Baku combines the best features of a historical city and modern shopping destinations. If you are a tourist in Baku, you are guaranteed to find lots of things to buy, from souvenirs to food to accessories and clothes to home decor items. Below is a list of some incredible things that you can purchase from Baku, especially items that embody the city’s history and culture.
1. Quality Cotton and Wool Cauchuk Pile Carpets (Qarabagh & Shirvan)
Carpets are one of the most famous works of Azerbaijanis around the world due to their thin pattern, bright color, and high level of workmanship. Qarabagh and Shirvan carpets are perhaps the best known for using floral and geometric motifs in their patterns. These carpets are not onlyaesthetically pleasing home decorations. Other than that, every art on the carpets narrates a story or represents tradition.
Where to buy: Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Nizami Street, also known by the name of Taza Bazaar.
2. Pomegranate Products
Pomegranates are well-loved among the Azerbaijani people since they are believed to bring luck and fortune to the owner. Sour pomegranate juice on its own or in drinks, or try other jests and sauces based on pomegranate juice such as narsharab. Pomegranate juice, which is in the form of Narsharab, a thick sweet and sour relish, is popular in Azerbaijani cuisine as an adjuvant and is added to meat and fish preparations.
Where to buy: Local supermarkets, Taza bazaar, or souvenir shops on Baku Boulevard.
3. Caviar
The Caspian Sea, as everyone knows, is decorated with caviar, especially the Beluga caviar, which is considered to be among the most valuable and expensive in the world. Caviar – genuine Caspian caviar – is a tasty souvenir that, together with an outstanding Azerbaijani kitchen, makes Azerbaijan stand out among the countries that offer irresistible dishes.
Where to buy: Taza bazaar or high-end grocery stores such as BRAVO Supermarket.
4. Copperware and Pottery
Copper-decorated teapots, samovars, or jugs are excellent examples of crafts still maintained by the legacy of Baku’s copper work tradition. These are elaborated with small intricate engravings, and these carved items are excellent for decorations. Furthermore, earthenware colorful ceramics dressed in Azerbaijani ornaments seem to be a suitable souvenir.
Where to buy: Old City (Icherisheher) shops or Nizami Street craft stalls.
5. Azerbaijani Tea
Black tea is consumed most in Azerbaijan, where tea drinking is also considered a tradition. Currently, when you visit Baku, you enjoy a great variety of teas, mostly Azerbaijani tea with a different flavor, and they are sold accompanied by Azerbaijani tea trays. It is traditionally taken with jam or sugar cubes, putting guests in an entirely different culture.
Where to buy: Local markets such as Taza Bazaar or even metric-tea shops.
6. Silk Scarves and Textiles
The country has a rich experience in silk production, especially in the regions of Sheki and Ganja. Originated in Azerbaijan and produced to worldwide standards, it is a beautiful, light wear for the head and neck. One can also buy products made of elaborate embroidering fabrics and hand-woven fabrics displaying the glad predictive power of the country.
Where to buy: Icherisheher or the Baku Handicrafts Center II.
7. Azerbaijan Jewelry
Azerbaijani jewelry is very much in demand as it utilizes silver and semi-precious stones, and designs are ethnic in theme. Here you can encounter nice jewelry – necklaces, earrings, and bracelets made in reference to Azerbaijani folklore and Islamic ornamentality. Some pieces have turquoise, onyx, or amber stone used in their manufacture; others have polymer clay.
Where to buy: Traditional bazaar for ornament shops in the Old City or Nizami Street.
8. Baklava and Shekerbura
Sweet dishes, too, are particularly important dishes in Azerbaijani cuisine, and the two most famous ones are baklava and shekerbura. These deserts include nuts, spices, and even honey, and because of this, they have become appropriate souvenirs to take home. The Azerbaijani baklava is slightly thinner than the Turkish analog and is filled with more layers of dough.
Where to buy: Bakers such as Fisincan Bakery or Taza Bazaar sell pastries.
9. Azerbaijani Ceramics
The Azerbaijani ceramics are an exciting provenance of colorful aesthetics painted by hand with sophisticated patterns based on the history of Azerbaijani art and architecture. There are beautifully designed plates, vases, and a bowl that you can use as decorative items.
Where to buy: Craft stalls in Icherisheher or the National Art Museum gift shop.
10. Azerbaijani Spices
Azerbaijan offers a vast number of dishes, and spices occupy a special place in Azerbaijani cuisine. Well-known herbs and spices are summed up with sumac, saffron, dried mint, and tarragon. They are available separately and as a gift set nicely presented for any foodie who would want to create Azerbaijani recipes in the comfort of their home.
Where to buy: Taza Bazaar or any of the local spice vendors all around the old city area.
11. Kelaghayi (Traditional Headscarf)
Kelaghayi is a type of silk scarf that Azerbaijan’s women wear; kelaghayi has been included in the list of tangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. These scarves can be hand-dyed naturally and have some detailed engravings, so it would be very spiritual if you could purchase one as a souvenir.
Where to buy: Kelaghayi shops can be found either in Shiryev’s Icherisheher area or Nizami Street
12. Azerbaijani Wine
The wine manufacturing industry of Azerbaijan is developing, and the country is gaining popularity with its own grape sort. Savalan and Shirvan-produced wines are popular among the people of Iran. You can also try pomegranate wine, the sweet and uniquely Azaribaijani alcoholic beverage.
Where to buy: Local wine shops, Baku airport duty-free, or at the winery outlets.
FAQs
Which products is Baku famous for?
Baku is famous for several traditional products and crafts that reflect Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. Azerbaijani carpets are known for intricate designs and craftsmanship, these carpets are highly sought-after. Often called the “king of fruits” in Azerbaijan, pomegranate products like juice, syrup, and wine are widely available. Items such as pottery, jewelry, silk scarves, and copperware are popular souvenirs. Also, Azerbaijan produces some of the world’s best saffron, used both in cooking and as a luxury item.
What is Baku of Azerbaijan famous for?
Baku is famous for its blend of modern architecture and rich history, reflected in landmarks like the Flame Towers, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and the ancient Old City (Icherisheher). Additionally, Baku is renowned for its role as a cultural and economic hub, boasting an exciting shopping scene for carpets, caviar, and local crafts. It’s also known for its oil industry and the Caspian Sea, which has influenced both the economy and the culture.
Is Baku good for branded shopping?
Yes, Baku offers excellent opportunities for branded shopping. The city has several high-end shopping malls, such as 28 Mall and Port Baku Mall, which feature international luxury brands like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Ralph Lauren. In addition to international brands, there are also shops selling local designer clothing and jewelry, providing a mix of both local and global shopping experiences.
Is Baku cheap or expensive?
Baku can be considered moderately priced, depending on the type of shopping or services you're looking for. Luxury items such as branded products and high-end restaurants can be expensive, particularly in the city center or in premium malls. However, local markets, traditional souvenirs, food, and transportation are relatively affordable. For tourists, Baku offers a mix of price ranges, making it accessible for both budget and luxury travelers.
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