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Are you planning a go to to Azerbaijan and on the lookout for one of the best issues to do in Baku ? See my suggestions under.
Azerbaijan was not on the high of our bucket listing. Nevertheless, as a result of last-minute planning on our aspect and complex visas for different locations, it ended up being a comparatively straightforward, spontaneous journey, with a easy, on-line visa course of, and we didn’t remorse our choice.
Some historical past
Azerbaijan’s historical past spans millennia, with historic civilizations flourishing within the area. Over time, it was dominated by varied empires together with the Ottomans. Within the nineteenth century, it was divided between the Russian and Persian empires, with Northern Azerbaijan turning into a part of the Russian Empire. After a quick interval of independence, Azerbaijan turned a Soviet republic till regaining independence in 1991. All of those empires have influenced the nation and this may be seen within the delicacies, structure, tradition and language.
Azerbaijan is bordered by Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Its panorama, significantly close to Baku, is wealthy with extractable oil and fuel reserves that function beneficial gas sources.
Mendacity on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is an underrated gem with a vibrant mix of historic historical past and cutting-edge modernity, which is obvious from the time you arrive on the worldwide airport. We flew to Baku from Johannesburg through Dubai on Emirates and visited town simply earlier than the Grand Prix which takes place there yearly in September.
Do you know that the Caspian Sea is definitely a lake? It’s the world’s largest saltwater lake.
Heydar Aliyev Worldwide Airport
25 finest issues to do in Baku
1. Discover the Previous Metropolis (Icherisheher)
Juma Mosque within the Previous Metropolis
Baku’s historic coronary heart, Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site surrounded by medieval partitions and historic gates. This labyrinth of slender cobbled streets and historic structure is dwelling to quite a few historic monuments, such because the Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Juma Mosque, in addition to eating places and outlets.
Issues to do within the Previous Metropolis
2. Climb the Maiden Tower
Maiden Tower
The Maiden Tower is a Twelfth-century monument thought-about to be one of many nation’s most distinctive nationwide emblems. Standing 29.5 meters tall with a diameter of 16.5 meters, this cylindrical stone tower is shrouded in thriller relating to its precise age and unique function. The tower now homes a museum showcasing Baku’s historical past and provides views of the Previous Metropolis and Baku Bay from its roof.
Do you know? Many suicides used to happen from the highest of the tower till glass boundaries have been erected and a everlasting guard stationed there. Our information informed us of an incident the place he needed to cease somebody from attempting to leap on certainly one of his visits there.
3. Return in time on the Palace of the Shirvanshahs
View from the Palace of the Shirvanshahs
The Shirvanshas have been a kingdom that dominated over the realm for over six centuries from 861 to 1538. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a Fifteenth-century royal complicated within the Previous Metropolis, which showcases the grandeur of the Shirvanshah dynasty, with its intricately designed palace, mausoleum, and mosque. Though not as elaborate because the Palace of Shaki Khan in Shaki, it’s nonetheless value a go to.
4. See tiny books on the Miniature Guide Museum
Miniature Guide Museum
The Miniature Guide Museum is a unusual museum that accommodates over 6,000 tiny books from varied durations and genres. It is the one museum on the planet devoted to miniature books. We have been lucky sufficient to fulfill the proprietor of the shop, an aged woman who took satisfaction in her assortment of pictures of well-known personalities who had visited.
5. Do a free strolling tour
Free strolling excursions in Icherisheher are a extremely beneficial method to discover the Previous Metropolis. Guided by educated locals, they cowl key landmarks and hidden gems, whereas sharing tales about Baku’s wealthy cultural heritage. it is customary to tip the information on the finish, as they depend on suggestions for revenue. We did one with Azerbaijani Traveller. His English was fluent and we learnt a lot concerning the metropolis and the nation from him. What was significantly attention-grabbing was the data he offered on native customs and tradition.
Trendy Baku
6. Admire the Heydar Aliyev Centre
Heydar Aliyev Centre
Designed by the famend architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Centre is certainly one of Baku’s most iconic trendy buildings. Its flowing, futuristic design, with no sharp angles or corners, represents fluidity and innovation. The centre homes a museum and exhibition areas, showcasing Azerbaijan’s historical past, tradition, and artwork and is surrounded by landscaped gardens.
7. View the Flame Towers
Flame Towers at Sundown
Baku’s skyline is dominated by the futuristic Flame Towers, three flame-shaped skyscrapers that symbolise the nation’s affiliation with fireplace. Azerbaijan is commonly referred to as the “Land of Fireplace” as a result of its historic Zoroastrian roots and its pure fuel assets. At night time, the Flame Towers are lit up in altering patterns and colors. The towers are finest admired from afar. It isn’t essential to go inside them as they include a lodge, residential flats and places of work.
8. Journey the funicular
Baku funicular
Highland Park has nice views of the Flame Towers in addition to panoramic views of all the metropolis and the Caspian Sea. To get to Highland Park, you’ll be able to both stroll up the steps or take the Baku Funicular reverse the Carpet Museum, which supplies a scenic experience up the hill. We went to the funicular simply earlier than sundown and it was fairly busy.
Nizami
9. Take a stroll on Nizami Avenue
Nizami Avenue
Nizami Avenue is certainly one of Baku’s busiest buying avenues, and it is an important place to take in the native environment and go to a tea-house to benefit from the tea Azerbaijan is thought for. Lined with outlets, cafes, and eating places, it’s a vigorous hub for each locals and vacationers, particularly at night time.
10. Journey the metro at Nizami Metro Station
Nizami Metro Station
Whereas on Nizami Avenue, don’t miss a cease at Nizami Metro Station, named after Nizami Ganjavi, a Twelfth-century Persian poet. Its opulent design options marble, mosaics, and murals that pay homage to his literary contributions. Pictures are usually not allowed within the station, and there are guards current to implement this.
11. Get impressed on the Nizami Literature Museum
Nizami Literature Museum
The Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, situated close to the doorway to Icherisheher, honours Nizami Ganjavi and different distinguished Azerbaijani writers and poets. The constructing itself is an architectural gem, with an ornate façade that includes statues of well-known literary figures. Inside, you’ll discover an in depth assortment of manuscripts, books, and artefacts that hint the wealthy literary historical past of the area.
Baku Boulevard
12. Stroll alongside Baku Boulevard
View from Baku Boulevard
Stretching for miles alongside the Caspian shoreline, Baku Boulevard is a scenic promenade, lined with parks, fountains, and cafes, that provides a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of town. It’s the proper place to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll, lease a motorbike, or just watch the sundown over the Caspian.
13. Find out about carpets on the Carpet Museum
Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is a placing constructing designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet. Inside, it showcases a powerful assortment of Azerbaijan’s centuries-old custom of carpet weaving, with intricate designs and patterns reflecting the nation’s cultural heritage.
14. Store at Deniz Mall
Deniz Mall
Deniz Mall is a futuristic, multi-level mall situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Formed like a flower, it resembles the Sydney Opera Home. The huge complicated has a variety of worldwide and native manufacturers, eating places, and leisure choices.
15. Get a style of Italy at Mini-Venice
Mini Venice
Mini-Venice is a touristy man-made canal system that provides guests a slice of Venice within the coronary heart of Baku with its quaint bridges and gondola rides, and it is an important spot for a romantic boat experience. Children will get pleasure from it too.
16. Journey the Baku Eye
Baku Eye
The Baku Eye is a big Ferris wheel with panoramic views of town and the Caspian Sea. Standing 60 meters tall, the wheel is a well-liked attraction for each vacationers and locals, particularly at night time when town lights up.
Mosques
17. Replicate at Taza Pir Mosque
Taza Pir Mosque
The Taza Pir Mosque is without doubt one of the most distinguished non secular landmarks in Baku. Initially constructed within the early twentieth century, it was lately renovated and is a ravishing instance of Islamic structure with its majestic dome and complex detailing. The mosque is surrounded by scenic gardens so make sure you spend a while there.
18. Really feel non secular at Heyder Mosque
Heydar Mosque (through Depositphotos)
Heydar Mosque is the most important mosque within the South Caucasus area. Named after former President Heydar Aliyev, it options 4 95-meter-high minarets, a 55-meter-high major dome, and a 35-meter-high secondary dome, with its facade adorned within the Shirvan-Absheron architectural fashion.
19. Be taught concerning the historical past of Bibi-Heybat Mosque
Bibi Heybat Mosque
The Bibi-Heybat Mosque on the outskirts of town is certainly one of Baku’s most placing and traditionally vital mosques with its massive turquoise dome and intricately adorned inside. Initially constructed within the thirteenth century, the mosque was destroyed through the Soviet period and later rebuilt within the Nineties. The mosque can also be an vital pilgrimage website for a lot of Muslims.
Day Excursions
We did a day tour that lined Gobustan Nationwide Park, the mud volcanoes, the Ateshgah Fireplace Temple and Yanar Dag.
20. Uncover historic artwork in Gobustan Nationwide Park
Gobustan Nationwide Park
Roughly an hour’s drive from Baku, Gobustan Nationwide Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site identified for its historic rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and engaging geological formations. The park accommodates over 6,000 rock engravings that date again so far as 40,000 years, providing an unbelievable perception into prehistoric life within the area.
21. See effervescent mud on the Mud Volcanoes
Mud volcanoes
Apart from the petroglyphs, one of many park’s different highlights is its mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan is dwelling to almost half of the world’s mud volcanoes, and these pure phenomena are each intriguing and surreal. The mud volcanoes are usually not truly volcanoes, simply muddy mounds with effervescent mud on the high.
22. Find out about Zoroastrianism on the Ateshgah Fireplace Temple
Ateshgah Fireplace Temple
Azerbaijan’s historic connection to fireplace may be seen in two standard websites close to Baku: the Ateshgah Fireplace Temple and Yanar Dag.
The Ateshgah Fireplace Temple is a spot of worship for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. Constructed over a pure fuel vent that when spewed flames, the temple is a testomony to the area’s fire-worshipping historical past. Although the pure flames have since ceased, the temple nonetheless provides a singular window into the nation’s non secular previous.
23. See the burning mountain at Yanar Dag
Burning Mountain at Yanar Dag
Yanar Dag, or “Burning Mountain,” is a pure fuel fireplace that burns repeatedly on a hillside close to Baku, Azerbaijan. The flames, reaching as much as 3 meters excessive, emanate from a skinny, porous sandstone layer and have been burning steadily for hundreds of years.
Different
24. Go to Mardakan Citadel
Mardakan Citadel
Situated simply outdoors of Baku, within the city of Mardakan, Mardakan Citadel is a medieval fortress constructed within the 14th century to function a defensive construction towards invaders. The fort has two towers, with the taller one providing panoramic views of the encompassing countryside. You’ll be able to discover the fort which accommodates artifacts from medieval occasions. The fort is saved locked until there are guests. The caretaker provides you with a tour of the inside. His son invited us to his home for tea, dates and cookies, and gave us pomegranates from his tree.
25. Chill out on the Seaside
Mardakan Seaside
Azerbaijan shouldn’t be famend for its seashore scene nonetheless Baku has a wide range of seashores alongside the Caspian Sea shoreline. Lots of them have facilities reminiscent of seashore golf equipment, water parks, and varied water sports activities actions, catering to totally different preferences and age teams. Whereas some seashores nearer to town centre could have issues about oil air pollution, there are quite a few clear and engaging choices inside straightforward attain of Baku. In style seashores embrace Shikhov Seaside and Bilgah Seaside. Mardakan Seaside is comparatively much less crowded.
Steadily requested questions on Baku
What’s the meals in Baku like?
No journey to Baku can be full with out indulging in its scrumptious meals. Azerbaijani delicacies is a wealthy fusion of Center Japanese, Turkish, and Central Asian influences. One of the crucial standard dishes to attempt is plov, a aromatic rice dish usually cooked with saffron, meat, and dried fruits. Shah Plov is an much more elaborate model of plov, the place it’s baked in a crust.
Avenue meals can also be an effective way to expertise the native flavours. Do not miss out on attempting kebab and shashlik, skewered meats grilled to perfection. And for one thing candy, pattern pakhlava, a standard Azerbaijani dessert just like baklava however usually full of walnuts or almonds. We had essentially the most superb chocolate pakhlava from a bit of store subsequent to the Juma Mosque within the OId Metropolis.
The place to eat in Baku?
We ate at a couple of eating places in Baku. The meals and atmosphere have been good at Firuze however we loved the meals at Qaynana within the Previous Metropolis essentially the most. For a fast snack or meal on the go, shawarmas are scrumptious and handy. There are distributors all around the metropolis however our go-to-place was Sah Doner, on Mardanov Qardashlari simply off Nizami Avenue.
The place is one of the best place to remain in Baku?
Nizami Avenue and Icherisheher are each standard locations to stick with quick access to eating places and vacationer points of interest.
Do folks in Baku converse English?
Most individuals in Baku (and the remainder of Azerbaijan) don’t converse English. We solely met a handful of people that spoke English and relied on Google Translate to speak with the remaining.
Is Baku protected?
Azerbaijan has low crime charges, and Baku is usually protected for vacationers. Nevertheless, do watch out of scammers. (Extra about that later)
Easy methods to get round Baku?
Baku has a very good public transport system with a metro and buses. Conventional taxis, Uber, Yango and Bolt are additionally out there and are moderately priced.
Have you ever been there? What are your favorite issues to do in Baku ?
See Issues to do in Ganja, Azerbaijan
See how one can apply for an Azerbaijan visa.
Sara Essop is a journey blogger and author primarily based in South Africa. She writes about household journey and experiences around the globe. Though she has been to 50 nations to date, she particularly loves showcasing her stunning nation and is an authorized South Africa Specialist.
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