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About Baku

Including tips for the best time to visit Baku

Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, is one of the Middle East’s most prominent cultural centres, as well as one of the world’s lowest lying capitals. Offering a mixture of 19th-century and modernist architecture, the city is home to a progressive European culture born out of the prosperity of the oil boom years.

Baku's history dates back to Stone Age paintings found on cave walls, while today remains one of the world's largest oil producers. It was the Shirvanshah rulers of the eighth century that influenced much of Azerbaijan's traditional culture, still visible in structures like the Maiden Tower and Mardakan Castle. Since then, Baku’s governance has changed hands between both Ottoman and Russian rule. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Baku adopted a strategy of regeneration, one that has transformed the city with modern skyscrapers, luxurious shopping centres and a holiday experience bearing similarities to Dubai.

There’s many exciting things to do in Baku with plenty of modern and historical excursions available. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is where you’ll find atmospheric restaurants serving the Three Dishes Dolma, as well as tea houses known as Chaikhana. The city’s best architecture can be found at Baku’s Palace of the Shirvanshahs while the Heydar Aliyev Centre and the Flame Towers showcase the modernity of the skyline. Nearby excursions are also available to thermal spas, mud volcanoes or the oil fields, where you can learn more about Azerbaijan's intriguing history.

Tonight

From $10 per night

This weekend

From $7 per night

Next weekend

From $7 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency AZN 10 = $5.88
Language Azerbaijani
Average weekend price $69 per night
Average weekday price $73 per night
Average stay 2 nights

Points of interest in Baku

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Baku

Latest articles featuring Baku

Inspiration and insider tips for things to do in Baku

Destination Inspiration: Baku, Azerbaijan

Ancient buildings and futuristic skyscrapers in Azerbaijan’s capital.

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A cultural guide to Baku, Azerbaijan

Wander down ancient alleyways or marvel at postmodern architecture.

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Baku reviews

What other travelers say about Baku

10

Baku is great.

September 24, 2023

Baku is great. You can walk for tens of kilometres and admire the architecture and views. People are very hospitable. There is a choice of restaurants and the food is fantastic, especially the aubergine roulade with nut and chestnut filling at cizz bizz. You should travel outside the centre though, to find out more about Azerbaijan.

Monika
Monika Poland
10

Very clean and beautiful architecture.

September 24, 2023

Very clean and beautiful architecture. Prettier than Paris and completely free of litter or graffiti anywhere in the country. Metro is museum quality with marble, artwork and escalators and people movers that work. Trains are clean and run on time. Police are everywhere and you feel completely safe. The City is totally modern with upscale shops, malls and restaurants. Food is delicious and also a KFC and McDonalds if one is so inclined. Prices are less expensive and reasonable for most things. The parks are meticulously cared for and are frequented by people, children and pets even late at night. There are fountains galore and interesting sculptures.

Anonymous United States of America
10

Amazing food, great people and so much history to be...

September 17, 2023

Amazing food, great people and so much history to be discover. I heard there is also more to see outside Baku. Defenetly I will return…. The story must be continue. Chayki , Mangal and Dolma must be visited for best food experience. Heydar Aliyev Museum, Širvansahlarin fortress, Atashgah Temple and 360 Bar Hilton must be on the list. Good luck!

Nicoleta
Nicoleta
8.0

It is not suggested to visit this country during hot summer...

September 16, 2023

It is not suggested to visit this country during hot summer months, much better in spring or autumn. Before jumping on the city, visit Heydar Aliyev Centre on the very first day to gain some basic knowledge about the background of the country. Make sure to have enough cash. If you would like to have a cheap but super nice restaurant, go here: Xezer Restaurant

Alexander
Alexander Hungary
10

here are many attractions in the city and in the surrounding...

September 9, 2023

here are many attractions in the city and in the surrounding area, historical monuments protected by UNESCO, OLd city is a must! the city is very green, many parks and a huge embankment - everything is concentrated nearby in the city center, Baku is very beautiful and nocturnal, leave for a walk around the city for at least one day, the cuisine is excellent and the service in restaurants is at a high level, people in Baku very friendly to tourists.

Elena
Elena Russia
10

Baku is an amazing city, one of the most gorgeous places I...

September 5, 2023

Baku is an amazing city, one of the most gorgeous places I have ever visited, very organized and clean. Its like a modern version of Paris with a mix of Dubai, Istanbul and Sindney. Its a very walkable place with lovely people. Open-minded in general. I did enjoy Baku a Lot. The views of the city are great from everywhere and its very windy, which is great in summer. Transportation is easy, there is metro and taxis are extremely cheap.

Sara Arciniegas
Sara Arciniegas Colombia

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