In the city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, a tourist will find a unique combination of the Old and New World there. A memorable vacation must comprise various interesting activities. From its World Heritage sites including the ancient city of Baku, to other world-class attractions, here are the top 15 things to do in Baku.

1. Walking around Icherisheher, Old City

Explore the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old City of Baku – a city that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. There are well-known attractions such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace and Park Ensemble of the Shirvanshahs. Small twisted alleys, numerous small mosques, and caravanserais are reminders of the history of the city. 

Address: Icherisheher, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things To Do:

• Explore the narrow, winding streets that date back to the 12th century.
• Visit the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Baku.
• Admire the Double Gates, which were once the city’s main entry point.
  Discover ancient caravanserais such as Multani and Bukhara Caravanserais.
• Browse traditional crafts at local shops and visit small museums.

2. Visit the Maiden Tower

This fine historic landmark can be traced back to the twelfth century and remains today as a symbol of Baku. Go to the top for great views of the city and the Caspian Sea. The tower also features a museum where additional information on how and why such a structure exists is explained. 

Address: Maiden Tower, Icherisheher, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things To Do:

• Climb to the top for 360-degree views of the city and the Caspian Sea.
• Learn about the tower’s mysterious origins and legends.
• Visit the interactive museum inside to explore Baku’s history through exhibits.

3. Learn about the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This place is the 15th-century palace, which has a mosque, mausoleum, and a bathhouse. The building is considered one of the examples of the Shirvan school and exemplifies the history of the royalties in the region. 

Address: Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Icherisheher, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things To Do:

• Tour the main palace and explore its ornate architecture.
• Visit the Divankhana, a beautiful pavilion used for royal ceremonies.
• See the ancient mosque and mausoleum where Shirvan rulers are buried.
• Explore the royal bathhouse and learn about medieval bathing rituals.
• Relax in the nearby Palace Gardens.

4. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

This modern cultural center is unique and was designed by one of the most qualified architectural brains of the contemporary world, Zaha Hadid. Including exhibitions, concerts, and festivals, this brilliant wave-like structure has a particularly unique space. 

Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Admire the award-winning architecture designed by Zaha Hadid.
• Attend world-class exhibitions, including contemporary art and Azerbaijani history.
• Catch a concert or performance at the cultural center’s auditorium.
• Walk around the expansive plaza surrounding the center, which is perfect for photos.

5. Stroll along Baku Boulevard

It is a seaside trail and runs along the Caspian Sea coast. As such, it includes a cafeteria, shops, and places of interest such as Baku Ferris, which is perfect for a relaxing moment. 

Address: Baku Boulevard, Neftchiler Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan
Things to do:

• Take a ferry ride or enjoy a cruise on the Caspian Sea.
• Rent a bicycle or a scooter to explore the boulevard.
• Relax in the landscaped parks and visit the Mini-Venice Canal, where you can take a gondola ride.
  Visit the Carpet Museum or National Flag Square nearby.

6. Marvel at the Flame Towers

These three skyscrapers are lit at night, and they look like marvelous flames. They represent the historical background of Baku, the oil province. These have become a contemporary marker on the city’s landscape. 

Address: Flame Towers, Mehdi Huseyn Street, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Enjoy the night light show, where the towers light up in flames, waving flags, and other images.
• Dine in one of the high-end restaurants or bars inside the towers for breathtaking views.
• Stay at the Fairmont Baku Hotel, located inside one of the towers, for a luxurious experience.

7. Watch the Yanar Dag burns

Go to the naturally burning ground known as the “Burning Mountain,” with the gas-sputtering fire ever non-stop. This phenomenon has been burning for decades, and it is a part of the order’s cult.

Address: Yanar Dag, Digah Village, Baku, Azerbaijan (About 25 km from Baku City Center)

Things to do:

• Witness the eternal flame, which has been burning for decades.
• Visit the visitor center to learn about Azerbaijan’s natural gas phenomenon and fire-worshipping history.
• Best visited at night when the flames are most visible.
• Take photos and enjoy the unique landscape surrounding the site.

8. Explore Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

Gobustan has been inscribed on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and has carved images of the life of people of the Upper Paleolithic. The other features that make it doubly attractive are the presence of mud volcanoes as well as other geological structures. 

Address: Gobustan, 60 km southwest of Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• See over 6,000 rock carvings depicting ancient human activities like hunting and dancing.
• Visit the Gobustan Museum for interactive exhibits on ancient civilizations.
• Explore the mud volcanoes nearby, unique to this region.
• Participate in a guided tour to understand the history of the carvings and the area.

9. Go to the Temple of Fires

This pyramid-like structure is a religious shrine of Zoroastrians dating back to the 17th century. The natural gas flames at the temple, which were earlier tended and burned permanently, make this place archaeologically meaningful. 

Address: Ateshgah, Surakhani district, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Explore the 17th-century Zoroastrian fire temple, where flames once burned naturally.
• Learn about the ancient fire-worshipping traditions and rituals.
• Visit the museum on-site to see Zoroastrian relics and artifacts.
• Walk around the courtyard and small chapels surrounding the main temple.

10. Find out about the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

Located in a building that looks like a rolled carpet, this museum features an extensive Azerbaijani carpet, which is an example of the weaving culture of the country. 

Address: Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Neftchiler Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• See traditional Azerbaijani carpets dating back to different historical periods.
• Learn about the history of carpet weaving and its significance in Azerbaijani culture.
• Watch live demonstrations of artisans weaving carpets.
• The building itself is shaped like a rolled-up carpet, offering an architectural wonder.

11. Ride the Baku Ferris Wheel

Baku Ferris is situated on Baku Boulevard. You get a panoramic view of the beautiful city and the Caspian Sea, which is stunning at night as the city is filled with lights. 

Address: Baku Eye, Baku Boulevard, Neftchiler Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Enjoy panoramic views of Baku’s skyline and the Caspian Sea from the top.
• Best visited at night for a spectacular view of the illuminated city.
• Each cabin is air-conditioned, offering comfort and luxury during the ride.
• The ride lasts about 30 minutes, providing plenty of time to soak in the scenery.

12. Experience Little Venice

Tour Little Venice near the area around the Caspian Sea embankment, which represents an Italian idea in Azerbaijan. 

Address: Baku Boulevard, near Government House, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Take a gondola ride through the artificial canals that resemble Venice.
• Enjoy the serene and scenic canal system filled with quaint bridges and charming waterside cafes.
• It’s a great spot for a romantic stroll or family outing.

13. Explore the Baku Museum of Modern Art

Visit this museum to learn more about Azerbaijani and foreign art of the twentieth century, as well as sculptures by Chingiz Akhmedov, Sattar Bahlulzade, and others.

Address: 5 Yusif Safarov St, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things to do:

• Discover Azerbaijani and foreign art from the 20th century, including avant-garde pieces.
• Admire sculptures by renowned artists like Chingiz Akhmedov and Sattar Bahlulzade.
• The museum’s open, non-traditional layout encourages exploration and interaction with the exhibits.
• It’s a perfect place for art enthusiasts interested in modern and contemporary trends. 

14. Experience Baku's Nightlife

Nightlife can offer a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, as well as the city’s beautiful landscape, which Baku offers. The nightlife is vibrant to some extent, and the city presents the best music- traditional and contemporary. 

Popular Areas: Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Old City

Things to do:

• Visit lively bars, pubs, and clubs in Fountain Square or the Old City.
• Dance to live traditional Azerbaijani music or modern beats at one of Baku’s many clubs.
• Try shisha lounges or enjoy a quiet drink at rooftop bars overlooking the Caspian Sea.

15. Shop at Baku’s Markets and Malls

Starting with the noisy Taza Bazaar with fresh fruit and spices and ending with the Park Bulvar – the shopping centers of Baku are classified according to the type and scale of expenditure.

Taza Bazaar Address: 27 Khagani Street, Baku, Azerbaijan

Park Bulvar Mall Address: 9 Neftchiler Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

Things To Do:

• At Taza Bazaar, shop for fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and haggle with vendors.
• Visit Park Bulvar Mall for high-end international brands and modern shopping.
• Explore the Nizami Street pedestrian shopping area for luxury and local boutiques.

FAQs

What is Baku famous for?

Baku is famous for its blend of modern architecture and historical charm. It’s known for landmarks like the Flame Towers, the medieval Old City (Icherisheher), the Maiden Tower, and the Caspian Sea Boulevard. Baku is also recognized for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, lively nightlife, and hosting international events like the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Is Baku worth visiting?

Yes, Baku is definitely worth visiting. Its unique combination of modern skyscrapers and ancient landmarks offers a rich cultural experience. The city is also known for its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and affordability, making it an attractive destination for tourists looking for both relaxation and adventure.

Is 3 days enough for Baku?

Three days is enough to explore the main attractions of Baku, including the Old City, the Flame Towers, the Caspian waterfront, and some cultural experiences like museums or a day trip to the Gobustan National Park. It provides a good balance of sightseeing, local dining, and leisure activities.

Is Baku good for a girls' trip? 

Yes, Baku is a great destination for a girls' trip. The city offers plenty of activities such as shopping at local markets, enjoying spa treatments, dining at chic restaurants, and exploring the vibrant nightlife. It’s generally safe, and the hospitality is welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a fun and relaxing getaway.

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