Baku has been emerging as an up-and-coming destination for travellers from all over the world in recent years. The capital of Azerbaijan offers an ideal experience for everyone visiting - be it diving into the rich history, marvelling at the modernity or just enjoying the culture.
Situated on the Caspian Sea, this dynamic city has a rich past dating as long ago as the Stone Age. How it has had a remarkable transformation and evolved into a new-age city is a wonder. Let’s look at some of the best places to visit in Baku and why you should plan a trip to this marvellous city.
Plan your travels with InterMiles and have a stress-free vacation while you earn Miles.
The old city or the Icherisheher is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for all the right reasons. It is made of narrow alleys, historic buildings still standing in all their glory and charming courtyards that often serve as a stage to many a street performances. The highlights of the Old City are the Maiden Tower - which offers panoramic views of the Baku city and the Palace of Shirvanshahs - which includes a palace, a mausoleum, a mosque and a bathhouse.
Flame Towers, one of the best places to visit in Baku, is a trio of skyscrapers in Baku that add so much value to the city's stunning modern skyline. They are residential towers that offer beautiful views of the Caspian Sea and top-notch amenities. However, what makes them truly a spectacle is the fact that at night the towers create spectacular displays of flickering flames and the Azerbaijani flag among others and add to the alluring charm of the city and make for one of the best Baku nightlife attractions.
Perfect for some downtime after a stroll through the modern part of the city, Baku Boulevard situated along the Caspian Sea is one of the top attractions in Baku. It is a paradise that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. Imagine spending a sunny day exploring cafes, walking through parks and visiting exciting attractions like the Baku Ferris Wheel, all that and more is possible at the Baku Boulevard, along with some beautifully lit Instagram pictures, of course!
Every Baku city guide is incomplete without you savouring Azerbaijani cuisine that's not just innovative but also delicious. Baku has a great nightlife and entertainment scene but the quality of food and the variety of local dishes takes the cake and provides a soul-satisfying experience. Its flavours feature Middle Eastern, Asian and Eastern European touches and make for a unique culinary experience. You must try Plov (Pilof) the national dish of Azerbaijan which is essentially rice and meat cooked in saffron with spices. Other dishes that will leave you wanting for more are Kebabs and Shashlik, Dolma and Qutab. End your meal on a sweet note with Pakhlava and Shekerbura.
Some of the best restaurants in Baku that serve Azerbaijani food are - Sirvansah Museum Restaurant, Nakhchivan and Art Garden.
Although we've already covered this point before, we feel like this deserves a special mention of its own. Baku is located right on the shores of the Caspian Sea making it impossible to miss the Baku scenic views. But that's not all, it also has opportunities for travellers to indulge in water activities and laze by the beach or stay at one of the many luxurious beach-side properties.
Shopping in Baku is a unique experience. It offers a diverse range of markets to shop from, leaving every shopping enthusiast happy and satisfied. Visit Taza Bazaar on Mirza Mansur Street to shop for Azerbaijani products and experience local culture or Nizami Street in downtown Baku to explore local boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Some items you should consider bringing back from your travels are - handwoven carpets and intricate traditional jewellery.
Baku has a dynamic nightlife and an even more exciting cultural scene. It boasts a variety of bars, clubs, and lounges and has something to offer everyone. Some of the best clubs in Baku are Enerji, Pacifico and Eleven. It also has many celebrated bars and pubs like the Hard Rock Cafe, Room Fine Art Wine and Dine and William Shakespeare pub. These places are some of the best Baku's nightlife attractions and you may even spot an F1 driver or two after their race, celebrating their hard work.
Baku is also known to host many cultural events and festivals year-round, including the Baku International Jazz Festival and the Maiden Tower International Art Festival.
One of the best attractions in Baku, which also pulls in a lot of crowds from all over the world, is the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Set to take place on the 15th of September this year, it is one of the most exciting races on the calendar since it is a city circuit and makes for competitive results. The tickets to the Grand Prix are also comparatively cheaper, making it a definitive bucket list item on your Baku checklist.
