person; tip extra

Old City walking tour

Guided walk sets the scene. Tours usually run morning and afternoon.

Open Tours usually run morning and afternoon
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

11:15–12:15 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Palace and tombs. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily · Source
Taxi · 398 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
3

12:30–13:15 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Climb for city views. Hours vary by season.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 466 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
4

13:30–14:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Tea with jam and a light lunch near Fountain Square.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 490 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4

Day 2

Fire and flame

Tickets ≈ AZN 20 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 59

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 20 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ AZN 18
1

15:00–16:00 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Ateshgah of Baku Landmark quest

Taxi out of the centre. Roughly 09:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 18 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ AZN 17
2

16:30–17:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Yanar Dag Landmark quest

Nearby burning hillside. Best late afternoon into dusk.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 22 km · ≈ 58 min · ≈ AZN 19
3

18:30–19:00 · Free

Martyrs' Alley (Shehidler Khiyabani)

Memorial walk with bay views. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Market browsing, Old City snacks and a proper dinner, with light sightseeing between meals.

Stay: Fountain Square. The pedestrian heart of the city: cafés, shops and easy walks to the Old City and the boulevard.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 50
Taxis: ≈ AZN 58
Hotel: AZN 110–380

Day 1

Market morning, Old City afternoon

Tickets ≈ AZN 40 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ AZN 6
1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Yasil Bazar Landmark quest

Produce, cheese and herbs. Roughly 08:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 08:00–19:00 daily
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ AZN 6
2

10:15–11:15 · Free to walk

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Short walk. Shops roughly 10:00–21:00.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 1057 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

11:30–13:00 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Wander the lanes between snacks.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

13:15–14:45 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old City. Book ahead.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi back to your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ AZN 8

Day 2

Tea, seafront and dinner

Tickets ≈ AZN 10 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 23

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 515 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
1

15:30–16:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Afternoon tea with jam near Fountain Square.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
2

16:45–18:15 · Free · Baku Eye and boat rides cost extra

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Walk off lunch along the seafront.

Open Always open
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

18:30–19:15 · Free

Fountain Square

Evening buzz, cafes all around.

Open Always open
Taxi · 454 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
4

19:30–20:30 · Free to walk

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Dinner nearby. Shops open late.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 274 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the walled Old City, the landmark buildings and an easy evening on the seafront.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 95
Taxis: ≈ AZN 50

Day 1

Old City walls and towers

Tickets ≈ AZN 70 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 26

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:30 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Start at the gates and wander. Wear shoes for cobblestones.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 246 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

11:45–12:30 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Climb early before tour groups. Check hours on the day.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
3

13:00–14:30 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch in the Old City. Book ahead at busy times.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

15:00–16:00 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

A short walk from the tower. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily · Source
Taxi · 275 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
5

16:15–17:00 · Free to browse; prices vary

Carpet and antique shops in the Old City

Browse carpets and antiques. Agree prices before buying.

Open Roughly 10:00–19:00

Day 2

Seafront icons and sunset

Tickets ≈ AZN 25 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 24

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–11:30 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Heydar Aliyev Center Landmark quest

Weekday morning is calmest. Closed some Mondays, so check.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed some Mondays · Source
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ AZN 8
2

12:00–13:00 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Landmark quest

Closed Monday. Short taxi or walk along the boulevard.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed Monday · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

13:15–14:45 · Free · Baku Eye and boat rides cost extra

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Lunch and a slow walk by the water.

Open Always open
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ AZN 6
4

17:30–18:30 · Free

Highland Park viewpoint

Take the funicular up if it is running. Stay for sunset.

Open Always open
Taxi · 254 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
5

19:00–19:30 · Free to view from outside; observation deck price varies

Flame Towers Landmark quest

Best after dark. View from the boulevard or Highland Park.

Open Best seen after dark; deck hours check on the day

2 nights · History

Visitors who want fire temples, burning hillsides and the layers of Baku's past.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 210
Taxis: ≈ AZN 140

Day 1

Old City history on foot

Tickets ≈ AZN 100 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 27

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–11:30 · ≈ AZN 20–50 per person; tip extra

Old City walking tour

A guided walk sets the scene. Tours usually run morning and afternoon.

Open Tours usually run morning and afternoon
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ AZN 4
2

11:45–12:45 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Palace complex inside the walls. Roughly 10:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
3

13:00–14:30 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch break in the Old City.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

14:45–15:30 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Check hours on the day; they vary by season.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00 daily; hours vary by season · Source
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ AZN 5
5

16:30–17:00 · Free

Martyrs' Alley (Shehidler Khiyabani)

A sobering memorial with city views. Late afternoon light is good.

Open Always open

Day 2

Fire temples and burning hills

Tickets ≈ AZN 110 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 112

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:30–10:30 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Ateshgah of Baku Landmark quest

Outside the centre; arrange a taxi or tour. Roughly 09:00–18:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 18 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ AZN 17
2

11:30–12:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 entry; check on the day

Yanar Dag Landmark quest

A natural gas fire on the hillside. Often paired with Ateshgah.

Open Roughly 09:00–18:00 daily
Taxi · 66 km · ≈ 2 h 44 min · ≈ AZN 51
3

13:00–18:00 · ≈ AZN 60–120 shared tour; check inclusions

Mud volcanoes tour (Gobustan)

Half-day Gobustan tour if you have the time. Book ahead; morning departures are usual.

Open Half-day tours usually depart morning
Taxi · 59 km · ≈ 2 h 27 min · ≈ AZN 45
4

18:30–19:15 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Tea with jam back in town. Roughly 09:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00

2 nights · Food

Eaters who want markets, tea houses and long dinners between the sights.

Tickets & tours: ≈ AZN 65
Taxis: ≈ AZN 46

Day 1

Market morning and Old City tastes

Tickets ≈ AZN 50 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 29

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–09:45 · Free to enter; pay for what you buy

Yasil Bazar Landmark quest

Go early for the freshest produce. Roughly 08:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 08:00–19:00 daily
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ AZN 7
2

10:15–12:15 · Free to walk

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Walk off breakfast inside the walls.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–20:00 · Source
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
3

12:45–14:15 · ≈ AZN 30–60 per person

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Lunch. Book ahead at busy times.

Open Roughly lunch and dinner daily; book ahead
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ AZN 9
4

14:30–15:15 · Free to browse; prices vary

Carpet and antique shops in the Old City

Browse between meals. Roughly 10:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–19:00
Taxi · 433 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
5

16:00–16:45 · ≈ AZN 5–15 for tea and sweets

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Afternoon tea with jam and sweets.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00

Day 2

Seafront walk and a long dinner

Tickets ≈ AZN 15 pp · taxis ≈ AZN 17

1

10:00–11:30 · ≈ AZN 10–20 entry; check on the day

Heydar Aliyev Center Landmark quest

Weekday morning. Closed some Mondays, so check.

Open Roughly 10:00–18:00; closed some Mondays · Source
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ AZN 7
2

12:00–13:30 · Free · Baku Eye and boat rides cost extra

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Stroll and grab a light lunch by the water.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1437 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ AZN 5
3

15:00–16:00 · Free to walk

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Shops and cafes. Shops roughly 10:00–21:00.

Open Always open · shops roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 454 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ AZN 4
4

17:00–17:45 · Free

Fountain Square

Evening buzz. Pick a restaurant and settle in.

Open Always open

Swap in instead

Add a day trip to Gobustan for the petroglyphs and mud volcanoes; check tour prices and road conditions on the day.
Swap an afternoon for the Fire Temple at Ateshgah and Yanar Dag, the burning hillside; best as a guided trip.
Spend a slow half-day at the Heydar Aliyev Center for the architecture and exhibitions.

Getting around

Metro runs 06:00–24:00; fare 0.60 AZN with a Bakı Metropoliten Kart (3 AZN refundable deposit).
Buses cost 0.60 AZN; newer red buses require a metro card for payment.
Taxis: agree on fare beforehand; typical city trip 4–10 AZN. Ride apps like Bolt work.
Driving: speed cameras are common; fines sent by SMS.
Walking: pedestrian zones around Fountain Square and the old town; crossings can be risky at night.
Bikes: city is fairly flat and bike-friendly, but no dedicated lanes.

Where to stay

Old City · ≈ AZN 90–320 a night
Inside the walls, walk to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Quiet lanes, but narrow streets and few cars.
Fountain Square · ≈ AZN 110–380 a night
The pedestrian heart of the city: cafés, shops and easy walks to the Old City and the boulevard.
Seafront Boulevard · ≈ AZN 130–450 a night
Water views and a long promenade; good for evening walks. A bit further from the Old City lanes.
Nizami Street · ≈ AZN 100–350 a night
Central shopping street with many mid-range hotels and metro access nearby.

Food & drink

Try plov (rice with meat or saffron), dushbara dumplings in broth, and kebab with sumac onions.
Tea is a ritual: order çay with jam, walnuts and sweets at a çay evi (tea house).
Qutab is a thin stuffed flatbread, cheap and filling; good for a quick lunch.
Look for pomegranate dishes and fresh herbs in season; the fruit is a local symbol.
Prices vary; a simple local meal is often well under 20 AZN. Check the bill and confirm prices in tourist areas.

Tips

Wander through the walled 'Icherisheher' (Old City) for ancient architecture and hidden cafes
Check out the Flame Towers, especially at night when they are illuminated
It is nicknamed the 'City of Winds' for a reason—it is consistently very breezy
Bolt is the most convenient way to get around
Enjoy the Baku Boulevard for a long, scenic walk along the Caspian Sea

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Icherisheher

Maiden Tower of Baku

Nizami Street

Walk through the old town and modern city highlights
Ride the funicular for panoramic views and taste local wines
710 reviews · 4.9 rating

Wine tastingFunicular ride

Old & Modern City Tour, Wine Tasting & Funicular Ride

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (710)

$18View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Yanar Dag

Ateshgah of Baku

See the eternal fire at Yanar Dag
Visit the historic Ateshgah fire temple and Gobustan's mud volcanoes
651 reviews · 4.8 rating

All inclusiveEntry included

Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & Absheron Tour All Inclusive

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (651)

$20View tour

Take this tour to unlock 2 landmark quests

Baku Boulevard

Flame Towers

Cruise the Caspian Sea for views of the city skyline
Pass by the seafront boulevard and Flame Towers
433 reviews · 4.5 rating

Skyline viewsBoat tour

Caspian Sea Boat Tour with City Skyline Views

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (433)

$45View tour

Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

Icherisheher

Flame Towers

Baku Boulevard

Flexible bus loop covering the main sights
Audio commentary to learn as you go
35 reviews · 4.8 rating

Hop-on hop-offAudioguide

City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus with Audioguide

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (35)

$60View tour

Souvenirs

Armudu tea glass set

AZN 15–40Set of 2 to 6 · estimate

Armudu glasses are pear-shaped tea glasses, a symbol of Azerbaijan's tea culture. Tea is served in them across Baku and the rest of the country.

Where: Tea and tableware shop in İçərişəhər

Check whether the set is handmade locally or imported from Turkey. Both are sold here, so ask before you pay.

Kelaghayi silk scarf

AZN 50–1301 scarf · estimate

Kelaghayi is a traditional silk scarf with fine patterns, rooted in Azerbaijani weaving. Its designs are closely tied to the country's craft heritage.

Where: ABAD Crafts shop in İçərişəhər

Check the fabric label to confirm the silk content before buying.

Small carpet

AZN 250–25001 small to medium carpet · estimate

Azerbaijani carpets are famous for their knotted patterns and regional styles. Carpet weaving is a key part of the country's cultural identity.

Where: Azerkhalcha, or the carpet museum shop in the Old City

Ask for the export permit and proof of origin, since some older carpets cannot leave the country without them.

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 15

Must-see · 9

Icherisheher

Maiden Tower of Baku

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Flame Towers

Heydar Aliyev Center

Baku Boulevard

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Ateshgah of Baku

Yanar Dag

Cultural

Other Religion 1

Museum 2

Urban Hub 2

Islamic 1

Skyscraper 1

Modern Architecture 1

Park 1

Old Town 1

Tower 1

Palace 1

Modern History 1

Market 1

Activities

Food 1

Plans

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Landmark quest

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Flame Towers Landmark quest

Ateshgah of Baku Landmark quest

Yanar Dag Landmark quest

Mud volcanoes tour (Gobustan)

Old City walking tour

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Yasil Bazar Landmark quest

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Carpet and antique shops in the Old City

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Fountain Square

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Heydar Aliyev Center Landmark quest

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Landmark quest

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Flame Towers Landmark quest

Old City walking tour

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Ateshgah of Baku Landmark quest

Yanar Dag Landmark quest

Martyrs' Alley (Shehidler Khiyabani)

Yasil Bazar Landmark quest

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Traditional tea house (cay evi)

Baku Boulevard Landmark quest

Fountain Square

Nizami Street Landmark quest

Icherisheher (Old City) Landmark quest

Maiden Tower of Baku Landmark quest

Dolma (restaurant) Landmark quest

Palace of the Shirvanshahs Landmark quest