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Ummm, so what is Baku? Where is Baku? When I told people I was heading to Baku, not a single person knew what I was talking about.
So if you’re looking to get dumbfounded stares from your friends and family, Baku is the perfect off-the-beaten-path holiday.
Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, hosts an eclectic mix of Asian and European cultures, which still raises confusion on whether it is part of Europe or Asia, making it all the more interesting.
The orangey hue of the limestone buildings gives off a very romantic European feel, but talk to the locals and indulge in their gastronomic delicacies, and you might think otherwise. Go on and ask a local which continent they believe their country is on, I promise you will get varying answers.
A quick insight into Baku: Predominantly Muslim in culture, it’s no wonder you will find Islamic influences on its architecture and culture.
Though not a Muslim country, their traditions borrow heavily from the Islamic religion. Architecturally, you will notice the buildings look more European, with splashes of Islamic influence as well.
The people are still relatively conservative, though the younger generation is getting more progressive with Western influences creeping in through the media.
Hearing the names Baku and Azerbaijan may not spark any immediate impressions, but the wealth of this oil-rich country can immediately be seen once you step into the airport.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this but I had no idea how modern Baku is.
It’s no surprise that the city is modernizing rapidly, with Rolls Royce showrooms and high-end boutiques all over the city, but what makes Baku unique is how they still manage to stay true to tradition.
In fact, Baku seems to be the most developed city compared to the other Caucasus countries, Georgia and Armenia. Many have compared it to Dubai, but to me, Baku definitely possesses more soul!
So now that we know a wee bit more about Baku, what is there to do in this city of new and old? Let me entice you with this 3-day Baku itinerary!
Visitor Travel Visa for Azerbaijan
Do you need a visa to visit Baku, Azerbaijan? At the moment, only citizens of Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan don’t require a visa. If you hold any other passport, you’ll most likely need to apply for a visa in advance.
Luckily, applying for a travel visa to Azerbaijan is super easy, and can be done online. You can apply for your e-visa here. The single-entry visa costs $26 and takes roughly 3-5 working days to process.
If you need one urgently, you can get an urgent visa within 3-5 hours for $61.
Travel insurance for Azerbaijan
Any seasoned traveler will tell you never to leave home without travel insurance, and Baku, Azerbaijan is no exception.
Travel insurance is the most overlooked purchase when traveling, but one of the most essential. Anything can happen when you’re on holiday and you’d want to be covered in the case of travel mishaps such as flight delays, personal accidents, or theft.
It’s always a wise decision to purchase travel insurance for international trips. I can’t stress this enough – it’s highly recommended!
For international travel insurance, I suggest considering World Nomads or SafetyWing.
SafetyWing, in particular, stands out as one of the few policies that cover Covid-19. They also offer excellent monthly policies that are perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers!
Where to stay in Baku
One of my favorite parts of Baku was the old city. I woke up early one morning and had the old town to myself, which was one of my favorite memories of the city! For that reason, I highly recommend staying in the old city, near Maiden Tower.
- Budget option! Sahil Hostel & Hotel – From $6 per night for a bed
If you’re on a budget, this is the best and highest-rated hostel in Baku! Only 600m from Fountain Square and 700m from Maiden Tower, the location is unbeatable. - Icheri Sheher Hotel – From $33 per night
Located right next to Shirvanshah Palace, this hotel even has its own park where you can enjoy your morning walks! - Premier Old Gates Hotel – From $53 per night
Featuring stylish rooms and a terrace with a stunning view of the Flame Towers. Just 300m from Maiden Tower! - Shah Palace Hotel – From $95 per night
Enjoy some luxury for less at Shah Palace Hotel, with elegant classic-style rooms, and only 200m from Maiden Tower! - ART Gallery Boutique Hotel – From $142 per night
If aesthetics are important to you, then you can trust an art gallery not to disappoint in that department. Very stylishly decorated rooms to gain you those IG likes! Strategically located just 25m from Maiden Tower! Another great thing is that this hotel has elevators, which are hard to come by in Baku’s Old City! - Unique! Hotel Fairmont, Flame Towers – From $178 per night
How about staying in the Flame Towers itself? Staring at the Flame Towers from the outside is pretty cool, but how about taking a look at it from the inside and being treated to stunning views of the Capsian Sea! - Splurge! Four Seasons Hotel Baku – From $292 per night
If your wallet can stomach it, why not? It’s the Four Seasons.
Getting around Baku
The cost of living in Baku is relatively low, so we chose to get around with ride-sharing apps, Bolt and Yandex. Rides cost only about 2-3AZN (1.20 – 1.70USD), so it’s especially economical if you’re traveling in a group of two or more.
Getting a taxi from Baku Airport
There are plenty of taxis waiting outside the airport, but to not be ripped off, I recommend using the ride-sharing app, Bolt or Yandex to book your journey to your hotel.
It should cost less than 15 AZN ($9) to the city. It’s also much easier since English is not widely spoken in Baku, so having your drop-off points specified in the app would save you from the hassle and miscommunication.
3-day Baku Itinerary: Things to Do
Baku Itinerary – Day One
Depending on what time you arrive in Baku, take the first day to just explore the Old City or join a guided walking tour. It’s my favorite way to get acquainted with a new city and learn more about its history.
Our flight arrived at Heydar Aliyev International Airport at 11 am, and we pretty much only had time for lunch and the walking tour.
I would allocate a bit of time at the airport too because it is truly one of the prettiest airports I’ve seen, so you might wanna take some pictures!
Go on a city walking tour
On the first day of any trip, I always love to get my bearings by joining a guided walking tour.
Some walking tours are really boring, but I really loved this one because you really learn so much about their culture and way of life. It’s a real eye-opener, and I promise you will learn something you never knew about Azerbaijan!
On this tour, you will already be walking through Downtown Baku and Fountain Square, which gives you a glimpse into the modern side of Baku.
Get lost in Baku Old City
There is a certain charm to Baku’s Old City, and while strolling through the winding cobbled streets, you’ll get glimpses of Baku’s signature Flame Towers, which gives Baku its unique new-meets-old vibe.
While in the Old City, you definitely won’t miss the Maiden Tower which stands tall above the city walls. You can climb up to the top for breathtaking views of the city for just 15 AZN ($8.90). But read on if you’d like to get stunning views of the city, for free!
Another building you absolutely have to make a stop at is the Shirvanshahs Palace, a stunning 15th-century palace complex that also contains a mosque. This magnificent structure served as the residence of the Shirvan shahs (rulers) during the Middle Ages.
As you approach, you’ll be struck by the intricate stone carvings and beautiful turquoise-colored mosaics that adorn the facades. The palace grounds contain the main palace building, the Divan-Khane tomb, a mausoleum, bathhouses, and the Key-Gubad Mosque with its iconic double minarets.
Don’t miss climbing the spiral staircase of the Murad’s Gate for panoramic views over the Old City.
This medieval architectural gem showcases the best of Azerbaijan’s Islamic heritage with its stunning combination of Persian and Arabic influences. Entry is 15 AZN ($8.90) but allows you to explore this breathtaking complex at your leisure. Seeing the Shirvanshahs’ Palace’s intricate decorations is an absolute must for any visitor to Baku.
Miniature Book Museum
Did you know that Baku is home to the smallest book in the world which can be found in the Miniature Book Museum, which also holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of miniature books? Now, how cute is that?
Upon entering, you’re immediately struck by the sheer volume of tiny tomes lining the shelves and cases. With over 6,500 miniature books from over 60 countries, the museum’s collection is staggering in its breadth and novelty.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the smallest book on record – a minuscule manuscript that measures just 0.9 x 0.9 mm! You’ll need a special microscope just to make out the text. Other highlights include antique miniatures dating back centuries as well as pop-up books, books carved into pencil lead, and books encased in a strand of hair.
Close to the Museum of Miniature Books, you’ll also walk past this now-famous lion mural! It’s no wonder it’s gaining in popularity because it really is an impressive work of art!
The Flame Towers
If you’re in Baku, you definitely won’t miss the Flame Towers peeking over the city skyline. But if you want to see the towers, I suggest seeing them from afar. And one of the best viewing points is from Upland Park.
Sunset at Upland Park
If you want the best views of The Flame Towers and Baku’s cityscape, head up to Upland Park. You can either take the stairs up or just hop on the funicular for AZN 1 ($0.60)! Spend the later part of the afternoon exploring the park and wait for the sun to set on Baku’s beautiful city.
Baku Itinerary – Day Two
Day trip to Guba and Khinalug
If you had only one day trip to choose from while in Baku, I highly recommend a trip to Guba and Khinalig.
You will be taken out to the mountains and up to a remote village in the mountains, where its villagers are believed to be descendants of the prophet Noah!
Getting off the beaten path and away from the city allowed me to have one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Azerbaijan.
Khinalig is an ancient village that seems frozen in time. I felt completely transported to another era. But what made it truly special was interacting with the friendly locals.
One memorable highlight was when a few residents brought our small group to a little museum housed in one of the old homes. There, they proudly showed us their collection of precious antiques and artifacts that have been passed down through generations. Seeing their cherished cultural heritage items and hearing the stories behind them really brought the village’s rich history to life.
For jaw-dropping, awe-inducing views, Khinalig will not disappoint; we were ooh-ing and ahh-ing at every turn! And wait for the fog to roll in, which adds a mystical feel to it.
On the way, you will make a stop at a carpet-weaving factory where you can see how the beautiful Azeri carpets are woven by hand!
It will be a long day though, so make sure you have an early night before!
Baku Itinerary – Day Three
Half-day trip to Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes
Only an hour’s drive from Baku will transport you back in time to Gobustan National Park, which houses over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs, the oldest dating back about 40,000 years.
If you go on an organized day tour like we did, you’ll also get to visit the mud volcanoes nearby, that are still bubbling and expelling mud.
The best part is, that you’ll get to hop into a vintage Russian Lado and ride through bumpy dirt roads! If you get a cheeky driver, he’ll give you a thrill ride (read: speeding, sudden braking, twists and turns not for the faint-hearted) complete with traditional Azerbaijani music like we did. Definitely an experience I will never forget!
UPDATE (MAY 20 2024): I’m not sure if they still do the Russian Lado rides in 2024, but do check with your tour operator!
Just staring out at the landscape, I felt like I’d landed on Mars; minus the months-long journey to get there.
The tour continues with a stop at Heydar Aliyev Centre, which is one of the highlights when visiting Baku.
Heydar Aliyev Centre
If you’re a fan of Zaha Hadid’s work, you’ll notice this from a mile away.
The Heydar Aliyev Centre won the 2014 Design Museum’s Design of the Year award, making Hadid the first woman in history to win.
I’m a huge admirer of the late architect Zaha Hadid and her distinct, futuristic style. Spotting one of her bold, curvaceous buildings in the wild gives me an unmistakable thrill – like adding another rare Pokemon to my “Pokedex” of architectural gems.
I’m happy to have spotted some of Hadid’s innovative works, from Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza to the Nordpark Railway Stations in Innsbruck, 520 West 28th in New York City, and now the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku.
I recommend taking a walk around the whole building and admiring it from all angles, and then making a stop at the I Heart Baku sign to take that touristy photo!
Baku Promenade
For your last night in Baku, take an evening stroll down Baku Promenade, and admire the sun setting on the water.
Baku even has its own Little Venice where you can ride a gondola (motor-powered might I add!).
You definitely won’t get the authentic Venetian experience so it might be best to skip this gimmicky attraction.
If carpets tickle your fancy, pop into the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Otherwise, admiring its unique shape from the outside is also a treat for the eyes!
What to eat in Baku
Sampling the local cuisine is half the experience of traveling to a new country, so indulging in some Azeri cuisine is definitely a must.
You’ll find the dishes borrow inspiration from its neighboring countries such as Iran, Turkey, Georgia, and Iran, which makes for an interesting mix of flavors.
Lamb is rather predominant here, but you can always request for beef and chicken if you find the smell of lamb too gamey.
Here are some interesting dishes that are must-tries!
Pilaf
Pilaf is one of Azerbaijan’s signature dishes, and also one of my favorites! It’s a rice dish with a crispy crust, usually topped with some meat.
This fragrant rice dish is the pride of Azeri cuisine. The preparation is almost ritualistic – lamb or chicken is sauteed with onions, carrots, raisins, and spices like saffron.
Then the rice is carefully layered on top and steamed until fluffy and aromatic. Pilaf is a point of national pride, with families passing down special recipes and techniques from generation to generation. No Azeri feast is complete without this comforting, flavor-packed staple.
Kebab
Azerbaijan puts its own unique spin on the beloved kebab.
The classic lula kebab features minced lamb mixed with herbs and spices, molded around a skewer into a long cylindrical shape before grilling over flaming coals.
The result is a juicy, smoky kebab with incredible charred flavors.
Other popular varieties include the tomato-stuffed tika kebab and the chakhokhbili kebab with spicy tomato sauce.
Qutab
Qutab is Azerbaijan’s very own savory crepe. Inside the thinly rolled dough, you’ll find all sorts of fillings to your liking, such as pumpkin, meat, cheese, and greens.
Qutabs can be thin and crispy or thick and doughy. Either way, they are the ultimate portable breakfast, lunch, or anytime nosh.
Gurza
Talk about comforting carbs! Gurza is heavenly dumplings stuffed with a flavorful lamb or herb-cheese filling, then boiled and served swimming in garlicky yogurt sauce or melted butter.
Light yet satisfying, pillowy yet packed with flavor – these little dough pockets check all the boxes. Gurza exemplifies Azeri’s talent for turning simple ingredients into craveable cuisine.
Dovga
For something totally unique, how about some yogurt soup?
Made from fresh yogurt, herbs, eggs, and chicken or lamb, dovga has a pleasantly tangy flavor and creamy, velvety texture. It’s often garnished with mint, dill, garlic, and a drizzle of pepper oil for an extra flavor punch.
You can have them served hot or cold, but apparently having it cold makes it less sour and more palatable.
Where to eat in Baku
These are some of the restaurants we tried during our time in Baku, and we thoroughly enjoyed them!
Xezer
I’m all about going where the locals go, and Xezer is it. The food was extremely affordable and even more delicious. It’s tucked away underground and is a popular place for locals to commune. Most dishes are under 10AZN ($5.80)!
Address: 61a ул. Истиглалият, Baku, Azerbaijan
Qaynana
Qaynana offers sumptuous food and an enchanting interior that’ll transport you to old Azerbaijan. Here they also serve tandir bread, which we couldn’t get enough of!
Address: Kichik Qala, Bakı, Azerbaijan
SIM Cards in Baku
I recommend Azercell as it is the largest mobile operator in the country. Coverage and speed are good, and plans are very affordable.
If you don’t want to be ripped off, do not purchase SIM cards at the airport! They are way more expensive than what you would get downtown.
We went to the Azercell store downtown and got a SIM card for 7AZN ($4) that got us 3GB of data, more than enough for a 3-day trip.
Or if you’d rather not be fumbling around with multiple SIMs, I recommend Airalo. It’s as easy as downloading the app and installing the eSIM on your phone. No more switching SIMs. Just purchase a plan on your phone, on the go, anywhere, and stay connected.
Cost Breakdown of 3 Days in Baku
Azerbaijan is a relatively affordable holiday destination especially if you are on a budget. Based on everything I mentioned in this post, your costs per person for 3 days will roughly come up to be:
- Accommodation for 2 nights: $21
- Food: 60AZN ($35)
- Tours: $85
Total cost: $141 per person for 3 days
So have I managed to pique your interest in Baku? Have any questions about your three days in Baku? Feel free to drop a comment below!
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