azerbaijan travel budget

• Travel Planning Guide

Azerbaijan Travel Budget - Visit Azerbaijan on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Azerbaijan Costs

• Is Azerbaijan Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Azerbaijan cost?
• Azerbaijan Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Azerbaijan
• The Best Historical Tours in Azerbaijan
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Azerbaijan
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Azerbaijan
• The Best Adventure Tours to Azerbaijan
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Azerbaijan
• The Best Cultural Tours in Azerbaijan
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Azerbaijan
• The Best Luxury Tours to Azerbaijan
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Azerbaijan
• How much does it cost to travel to Azerbaijan? (Average Daily Cost)
• Azerbaijan trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Azerbaijan?

Is azerbaijan expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Azerbaijan?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Azerbaijan?

You should plan to spend around $0.00 (Ʈ187) per day on your vacation in Azerbaijan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $0.00 (Ʈ55) on meals
• $0.00 (Ʈ40) on local transportation
• $0.00 (Ʈ158) on hotels

A one week trip to Azerbaijan for two people costs, on average, $0.00 (Ʈ2,622) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 0.00 Ʈ 187
• One Week Per person $ 0.00 Ʈ 1,311
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 0.00 Ʈ 2,622
• One Month Per person $ 0.00 Ʈ 5,619
• One Week For a couple $ 0.00 Ʈ 2,622
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 0.00 Ʈ 5,244
• One Month For a couple $ 0.00 Ʈ 11,237

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Azerbaijan cost?

A one week trip to Azerbaijan usually costs around $0.00 (Ʈ1,311) for one person and $0.00 (Ʈ2,622) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Azerbaijan on average costs around $0.00 (Ʈ2,622) for one person and $0.00 (Ʈ5,244) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Azerbaijan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Azerbaijan on average costs around $0.00 (Ʈ5,619) for one person and $0.00 (Ʈ11,237) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Azerbaijan is $157 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Azerbaijan and Georgia Small Group Tour 12 Days - 13 Destinations $ 1,985
• Azerbaijan & Georgia Experience 20 Days - 12 Destinations $ 4,171

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Azerbaijan is a very affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 10% of countries in the world for its affordability . Many budget travelers enjoy spending long periods of time exploring this country in depth.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Azerbaijan is very affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Europe for its affordability . Very few countries in the region are as affordable as Azerbaijan.

For more details, see Is Azerbaijan Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Azerbaijan?

The average Azerbaijan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Azerbaijan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Azerbaijan

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Azerbaijan is $0.00 (Ʈ79). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Azerbaijan is $0.00 (Ʈ158). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 0.00 Ʈ 79
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 0.00 Ʈ 158

Hotel Prices in Azerbaijan

Looking for a hotel in Azerbaijan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Local Transportation Budget in Azerbaijan

The cost of a taxi ride in Azerbaijan is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $0.00 (Ʈ40) per person, per day, on local transportation in Azerbaijan.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 0.00 Ʈ 40

Recommended Services

• Baku city tour with guide and transfer Viator $ 151
• Baku Private Airport Transfer Viator $ 29

Food Budget in Azerbaijan

While meal prices in Azerbaijan can vary, the average cost of food in Azerbaijan is $0.00 (Ʈ55) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Azerbaijan should cost around $0.00 (Ʈ22) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Azerbaijan is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 0.00 Ʈ 55

Recommended

• Baku Night tour (Dinner Included) Viator $ 30
• Baku Tour (Old City-Modern Baku) Dinner Included Viator $ 45

Entertainment Budget in Azerbaijan

Entertainment and activities in Azerbaijan typically cost an average of $0.00 (Ʈ21) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 0.00 Ʈ 21

Recommended Activities

• Baku Downtown Original Walking Tour Viator $ 16
• Gabala tour Viator $ 105

Alcohol Budget in Azerbaijan

The average person spends about $0.00 (Ʈ14) on alcoholic beverages in Azerbaijan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 0.00 Ʈ 14
• Baku City Pub Crawl through multiple Bars and Clubs Viator $ 32
• Eat Like a Local: Baku Dining & Wine Tasting Experience Viator $ 120

Azerbaijan on a Budget

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Azerbaijan Itinerary: 1 & 2-Week Routes for First-Time Visitors

I don’t remember the first time I heard about Azerbaijan , but it’s always held an exotic allure to me. Azerbaijan — even the name sounds exotic — a place of…well, I didn’t know what. It just sounded intriguing and off the beaten path. I knew two things about Azerbaijan before I visited: it once won the Eurovision Song Contest and has a lot of oil money.

It was only in the last few years that I began to think in earnest about visiting.

But years passed without any progress toward that goal — until one June when, on a whim, I went there with a friend. We had found a cheap flight from London , so off we went!

Sometimes that’s all it takes to end up somewhere.

Azerbaijan matched my expectations: Baku was a modern city steeped in oil money with a recently built subway, fast Wi-Fi, and tons of Parisian-style and futuristic buildings, while the rest of the country was incredibly rural with small towns surrounded by gorgeous mountains and farmland. In tiny villages, old men with canes sat in town squares gazing at passersby. Old babushkas with their backs bent and heads covered with scarves wandered past with groceries, off to make dishes for the family.

To help you make the most of your trip, here are two itineraries to ensure you see the highlights, save money, and get off the beaten path!

Table of Contents

1. One Week in Azerbaijan

2. Two Weeks in Azerbaijan

What to See and Do in Azerbaijan: One-Week Itinerary

On your first day here, wander around the old city. The Old Town is surrounded by a towering medieval stone wall, and, within this part of the city, you’ll find narrow winding streets and plenty of historic monuments to explore. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was built in the 15th century and includes a mosque, bathhouse, and mausoleum. Inside you’ll be able to see all kinds of relics and artifacts that have been discovered around Baku.

You’ll also find the ancient Muhammad Mosque within Old Town which dates back to the 11th century. Don’t skip the famous Maiden Tower with its great views of the city. The oldest parts of Maiden Tower are believed to have been constructed between the 4th and 6th century CE while the newer parts are from the 12th century. (Fun fact: They still have no idea what this tower was built for, but many believe it was originally used as a Zoroastrian temple, and various mysterious legends surround the site. )

Book lovers will be enchanted when visiting the Museum of Miniature books, which is located in the Old Town. The museum is part of a personal collection and features thousands of teeny-tiny books. The oldest tiny book is a copy of the Quran from the 17th century and the smallest book is a copy of “The Most Miraculous Thing” that can only be read with a magnifying glass and measures 6mm x 9mm (less than one inch!)

Afterward, go on a free walking tour with Baku Free Tour and then take in the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (the country is famous for carpet making and the museum itself is actually shaped like a carpet) and the National Museum of History, which will give you a decent understanding of the history of Azerbaijan.

Where to stay in Baku: Sahil Hostel – This hostel has comfortable beds, a nice common area, and incredible showers (they even have massage sprays). The staff is not that friendly, but its central location and facilities, as well the ease with which you can meet other travelers, more than make up for that.

Additionally, nearby are the famous and iconic Flame Towers. Built in 2012, they stand 182 meters (600 feet) tall and are covered in LED screens displaying images of dancing flames (hence their name). One of them is a hotel with a restaurant at the top; the food there is supposed to be very good and fairly priced. I highly recommend watching the sunset over the city near the Flame Towers, then seeing the tower’s LED lights come on.

As a unique contrast to the ancient history of Baku’s Old Town, head to the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Designed by Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect, this hyper-modern structure is one of the most interesting buildings in Baku. The design is fluid and curvy with hardly any harsh angles. The space is often used for events like rotating art exhibitions and gala concerts. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Next are the petroglyphs in Gobustan, home to 6,000 rock paintings that are up to 40,000 years old. The well-preserved sketches display ancient populations traveling on reed boats, men hunting antelope and wild bulls, and women dancing.

Then visit Ateshgah, a temple that has been used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship (now it’s a center for Zoroastrians). Each room has really detailed panels about the history of the temple, the pilgrims who visited it, and the Zoroastrian religion. In the center of the complex is a flame representing God.

Until 1969, the temple featured a natural eternal flame, but it went out from the overuse of the area’s gas. Now the fire is relit by a pipeline connected to a nearby city. The temple itself is a castle-like structure with a museum surrounding it.

Finally, there is Yanar Dag (“burning mountain”), which is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside. Marco Polo once described the land in this area as being on fire because of phenomena like this, but this is the only fire left. It’s kind of a disappointment, as it’s really small. It’s not worth the journey, to be honest, but it’s included in most tours, so you’ll see it anyways.

None of the sites are too far from Baku, and can all be done in a day. Most leave around 10am and get back around 5pm. I suggest taking a tour instead of going on your own, as it makes getting to these sites easy. Only Ateshgah is reachable by public transportation. All the other sites will require a car. Lots of people on Couchsurfing offer rides too. A full-day tour will cost about $40-60 USD and include lunch.

Days 4 & 5 – Lahij Take a three-hour bus to Lahij in the Caucasus Mountains, home to less than 1,000 people. Lots of day tours come here because the town is famous for copper wares; you’ll hear the clang of metalwork throughout the day. On your way, you’ll wind through the mountains, over bridges, and along a road so narrow you’ll feel like you’re going to fall off before you reach the town. When I was there, the road was partially out because of heavy rain and I was not a fan of driving the narrow, gravel road to town!

But it was worth it!

Lahij is beautiful, with cobblestone streets, panoramic views of the valley, and old locals sitting in the town square eyeing the tourists that wander past on their way to hike for the day. The tiny village is over 2,000 years old and is known for its craftsmanship. Over 40 unique craftsman trades have been practiced here throughout the ages. These include leatherwork, blacksmithing, carpet making, and of course creating copperware.

There is also a unique cuisine in this region, so make sure to try some during your stay.

Overall, though, there’s not much to do in Lahij itself. There’s a tiny museum that takes five minutes, and you can ride a horse or shop if you want, but the real reason to visit is to go hiking. There are a lot of trails in the mountains around town, and it’s best to ask your guesthouse or the tourist office for information, as there’s no trail map. There are some ruins on the trail leading up from the nearby river and waterfall but be warned: it’s a steep 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) up and the ruins (really just a wall) are easily missed.

Where to stay in Lahij: Ancient Lahij Guesthouse – This cozy homestay offers free Wi-Fi, a garden and terrace, fully-equipped kitchen, and a delicious free breakfast. It’s cheap and charming.

Days 5 (& 6?) – Sheki Next, head to Sheki via public bus, a famous stop on the Silk Road, where you can see the old caravanserai (inn with a courtyard), which housed traders and merchants centuries ago. Built like a castle to protect merchants (high walls, one gate), it dates back to the early 18th century. Now, it’s a restaurant (skip it) and a hotel.

Sheki Khan’s Palace is the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1797. It was the summer residence for Shaki Khans and features exceptionally well-preserved frescoes that were painted at various times throughout the 18th century. Additionally, there’s a fortress and a few churches in the old town fortress down the street from the caravanserai. All in all, you only really need a few hours to see everything in town.

Be sure to visit nearby Kis to see the Albanian church, which dates back to the 5th century and was restored with the help of Norwegians in the early 2000s. If you’re staying for longer, consider booking some of the interesting craftsmanship classes and workshops offered in the area.

Afterward, go to the Gelersen-Göresen ruins, which are a lot more expansive than those in Lahij and provide some incredible views of the surrounding valley. Originally used in a fortress, the medieval ruins date back to the 8th or 9th century. The name translates to “you come, you will see.” Around the fortress, there are deep, seemingly bottomless wells that may have served as booby traps for enemies.

I’d recommend taking a taxi there, as it’s an uncomfortable and not very scenic two-mile walk on an open and exposed road. Your driver will wait (or might join you, as mine did).

Overall, you really only need a day for these sights. There’s not much to do, and the attractions aren’t that stellar. Sheki is a popular day trip from Baku and a weekend spot for locals, who head to the resorts located on the way to the ruins. The only reason I would stay longer is if you wanted to do some hiking and horseback riding in the area.

Where to stay in Sheki: Ilgar’s Hostel – Ilgar is an incredible host. This homestay is really basic. No A/C, simple accommodations, very basic bathroom. It’s cheap but you’re staying in Ilgar’s home with his family and he’s an awesome host who speaks fluent English and knows everyone in the area. There’s nothing he can’t help with!

What to See and Do in Azerbaijan: A Two-Week Itinerary

Days 4 & 5 – Quba Head north by bus to the mountain town of Quba for a cooler climate, old mosques, and traditional carpets in beautiful alpine surroundings. There’s a lot of hiking here, too, and many people also visit Tenghi Canyon. You can also stop in Khinalig, a major Zoroastrian center, or Krasnaya Sloboda, the only all-Jewish town outside of Israel , populated by the Juhuro, or Mountain Jews.

Where to stay in Quba: Vadi Chalet Hotel – This upscale hotel offers mountain views, an airport transfer, pool, and air-conditioned rooms. It’s not cheap, but if you want to splash out on something nicer than guesthouses, this is your best option.

Where to stay in Qabala: Kahran Hostel – This is a newly opened hostel in a good neighborhood located next to some great cafés, bars, and restaurants. It’s a social environment and the staff is really helpful.

Day 10 – Ganja Azerbaijan’s second-biggest city dates back to the 6th century. There’s an attractive square near another caravanserai (similar to the one in Sheki), some traditional churches, a very odd house made from bottles, and the Tomb of Nizami Ganjavi, the country’s most famous 12th-century poet (he’s kind of a national hero). It’s a good stopover on the way south.

Where to stay in Ganja: Old Ganja Hostel – It’s located right in the center of the city, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Days 11 & 12 – Lankaran Before heading back to Baku, go south to visit this sleepy resort town on the Caspian Sea. See the Old Prison and Lighthouse (Stalin was actually a prisoner here for a while), visit the ancient bazaar, the 18th-century fortress, and the 19th-century mosque. You can spend a good day sightseeing here and then another on the beaches further south in Kenaramesha. If you have more time, take a day trip to the Ghizil-Agaj State Reserve, which is home to about 250 bird species. You can take organized tours from town.

Where to stay in Lankaran: Khan Lankaran Hotel – There are not many hostel options in Lankaran, but this hotel is affordable and incredibly cozy. The restaurant serves Azerbaijani and European food, as well as local drinks.

Day 13 – Head back to Baku before heading home. Head back to Baku for any final things to do before flying out of the country and heading back home!

Whenever I leave a place, I always ask myself: On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely am I to come back? I feel like I’m a 6 with Azerbaijan.

I loved my time there and, if I were in the region again, I would definitely visit again to do some longer hikes I missed this time. I found the people to be incredibly warm and hospitable. Even though we couldn’t communicate a lot (outside Baku, English is not widely spoken), we pantomimed and communicated nonverbally , which led to some fun and lots of laugh over the confusion of trying to figure out what we were both trying to convey.

The food in the country is excellent: a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean styles, with lots of rice, chicken, fresh vegetables, and spices. The landscape is stunning with lush valleys and farmland and the raw beauty of the Caucasus Mountains in the north.

And Azerbijian is very safe too, as the government doesn’t want to anything to ruin the tourism sector (and, being a quasi-dictatorship, it has the power to make sure nothing does).

All in all, Azerbaijan is an awesome destination. It’s definitely a place you shouldn’t miss, especially if you want something a little exotic, cheap, and filled with outdoor activities.

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Book Your Trip to Azerbaijan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Azerbaijan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Azerbaijan for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Home » Asia » Azerbaijan » Backpacking Azerbaijan Travel Guide (2024)

Backpacking Azerbaijan Travel Guide (2024)

Ask a random passerby on the street what they know about Azerbaijan and you’re likely to get a blank stare back. Azerbaijan who? For years, this little nation in the Caucasus has flown under the radar of most backpackers, but as both travellers and digital nomads have started making eyes at its northerly neighbour Georgia, Azerbaijan is now getting more attention than ever.

Known as the Land of Oil and Fire, Azerbaijan has capitalised its unique geological ground and made big bucks on drilling oil, but this new-found wealth is not the only reason for its nickname. The arid, desert landscape hides reserves of natural gas underneath, bubbling up with ever-burning fire in the most unlikely places. From naturally burning blaze on the mountains to Baku’s emblematic Flame Towers, your trip to Azerbaijan is definitely going be, as kool kids would say, lit.

But even with claims to some truly unique and bizarre experiences, Azerbaijan is not on most backpackers’ wish lists. Little known and even less visited, this is the magic of backpacking Azerbaijan: it’s the dream destination for any hipster-oriented globetrotter craving to experience something awesome before it becomes “cool”.

I know it can be a lil’ tough to plan a trip somewhere that you know so little of, but have no fear, dear friends: this backpacking guide to Azerbaijan covers all the important stuff you need to know from where to visit to how to confess your love to gorgeous Baku ladies or handsome mountain-town shepherds. And most importantly, how to do it all on a budget!

Why Go Backpacking in Azerbaijan? 

Yeah, yeah, Azerbaijan is off the beaten track. Let’s put your hipster points aside for a second and take a look at all the OTHER wonderful reasons to visit the Land of Fire.

First of all, Azerbaijan is located in an interesting seam between cultures and continents. The Caucasus region – Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan – are best described as straddling the line between two worlds: the West and the East, Europe and Asia, the modern and the traditional.

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The Azeri culture is an interesting clash between Soviet brutalism with Persian and Turkish influences mixed in. This Muslim country has long existed in the crossroads of Eastern-Western trade: as a trade post near the Silk Road, the merchants in Baku have been prosperous even before the oil boom. In the 1920s, it became a satellite state for the Soviet Union, creating an eccentric mixture between the ornate Persian-inspired architecture and heavy Soviet building styles.

With these influences still existing and showing today, it is culturally one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever visited.

The culture is not the only unique thing here. For me, the coolest parts about the country are all of its bizarre natural phenomena. Azerbaijan has vast reserves on natural underground gas which creates one-of-a-kind naturally burning fires; the highest number of mud volcanoes in the world; and even oil which is said to have healing qualities.

Many visitors will stay in Baku and leave it at that. Fine – if you’re on a schedule. However, Baku is only a (misrepresentative) slice of a country that also has a host of mountain hikes, lush forests and even seaside resorts by the Caspian Sea. Baku’s oil money doesn’t show in the historical cities and small mountain towns outside of the capital where you’ll find a whole different world to explore.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Azerbaijan

Sure, you’ve heard of Baku, but beyond that, planning a trip to Azerbaijan can seem a little hard when you don’t know where to start. (I know I struggled!) I’ve put together three awesome itineraries that should help you with route planning. But just as on any epic backpacking trip, don’t get too hung up on exact itineraries – leave some wiggle room to jump to cool opportunities when they present themselves!

The regular tourist visa to Azerbaijan only lasts 30 days but in my humble opinion, you don’t really need more than that to explore the ins and outs of the Land of Fire.

To make things easier (for myself, that is), I’m assuming that your trip starts in Baku.

3 Days: Baku and the surrounding areas

If you just want to hop over to Azerbaijan on a quick trip, hey, no sweat. On a limited time, you should focus on the capital and the sights surrounding it.

Start your exploration in Icheri Sheher , the old town. Wander around the small streets looking for art in unexpected places and (window-)shopping for tradition souvenirs – copper vases and Azeri rugs side by side with Soviet mementos. Check out Maiden Tower and visit Muhammed Mosque, the biggest mosque in the Old Town, and the Palace of Shirvanshahs.

In the evening, walk along the seaside towards the Flame Towers. From up there, you’ll be rewarded with an epic view over Baku all lit up, and after dark, the Flame Towers also put up a unique light show.

For dinner, fill your belly with delicious local food at Dolma or Araz Café. Sure, they’re a bit touristy – the traditionally patterned table clothes and impeccably English-speaking menu are a dead giveaway – but they’re worth the hype.

The next day, get out of the city to check out some of the most remarkable attractions in Azerbaijan dotted around Baku. Visit the Gobustan National Park to see the famous bubbling mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs, then head north of Baku to see the Zoroastrian Fire Temple and Yanar Dag where flames burst out of the bare ground.

On the last day of the trip, indulge in Azeri culture. There are plenty of great museums to visit near the Old Town like Azerbaijan State Museum of Art and Azerbaijan Carpet Museum . Towards the end of the day, make your way to the Heydar Aliyev Centre where you can check out some more exhibitions or just relax in the park and people-watch.

1 Week: The Big Trio

Baku -> Ganja -> Sheki -> Baku

Refer to the itinerary above – for the first three days of the trip, you can follow this route to get to know the most important sights of Baku and its surroundings.

On day four, hop on the Hogwarts Express… err, Azerbaijan Express, and make your way up north to Ganja . The second-biggest city in Azerbaijan offers awesome sightseeing for architecture nerds with its Baku-like mixture of modern and old. Stroll around the Heydar Aliyev Park and visit the famed Bottle House , a two-storey house made entirely out of bottles.

Make sure to take a day trip to the nearby town of Naftalan for oil treatments at their unusual spa! Alternatively, you could also spend one day touring around the nearby Lake Goygol.

From Ganja, continue on the train tracks to one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, Sheki . The quiet town doesn’t offer much sightseeing but it’s a beautiful place to spend a day or two surrounded by nature. Visit the Shaki Khan’s Palace and the Kish Church , the oldest church in Azerbaijan.

For Sheki, you don’t really need more than a day or day and a half to explore. To save time on the return trip to Baku, you can catch a direct night train between the cities to get back to were you started from.

3 Weeks: The Ultimate Azerbaijan backpacking adventure

Baku -> Quba -> Baku -> Lahic -> Gabala -> Sheki -> Ganja -> Lake Goygol -> Ganja -> Lankaran -> Baku

(If you want less back-and-forth travel, you can drop Quba off the itinerary; there is no direct route from Quba to Gabala, so you’ll have to go back to Baku in between the towns!)

You know the drill now: start in Baku and stay there for a few days before heading up North to Quba . Visit the town’s mosques and Jewish Quarter, and take a day trip to Xinaliq to see its stunning mountains.

From there, return to Baku and continue towards your next destination: Lahic . Spend a couple of days soaking in the artisanal history and hiking before continuing north to Gabala , one of the best outdoorsy destinations in the country.

From Gabala, travel to Sheki , one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, where you can check out the Palace of Sheki Khans and the Kish Albanian Church. From Sheki, the trip to Ganja is easiest by train. Spend a few days there, and don’t skip a day trip to the oil spa in Naftalan !

From there, head to the nearby Lake Goygol. This peaceful nature area has been gaining popularity with both domestic and international tourists in the past few years and is hailed as one of the prettiest spots in the country!

After relaxing by the lake for a day, return to Ganja to hop on a southbound train to Lankaran . This resort town on the shores of the Caspian Sea is the perfect relaxing end to your trip plus offers a great base for exploring the Hirkan National Park where, if you’re lucky enough, you can spot the local lynch and the elusive Caucasian leopard.

If you’re planning to continue to Iran, the border town of Astara is very close by; otherwise hop on an overnight train back to Baku to end your trip there.

Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

Scratching your head about the best places to visit in Azerbaijan? Ta-dah, look no further!

Visiting Baku

The capital of the Land of Fire is a mixture of ultra-modern and centuries-old. On the countryside, locals cruise around on Soviet-era Ladas, but the wealthy capital is full of shiny new cars and expensive building projects. And nestled between all the spanking new skyscrapers is the ancient Old Town: sand-coloured mosques and shops selling traditional handicrafts and cafés serving tea so sweet it feels like your teeth might fall off.

The Old Town of Baku, known as Icheri Sheher , is definitely the number one attraction in the city. Here you’ll find such places of interest like The Maiden Tower, Palace of Shirvanshahs and Mohammed Mosque.

From the Old Town, skippety skip along the waterfront park-promenade towards the Azerbaijan State Museum of Art, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and Mini-Venice (yes, you can rent boats but it’s not really worth it). Time this stroll to sunset so that it’s just starting to get dark when you climb up the hill to the Martyr’s Alley Park with a wonderful view of Baku below.

Here you’ll also have front-row seats to the nightly lightshow: The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers built in 2012 as concrete symbols for the Land of Fire, and every night the facades – completely covered in LED screens – light up in a unique light show as soon as it gets dark.

Some distance outside the centre, you’ll find Heydar Aliyev Centre . A pinnacle of Baku’s modern architecture, this sleek white conference centre hosts a rotating array of exhibitions both inside the building and outside of it. Plus, it’s located in the middle of a cool park where locals like to come hang out!

The distances in Baku can be quite long if you’re adamant to explore absolutely everything; luckily the city has a great network of busses and metros.

Most popular day trips from Baku:

• Qobustan/Gobustan National Park: The best-loved trip around Baku focuses on the two most unique sights in the country: the mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs, set inside the arid yet beautiful Gobustan National Park. You can get there on public transportation but the easiest way is to get a tour.
• Ateshgah and Yanar Dag: Just outside of Baku, these two sites showcase just why Azerbaijan is called the Land of Fire. The Ateshgah Fire Temple is one of the only remaining Zoroastrian temples in Azerbaijan and has a fire inside it that never goes out. Yanar Dag, similarly, is a site where natural underground gas keeps an eternal fire burning.
• Shamakhi: This ancient capital is best known for its ruins and 1,000-year-old fort. Even though the town is a two-hour trip from the capital and might seem a little far, there isn’t that much to see so it might be best experienced as a day trip.
• Absheron National Park: The tip of the Absheron Peninsula is home to some unique flora and fauna, as well as a pretty stretch of white sands known as Bilgah Beach, which might just be the best sandy beach this close to Baku.

Visiting Ganja

The second biggest city in Azerbaijan has nothing to do with the Devil’s grass despite its (unfortunate?) name. No one quite knows why it’s called that; the best theory is that it comes from the Persian word ganj meaning treasure, which aligns with the legend that the city was founded on a site where a wandering Arab once discovered a treasure.

The number one reason to visit is to see the architecture. Much like Baku, old mosques live here side by side with modern constructions. View the Arc of Triumph from Heydar Aliyev Park , one of the biggest urban green spaces in Azerbaijan. In the same area, you’ll also find the Juma Mosque (also known as Shah Abbas Mosque), and you can browse traditional souvenirs on the Javad Khan Street.

Perhaps the most unique tourist site in the city is the Bottle House – a house that’s build out of 48,000 glass bottles. The heartbreakingly beautiful backstory to this unique building is that it serves as a memorial to its creators brother wh went missing during the Second World War.

Most attractiong in Ganja are close by and you can explore them on your own little feet. However, it’s worth squeezing in a trip to the Imamzadeh Complex too , and for this you’ll need a taxi (Bolt works, too). The Islamic mausoleum/caravanserai/mosque is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and a great example of the Islamic architecture in the country! Another attraction outside of the immediate centre is the Nizami mausoleum, a mausoleum dedicated to Nizami Ganjavi, a Persian poet who originated from the region – an who is also alleged to be the reason for the city’s name.

Best day trips from Ganja:

• Naftalan: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever bathed in? If you don’t have an answer to that question yet, take a day trip to the town of Naftalan. An hour from Ganja, a spa in this small town lets you bathe in crude oil which is believed to have healing properties against pain and inflammation.
• Goygol National Park: A great getaway to nature, the Goygol National Park has two big lakes – Lake Goygol and Lake Maralgol – to explore. Since Lake Goygol is located pretty close to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh, you can’t unfortunately go hiking around the area, but it’s a beautiful, peaceful break from hectic city life.

Visiting Sheki

Sheki is over 2,500 years old, making it one of the oldest settlements in the area. It’s known for its silks and embroidery, and these traditional handicrafts are still available for souvenir shoppers.

The biggest attraction is the town is the 18 th century Palace of Shaki Khans , located in a historical fortress. It’s a small but stunning palace where all furniture has been removed but the main attraction remains: the intricate paintings on the walls depicting birds, flowers and colourful shapes, and its beautiful stained-glass windows.

Sheki is also surrounded by lush mountains where you can take organised horse riding trips or go hiking . If you prefer solo adventures, make sure to talk to locals or your guesthouse keeper first: not a lot of the trails are marked so trailblazing can be quite an adventure.

I should mention that Sheki has a few culinary specialties that are typical to just this area. First there’s piti , a hearty lamb and vegetable stew cooked in a clay pot, that’s still many locals’ favourite dish. Then there’s halva which you might already be familiar with. Halva is a type of sweet typically found in Eastern Europe and Middle East although curiously, in Azerbaijan it’s mostly only made in Sheki.

My favourite thing in the area was visiting Kish, a little hamlet just north of Sheki and easily reachable by a 20-minute bus ride. It’s home to the Kish Albanian Church (no relation to Albania, the country), the oldest Christian church in Azerbaijan (which now is mostly Muslim), and surrounded by many a mystery. Now the charming church is an interesting site to visit and has a small tri-lingual museum.

You can also take a day trip to the nearby small towns of Qax and Qum : both have some interesting historical ruins.

Visiting Quba

Another excellent destination for hike-hungry mountain lovers, Quba is a small town that acts as your best gateway to many historical little towns in the area. Since Quba is located just a two-hour drive from Baku, many tourists visit it as a day trip from the capital, but the town warrants a few days to explore especially if you want to get familiar with the mountains surrounding the town.

While most Azerbaijanis are Muslim, one of Quba’s biggest attractions is the Jewish Quarter that has a couple of synagogues and a Jewish museum . Other landmarks include the Arbadil Mosque, Sakina Khan Mosque and the Quba Genocide Memorial Complex.

Many tourists in the area take a day trip to the town of Xinaliq . Once the most remote village in Azerbaijan, the town of 2,000 inhabitants is now connected to Quba through a bumpy three-hour drive on a recently asphalted road. In case you were wondering what life of the days-gone-past looked like in Azerbaijan, Xinaliq is an excellent case study. Hike in the surrounding hills and learn a few words of Ketsh, the local language that’s only spoken in this area.

Another popular day trip from Quba is to the village of Laza . Similarly to Xinaliq, it doesn’t offer many accommodation options nor public transportation, it’s better to visit it by day and return to Quba for the night.

Visiting Lahic

Lahic – also spelled as Lahij – is a tiny town on the Niyal mountains, known as the heart of Azeri craftmanship. I’ll be honest- there isn’t much to do in town so most people make it a daytrip from Baku or a stopover for a weekend on the mountains, but it’s a pretty, unique place that definitely warrants a visit, whether you feel like staying for a few hours or few days.

The land around the town is mountainous and arid so agriculture never took off here; instead, the people of the area started making their living through handicrafts. Craftsmanship is still well and alive here, although these days its position as the main industry has been replaced by tourism.

Take a stroll past the little shops selling spices, traditional rugs, vests and hats made from wool (because even if the land might be too barren for farming, there are still plenty of sheep to go around!) and pots, pans, picture frames, decorative items and anything imaginable made from the main export of the town – copper . With doors to workshops open to the street and old stone houses, the over 1,000-year-old Lahic is like a living open-air museum.

Watch your step though – while Lahic’s streets are often described as “cobblestoned”, the street seems more like a bunch of slabs of stones sporadically tossed to ground, and you wouldn’t want to twist your ankle!

Since Lahic is nestled in the middle of the mountains, it’s also a great spot for some nice hikes . There are several day hikes around the area – the exciting part is that there isn’t much information about them online, so you‘ll be better off asking your guest house about the best routes.

Visiting Qabala/Gabala

The historical capital of Azerbaijani Albanians is THE centre for nature adventures in Azerbaijan. Imagine green forests, waterfalls, canyons nestled amongst craggy Caucasian mountains, rivers and mountain tops – Qabala is one of the top places for hikers in Azerbaijan.

So, what should you aim your hiking boots at, then? Popular natural attractions nearby include the Nohur Lake and the Seven Beauties waterfall. To be honest- if you’re use to gushing falls á la Bali jungles or Niagara Falls, this little waterfall might feel slightly underwhelming, but it is surrounded by beautiful nature which is surely a welcome change to the usually arid landscapes in Azerbaijan.

In the winter, Qabala transforms into the biggest ski centre in the country. The Tufandag ski centre can still be visited in the summer, too, with a cable car to see the views from the top – or if you’re feeling adventurous, apparently it’s also possible to hike up.

The town of Qabala is also chock-full of fascinating history. Once an ancient capital, you – a modern visitor – can now gawk at cool old ruins, including those of the old settlement and an Albanian gate. Visit the Archeological Centre to learn more about the region and its historical importance. If you happen to be in town in the summer, you can class up your act at the Gabala Music Festival , a big outdoor festival dedicated to classical music.

Visiting the Caspian Sea

When you think about Azerbaijan, a beach holiday is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Surprise! Azerbaijan’s Eastern border follows the Caspian Sea – the largest lake in the world – all the way from the border of Iran up to Dagestan, Russia. Unfortunately oil pollution has ruined many of the beaches along the 813 kilometres of coastline but there are still a few relaxing, beautiful resort towns to check out.

Lankaran is located close to the border of Iran and might be a more ideal place to stay overnight than Astara (more on that below). Check out the 14 th century Lankaran Fortress and Kichik-Bazar mosque . There’s also the Mirakhmad Khan House , a historical house that according to stories was built by an admiring husband to his wife after she won a beauty competition.

Nabran is located in the north, close to the Russian border and about an hour’s drive from Quba. Known mostly for its beachside resorts, Nabran is the place to head to if you’re looking for a properly relaxing beach holiday (maybe after a trip to the mountains that’s what you need?)

Beshbarmag Mountain is located close to the town of Shurabad. The legend has that this sacred mountain with a strange five-finger rock formation on top has a spring that grants immortality. While you might not find the secrets to eternal life here, at least you’ll get a great view over the Caspian Sea. In addition, the area is great for bird-watching for anyone who might be so inclined.

Visiting Astara

Let’s be honest – there isn’t much to see in Astara itself. This Southern town is the last stop between Azerbaijan and Iran, and unlike most of the country, it enjoys a sub-tropical climate. Many people seem to refer to this as “the most beautiful area in Azerbaijan”. Surely they’re talking about the surrounding nature rather than the town itself, but it is a decent base to explore all the wonderful sights around.

Astara would be easily dismissed as just a border town on the way to Iran but it does have one of the nicest bits of beach on the Caspian Sea coast on the Azeri side. Take a stroll on the seaside and check out the local history museum.

Near Astara you’ll find the town of Archivanm home to one of the most eccentric sights in the country: water that burns. Yanar Bulag is a spring in which the water’s methane content is so high that it catches fire when you keep a flame to it. Watch out so you don’t burn your eyebrows off!

The biggest reason to visit the Southernmost region in Azerbaijan, though, is the surrounding nature. The Hirkan National Park and the Talysh Mountains are home to some endemic and endangered species that you’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of. This zoo of rarities includes lynx, brown bears, boars, and the extremely endangered Caucasian leopard (also known as the Persian Leopard).

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Azerbaijan

Getting off the beaten path is one of the best parts of backpacking the Caucasus region. And in Azerbaijan it isn’t hard – if you think about how little visited the country itself is, just imagine the wonderful possibilities that lie beyond the “popular” destinations.

There are countless opportunities for hikers craving to get off the beaten path – literally. Where there isn’t desert, there’s mountains, and Azerbaijan has many national parks and lake areas that are not often visited. The only downside? Trails are often badly marked (read: not at all) even on online maps like Maps.me, but if you’re sure your little boots can take you there, trekking in Azerbaijan should be a real experience. Additional plus is that wild camping is perfectly legal. Hikers rejoice!

When it comes to towns, the best echoes of traditional Azeri culture can be found in tiny little mountain towns that have preserved the traditional lifestyles alongside their growing tourism industry. There aren’t many foreign tourists that make it to the most remote townships, and accommodations there are usually rudimentary (but incredibly friendly!) homestays.

Then there’s Nakhchivan . a land-locked and autonomous region that’s part of Azerbaijan despite not sharing an inch of a border with the rest of the country. Here you can visit salt mines, remote national parks and the Mausoleum of Noah, all this set in a very self-sufficient economy built between Islamic monuments and Soviet-era buildings. Only accessible by a short flight from Baku and visited by very few tourists, Nakhchivan is one of the most unique places you can visit in Azerbaijan.

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Top Things to Do in Azerbaijan

1. bathe in oil.

In the town of Naftalan, visitors can undergo a range of spa treatments with crude oil. It’s supposed to have anti-inflammatory properties and help with pain. Who knows if this is actually true – but at least it makes for a truly unusual experience.

2. Explore mud volcanoes

A whopping 350 mud volcanoes make Azerbaijan the number one in the world when it comes to these bubbling pyres. The mud volcanoes are located just outside of Baku and are accessible by taxi or public transportation.

3. Play with fire

In the land dubbed the Land of Fire, fire is indeed found in unique and strange places. Near Baku, you can visit a Zoroastrian temple with an eternal flame and Yanar Dag, an area where the ground is just perpetually on fire. In the South, another fired-up spot is found in Yanar Bulag where the methane content of the water is so high that you can see water itself burning. (This is the perfect opportunity to practice your rendition of Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain .)

4. See the nightly lightshow at Flame Towers in Baku.

Every night after dark, Baku’s most famous landmark lights up with images of a waving Azerbaijani flag, the colours of the flag and multi-coloured LED lights. One of the most unique things to see in the city for sure – and completely free.

5. Gawk at ancient petroglyphs

Another famous attraction outside of Baku: these UNESCO heritage listed cave paintings depict animals, plants, hunting scenes and the people and culture from pre-historic times.

6. Get to know traditional culture in mountain towns.

Azerbaijan’s mountain hamlets are living history museums showing still-traditional ways of life in the country. Admire artisans working with copper in Lahic or hike with the local shepherds and villagers in Xinaliq.

7. See the famous Bottle House in Ganja.

This peculiar two-storey house is bult entirely out of bottles. Built in 1967 by Ibrahim Jafarov as a memorial to his brother who went missing in World War II, this eccentric house has a heart-breaking backstory.

8. Drink all the tea

Step aside, Britons – Azerbaijanis consume a lot of tea, and it’s the centrepiece of all social life. In Azerbaijan, tea can’t be too sweet, and you’ll be taught to hold a sugar cube between your teeth while you down your cup. Traditionally tea houses (chaykhana) have been reserved for local men but there are many great touristy ones where you won’t feel unwelcome even as a foreign lady!

9. Get to know Azerbaijani culture at a homestay.

In a country with under-developed tourist infrastructure, homestays are a popular budget accommodation option alongside hostels and guest houses. Staying with a local family is one of the most authentic ways to experience Azerbaijan.

10. Shop for traditional souvenirs.

Even if you’re just window-shopping, traditional Azerbaijani handicrafts are an aesthetically pleasing sight (and great for your Instagram). Some popular handicrafts include copper dishes, rugs, Soviet mementos and embroidered items. Just be careful when shopping for antiques: you usually need a special permission to take authentic antiques out of the country

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Backpacker Accommodation in Azerbaijan

Good new for broke backpackers: Azerbaijan is a very affordable place to travel. This includes backpacker accommodation options, too!

Azerbaijan is still finding its footing as a reputable backpacker destination which means that its accommodation options are pretty limited and very basic. Even Baku is still largely lacking the kind of modern, flashy boutique backpacker hostels that are the norm in 2021. Budget hostels and guest houses kind of look like if your grandma suddenly decided to flip her old house into a hotel but left all the old decorations in place, but I guess that just adds to the charm of backpacking Azerbaijan.

This isn’t to say that the options are necessarily bad, just bare-bones. You’ll find normal hostels with basic beds, working wifi, helpful reception and kitchens, just like most anywhere.

While hostels are few and far between, there are plenty of other budget accommodation options available from homestays to private rooms and apartments as well as AirBnBs. Often you’ll be able to score a private room as cheaply as $15 per night!

One oddity about staying in Azerbaijan is that you need to register with the State Migration Service if you’re staying for more than 10 days. Hostels and hotels can usually do this for you but if you’re travelling independently – think AirBnBs and Couchsurfing – you need to do this yourself. For this reason, I’d recommend spending at least the first couple of nights in Azerbaijan in a hostel to get someone else to take care of the registration for you.

 Homestays in Azerbaijan

Since Azerbaijan is still largely outside of an average tourist’s radar, the infrastructure for international visitors is still pretty underdeveloped and accommodation options are limited outside of Baku. Often homestays are the only way to spend the night – even guest houses haven’t found their way to the tiniest towns yet.

When I visited the mountain town Lahic, I stayed at a homestay with a local family. While finding the place was a little hard – these are regular homes so there wasn’t a sign outside of the house -, the hosts were clearly used to having international visitors, and they offered me endless cups of sweetened tea and biscuits. I stayed in the children’s room (a Spider-Man rug and mountains of stuffed animals are always excellent interior deco choices) and dined with the family. The stay was simple, cheap, and above all a great glimpse into the life of a regular Azeri family.

Finding homestays isn’t hard since they’re often listed on accommodation websites as regular accommodations alongside hotels and guest houses. You can also ask about homestay options from your hostel or tour guide and they should be able to recommend options in the more remote spots around Azerbaijan.

The Best Places to Stay in Azerbaijan

While Baku definitely has the best offer of backpacker hostels , travelling the whole country as just day trips from there is pretty much impossible (not to mention, exhausting). Here are some recommendations for comfy home-away-from-homes around the country on your trip to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan Backpacking Costs

In short, Azerbaijan is a very affordable place to travel. Yay!

Baku can get a little more expensive than the rest of the country, especially if you stay in hotels instead of hostels and eat at the restaurants around the Main Square. Even for the more extreme shoestring backpackers it’s easy to stay on a stringent budget, though.

True backpacker hostels are few and far in between but luckily staying in hotels and guest houses is still incredibly affordable (the only thing that might take a heavy hit is your extroverted nature – you might not run into many other backpackers in Azerbaijan outside of Baku). A bed in a dorm room usually costs under ten dollars a night.

Private single and double rooms in pretty decent hotels (seriously – some of them are rated at 4 stars) cost about 15-25 dollars per night. The fancier places can run up several hundred dollars per night – but why stay in a Four Seasons when you could get a private room somewhere else for a fraction of that price?

Local grub in Azerbaijan is delicious and affordable! You can get by with supermarket food and one-dollar kebabs (especially if your hostel offers an included breakfast) but it’s definitely worth budgeting double that to enjoy nice dinners at local restaurants – I promise this is still not going to dent your budget much.

Three dollars for a second-class sleeper train?? Even though that is the official price, I felt like I was robbing the Azerbaijani railways. I mean, that’s just so cheap! In general, public transportation is super affordable: Both long-distance trains and busses typically cost around $4-8.

Private taxis and tours cost more but if you manage to make a few friends, splitting the cost brings the total down to a very affordable level. If you’re travelling within Baku, a few bucks on a Bolt taxi will get you to the other side of town and back.

The best nightlife in the country is found in Baku – elsewhere you’d be hard-pressed to find such a platter of bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. A night out can be expensive if you only go to the most exclusive clubs; but if you’re content to just sip some local beers and Russian vodka in a little pub, the party life isn’t going to damage your wallet much.

The only way you’ll end up splurging your money is if you take a lot of private trips. For example, a day trip to the Gobustan National Park can cost about $10 by maneuvering public transportation but about $70-80 on a private tour.

Entrance to attractions in Baku is typically $5-8, in other towns around the countries main attractions might cost about $2-5. Since a lot of sightseeing in the country consists of walking around and looking at stuff, it’s also easy to complete a full day of sightseeing completely free!

A Daily Budget in Azerbaijan

Money in azerbaijan.

The currency in Azerbaijan is manat, abbreviated as AZN. In March 2021, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.7 AZN. This makes dealing with the local currency pretty easy since you can calculate approximate prices by dividing the manat sums by two.

Even though major hotels, supermarkets and shops in Baku and other bigger cities accept major credit cards, you should always be prepared to carry cash; many smaller shops, bazaars and such don’t take the plastic as payment. And if you get to the mountains – to towns like Lahic. Laza or Xinaliq – you won’t even find any ATMs.

ATMs and exchange offices are pretty widely available in Baku and other bigger cities. Some ATMs even dish out money in American dollars. In Azerbaijan, you’ll only need local currency, but this feature is excellent if you’re headed to Iran afterwards (where you need to bring dollars or euros in to exchange since Iranian ATMs don’t operate foreign credit cards, and you cant exchange Iranian rial outside of Iran).

Travel Tips – Azerbaijan on a Budget

Even though Azerbaijan is already an affordable country to begin with, there are always ways to streamline your budget even more. Here are some of the best tried-and-tested broke backpacker methods to save money:

• Try Couchsurfing: The Couchsurfing community in Azerbaijan is pretty small and finding a host (especially outside of Baku) might be a challenge, but if you manage to find someone, the search is worth the free stay and getting to know life on a more local level.
• Put up your thumb and hitch a ride: Hitchhiking in Azerbaijan is easy and rather common, and often you’ll see locals on the side of the road waiting for a ride as well. Just make sure you make it clear you’re expecting a free ride!
• Cook your own food: Many hostels and guest houses have a kitchen but in the places I stayed they were often kind of dingy and under-equipped. A savvy backpacker travels with a portable stove – it comes in handy both when camping and staying in accommodations without a kitchen or with less-than-savory kitchens.
• Pitch a tent: Wild camping is allowed in Azerbaijan with the exception of some national parks (like Hirvan, Absheron and Ag Gol), and while you could always stay at an official campsite, fearless rough sleepers pitch their tents in the wild and save a night’s accommodation.
• Bring a reusable water bottle: Recycling is neat, buying plastic is not. In most parts of the country, tap water comes from springs and is perfectly fine to drink; in Baku, tourists are often cautioned against drinking tap water but even there the quality isn’t bad, and any suspicious tourist can always boil the water before drinking.

Why Should You Travel to Azerbaijan with a Water Bottle?

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Best Time to Travel to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has varying weather, depending on the part of the country you’re in: the Caucasian mountains have cooler weather in the summer and in the winter temperatures can plummet down to -20°C, and near Baku and on the coast of the Caspian Sea, the hottest summer months can face temperatures up to 40°C while winters are chilly but mild, just above zero degrees.

With this in mind, the best time to travel to Azerbaijan is from April to June and from September to October. Ski fanatics could consider coming here in the winter, too, since the town of Qabala transforms into a pretty excellent winter sports centre.

If your planned Azerbaijan itinerary revolves around hiking, though, you might want to consider timing your trip to autumn. In September-October , the gorgeous natural parks are showing off their best autumn colours. Temperatures are also more moderate. If you’re planning on hiking or visiting mountain towns, avoid early summer – it takes a while for all the snow to melt, and some mountain towns like Xinaliq might be inaccessible.

A note in Ramadan in case you’re wondering: even though the majority of the population of Azerbaijan is Muslim and Ramadan is observed (in April-May), everything continues to operate pretty much business as usual even during the holiday.

Festivals in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan might lack Coachella-style festivals and international pop performers, but there are still a few cool (and quirky) music and cultural festivals that are worth checking out if you happen to be around at the right time.

• Day of Physical Culture and Sport (March): this special sports festival has been going on for a few years now. Its aim is to encourage people to train in sports and bring attention to the Azerbaijani Olympic team, but the day is not only about physical activity: chess tournaments also often take place on this day.
• Flower Festival (May): A celebration in honour of the previous president Heydar Aliyev (when you travel around, you seen his name pop up EVERYWHERE) is marked by extravagant flower sculptures in the Heydar Aliyev Park in Baku and accompanied by concerts and fireworks.
• Zhara Festival (July): A pretty new music festival on the Caspian Sea promises big stages and great music. Even though you might have never heard of the artists, Zhara seems to be the closest equivalent to a Western-style music festival in Azerbaijan.
• Gabala Music Festival (July/August): A large open-air festival in Gabala brings forth many internationally acclaimed classical music performers.
• Baku International Jazz Festival (October): One of the biggest music festivals in the country has been internationally praised and should interest any lover of jazz.
• Goychay Pomegranate Festival (October/November): This small town in the middle of the country has a festival entirely dedicated to pomegranates, an important symbol in the region. The festivities include competitions like presenting the biggest pomegranate and pomegranate eating competition.

What to Pack for Azerbaijan

Wherever I travel, there are a few trusty things I always slip into my backpack.

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Staying Safe in Azerbaijan

In general, Azerbaijan is a safe country to travel – although somewhat more rough than a lot of the more popular travel destinations. You should watch out for petty theft, pickpocketing and scams; unfortunately, tourists are pretty commonly targeted.

HOWEVER, there’s an exception to the rule that you already knew we’d have to talk about: the conflict in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh , or Artsakh, as the Armenians call it. In a nutshell: during Soviet rule, N-K was an autonomous region belonging to Azerbaijan, but when the Soviet Union went all topsy-turvy, the majority-Armenian population decided they’d rather join the region to Armenia.

Tens of thousands of people got killed in the subsequent war, and after the 1994 treaty, things have been kind of peaceful but definitely seething.

Now the reason this has to be mentioned is that last year, the fighting started again. (Thanks 2020, definitely didn’t already have enough on our plates.) Luckily, it ended pretty quickly in a new treaty, but because of this, the area is more volatile than before.

While it’s impossible to actually visit Nagorno-Karabakh from Azerbaijan (even though it technically still belongs to Azerbaijan, you can only visit from the Armenian side), it’s good to be aware of what’s happening around there, especially if you’re planning to visit somewhere nearby.

One note about travelling as a solo girl: I never really felt unsafe but I did have a few more uncomfortable encounters in Baku than I’m used to while travelling: a man followed me around in the night-time downtown, and another one sat next to me in a park singing Titanic’s theme song to me, and another one wordlessly offered me money for it-was-pretty-clear-for-what at the train station. My advice is to be aware of your surroundings and people around you – same as anywhere, but with maybe just a little bit more precaution than usual.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Azerbaijan

While most Azerbaijanis are Muslim, the country is by no means under Sharia law, and alcohol is pretty widely available and attitudes towards it are liberal. The best nightlife revolves around Baku where you can find everything from expat pubs to Soviet-style bars and fancy discos and nightclubs. Elsewhere in the country, party is a little harder to come by, but you’ll still be able to get booze from the supermarkets.

Women drinking alone might be regarded a little strangely – even if they’re Westerners – but that’s just due to a culture where drinking is traditionally considered a men’s hobby. Pshht.

Speaking of women: in Azeri culture, a very traditional strand of chivalry is well and alive, and it’s not unusual to see men offering their seats on public transportation to women even if they’re not old or pregnant. This also means that if you’re planning to take an Azeri girl out, she might expect you to pay for the whole date. (Broke backpacker girls, maybe this is your cue to find a nice Azeri guy to take you out and treat you?)

Despite literally being home to a city called Ganja, the namesake is still very much illegal in Azerbaijan and can lead to harsh fines or even imprisonment (apparently 6-7 years is not out of the question).

Travel Insurance for Azerbaijan

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How to Get into Azerbaijan

Most overland travellers find their way to Azerbaijan as a part of their Silk Road-Caucasus itinerary or Eastern European backpacking adventure .

From Iran, you can cross the border by foot and take a taxi on the other side of the border to the train station to get to Baku. There are also busses from Tehran to Baku.

From Georgia, you can take a train, bus or a private taxi. With road transportation, you’ll still need to physically walk through the immigration, but if you’re travelling on train, all the immigration formalities are done on board.

From Russia, you can take a shared taxi to the border and catch another shared taxi on the other side. There is also a train from Moscow to Baku but it can be pretty pricey. In the past, this crossing has not been open for all passport holders but these days it should be easy-going; however, make sure it’s all alright before your trip since Russia is known to occasionally change their border restrictions quickly, plus not a lot of travellers take this route so it might be a bit more hassle than the other incoming routes.

You could always fly in: Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is reasonably well-connected, and Gabala also has an international airport.

It is NOT POSSIBLE to enter Azerbaijan from Armenia. In addition to sharing a long border, the two countries also share a long and complicated history: the fighting over the Azerbaijan-adjacent but Armenian-ruled territory Nagorno-Karabakh still continues, and Azerbaijan has not recognised the Armenian genocide by the Ottoman Empire (modern Turkey) which obviously doesn’t fare well with Armenia. So, all borders between the two are totally closed.

 Entry Requirements for Azerbaijan

You do need a visa to enter Azerbaijan but lucky you – the application process is really easy!

Most travellers can get an online visa before arrival. It takes about three days to process and costs a whopping $24. Don’t forget to print the visa out once you receive it – you do need a physical print-out to enter the country. This visa is valid for 30 days.

The e-visa is called the ASAN visa. Make sure you get it from the official government website to avoid getting bamboozled!

It’s also important to know that you have to register with the State Migration Service if you’re planning to spend more than 10 days in the country. Your hotel or hostel can usually do this for you once you arrive but if you’re planning to go all solo, you have to do this yourself (or prepare to pay an annoying fine once you’re departing).

There are 11 visa-exempt countries (mostly in the Eastern Europe), and a handful of countries can also get the visa on arrival at an international airport; Armenian passport holders cannot enter at all.

Due to long-lasting skirmishes and recently full-blown (although small-scale) war re-initiating in Nagorno-Karabakh, you do get asked on the border if you’ve travelled to Armenia . It isn’t a problem if you have an Armenian stamp in your passport although you should be prepared for a plethora of annoying questions.

However, if you’ve visited Nagorno-Karabakh, you’ll immediately be denied entry into Azerbaijan and might face legal consequences. While it’s possible and legal to visit Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia, Azerbaijan considers this unauthorised entry into their country. If you’re planning on visiting both Azerbaijan and Armenia, I’d go to Azerbaijan first – travelling this way, I didn’t have any trouble.

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How to Get Around Azerbaijan

Tourist infrastructure is still kind of underdeveloped in Azerbaijan but this doesn’t mean that getting around is too difficult. There are many options to choose from, and most of them are super duper easy to do on a shoestring budget.

There are busses… but bus travel in Azerbaijan is likely not what you’re used to. Instead of big tourist busses, you’ll find marshrutkas – barely bigger than a van, these minibuses have approximate schedules and very cheap prices. Travelling in a packed marshrutka might not be the most comfortable option but it definitely is an experience you should go through. When in the Caucasus…

Bus terminals can be confusing to foreigners. There aren’t necessarily big, bright signs instructing you to the right platforms. Buy your ticket at the ticket office at the station, then walk around the station asking people to show you to the right bus. The destination name is usually written on a piece of paper on the windshield. In Azerbaijani minibuses, women sit in the front and men in the back.

The train network in Azerbaijan is not bad at all. Most big cities are connected by trains, and it only takes a few hours to travel between them. If you’re covering large distances – for example, Sheki to Baku or Baku to Astara, I recommend booking the night train to save time.

I took the night train from Sheki to Baku, and I’d definitely recommend that as a way of covering long distances quickly. You get sheets and a blanket (all plastered with the logo of the Azerbaijani railways), and the trip was as comfortable as you’d expect from a second-class sleeper train in an ex-Soviet country.

I mean, yeah, in theory you can travel Azerbaijan by car – but think twice. Most of the places you’re likely to have on your itinerary are accessible by public transport, and for the most remote areas, 4×4 vehicles are recommended since roads are in bad condition. Driving yourself in Azerbaijan is a feat reserved only for experienced drivers.

In fact, roads in Azerbaijan are generally in pretty poor state, except for some newer highways between bigger cities and roads around Baku. Expect potholes, chickens, reckless drivers, unpaved roads and being surrounded by old Ladas. (Seriously, does everyone in Azerbaijan drive a Lada?) If you’re adamant on driving, have fun – it’s definitely going to be an adventure.

In some cases, sharing a taxi between a few people is cheaper (and more comfortable) than taking a minibus.

In Baku, travelling by taxi is generally safe but if you’re foreigner, you might be more vulnerable to being scammed. Bolt – a rideshare app similar to Uber – is a popular, secure and cheap option for trips within the capital. (I’m not entirely sire it operates in other cities in Azerbaijan.)

The Caucasus in general is a great place to pick up lifts so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that hitchhiking in Azerbaijan is worth the while. People are friendly and getting a ride is pretty easy. In fact, locals often hitch rides with passing cars as well, so a thumb-traveller is not an uncommon sight.

Just make sure you let the drivers know that you’re looking for a free ride; especially when seeing an (assumedly wealthy) Westerner, private cars suddenly become impromptu taxis, and the drivers might expect payment at the end of the ride.

Onwards Travel from Azerbaijan

Fly out, or travel onwards through three overland routes: north to Georgia or Russia (rarer) or south to Iran.

Getting to Georgia is pretty simple: you can take a bus or a train or hitchhike, and most nationalities don’t need a visa to enter (in fact, Georgia has a visa-free scheme in place with free one-year visas!)

Iran is a little more tough but not an impossible feat at all. If you arrive overland, you need to sort out your visa in advance which requires a couple of visits to the Iranian embassy in Baku. Then take a night train to Astara, a taxi to the border, cross on foot and ta-dah, you’re in the Republic of Iran!

Apparently it’s also possible to take a cargo ship also operating as ferry across the Caspian Sea to Aktau, Kazakstan or Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. From what I’ve read, this seems like a difficult, confusing process but hey, anything for an adventure, right? (You need to sort out your visas beforehand too!)

Working in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has so far not been a very popular digital nomad destination but this might change in the next few years, especially as the neighbouring countries Georgia and Armenia start to draw in more remote workers. Baku already has an expat population that mostly consists of foreigners working in the oil industry but the cheap cost of living is a great attractor for future nomads!

However, wifi is not great, the weather is not great, not that many people speak English and dealing with immigration can be annoying (remember, you have to register if you’re spending over ten days in the country).

The biggest downside, though, that a lot of visitors to Baku seem to agree on is that in the end, there isn’t all that much to do. Sure, Baku is pretty – but it’s nowhere near as fun and entertaining to live in as Tbilisi. In addition, the short tourist visa (only 30 days) is pretty efficiently preventing a long-term nomad community from forming.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in Azerbaijan

Volunteering abroad is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. There are plenty of different volunteer projects in Azerbaijan including teaching, construction, agriculture and pretty much anything.

Despite Azerbaijan’s status as a developing country, volunteering opportunities can be hard to come by. Most opportunities you’ll find are in housekeeping or hospitality, where you’ll help out in guest houses in return for food and accommodation. Note you will need a visa to volunteer in Azerbaijan.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Azerbaijan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to Eat in Azerbaijan

Before travelling through Azerbaijan, I was not expecting a great culinary experience. I expected bland and dry dishes – a stereotype more fitting to the Soviet Union and a few decades too late – or maybe heavy, greasy food á la Eastern Europe. What I found instead blew me away and left my mouth watering.

Azerbaijani cuisine, just like its culture, is a tasty mix of Eastern European and Middle Eastern treats. Many of its most iconic dishes, like kebab or dolma, can be found in other countries too, but Azerbaijan puts its own spin to these simple but delicious classics.

Despite the long shoreline along the Caspian Sea, sea food isn’t all that heavily featured in the local cuisine (oil pollution who?). Instead, the traditional dishes lean to meat – especially lamb – and mouth-watering mixtures of spices and herbs.

Even these days, food is often prepared using traditional cooking methods. Maybe the reason that these dishes are made in copper and clay dishes is the secret ingredient that gives the local cuisine its own twang.

Azeris love their tea – but the way they take it verges on a threat of a heart attack. Tea in Azerbaijan is supposed to be taken extremely sweet, and the traditional way of drinking it is to put a sugar cube between your teeth while you’re sipping. Drinking tea plays a big part in the culture, and it’s the social lubricant of choice for hosting guests, chit-chatting in tea houses or matchmaking your children for marriage.

At loss at what to ask at the restaurant? Start with these Azerbaijani treats.

Plov – An unmissable classic! Saffron-infused rice cooked with herbs, meat and vegetables

Dolma – Minced lamb meat, herbs and rice rolled into one delicious bundle in cabbage or vine leaves

Kebab/Shashlik – Skewered meats sometimes offered in pita bread make for the cheapest street food to find in Azerbaijan

Dushbara – The “Azerbaijani dumplings” are served in lamb broth and typically filled with minced meat, tomatoes and onions.

Fisinjan – Chicken with chestnuts and pomegranate seeds baked in a clay dish

Piti – Lamb stew cooked in a clay pot with vegetables is a hearty meal hailing from the city of Sheki

Dovga – Yoghurt soup with chickpeas, herbs and rice, and it can be served hot or cold

Baliq – Fish grilled on a skewer and served with plum sauce

Lavangi – A roasted chicken or fished stuffed with onions, walnuts and dried fruit. This dish is especially popular in Southern Azerbaijan.

Qutab – kind of a savoury crepe: a flat pie filled with meat and/or vegetables and usually eaten with yoghurt sauce.

Azerbaijani Culture

This is surely becoming a thread through this entire backpacking guide… But yes, the culture of Azerbaijan is very much a mixture of its Persian and Turkish roots and Soviet history.

The Oriental influence shows in the Islam majority population, hospitality of its people and tasty cuisine; whereas the old Soviet ways are still visible in the secular position of its religion, language (Russian, while only a secondary language, is often considered the language of culture and art) and attitudes – there are still a lot of people who remember the “good old Soviet times”.

Traditions still play a big part in everyday lives. If you only visit glitzy Baku, it’s easy to get lost in all the wealth brought on by the oil money and forget that this wealth doesn’t necessarily trickle down to the rest of the country. In large parts of Azerbaijan, people still lead very traditional lives farming, herding sheep and making crafts, even if tourism has somehow crept into that tapestry of old ways. This means that Azerbaijani culture can be quite conservative, especially if you step foot outside of Baku (which you DEFINITELY should).

And I feel like this is said about every place in the world, but the people of Azerbaijan? Simply lovely folks. On top of that, the people definitely have character. On my trip, I encountered many quirky, friendly personalities, like the bar owner who, on top of my beer, ended up giving me a tour of all his aquariums; or the waiter at a Baku restaurant who, when seeing me sit alone, brought me a candle to the table and happily told me: ‘Alone, but still romantic.’

Throughout my travels in Azerbaijan, I met reserved but helpful people who seemed to like to mind their own business while also showing hospitality and curiosity towards the European backpacker girl that had somehow happened to wander into their country.

Useful Travel Phrases for Azerbaijan

The official and primary language of Azerbaijan is Azeri, a Turkic language that’s spoken mostly in Azerbaijan and some neighbouring areas in the countries next door. And yep, it’s a hard one to learn, and many people don’t speak English.

If you speak Russian, that helps: after the long history being a part of the Soviet Union, most people in Azerbaijan speak at least a little bit of Russian. Or on the off chance you know Turkish, apparently Azeri is pretty understandable for Turkish speakers.

If you don’t, good luck! Here are a few phrases to get you started.

(Tip: you’ll see a lot of words with a letter that looks like an upside-down e. This rogue e is pronounced like a in the word c a t.)

Hello – Salam

How are you? – Necasiz?

Yes/No – He / Yox (or Da/Nyet, like in Russian)

Thank you – Sag ol

Nice to meet you – Cox Sadam

Bon appetit – Nush olsun

Beer – Pivo

Tea – Chay

Delicious – Dadlidir/ Lazzatlidir

Bus and train – Avtobus va Qatar

I love you – Man sani seviram

When you drink tea, the cup count doesn’t matter – Çay nadir, say nadir

Books to Read About Azerbaijan

• Ali and Nino : Potentially the most famous book written about the area is often (rather inaccurately) dubbed the “Romeo and Juliet of the Caucasus”. The whirlwind romance follows an Azeri Muslim Ali and Georgian Christian girl Nino, and their love story takes you on a journey from Georgian mountains all the way to Iran, with Baku and the effects of first World War on centre stage.
• Azerbaijan Diary: A Rogue Reporter’s Adventures in an Oil-rich, War-torn, Post-Soviet Republic: The author Thomas Goltz is a journalist who witnessed Azerbaijan’s last years under Soviet rule, and the short-ish book is a good insight into the country’s first steps as an independent nation.
• Leyla and Majnun: We could all use more romance in our lives. Similar to Ali and Nino, Layla and Manjun gets often named the local Romeo and Juliet (more accurately than in the first case, I might add). This poetry book is by no other than Nizami Ganjavi, the famous 12th-century poet hailing from the region near Ganja. The story is one of the poems in his poetry collection Mirror of the Invisible World.
• Splendid Azerbaijan: The History and Culture of the Land of Fire : There’s a reason this book is often listed among the best books to read about Azerbaijan: it’s a pretty easy and short read that concisely puts together the most important events in Azerbaijan’s history and is good preparation for your trip.
• Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War : Thomas de Waal’s book is a must-read if you’re curious about just why Armenia and Azerbaijan seem to end in cahoots time and time again.

A Brief History of Azerbaijan

By now, I’ve mentioned Azerbaijan’s status as a crossroads state between Soviet and Turkish/Persian nations so many times that you must be dying to know just what I’m talking about. Well, let me tell you.

Early Azerbaijan

Early Azerbaijan was under Persian rule, an undefined country where foreign influences were welcome to trickle in and make their mark. In large parts of the country, Zoroastrianism became the most important religion, while in the north, the Caucasian Albanian kingdom spread Christianity (no relation to Balkan Albanians – turns out humans are just bad at making up unique names). Later, the area was taken over by Arabs coming from modern-day Turkey, and Islam became the hottest thing in the budding nation.

During the next few centuries, Azerbaijan played the unfortunate middleman to skirmishes between Persia, Russia an the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey). At the same time, its economy started to pick up: even though it wasn’t directly on the Silk Road, it was located close enough that its trade flourished as numerous caravaner routes were built across the country.

Then, drums please: in late 19 th century, Baku struck gold. Or, well, more accurately – oil. This led to explosive growth in wealth in the area, and by 1901 Baku was supplying half of the world’s oil.

The thing about Russians plus independence trials

Well, Russians had been in Azerbaijan for long at that point. Their story is kind of complex: in the early 19 th century, in yet another conflict between Russia and Persia, large areas of then-Azerbaijan fell into Russian hands, including Baku and modern-day Armenia’s capital Yerevan, leaving a lot of the other areas split from the new wealth generated in the capital.

Then in 1918, after the Russian Revolution had shook the Slavic overlords and forced them to withdraw, Azerbaijan declared itself independent and shacked up with Armenia and Georgia to form one Transcaucasian authority – which lasted a whopping three months. After this Azerbaijan decided, screw it, I’ll do it myself, and remained an independent country up until 1920 when the Russian Red Army marched back to Baku and was met with minimal resistance.

Azerbaijan remained a part of the Soviet Union for 71 years.

The break-up and modern day Azerbaijan

Back in 1918 when Azerbaijan first did their free-month trial of independence, the effort had fallen short because the ethnically and economically fractured society couldn’t pull their shit together.

The situation wasn’t much better when the second shot at independence started. Growing tension between ethnic Azerbaijanis and Armenians finally exploded in war in Nagorno-Karabakh; at the same time, anti-Armenian sentiment grew, and Soviet military action in Baku left dead bodies laying left and right. As the Soviet Union collapsed, Azerbaijan finally declared independence in 1991.

In the first couple of years, two whole presidents came into power and were overthrown until Heydar Aliyev, the former president of Azerbaijan’s communist party, came into power. He’s seen as the person who formed the treaty in Nagorno-Karabakh in 1994 and was able to unite the fractured country as it continued to bloom through oil wealth. That name is also definitely familiar to anyone who’s travelled Azerbaijan; despite his death in 2003, Aliyev is still referred to as the “Nation’s Leader”, and pretty much every city has streets, monuments and buildings dedicated to him.

These days, the nation’s actual leader is Aliyev’s son Ilham Aliyev. Despite Azerbaijan’s apparent unity-of-the-day, over 1/6 of the country is still disputed territory, and the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh recently flared up again until ending in a Russian-assisted treaty late last year. Who knows what’s to come: but for now, Azerbaijan’s economy keeps growing with tourism making a firm stand alongside oil and other traditional industries.

Final Advice Before Visiting Azerbaijan

I’ve always loved talking about politics in the countries I visit, especially with people that experience their effect every day – but in a country the Land of Fire, politics can often be a flammable subject.

Many online sources warn you: “Don’t talk about Armenia. Don’t bring any memorabilia from Armenia with you. Don’t even talk about the Kardashians.”

(Okay, maybe the last point is slightly exaggerated, but there are definitely more reasons to not talk about the most (in)famous Armenian-descent family in the planet than just politics…)

And yeah, in countries like this you should never be the one to initiate touchy topics like that. But in my experience, people love to talk about this stuff with foreign backapckers if they show real interest in the subject. If you want to have fierce table-top debates over the position of Nagorno-Karabakh, let locals start that conversation – and if they don’t, just take your opinions somewhere else. It’s the respectful thing to do.

Respect, in general, goes a long way. Anywhere you travel, you are a guest; and respect can often mean more than putting your trash in a bin and being nice to people. Make an effort to meet people and hear their stories, don’t photograph people or handicrafts without a permission, and cover up your knees and shoulders. Azerbaijan is still a Muslim country, although very liberal, and even men with shorts on might get funny looks.

So it’s time to embark on your Azeri journey. Don’t go near the Armenian border, don’t smoke ganja in Ganja – and remember to register with the immigration service on time!

Elina Mattila

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Hi Elina Thank you for a super interesting guide. I’m going to Azerbaijan for a week but I’m more interested in the southern region (so would prefer to explore either Talysh mountains for a couple of hikes or hirkan national park). Is it possible to do such trip in few days so I can still do a couple of days in Baku? Any advice on which town is best to explore either and whether it’s accessible by public transport? I searched and everyone is talking about how amazing hirkan NP is but nothing practical about how to visit

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1 Week in Azerbaijan: A Budget Guide to the Land of Fire

Aaah, Azerbaijan! This Caucasus country is a fascinating blend of old-school Soviet lifestyle and gas-profits-fueled modernity ( pun intended ).

Here’s a week-long Azerbaijan budget guide that includes some of the must-visit places in Azerbaijan. If you want to see how much I spent on my short trip there, check out my budget report for Azerbaijan .

For everything else you need to know about Azerbaijan and more: read on.

Important logistical information

How to get to azerbaijan.

As of early 2024, Azerbaijan’s land borders still remain closed. Officially due to COVID, although all other measures have been dropped. The authorities have perpetually pushed the end date further and further for 2 years now.

When I visited in October 2022 the only way to enter was by air and that is what I did – on a 110$ flight from Tbilisi to Baku on the budget (although the price tag wasn’t budget at all) airline Buta Airways .

If the land border opens , there’s a much cheaper way to travel between Tbilisi and Baku both by bus or train.

• Train 37 runs once per day from Tbilisi to Baku and takes 12 hours. The cheapest Platzkart ticket is around 40 GEL / 15 EUR. You can book tickets in person at Tbilisi Central Station. The ticket desk is at level 3, the same place where you can buy a ticket for the train to Yerevan .
• Buses bound for Baku depart from Ortachala bus station . Ask in person for timing and cost.

Visa and entry requirements

Almost all ex-Soviet countries plus Turkey can enter Azerbaijan visa-free. Since you’re reading this in English, chances are you’ll need a visa.

Thankfully, Azeri visa is one of the easiest to obtain in the world. Most Europeans, most South Americans, citizens of Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand (among others) can apply for an e-visa at the official portal . You can check if you need a visa here .

If you’re Armenian, then you cannot enter Azerbaijan. Even only having an Armenian last name will get you outright refused.

If you have been to Armenia before going to Azerbaijan, you won’t have problems at the border. I was in this situation and the border officials asked me about where I had been and why, but that was pretty much it.

Having visited Azerbaijan and going to Armenia is similar, although I’ve heard that interrogation might be a bit more thorough. Read my full guide about traveling to both countries on the same trip here.

If you’ve visited Nagorno Karabakh, I strongly advise against all travel to Azerbaijan. If there’s any evidence that you’ve been in the disputed region, the best case is you get refused entry, worst case is you get persecuted for illegal entry into Azerbaijan.

Do not travel to Azerbaijan if you’ve been to Nagorno Karabakh.

It is unclear how these conditions will change after the events of September 2023 .

How much money do you need?

Azerbaijan is a relatively cheap country. If you’re on a backpacker’s budget, you can easily get within 30 euros per day.

To see my breakdown of expenses for my trip there, check out my Azerbaijan Budget Report .

One Week Azerbaijan Budget Guide

Day 1: baku.

You’ll likely arrive in Baku to start your exploration of Azerbaijan. The capital city boasts a rich culture and history, juxtaposed with a modern skyline.

Historical Baku

• Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Maiden Tower (free), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb to the top for stunning views of the city (not free- 10 AZN / 5.5EUR);
• Next, make your way to the Baku Old City , also called Icheri Sheher , for a stroll through ancient architecture and narrow alleys (free and make sure to check out the cats!);
• Be sure to visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (10 AZN / 5.5EUR), a royal residence dating back to the 15th century;
• Go back to the modern town to visit a pocket of history in the face of the historic market of Taza Bazaar (free to walk around, cheap to eat);

There are many cats in Icheri Sheher. Feels a bit like Istanbul and its cats .

Modern Baku

• The Flame Towers are three skyscrapers in Baku that are known for their unique design, which resembles flames. At night, the towers are lit up and can be seen from all over the city. Free .
• Heydar Aliyev Center : The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural complex that is home to a museum, exhibition halls, and a conference center. It is known for its futuristic design and has won several architectural awards. It was designed by none other than Zaha Hadid. Adults pay 15 AZN / 8.2 EUR .
• Baku Boulevard is a seaside promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with attractions such as amusement parks, restaurants, and the Baku Eye Ferris Wheel. Free unless you splurge on ice cream on a hot day.
• The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is dedicated to the art of Azerbaijani carpets and weaving. People mostly know of Persian carpets, but Azeri carpets are just as masterfully made and exquisite. The museum features a collection of over 10,000 carpets and textiles, as well as exhibitions and workshops. The ticket costs 10 AZN / 5.5 EUR .
• The Baku Subway is your go-to transport option within the city. A single-ride ticket costs 0.3 AZN / 0.16 EUR and can be purchased at vending machines located at the entrance of each station. If you’re into Soviet-style subway systems, then it’s a must-visit. The Nizami Station on the Green Line is very close to the modern city center and probably the most beautiful.
• Explore the many statues and sculptures in the city. Seriously, there are so many!

One day is surely not enough for all those places. Save some for the last two days when you’ll return to Baku.

Day 2: Sheki

Transportation.

If you’re short on time, you can take the overnight bus to Sheki. When I was there, the trains were still not running due to COVID ( but now in 2023 I hear they’ve been restarted. Maybe. ).

I took the overnight bus and it cost 8 AZN / 4.4 EUR . It’s not the most comfortable and gets to Sheki before sunrise, so unless you want to save a day, get on the early morning bus.

Sheki is a beautiful and historic city located in northwest Azerbaijan, nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Sheki is a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty and culture of Azerbaijan.

What to see?

• Sheki Khan’s Palace is a beautiful example of Shebeke architecture from the 18th century. The entrance fee is 4 AZN / 2.2 EUR . You cannot take any pictures inside and there’s a guide with you the whole time. The architecture and paintings are truly impressive, although the palace is small.
• The Sheki Caravanserai is a historic inn located in the heart of Sheki’s Old Town, dating back to the 18th century. It served as a resting place for traders along the Silk Road and now functions as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. The main courtyard is free to enter , but the second floor is reserved for guests of the hotel.
• Stroll through Sheki Historic Center , which is home to numerous old houses decorated with elaborate murals and traditional Azerbaijani ornaments. Free .

Day 3: Around Sheki

Spend your second day in Sheki exploring its surrounding areas. Start by taking a local bus to the Kish village ( buses depart from New Bazar in the west part of town ), located around 5km away from the city center.

It’s one hell of a ride, but it’s all part of the local culture, I guess. There, you’ll find the oldest church in Azerbaijan, the Kish Albanian Church ( this is a different Albania! See this article to find out more about the modern country of Albania ), and you can explore its ruins amidst the beautiful countryside.

On the way back you can take the same public bus which will drop you off at the Sheki Bazaar where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

Top recommendation: Try the Sheki Halva . You cannot find this type of halva anywhere else.

If you have time, you can go to the village of Qax in the afternoon. It’s about 35 km from Sheki and regular buses go from and to Qax every hour.

Day 4: Ganja

There’s a public marshrutka bus every morning. Enquire at the avtovagzal (bus station) in Sheki about accurate timing. It should cost around 5 AZN / 2.7 EUR .

Ganja, a modern metropolis with a rich history and culture, is the second-largest city in Azerbaijan.

Attractions

• Ganja Gate is one of the few remnants from the medieval period.
• Juma Mosque is a beautiful 17th-century mosque with intricate decorations.
• Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum is the tomb of the famous Azerbaijani poet Nizami, who lived during the medieval period. Remember the most beautiful subway station in Baku? It’s named after him.

Fun Fact: Ganja is known as the “City of Poetry” because many prominent poets, including Nizami, were born in or lived in the city.

Honorable mention to the Ali and Nino statue that resembles (albeit much smaller and not moving) the same statue in Batumi.

Day 5: Travel and Optional Stop at Naftalan

You’ll probably need to get back to Baku at the end of your one-week trip. At least I had to. The bus ( or train, if the rail service is resumed ) departs from Ganja International Bus Station, which is a bit too far from the center to walk.

You can take a public bus #17 or #23 from the center. The journey is about 5 hours, including a short lunch or dinner break, and costs 9 AZN / 5 EUR .

In the afternoon you can visit any of the Baku attractions you still haven’t been to.

An alternative plan is to visit Naftalan , a town literally named after oil. There you can indulge in an oil spa in one of the spa centers in the otherwise dying spa industry.

Day 6: Mud Volcanos and Fire Temple

Mud volcanoes.

Leave the best for last, right? The Mud Volcanoes are one of the most unusual natural phenomena in the world. There are over 400 mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan, and the most accessible ones are located in the Gobustan National Park .

The mud volcanoes are active and continuously spew gas along with various minerals that form the mud. An interesting fact is that more than half of all mud volcanoes in the world are in Azerbaijan.

How to get there

Any hotel and tour agency offers an organized tour of the Gobustan National Park. You can also book online and have everything organized for you. Check these options out:

If you want to do it yourself – yes, that is indeed possible! Let me tell you my experience.

A good note: Google Maps works in Baku and the public transport is integrated. If you are lost, ask Google and it’ll tell you the way.

First, you need to get to Azneft Square , which is a pretty central location, so you can walk there from your hostel.

Then take bus 125 to its last stop at Bina Shopping Centre . Remember that you need a Baku card to pay on the bus (0.3 AZN / 0.15 EUR).

There, look for the bus bound for Alat . It should be number 195 . 1.30 AZN / 0.7 EUR. This one is with cash.

You should get off at Gobustan . There will be many taxi drivers who board the bus trying to make you come with you before that. You will have a lot of bargaining power if you get off in the center. Then just haggle with them.

To Gobustan National Park you can probably walk (5 km), but to get to the Mud Volcanoes you need a taxi.

I paired with another backpacker to share the taxi. We bargained down to 20 AZN, but you may be able to get as low as 15. The driver had heard of new mud volcanoes popping up and asked other locals for directions.

The Mud Volcanoes were fresh and bubbling!

The taxi will get you back to Alat where you can get the bus back to Baku.

Atashgah Fire Temple

You should be back in Baku in the early afternoon, giving you time to visit the famous Ateshgah Fire Temple ! It’s located 30km away from the city center.

This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was built in the 17th century on a natural gas vent. The temple was used to worship fire, and you can still see the burning fire coming out of the ground!

To get there you should use a variety of transport methods. Just ask Google Maps . The Journey should take about an hour. Don’t worry, the Temple is open until 6 PM . Entrance fee: 4 AZN / 2.2 EUR .

You’ll only really have time for either the Fire Temple or the “Burning Mountain” Yanar Dag. It is a natural wonder that has been burning for centuries, fueled by natural gas reserves beneath the surface.

The flames can reach up to 10 meters in height and never extinguish, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors.

But honestly, it’s not worth it .

First of all, there’s an entrance fee of 9 AZN / 5 EUR for foreigners (while only 2 AZN for locals), secondly, you can easily see the flames if you just walk to the corner of the fences and lastly, it’s not as spectacular as described by words. I went there and didn’t even go in.

If you still want to go, it will take you about 75 minutes by public transport. Again, ask Google Maps.

Day 7: Departure

On your last day, take some time to explore the local markets and cafes before heading to the airport to catch your flight. If time permits, take a stroll through the city or visit one of the attractions you missed in Baku.

To get to the airport take the Aero Express Bus from Baku Central Railway Station (28 May Station) . It costs 1.50 AZN / 0.8 EUR which you must have on your Baku Card (no cash).

Azerbaijan is a wonderful country to explore on a budget. From the bustling streets of Baku to the stunning landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains, there’s something for every traveler.

By following this one-week itinerary, you’ll be able to experience the best of Azerbaijan without breaking the bank. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or adventure, this itinerary has something for everyone.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Azerbaijan without spending a fortune!

You will also like:

• Baku Travel Guide: What to Do, Eat and See in 2024
• Money in Azerbaijan: A Tourist Guide to ATMs, Cards and Exchange
• Can you visit Azerbaijan after Armenia or vice versa? (2024)
• A Guide to Backpacking in Almaty, Kazakhstan
• The Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan: The Full Travel Guide
• Registan Square in Samarkand: A Guide to All Buildings
• Visiting Vat Phou from Pakse: a Quick Guide (2024)

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Wander-Lush

Visit Azerbaijan: The Ultimate Azerbaijan Travel Guide

• The Caucasus

The fire of true enthusiasm is like the fires of Baku, which no water can ever quench… Ouida

The Land of Fire

Burning hillsides, oozing mud volcanoes, ancient fire-worship temples and skyscrapers twisted to mimic roaring flames – from urban to rural, Azerbaijan is one of the most fascinating countries on earth.

A contrast to neighbouring Georgia and Armenia, this former Soviet Republic is set beneath the same Caucasus mountains, and yet it feels a world apart.

Beyond the defensive walls of the Icherisheher , Baku’s historic Old City, there have been no holds barred in sculpting the capital’s distinctive skyline. From the Heydar Aliyev Center to the Flame Towers , you have to see Baku’s modern marvels in person to fully appreciate them.

Walk the Bulvar , an enormous promenade that follows the curve of the Caspian coast, and stroll Baku’s Parisian-style boulevards. Just beyond the manicured parks and fountains, you’ll find the same Soviet-style apartment blocks that run as a common thread throughout the region.

You need not travel far from Baku to get a window onto the unreal landscape of the Absheron Peninsula . Spend a day in Gobustan National Park , home to sloshing mud volcanoes and petroglyphs. After dark, head to Yanar Dag , an oil seam that was set aflame by a farmer’s cigarette butt in the 1970s and has been lighting up the night ever since.

Travel around Azerbaijan by bus , following in the footsteps of traders and merchants who once coursed through the country on their way from East to West. Reminders of the old Silk Road are everywhere, from the copper workshops of Lahic , to the caravanserais of Sheki . The latter is a must-see for its UNESCO-Listed Palace of the Sheki Khans and the lesser-known Winter Palace. Both are opulence embodied, with their miniature paintings and shebeki stained glass windows.

Visit the carpet workshops in Quba , hike in the mountains around Xinaliq (one of the highest villages in the region), and make a detour to visit the second-largest city, Ganja . In the enclave of Nakhchivan , only accessible via a quick flight from Baku, you’ll find yet more curiosities – including Alinja Fortress , billed as the Caucasus’ answer to Machu Pichu.

Azerbaijan travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

April/May or September/October (spring/fall shoulder seasons).

How long in Azerbaijan?

2-3 full days for Baku; 7 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.

Daily budget

40-50 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; day tours; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Baku, Ganja or Gabala; bus/train/taxi from Georgia or Iran.

Azerbaijan evisa

eVisa (single-entry; 30 days) required for most passports.

Getting around

Hire a car; use intercity trains and marshrutka vans.

Where to stay

Hostels, family-run guesthouses or hotels.

Tours & experiences

City tours, alpine hiking and mud volcanoes.

Explore Azerbaijan

Discover all the best things to do in Azerbaijan with my latest travel guides.

15 Captivating Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan

Everything You Need to Know About the Baku Tbilisi Kars Railway

17 Magical Things to Do in Sheki: A Complete Guide to Azerbaijan’s Silk Road City

10 Tips for Visiting the Sheki Khan’s Palace, Azerbaijan’s Jewel

Sleeping in a Silk Road Caravanserai: How to Stay at the Incredible Sheki Karvansaray Hotel in Azerbaijan

How to Travel from Baku to Sheki in 2024 (& Where to Stop Along the Way)

My azerbaijan favourites.

Xinaliq to Qalayxudat, north-eastern Azerbaijan.

Must-eat meal

Piti (aromatic meat stew served with bread).

local experience

Sip chai in a local teashop in Baku.

best souvenir

A Kelagayi silk scarf printed with buta motifs.

AZERBAIJAN TRAVEL GUIDE

Step away Turkey! Azerbaijan is the original 'East-meets-West' destination! Placed at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, this former Soviet Republic (barely bigger than Ireland!), boasts an astonishing variety of natural wonders from snow-capped mountains and bubbling mud volcanoes to sandy deserts and subtropical forests. Azerbaijan swings comfortably between modern city-scapes and Arabian night-esque exotica whilst providing some of the most extraordinary landscapes in all of Caucasia.

Partly thanks to the imposing Caucasus Mountains the northern parts are arguably the prettiest part of the country. Around the misty peaks of this 4466 m behemoth bears, wolves and leopards still roam freely and nomadic shepherds to this day move their flocks along the slopes of the mountains in search of fresh pasture - as they have done for thousands of years. Meanwhile, a mere stone throws away, the capital of Baku buzzes in a confusing conflict between its old town heritage and modern architecture. Along the boulevards of downtown Baku, Nouveau riche residents flutter between expensive boutiques, exclusive shops, and luxury hotels. Modern Azerbaijan is a sovereign state and, although Islamic, the mood seems distinctly secular.

Capital: Baku (Baki)

Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)

Area: 86,600km²

Population: 9,047,000 (Aug 2010)

Language: Azerbaijani (Azeri) 93.4% (official), Russian 2.5%, Lezgin 2.2%, other 1.9%

Religion: Muslim 95.4%, Russian Orthodox 2.8%, other 1.8%

Electricity: 220V/50Hz (European plug)

Fun Facts: Azerbaijan, is home to Yanar Dagh , a natural fire that has been burning for thousands of years due to gas seeping through the soil. The country's flag symbolizes its Turkic heritage, Islamic faith, and European influences.

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

BEST TIME FOR

Snow sport in azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan offers a hidden gem for snow sports enthusiasts with its prime location amidst the Greater Caucasus range. The Shahdag and Tufandag Mountain Resorts are notable destinations, providing a variety of slopes for all skill levels and additional activities like sledding and paragliding. 

The best time to visit for snow sports is between December and March, when the country experiences peak snowfall, especially from mid-December to mid-February, ensuring optimal conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

HIKING & CYCLING IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, with the Caucasus Mountains providing excellent opportunities for hiking and cycling. The best time for these activities is typically between April and October, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are in full bloom.

Notably, the regions of Sheki and Quba offer comfortable temperatures and scenic trails during these months. For those looking to experience the local culture alongside their outdoor adventures, visiting during the Novruz Bayrami in March or the Republic Day celebrations on May 28 can add a unique and festive dimension to the trip.

BEACH OPTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan offers a variety of beautiful beaches along the Caspian Sea, with some of the most popular being Bilgah Beach, Crescent Beach, and Nabran. These beaches are known for their golden sands and family-friendly environments. 

The best time to visit these beaches is during the spring, from March to May, or in the autumn months, particularly in September and October, when the weather is mild and pleasant.

SURFING IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan, with its Caspian Sea coastline, offers unique opportunities for water sports enthusiasts, including surfing. While it may not be widely recognized as a traditional surfing destination, there are activities related to surfing, such as windsurfing and kitesurfing, particularly in the capital city of Baku. 

The best time to visit Azerbaijan for such water activities is typically during the milder seasons, from April to June and September to October, to avoid the extreme summer heat and cold winter conditions. During these months, the weather is more favorable, and you can enjoy the cultural experiences and natural beauty of Azerbaijan alongside your surfing adventure.

KITESURF IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan offers exciting kitesurfing experiences, particularly at the Blueplanet Kite Center & Hotel , which is the first and only kitesurfing center in the country. Located on the Caspian Sea, it boasts perfect wind and flatwater conditions suitable for both beginners and experts. 

The best time to visit for kitesurfing is during the summer, when the weather is ideal for water sports. This season starts in June, making it a perfect time to enjoy the sport while exploring the beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

BEST TIME TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan’s climate is highly varied, with different areas of the country containing examples of nine of the world’s eleven climate zones. This includes semi-arid, temperate, warm-temperate, cold, and tundra zones, meaning that there are marked variations in average annual temperate and precipitation in different regions. In general, more mountainous parts of Azerbaijan receive higher levels of precipitation and lower average temperatures than the central lowlands and Caspian Sea coast, where the climate is drier and hotter.

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is during spring (March-June) when the weather is warm and the foliage is in full bloom. The summer months (July-September) can be depressingly hot and humid, particularly in the capital, Baku, but these are also the best months to go hiking in the mountains.

Although temperatures along the Caspian coastline remain mild throughout winter (November-February), the mercury dip well below freezing further inland - as shown in the chart below. The mountains during the winter months are covered in snow and can be very treacherous to traverse. Though downpours do occur throughout the country, most of the rainfall is confined to the western parts.

AZERBAIJAN WEATHER SYNOPSIS

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AZERBAIJAN TRAVEL COSTS

Although it’s rich in oil money, Azerbaijan is still an affordable destination. Baku can be kind of expensive but, once you leave the capital, prices drop considerably and it’s easy to see a lot and spend a little, especially since so much of the country revolves around hiking and the outdoors.

The cost of traveling to Azerbaijan will depend on various factors such as the time of year, mode of transportation, and type of accommodation. However, on average, a budget-friendly trip to Azerbaijan can cost around $50-70 USD per day for accommodations, food, and transportation. This can vary depending on the level of luxury desired and the specific activities and sights you plan to visit. It would be best to research and compare prices for flights, accommodation, and transportation to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your trip.

Here are some sample costs you might expect when visiting Azerbaijan:

• Accommodation: A budget hotel room can cost around $20-30 USD per night, while a mid-range hotel room can cost around $50-70 USD per night. A luxury hotel room can cost $100 USD or more per night.
• Food: A meal at a local restaurant can cost around $5-10 USD per person. Street food and snacks can be found for as little as $1-2 USD.
• Transportation: A one-way ticket on public transportation can cost around $0.50 USD, while a taxi ride within the city can cost around $5-10 USD. A domestic flight within Azerbaijan can cost around $30-50 USD.
• Activities: Entrance fees to museums and historical sites can range from $1-5 USD. A guided tour of the city can cost around $20-30 USD per person.

Please note that these are just estimates and prices may vary depending on the location, time of year, and other factors. It's always best to research and compare prices for specific dates and locations to get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your trip.

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Travel tips for azerbaijan, azerbaijan travel tips.

Here are some travel tips for Azerbaijan:

• Visa: Visitors from most countries will need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. It's best to check the visa requirements and apply for one in advance.
• Currency: The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). It's best to have some cash on hand as not all places accept credit cards.
• Language: Azerbaijani is the official language, but many people in the tourism industry speak English.
• Dress Code: Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, and it's considered respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Transportation: Taxis are widely available and relatively inexpensive. They can be flagged down on the street or ordered by phone. Public transportation is also an option, but it may be less convenient for travelers.
• Safety: Azerbaijan is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, it's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take standard safety precautions.
• Food: Azerbaijani cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean, Central Asian, and Caucasus flavors. Some traditional dishes include dolma (stuffed grape leaves), plov (pilaf rice), and kebab.
• Respect: Azerbaijan is a relatively conservative country, so it's important to respect local customs and traditions.
• Weather: Azerbaijan has a dry and sunny climate, but the weather can be quite hot in the summer. So, it is best to bring sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing.
• Information: It's a good idea to have a guidebook or map with you when traveling in Azerbaijan. It will help you to find your way around and make your trip more comfortable.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF AZERBAIJAN

Sights & highlights of azerbaijan.

For a small country, Azerbaijan packs a powerful punch. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it offers visitors an enticing mix of seaside fun, stunning cities, unspoiled nature, remarkable historical attractions, and some of the most incredible national parks in the world.

Azerbaijan is divided into several regions, each with its own unique culture and attractions. Here are some of the main regions of Azerbaijan and the highlights of each region:

• Baku : This is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan. The highlights of Baku include the Old City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The city also boasts several museums, parks, and modern architectural landmarks such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center.
• Absheron Peninsula : This region is located east of Baku and is known for its beautiful beaches, mud volcanoes, and the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Guba : This region is located in the northeastern part of Azerbaijan and is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Gudial Chay Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
• Gabala : This region is located in the northwest of Azerbaijan and is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Caucasus Mountains, and its traditional culture. The highlights of this region include the Nij settlement, the ancient city of Gabala and the Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex
• Lankaran : This region is located in the south of Azerbaijan and is known for its hot springs, beautiful landscapes, and the Hirkan National Park, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
• Sheki : This region is located in the northwest of Azerbaijan and is known for its traditional architecture, including the Sheki Khan's Palace, and its beautiful landscapes, such as the Sheki Zagatala Reserve.
• Nakhchivan : This is an autonomous republic located in the southwest of Azerbaijan, it is known for its rich history, including the Juma Mosque and the Nakhchivan Museum of Local Lore.

These are just a few examples of the many regions of Azerbaijan, each with its own unique culture and attractions. It's best to research and plan your trip to make the most of your visit.

Azerbaijan offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors, here are some of the best things to see and do when visiting Azerbaijan:

Visit the Old City of Baku : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and many other historical and cultural landmarks.

See the Flame Towers : These three skyscrapers are the tallest buildings in Baku, and offer an amazing view of the city from the observation deck.

Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center : This modern architectural masterpiece is a cultural center designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Relax on the beaches of the Absheron Peninsula : This region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Azerbaijan, such as the beaches of Novkhani and Bilgah.

Explore the Gudial Chay Nature Reserve : This reserve is located in Guba and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including endangered Caucasian leopards.

Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple : This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient temple dedicated to the worship of fire, which is located in the Absheron Peninsula.

Visit the Gabala and Nij : This region offers a variety of activities such as visiting the ancient city of Gabala, home to many historical and cultural landmarks, and the Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex, which offers ski slopes and cable cars.

Explore the Hirkan National Park : This park is located in Lankaran and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the endangered Caucasian leopard and the Caucasian deer.

Visit Sheki : This region offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Sheki Khan's Palace, and the Sheki Zagatala Reserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Visit Nakhchivan : This autonomous republic offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Juma Mosque, the Nakhchivan Museum of Local Lore and the Khan's Palace.

These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Azerbaijan. It's best to research and plan your trip in advance to make the most of your visit.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN AZERBAIJAN

See the Flame Towers : These three skyscrapers are the tallest buildings in Baku and offer an amazing view of the city from the observation deck.

Visit Sheki : This region offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Sheki Khan's Palace, and the Sheki Zagatala Reserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.

Visit Nakhchivan : This autonomous republic offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Juma Mosque, the Nakhchivan Museum of Local Lore and the Khan's Palace.

These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Azerbaijan. It's best to research and plan your trip in advance to make the most of your visit.

WHAT TO EAT IN AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijani food combines elements from both Turkish and central Asia. While Baku has an excellent selection of international restaurants, from Japanese fusion to Italian, in most rural restaurants the humble kebab most definitely reigns supreme. A special place in the Azerbaijani cuisine belongs to lamb kebabs, of which you will find many varieties. Vegetarians might end up eating a great deal of salad and lentil soup as most of the local dishes contain meat.

• Dolma : This dish is made of grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice and herbs. It's a popular dish in Azerbaijan and can be served as a main course or as an appetizer.
• Plov : This is a traditional dish made of rice, meat, and vegetables. It's a staple of Azerbaijani cuisine and can be found in most restaurants.
• Kebab : Azerbaijan is known for its delicious kebabs, which are made of meat grilled on a skewer. Some popular varieties include lyula kebab (made of ground meat), and shashlik (made of large chunks of meat).
• Dovga : This is a traditional Azerbaijani soup made of yogurt, vegetables, and herbs. It's considered a healthy and light dish and is perfect for hot summer days
• Piti : A traditional Azerbaijani stew made of meat and vegetables that are cooked in a clay pot and served with yogurt and herbs.
• Qutab : A traditional Azerbaijani dish made of thinly rolled dough filled with meat, greens or cheese.
• Gogal : A traditional Azerbaijani sweet made from flour, eggs, sugar, and butter.
• Pomegranate Juice: Azerbaijan is known for its delicious pomegranate juice, which is made of fresh pomegranates and is available in most restaurants and cafes.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can try when visiting Azerbaijan. Be sure to try as many as you can while you're there and ask locals for recommendations as well.

LGBTQ IN AZERBAIJAN

WHERE TO STAY IN AZERBAIJAN

When visiting Azerbaijan for the first time, choosing the right area or region to stay in can significantly shape your experience of the country's rich culture, history, and landscapes. Here are some recommendations along with accommodation suggestions for each category: budget, mid-range, and luxury.

Where to stay in Baku:

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, offers a captivating mix of ancient heritage and modern cosmopolitan vibes, boasting UNESCO-listed Old City, futuristic architecture, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the country.

Budget:   Sahil Hostel & Hotel Baku  - Affordable dormitory and private rooms with a central location, providing easy access to major attractions.

Mid-range:   Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers  - Stylish accommodations with stunning views of the city and Caspian Sea, coupled with excellent amenities and service.

Luxury:   Four Seasons Hotel Baku  - Luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and a prime location in the heart of Baku, offering unparalleled comfort and indulgence.

Where to stay in Gabala:

Gabala, nestled amidst the picturesque Greater Caucasus Mountains, is a serene retreat known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, providing a peaceful escape from the city.

Budget:   Qafqaz Riverside Resort Hotel  - Affordable accommodations surrounded by lush greenery, featuring basic yet comfortable rooms and convenient access to outdoor adventures.

Mid-range:   Riverside Hotel Gabala  - A cozy hotel offering well-appointed rooms, a tranquil setting by the river, and amenities like a spa and indoor pool.

Luxury:   Qafqaz Tufandag Resort Hotel  - A luxurious resort boasting elegant rooms, upscale dining options, and a range of recreational facilities including a golf course and spa.

Where to stay in Sheki:

Sheki, a historic city nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is renowned for its ancient Silk Road heritage, architectural marvels like the Sheki Khan's Palace, and scenic surroundings, offering a glimpse into Azerbaijan's rich cultural tapestry.

Budget:   Sheki Palace Hotel  - Comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, conveniently located near the city center and major attractions.

Mid-range: FGarden Hotel Sheki - A charming hotel featuring traditional Azerbaijani decor, spacious rooms, and a tranquil garden setting.

For hassle-free bookings, use platforms like   Booking.com  for competitive rates or   Holiday Swap  for unique homes worldwide. Ensure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, and align your preferences with nearby activities such as surfing, snorkeling, or cultural exploration.

It's important to note that prices can vary depending on the season and events happening in the city, so it's best to research and compare prices in advance. Make sure to read reviews and check the location of the accommodation before making a booking.

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How To Plan A Trip To Azerbaijan: Itinerary For A Week

Why did we enjoy our week-long trip to Azerbaijan SO much?

In the day and age of the mighty internet, it is hard to find surprises while travelling. Every little attraction has been documented or photographed by someone or the other. Perhaps that is why we enjoyed our trip to Azerbaijan so much – it was after a long time that we visited a country where there were surprises at every corner . We went expecting high-rises in Baku and historical treasures in the countryside. But we met amazing people, saw natural wonders, visited the northernmost villages of Europe, and had some of the best meals we’ve had in a while travelling. The best part? A week-long trip to Azerbaijan is affordable and offers a variety of experiences in one short trip!

As a former member of the USSR, Azerbaijan has a fraught history. The capital Baku has undergone a huge resurgence over the past 10 years. Shopping malls, high-rises, luxury hotels, and a picture-perfect promenade – you’ll find it all here. But driving out of Baku is like stepping back into time. You will find historical treasures without another tourist in sight, natural wonders untouched by tourism, and charming little mountain villages that seem to have walked out of a postcard. Here’s a detailed guide to Azerbaijan and a day-by-day itinerary for a planning your week long trip to Azerbaijan. THIS is Azerbaijan through our eyes!

Jump Straight To

Visas and arriving in Azerbaijan

Citizens of most countries need to apply for an Evisa prior to visiting Azerbaijan. This is a seamless and straightforward process but it helps to have hotel bookings and a rough itinerary before applying for a visa.

You will fly into Baku international airport. Most international flights land at the brand new terminal, which makes for an amazing first impression. We flew on AZAL, the national carrier, and the flight as well the service was excellent. The airline operates direct flights to Baku from New Delhi and London. The airport is about 30 kilometres from the centre of the capital and it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. There are many other airlines that now have good connectivity to Baku. We suggest comparing prices and booking here .

Getting around in Azerbaijan

If you’re planning to stay in Baku and do a couple of day trips around Baku, we would not suggest renting a car. That’s because traffic in Baku can be nightmarish. Moreover public transport is decent and taxis are readily available. You can also use Uber to get from one place to the other.

For day trips and even 2-3 day trips, we would suggest opting for a tour guide. This is because English is not widely understood, especially in the countryside and exploring independently can be a bit challenging. Tour guides will rent a car with a driver for you and pick you up and drop you back at your hotel. This makes it really seamless to explore places. One day trip from Baku that we would highly recommend is to Shamaki (details below)We lucked out and found an amazing tour guide in Baku. Roman is knowledgeable, flexible, and extremely punctual. He also has amazing knowledge of local food joints and historical treasures. We would highly recommend him if you want to plan a short or long trip around Azerbaijan. He doesn’t have a website but you can drop him a WhatsApp message on +994 70 367 51 39 and he is extremely prompt to respond.

If you’re there in Azerbaijan for more than 5 days and enjoy independent and travel, then we would recommend renting a self-drive car after you’re done exploring Baku. We did this on our last 3 days. Read our experience below:

Suggested itineraries for Azerbaijan

Explore Baku Day trip to Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag

Explore Baku Day trip to Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag 3 day trip to Quba and Xinaliq

Explore Baku & everything it has to offer Day trip to historical treasures of Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag 3 day trip to mountainous villages Northern Azerbaijan – Quba, Xinaliq, Laza Explore Sheki Visit Ganja and Lake Goygol

Budgeting for a trip to Azerbaijan

The amount of money you spend in a country depends heavily on the kind of hotels you stay in, the type of restaurants you visit, and the amount of shopping you do. However Azerbaijan is an extremely affordable country in general.

You can find nice luxury hotels for less than $100 per night. Hostels can be hit or miss, so

Food is incredible everywhere you go. You can get delicious street food for $2-$5. Sit down meals at nice restaurants cost approximately $15 per head.

Renting a car with a driver costs approximately $100 for 1 day. You can negotiate cost of excursions with tour agents or guides. Rates are competitive and affordable. For a self-drive rental, expect to pay around $30-$40 per day for an economy car.

Food – what to eat in Azerbaijan

I feel like I was to pen poetry for Azeri food. To say it’s good would be the understatement of the year. Make sure you try local drinks such as Ayran (yogurt-based drink), Feijoa juice (pronounced fek-ua, the local fruit is used in drinks all over Azerbaijan), and aerated pear juice. Don’t forget to stop at one of the many supermarkets along the way to sample local fruits and vegetables. Most of the fresh produce in Azerbaijan is organic and tastes incredible.

If you eat meat, you’re in for a treat in Azerbaijan. Try the Lyulya/Lule kebabs (mince-meat skewers), dolmas (steamed grape leaves stuffed with minced meat), and chicken kebabs. Stick to local specialities and avoid ordering fish as it is expensive and not the best.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are lots of options for you too. Try vegetarian dolmas, qutab (flatbreads stuffed with spinach), fresh curd, vegetarian piti (soup), local cheeses, and pilaf (rice, seasoned with local flavours).

Best time to visit Azerbaijan

The best time to visit the country is between March and June and then from September to November. This is because it gets very hot during peak summer months (July and August) and a lot of the mountainous roads are blocked or snowed under during winter months (December- February). However if you want to visit just Baku and Shamakhi, then December is also a good time to visit as the roads in this area are good and you can witness snow-laden panoramas.

View this post on Instagram Hello from Azerbaijan ??? We’ve wanted to explore the country for ages and promised we would do it in 2019! The windy capital, Baku, is full of glittering high-rises, and shopping malls. But we spent our first day walking around the old centre of Baku where cobbled alleys and carpet shops set the tone, with the aroma of freshly-baked sweets & flatbreads wafting from hole-in-wall eateries. That might have tempted us into having baklava for breakfast – don’t judge ?? ✨ ✨ #bruisedpassports #love #travel #ExperienceAzerbaijan #azerbaijan A post shared by Travel & love : Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Oct 14, 2019 at 5:31am PDT

Packing for Azerbaijan

This is tricky. We visited Azerbaijan in October and got everything from bitterly cold and windy days to scorching heat. I would suggest packing at least one light jumper and one jacket, irrespective of when you visit. Pack more if you’re going during winter months. It can get really windy in Baku as well as the countryside so carrying a light windcheater definitely helps.

Azerbaijan is a fairly progressive country, so you will see locals wearing short skirts and sleeveless tops, especially in Baku. However conservative clothing is preferred in the countryside. We would recommend packing at least a few dresses and trousers that cover your knees and arms, especially for trips to the countryside and visits to mosques.

Some tips and warnings for exploring Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a super safe country to explore. Azeris are friendly and while English isn’t widely understood, they are always willing to help

However do keep a couple of things in mind. Restaurants often tend to overcharge tourists by bringing “specials” to the table or including caviar in a mixed platter of kebabs etc. For this reason, we would recommend ordering only off the menu and taking a screenshot of the menu for reference in case there is a discrepancy in the bill

Similarly, always set a fixed rate with taxi drivers before you get into a local taxi or they might overcharge you for the shortest of distances. You can also avoid this altogether by using Uber or moving around with a tour guide.

Day by day breakdown of a trip to Azerbaijan

I’ve never really seen a city like Baku. One minute you’re surrounded by glittering high-rises and luxury hotels, the next you have tiny eateries and colourful carpet shops in a local market. You could think of it as a mix of Abu Dhabi & Marrakech. We suggest spending at least 3 days in the city.

Accommodation in Baku

We stayed at Intourist Hotel in Baku . The luxury hotel has spacious rooms and a great location, right opposite the Baku Eye. Service and breakfast buffet is mediocre. So you might want to choose another hotel such as Fairmont Baku (located in one of the flame towers) or Four Seasons Baku if you enjoy your luxuries.

There is no dearth of nightclubs, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities in Baku. But here are some things you should definitely do in Baku

• Walk along the waterfront promenade to acquaint yourself with Baku. From here you can see a glimpse of the iconic Flame Towers, Baku Eye, the Caspian Sea, and many other prominent landmarks of the city
• Spend a morning at Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre and admire the gorgeous architecture
• Go on a walking tour to the carpet museum, and Little Venice. Drop by Nizami Street for a spot of shopping and lunch. You will find high street shops, designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
• You should also spend a few hours walking around the Old City – admire the colourful carpet shops, pick up a souvenir or two, sample Baklava from a hole-in-the-wall eatery, visit the Maiden Tower, and the Shirvanshah Palace
• Pack a shawarma and take the funicular to Highland Park at sunset or once it’s dark. It offers an amazing view of the the city’s skyline and the Flame Towers.
• There are dozens of amazing restaurants in Baku but 2 mid-range restaurants we really recommend for scrumptious Azeri Meals are Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant and Qaynana restaurant. A meal at either of these will cost you around $15 per person and it’s well worth it. Both restaurants are beautifull, so expect walls adorned with carpets and rooms dotted with traditional artefacts. You will definitely want to take your camera along for these meals.
• Visit Hyder Mosque (a bit of an offbeat gem at the moment), especially at night when it’s all lit
• Take a half-day tour to Ateshgah and Yanardag. At Yanardag, trapped gas deposits ensure a . Ateshgah is a temple of great significance to the Zoroastrians.
• You could also take a day trip to the dramatic cliffs and mud-volcanoes of Gobustan. While this isn’t a particularly scenic part of Azerbaijan, it’s a great place to observe natural phenomena such as spitting mud volcanoes and Palaeolithic carvings. We will forgive you for thinking you are on Mars.

If there is one day trip we recommend from Baku, it is to Shamakhi. You don’t need to start too early from Baku and can easily leave after breakfast. Stop at the shrine of Diri Baba , a Sufi dervish, who spent his life in a cave, carved into a rock. The fascinating site dates back to the fifteenth century.

Next, stop at the magnificent Juma Mosque. Make sure you are wearing something that covers your elbows and knees. Women also need to carry a scarf to cover their head. The intricate and gorgeous Mosque is a photographer’s delight and the best part is, there are rarely more than a handful of people around.

You could also head to the neighbouring Yeddi Gumbaj, a cemetery overlooking the city of Shamaki. But this is easily skippable as it isn’t anything special.

At this point, you can start your drive back to Baku. But if you have an extra night, we’d really recommend spending a night in Tufandag or Shamakhi, surrounded by mountains on all sides. Shamakhi Palace Hotel is an opulent luxury hotel, as the name suggests. But it is quite affordable coming at under $90. Rooms are spacious and boast of gorgeous views overlooking mountains. Don’t leave without sampling their incredible breakfast spread – you will find everything from fresh fruits and pastries to Azeri style eggs and potato cakes on the menu.

Drive back to Baku

Spend a night in Baku as your trip to Northern Azerbaijan starts next. We’d suggest just relaxing but if you’re up for it you can always walk down to the waterfront promenade or even the highland park.

Quba and Xinaliq

You can book a 3 day trip to Guba and Xinaliq with any travel agency or tour guide.

However after exploring the surroundings of Baku with a guide on our first 4 days in Azerbaijan, we decided to rent a car for this part of our trip. Roads in Northern Azerbaijan (especially between Guba & Xinaliq) can be quite hit and miss with lots of dirt tracks and mountain bends, so we would suggest doing this only if you are an experienced driver. We rented with Avis and the process was seamless. Car rentals start at around $40 per day and fuel is really cheap In Azerbaijan (around $0.5 per litre – perks of being an oil stronghold!).

Quba is a 3 hour drive from Baku. However set aside at least 5 hours for the drive because you definitely need to stop at Candy Cane Mountains on the way. The scenic spot is just an hour away from Baku and comprises of these gorgeous mountains, ideal for a hike and some photographs. The stripey mountains are a unique site but you might have them all to yourself, especially if you go on a weekday. Please beware that there are only 8-10 striped mountains at this spot, so keep a lookout for them while driving

You can stay in an apartment or hotel in Quba. We suggest Shahdag Hotel Guba . You could think of it as a clean 3-4 star hotel, which is the best you’ll get in the city centre. It is affordable, rooms are spacious, and WiFi is good. Breakfast is passable and it even has a terrace restaurant for lunch and dinner. In case you want to venture out for a meal, there are a handful of restaurants in Guba. Of all the restaurants we tried in Guba, a doner shop opposite our hotel and restaurant Sarin (10 minute walk from the hotel) were the best.

Xinaliq is the highest village in Europe and a must stop on your visit to Northern Azerbaijan. It takes an hour and a half to drive to Xinaliq from Quba. But keep lots of time for stopping along the way because the scenery and mountain roads are absolutely spectacular

If you enjoy truly local experiences, then we suggest spending 1 night at a home stay in Xinaliq. They’re extremely humble rooms in locals’ houses, so this is ideal for solo travels and couples. We don’t suggest doing this if you’re travelling with family or have too much luggage. But if you do, you’ll be greeted warmly. Do not expect elaborate meals but there’s no shortage of Azeri tea and flatbreads stuffed with spinach.

If you’re not staying in Xinaliq, just drive back to your accommodation in Quba for the night. The couple of days we spent driving in the Northern part of Azerbaijan made for a special road trip through the Azeri countryside.

Sheki and Ganja

If you have some more time we would highly recommend continuing onto Sheki and exploring the surrounding of Ganca city, especially Lake Goygol National Park. We couldn’t cover this part on this trip owing to paucity of time but can’t wait to return to explore these beautiful parts of Azerbaijan.

I hope this answers all your questions about planning an incredible trip to Azerbaijan. If you have any other questions, leave them down below and we’ll definitely answer them soon 🙂

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90 thoughts on “ how to plan a trip to azerbaijan: itinerary for a week ”.

Hey … how about Lankaran and qabala in Azerbaijan.. also how is lagich.. is it worth visiting ?

Qabala is very nice and you can easily see it if you stay overnight in Shamakhi. However the hotel we’ve suggest in Shamakhi has similar views to the ones you’ll find it Qabala. Also, Lankaran and Lagich are decent put stops but would suggest prioritising places like Shamakhi, Xinaliq and Goygol if you have limited time as they are prettier and have more to offer 🙂

Thanks for the detailed itinerary shared. Can u guys tell me if the chargers from India works with Azerbaijan sockets ?

Most sockets in Azerbaijan are type c and f – basically the 2 round pin ones. we always carry a travel adapter just in case. the indian chargers for small devices might work, but for laptops and all are usually 3 pin ones (type d), so you should carry an adapter just to be safe

Hi you both 🙂

My husband and I are planning to visit Azerbaijan with our son who’ll be 15 months when we want to go. Is it OK to travel with a toddler that age? Will the place interest and keep him occupied too?

Hi Gayathri,

Yes we don’t see a reason why your toddler won’t enjoy it 🙂 Most of the hotels have kids’ clubs

Hi Guys, We are traveling next week and I am wondering what is the best way to take a simple card. Heard it’s really expensive at the airport. Thank you

Hey do you mean a SIM card? If so, the easiest way is to buy it on arrival itself. However if you’re there for a short time, then you might not need it as most hotels and restaurants have good wifi 🙂

Guys your detailed itinerary suggestion was very helpful for my 8 day trip. Based on my experience would suggest a few things. 1. You can do a full day trip from Baku which covers 7 attractions including Qobutsan Rock Museum, Mud Volcanoes, Yanardagh & Ateshgah. 2. Sheki is very highly recommended. For me it is a MUST VISIT in Azerbaijan. 3. Qabala was great and a stay at the Tufandag Mountain Resort is very much recommended along with the ski lift rides up the mountain. 4. The road to Lahij goes through a canyon and is absolutely breath taking. Can easily be done on the way from Qabala to Sheki as a stop. For me the journey to Lahij was more interesting than Lahij itself.

I immensely gained from Bruisedpassports post and thought could add a few things that might help others …

Glad to hear you had an amazing trip to Azerbaijan and that our itinerary was helpful 🙂

Thank you so much for your suggestions – they’ll definitely add to the information for someone planning a trip to Azerbaijan in the future.

We were planning a 4 day trip to Baku. Our agent suggested a place called Gabala instead of Shamaki. Which one should we go for? Please suggest. TIA

Hey Rachna,

Yes you could drive further up to Gabala instead of Shamakhi. You won’t go wrong with either option 🙂

Hi Savi, Your itinerary is such a great help! I’m not worrying anymore about my upcoming trip to Azerbaijan. As I’m doing it myself I probably will do some guided day tours in Baku. Is it easy to book while in Baku? And are they cheaper than online ones? Thanks Josh

Hey Josh – It is easy to book tours upon getting to Baku. However you will find the most competitive rates only 🙂

I recently embarked on a remarkable journey to Azerbaijan, and I must say that it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I landed at the airport until my departure, Roman, our knowledgeable guide, was an invaluable companion, ensuring that every aspect of our trip went smoothly. With his expertise, we explored the fascinating landmarks, savored the local culture, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

On the first day of our itinerary, Roman greeted us at the airport with a warm smile, making us feel instantly welcomed and at ease. Our adventure began with a visit to Highland Park, where we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Baku’s stunning skyline. Roman’s insightful commentary added depth to our experience, allowing us to truly appreciate the significance of the landmarks that stretched out before us.

Next on the list was the iconic Flame Tower, an architectural marvel that symbolizes the modernity and progress of Azerbaijan. Roman’s explanations about the design and significance of the building brought a new level of appreciation to its grandeur. We continued to the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, where Roman’s passion for the country’s rich history and culture shone through his explanations of the exhibits and the center’s purpose.

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring Little Venice, a charming and picturesque area in Baku. Our visit to the Carpet Museum was equally captivating, as Roman’s deep understanding of Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage brought the intricate designs and craftsmanship to life.

The second day took us to Gabala, a scenic region outside Baku. Roman ensured that our journey was comfortable and enjoyable, and we were enthralled by the beauty of Nohur Lake. The picturesque surroundings, coupled with Roman’s fascinating stories about the region’s history, made it a truly enchanting experience. The visit to the Waterfall and the Cable Car ride were exhilarating additions to the day, offering breathtaking views that left us in awe of Azerbaijan’s natural wonders.

On the third day, Roman guided us through Gobustan, an archaeological treasure trove that left us awe-inspired. The Art Rock Museum showcased ancient rock carvings that vividly depicted the life and customs of early civilizations, and Roman’s deep knowledge and passion for the subject enriched our understanding of this historical site. The exploration continued with a visit to Mud Volcano, a unique phenomenon that fascinated us, and the Fire Temple and Burning Mountain, which held spiritual and mythical significance.

Throughout the journey, Roman’s attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care for our experience were evident. He ensured that we were comfortable, answered all our questions with patience, and went above and beyond to make our trip unforgettable. His expertise and passion for Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and natural beauty were infectious, igniting a deep appreciation within us.

As our trip came to an end, Roman organized our airport transfer seamlessly, relieving us of any logistical concerns. We departed Azerbaijan with a newfound love for the country, thanks in large part to Roman’s impeccable guidance and assistance.

I wholeheartedly recommend Roman and his services to anyone planning to explore Azerbaijan. With his expertise and unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience, you can trust that your journey will be filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. He can be reached at +994 70 367 51 39

I have been trying to reach Roman since the last one week but his number is not in service. I am planning to go for 3days to azerbaijan. I know it is extremely short but this is the maximum leave I could manage. I have few doubts. 1. What is the possibility of taking car on rent and the prices for 3 days. 2. How to book the cable car at Tufandag? 3. Which places would you suggest to try local food?

Hi, I am Roman. You can reach me in mentioned phone number. +994703675139

Hello.. How much did Roman charge for each day?

Heyy guys Just back from beautiful Azerbaijan. Planned a sudden week long trip to Azerbaijan without doing any research and then stumbled upon your article. I was hesitant travelling alone with kids sans husband, but I Can’t thank you enough for the guide recommendation. Roman was a gem. He was there right from the time we landed at the airport till we departed. He was punctual and very very helpful. Not only did he take us around, he became a great companion for my kids. I would recommend him to anyone I know who is travelling to Azerbaijan. Thanks Roman for making the trip so memorable for us.

So happy to hear that 🙂 Glad you had an amazing time with Roman in Azerbaijan.

Hi, You your whole itinerary seems very exciting for me to visit Azerbaijan for atleast 10days.But will this itinerary be suitable even for solo female travellers?

Thanks Shiba! Very useful !

The last photograph on the beautiful road atop the car is which place?

That’s on the way to Khinaliq/Xinaliq 🙂

Hey, Thank you for sharing!!!

I’ve Canceled my trip to Azerbaijan last year because of the pandemic and I plan to visit it this year, and this guide will help me a lot. Thanks again

Hey, I was just looking up the airlines you mentioned to fly directly from new delhi to Baku. But there isn’t seems to be any. Did you fly from Delhi to Baku or from London?

Hi Srav – there are usually direct flights from both Delhi to Baku & London to Baku via Azerbaijan Airlines. But I believe they are currently suspended due to the pandemic

This is fab!

hi its easy drive to baku

I have visited Azerbaijan in jan 2020 with my wife. Our tour guider was ROMAN he was so Cooperative and know the historical information about Azerbaijan really enjoyed. It feels like he was my childhood friend. Highly recommended from my side.

Can we drive in Azerbaijan with Indian DL (english) or will need IDP

Hello an IDP is preferable though some local car rentals also accept Indian DL 🙂

Thanks for the detailed description its is both interesting and enriching.

We are going to be based out of Baku. Does it make sense to various short trips from Baku or take a longer trip and cover the places that you covered. Thanks.

Hey not all these can be covered on day trips but most can 🙂

Hello, Do you recommend renting an economy car for exploring the countryside or a 4×4? Thinking if I could pack some light trails while exploring. Any recommendations on where to recommend from? Thanks.

Hey Adil – a 4X4 is not compulsory for a road trip in Azerbaijan. You can pick something that is budget-friendly, no problem 🙂

It would be really helpful if you could give recommendation for where to take cars on Rent.

Hey you can compare prices and book car rentals for Azerbaijan here https://kayak.co.in/in?a=kan_148771&lc=en&url=%2Fcars

Hey, Would you suggest visiting Azerbaijan in winters to experience snow?

hey guys.. Awesomely explained 🙂 Just a question how about last week of October to the mountain of Xinaliq for a self driving road trip? Will it be snow and bitter cold?

Hey Nisar – yes I believe so but it’s still gorgeous 🙂

Ohhh what to say about Azerbaijan.. breathtakingly Beautiful country with amazing people .. But we personally cannot imagine Azerbaijan without our guide and friend Roman .. pure hearted soul .. Guys if you are planning to visit Azerbaijan please book Roman as your guide .. He will make your trip 100 times better .. never seen anybody as punctual as Roman .. He knows every nook and corner of Azerbaijan.. he will take you to the best food joints ..He will show the best of Azerbaijan.. Roman was with us throughout our stay ( 11 days ) in Azerbaijan.. he made everything soo easy and smooth for us with 2 toddlers in hand..he even bought jackets foods tea and what not for us .. he became a family.. I am really greatful for Savi and Vid for recommending this gem of a person .. even we loved spending time with his wife wasifa .. booking Roman was the best decision we have made while visiting Azerbaijan.. Thanks again guys ❤️❤️❤️

So so lovely to hear this Rameeza 🙂

Can you please give an idea about the charges

Hey did you visit Xinaliq during end of October, planning to go myself in few days from now. How was the weather and road conditions? Pls do share

Hey road was absolutely fine. Weather was cold, so do pack some woollens, especially a warm down jacket 🙂

Thanks for your detailed explanation. I am planning to travel from Saudi for 7 days with my family in December. I arrive from riyadh to baku and how about the return, should it be from Baku itself or is there any other airport to fly back from? for the ticket purpose.

Hey there – returning from Baku itself is most convenient 🙂

We just returned from our 10 day trip to Azerbaijan and I am really glad I found this blog before we left. We booked Roman as our guide during our stay there and we couldn’t be more grateful for him.

From taking us to breathtaking landscapes, to feeding us delicious local food, Roman helps you get a truly wholesome experience. He recommends and takes you to places based on your interest and is very mindful of your comfort, safety and budget. We particularly enjoyed our two day trip to quba and xinalig village in the mountains where Roman arranged warm azer chai,delicious jam and a home cooked meals for us. I would highly recommend Roman for anyone considering a holiday in Azerbaijan as having him around makes your experience stress free and relaxing.

Hey so happy to hear you enjoyed this guide to Azerbaijan and had a good time on your travels 🙂

Thank you for your detailed description. It is both interesting and informative.

How can we reach Roman? Thank you

Hey – the phone number is in the article above 🙂

I have been trying to reach the number, but it is sadly out of service :/

Hi I am Roman. My mobile is active. You can reach from +994 70 367 51 39

Thanks for sharing your experience in such detail. This is a huge help for those planning to travel to Azerbaijan. I have a question regarding the local currency Manat. Is forex card widely accepted there? Or do you recommend to carry more local currency in cash?

Forex cards are accepted in most of the places. We usually just withdraw a small amount of local currency from ATM when we land in a new place. Carrying Manat from India is not necessary.

hi…planning a 5 day trip to Baku in october…should we stay overnight at GABALA or a day trip is good enough. Any other place near Baku for overnight stay can also be recommended. Thanks in advance

The pictures said it all. Very beautiful captures.

I wanted to understand if we need the driving license for the country in case we opt for car rental and what is the process?

Hey Ananya – if you have an Indian driving licence in English, that will work 🙂

Hi Savi&Vid, The article is really insightful. Thanks for including each and every detail. I just wanted to know how safe it will be for a solo female traveller? Do share your thoughts. One of your ardent followers, Neeraj

Hey Neeraj – it is safe, don’t worry 🙂 However would recommend sticking to the more popular/bigger cities 🙂

Hi Savi& Vid,

your artical is very helpful. we are travelling to Azarbaijan i, on 25th of this month. our next destination is Georgia on 1st Oct from Baku. So we have exact 5 days in hand for exploring Azarbaijan. We are travelling with Family of 5 members(all are pure vegetarians)(Mom-Dad-Sister-in-law and two of us). How to plan the days so that we can explore maximum of Azarbaijan. Can you help? We have booked the flight tickets and visa. No bookings has been made for Azarbaijan. Any tips you will give as we are travelling with family. would you suggest self-driving?

Hello – you can plan based on the article! You should spend all your time in Baku with a day trip to Shamakhi and half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag. Baku has a number of vegetarian restaurants but in remote places like Xinaliq, vegetarian food is harder to find

We are travelling- all adults to Azerbaijan for 5 days in October and were deciding between staying for 2 nights either in Gabala or Quba ? Which one would you guys suggest?

Hey it’s so hard to choose but we love Quba 🙂

The whole itinerary is exciting and helps to plan an efficient trip. Wanted to check if IDP is required or Indian licence would work here and in Georgia both.

Hey Aditya – you can use your Indian licence to drive in Georgia as long as it is in English 🙂

I’m planning on going with my boyfriend to Azerbaijan beginning of November for 10 days. Now we’re backpacking and lifting. Is it safe? We would sleep in hostels 🙂

Is there beautiful nature as well?

Yes it is very safe – we had a great time. Yes there is beautiful nature outside Baku – if y ou want, you can go to the northern village of Xinaliq -it’s very beautiful

Hi Savi and Vid,

You people are gems.Like seriously one in million.I have been following you since my college days and always wanted to plan the whole trip just like yours.

You people carry a pocketful of sunshine wherever you go, brightening the lives of those lucky enough to know you.

I wanted to follow your itinerary to Baku for 7 days.Can i plan in December?Is it worth going

Thank you so much for your kind words Sanya 🙂

Yes Baku should be nice in December but it will be a bit cold, which can always have its own magic 🙂 hope you have an amazing trip

Hi Savi & Vid, we have planned a trip on 15 Dec for a 5-day tour to Baku & Azerbaijan and close tourist attraction, we are vegetarians if you could recommend good veg restaurants.

Hi is end March a good time to visit? Loved ur blog. Keep it up.

Yes March end should be nice 🙂

Do you think AirBnbs (apartments ) are good/safe instead of hotels? We are 3 families and i think it will be economical if we just book a 3bedroom apartment via airbnb?

Rest i am trying to follow you iternaty as well as suggestions in comments.

Yes, they are safe. Go with the ones that have previous reviews and are hosted by superhosts

Hi ! Loved the itinary ‘. can I fly into Baku to visit Georgia and then fly back into Baku on the e – visa and back to mumbai or would have to book one way flights to each destination ?

You can do that theoretically, however make sure that your e-visa for Azerbaijan is a multiple entry one. To be honest, given the good direct flight connections with both baku and georgia from India, we’d do Mumbai-Baku-Georgia-Mumbai

Hello..We are travelling on 23rd March for 10 days. 1) Could you suggest a good travel insurance. 2) Also we are planning to use ThomasCook One Currency Forex card. Hope its accepted in Azerbaijan like every other country. 3) And we are staying in Shahdagh Mountain Resort for 2 nights. Will we get a taxi from Baku to drop us and pick us back after 2 days, or should we book another taxi from Shahdagh to Baku separately. How easy is it to get a cab from Shahdagh back to Baku.

1) We use HDFC ergo and Bajaj Allianz. Thankfully, never had to make a claim till now, but have heard that both these are good with claims 2) You should check that with ThomasCook. 3) I think your hotel should be able to arrange a taxi back from Shahdagh to Baku.

I have used TATA AIG in the past and had made medical claims as well. It was an easy process. I have explored a lot and find this policy to be the best.

Thanks for the amazing description and itinerary details. Also, would connect with Roman for our trip. thanks for recommending him.

I wanted to know:

1) if Azerbaijan is good for restricted mobility residents. I am asking because I have a heart condition due to which I can’t climb stairs and walk on difficult terrain.

2) Is June end a good time to travel. will it be too crowded because of vacations etc.?

Thanks a lot

Hey, any apps / website you would recommend for car rentals for self drive (Automatic) and can you guide on the procedure for international license?

We usually use an aggregator like Skyscanner or Kayak. In Azerbaijan we rented from Avis, and used an Indian license without any problem

Hello, regarding forex, I checked with a couple of forex agencies and they all told me to carry either usd or euros in my forex card because very few of them deal with Manat. Is it ok if I travel with usd or euros in my forex card? From your experience, do you think that’s a good idea or should I get Manat in my forex card?

Doubt that you’ll be able to get Manat added on your forex card. you can get EUR or USD added. You can withdraw Manat on reaching Baku

Hi Savi and Vid

I have followed numerous suggestions on your blog but your recommendation of Roman is completely off. He is a cheat and you should seriously think about removing his suggestion from your website. (I have proof of all that I have written below and am happy to provide you the same to take your decision).

I’d just like to provide my feedback about Roman who has been highly recommended here on this forum. I trusted it blindly as I have followed many suggestions on this website and all so far have been positive but it has been an appalling experience with him.

I asked for a quote for 8 people from the onset and got a quote from him which I agreed to. Just 10 days or so before my arrival suddenly he changed the price saying that we need a bigger vehicle. Again my requirement did not change at any point.

Even though this was a red signal I agreed to the cost revision not wanting to spoil my plans.

Then suddenly on the day before my tour planned by him I was told that the tour is without a guide. Now why would anyone contact a guide for a tour (2 months in advance as well) – take the itinerary suggested by him and go in just a car without a guide. Then he says he was booked out 3 months in advance (I had booked through him 2 months in advance).

I am still in Baku and honestly it has been an appalling experience with him. If after this warning you still plan to contact him please negotiate with Roman like you would a LEGAL contract not assuming anything and EVERY word should be mentioned and vetted and checked again because it will be conveniently used against you when required. Even if any punctuation is missing get it added as that will be used as an excuse later to cheat you and change the agreed to terms. I have proof of all this and am happy to show anyone interested so you do not face the same situation as me.

I have travelled to just about every country in North America, Europe and most of Asia, Austraila and many in Africa – so pretty much the world and nowhere have I seen such blatant volte face as I have right now.

BE careful and safe travels to all.

Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience and insights! It’s of immense help to those planning a visit to Azerbaijan. I am visiting Azerbaijan in May with my daughter. I would love to rent a self drive car as I’ve done many road trips in India including in the Himalayan region. I had some concerns though. How safe would it be for 2 women to drive in the country side by themselves? Does Google Maps work well in the country side? Is there good network for mobiles to work to be able to navigate your way? If you could please help clarify the above concerns it would be a great help. Thanks.

It should be safe provided you follow all normal travel precautions. We had an amazing time driving in Azerbaijan and exploring the remote villages. Google maps and network both worked well. Have a great trip 🙂

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An Ultimate Guide to Azerbaijan

If you’re searching for an exciting, lesser-known destination for your next trip, Azerbaijan is an excellent choice. It’s not overrun by tourists, which means you’ll get to explore its unique charms without the crowds. This hidden gem offers a blend of East and West, with rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a warm, welcoming spirit.

Azerbaijan: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for the First-Timers

Planning a trip to Azerbaijan? You’re in for a great time! This journey might just be one of the best you’ll ever have. To make it even better, I’ve put together a travel guide to Azerbaijan based on my own experiences. This guide will make it easy for you to discover all the wonderful places and experiences this country has to offer.

Azerbaijan: First Impressions

Azerbaijan is often called the Land of Fire , a name that comes from its unusual natural fires. In this country, you’ll find an amazing mix of the old and the new.

The capital city, Baku, epitomizes this mix. The city is very modern with tall, impressive buildings that make it feel like you’re stepping into the future.

But Baku also has a historic side, called Icherisheher . This old part of the city stands in beautiful contrast to the new buildings, showing off Baku’s rich history and its modern ambitions side by side.

Additionally, the country’s oil wealth is evident, adding a layer of prosperity and development to its urban landscape, which further enhances its unique character.

Outside of Baku, Azerbaijan has many small, quiet old villages that seem like they haven’t changed for centuries. These villages, my friend, are a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage and traditional ways of life.

What’s really special about Azerbaijan is how it mixes European and Asian cultures. You can see this in the food, the buildings, and the way people live. It’s like a bridge between two continents.

Plus, the country is home to the stunning Caucasus mountains, adding to its natural beauty.

This unique combination of city life, ancient villages, and beautiful landscapes makes Azerbaijan a fascinating place to visit.

Where is Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, situated in Southwestern Asia, is a country without a coastline except for its border along the Caspian Sea.

It’s nestled among several countries: Russia and Georgia to the north, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and it also shares a small border with Turkey.

How Many Days in Azerbaijan

Your perfect length of stay in Azerbaijan really depends on what you like – history, nature, or culture. Usually, people visit for about 5 to 10 days.

If you’ve got 5 to 7 days , that’s great for a quick trip. You can spend a few days in Baku to see the old and new parts of the city. Plus, you can take short trips to places like Gobustan National Park and the Ateshgah Fire Temple. Also, you can visit a beautiful area like Sheki, Quba, or Gabala for a day or two.

If you have 10 days or even more, you can explore more of the country. After seeing Baku, you can travel to different towns and villages, enjoy the Caspian Sea beaches, check out the mud volcanoes, and maybe travel to far-off places like Nakhchivan. With more time, you can really get to know each place better and take your time exploring.

How to Get to Azerbaijan

The most common and easiest way to travel to Azerbaijan is by flying. Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is the primary airport for international flights. Various major airlines have flights to Baku from cities worldwide, and if there’s no direct flight from your location, you might transit through key hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, or Moscow.

For those already in nearby countries such as Georgia, Russia, or Iran, overland options like train or bus services, including the overnight train and minibus (marshrutka) from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Baku, are usually available.

If you prefer the freedom of driving, traveling by car (whether rented or your own) from Georgia offers a picturesque journey.

An alternative way to reach Azerbaijan is by taking a ferry across the Caspian Sea, with services available from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Important Note: At the moment of writing this, Azerbaijan’s land and sea borders are closed to tourists , meaning entry is only possible by air. The closure of these borders is expected to continue at least until January 2, 2024. As a result, for now, flying is the only option for entering Azerbaijan.

How to Get Around Azerbaijan

In Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, getting around is easy with its modern metro system. It’s cheap and connects major areas.

Buses are everywhere in the cities and good for longer trips too. Baku’s buses go all over the city and comfortable buses link big towns and places tourists like to visit.

Marshrutkas, or minibusses, are a quick, cheap way to get between cities. They’re smaller and faster than buses but might not be as comfy. Indeed, even for travelers accustomed to using budget public transport, these minibusses can be quite uncomfortable.

Taxis are easy to find in Baku and other cities. Just make sure to use official taxis and agree on the price first. 

There’s also a train network, not as efficient, in Azerbaijan. It links Baku with cities like Ganja and Sheki.

I wouldn’t recommend self-driving in Azerbaijan because the road conditions, combined with local drivers not following the rules and often driving rashly, can make it quite challenging and potentially unsafe, especially for those not familiar with such driving environments. Instead, opt to rent a car with a driver from a well-known tour company.

We hired a car with a driver, instructing him to follow the traffic rules, which was a real time-saver and made things easier. However, we did face some communication challenges, as the driver didn’t understand much English. Thankfully, Google Translate was a big help in overcoming this communication hurdle!

Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the country’s diverse landscapes, and fewer tourists provide a more relaxed experience.

For culture enthusiasts, March is an excellent time to visit Azerbaijan, coinciding with the vibrant Novruz Bayrami celebrations. This traditional holiday marks the Persian New Year and the arrival of spring, and it’s filled with rich cultural events, traditional music, dance, and a variety of local delicacies. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Azerbaijani customs and festivities.

Unmissable Experiences in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers quite a few captivating experiences that showcase its unique culture, history, and natural beauty. Let me share with you some of the top experiences you shouldn’t miss:

• Explore the Ancient & Modern Wonders of Baku

Exploring Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is an amazing adventure. This city has a mix of old and new things. When you walk around the Old City, called Icherisheher , a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s like going back in time. The narrow streets and old buildings there are just magical.

Then, as you leave the old part of the city, you’ll see a completely different side of Baku. The city is famous for its ultra-modern architecture. The Flame Towers , three tall skyscrapers, really stand out. At night, they light up with LED lights that look like flickering flames – it’s an amazing sight.

Don’t miss the Heydar Aliyev Center , designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid . Its smooth, futuristic look is a total contrast to the historic buildings in the Old City and shows just how diverse Baku is.

Baku isn’t just about its buildings, though. The city’s culture is a lively mix of the traditional and the modern. You can enjoy classic Azerbaijani music and dance, and then relax in a stylish cafe or fancy restaurant. This blend of the old and the new is what makes Baku’s charm really special.

• Experience the Silk Road Legacy in Azerbaijan

Discovering Azerbaijan’s Silk Road legacy is a truly enriching experience for any traveler. This journey takes you deep into the country’s history as a key crossroads on the ancient Silk Road .

Azerbaijan sits where East meets West, playing a vital role in this historic trade and cultural route. This rich past is best seen in its caravanserais – ancient inns where Silk Road travelers and merchants would rest.

In Baku, the Multani Caravanserai , dating back to the 15th century, is one of the most striking examples. Walking through its arched doorways and exploring its stone corridors, you can almost hear the whispers of ancient traders and the clatter of caravans.

Another notable caravanserai is the 14th-century Bukhara Caravanserai , also located in Baku.

Beyond Baku, places like Sheki and Ganja also hold significant remnants of the Silk Road . The Sheki Caravanserai , with its magnificent façade and intricate design, highlights Sheki’s role in historic trade and craftsmanship.

Azerbaijan’s bazaars also reflect the Silk Road’s influence. Bustling markets filled with spices and colorful goods give you a taste of what ancient trade was like.

In Nakhchivan , an autonomous part of Azerbaijan, you can further explore the Silk Road’s impact. It was a crucial stop on this ancient trading route, connecting Europe and Asia. Here, you can see old places, special buildings, and customs that remind us of the Silk Road days. 

Embarking on this journey through Azerbaijan’s Silk Road history connects you with the stories and people of a land that was a central hub in this famous trade network.

• Discover the Historical Castles and Fortresses of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is filled with historic castles and fortresses, each telling a unique story of the country’s past.

In Baku, you shouldn’t miss the Maiden Tower , a mysterious and ancient tower with amazing views of the city and sea. Also in Baku is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs , a beautiful 15th-century palace that shows how important the Shirvan Empire was.

Out in the countryside, you’ll find old fortresses on hills and valleys, reminding us of times when they protected the land. The Sheki Fortress in the scenic town of Sheki is a great example, showing the area’s medieval history and its ties to the Silk Road.

For something unique, visit Alinja Castle , sometimes called Azerbaijan’s “ Machu Picchu .” It’s high up on a mountain and was once a very strong fortress. The views from the top are incredible.

There’s also the Gulistan Fortress , an old but important stronghold that has seen many historical events. It gives a great look at the region’s past military strategies.

These fortresses, along with others scattered across Azerbaijan, are not merely relics of the past. They are enduring symbols of Azerbaijani resilience and architectural ingenuity.

• Tour the Ancient Villages of Azerbaijan

The quaint, peaceful, tiny villages of Azerbaijan are like time capsules, preserving centuries-old traditions, architecture, and ways of life.

Exploring these villages is like walking in a living museum, where every alleyway, every craft, and every local custom speaks volumes about the country’s fascinating past and enduring spirit.

To get into the skin of the country’s culture, you must explore its villages.

Khinalug , high in the Caucasus Mountains, is incredibly old and remote. Life here hasn’t changed much in over a thousand years. The people still speak their language and live in traditional houses on the mountainside.

In Lahij , known for its stone streets and copper work, you’ll feel like you’re in the Middle Ages. This mountain village is famous for keeping old crafts alive. The sound of copper smiths mixes with the village’s old-world feel, showing off Azerbaijan’s craft heritage.

Quba , another old village, has a charm of its own. Famous for apples and carpets, Quba is a mix of colors and traditions. It’s not just pretty, with its old-style buildings, but also full of life, from busy markets to green scenery.

• Uncover the Breathtaking Natural Wonders of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a land of many contrasts, with unique mud volcanoes, eternal flames, peaceful lakes, beautiful waterfalls, the grand Caucasus mountains, and the calm Caspian Sea coast.

The country is known for its over 300 mud volcanoes, some of the most active worldwide. These natural wonders are spread across Azerbaijan, with the most famous one in Gobustan , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gobustan is not only known for its mud volcanoes but also for ancient rock carvings.

Yanar Dag , or Burning Mountain, is where natural gas fires burn continuously, creating a magical scene, especially at night. This is why Azerbaijan is nicknamed the “Land of Fire.”

Near Baku is the Ateshgah Fire Temple , a historic site for fire-worshippers, built over a natural gas vent. The eternal flame here is a unique feature of Azerbaijan.

For nature lovers, Azerbaijan has lovely lakes like Lake Nohur , Rose Lake (known for its pink waters), and Lake Goygol .

The Caucasus Mountains, stretching across northern Azerbaijan, are perfect for adventures. They offer stunning views, hiking paths, and a chance to see diverse wildlife. Mountain villages show centuries-old traditional lifestyles.

The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest inland body of water, boasts beautiful beaches in Azerbaijan, with the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. Some of the best beaches in Azerbaijan that I would recommend are Bilgah Beach, Dalga Beach, and Amburan Beach.

The Caspian Sea is also a hotspot for unique wildlife and is popular with birdwatchers, especially during bird migration seasons.

Where to Stay in Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, Baku has many luxury and boutique hotels, plus big international brands. Staying on Nizami Street in Baku is great for a top-notch experience. It’s lively, full of shops and restaurants, and close to many attractions.

Outside Baku, in places like Sheki, Lahij, and Quba, you can stay in traditional guesthouses. These are cozy and show off the local style. They’re usually run by families, so you get a warm, homely feel. You can also try delicious home-cooked Azerbaijani food there.

If you’re in rural or remote areas, consider a homestay. You’ll live with a local family, which is a great way to understand Azerbaijani life and culture.

For nature lovers, regions like Gabala and Guba offer mountain retreats and lodges. These are in beautiful spots with great views of mountains and forests. They come in different styles and prices, from simple to luxurious.

Things to Consider While Traveling to Azerbaijan

• Before your trip to Azerbaijan, it’s important to verify whether you require a visa. Many travelers can obtain an e-visa through the ASAN Visa system , which is a straightforward online application process.
• For stays exceeding 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service within 15 days after arriving in Azerbaijan.
• Azerbaijan’s geography means it has multiple climate zones. Pack accordingly, especially if you’re planning to visit both the mountains and the coast
• Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and at religious places. In cities like Baku, you can dress more casually like in European cities. Remember to bring a scarf for visiting religious sites.
• Whether exploring Baku’s cityscape or venturing into rural areas, comfortable shoes are a must.
• Not many locals speak English, so knowing some Azerbaijani phrases is useful. Also, keep the Google Translate app handy – it’s a big help! There are other important travel apps you should consider downloading before your trip.
• The currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). While credit cards are commonly used, it’s a good idea to have cash on hand for visits to rural areas.
• Don’t miss out on local dishes like plov, kebabs, and dolma.
• While Baku is a must-visit, Azerbaijan’s true charm lies in its diverse regions, from the Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian Sea. So, explore beyond Baku!
• If you’re traveling to Azerbaijan in winter, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Shahdag Mountain Resort and Tufandag Mountain Resort , both offering excellent skiing experiences.
• Exchange money at trustworthy banks or exchange offices and steer clear of street dealers to avoid bad rates or fake currency.

That’s it for my Azerbaijan guide! I hope it helps you plan an amazing trip. Azerbaijan really left a big impact on me, and I think it’ll do the same for you. My unexpected trip there turned into an adventure I’ll never forget.

I’m already thinking about going back. Next time, I want to see more places I didn’t get to before. There’s so much to see in Azerbaijan, and one trip isn’t enough to see it all. I’m looking forward to returning and exploring even more of its culture and beautiful scenery.

Happy travels, and may your journey be as colorful and inspiring as a sunset over the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan awaits you!

Anjali from Travel Melodies , who has recently explored Azerbaijan, generously shared her top tips to help you fully enjoy your time there. She’s put together this Azerbaijan guide just for you.

Keep reading: Silk Road: A trip from China to Turkey

• Money And Travel Costs In...

Money and Travel Costs in Azerbaijan

Not long ago Azerbaijan was on track to become the next Dubai. Until oil prices plummeted in 2014, transforming the nation from notoriously expensive to surprisingly affordable. Keep reading to discover how much it costs to take a holiday to Azerbaijan in 2018.

Before travelling.

Compared to other destinations, relatively few flights go to Azerbaijan. Most nationalities need to apply for an eVisa ($20 per person) too. Both combined might make the initial costs of visiting slightly higher. Others reach Azerbaijan by bus from Georgia in the north or Iran to the south for a few dollars. The border between Azerbaijan and Armenia is closed.

A few days in Azerbaijan

Tourists on a short holiday to Azerbaijan usually spend their time in Baku. The capital city deserves at least a few days for sightseeing and to visit the nearby Ateshgah Fire Temple , the burning mountain Yanar Dag and Gobustan National Park. Depending on preferences, Baku is a haven for all types of travel experiences and budgets.

Accommodation

Expect to spend anything from $10 a night for a bed in a hostel dorm , up to several hundred at the resorts or boutique hotels . Most tend to be clustered in the city centre near Icheri Sheher, Baku’s historical Inner City.

Food and drink

Eating out shouldn’t cost more than $20 per person each day. Head to the local restaurants to eat traditional food and pay less than $10 for a hearty meal with a beer or drink. The restaurants along Nizami Street and near Fountain Square tend to be higher. Budget travellers can buy food from the supermarket and self-cater for less than $5 per day.

Transportation

Getting around in Baku is incredibly cheap. Both the metro and bus are just AZN0.20 ($0.12) for a one-way journey. Getting from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to Baku City Centre (28 May Metro Station) costs approximately AZN1.50 ($0.90).

Sightseeing

Admission to most attractions in Baku such as the museums , Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs often costs AZN10 ($5.90). Day trips using public transport to Ateshgah and Yanar Dag will come to less than $10 in total. Private tours are more expensive at around $70 for a trip from Baku to Gobustan.

Shoestring travellers could easily survive on less than $30 per day in Baku, excluding the cost of flights and visa. Those looking for a mid-range experience might spend between $60 and $100 daily including tours.

A week in Azerbaijan

More extended holidays to Azerbaijan often involve visiting other parts of the country including Quba, Sheki and Ganja. Depending on the itinerary and how much time spent in each, the total daily cost will on par with the price for a short trip.

Baku has a range of accommodation choices. Other destinations are more limited and can sometimes be tricky to find. Small villages often have guesthouses ranging between $20 and $40 per night. The total cost, however, might include meals.

Food and drink in other parts of Azerbaijan are less than in Baku. A meal and drink in Ganja, the second city, might be 30% lower than the capital. Buying fresh fruit and vegetables will be much cheaper too. Tourists can expect to spend between $10 to $20 each day on food and drinks (including a beer or two in the evening).

Relying on public transport such as the marshrutkas (minibuses) and trains is affordable. Getting from one destination to the next rarely exceeds $8. Shorter distances might only come to $2.

The Caucasus Mountains offer stunning views and landscapes. Culture lovers should be aware that fewer museums exist outside of Baku. Hiring a driver or having your own set of wheels might be necessary to get the most out of a holiday in Azerbaijan.

Tourists who plan to spend at least one week in Azerbaijan should be able to travel comfortably on $30 to $50 each day, including transport. Luxury may be more limited outside of Baku.

Two weeks in Azerbaijan

Anyone who plans to spend two weeks in Azerbaijan can see the daily costs increase or decrease by up to 30%. Having the opportunity to have more time in smaller towns and villages will cut costs. But those looking for fast travel in Azerbaijan might have daily expenses double or even triple depending on if they hire a driver to see the attractions. The total price for two weeks in Azerbaijan would cost the average tourist anywhere between $600 and $1500 including the cost of flights and visas.

Making the most of your 30-day visa

The eVisa is valid for 30 days so why not make the most of it? Anyone who decides to spend a month in Azerbaijan can expect to pay anywhere from less than $1,000 up to $2,000. The longer the trip, the lower the average daily hosts.

How much does it cost to holiday in Azerbaijan?

Frugal travellers and backpackers often find a holiday to Azerbaijan affordable. Compared to other parts of Europe, the total cost will be almost half. But daily expenses can skyrocket when factoring in hiring a private driver to visit the hard-to-reach attractions.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

See & Do

When is the best time to visit azerbaijan.

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The best hotels in ganja, azerbaijan.

Film & TV

10 azerbaijani films you need to watch.

Chovgan: Azerbaijan's Thrilling National Sport

Bars & Cafes

The 10 best coffee shops in ganja, azerbaijan.

Restaurants

The 10 best restaurants in ganja, azerbaijan.

The Best Independent Cinemas in Baku, Azerbaijan

10 Azerbaijani Books to Read Before You Go

Guides & Tips

Why the caucasus has so many 100-year-olds.

Where to Watch the Stars in Azerbaijan

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Is Baku Expensive? An Azerbaijan Trip Cost Guide

Last Updated on January 10, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

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With a recent loosening in visa restrictions and an effort to be seen on an international scale, the small Caucasian nation of Azerbaijan is attracting more and more visitors each year. With the government investing thousands of its oil dollars to attract luxury travellers and the capital fancying itself as something of a new Dubai, many budget travellers will come to ask themselves the question: Is Baku expensive? And how much will a Baku or Azerbaijan trip cost?

While Baku certainly is trying to craft a luxe and grand image of itself, and the city has gained a reputation as the most expensive capital in the Caucasus region. However, at an average cost of €30-70 per person per day, it doesn’t have to break the bank at all..

Despite the grandiosity of the capital, it is an incredibly affordable place for Western travellers. Take a look at this detailed price breakdown to know how much you should plan to budget for a visit to the oil capital of the Caucasus.

The local currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat, however, all prices are listed in Euro. To find the current exchange rate to your home currency, look at xe.com .

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices

When first considering your total Azerbaijan trip cost or just the prices in Baku for tourists, you’re going to need to figure out the price of accommodation — one of the most important factors of any travel budget.

The good news for travellers who are truly trying to pinch pennies and keep their overall travels costs as low as possible is that accommodation in Baku and Azerbaijan, in general, can be extremely affordable. This makes it a fantastic destination for budget backpackers.

While a perfunctory search of accommodation in Baku might lead to five-star hotels or luxury penthouse rentals, if you set your price filters lower, you will find that you can find some decent accommodation for truly agreeable prices. Hostels, for instance, are prevalent in Baku and can cost as little as €5 per night for a bed in a dorm.

If you’re looking for something a little more luxe than a hostel dorm bed, guesthouses and budget accommodation options are found throughout Baku and Azerbaijan and you can expect a double room in a traditional homestay or guesthouse to cost you somewhere around €15-25 per night.

Obviously, the more basic the room, the cheaper it will be. However, many times the nightly rate will also include breakfast. It is also likely that you will have to pay more if you would like an ensuite option or are after a room that is slightly nicer than just basic.

In Baku, there are also mid-range accommodation options available, where you can stay in a more traditional hotel instead of in a guesthouse or homestay. This is a better option for those who would like to have some more Western amenities.

You can expect a room in a mid-range hotel to set you back about €25-35 per night, depending on the type of room you choose. If it’s luxury you’re after, some of the top hotels start at around €50-60 per night, so it can be a great deal for those wanting good bang for their buck.

Outside of Baku, finding mid-range accommodation can become slightly more tricky and there is more of a gap between accommodation options. In smaller towns like Quba or Sheki , there are options for affordable homestays and guesthouses where you will rarely pay more than about €15-20 per night, however, if you’re after something a bit nicer, you will need to budget at least about €30-40 per night.

All in all, however, if you’re looking for anything from a basic room in a hospitable local’s home to a room in a nice, mid-range hotel, then plan to budget around €10-20 per person per night on accommodation.

Transportation Prices

In many cases, transportation can take a massive portion of your overall travel budget, however, in Azerbaijan, this really is not the case. Even if you eschew public transport and plan to take taxis everywhere, you still won’t really see much of a sizeable dent in your transport budget.

If you only plan to visit Baku on your trip to Azerbaijan, it is possible not to pay for transportation at all and it to not be a factor in your Baku trip cost, as most of the tourist sites are within easy walking distance of each other and the centre is fairly small and walkable.

Even if you don’t plan on walking absolutely everywhere, transportation prices in Baku aren’t expensive at all. For example, the city is well-connected by an efficient metro system and a single ride is only about €0.25. Therefore, very affordable.

If you need to take a short taxi ride at any time while in Baku or elsewhere in Azerbaijan, expect a ride of about 5 kilometres or so to cost you around €2-4, depending on the distance. Longer distance taxi rides can obviously cost more. We also recommend using the Bolt app to call a taxi rather than hailing one off the street. This will quote you the price beforehand and will help you avoid getting overcharged.

Intercity travel is also quite affordable in Azerbaijan, with even some long bus journeys costing only about €4-5 for 5-6 hour trips. Buses tend to be more functional than comfortable, but they do get you where you need to go at incredibly low prices.

You can take shared taxis on longer journeys, but do expect them to cost a lot more than a bus ticket for a ride that won’t necessarily be more comfortable. Expect a longer, intercity, taxi ride to likely cost you roughly €0.25 per kilometre.

Another popular option in Azerbaijan is to hire a private driver. This can be more convenient than relying on public transport – which can be stressful, especially if you don’t have any Azeri or Russian skills – and doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag.

You tend to pay by car rather than per person in this area of the world and you would likely be looking at a starting point of €30-40 per basic car and driver per day in Azerbaijan. The more people sharing your vehicle, the smaller the per-person cost will be.

All in all, if you walk most places in Baku and take public transport or only short taxi rides, you needn’t plan to spend more than €1-2 per day, meaning that transport will barely affect your overall trip cost.

If you plan to visit a few more cities in Azerbaijan, transportation costs will go up slightly. Even so, you needn’t budget more than about €2-5 per day if you don’t move cities every day and walk most places while you are there.

Food Prices

One of the best things about travelling to new places is to sample the local cuisine, but just how much is that going to cost you in Baku or Azerbaijan as a whole? Well, if you do eat local, not much at all, as it turns out.

Sure, as the foreign visitor numbers in Baku grow, there are more and more restaurants near busy tourist areas charging inflated prices for local cuisine. However, if you do your research in advance, you will realise that local cuisine really doesn’t cost all that much and you can get quite a lot of food for only minimal prices.

In fact, like almost everything else on this list, food prices in Baku will not take a massive dent out of your total trip cost.

To give you an idea, even in a more tourist-friendly restaurant, you can expect a meal for two people including a salad, entrees and main dishes to only cost about €15, or €7.50 per person.

At more local restaurants, you can effectively cut that cost in half. There were times we ate out in Baku and ordered a reasonable amount of food and our bill, for two people, wouldn’t cost us more than €7-8, or €3.5-4 per person.

There are also a lot of fast food options available in Baku as well, meaning that you can eat even cheaper if you are keen to feat upon doner kebabs for most of your trip. Another great, money-saving option is to see if your accommodation will provide breakfast.

Often, accommodations will have a hearty breakfast included in the room rate, or available for a small extra charge — normally about €2.50. Some guesthouses will also provide dinner for an extra charge as well — normally about €5 per person.

Outside of Baku, expect prices to be around the same if you’ve stuck to more local joints in the city. In total, you needn’t plan to spend much more than about €10 per person per day in Baku and Azerbaijan, and it is very much possible to spend less as well.

Activity Prices

In general, this is the area where you might see the biggest discrepancy in activity prices in Baku versus the prices outside of the city. In Baku, museum entry or admission into top tourist sites, for instance, can be more akin to prices in Western Europe than elsewhere in the Caucasus region.

On average, plan for paid entry into the main tourist sites in Baku to cost somewhere around €3.50-7.50 per person. That is a full-price estimate, however, and does not account for the significant discounts available for students, for example. You will also find that there is often a dual pricing structure in Azerbaijan, meaning that entry to attractions is cheaper for locals than it is for foreigners.

In Baku, it is popular to either hire a driver or to embark on a few day trips from the city, and you will find that there are many tour companies readily available that will take you to all of the fantastic attractions within reach of the capital. Often, navigating to a lot of areas can be very difficult (and often impossible) by public transport so taking an organised day tour is really a great option.

If you plan on going for an organised day tour from Baku, you can expect that to cost about €25 per person, not including entry into the sites. However, as these are outside of Baku, the most expensive that you will find will only cost €5 at full price.

Outside of Baku, entry into popular sites still will be a major factor into your total trip to Azerbaijan cost. You can assume entry fees to main attractions to cost around €1-5 just depending on where it is you are and how much demand there is to see the site.

Overall, activity prices are one of the biggest factors of any Baku, Azerbaijan travel budget. Therefore, if you want to gain admittance into some cultural sites or go on a day tour, plan to spend on average about €8-10 per person per day.

Entertainment Prices

While Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, it is largely secular and there are no restrictions on the purchase or consumption of alcohol. You will see locals drinking beer and wine and it is not a faux-pax to order a glass of local red or white with dinner.

Young locals in Baku, as well, like to enjoy the bar and club scene in the city. That being said, however, Azerbaijan doesn’t have a heavy drinking or hard-partying culture. While you may see locals enjoying a beer or two, people are still far more likely to opt for another tea rather than another beer.

Because of this, you don’t really need to factor much into your entertainment costs in Baku or Azerbaijan. On average, a glass of local wine (Azerbaijan does have some tasty vintages!) will only cost about €2-3 depending on the quality. Expect a local draft beer to cost about €1-2.

If you want to forgo drinking but like to kick back in a cafe with a tea or coffee, that also won’t set you back too much either. A glass of tea, the absolute favourite drink of Azerbaijan, should only cost you about €0.50-1. An espresso drink, however, will cost a bit more at about €2 for a cappuccino or latte.

On the whole, your entertainment budget doesn’t need to take up a sizeable amount from your total trip cost. Expect to spend about €2-5 per day on entertainment costs in Azerbaijan, depending on your habits.

Average Azerbaijan Trip Cost

All factors above considered, this is how much you should expect to spend per person per day while in Baku or Azerbaijan in general. This is assuming that you stay in budget accommodation, eat in local establishments, and use public transport rather than rely on taxis or private drivers.

Accommodation: €10-30 / night

Transportation: €3-20 / day

Food: €10 / day

Activities: €8 / day

Entertainment: €2-5 / day

All in all, you can expect your average daily Baku, Azerbaijan trip cost to be about €30-70 per person per day if you’re travelling in a budget-to-mid-range style. Your costs will go up if you choose to hire a private driver vs utilising the public transport system.

This can very easily be brought down if you opt for more affordable eating establishments or don’t eat every meal out, travel slower, and stay in more budget-friendly accommodation. It can also cost a lot more depending on your habits.

The truth of the matter is that, while Baku might be trying to brand itself as a luxury city for the rich and famous, it is still incredibly easy to travel there as a budget backpacker.

If you’ve been wondering if Baku is expensive or debating the cost of a trip to Azerbaijan, it can be helpful to see a detailed price breakdown. Like most everywhere in the world, if you’re smart about where you spend your money, you can find a Baku, Azerbaijan travel budget to suit your style.

Are you visiting Azerbaijan? Have questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Georgia to Azerbaijan: Tbilisi to Baku & Sheki to Tbilisi

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

How to Get from Baku to Sheki & Things To Do in Sheki

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you Maggie 😊 See you

You’re welcome! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Hey , Thanks for the sharing these details . It really helped us plan our journey .

Appreciate your effort .

Thanks Best Regards

Happy this helped! I hope you have a great time in Baku 🙂

Thanks for your fantastic insight into Azerbaijan! Watching the 2021 Olympics we noticed the talent of Azerbaijan’s Rafael Aghayev, in karate. That, in turn, led us to your concise yet fact filled outline of how to travel in Azerbaijan, and specifically Baku. Looking forward to going to this history-rich part of the world, to meet the people and soak up the culture. Your information should prove invaluable.

Yours, from Northern California

Thanks for your comment, Scott! I’m so happy to hear that you’ve been inspired to visit Azerbaijan — it is such a fascinating country with a lot to offer.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Azerbaijan Travel

Azerbaijan travel invites you on a journey across the Caucasian leg of the Silk Road, where history and modernity collide across dreamy semi-desert landscapes. Retrace the path of ancient Zoroastrian pilgrims, walk the cobbled streets of artisan villages and examine ancient petroglyphs up close. From ultra-modern skyscrapers to bubbling mud volcanoes and medieval caravanserais, Azerbaijan surprises travelers at every step.

If Azerbaijan has already captured your imagination and you are looking for practical details on how to prepare for your upcoming trip, we invite you to check out our Azerbaijan Travel Tips .

Your Guide to Azerbaijan by a Local Travel Expert

• 1. Is Azerbaijan Worth Visiting?
• 2. Your Dream Vacation
• 3. Azerbaijan Visa Matters
• 4. Is Azerbaijan Safe for Travel?
• 5. Choose Your Transport
• 6. Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
• 7. Azerbaijan Travel Map
• 8. How Many Days Do You Need in Azerbaijan?
• 9. At Your Service
• 10. Holidays and Festivals
• 11. Curious about Azerbaijani Cuisine?
• 12. Dos and Don’ts in Azerbaijan
• 13. Speak the Language
• 14. Virtual Azerbaijan Travel Guide: Further Reading
• 15. Did You Know That…

Is Azerbaijan Worth Visiting?

• Azerbaijan is full of contrasts , with nine climate zones stretching across the country. Snow-capped Caucasian Mountains border hot, dry deserts while sun-soaked meadows merge with Caspian Sea coasts. But Azerbaijan’s contrasts go beyond nature: cutting-edge architecture straddles caravanserais laden with secrets, while Soviet designs blend with Islamic architecture in a land that never ceases to amaze.
• Azerbaijan is the Land of Fire a nickname it has known since antiquity. It is home to some of the world’s most enviable gas and oil fields, nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes, Ateshgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple and the natural, eternally burning flames of Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain).
• Azerbaijan is affordable , a land where thrifty travelers can find feasible options for extensive exploration. With delectable yet cheap food and cozy budget hotels and guesthouses, Azerbaijan offers options galore for the economical tourist.
• Azerbaijan blends the best of East and West as it sits at the juxtaposition of numerous civilizations. The old Silk Road atmosphere is still palpable among the merchants who proffer oriental spices in local bazaars, at the cozy tea houses hidden in the shade of glass office buildings and in the medieval Icheri Sheher (Inner City) guarded by forlorn Soviet structures .

Your Dream Vacation

Taste the arid winds of the Caucasian semi-desert, pray in the ancient temple of fire, stroll the corridor of oriental palaces and rest in the shadow of enduring caravanserais. Let Azerbaijan bewitch you with its delicious pilaf, tea served in delicate pear-shaped glasses and bustling bazaars. Craft your tour around the land’s fine-tuned artistic traditions, intricate petroglyphs or bubbling mud volcanoes.

Our Azerbaijan travel packages are as diverse as the clients we serve. Whether you are into history, outdoor adventures or cultural pursuits, chances are we have a tour that perfectly suits your interests. Options include everything from day trips to Azerbaijan’s major sites and attractions to extensive, multi-country expeditions. We are also happy to design a personalized Azerbaijan travel itinerary tailored to your specific needs and passions. Just drop us a message and get one step closer to your dream vacation!

Visa Matters

In recent years, Azerbaijan’s visa policies have gradually become more relaxed. Currently, citizens of over 90 countries including Australia, EU members, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, UAE and the U.S. can apply for an e-visa which is issued within 3 days. Passport holders of another 12 countries, including China, Japan, Israel, and South Korea, can get a visa upon arrival, while citizens of 10 countries, including Russia, can enter Azerbaijan visa-free. Azerbaijan is open for tourism, and getting there has never been easier.

Is Azerbaijan Safe for Travel?

Overall, Azerbaijan is a very safe country to explore. Azerbaijanis are a kind, hospitable people who will go the extra mile to accommodate travelers. However, as in any country, crime does occur. Stay vigilant to avoid pickpockets and avoid flashing your belongings at bus terminals, train stations, on public transport and in other crowded areas. Negotiate prices with taxi drivers and street vendors in advance to avoid being overcharged.

If you decide to drive around the country on your own, drive during the daytime. Some roads, particularly in the mountains, are marked by potholes and uneven pavement, so driving after dark can be dangerous. Pay extra attention when crossing the street, as Azerbaijani drivers are not always mindful of pedestrians .

Choose Your Transport

A number of direct international flights connect Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, with global travel hubs such as Beijing, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Moscow, New York, Paris, Tbilisi and Tel Aviv. Other routes connect Baku with the major Central Asian cities of Almaty, Ashgabat, Nursultan, Tashkent and Tbilisi, and a convenient railway connection links Azerbaijan with Georgia, Russia and Ukraine.

Once in Azerbaijan, you can explore the country in a private vehicle or utilize domestic flights for longer routes between Baku and Ganja, Nakhichavan and other cities.

Please note that Azerbaijan travel restrictions do not permit direct travel between Armenia and Azerbaijan .

Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan

With nine climate zones stretching across the country, Azerbaijan is a worthy travel destination year-round. Spring and autumn draw the most crowds with their pleasant temps and vibrant landscapes, but summer and winter also have plenty to offer:

Winter: Winter transforms the high peaks of Azerbaijan into a snowy white paradise. Ski resorts at Shahdag and Tufandag are filled with frenzied fun, while many see wintertime as a chance to slow down and relax over hearty Azerbaijani food. Since Azerbaijan’s winter is usually quite mild, many local attractions are still accessible to travelers. With fewer tourists around, you can count on a much more individualized experience and unbeatable off-season discounts.

Spring: The season starts with the Persian New Year, the country’s most important holiday celebrated at the end of March. If you want to shape your tour around cultural immersion activities, spring is a great time to come! The weather noticeably warms up by late spring, when flowers and green foliage start to dominate the landscape. Not surprisingly, nature lovers find spring the best period to enjoy Azerbaijan’s great outdoors. Autumn: As September approaches, the summer heat decreases while fruits and vegetables ripen in gardens and farms. Travelers flock to admire the autumn forests surrounding Lake Goygol in Ganja or to observe bird migrations in local national parks.

Autumn: As September approaches, the summer heat decreases while fruits and vegetables ripen in gardens and farms. Travelers flock to admire the autumn forests surrounding Lake Goygol in Ganja or to observe bird migrations in local national parks.

Summer: Summers in Azerbaijan are hot, with temperatures in Baku occasionally reaching 40°C (104°F). It’s the perfect time to explore the Caspian Sea beaches or, if you wish to escape the coastal heat, to hike in the Caucasus Mountains.

• Azerbaijan Weather
• When is the best time to visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan Travel Map

Use the Azerbaijan Map to locate the country’s main cities and find out what each one has to offer:

How Many Days Do You Need in Azerbaijan?

Our local tourism specialists have offered their personal Azerbaijan travel advice for must-see sites and itineraries:

• Baku – Metropolitan capital of Azerbaijan where trendy skyscrapers mix with historical sites galore, it’s also the perfect gateway for exploration of Absheron Peninsula and nearby Gobustan. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Icheri Sheher , Heydar Aliyev Center , Baku Boulevard, Nizami Street, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum How to get off the beaten path: Explore the bustling alleys of Green Market (Yashil Bazaar) or visit the Modern Art Museum.  
• Greater Baku – This large area surrounding the capital encompasses almost the entire Absheron Peninsula as well as a number of islands. Befitting its size, Greater Baku spoils with a variety of attractions, from natural phenomena to manmade architectural and historical wonders. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Ateshgah Temple , Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape , Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, Yanar Dag How to get off the beaten path: Visit Gala State Historical Ethnographic Reserve to explore the history of Absheron Peninsula.  
• Sheki – This fascinating city is the cultural and architectural gem of Azerbaijan. Sheki is rich in Islamic architecture, delectable regional food and fascinating Silk Road history. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Sheki Khan’s Palace , Juma Mosque, Sheki Caravanserai, 19th-century hammam How to get off the beaten path: Dedicate some time to explore Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress , or visit Christian Church in Kish .  
• Ganja – One of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, Ganja boasts a plethora of historical and cultural monuments. The town prides itself as the birthplace of the famous Persian poet Nizami, and his tomb is a popular site for visitors. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Imam-zade Mausoleum , Old Ganja Fortress , Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum , Sheikh Bahauddin Complex , the bottle house How to get off the beaten path: Slow down to enjoy the beauty of Goygol National Park with its alpine landscape, crystal clear lakes and pristine forests.  
• Quba – Set on the northeastern slopes of Shahdag Mountain, Quba spoils summer vacationers with a cool climate and spectacular mountain scenery, not to mention the best apples in Azerbaijan. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Chirag-Kala Fortress , Gilgilchay Fortress , Juma Mosque , Sakina-Khanum Mosque How to get off the beaten path: Experience the unique culture of Khinalug , the oldest village in Azerbaijan, or visit the elusive Jewish community at Red Town (Red Sloboda).  
• Shamakhi – Home to a sizeable astrophysical observatory, Shamakhi was the former capital of the Shirvan Empire and one of the largest trade centers along the Caucasian Silk Road. Today the city is famous for silk production, carpet weaving and an impressive number of historical monuments. It is also one of the best places to try Azerbaijani wine. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Juma Mosque , Yeddi Gumbez Mausoleum , Village of Lahij , Diri-Baba Mausoleum-Mosque , Gulistan Fortress How to get off the beaten path: Explore local wineries to sample young local wine.  
• Nakhichevan (Nakhchivan) – Azerbaijan’s oldest city is also the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Local tradition claims that Noah founded the city after the Flood and subsequently died and was buried here. To reach Nakhchivan, you must catch a domestic flight from Baku. How long should I stay? 2-3 days Major Sites: Gulistan Mausoleum , Momine Khatun Mausoleum How to get off the beaten path: Leave the city behind and step into the ruins of the magnificent Alinja Fortress, visit the spectacular Karabaglar Mausoleum or explore the ancient Gemigaia Petroglyphs .  
• Gabala – An ancient city with a history dating back to the 4th century BC. With its many ruins and relics, Gabala is a perfect destination for history buffs. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: ruins and excavations of Old Gabala , ancient capital of Caucasian Albania How to get off the beaten path: Visit Udin Temple , a unique architectural monument of Caucasian Albania, or drive to Hazra village to see 15th-16th century domed tombs.  
• Lankaran – A subtropical paradise in southeast Azerbaijan near the border with Iran. The city’s landscape harmoniously combines high mountain tops, fertile lowlands and pebbly coasts. How long should I stay? 1 day Major Sites: Lankaran Fortress , Pir Hussein Mosque and Mausoleum How to get off the beaten path: Immerse yourself in Khanega , a sophisticated complex of mausoleums and mosques on the banks of Pirsagat river.  
• Naftalan – This small city in the foothills of the Lesser Caucasus attests to the importance of oil to Azerbaijan’s economy and culture. In Naftalan, local oil is believed to have therapeutic effects and is used as a natural treatment in unique oil spas. How long should I stay? As long as you want to stay at a spa resort, usually at least a week Major Sites: Naftalan oil spa resort and treatments How to get off the beaten path: Enjoy a visit to the quirky Museum of Crutches, where you can admire a collection of crutches left behind by patients said to be successfully treated in Naftalan.  
• Nabran – This popular Caspian Sea resort delights with subtropical forestland and a long, lovely beach. How long should I stay? 1-2 days Major Sites: Nabran beach and affiliated resort facilities How to get off the beaten path: Leave the beach behind and hike in the Nabran forests, rich with unique trees particular to this area.

At Your Service

Whether you would like to join a group tour, arrange a day trip or simply get a little help with domestic transport, we would love to make your trip smooth and memorable. Our Azerbaijan Travel services include:

Azerbaijan Holidays and Festivals

Azerbaijan is the only Muslim country in the South Caucasus, and as such the country’s culture and customs vary widely from their predominantly Christian neighbors. This difference is apparent when it comes to national holidays: As Muslims, Azerbaijanis observe Ramadan Bayrami (Eid al-Fitr) and Gurban Bayrami (Eid al-Adha) but not Christmas or Easter. Persian New Year, or Navruz, is also widely celebrated in the country.

Most parties in Azerbaijan are loud, colorful and full of laughter. This hospitable nation is always happy to welcome guests during festivities, so take advantage of the opportunity by arranging your Azerbaijan travels around one of these celebrations:

New Year (1st-2nd January) – New Year is one of the most popular holidays in the country, a joyful time spent with relatives and friends. It begins on the evening of 31st December with a splendid feast. Once the clock strikes midnight, spectacular fireworks shows erupt all across the country. The best ones take place in Baku, particularly at Baku Boulevard. Best place to celebrate: Baku

Novruz (20th-25th March) – Navruz is the celebration of the Lunar New Year, which according to Persian tradition begins with the arrival of spring. The festival is celebrated with song, dance, games and copious amounts of food. Best place to celebrate: Baku, Sheki

Republic Day (28th May) – Republic Day commemorates the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established on 28th May, 1918. The Republic was the first secular democratic country in the Islamic world, a fact which brings great pride to Azerbaijanis. Each year on this day, top officials lay a wreath at the Republic Monument in Baku, and concerts and parades celebrating Azerbaijan’s history and culture are held across the country. Best place to celebrate: Baku

Gabala Music Festival (July-August) – Gabala Festival starts at the end of July and lasts for a week. This open-air festival combines classical piano concerts with jazz improvisations and an evening of traditional mugham music. Best place to celebrate: Gabala (Qabala)

Baku International Jazz Festival (October) – This fantastic musical event, which has been taking place in Baku since 2005, brings together jazz musicians and jazz lovers from all around the globe. Rather than a one-day event, it’s a series of concerts stretched over several days. Best place to celebrate: Baku

Goychay Pomegranate Festival (November) – The Pomegranate Festival is an annual cultural celebration featuring a carnival and an exhibition dedicated to different varieties of pomegranates and pomegranate products. Visitors can also enjoy concerts of traditional Azerbaijani music, performances of various folklore groups and friendly competitions. Best place to celebrate: Goychay

Check out our list of Azerbaijan holidays to learn more about other events you can incorporate into your Azerbaijan travel plans.

Curious about Azerbaijani Cuisine?

Our list of top dishes to taste while in Azerbaijan:

• Dolma: Delicious dish of minced meat, rice, spices and herbs which are wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves or stuffed inside a vegetable before being cooked. In 2017, the Azerbaijani tradition of making dolma was inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• Kebab: Pieces of seasoned meat, usually mutton, placed on skewers and fried over a coal barbecue called a mangal (manqal). The dish is frequently served with vegetables and a thin, unleavened flatbread called lavash.
• Ovdukh: A yogurt-based soup served cold. Yogurt is mixed with water and poured over sliced boiled meat, hard-boiled eggs, sliced cucumber and herbs.
• Qovurma: A simple yet delicious dish featuring mutton spiced with saffron and stewed with onions and tomatoes. Qovurma can also include chicken and fruit.
• Kufta (kofta): Delectable meatballs made of mutton or beef in tomato sauce. The meal is flavored with onions, salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar.
• Lavangi: – The complete opposite of kufta, it features a whole baked fish, chicken or duck filled with walnuts, onions and spices before being baked. Lavangi is most popular in the coastal regions.
• Piti: A highly popular soup made of tail fat and vegetables cooked in an aromatic mutton bone broth.
• Plov: This sumptuously seasoned rice-based meal comes in over forty varieties that differ in ingredients and cooking techniques. Traditionally, Azerbaijani plov features warm rice and fried pieces of beef or chicken mixed with onions, nuts, dried fruits and spices. In some areas, wheat is used in place of rice.
• Qutab: A thinly rolled dough folded into a cylindrical shape and fried, qutab is usually filled with meat, green vegetables or pumpkin. The finished product is cut into smaller triangular pieces and served with a glass of yogurt.
• Baklava (Pakhlava): Azerbaijan’s most renowned dessert, it’s comprised of layers of thinly rolled wheat or rice dough mixed with honey and nuts. Baklava has many regional variations, but especially popular is the classic Baku pakhlava, with a nut on top of each piece.

Check out our Azerbaijan Travel Guidebook for Food for an in-depth look at

• Azerbaijan’s National Dishes

Dos and Don’ts in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijanis are a gracious people, quick to forgive any mistakes committed by foreigners unfamiliar with local customs. Still, knowing a bit about the host culture is seen as a sign of respect and helps a lot in forging friendships as you travel.

• Take off your shoes before walking into a mosque or home.
• Show respect for the elderly by giving them the best seats on buses and at dinner tables.
• Bring a gift if you will be joining a local family for a meal or an overnight stay.
• Confirm prices with taxi drivers before getting into the car to avoid being overcharged.
• Be prepared to answer personal questions. People in Azerbaijan will be interested in your personal life and will not hesitate to ask about your age, marital status, children, etc. This curiosity is simply a sign of interest and concern.
• Throw bread in the rubbish bin or leave it on the ground, as this is offensive to Azerbaijanis
• Discuss politics.
• Accept gifts straightaway - if someone offers you a present, it is polite to refuse it twice before accepting on the third time.
• Make the OK sign, an offensive gesture in Azerbaijani culture.
• Blow your nose in public, which is rude to Azerbaijanis.

Speak the Language

Knowing a few basic phrases in the local language is the best way to make local friends and connections during your Azerbaijan travels.

Here are some phrases that may come in handy:

Virtual Azerbaijan Travel Guide: Further Reading

• Azerbaijan Travel Tips
• Azerbaijan Tours Pages

Did You Know That...

Azerbaijan may be unfamiliar to many, but the country harbors many fascinating stories and facts:

• Ever heard of the Nobel Peace Prize? Well, Azerbaijan was where the Nobel family made its fortune by discovering and exporting oil to Europe. You can visit the house-museum of the Nobel Brothers in Baku.
• Azerbaijan was where crude oil excavations began. The first well was drilled there in 1848, a decade before drilling started in the United States.
• In other Azerbaijan news, the first oil pipeline in the world was built in 1906 to transfer the “black gold” from Baku to Batumi seaport (519 miles).
• About 45% of the world’s mud volcanoes are in Azerbaijan.
• Neft Daşları is a settlement built entirely on stilts. It started as an oil rig and developed into an entire town situated on elevated walkways in the Caspian Sea.
• Baku is the birthplace of Garry Kasparov, a former World Chess Champion.

Azerbaijan Guide

• Landmarks and Attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Handicrafts
• Exhibitions & Events
• Travel Restrictions - Covid-19
• Azerbaijan Tourism
• Azerbaijan Trip Planner
• Best Time to Visit
• Solo Traveler Guide
• Things to Do in Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Visa
• Azerbaijan Embassies
• Embassies in Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Airlines
• Crossing Borders
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Azerbaijan Services

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Backpacking in Azerbaijan: 1 to 3-week itinerary

By Joan Torres 28 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

Azerbaijan, the ultimate Caucasian country and, probably, one of the least visited places in both Europe and Asia, is a fascinating and unique country, as it is the place where East literally meets West.

A real blend of Europe, the Middle East , and the Soviet Union, for years, people have struggled to figure out where it actually belongs:

Is it part of Asia or, perhaps, Europe?

Well, the truth is that you really can’t tell, because the imaginary line that separates Europe from Asia goes through the middle of Azerbaijan.

This imaginary partition is not only geographical but it has also defined the cultural lifestyle of the Azerbaijanis who, due to their geographic location and history, have adopted customs from both continents.

After going  backpacking in Azerbaijan twice, I have compiled all the places I visited in a 1 to 3-week itinerary, including plenty of places off the beaten track.

For practical information about the country, such as transportations tips, visas, budget, etc. check: Travel guide to Azerbaijan

In this Azerbaijan travel itinerary, you will find

Table of Contents

• 1-week itinerary
• 2-week itinerary
• 3-week itinerary
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Azerbaijan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Azerbaijan

Quick tips for backpacking in Azerbaijan

When to go –  If you want to visit the mountains, the best to visit is from April to October, or only summer, if you want to do some trekking. In Baku and around, the climate is continental, which means that summer is utterly hot and winter extremely cold.

Therefore, unless you want to do some serious trekking, mid-spring, and mid-autumn would be the ideal time to go backpacking in Azerbaijan.

Visa for Azerbaijan – When I first visited the country in 2016, you had to apply through the classic embassy process but now, since January 2017, the Government has liberalized its visa regime and most countries can apply for an e-visa through this portal .

Typically, it costs 25USD and takes 3 working days. The urgent visa costs 50USD.

How to move around – Backpacking in Azerbaijan is very easy, as there is a wide public transportation system, even to the remotest towns and villages.

Typically, locals travel in marshrutkas, the small mini-vans from the former Soviet Republics. They leave once they are full and are very, very cheap. Local shared taxis are also common.

Going to Georgia? Here’s everything you need to know for traveling to Georgia

Backpacking in Azerbaijan – 1-week itinerary

Most travelers I met were backpacking in Azerbaijan for just 7 days.

No problem because a 7-day Azerbaijan itinerary is enough to get a decent feeling of the country.

Places to visit in Azerbaijan in 7 days – Map

Day 1, 2 – Baku

Once the world’s top oil producer, today Baku is a modern metropolis that will leave the visitor more than surprised.

Despite being a Muslim capital, it has only a small number of mosques, which means that Baku is mostly secular but people are still quite traditional.

From a pretty, historical old city, to the most extravagant luxury buildings and all sort of pubs, bars, and restaurants, Baku has it all.

Looking to visit Baku with a tour? CLICK HERE to find the best-guided tour

Things to do in Baku

You can visit the Old Town, where you can find perfectly restored buildings from the 7th century; stroll down the promenade, visit ancient temples or check out some futuristic buildings.

For more information, I wrote a very comprehensive guide: Things to do in Baku in 3 days – A complete guide

Where to stay in Baku

Backpackers Hostel  –  Sahil Hostel  – A very busy hostel, as it is cheap and the facilities are great. It is also a cool spot to meet fellow-travelers.

Budget Guest House  –  GuestHouse Khazar in Old City  – A beautiful traditional house in the heart of the old city. Recommended for couples or those who are on a budget but don’t want to stay in a hostel.

Mid-range Hotel  –  Denize Inn Boutique Hotel – The boutique hotel with the best reviews in town, also located in the old part of Baku.

Top-end –  Four Seasons  –  Located in a very beautiful building, this is the best 5-star hotel in Baku.

Day 3 – Day trip to Qobustan

Located 50km south of Baku, Qobustan is one of the country’s top tourist sites for having some of the most ancient petroglyphs ever found, but also, this is the place where you will discover the real ex-Soviet Azerbaijan.

I recommend you come here on a day trip from Baku .

Things to see and do in Qobustan

Petroglyphs – During the Stone Age, around 12,000-15,000 years ago, when the Caspian coast was richer and more fertile, a big group of hunters settled down in a set of caves in which they carved more than 600 petroglyphs (from the Greek words petros meaning “stone” and glyphein meaning “to carve”).

Today, many of these stone carvings still remain and, the Qobustan Petroglyph Reserve has become a UNESCO-listed Heritage Site.

Mud volcanoes – Azerbaijan has the largest mud volcanoes in the world, which are formations created by geo-exuded mud

For further information (history, how to get there, etc.), read my article: Qobustan: Petroglyphs and Sovietism

By the way, if you want to make things easier, there is a pretty cool tour that takes you to: petroglyphs + mud volcanoes + an ancient mosque from the area . CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Day 4, 5, 6 – Quba, Xinaliq, Laza

A region with immense historical importance, the Greater Caucasus has some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe and, in Azerbaijan, Quba is one of its main gateways.

Located 180km north of Baku, Quba is a small city and a great base for exploring the Caucasian villages around it.

Read: Iran – 1 to 4-week itinerary

How to get from Baku to Quba

You need to take the metro to Avtogavzal , which is the main bus station.

The buses to Quba cost 6AZN (3.50USD) and the journey takes 3 to 4 hours.

Quba doesn’t really have touristic sites but it is a very local city with a great bazaar and a very tangible local vibe.

Some travelers prefer to stay here and then do day trips to Laza or Xinaliq, while the most adventurous prefer to stay in a mountain homestay.

I decided to stay in Quba for 4 nights because I came in November and it was cold in the mountains.

If you are short of time, you could actually skip Quba and go straight to Xinaliq from Baku, stay there overnight and come back to Baku on the next day.

Otherwise, I recommend you spend the first night here, check out the local vibe and go to Xinaliq on the day after.

Where to stay in Quba

Guest House – House in Quba – A great, traditional guest house, a bit expensive for solo travelers but it has 3-bedroom rooms which are great value for money.

Xinaliq is a lovely Caucasian village located at 2,350 meters above sea level which, if you count it as part of Europe, would be the highest village in the continent.

Xinaliq is not only surrounded by the most striking scenery in the country but also, its inhabitants belong to a different ethnicity and speak a distinct language.

You can come here on a day trip, no problem, but you can also stay in one of the many warm homestays.

As per things to do, day treks are plentiful and  maps.me shows quite a few trails that can be completed in a maximum of 2 or 3 hours.

Xinaliq is a must-to-see in your Azerbaijan itinerary.

How to get to Xinaliq from Quba

There is no public transportation and the road is a muddy mountain road, but an amazing one.

In high season, you can find local shared taxis but I came out of season and had to go on a private taxi. In 2016, I paid 30AZN (18USD) for a round-trip taxi. The waiting time was pretty much the whole day, basically because the driver was from there and he had some business to do.

In 2018, they were already asking for 40AZN (23.50USD), which is understandable, as the tourists in the area have increased exponentially.

Where to stay in Xinaliq

In Xinaliq, I recommend you try a local homestay.

Best Local Homestay – Xinaliq Qonaq Evi – Traditional homestay in Azerbaijan, humble but comfortable and run by a hospitable local family.

Laza is another Caucasian village, not as high as Xinaliq, but very beautiful as well.

In winter, it becomes the most popular ski resort in the country, so there are all sorts of accommodation, from budget lodges to 5-star hotels and homestays.

The village itself, nevertheless, is still untouched and there are many day-trek opportunities.

Some readers of Against the Compass who didn’t have a lot of time asked me whether I would recommend Laza or Xinaliq. Both places are equally pretty but Xinaliq is higher and the road to reach it is epic, so I would choose Xinaliq.

Like Xinaliq, visiting Laza from Quba requires a full day, so plan accordingly.

Read: Azerbaijan travel tips

How to get to Laza from Quba

A one-way taxi costs 15-20AZN (9-12USD).

If you want to go by public transport, you first need to take a bus to Gorus (1AZN, 20 minutes).

From Gorus, you have two options: either take a direct taxi to Laza (10AZN) or catch the noon bus to Kozam.

You should let the driver know that you are going to Laza, so he will tell you where to get off. From there, you have to walk up the road for around four to five kilometers but you can hitchhike.

Read: Kazakhstan – 1 to 4-week itinerary

Day 7 – Back to Baku

There are, of course, many marshrutkas going back to Baku . If you miss the last one, there should be local shared taxis. The taxi station is outside of the bazaar and the bus station is here: 41.371446, 48.553006 .

Backpacking in Azerbaijan – 2-week itinerary

If you are backpacking in Azerbaijan for 2 weeks, after Quba, you can go all the way to Sheki and Zaqatala and visit some cool spots in between.

Things to do in Azerbaijan in 2 weeks – Map

Day 1 to 8 – Baku, Qobustan, Quba, Xinaliq

Already explained but, if you have 2 weeks, I would definitely stay 1 extra day in Baku and even 1 extra day in the mountains around Quba. 

Day 8, 9 – Lahic

Home to artisans and blacksmiths, Lahic is the Azerbaijani capital of handicrafts, a region that, due to its harsh mountain climate and isolation, developed other types of subsistence.

Lahic is a medieval-looking town full of handicraft shops that can only be reached through a spectacular road that goes along the edge of some very jagged, frightening cliffs.

The landscape is composed of velvet-smooth rolling hills, similar to Kyrgyzstan , so trekking here is dope.

You can actually trek from Lahic to Xinaliq in 2 days and, apparently, it is a really awesome trek, but you should only attempt if you have some experience, as there is nothing in between, so you need to be self-sufficient. The trail is on maps.me .

How to get to Lahic from Baku

Again, marshrutkas leave from the main bus station in Baku . The easiest way would be to take one to Ismaili and, from there, find a second marshrutka or local shared taxi to Lahic.

Ismaili is located after the intersection that leads to Lahic, so a more adventurous and quicker way would be getting off before, at that intersection, and hitchhiking (or waiting for a marshrutka) from there.

Where to stay in Lahic

Homestay –  Ancient Lahij Guest House – Lahic is about homestays and this one is the most comfortable and recommended, run by a lovely local family that makes amazing local, warm meals. Look no further.

Day 9, 10 – Ivanovka

As an intrepid, travel nerd, I loved Ivanovka.

Most people don’t, but I do.

Ivanovka is, in fact, not a place for everyone but, if you are interested in history and dark tourism, you are going to absolutely love this place, as it has a significant population of Molokans , a Christian branch, or a sect, from eastern Europe, mainly Russia, that didn’t get along with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Two centuries ago, during the Russian Empire, the Russian Orthodox Church kicked the Molokans out of Russia and, for some reason, they all ended up in a small village called Ivanovka, located in today’s Azerbaijan.

In Ivanovka, most signs are in Russian and many of its inhabitants are blue-eyed blonde people.

What to actually do in Ivanovka

The main reason to come to Ivanovka is to visit the collective farms .

And what is a collective farm?

To make it even more surreal, this is one of the very few places in the world where Soviet collective farms still exist.

You can also find them in Belarus and here you can read my travel guide .

Basically, they are farms which, during Soviet times, were controlled by the Soviet government, meaning that they were like public companies where the farmers were just employees.

Today, these farms are fully functional and not much has changed since the Soviet Union: they still use the same rusty machinery and people working there are employees. To be honest, the ownership is partially private now but I was told that the Government still has a big share.

Technically, visiting them is not allowed but you can sneak in very easily. The complex is huge and, if a worker sees you, he won’t say anything to you

On my second visit, in 2018, I entered the complex twice and spent one hour there until a big guy with a fancy car came and, gently, kicked me out. He was a big boss but workers just ignored me.

Many people have emailed me saying that they either didn’t find it or they were not allowed to get in. The reason is that the main entrance is secured by a guard, so you need to enter from the other side:

The yellow pin is John & Tanya Guest House. The red pin is center of the actual Collective Farm complex. The green pin is where you can access from.

Seriously, if you have the time, don’t miss Ivanovka in your Azerbaijan travel itinerary.

How to get to Ivanovka from Baku

From Baku, take a marshrutka to Ismaili, located on the main road, 22km from Ivanovka.

Once there, take a taxi to Ivanovka, which shouldn’t cost you more than 3-4AZN. Hitchhiking is also possible. I did it on the way back.

Where to stay in Ivanovka

Budget Guest House – John and Tanya Guest House –  The owner is a young local guy from Baku (son of Tanya). It is a good guest house. I stayed here twice, in 2016 and 2018. The rooms haven’t changed much but, when I first came in 2016, they were offering local home-made meals which were delicious. In 2018, they have a set menu that mostly consists of international food, so that was a huge downgrade for me. 

Day 10, 11, 12 – Sheki and Kish

Also situated in the heart of the Caucasus, Sheki is, by far, the most tourist-friendly destination in Azerbaijan, as it’s home to a large cultural heritage, defining almost 3,000 years of Azerbaijani history.

Sheki was an important marketplace on the Silk Road, linking the Caucasus with Russia.

Awesome day hikes, the best local food and beautiful medieval architecture which reminds one of many villages in Europe, make Sheki a must place to visit.

Most cultural heritage can be found inside Sheki’s fortress and the Palace of Shaki Khans, which used to be the Khan’s administrative building, is claimed to be the most iconic building in South Caucasus and, also, a UNESCO-listed site.

Visit Kish on a day trip

Around 10 kilometers from Sheki, Kish is a lovely village with tile-roofed houses and stone pavements, located in a valley that looks towards high-altitude snowy peaks.

Kish can be easily visited on a day trip from Sheki. I walked there and took me around two hours, with frequent stops.

The village has a beautiful cemetery with epic valley views. 

The most iconic building in Kish is an Albanian church, which was built by the commonly called mysterious Caucasian Albanians, a Christian nation that once lived in the northern part of Azerbaijan.

How to get from Ivanovka to Sheki

From Ivanovka, you must go back to Ismayili and get off at the exact same place where the bus coming from Baku dropped you off.

Simply, wait there for any local bus going to Qabala. From Qabala, take a second bus to Sheki.

Where to stay in Sheki

Budget Homestay –  Ilqar’s Guest House – Ilqar is a knowledgeable, local guy who speaks awesome English. He has a couple of double rooms which can be shared with other backpackers. It’s a great homestay for budget travelers. 

Nice Hotel –  Ruma Qala Hotel – Inexpensive hotel with awesome views, and comfortable.

Day 13, 14 – Zaqatala, back to Baku or go to Georgia

For the following days, your Azerbaijan itinerary will depend on where you are going next.

Going back to Baku requires a full day, so if you need to catch a plane, better go there the day before.

If you are traveling to Georgia , I recommend you stop in Zaqatala. That’s what I did. I spent a few hours there, just exploring its fortress and busy square. It has its own charm.

The place is also famous for dushbara , a local dumpling soup. You can find it in some restaurants in Baku but it is originally from here, so you will find the best. Just go to any of the local restaurants nearby the station, in the center.

How to go to Georgia – From Zaqatala, take a marshrutka to Balakan (like 1AZN) and, from there, take a taxi to the border. Very easy and straightforward. Once in Georgia , you will officially be in the wine region called Kakheti and, from the border, you can find transportation to Signaghi.

If you have more days, continue reading 🙂

Backpacking in Azerbaijan – 3-week itinerary

If you have 1 extra week for backpacking in Azerbaijan, consider exploring the region around Ganja and go to my favorite place in the country: Nakhchivan .

The only problem is that, in Azerbaijan, you can’t really follow a loop but you always have to go back to Baku and make some inconvenient detours.

3-week Azerbaijan travel itinerary – Map

Day 1, 2, 3, 4 – Baku and Qobustan

Already explained.

Day 5, 6, 7 – Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan

Have you ever heard of Nakhchivan?

Nakhchivan is an exclave of Azerbaijan, which means that it is geographically separated but it belongs to Azerbaijan.

It is actually located between Turkey, Armenia, and Iran .

Nakhchivan was actually the first territory to ever declare its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan and, one year later, it became part of Azerbaijan. Today, it is an autonomous region with its own Parliament and Ministries.

For decades, this region has been in complete isolation, so that’s why the people there have a distinct culture and, basically, you won’t see any tourists at all.

In fact, this is one of the most off the beaten track places I have ever visited.

To be very honest, if I was you, I would go to Nakhchivan even if I only had 7 days in Azerbaijan.

Things to do in Nakhchivan

There are loads, loads of things to do in Nakhchivan and you really need a few days to visit it.

Nakhchivan City – The capital of the region has plenty of mausoleums, like the one where Noah is buried. Actually, it is said that Noah anchored his ark right in the middle of Nakhchivan.

Alinja Castle – An epic medieval castle placed in an even more epic location.

Ordubad – The second-largest city has a beautiful historical old town.

Qarabaglar – Beautiful mosque and Mausoleum

How to get to Nakhchivan

If you are in Azerbaijan, the easiest way is flying in from Baku. Tickets are inexpensive and the rate is always flat. You can book them through Azerbaijan Airlines .

Alternatively, you can enter from Iran but just the Iranian visa  costs more than a round-trip flight from Baku. You could also travel overland from Turkey.

Where to stay in Nakhchivan

There are only 2 hotels and neither of them are budget.

Alternatively, you can try Couchsurfing . There are 1 or 2 active profiles.

Tabriz Hotel – Located in the city center. I used to come here for coffee and work for 2 hours in the morning. They claim it is a 4-star hotel but it isn’t really. Still, it is the best option in town.

Gran Nakhchivan Hotel – Cheaper than the other.

Day 8, 9, 10 – Quba, Xinaliq, Laza

Already explained. After flying back to Baku, go north. 

Day 11, 12, 13 – Ganja, Dashkashan and Göygöl

After visiting the mountains, you need to go back to Baku and, from there, take a marshrutka to Ganja.

Ganja is the second largest city in the country but, since it is not on the way to Sheki and northern places, not many travelers visit it.

The first thing you need to know about Ganja is that, despite being the second most important economic center, it is miles away from the modernities of fancy Baku .

In fact, I was very surprised to see some streets in the city center are still unpaved, which clearly shows the obvious corruption that tended to focus all resources on the capital.

If you have been following my blog for a while, you will know that I always defend this sort of barely-visited destinations but this time I won’t, because I really didn’t like Ganja.

I didn’t like it because it is just a big city where there isn’t much to do besides visiting some buildings in the city center and a lively market. You can see nice markets all over the region, and I personally think that Ganja is not worth the detour.

However (there is always a however 😉 ), Ganja is a great base to explore some wonders which are very close by plus it is on your way to Georgia if you plan to cross the southern border, the closest to Tbilisi .

Day trip to Dashkashan

WOW, Dashkashan was a big surprise to me.

I remember talking to a local woman in the train from Tbilisi to Baku , when I asked her to tell me her favorite place in Azerbaijan.

She said: Dashkashan .

I saved it on my map and since I had some spare days to visit around Ganja, I decided to go there based on her recommendation but I didn’t look for any information about the place.

That woman had told me that the area was very beautiful, and those mountains were nice indeed, but what she didn’t tell me is that Dashkashan was an old Soviet mining town.

Read my ultimate guide to all the places to visit in Tbilisi

When I arrived there and saw those big skyscrapers popping out among mountains, I couldn’t understand what the hell was going on but then, when I kept walking, I suddenly saw a huge abandoned mine, so I realized that Dashkashan must had been a very prosperous mining town during the Soviet Union, similar to Chiatura in Georgia , so that is why they built all those big buildings.

The mining activity has decreased but, today, they still extract some gold and other minerals.

I spent just a few hours going around but I wish I had more time. I also hired a taxi driver who took me around to a couple of places for 8AZN.

How to get to Dashkashan from Ganja – Easy-peasy. You first need to go to the bus station on the western part of the city. Here: 40.702096, 46.320566.

A taxi shouldn’t cost more than a few Manats. From there, you need to take a marshrutka that costs 1 miserable Manat. The journey takes around an hour and a half.

Day trip to Göygöl National Park

50km south of Ganja you find Göygöl National Park. If you fancy seeing one of the most beautiful lakes in the lower Caucasus, you really should visit it.

There is not much to say about it other than it is a nice lake to picnic around. A few kilometers from the big lake, there is a smaller one, which is even nicer.

The place is popular among locals, so there is even a marshrutka that moves around the two lakes but, seriously, don’t take it and walk.

How to get to Göygöl National Park from Ganja – A round-trip taxi would cost around 40AZN (23USD). Alternatively, you can take a marshrutka to the halfway village of Göygöl and hitchhike from there.

Where to stay in Ganja

Budget Hostel – VM Hostel – A pretty quiet and cheap hostel but everything super new and clean. Besides me, there was one German backpacker, that’s it. Highly recommended as a base to explore around Ganja.

Nicer – House in Ganja – Centrally located run by a very hospitable local couple. It’s like an apartment and they rent rooms.

Day 14 to 21 – Ivanovka, Lahic, Sheki, and Zaqatala

From Ganja, you can take a direct marshrutka to Ismaili, from where you can go to all the places I explained before, including going to Georgia. 

More information for backpacking in Azerbaijan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination

• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Baku Travel Guide
• Best Hostels in Baku
• Qobustan Petroglyphs and Sovietism
• Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan

Travel Itineraries to former Soviet countries

• Georgia Itinerary
• Ukraine Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Belarus Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Moldova
• Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
• Uzbekistan Itinerary
• Kazakhstan Itinerary

These are all the places I visited. Do you have any other suggestion to add to this Azerbaijan itinerary? Kindly post it in the comments!

28 comments

This is a beautiful park of the world Joan. Really mysterious too. Thanks for the eye-popping images 🙂

It’s a real beautiful, undiscovered part of the Earth. Chers mate, thanks for your comment 🙂

Guys, my name is Eldar and I am from Azerbaijan. Although I spent sometime living, studying and working outside of my country I currenly live in Baku – a capital of Azerbaijan and run a small consulting company. If you are curious about business environment in Azerbaijan or simply want to visit as a tourist please add me on FB or LinkedIn and I believe I can give some valuable recommendations. Azerbaijan is a great place to visit and definitely safe destination.

Thank you for the recommendation! Azerbaijan is an awesome place indeed!

Great places to visit in Azerbaijan.

I have no word for your article. it is really informative and very useful article for whose want to travel Azerbaijan. I like your tips, Rules, Photos, Travel Itinerary, Hotel, Places.

Excellent post! I must thank you for this informative read. I hope you will post again soon.

Hope it will be useful for you!

Thank you so much, Joan. Your article is very usefull. I’m going to Azer in early this Nov and meet your footprints in Baku and Sheki

That’s awesome! I hope you enjoy it and get good weather 🙂 !

Hi Joan, I have a question regarding registration when leaving Azerbaijan. I just found out that we need to register our stay to nearest police station or by online ( we stay in Azerbaijan in total for 11 days ). And we just got the information from our host of the guest house we stayed in, right 24 hours before our departure.

Do the immigration people in Baku Airport insist that you have to pay the fine if you dont report the stay ?

Pls advice, thanks

Hi Fabiola, I don’t know about the airport because I left overland to Georgia. When I was in Sheki, my host asked me if I registered and, since I didn’t and the deadline for registering was over, he suggested me to go to the police station because, at the border, I may not be able to leave. I went to the police station to explain my situation, saying that I didn’t know about the registration thing. They told me that the fine was $200-$300 and, if I didn’t want to pay, I had to sign a deportation letter and leave the country within 24 hours. On the next day, I went to Georgia, showed the deportation letter and there was no problem. I suggest you go today or tomorrow morning to the police station.

Hallo Joan,

Thank you for writing me back and the advice. We will go to police station tomorrow morning and try our luck and hopefully a positive feedback.

I wish you a safe journey!

Rgrds, Fabiola

Hi. You recommend to fly from Baku to Nagorno. Flights are available online, but everywhere else says that you can only enter the country from Armenia. Does AZERBAIYAN Airlines, actually let you fly to nagorno?

Taking into account that Nagorno is the main cause of the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and that entering Nagorno bans you from entering Azerbaijan for the rest of your life, I seriously doubt there is any direct flight between Azerbaijan and Nagorno.

Hello I visited Iran in 2017. It was great! We will fly to BAKU end of June and stay for 3 nights… make a tour by car to GUBA, SHEKI , .. 4 nights , return to Baku and fly to Dubai. I am organizing the trip and apart from Baku and Sheki, I don’t get the click with the country… It seems so sad , not as refined as Iran… Car rental seems expensive! We are 4 , transporting luggage, and a SUV is a must as the mountain roads need it. I am not feeling comfortable or amazed while organizing this trip. The only vibe is BAKU, the rest… MY feeling is more Visit Baku and move on again to Iran, but my flight to Dubai is already booked from BAKU… I hope that this will turn out well

Azerbaijan is the gateway to Asia and Europe. Caspian Sea, half of the more than 700 mud volcanoes in the world are in our country. The highest peak of the country is Bazarduzu (4466m). Our country is very rich in nature and history. There are 10 national parks.

Hey! Great article! I’m looking for any informations about camping sites near Quba, and also camping in Xinaliq. Can You help me?

in Xinaliq you can camp anywhere you want, as it is in the mountains.

Planning to drive there with my caravan from the UK (2 years in Turkey, Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan). Any advice, especially where to park up?

Wow, Joan. What a comprehensive guide especially the itinerary sections. May I ask you a question please. I am planning to visit Azerbaijan in May (have already visited Baku before and want to explore more this time) and have time to visit only one village: I love traditional, off the beaten track destinations and really enjoy hiking. If I were to choose to spend three days in one destination, would you recommend Xinaliq, Lahic or Sheki. I know many of the mountain passes may not really be open yet since its not peak summer. Would really value your opinion.

Hello Omar! I’d choose Xinaliq. The mountains there were stunning, my favorite, besides the very cool rural life. The other 2 towns are more modern

Hello! I am looking to visit Azerbaijan but prefer to visit these places with a tour guide, does anyone have any recommendations?

I don’t have any guide contact to be honest…

Hey guys, I worked as a guide for official delegations in the past: generals, high-ranking politicians, public figures and other VIP’s. I am familiar with all top destinations, apart from that a good friend of mine runs a company arranging tours to some hidden places of interest that most of the guides never heard of. Can get a couple of advises from him as well. I have a car, so can support visit from A to Z starting with the airport pickup. Anything else you may need help with prior to your arrival, feel free to contact

can we do zerbaijan in 4 days? what should we cover, and food we try, what about license and car rental? do we need international license?

You can do the country in as many days as you like. You may also check this guide: https://againstthecompass.com/en/travel-azerbaijan/

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Ancient And Affordable: This Vastly Underrated Country Is Surging With International Tourists

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The travel industry has come roaring back to the far ends of the Earth. The latest report about yet another surging country proves it.

While many travelers are being basic and following the crowds, there's another breed of traveler chopping at the bit, ready to try somewhere new.

Skipping the Olympics madness of Paris , the lack of elbow room in Cancun, and many other countries crying foul with overtourism concerns opens up doors to the lesser known.

Set along the gorgeous Caspian Sea lies a country seeing an influx of international tourists as much as forty percent, yet somehow still flies under the radar.

Azerbaijan is treated as if it's a far-flung destination unworthy of highlighting your travel plans, but that narrative couldn't be further from the truth.

This vastly underrated country is easier to reach than you think, jam-packed with intriguing historical sites and nice beaches, and perhaps best of all, it won't break the bank.

Where In The World Is Azerbaijan?

To the ‘Average Joe' or ‘Jane', finding Azerbaijan on a map might be like playing a game of Where's Waldo .

Without taking a long, winding dive into the history of how Azerbaijan came to be, we'll give the CliffsNotes version…

Azerbaijan is tucked away along the Caspian Sea with a mix of neighbors you'd love to visit, like Georgia, and some, well, let's just say maybe another time.

What you should know, given the current state of the world, is that Azerbaijan is no longer a Soviet nation, yet by the same token, one of the main draws is the country's fascinating history.

What you'll find today across the nation is a mix of very, very old and very, very new. Think modern architectural marvels overlooking UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Azerbaijan dates back ages. The official government website proudly boasts, “The population of Azerbaijan,  one of the most ancient cradles of humanity , created a high culture since the Paleolithic Age.”

Modern-day Azerbaijan is actually quite young. At least, that's what I'm telling myself since I'm only 1 year older.

Formed in 1991 as the Republic of Azerbaijan, this amazing country filled with wonder is finally much easier to reach and being recognized by more and more travelers.

Baku Is A Diamond In The Rough

Odds are if you visit Azerbaijan, your first stop will be the marvelous city of Baku, the nation's capital.

This seaside city is at the very least an excellent gateway into Azerbaijan's culture and scenic coastline with stunning sites like the Walled City and picturesque beachfront stays.

Despite seeming like it's a hassle to reach as if you're going to other Caspian destinations like Turkmenistan, for example, Baku has more flight options than ever.

Many iconic European cities, such as London , Paris, Athens, Istanbul, and many more, fly nonstop here.

Say you take a nonstop flight to Paris, Baku is easily reachable with only one layover.

It is well worth a visit and very affordable, even for high-end hotels.

Despite their Soviet past, those days are behind them, so you will find Western brands like Marriott, Radisson, and even more luxury brands.

Should you visit Baku this summer, you can ball out on a budget with luxurious stays under $250 at the JW Marriott, Intercontinental, and Ritz Carlton.

Stays at the Radisson Blue, Hyatt Regency, and Marriott are slightly over $100 and less.

Is Azerbaijan Safe?

Have you ever had some sketchy neighbors? We all have, right?

Wondering if Azerbaijan is safe is a valid concern.

Having Georgia and Armenia on one side shouldn't be a worry at all, but the others have definitely raised some red flags.

Visiting the coastline of the Caspian Sea is a must when visiting with many nice resorts to choose from.

Here, you will definitely be safe and feel as if you're at any other notable beach getaway.

The concern lies being connected to both Russia and Iran – a double whammy! Neither country has presented themselves all too well, but Azerbaijan is indeed safe to visit.

In fact, the country is on a marketing spree trying to lure in more tourists this summer.

For what it's worth, the U.S. State Department classifies Azerbaijan as ‘Level 2' with mentions of terrorism concerns but nothing about arbitrary enforcement of laws or wrongfully targeting Americans.

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

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Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The post Ancient And Affordable: This Vastly Underrated Country Is Surging With International Tourists appeared first on Travel Off Path .