baku travel and tours

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Tours in Baku are an excursion into the history of science, religions and the trading East. Tours in Baku are a resort vacation on the coast of the largest salt lake on earth, which is called the Caspian Sea. A tour to Baku is a paradise for gourmets, especially for those with a sweet tooth. Finally, this is a tour to the fastest city in the world, because it was in Baku that the record for automobile speed in urban conditions was set. In 2016, Finnish driver Valteri Bottas reached 378 km/h in the Formula 1 European Grand Prix. Faster on the ground in urban conditions have not yet accelerated.

Excursions in Baku with our company are guaranteed not to leave guests without the best impressions of our city. We conduct tours of evening Baku with its noticeable illumination, the Old City with narrow streets, where popular films were filmed in Soviet times ... excursions to spiritual places with visits to the temples of the three religions of Abrahamism, as well as around the capital, which is part of Gobustan and the Absheron Peninsula.

By clicking on the lists below, you can get acquainted in detail with our tour programs - group, individual (both one-day and multi-day tours) with the features of the routes and prices for tours in Baku.

Baku Exclusive Tours

Baku Exclusive Tours Catalogue is your gateway to an extraordinary travel experience. Explore the rich religious heritage, vibrant shopping scene, and delicious cuisine of Baku with our all-inclusive Baku Exclusive Tours Catalogue. From religious sights tours to pub crawls to gastronomic adventures, we offer a diverse selection of tours to suit every interest. Book your tour today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of Fire.

Baku City Pub Crawling

You will visit:  Four pubs in Baku.

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, photgraphy, four shots.

  From 50 ₼

Baku Shopping Tour

You will visit:  Deniz Mall, Souvenir Shops In The Old City, Port Baku Mall, Eastern Bazaar, Yashil Bazaar (Green Bazaar)

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, lunch, transfer from hotel and back to hotel, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 188 ₼

Baku Religious Sites Tour

You will visit:  Religious sights of the Old City, Ashkenazi Synagogue, Mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back to the hotel, lunch, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 280 ₼

3 Nights 4 Days #1

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Tour Day 4:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

This package includes:  Hotels(B&B), transfers, professional guides, lunch during trips, fees to museums and attractions, air conditioned vehicles.

  From 277 ₼

3 Nights 4 Days #2

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 4:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 291 ₼

5 Nights 6 Days #2

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from airport to the hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Tour Day 4:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 5:  Sheki Tour Day 6:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 609 ₼

7 Nights 8 Days #1

Tour Program: Day 1:  Transfer from the airport to hotel Day 2:  Baku City and Old Town Tour Day 3:  Gobustan-Absheron Day 4:  Shamakhi-Gabala Tour Day 5:  Sheki Tour Day 6:  Guba-Khinalig Tour Day 7:  Leisure time in Baku Day 8:  Transfer from hotel to the airport

  From 830 ₼

Baku Outdoor Activities

Baku offers many locations for lovers of outdoor activities, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, diving, snorkelling, yachting, etc. On the territory of Baku there is one of the national parks of Azerbaijan - the Absheron National Park, where you can walk along the quicksands of the Caspian Sea and get to the Shah Spit of Baku, where the sea will surround you from three sides. There are also more than 300 mud volcanoes in Baku, which can be visited not only during standard excursions, but also during a hiking trips. Hiking in Baku is very popular not only among local youth, but also tourists coming to Azerbaijan due to the fact that there are many historical and cultural monuments that can be found during tours. Among them are rock paintings left tens of thousands of years ago, medieval defensive towers, abandoned caravanserais. You can not ignore the beach activities in Baku. After all, Baku is located on the Absheron Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides.

Absheron National Park Shahdili Hiking Tour

You will visit:  Absheron National Park Shahdili Hiking Tour

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back to the hotel, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 210 ₼

Baku Fishing Tour

You will visit: Pirallahi Island, Pirallahi Bridge, Fish Restaurant

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, comfortable transport with air conditioning and seat belts, pick-up and drop-off from the hotel, spinning rods, bait, lunch during the tour

  From 450 ₼

Baku Group and Private Tours

Our group and private tours in Baku are carefully curated to showcase the best of what this city has to offer. Our tours range from half-day city tours to full-day excursions to the surrounding countryside. We offer both group and private tours, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, nature, or food, we have a tour that's perfect for you. Our tours conducted in Baku are led by experienced guides who will share their knowledge and insights with you.

Baku Night Tour

You will visit:  Baku Upland Park, Baku Boulevard (Mini Venice), Heydar Aliyev Center

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning

Baku City Tour

  From 60 ₼

Old City-Night Baku

You will visit:  The Hightland Park, Baku Boulevard, Heydar Aliyev Center, The Old City, The Palace of Shirvanshahs

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, diner, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

  From 70 ₼

Gobustan Tour

You will visit:  Mud Volcanoes, Gobustan National Museum, Gobustan Open Air Musem

Includes: Professional English speaking guide, hotel transfer, comfortable vehicle with seat belts and air conditioners, entry fees, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, lunch.

Absheron Tour

You will visit:  Ateshgah (The Fire Temple), Yanardag (The Burning Mountain)

Includes:  Professional English-speaking guide, entrance tickets to museums (Temple of Fire, Yanardag), comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioner.

Old City-Baku

During this tour will visit:  The Upland Park, Baku Boulevard, Heydar Aliyev Center, The Old City, The Palace of Shirvanshahs

Includes: Professional English-speaking guide, comfortable vehicle with seat belts and air conditioning, meals (Menu: Saj, national dish, Old Garden salad, soft drinks, tea with sweets).

  From 80 ₼

Baku Lights Tour

During this tour you will visit:   Ateshgah, Yanardag, Baku Upland Park, Mini Venice, Heydar Aliyev Center. 

Includes:  Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back, entry fees, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning, lunch, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, diner.

  From 100 ₼

Gobustan-Absheron-Baku Night Tour

You will visit:  Gobustan National Museum, Ateshgah, Yanardag, Baku Upland Park, Mini Venice, Heydar Aliyev Center. 

Includes: Professional English speaking guide, transfer from the hotel and back, entry fees, comfortable car with seat belts and air conditioning, lunch, additional transfer to mud volcanoes, diner.

  From 150 ₼

THE 10 BEST Baku City Tours

City tours in baku.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
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• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Old and Modern Baku Tour ( Day & Night Time)

2. Sheki - Full Day Tour to Four Regions of Azerbaijan

3. City Tour in Baku

4. Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes Half Day Adventure

5. Qobustan, Mud Volcanoes, Fire temple, Fire Mountain tour and Ramana fortress

6. Baku Old City Tour

7. Half-Day Baku City Sightseeing Tour

8. Qobustan Absheron Full Day Tour

9. Azerbaijan tour in 2 days/Sheki+Lahij+Gabala up to Georgia Border

10. Old and Modern Baku City Private Tour

11. Full-Day Baku City Tour

12. Gabala,Shamakhi, Caucasus mountains Day Trip Tour

13. Baku Night City Tour

14. Private Baku City Tour

15. Baku Tour (Old City-Modern Baku) Dinner Included

16. Gobustan & Absheron Group Tour All tickets included

17. Qobustan rock arts, Mud Volcanoes, Fire temple Ateshgah, Yanardag

18. Baku Walking Tour (Old City)

19. Shahdag Majesty of the Caucasus Unforgettable 2 Day in Azerbaijan

20. Gabala and Shamakhi Trip (Group or Private)

21. Baku City Group tour

22. Azerbaijan in 9 days

23. Full-day Private Baku City Tour

24. 6 Hour Private Guided Tour in Baku City

25. Baku by Night: Small-Group Walking Tour

26. Baku City tours, Guide, Full Day Tour in Baku

27. Full Day Baku tour

28. Baku Tour for 4 days

29. Baku: Old City Walking Tour.

30. Private Gabala Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Old and Modern Baku Tour ( Day & Night Time)
• City Tour in Baku
• Baku Old City Tour
• Sheki - Full Day Tour to Four Regions of Azerbaijan
• Old and Modern Baku City Private Tour
• Azerbaijan Travel International
• Granit AS Travel
• AzTerra Travel
• Heritage Travel
• Caspi Tours
• Guided Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Travel
• Bag Baku Tour

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Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in the Caucasus do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically. At its heart, the Unesco-listed İçəri Şəhər (Old City) lies within an exotically crenellated arc of fortress wall. Around this are gracefully illuminated stone mansions and pedestrianised tree-lined streets filled with exclusive boutiques. The second oil boom, which started around 2006, has turned the city into a crucible of architectural experimentation and some of the finest new buildings are jaw-dropping masterpieces. Meanwhile romantic couples canoodle their way around wooded parks and hold hands on the Caspian-front bulvar (promenade), where greens and opal blues make a mockery of Baku’s desert-ringed location.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Vast and jaw-droppingly original, this Zaha Hadid building is a majestic statement of fluid 21st-century architecture forming abstract waves and peaks…

Maiden’s Tower

This tapering 29m stone tower is Baku’s foremost historical icon, with rooftop views surveying Baku Bay and the Old City. Possibly millennia old, its…

Yarat Contemporary Art Centre

Yarat means 'create', a spirit that's in ample evidence in this centre's many thought-provoking installations that don't shy away from sociopolitical…

Flame Towers

Completed in 2012, this trio of sinuous blue-glass skyscrapers forms contemporary Baku's architectural signature. The three towers range from 28 to 33…

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This splendid confection of sandstone walls and domes was the seat of northeastern Azerbaijan’s ruling dynasty during the Middle Ages. Mostly 15th century…

Fountains Square

Ever-popular with strollers, this leafy piazza forms Central Baku’s natural focus. The fountains for which it is named include one topped by shiny…

This joyous tailor-made gallery uses struts and tubing to create a wide variety of intimate viewing spaces, in many of which you can recline on bean-bag…

Carpet Museum

From historic flatweaves to modernist picture-rugs, this tailor-made museum displays and explains a superb collection of Azerbaijani carpets. It's housed…

Latest stories from Baku

Architecture

Sep 5, 2019 • 5 min read

It’s known as the ‘City of Winds’, but while Azerbaijan’s capital is indeed among the world’s breeziest, the nickname can also be applied its eclectic…

Dec 19, 2014 • 5 min read

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Baku Travel Guide: Explore the Capital of Azerbaijan

Discover the heart of azerbaijan.

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city rich in culture, history, and beauty. Located on the Caspian Sea, Baku has been a popular destination for travelers for many years. Whether you’re interested in exploring its ancient landmarks, indulging in its delicious cuisine, or soaking up the sun on its stunning beaches, Baku has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive Baku travel guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to this vibrant city.

OVERVIEW OF THE CITY

Baku is a cosmopolitan city with a rich history and a vibrant present. It is the largest city in Azerbaijan and is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. Baku is known for its unique blend of modernity and tradition, and its many historical landmarks, museums, and cultural centres.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BAKU?

The best time to travel to Baku is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny. During this time, the city is also host to many festivals and events, making it an even more exciting place to visit. If you prefer cooler weather, you can visit Baku between November and March, but be prepared for possible rain and chilly winds., If you’re interested in cultural events and festivals, spring and autumn are also great times to visit. Some of the city’s biggest festivals include the Baku International Film Festival, the Baku International Jazz Festival, and the Baku Shopping Festival. When planning your trip, be sure to research the events happening in Baku during your visit and book your accommodation early.

PLACES TO VISIT IN BAKU

Baku is home to many iconic landmarks, including the stunning Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the ancient Maiden Tower, and the beautiful Highland Park. The city is also home to many museums and cultural centres, such as the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, the State Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, and the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

The quadrangular Mardakan Castle or the large Mardakan Fortress is one of the oldest fortresses in Absheron and the highest donjon (unlike other fortresses, the donjons are surrounded by walls not connected to the main fortress). The height of the tower is 22 meters, the height of the surrounding walls is 7 meters. Its thickness […]

GETTING AROUND IN BAKU

Getting around Baku is easy and convenient. The city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, taxis, and the Baku Metro. You can also rent a car or take a taxi to get around, and many tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Public Transportation: Baku’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable, making it a great option for travellers looking to get around the city. The city’s metro system is clean and modern, offering convenient access to many of the city’s popular attractions. The cost of public transportation in Baku varies depending on the type of transportation used and the distance travelled. On average, a single metro ride costs around 0.40 AZN (about 25 USD) Additionally, there is also a funicular taking off near the carpet museum, which offers a more scenic way to get to Highland park the city. The cost of a Funicular is 1 AZN (about 60 USD)

Taxis: Taxis are also readily available in Baku, with a range of options to choose from, including traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber or Bolt. When taking an ordinary taxi in Baku, be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey, as prices can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the driver.

Cars: For those who prefer the freedom and flexibility of driving, car rentals are available in Baku. When driving in the city, it’s important to be aware of the local traffic laws and to always wear a seatbelt. Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid driving during rush hour, as the city’s roads can get congested at peak times.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN BAKU PROVIDED BY LOCAL EXPERTS

Baku Travel Guide offers a range of tours and excursions, offering travellers the opportunity to experience the best of the city and its surroundings. From historical and cultural tours to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Baku.

For those interested in history and culture, Baku offers a range of historical and cultural tours, including walking tours of the Old City and visits to cultural landmarks such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden Tower. These tours offer a comprehensive look at the city’s rich cultural heritage and are a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s history and traditions.

Baku is also a great destination for outdoor adventures, with a range of excursions available, including boat tours of the Caspian Sea and visits to the nearby Gobustan National Park, where travellers can see unique rock formations and experience the region’s unique culture. These excursions offer a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and natural wonders of Azerbaijan and are a must-visit for anyone looking to get off the beaten path.

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WHERE TO STAY IN BAKU

When planning your Baku Travel, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. With a range of options available, from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels and resorts, there’s something for every traveller.

Overview of the different types of accommodation

Baku offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveller, including:

Budget-friendly options: For travellers on a budget, there are plenty of guesthouses, hostels, and budget-friendly hotels available in the city.

Luxurious hotels and resorts: For those looking for a more luxurious experience, Baku is home to a number of high-end hotels and resorts, offering world-class amenities, elegant rooms, and top-notch service.

Vacation rentals: For travellers who prefer the comfort and privacy of a home away from home, there are also vacation rentals available in Baku, ranging from apartments to villas.

Best areas to stay in Baku

When it comes to choosing your accommodation in Baku, the location is just as important as the type of accommodation. Some of the best areas to stay in the city include:

Old City: For those interested in exploring Baku’s cultural and historical landmarks, the Old City is an excellent choice, offering easy access to all of the city’s UNESCO sites. Most of the hotels in the old City are Boutirqe Hotels. Those are the Boutique hotels we recommend you stay in the old City: Maajid Hotel, Shah Palace, and Shirvanshahs Hotel.

Fountains Square: this is a public square in downtown Baku. This popular tourist area offers a range of accommodation options and is home to some of Baku’s best restaurants, shops, and bars.

Seaside promenade: If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the seaside promenade offers a range of accommodation options and is the perfect place to take in the city’s beautiful views of the Caspian Sea like Four Seasons, JW Marriot, Hilton, Parkin, Holiday in.

Dining and Nightlife in Baku

Baku is a city that comes alive after dark, offering a range of dining and nightlife options to suit every taste and budget.

Dining in Baku

Baku is a city that offers something for every palate, with a range of dining options to choose from, including:

Azerbaijani cuisine: Baku is a great place to sample the country’s delicious cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh ingredients and unique spices.

International cuisine: If you’re looking for something a little different, Baku is also home to a range of international restaurants, serving up everything from Italian to Thai cuisine.

Street food: For a true taste of Baku, be sure to try the city’s street food, which includes everything from kebabs to baklava.

Nightlife in Baku

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or a wild night out, Baku has a range of nightlife options to choose from, including:

• Bars and clubs: The city is home to a number of bars and clubs, offering everything from live music to DJ sets.
• Live music and entertainment: If you’re looking for a night of live music or entertainment, Baku is also home to a number of venues that offer live music and other performances.

Best areas for dining and nightlife

When it comes to dining and nightlife in Baku, the city offers plenty of options, with different areas of the city offering different experiences. Some of the best areas for dining and nightlife include:

Old City : For a more traditional dining experience, the Old City offers a range of local restaurants and street food stalls.

Baku Boulevard: This popular tourist area is home to a range of high-end restaurants and bars, as well as street food stalls and cafes. It’s a great place to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Seaside promenade: The seaside promenade is a great place to enjoy a relaxed evening, with a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants offering stunning views of the Caspian Sea.

Frequently Asked Questions for Traveling Baku

What is the best time to visit baku, is baku a safe destination for travellers, what is the currency used in baku, what are the cultural norms and customs to keep in mind in baku, what is the best way to exchange currency, can you drink tap water in baku, what plug is used in baku, do i need pcr test to enter baku.

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Old & New Baku City Tour

Old & New Baku City Tour will give you lots of bright impressions and emotions. The capital of Azerbaijan is like a panorama reflecting the entire beauty of the "land of fire".

Maiden Tower, Shirvan Shahs’ Palace, Caravanserai, Memory Alley Shehidler Khiyabany, Nizami Street, Fountain Square, Nizami Ganjavi monument, Rasul-Zade Street, National Carpets Museum

1 Day | All year round | from US$ 90 per person Details

Baku, Azerbaijan

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Baku

Baku travel guide.

• 1. Brief History
• 2. Highlights
• 4. Theatres
• 5. Parks and shopping
• 7. Public Transport
• 8. How Do You Get to Baku?
• 9. Spoken Languages in Baku
• 10. Currency
• 11. Is Baku Safe?

Baku, far more than just the capital of Azerbaijan, sits as the historical, cultural and business center of this West Asian country. Aptly nicknamed the City of Winds, Baku’s location on the western shore of the Caspian Sea subjects it to strong winds throughout the year while also gracing the city with gorgeous seaside views. With a population of over 2 million people, Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the entire Caucasus region.

Baku offers attractions for everybody: Sunny beaches provide a prime spot to unwind, while elegant theaters and quirky museums will satisfy the cultured tourist. Modern architecture creates an otherworldly contrast with Old City quarters, while beautifully designed parks provide the perfect place to unwind in a serene environ. Trendy cafes and nights clubs attract young people, and delicious cuisine will satisfy taste buds of every type. The city offers dozens of pedestrian-friendly streets and entertainment centers for the comfort of its residents and visitors. No matter your age or sphere of interest, Baku’s diversity and festive vibe are hard to resist.

Come encounter this city of wind and flames, where eastern and western culture melds into one, with our Baku Travel Guide.

Brief History of Baku

The earliest records of the city of Baku date back to the early Middle Ages. Baku means “the city of God” or “the place of God” and was founded by the 5th century AD. The region’s early settlements were located along the crossroads of migration and trade routes along the Great Silk Road. The city was severely damaged during the Mongol invasion in the 1400s, but its economy was revived in the following century.

In the 16th century, Baku became part of the Safavid Dynasty and was governed by the Iranian shahs until being conquered soon afterwards by the Ottoman Empire. At the beginning of the 17th century the Persians were able to regain power, which they retained until the Russian Empire conquered the land at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1920 Baku, along with the whole of Azerbaijan, was annexed into the USSR, where it remained until gaining full independence in 1991.

Today, Baku is the leading economic and cultural center in Transcaucasia.

Baku Highlights

Attractions of baku.

Baku offers an enticing variety of attractions to satisfy travellers of every type:

• Stroll down Baku Boulevard, a famous seaside avenue along the shore of the Caspian Sea and a must-see for first-time visitors to Baku. The huge embankment stretches over 25 kilometres and amazes visitors with its impressive displays of original architecture. (Baku dress code tip: No matter the time of year, have a jacket handy, as Baku Boulevard will put to rest any doubts in your mind as to why the capital is called the City of Winds!)
• Get lost in the cobblestone labyrinth of Old Town, rich in history and Old World charm.
• Feel like royalty at Shirvanshahs Palace, Baku’s medieval government headquarters where the famous Soviet movie “The Diamond Arm” was shot.
• Climb Maiden’s Tower, a symbol of the city and one of the most mysterious buildings in the capital that provides a tangible history lesson and an amazing city view.
• Chill out at Nagorny Park as you enjoy gorgeous views of Baku and the Caspian Sea from the highest point in the city.
• Weave your way through the Carpet Museum, which tells the stories of Azerbaijan through the beautiful ornamentation and interwoven colors of traditional local carpets.
• Increase your cultural IQ at the Heydar Aliyev Center, sure to impress lovers of modern and contemporary art with its unique architecture and informative exhibitions. Be sure to stick around to appreciate the sparkling illumination of the center after sunset.

Baku’s surrounding vicinities offer additional opportunities for adventure: Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient cave paintings at the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs, uncover the mystery of the ever-burning fire of Yanardag or travel back in time with a visit to Ateshgah Temple, an object of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians for hundreds of years.

Baku can be experienced on foot or by metro, taxi or public bus. If you’re looking to visit as many places as possible in a short amount of time, renting a bicycle at Baku Boulevard is another fun alternative. See the section on Public Transport in Baku below for further information on how to get around the city .

Baku Museums

Baku is the historical, business and cultural center of the country, and travelers can find dozens of museums and art galleries here. The National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan , Gala Open-Air Museum and the well-known Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography are the most popular destinations for those who want to immerse themselves in the history and traditions of Azerbaijan.

For those looking for something more unusual, take a trip to the Baku Museum of Miniature Books, which includes the three smallest books in the world, or the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, housed in a building designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet .

Theatres of Baku

Travel in Baku will bring you face-to-face with a diverse selection of concerts and plays that are sure to satisfy young and old alike. Among its most acclaimed cultural centers are the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, which holds regular classical and traditional concerts in a spectacular early-20th century rotunda, and the Azerbaijan Drama Theater, where the country’s finest plays and performances are held. One of the oldest theaters in Baku is the Russian Drama Theater, which opened in 1920 and is well worth a visit. The Russian Drama Theater continues to amaze spectators with performances of classic Russian and Soviet literature, in addition to entertaining children’s plays.

If you’re looking to combine the outdoors with a unique cultural experience, the Baku Open-Air Cinema has summer showings of classic and modern films against the scenic backdrop of the Caspian Sea.

Parks of Baku

While it may be a large megapolis, you can still enjoy nature in the many lovely parks of Baku. City dwellers and visitors alike find respite among the fountains, benches and shady pathways of Baku’s well-kept gardens and parks.

In Officer Park you’ll find yourself immersed in a green oasis complete with charming footpaths and graceful poplars entwined with ivy. Cute statues and figurines of frolicking children, a photographer, a chess player, flower vendors and a master teahouse add to the park’s endearing atmosphere.

Escaping the rays of the sun on a hot summer day is also possible in Central Botanical Garden, which contains a collection of more than 2000 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants.

Another beautiful, shady green getaway is Nizami Park in Old Town. One of the oldest public parks in Baku, Nizami Park offers a chance to unwind and escape the bustle of the big, windy city.

Shopping in Baku

Like most modern capitals, Baku boasts of seemingly endless opportunities for shopping. For those wondering if Baku is expensive, rest assured that there are shopping opportunities to accommodate every type of budget.

One of most popular shopping areas among both locals and tourists is Green Market (Yasil Bazaar), which is filled with seductive aromas and a huge assortment of brightly colored clothing, spices and souvenirs. Far more than just shopping, Yasil Bazaar is an experience in itself, a chance to learn about the long-held traditions and lifestyle of local Azerbaijanis. As you shop for seafood, meat, spices, nuts, cheese, fruit and vegetables (all at affordable prices), you can chat directly with local merchants, learn about the variety and types of products available and hone your bargaining skills.

If you’re looking for brand name clothes, shoes, accessories or jewelry, head to one of Baku’s many shopping malls. Each mall houses countless stores, satisfactory food courts and amusement venues sure to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. The most popular ones are Port Baku Mall, Ganjlik Mall and 28 Mall. Equipped with spacious walkways, shops stocked with world-famous brand clothing and indoor comforts, Baku’s shopping centers are just the remedy for anyone wishing to return to the 21st century after a few days of historical sightseeing .

Baku Cuisine

No Baku travel guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s delectable cuisine! For tasty and unforgettable memories of Azerbaijan, look no farther than the fresh local cuisine. The rich taste of Azerbaijan’s food, prepared according to old traditional recipes, is sure to delight your taste buds and impress you with its vibrant flavors, delicate combination of ingredients and fragrant Azerbaijani spices.

Staple ingredients of Baku culinary specialties include lamb, beef, poultry and fish, plus locally grown fruits and vegetables. Fresh greens act as an integral component, enriching and infusing each dish with a light and natural taste. Once in Baku, be sure to try bozbash minced meatballs served in broth, dovga sour-milk soup, mouth-watering Baku baklava and shah-pilaf, a flavoured rice dish cooked in a paper-thin flatbread. The peculiar Azerbaijani qutab, a flatbread stuffed with cheese, herbs, pumpkin or meat, is a cheap and tasty snack that will revolutionize your idea of fast food.

Learn more about Azerbaijan cuisine here .

Vegetarian Restaurants

Baku has a few exclusively vegetarian restaurants, plus a selection of European and Indian cafes, pizzerias and upscale restaurants that can provide customers with a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Although local cuisine tends to be meat-heavy, options such as fresh salads, vegetarian qutab and dovga are good options for vegetarian travellers wishing to experience the authentic tastes of Baku.

Coffee Shops in Baku

In central Baku are many cozy cafes and teahouses serving up famous Azeri tea, various types of coffee and irresistible pastries. Many teahouses are quite affordable so that even budget travelers can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or fragrant tea in the cozy atmosphere of central Baku. Starbucks and other world-famous coffee shops can also be readily found.

Public Transport in Baku

Travel in Baku has never been easier, as the capital offers several types of affordable and highly developed public transportation that make it possible to move from point A to point B in a quick and comfortable manner.

Buses in Baku run from 06:00 to 20:00. On average, expect to wait for your bus for 5-15 minutes. Bus travel in downtown Baku costs only 0.2 manat (0.12USD), and you can travel to the outskirts of the capital for 0.35 manat (0.21USD). Older types of public transport, including minibuses, were substituted with modern, comfortable buses in 2009, and the city continues to provide advanced public transport for city commuters.

The Baku Metro includes 26 stations divided into the red, purple, yellow and green lines. You will need to purchase a special card to use the metro – a one-use metro card can be used for a single ride, while a reusable plastic pass can be refilled as needed and used repeatedly. The plastic card costs 2 manat (roughly 1.2USD) and may be used for the bus as well. Regardless of the length of the trip, each time you swipe to get on the subway, 0.3 Manat (0.18USD) is deducted.

Baku travel has never been easier thanks to the city’s well-developed taxi system, with dozens of different taxi companies operating in the city. You can easily order a taxi with a quick phone call or an app on your phone. Keep in mind that in bad weather or during rush hour, fares may increase. Most apps or taxi call centres also offer services in English.

Car Rental Services

Many local and foreign companies offer car rental services for those who prefer to explore the city in a private car, and who are brave enough to figure out Baku’s traffic regulations!

You’ll need a valid driver’s license and insurance in order to rent a car in Baku. Please note that it is not necessary to have an international driver’s license; one issued in your home country will be sufficient. The rental price depends on the make and model of the car. Payment is accepted in cash or by credit card.

A highly developed network of bicycle rentals makes Baku accessible on two wheels and is a particularly convenient option if you wish to explore the 25-kilometer-long Baku Boulevard. Often the rental price includes a bike lock so that you can easily leave it on the street if you decide to head indoors. Active development of bike paths and the installation of bicycle parking spots began in Baku in 2019 .

How Do You Get to Baku?

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Baku is by plane. Heydar Aliyev International Airport receives aircrafts from all over the world, and the planes of Aeroflot, UIA, S7, AirBaltic, Air France and other large airline companies regularly land in Baku. In 2015 the airport terminal received an honorary 4-star category. The airport provides free Wi-Fi, luggage lockers, cafeterias, waiting areas and a VIP room, a pharmacy, first-aid post, mother-and-child room and a Duty Free zone, in addition to many other services. You can get from the airport to the city either by taxi or by a comfortable bus that runs frequently.

You can also get to Baku by land using buses or long-distance trains. It is very convenient to travel to the capital of Azerbaijan from Tbilisi, the capital of neighboring Georgia. The distance between Baku and Tbilisi is covered in 15-16 hours, including time spent at border control .

Spoken Languages in Baku

The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, a Turkic language which you will hear widely spoken on the streets. However, since citizens of many CIS countries also reside in Baku, it’s not uncommon to come across speakers of Russian, Ukrainian and other languages. Since Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union, most of the older population can also speak fluent Russian.

In restaurants and cafes, particularly in downtown Baku, the menus are almost always in English. Many waiters and servers are usually proficient in English, as well. Likewise, you’ll be able to easily communicate in English in the city’s large shopping complexes, offices and firms.

Currency in Baku

The national currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat, which maintains a solid rate against the US dollar at approximately 1.7 AZN to 1 USD. Manat is represented by 7 denominations of banknotes and 6 denominations of coins, called kapiks. You can easily exchange money at local banks, as well as at small exchange offices located on the territory of the airport, bus stations, railway stations and in the city centre. Keep in mind that credit cards are not accepted in small shops and cafes, so it’s advisable to keep some cash on hand (preferably smaller notes) to avoid the hassle of needing to find an ATM at the last minute .

Is Baku Safe?

Baku may be a large, modern metropolis, but the government maintains strict public order and seeks to maintain necessary safety measures to ensure that Baku is safe for visitors. The city is known to be calm and peaceful. Azerbaijanis are famous for their hospitality, which extends to tourists, who are respected and protected as very important guests.

As a precautionary measure, simply keep an eye on your valuables while in crowded places, only ride in certified taxis and be aware of your surroundings after dark. We also recommend that you don’t drink the tap water in Baku if you’re only traveling in the city for a short time. Nonetheless, travelers the world over report feeling safe and comfortable while in Baku.

To learn more about the city attractions you’ve discovered in the Baku Travel Guide, read on for further information!

Attractions

Miscellaneous.

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Things to do in Baku in 3 days – A complete guide

By Joan Torres 19 Comments Last updated on April 24, 2024

Until very recently, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was a real off-the-beaten-track destination only known by the most intrepid travelers.

Pierce Brosnan, in the James Bond movie The world is not enough , was the first person who finally told us about its existence, when he showed images of some oil fields right in the desert plains around Baku.

Those images, however, didn’t really trigger any interest in the country, as people thought that, perhaps, Baku was not very different from the Arab Gulf monarchies, which was a really wrong approach.

Whereas it is true that Baku is an oil-rich city and, in fact, Azerbaijan was the top world exporter at the beginning of the 20th century, many years before the Gulf monarchies discovered the black gold, on the other hand, it is also a city with a very deep history, belonging to a region which has been inhabited for thousands of years, besides having an important role in the Silk Road , as well as, of course, being part of the USSR for nearly a century.

Nevertheless, thanks to exponential development, Baku today is an almost futuristic city that manages to combine both tradition and modernity, two elements that can be seen together all across the city.

After visiting Baku on two occasions, here is a complete Baku travel guide with all the best  things to do in Baku in 3 days, including plenty of travel tips.

For more places to visit in the country, read my complete itinerary to Azerbaijan

In this Baku travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Where to stay
• How to move around
• What to do in Baku
• Where to eat
• More information

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Introduction to traveling to Baku

From the end of the 19th century, Baku has been a global leader in oil exportation and has been growing at full speed, but it was only after the dissolution of the USSR and Azerbaijan’s post-independence, that this development was accelerated, Baku became a futuristic and modern city, perfectly comparable to European standards.

However, due to the obvious corruption, or preferably, bad resource management, this development has been exclusively focused on the capital, to the extent that its contrast with the second largest city, Ganja, where you can still find unpaved streets in the city center, is huge.

The capital of Azerbaijan is a luxurious city, a  Dubai -like-concept but with a real soul, meaning that, in the city center, you can find a Rolls Royce official store and the most luxury brand stores, along with buildings and mosques from the 12th century.

Going to Tbilisi? Check out my city guide to Tbilisi

Baku is, definitely, the most developed city in the Caucasus (including Armenia and Georgia ) but, in my humble opinion, this development is economic, not social.

Whereas, in its neighbor Georgia , many young people are quickly learning European values, in Baku, even though they are a rich and supposedly secular city, people are much more traditional, and you will quickly realize when you only see men hanging out in most places, people not speaking English and, overall, people being more closed-minded.

However, visiting Baku is totally worth it and not only due to its eccentric composition but also because it is a real blend of Europe, the East, and the Soviet Union, so, so chaotic, that it’s practically impossible to define it, and that’s the most exciting thing about it.

Visa for visiting Baku

From January 2016, you can  apply for an e-visa to visit Baku.

The visa costs 25 USD, takes 3 working days and is valid for 30 days.

For 50 USD, you can also apply for an urgent visa and get it on the same day.

All Western nationalities are eligible for the e-visa but you can check the full country list here .

Where to stay in Baku

Backpackers Hostel – Sahil Hostel – The busiest hostel in town, as it is really cheap, plus everything is brand-new and very clean. A nice place to meet other travelers, it also has private rooms.

Budget Guest House –  Khazar Old City Guest House – If you want to stay in a traditional house, in the heart of the old city, this is the most highly recommended.

Mid-range Hotel –  Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel – The top well-rated boutique hotel in town is a traditional building in the old part of Baku.

Top-end – Four Seasons –  Located downtown, this is the best 5-star hotel in Baku. The building where is it built is a real landmark, by the way.

Transportation – How to move around Baku

Moving around baku by taxi.

In order to avoid bargaining with taxi drivers, I recommend you use Uber and short taxi rides costing around 2-3AZN (1.20 – 1.70USD), so moving around by taxi is also a feasible way to check all the places to visit in Baku. Apparently, Yandex isn’t available anymore.

Moving around Baku by metro

There are two metro lines and a single ticket costs 0.30AZN (18¢). However, first, you have to get a metro top-up card which costs 2AZN (1.20USD).

Alternatively, you can buy a single-use metro card, which you can only top-up once and costs 0.20AZN (12¢).

Moving around Baku by bus

There is a modern bus network but you will have to know where you are going. The price is the same as in the metro.

How to get from and to the airport

How to get from baku city center by bus.

There are buses going and coming to the airport every 20 or 30 minutes, all day long. They drop you off in downtown, in front of 28th May metro station. A single ticket costs 1.30AZN (75¢) and it also works with the metro card.

How to get from Baku city center by taxi

With Uber, a taxi ride costs around 10AZN (5.90USD).

For generic info about moving around the country, read the transportation section of this guide.

Things to do in Baku in 3 days

In 3 days, you can cover most things to do in Baku, including a day trip to visit the mud volcanoes and the petroglyphs of Qobustan .

If you are interested in all the tours offered in Baku, as well as day trips from Baku, there is a large offer of tours that can be booked online. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Map of the places to visit in Baku

What to do in Baku on day 1

The first day Baku itinerary is quite optimistic but, if you plan well ahead, I think you can manage it.

Baku Old City

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the walls of the Old City mark the boundaries of where the city used to extend.

Its oldest building is claimed to date from the 11th century, although some historians think that it might belong to the 7th.

As in any old city, the best you can do is getting lost among its entangled streets but there are a few buildings which are must-visits, like Maiden Tower , one of the most iconic buildings in the country, which is even printed in one of their notes.

The tower contains a museum that shows the historical evolution of Baku and you can also climb to the top to enjoy some of the best views in the city. Going to the top costs 10AZN (5,90USD).

The other building which you can’t miss is the Shirvanshas Palace , whose main attraction is a stunning mosque from the 15th century. The  Shirvanshas is the dynasty that ruled the region for nearly 700 years, from the 9th to the 16th century.

From all the things to do in Baku, the Old City is, certainly, the most interesting one.

Do you want to visit the Old City of Baku with a professional guide? CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

The Carpet Museum

In my opinion, the cool part about the Carpet Museum is not getting in, as the outside is much more awesome than inside. Jokes aside. If you are interested in Persian carpets, just go ahead but, if not, the coolest thing is to take pictures at the waving walls that are trying to imitate a carpet.

Read: Everything you need to know to travel to Georgia

The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are the three flame-shaped skyscrapers which managed to link Baku to the concept of futurism by themselves.

To be honest, they are only 182 meters high but, due to their position, in the upper part of Baku, they are visible from anywhere.

You can get there on foot through some stairs that go along a beautiful park. There is a funicular at the bottom of the park but I always found it closed.

The towers were finished in 2012 and, besides showing off, their main purpose is to accommodate pretentious businesses like Fairmont Hotel , one of the top hotels in the city, a Lamborghini dealer store, and I don’t know what other posh stuff.

The oil extractors

This place is off the main tourist trail but, if you are interested in checking out some perfectly functional oil drillers, this is your chance.

They are not very far and, actually, you can get there on foot from the Flame Towers. They are just behind the TV tower (you can see the exact location on the map), from where you can also enjoy pretty cool views of the city and the bay.

By the way, if you get down to the seaside, you will pass by a very poor neighborhood of Baku, which clearly shows the huge social inequality that rules in this country.

Taza Pir Mosque

A one-hundred-year-old mosque, even though it was built on a place that used to serve as a sanctuary from the 15th century.

To be honest, this isn’t an outstanding mosque but, for me, the most interesting part was to see the other face of Azerbaijan, which is the face of Azerbaijani men worshipping and showing their faith to Islam.

Like all the Muslim ex-Soviet countries, the Government of Azerbaijan is secular but, its main peculiarity is that, unlike the rest of the world, the most religious people are the young ones and not the elderly that lived in the Soviet Union, as Islam is only now coming into fashion. When I was traveling in Uzbekistan , I also observed a similar situation.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Another pretty cool thing to do in Baku is visiting the futuristic building whose architect is the deceased Iraqi-British woman Zaha Hadid .

With its surrealistic and almost impossible curved walls, this building is a perfect sample of innovation and modern art.

Its surroundings are filled with super weird statues, like giant rabbits and snails, apart from the classic I Love Baku .

The building accommodates different types of temporary exhibitions. The entrance fee costs 15AZN (9USD).

Museum of Miniature Books

If you have the time, you can also visit the museum that has the World Guinness Record for the largest collection of miniature books, including the 3 smallest books ever, measuring 2mmx2mm, which can only be seen using a microscope.

Like me, you may be thinking that those mini-books don’t make a lot of sense, basically because you can’t read them, but they originate in an ancient Persian tradition.

Fountain Square and the rest of downtown

Composed of the most fashionable shops, restaurants, bars, hipster cafés, parks and so on, I recommend you finish your day in downtown, in the area around Fountain Square, the place where all the local people gather to hang out.

What to do in Baku on day 2

Yasil market.

I bumped into this market by mere chance and then I found out that it is very famous among locals, but I didn’t see any tourists.

Yasil is a traditional market which has been restored as per Baku modern standards. It is a typical fruit and vegetable market and everything sold is seasonal.

I was lucky enough to visit Baku in October, the pomegranate season, the symbol of Azerbaijan.

Almost all stalls were filled with pomegranates and they were selling freshly squeezed juice for just 1AZN (60¢).

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Did you know that Azerbaijan was formerly called The Land of Fire ?

From the 12th century, tales from travelers wandering this region mentioned the existence of several magic fires found across the area.

They thought those fires were magic because they burnt continuously without any wood but, what they didn’t know is that the fire was coming from natural underground gas fields.

Yanar Dag is one of those fires which is still burning, even though the fire is artificial today, as it was extinguished after they discovered an oil reserve next to it in the 19th century.

How to get there – Yanar Dag is outside of the city. To get there, you will have to catch the 147 bus from Azadliq metro station. Alternatively, you could also get there by Uber, which is easier, quicker and won’t cost you much.

Fire Temple Ateshgah

In the 18th century, a merchant traveler was so fascinated by one of those flames that he decided to build a worshipping temple on it.

How to get there – The temple is very close to the airport and the 184 bus passes close to it.

What to do in Baku on Day 3

Day trip to qobustan to see the petroglyphs and the mud volcanoes.

During the Stone Age, around 15,000 years ago, when the Caspian Sea waters were higher and the region was completely green and fertile, a bunch of hunters decided to settle in some caves in the area.

These caves were decorated with their own art style and more than 600 petroglyphs were drawn, many of them still being in very good conditions. Today, these paintings have become one of the best places to visit in Baku.

For more information, read my article about the petroglyphs of Qobustan (it includes prices and how to get there).

Moreover, if you are interested, you can also visit some volcanoes that expel mud , which have become a real tourist attraction. They are very close to the petroglyphs and you can only go by car.

If you want to make things easier and go with a guide, there’s this tour targeting the petroglyphs + mud volcanoes + an ancient mosque from the area. I think it’s worth it. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TOUR

Where to eat in Baku

Here are my restaurant recommendations (all places are frequented by locals).

Budget – Xezer Restaurant – Local eatery serving traditional food.

Gourmet fast food – Gourmet Pendir & Chorek – The first national fast-food chain in Azerbaijan serves good quality local sandwiches and stuff like that.

Fine dining – Sumakh – A local fancy restaurant serving high-quality food and awesome service.

More information for visiting Baku

📢 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.

Tours – Here you can see a big bunch of tours in Baku, as well as day trips from Baku.

SIM Card – You will need one, especially to move around by Uber. I recommend Azercell. You can buy a SIM Card in many mobile stores but you should go to the official store of Azercell, as you will be charged the real price. There is a big one in Fountain Square.

All guides and articles for traveling in Azerbaijan destination

• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Best Hostels in Baku
• Qobustan Petroglyphs and Sovietism
• Reasons to Visit Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Itinerary

Check more city guides

• Tunis Travel Guide
• Asmara Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Riyadh
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Dubai
• Beirut Travel Guide
• Erbil Travel Guide
• Tehran Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Astana
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Tbilisi Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Minsk
• Kiev Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• A City Guide to Mosul

These were my top recommendations for what to do in Baku. If you know of any other places to visit in Baku, kindly let us know in the comments section. 

19 comments

I never went to the oil extractors and i wish i had thought about that! One thing i think you should have mentioned though is the beautiful designs of some of the metro stations 🙂

oh yes, the stations were pretty nice indeed 🙂

Hey Joan, I love this travel guide to Baku very much, very detailed, thank you 🙂 I have a question: is it safe to take photos of the petrol extractors? I mean, I am pretty sure that in some countries they would not like people to sniff around them, for several reasons. I have been living in several countries in the Arab Gulf, and I am pretty sure that you would not be allowed to take photos of them. I would not even try it! Thank you and keep up the good work!

Hey Marc, thank you for your email. You can’t really compare it to the Gulf because the Gulf petrol areas are very deep into the desert and they are in restricted areas. The ones in Baku are in the suburbs of the city, some of them located right next to houses, meaning that the area is not restricted at all. Does this mean that you can take a photo of them? Well, I don’t know, but I have been there twice and there wasn’t official surveillance at all. I only saw a few workers roaming around who didn’t really care about my presence.

I was in the oil field at Romanov, 40 minutes outside Baku a few days ago. There is surveillance and locals keeping an eye open. When we were about to leave the oil field a company car came at high speed and they men in the car screamed that taking photos was forbidden. They was quite aggressive. I had the camera under my jacket, else they probably would have demanded that I delete the photos. My Azerian father in law explained that the oil companies are concerned about making the pollution too exposed in these days of social media.

wow, thanks for sharing your experience, Michael!

Very useful information, keep up the good work ! very well done !

Hi, I am reading over and again – to prepare for our short visit coming up to Baku. Just so you know, the visa is now good for 90 days. Any thoughts on survival guide for vegetarians (no egg, fish, meat, chicken, in short no animal food of any kind) who can take milk, yoghurt?

Hi Vasu, the visa is valid for 30 days. I just re-checked the official e-visa portal and there are no changes. I think you are confused because it says that you can travel for 30 days within a 90 days period but you can’t exceed those 30 days.

I am not a vegetarian, so I can’t really give you many tips. They don’t have a very vegan cuisine but I remember that most menus had salads and some eggplant-based dishes.

I cannot see the map for places to visit in Baku.

Maybe it is a problem of your browser

Thank u very much for valuable informatin you prensent for us.Baku,s weather,s more pleasent and mild and than dubai.Baku is the capital of Azeebayjan, İt,s people are turk, it was colonized by soviet 101 years ago, but they,re not russion. Thank u every body★)

Joan – your guide has proved very useful while I have been in Baku. Just to say that Azerbaijan appear to have got on board with 2-tier foreign tourist / local prices for their main sites: Maidens Tower and The Palace now both 15 Manat to access; Fire Temple Ateshgah 4 Manat & Yanar Dag 9 Manat. The Quobastan Petroglyphs were 10 Manat – but as the museum staff picked me up in their bus to take me to the site from Baku I am quids in on that one 😀

Hey Andrew, glad you found it useful and thanks for the price updates 🙂

Hi, iam planning to travel with Family December first week,. Can you please advise us as we want to see snow filled area. Can we have one day trip from Baku to hill stations. Thank you

Hi Yes, you can go to the area around Quba

Hi Joan, thank you for the amazing work! I am flying to Azerbaijan in a few days and your guide is of great help. I wonder if you have ever visited Sumqayit polluted areas and/or poor neighborhoods (slums) in Baku? I know that “Shangai” has been demolished but I am sure there are still deprived areas of the same kind. Any idea about that?

Hi Isabelle. I did walk through some slums (by pure coincidence) when I was walking around the TV tower, very close to it, but I don’t know the name of those slums

“Wow, this guide on things to do in Baku is absolutely fantastic! I recently had the opportunity to spend 3 days in this vibrant city, and this blog provided me with an incredible list of activities and attractions to make the most of my trip. From exploring the historic Old City and its charming narrow streets to visiting the iconic Flame Towers for breathtaking panoramic views, there was never a dull moment. I especially loved indulging in the local cuisine and trying out traditional Azerbaijani dishes at the various restaurants recommended in the article. Thanks to this comprehensive guide, I had an unforgettable experience in Baku and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting destination to visit!”

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Baku, far more than just the capital of Azerbaijan, sits as the historical, cultural and business center of this West Asian country. Aptly nicknamed the City of Winds, Baku’s location on the western shore of the Caspian Sea subjects it to strong winds throughout the year while also gracing the city with gorgeous seaside views. With a population of over 2 million people, Baku is the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the entire Caucasus region. Baku offers attractions for everybody: Sunny beaches provide a prime spot to unwind, while elegant theaters and quirky museums will satisfy the cultured tourist. Modern architecture creates an otherworldly contrast with Old City quarters, while beautifully designed parks provide the perfect place to unwind in a serene environ. Trendy cafes and nights clubs attract young people, and delicious cuisine will satisfy taste buds of every type. The city offers dozens of pedestrian-friendly streets and entertainment centers for the comfort of its residents and visitors. No matter your age or sphere of interest, Baku’s diversity and festive vibe are hard to resist.

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Gabala is considered a popular tourist destination due to the combination of a very good spring climate, woods along the mountains and beautiful nature was exploited by the construction of large numbers of hotels and apartments in city. The city contains “Gabaland” amusement park, There are all conditions for recreation and entertainment for children an ice skating rink Gabala has several shopping malls; the most famous city center mall is Gabala Mall. Tufan Dag Ski Complex, one of the biggest mountain resorts in Caucasus located in Gabala Since 2009, city has been home of Gabala International Music Festival, which included performances from classical and jazz performers Here tourists are available for restaurants and hotel services at a high level.

Shamakhi is in the east-central Azerbaijan. It is located 76 miles (122 km) west of Baku and is one of the oldest cities in the republic, dating from the 6th century AD, but the modern city was not incorporated until 1824. From the 9th to the 16th century, it was the residence of the Shirvan shahs. There are numerous historical buildings, including a mosque and a mausoleum, which have been damaged by the frequent earthquakes. Şamaxı is now a centre of food industries and is especially noted for wines. A brocaded, flat-stitch carpet with mosaic-tile patterns is produced in the surrounding area

Shaki (Sheki), a small town in the lower slopes of Greater Caucasus. The main attractions in Shaki, alongside the surrounding forested mountains and snow-topped peaks of Caucasus, are related to the colorful history of the city. The first settlements in the area date back to the Bronze Age, but the present day city was established in 18th century, after floods destroyed the original Shaki. The town, and royal capital was moved to Nukha Fortress, built by Khan Haji Chalabi in year 1772. In early 19th century Shaki flourished as a trade town between caravan routes, and as a silk-weaving town. The walled fortress is well-preserved, and on a stroll in the old town, tourists can visit beautifully restored royal palaces and historical caravanserais.

Located in the north-east of Azerbaijan, Guba is a great place to experience the Caucasus Mountains. Timeless mountain villages are populated by diverse peoples and offer great hiking and ecotourism opportunities. In the city itself you can discover some intriguing culinary secrets while in the surrounding villages local women weave some of the finest carpets in the Caucasus.

Shahdag – is exactly that special place, where you should go, if you wish to travel to winter fairytale. Those snow-white fields, bright sun, and mountain weather – best remedy from the tiredness from noisy cities. Being the first ski resort in Azerbaijan, Shahdag very soon became the favorite place of many local citizens, where they can celebrate the New Year or just spend joyful weekends.

Ganja, the second-largest city in Azerbaijan with a name that is hard to forget, is a city full of beautiful red brick architectures, a plethora of things to do and see, and a great base to go explore the beautiful lakes of Goygol and Maralgol. Ganja has a plethora of beautiful ancient architectures all around the city and one of the most prominent ones is the Shah Abbas Mosque or as some call it Juma Mosque (Friday Mosque). Ganja is a homeland of the famous poet Nizami Ganjavi, poetess Mahsati Ganjavi, poet and “sage of Ganja” Mirza Shafi Vazeh. The Mausoleum of Nizami Ganjavi is located right at the entry of the city. The tomb of Nizami has been a place of devoted pilgrimage for many centuries.

Wedged between the Caspian Sea and the lush Talysh Mountains, Lankaran is a region of unique natural diversity. The city itself is an old port that used to be surrounded by fortifications, and it’s ideally placed between some of Azerbaijan’s best nature reserves. The region is also famed for its citrus fruits and flavoursome cuisine, as well as being the centre of Azerbaijani tea growing.

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What’s it REALLY like to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan?

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When I think back to my travels in Baku, Azerbaijan, one anecdote comes to mind. I’m driving through the highway as we speed past modern, silver buildings interspersed with sand-colored mosques and souks, set back against the arid landscape. My guide points out a cluster of buildings on one side of the highway.

“See those buildings?” he tells me. “Our journalists live there. They get to live there for free.”

I smile weakly and say, “Oh. For free. Cool.” Inside, I’m thinking, really? In exchange for what?

That’s what it’s like to grow up in a country without freedom of the press. Journalists living in government-provided housing is seen as something to extol to international visitors, rather than something that should be kept under wraps.

That’s not to say that Azerbaijan is horrifying. Far from it. I found Baku to be an intriguing destination, quite often perplexing, and well worth a three-day visit with my boyfriend before traveling on to Georgia and Armenia.

Table of Contents

Azerbaijan: A Modern Land of Fire

Azerbaijan is known as the Land of Fire — this is a country where flames can and do burst out of the earth in unexpected places. There are places close to Baku where you can see eternal flames billowing out of the ground, or even from the water. And the reserves of natural gas cause unusual geological effects, like bubbling mud volcanoes.

And sitting in the middle of that fiery desert, on the banks of an inland sea, is one of the world’s most prolific collections of modern architecture. The most famous of which are three modern towers shaped like flames, lighting up with even more flames at night.

If you mention modern architecture set against a desert, where do you think of first? Dubai, maybe, or Doha, Qatar? I got a similar vibe from Baku. Azerbaijan is rich with oil money, thanks to its location next to the Caspian Sea, which had led to insane levels of recent development.

While Dubai and Doha have their share of modern buildings, Baku sprawls like neither city. As you’re driving around Baku, it seems borderline uncanny that you can cruise over so many hills and still see all kinds of modern, interesting buildings.

Within this unusual setting, there are a lot of cool places in Baku to explore and enjoy.

Best Things to Do in Baku

The good thing about visiting a city like Baku is that there isn’t an established tourist trail — you don’t need to hop from sight to sight.

Have dinner overlooking the Flame Towers. On a whim, I ended up at Panoramic Restaurant . While most of the windows face away from the Flame Towers, there is a tiny outdoor patio with only three tables that has a view of the Flame Towers! Do what I did — go early in the day to check it out, then make a reservation for that exact table for sunset that evening.

Explore the old city of Baku. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where the architecture differs enormously from the rest of the modern city. The old city dates back to the 6th century and it gives you an idea of the incredible cultural history in this region from Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Shirvani, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures. The Maiden Tower is a great spot for a view of the Flame Towers. And just outside the old city is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

Visit the markets. What struck me about Baku’s markets is how immaculate they are. I’m used to seeing piles of produce flung in every direction; it seems like Azerbaijanis make every effort to shape their produce into the most aesthetically pleasing piles. The conical shapes on the mango slices and dried flowers are perfect.

It extends to larger fruits, too. Apples were stacked in clean straight lines; perfect green watermelons made up the perimeter. One table even grouped tomatoes not just by type but by size, arranging them into perfect mounds!

Normally I’m a bit uneasy at markets because I feel guilty when I don’t buy anything, but I felt more relaxed here. That and men kept giving me macadamia nuts to sample — the best macadamia nuts I’ve ever tasted. (Did I buy any? Nope. Macadamias are one food that I avoid because if I have one, I’ll have a million.)

Check out Heydar Aliyev Center.  In a city filled with modern architecture, this is one of the most famous buildings of all (and a symbol of Azerbaijan, named after its most beloved leader). The building contains a museum and conference center with rotating exhibitions. But even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth it, because it’s in the middle of a giant park, which becomes a place to see and be seen at sunset.

This is easily the best Instagram spot in Baku. I recommend coming around sunrise or sunset for the best light.

Enjoy the cafe scene. While the old city was surprisingly more dead than I expected, I loved the neighborhood just east. This area was filled with all kinds of interesting cafes and restaurants, and I loved walking around and exploring.

Spend an evening down by the Caspian Sea. I was a bit surprised that there was so little seafood on the menus in Baku, despite being located on the sea. But there is one place where seafood is the star: Derya Fish House .

Once you step out of your cab, you arrive to a windy waterfront filled with locals celebrating the end of the day. Oh, and it’s cheap! The two of us had a whole fish, bread, a bowl of olives, eggplant caviar, lemons, pickled vegetables, cheese, and pomegranate sauce on the side for just $18.

Best Day Trips from Baku

The best day trip from Baku is its most famous day trip — to Qobustan to see the mud volcanoes and petroglyphs.  Qobustan National Park (sometimes written as Gobustan) is just under an hour’s drive from Baku.

Qobustan is known for its mud volcanoes. To get to them requires an off-roading vehicle. When my car pulled to the side of the road, I assumed we’d be getting into some kind of jeep — but was I ever surprised when we got into a tiny Soviet-era Lada! It didn’t look like it would last a day in the desert, let alone go off-roading to mud volcanoes!

And soon we reached the mud volcanoes.

The gurgling is a lot slower than I thought it would be — just a constant, slow BLURP! BLURP! every few moments. Like the volcano had eaten a lot of beans that day.

The landscape is beautiful and dramatic — but that wasn’t all we’d see.

Next up in Qobustan was the petroglyphs — ancient rock art. I’ve seen ancient rock art in other parts of the world, like Kakadu National Park in Australia , but this rock art is uniquely impressive. You see people dancing, people hunting, petroglyphs of animals. It has survived remarkably well, and this is why Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Seeing Qobustan was one of the highlights of my time in Azerbaijan, and I feel like you can’t go to Baku without making a stop here.  See tours to see Qobustan’s mud volcanoes and petroglyphs.

The other half of my day was spent touring the famous sites on the opposite side of Baku. Here you’ll find two more attractions that prove that Azerbaijan is the land of fire: Ateshgah, the Zoroastrian fire temple, and Yanar Dag, where the fire bursts from the earth.

Ateshgah is a temple on the outskirts of Baku. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, though ceremonies have taken place on the same site as early as the 10th century, and it has been a center of worship for Zoroastrians, Sikhs, and Hindus. The flame inside the temple is naturally occurring, but it actually went out in 1969 due to environmental destruction. The fire today is lit by Baku’s main gas supply.

At Yanar Dag, you can see a steady fire burning from the bottom of the hill. Fed by natural gas, this is another fire that never extinguishes. It was so toasty down by the fire — I have never wanted to have a stick and a bag of marshmallows so much in my life! (And let’s not kid ourselves, a bag of graham crackers and chocolate waiting by the table.)

Ateshgah and Yanar Dag are two places that show you how interesting of a natural environment Azerbaijan is. See tours to Ateshgah and Yanar Dag here.

Azerbaijan Food

What kind of food will you be eating in Azerbaijan? Delicious food. Surprisingly good food. The dishes I ate were most similar to Turkish cuisine, fresh and flavorful. While there were some similarities to their Georgian and Armenian neighbors, Azerbaijani food is very much its own thing. I was only in the country for a few days, so this is by no means an exhaustive guide, but it contains several of my top hits.

I ate a lot of dolma — vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice and meat. While “dolma” can mean stuffed grape leaves or cabbage leaves in other cultures, in Azerbaijan it can mean any kind of stuffed vegetable.

Also popular are kebabs of all kinds, and plov, roasted rice and meat dishes.

Eggplant dip was everywhere — made from roasted eggplant, peppers, and onions and mixed with a variety of herbs and spices. This was the perfect start to a meal. You eat it with bread.

My absolute favorite dish was at Panoramic Restaurant in the Old City — I can’t remember the name and REALLY should have written it down, but it was a skillet filled with chicken, cherries, potatoes, and chestnuts. It sounds like a winter dish but it was solely on a hot summer night.

While you don’t see a ton of fish on the menus in Azerbaijan, you will down at restaurants on the Caspian Sea like Derya Fish House . I recommend ordering a grilled white fish with pomegranate sauce on the side — it brings the same kind of acidity that you get from lemons.

As for Azerbaijani wine, it does exist and it’s worth sampling, but it’s nothing to write home about. Georgia and Armenia have much better wine.

Azerbaijanis love sweets and pastries, and I tried a few different kinds of baklava — one made with walnuts, one made with almonds, one made with hazelnuts. I honestly think walnuts are king — they need that slightly bitter flavor to cut the sweetness. Hazelnut baklava was dangerously sweet!

And Azerbaijanis are crazy about tea. Tea breaks are important punctuation marks of the day. You can sweeten tea with jam, and they serve it with small pastries.

This is just a sample of the delicious food I ate in Azerbaijan.

Want to learn more about Azeri cuisine?

Go on a food tour in baku..

Travel Azerbaijan with JayWay Travel

On this trip I traveled as a hosted guest of JayWay Travel , a boutique travel agency specializing in Eastern and Central Europe.  I’ve worked with JayWay Travel in Ukraine in the past and they do such a good job putting together bespoke itineraries where you don’t have to worry about a thing. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia as new destinations where they have local experts.

For my three-day trip to Baku, that meant pick-ups and drop-offs at the airport; a full-day private tour to Qobustan and the fire region, including a stop at a market; a local SIM card, and support throughout the trip. That was perfect for me — I knew my first day would be spent napping and taking it easy due to the weirdly timed flight (see more on that below), and I liked getting to do my own exploring on the final day.

As I always say, if you’re an experienced traveler, you don’t need JayWay in order to travel. But JayWay is perfect for your parents, older travelers, less experienced travelers, and experienced travelers who want someone else to plan their trip for a change. It’s an enormous time-saver when you’re busy, too.

The Caucasus is a fantastic travel destination, but it’s not nearly as easy to travel as Europe. Azerbaijan is a country just waking up to tourism, and they don’t have the established tourism infrastructure of other countries. It’s a good place to have a helping hand.

Learn more about JayWay’s Azerbaijan trips here.

Where to Stay in Baku

Most of the time when I visit a new city, I stay in the old town or old city because it’s usually the prettiest, most central part of town.  Baku’s old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which made it seem like a slam dunk, and so I stayed at a hotel in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel.

While I had a good stay there, I actually don’t recommend staying in the old city of Baku. It’s beautiful but it’s mostly inaccessible to cars (to get an Uber or taxi, you need to walk a distance outside the old city); you are constantly going up and down stairs; there are lots of aggressive touts around the Maiden Tower; there aren’t as many cafes and restaurants as you would think. If you have mobility challenges, you should absolutely avoid staying in the old city.

If you do want to stay in the old city, the Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel is a nice midrange choice. It’s comfortable, the internet works well, it’s not too deep into the old city, and the staff are great. And the best thing about this hotel is that it has an Illy cafe in the lobby. Reliable quality coffee isn’t always easy to find!

So which Baku neighborhood is best? I recommend staying in a hotel just east of the old city. This area is home to lots of cool restaurants, cafes, parks, and nightlife. And because it’s part of the main city, cars can drive the streets and you can hail Ubers close to your hotel. Most of it is flat, though there are some steeper parts.

Recommended Baku Accommodation:

• Luxury: JW Marriott Absheron Baku
• Midrange: Passage Boutique Hotel
• Budget: Renaissance Palace Hotel
• Find deals on more Baku hotels here.

Azerbaijan Visa

Azerbaijan requires a visa for most visitors. In the past it was difficult and expensive for most westerners to get an Azerbaijan visa for longer than a few days. Now it’s MUCH easier and cheaper — you can get an e-visa online for just $20! See the full list of nationalities eligible for the e-visa here.

You order the visa online, it takes around three days to process, and you print it out and bring it to immigration with your passport. Don’t keep it on your phone; bring an actual printed copy.

Order your visa directly from evisa.gov.az . NOTE: THIS IS THE CORRECT SITE; DO NOT BE FOOLED BY IMPOSTERS! There are many third party visa sites that mimic the layout of this site, then try to charge you $50 for the same exact thing. I almost got fooled by one of those sites.

Flying to Baku with Azerbaijan Airlines

I flew nonstop from New York to Baku on Azerbaijan Airlines.  This is the one direct flight from the United States to Azerbaijan. The flight takes 11 hours and currently flies twice per week.

While it’s awesome to fly nonstop, the flight leaves at an awkward time: it departs New York at 11:30 AM and arrives in Baku at 6:30 AM, which is 10:30 PM New York time. As a result, you probably won’t be able to sleep much if at all, and you’ll likely spend your first day in Baku in a jet-lagged stupor. Plan a low-key day for your arrival if you take this flight.

I was lucky to fly in Azerbaijan Airlines’s Comfort Club, as someone special upgraded me for my birthday. Comfort Club is like the stop between premium economy and business class.

You get comfier seats and a TON more space (the seats go much further back but don’t lie flat), you’re served multiple courses for meals, and you get lounge access at the airport (in my case, the cheese-and-champagne-filled Air France lounge at JFK). I was able to stick my feet straight out without touching the seat in front of me (I’m 5’4″). I didn’t get into the entertainment but there was a decent selection of movies. For an 11-hour flight where I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep much, I was so glad to have this level of service!

If you’re coming from the US on another line, you can get connections on Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. Azerbaijan Airlines flies to cities including Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Paris, London, Dubai, and several Turkish and Russian destinations.

Travel to Azerbaijan BEFORE Armenia

If you’re planning to travel throughout the Caucasus, you should try to travel to Azerbaijan before Armenia. It will make your life much easier.

Azerbaijan and Armenia don’t have diplomatic relations, and all borders are closed. Armenians are not allowed to enter. (While Armenia doesn’t have diplomatic relations or border crossings with Turkey, Armenians are allowed to travel to Turkey anyway, so Azerbaijan is much stricter.)

When I arrived in Azerbaijan, I was asked if I had ever traveled to Armenia. I said no, and there was no evidence of Armenia in my passport. But I do know people who have been interrogated heavily for traveling to Armenia previously, regardless of their nationality.

If you have visited the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is Azerbaijani land currently occupied by Armenia, you will automatically be rejected. (They also ask you if you’ve traveled to Nagorno-Karabakh when you apply for your visa, which will also earn you a rejection if your answer is yes.)

However, Armenian immigration officials are more forgiving. They do ask you if you visited Azerbaijan and why, but if you only visited as a tourist, they don’t care and they let you in without any problems. This is why I recommend visiting Azerbaijan first and Armenia second. (It’s best to go via Georgia, either by land or by plane.)

Unfortunately, ethnic Armenians of different nationalities (whether they’re American, Russian, French, Lebanese, Argentine, or something else) are often rejected at the border based on their last name. From what I’ve researched, it seems to come down to the mood of the immigration officer, and I’ve heard that some people try to convince the immigration officials that their last name is Persian.

If you’re an ethnic Armenian who wants to travel to Azerbaijan, or a person whose last name ends in -ian or -yan, I recommend you do more research. This is beyond my pay grade.

Traveling to Baku: The Takeaway

I’m very happy that I got to travel to Baku — but I think this is a one-and-done trip. Which is fine! Not every destination has to be an “I can’t wait to go back” destination. I’m so glad that I visited and had the experience this interesting city had to offer.

Looking back at my two-week trip to the Caucasus, I think that starting with Baku was a good idea. I was able to take advantage of the only nonstop flight to the Caucasus from New York, and then I moved on to Georgia and Armenia, which were both more impressive. I wouldn’t have done it any differently.

Chisinau and Minsk: Two Offbeat Soviet Cities

Essential Info:  My trip in Baku was entirely organized by JayWay Travel , a travel company that organizes custom private tours in Central and Eastern Europe. They organize everything as soon as your feet touch the ground in your country, from flights and tours to airport pickups and a cell phone or SIM card. JayWay recently added Azerbaijan as one of their new specialties, along with Georgia and Armenia. In Baku I stayed at the  Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel . Rates from $56. When using Uber to get around Baku, be sure you check the license plate — some drivers here operate with a different car than the account they claim to have. Never get in a car unless they match. Travel insurance is essential before every trip — in case of an emergency, it could save your life and finances. I use and recommend  World Nomads  for trips to Azerbaijan.

Many thanks to JayWay Travel for hosting me on my Caucasus trip, including covering my expenses in Azerbaijan. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Have you traveled to Azerbaijan? What did you think?

9 thoughts on “what’s it really like to travel to baku, azerbaijan”.

I have lived in Baku for over 5 years. Only issue with the post is that this is not a fiery desert. We get all four seasons and have weather patterns analogous to Charlotte, NC, my hometown. Snows every winter. Otherwise wish you would come back, probably just need some folks to show you around.

I visited the Caucasus last summer but didn’t quite have time to make it to Azerbaijan. It looks like an amazing place, I definitely hope to go back to the Caucasus so maybe Azerbaijan next time! 🙂

“Georgia and Armenia, which were both more impressive.” Impressive in terms of what? Yiu have been only in Baku and it surroundingbareas so you should the comparison should be against Tbilkisi and Yerevan, which I dont think any of those two would win. If you were imoressed by greneery and mountains of Georgia then you should have visited north west and north of Azerbaijan which offers similar landscapes. Climate and nature wise Azerbaijan is much more diverse then other two countries of Transcaucaisa, with 9 out 11 climate zones being present here. Azerbaijan is culturally, ethnically and religiously much more diverse than two other countries, where Jewish, Russian, Azerbaijani, Georgian, Avar, Lezghi a, Talish and other ethnciities live in peacefull neighborhood. Azerbaijan is much more hospitale, friendly and tollerant country compared to other two, Azerbaijan welcomes people regardless their religion, race or ethnicity unlike.

Comparing Baku to Tbilisi or Yerevan, both of which I spent a similar amount of time, Baku would be in a distant third.

Sure, Azerbaijan welcomes people regardless of ethnicity unless your name ends in -ian or -yan. Funny how Armenia is much more welcoming of Azeris than the other way around…

I visit baku last year in the month of october

Please do your research first before regurgitating your BS here…I am an ethnic azeri whose family was brutally expelled from the Sisian region of Armenia along my 250000 fellow compatriots…moreover Armenian gangs managed to ethnically cleanse(over 700000 ethnic azeris) from the internationally recognized territories of Aze(Karabakh and surrounding territories). Armenia has no reason to bar entrance of ethnic azeris while Azerbaijan has security-related concerns.

Btw I personally don’t really like modern skyscrapers of Baku and would personally prefer to live elsewhere. Also Aze does not solely consist of Baku and its suburbs so if you you wish to get a more comprehensive picture of the country you have to visit places like Gandja, Nakhichevan or Kedabek for that matter…..

I habe travel to Baku many times t have to state,that the the people are very nice and the city itself is very clean. You don’t find even a cigarette on the ground

I’ve heard lots of good things about Baku and this post seems to confirm it. Thanks for the info and this will definitely be bookmarked!

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Lahij and Demirchi village Group tour

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Azerbaijan lands are very famous for their desserts. The same dessert can be prepared in different regions with its own unique styles and their aromatics are individually.

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Excellent guide, knowledgeable, great English, shows you the real Azerbaijan- as you should see it. It was really interesting to hear about the local life. Highly recommended!

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Places to visit in baku vacation packages, 1. icheri sheher.

Location: Baku 1000, Azerbaijan

Timings: Open 24 hours

Icheri Sheher was entitled as a world cultural site by UNESCO in the year 2000. This old city features ancient walls and towers that have been strengthened after the famous Russian conquest. This illuminating destination will be a part of this Baku trip packages where you can explore the cobbled streets and alleys are jam-packed with antique and carpet shops.

You will also witness the 11th-century Maiden’s Tower, the enticing mosque named Djuma, the magnificent palace of the Shivanshahs, and the exclusive jewels of Azerbaijan architecture. This ancient city also comprises several galleries exhibiting fascinating collections from the previous era. The rugs and carpets of Azerbaijani are quite popular and you can check out these collections here in the old city of Baku.

2. Highland Park

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

Another popular attraction in Baku is the Highland Park of our Baku travel packages where one can walk, rest, and have their own leisure time while admiring the panoramic views of the sea. This park is the burial place where Azerbaijani and Turkish soldiers were buried after the battles in 1918. There is also a famous corner showcasing the stunning vistas of the beautiful Baku city.

3. Fire Temple

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm

The Fire temple of Baku is locally known as Ateshgah which literally means ‘the temple of Eternal fire’. It is located in Surakhany Suburb, nearly 30 km away from the center of the main city. This temple features numerous natural gas burning outlets.

Explore this ancient time on your next Baku trip which was once the palace of Zoroastrians who used to worship fire. A section of this temple comprising Zoroastrian Ateshgah has 14 Sanskrit, 1 Persian, and 2 Punjabi inscriptions. A few inscriptions here are believed to be invented by Lord Shiva and carry swastika and motifs of the Sun.

4. Museum Of History Of Azerbaijan

This Baku tour package will take you to this illuminating museum that has been established inside an Italian Renaissance-style mansion. The museum of the history of Azerbaijan showcases 3,00,000 artifacts, covering almost everything from ancient to modern history and ethnography.

The museum of the history of Azerbaijan is the largest museum in Azerbaijan and attracts visitors from across the world throughout the year.

Best Time To Visit

The climatic zones and diversity of Baku make it an alluring tourist spot throughout the year. From sightseeing excursions in the lowlands to glancing at the colorful migratory birds, Baku Packages offers a plethora of experiences that can be explored in different seasons. Check out the best time to visit Baku:

Winter (November to March)

If you have a passion for wildlife then November is the best month to plan an excursion to Baku as one can witness an enormous variety of birds at this time of the year in the national parks of Baku. The temperature ranges between 7-14°C and there might be 4-10 rainy days during this month.

December, the Christmas month, is massively celebrated in this city, which has a majority of the Muslim population. Themed nights at bars and restaurants will give you a perfect glimpse of Christmas in this dynamic city. Whereas, January and March are quite cold here but you can book our Baku Holiday Packages to experience the snowfall and snow-clad mountains.

January and March are quite cold here but if you want to experience the snowfall and snow-clad mountains the head to this city in February when the average temperature dips down to -20°C.

Summer (April to September)

Summer in Baku is quite hot and the temperature rises till 40°C. April is hot and humid, making days uncomfortable for sightseeing. However, evenings will surprise you with panoramic vistas and you can indulge in the vibrant nightlife scene here. If you are planning to go for a trek or indulge in some adventurous expedition, then book your Baku packages during this time.

Autumn (October)

In the month of October, clouds roll over Baku and the capital city experiences drizzle. This is a perfect time to go Baku sightseeing tours and explore popular spots such as Ateshgah, Yanar Dag, and Gobustan National Park. In autumn, you can get the true vibe of this city and it is believed to be the best time to book Baku holiday packages .

How To Reach

Check out the below-mentioned best ways to reach Baku:

You can board a flight to Heydar Aliyev International Airport to reach Baku. The airport is merely 25 km away from the main city and is well-connected with public transports. It is an international airport and welcomes all the major airlines including Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and British Airlines.

Baku welcomes advanced train services from popular destinations such as Russia, Ukraine, and Moscow. Travelers can easily board any of these rails to reach Baku safely and comfortable.

Baku features numerous international buses that run from different spots within its boundaries. There are several routed to reach Baku by road which can be selected depending on the traveler's starting point.

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Showing 6 Baku Tour Packages

Azerbaijan 4 Days Tour Package

₹ 38,000/- ₹ 40,860/-

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• Historical Tour

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Azerbaijan tour packages take you to the full excursion of the Baku ci....

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Sightseeing

Azerbaijan 5 Days Tour Package

₹ 46,998/- ₹ 51,085/-

• World Heritage Site
• Temples Tour
• Hill station

Azerbaijan is a country of modern development, restoring its cultures and traditions. T....

Baku City Tour Package

₹ 30,000/- ₹ 32,258/-.

Azerbaijan is quickly on its way to becoming one of the most popular tourist attraction....

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Baku Tour Package From Mumbai

₹ 68,000/- ₹ 73,913/-.

Baku is full of surprises. This beautiful place will take your breath away with all tha....

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Summer Deal

Witness The Untouched Charm Of Azerbaijan

Star Hotels Included

₹ 83,999/- ₹ 94,001/- Per Person on twin sharing

• On-site spa and wellness centre, nearby major tourist attractions
• Till 28 Dec 2022
• Baku City Tour

Validity: Till 28 Dec 2022

Straddling Europe and Asia, Azerbaijan lies in the Caucasian region. The destination sh....

Dive Into The Allure Of Azerbaijan With Your Loved Ones

₹ 86,999/- ₹ 97,000/- per person on twin sharing.

• Till 29 Dec 2022

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Encircled by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan is a spectacular nation....

FAQs for Baku

What are the best baku tour packages offered by traveltriangle.

Below listed are some of the best Baku tour packages offered by us:

How far are the ATMs from Baku Main City?

There are numerous ATMs in and around the city where you can make necessary transfers.

Can we find vegetarian food in Baku?

You can grab some delicious vegetarian food at Pivnaya Apteka, Maharani Indian Restaurant, Passage 145, Dolma Restaurant.

How expensive are the hospitals in Baku?

Hospitals here are quite expensive. It is advised to carry your necessary medicines with you.

What all languages can be spoken in Baku?

The official language of Baku is Azeri but you can often find Russian and English speaking locals in this lively town.

What shall we pack for our Baku Tour?

Baku is a dynamic city that enjoys all the seasons. Winter is extremely cold here whereas summer and autumn are moderate. Pack heavy woolen clothes if you are planning an excursion in the month of February.

Which is the best market place in Baku?

You can visit Yasil Bazar, Metropark Shopping mall, and Park Bulvar Mall to get a great shopping experience in Baku.

What are the best places to visit in Baku?

Maiden Tower, Old City, Palace of the Shrivanshahs, Heydar Aliyev Center are among the most popular places to visit in Baku.

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Things to do, 1. take a walking tour of baku old city.

Plunge in the unique history of Azerbaijan by walking down the old city of Baku. This artful town is surrounded by fortress walls and one can walk down the cobblestone streets, examine the ancient walls, hop through the narrow corridors and glance the intricate art on the huge doors of this city. This Baku old city is an amazing place to wander around and you can also check out the exclusive collections of souvenir vendors and tea shops. The restaurants here serve authentic and flavorsome local food.

2. Illuminating Excursion To The Famous Mosques

The mosques in Baku are not just the religious points but also exhibits the exclusive masterpieces of Azerbaijan architecture. One of the most popular mosques in Baku is the Bibi Hey bat Mosque that was originally constructed in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahistan II. Later in 1998, it was renovated by the government.

3. Trekking Up The Maiden Tower

Don’t miss out on this adventurous trek of Maiden Tower while vacationing in Baku. The Maiden Tower was constructed in the 12th century and is locally known as Giz Galasi which means ‘Virgin Tower’. It has been entitled as the world heritage site by UNESCO and attracts Globetrotters from across the globe. You can climb the Maiden's Tower before the sunset and enjoy the enticing vistas from the top.

4. Aerial Views From Ferris Wheel

Witness the aerial views of Baku by taking a ride on the Baku Eye Ferris wheel. This must-visit attraction of Baku was inaugurated in 2014 and exhibits the electrifying light shows at night. This Ferris wheel is 200 feet tall and has 30 individual cabins. Each cabin can hold 8 people at a time and the slow pace of this beautiful wheel makes you encounter the captivating aerial views of the city.

Places to Stay

Some of the popular places to stay in Baku for a memorable vacation are. Choose according to your budget and preference.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Baku

Four Seasons Hotel Baku offers the most comfortable accommodation in town. There are 171 rooms and suites, and four restaurants and bars at your service. The rooms offer marvelous sea views and the friendly staff and the great location are definitely the highlight of the hotel.

Star Category - 5-star

Starting Price (Per Night) - INR 24,500 onwards

Location - 1 Neftchilar Avenue, Baku 1095 Azerbaijan

2. Hilton Baku

Located in the business and shopping district, Hilton Baku is preferred place of stay for most of the travelers. The hotel offers well decorated luxurious rooms equipped with modern amenities. Facilities like WiFi, airport transportation, conference facilities can be enjoyed by the guests throughout their stay.

Starting Price (Per Night) - INR 13,300 onwards

Location - 1B Azadlig Avenue, Baku 1000, Azerbaijan

3. Holiday Inn Baku

Located in the heart of Baku, the hotel is an ideal choice for business and leisure travelers. The 4-star business hotels have beautiful rooms with amazing views and have the world class facilities to provide the guests with the desired comfort.

Star Category - 4-star

Starting Price (Per Night) - INR 7,000 onwards

Location - 5 Keykab Khanim Safaraliyeva St, Baku 1010, Azerbaijan

4. Dinamo Hotel Baku

Dinamo Hotel is a small luxury hotel ideal for a family stay. The property amenities at the hotel include evening entertainment for the entire family, fitness centre, free WiFi, parking, walking tours and more.

Starting Price (Per Night) - INR 14,200 onwards

Location - 32 Zarifa Aliyeva St, Baku, Azerbaijan

5. Deniz Inn

Deniz Inn is a family friendly inn in Baku. It is located in close proximity to popular tourist attractions, thus allowing guests to explore the famous attractions easily. The hotel offers air conditioned rooms and a minibar allowing maximum comfort to the visitors.

Star Category - 3-star

Starting Price (Per Night) - INR 3,400 onwards

Location - 9 Mirza Shafi Street, Baku, Azerbaijan

Food & Cuisine

Here is a list of some of the popular places to eat when in Baku. It includes all the details like what to try, location, timings and more.

1. Mari Vanna

Mari Vanna is one of the best restaurants in Baku that treats its customers with delicious food. The cosy interior, perfect ambience and the wide variety of food to choose from make this restaurant one of the best in town. Some of the must-try food here includes cherry dumplings, and homemade refreshing beverages, and mashed beef ribs with pea puree

Cuisines: Russian, Eastern European

Timings: 10:00 am to 9 pm

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Location: Zarifa Aliyeva St., 93, Baku 1005 Azerbaijan

2. Scalini Italian Restaurant

Scalini Italian Restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy dinner with family and friends. The place is preferred by a lot of tourists so make sure to reserve your table in advance. Calamari Zucchini Fritti, Gnocchi Al Gorgonzola E Noci and Spaghetti ‘Scalini’ are some of the recommended dishes.

Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, European

Timings: 12 am to 11 pm

Location: 2 Bakikhanov street, Baku 1065, Azerbaijan

3. Dolma Restaurant

If you are craving for European dishes, head to Dolma Restaurant. Located near the Fountain Square, this restaurant is known for its creative interior. The tuna fish salad is a must try dish here.

Cuisines: Italian, Eastern European, Azerbaijani, European, Middle Eastern

Timings: 11 am to 12 am

Location: M.Rasulzada kuc 8, Baku 1000 Azerbaijan

Sumakh is a popular restaurant both amongst the locals as well as tourists. Some of the popular dishes to try from their menu are farinaceous dishes, Pilafs, Kebab, and Saj Meals. Enjoy these tasty dishes while relaxing in the modern decor.

Cuisines: Azerbaijani

Timings: 12 pm to 12 am

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5./5

Location: 20/22 Khojali Avenue, Baku, Azerbaijan

5. Firuze Restaurant

Located near the Fountain Square, Firuze Restaurant will give you an authentic feel of Azerbaijan. Do try Qutab with cheese , Pilaf Firuza, and Quail Levengi from their list of extensive menus. When traveling to Europe, it is definitely one of the must-visit restaurants in Baku.

Cuisines: Healthy, Azerbaijani, Arabic

Location: T. Aliyarbeyov St. 14 Fountain square, Baku 1000 Azerbaijan

Coronavirus Safety Measures For Baku Tour

Some of the safety measures for the travelers to follow when traveling in Baku are -

• Before 1 to 3 days of your trip, get yourself tested. Do not travel if you are waiting for result or are test positive or sick
• During travel, wear a mask and maintain social distancing
• Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Isolate yourself from others if you are feeling sick
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing

Travel Tips For Baku

• It is advisable to check the quotations offered by various travel companies before booking a package
• Book your package at least 2-3 months prior to the visit in order to ensure the best deal
• Get your itinerary customized according to your preference and purpose of the visit
• Purchase insurance before you travel to Azerbaijan for safety purpose
• Organize a city tour so that you don’t miss visiting the important sights
• Get to learn a little Azerbaijani or Russian before your trip
• There are no strict rules when it comes to clothing but women should refrain from wearing tight fitting clothing and men should avoid wearing shorts

Check the best deals on Baku tour packages by logging onto our website and book the most luxuriating and enticing vacation to Baku.

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Exploring Baku: Unforgettable Baku Tour Packages From Pakistan

Are you an avid traveler in search of an exciting destination that perfectly blends history, culture, and modernity? Look no further than Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan. Drenched in historical significance, Baku offers an array of experiences that will leave you awe-struck. If you're a Pakistani traveler seeking an extraordinary adventure, our Baku tour packages from Pakistan, offered by DTravel.pk, are tailor-made to satisfy your wanderlust. Let's delve into the details of these exceptional packages and uncover the magic of Baku.

Our carefully crafted Baku tour packages from Pakistan offer you the opportunity to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple on a honeymoon, or a family seeking an adventure, we have the perfect package for you.

Introduction to Baku: Where East Meets West

Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Baku is a captivating blend of modernity and tradition. Its picturesque landscapes, intriguing architecture, and rich history make it an enticing destination for travelers. From the cobblestone streets of the Old City to the futuristic Flame Towers, Baku offers a spectrum of experiences that cater to diverse interests.

Discover Baku Tour Packages from Pakistan

At DTravel.pk, we understand that every traveler has unique preferences and requirements. That's why our baku packages from pakistan are designed to cater to all budgets and interests. From budget-friendly options to luxurious experiences, we have something for everyone.

Curious about the cost of a baku trip from pakistan? Rest assured that our tour packages are competitively priced without compromising on quality or comfort. We believe that exploring new destinations should be accessible to all, which is why we strive to provide affordable options without compromising on quality.

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Our Baku tour packages from Pakistan offer an all-inclusive experience that covers flights, accommodations, sightseeing, and more. Say goodbye to the hassle of planning, as our experts have meticulously crafted packages that ensure you make the most of your Baku adventure.

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With a variety of itineraries to choose from, you can craft an experience that resonates with your preferences. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a food lover, Baku has something to offer for everyone.

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At DTravel.pk, we understand that every traveler is unique. That's why our Baku packages are designed to be flexible. Tailor your adventure by selecting add-ons that align with your interests, ensuring an unforgettable journey that's truly your own.

Baku Packages from Pakistan: A Cultural Odyssey

Immerse Yourself in Baku's Old City

Step back in time as you explore Baku's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine streets, adorned with charming buildings that narrate tales of bygone eras.

Gaze Upon the Flame Towers: Baku's Modern Icon

Marvel at the iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that illuminate the city's skyline with mesmerizing light shows. These architectural marvels symbolize Azerbaijan's rich reserves of natural gas.

A Taste of Azerbaijan: Culinary Delights

No trip to Baku is complete without savoring its delectable cuisine. Indulge in succulent kebabs, fragrant pilafs, and aromatic teas as you experience the true essence of Azerbaijani flavors.

Calculating Baku Trip Cost from Pakistan

Budget-Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling to Baku doesn't have to break the bank. Discover insider tips to navigate the city affordably, from budget accommodations to economical dining options.

Inclusions and Exclusions: What to Expect

Understanding what's included in your Baku package is crucial. We break down the inclusions and exclusions, ensuring transparency and helping you plan your expenditures wisely.

Baku Honeymoon Packages: Romancing in the Land of Fire

For those seeking romance and tranquility, our baku honeymoon packages offer an enchanting escape for newlyweds. Experience magical moments together against breathtaking backdrops and create memories that will last a lifetime.

With DTravel.pk by your side, planning your dream trip to Baku has never been easier. Let us take care of all the details while you focus on enjoying every moment of your adventure. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that your journey exceeds all expectations.

Romantic Strolls by the Caspian Sea

For couples seeking a romantic escape, Baku offers the perfect backdrop. Enjoy leisurely walks along the Caspian Sea, witnessing stunning sunsets that paint the sky in hues of gold and pink.

Luxury Accommodations for Couples

Indulge in luxury accommodations that cater to couples looking for a dreamy retreat. Baku's upscale hotels provide an idyllic setting for honeymooners to create cherished memories.

Embarking on Baku Trips: Practical Tips

Navigating Baku's Public Transportation

Mastering public transportation is key to exploring Baku effortlessly. Learn how to navigate the city's buses, metro, and trams like a local, enhancing your travel experience.

Weather Considerations: The Best Time to Visit

Baku's weather can vary throughout the year, influencing the best time to visit. Discover the optimal seasons for sightseeing and outdoor activities to make the most of your trip.

Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Baku Experience Awaits

Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Baku – a city that seamlessly weaves the past and present into an enthralling tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. With our Baku tour packages from Pakistan, you're on the cusp of embarking on an unforgettable journey that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

Q: Are the Baku tour packages customizable?

A: Yes, our Baku packages can be tailored to your preferences, allowing you to create a personalized travel experience.

Q: What is the best time to visit Baku?

A: The ideal time to visit Baku is during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to November.

Q: Are the Baku honeymoon packages inclusive of romantic activities?

A: Absolutely! Our Baku honeymoon packages include romantic strolls, luxury accommodations, and special experiences for couples.

Q: Can I explore Baku on a budget?

A: Yes, Baku offers a range of budget-friendly options for accommodations, dining, and transportation.

Q: How do I book a Baku tour package from Pakistan?

A: Booking is easy! Visit our website at DTravel.pk to explore our Baku tour packages and make your reservation.

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Holiday packages to Baku from AED 1,188

Flaming mountains, mud volcanoes, azure ocean waters and a skyline that is as futuristic as it is reminiscent of a fortress are just some of the contradictions that are quintessentially Baku. In fact, almost every Baku travel guide will tell you about its striking mélange of styles and cultures, as Asian, European and Middle Eastern influences come together to create a truly exotic experience. However, it isn’t until you partake in local rituals such as drinking tea with strawberry jam that you’ll start to truly understand its unique blend of cultures. As you walk down its streets, you’ll be left wondering if it’s the old-world charm or new age progress that lend Baku its magnetic appeal. Medieval-era fort walls serve as the perfect backdrop to swanky designer stores and international restaurant chain outlets – the perfect pitstops for tourists returning from sunbathing along the Caspian Sea. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City is dotted with several towering sites that transport you back in time to when the Old Silk road ran through the city. Modern-day vendors recreate the mood by calling you out to try their Beluga Caviar at the local bazaars, while just a few steps away, a Zorastrian temple, a miniature-sized book museum, and a mosque built in the 11th century, entice you to dive into the cultural melting-pot that is Baku.

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Four Tours Designed To Teach Travelers About Climate Change

In 2022, there were 963 million international tourist arrivals worldwide.

That’s 963 million opportunities for the travel industry to be a positive influence and drive transformative change. More specifically, that’s 963 million chances to increase knowledge about the realities of the climate crisis in vivid and unforgettable ways and inspire dedication to protecting the planet and fighting for climate action.

If you spend any amount of time searching online for travel experiences designed to provide education specifically about climate change, there continues to be an underwhelming amount of information and options.

But at least a handful of thoughtful travel companies and tour operators in business today have begun crafting tours that integrate first-hand education or exposure to the environmental challenges unfolding worldwide as global temperatures warm and weather patterns the world over make dramatic shifts.

From journeys that bring travelers to Iceland to witness and learn first-hand about glaciers that are rapidly retreating in the face of warming temperatures to citizen science projects that allow travelers to participate in research and data collection about the changing planet, to itineraries that include traveling alongside educators, scientists, and individuals with Ph.D.s, here are some of the emerging ways travel companies are shining a light on the serious challenges facing the planet in an attempt to inspire climate action.

1.Earth Watch, Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains

Earthwatch offers an inspiring number of thoughtfully designed tours that delve deep into the climate crisis.  From the Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge tour to the Climate Change: Sea to Trees at Acadia National Park trip, and Climate Change in the Mackenzie Mountains, Earth Watch provides a unique variety of ways to engage in thoughtful travels alongside scientists and Ph.D.s in order to learn more about our fragile planet. The company also offers tours focused on ocean health, and wildlife and ecosystems. 

Its 11-day Mackenzie Mountains tour in particular, takes travelers to the majestic Mackenzie Mountains, a range that forms the border between Canada’s Northwest Territories and the Yukon. An area that’s on the front line of climate change, participants will use sophisticated equipment to collect data about permafrost and soil—work that helps reveal global-warming-related changes in the region. Additional activities include monitoring the status of the tree line, and record information on native plant species, says the company’s website.

There will also be time spent observing native mammals and birds in this striking and beautiful region. And here too, there’s a climate change-related purpose: travelers will record when and where animals are spotted and how many are observed. By helping researchers learn all they can about this fragile environment now, travelers will be helping to preserve it for the future, says the company’s website.

2.Global Family Travels,  Immerse in Iceland’s Dynamic Geology: A Transformative Adventure to Inspire Climate Change Action

A trailblazer when it comes to crafting trips designed to illuminate the challenges unfolding around the world, Global Family Travels offers an immersive, living science experience in Iceland.

The nine-night trip provides the opportunity to explore the beauty of Iceland’s landscape and learn about how climate change has impacted the country’s geography, how warming ocean temperatures are threatening some local wildlife and of course, take an up-close look at the heartbreaking retreat of glaciers.

“From beginning to end, this new trip to Iceland (which is appropriate for travelers from 8 to 80

years old) was created to educate participants about our changing climate and inspire them to

take up the cause, spreading the critical message about the need to protect this planet we call

home,” says Global Family Travels founder and CEO Jennifer Spatz.

Want to learn more? Read the company’s blog about the trip . There’s also an informational webinar that provides more details about this impactful itinerary.

“By the time you leave Iceland you will truly know the impacts of climate change, how to treat the environment in a sustainable way and hopefully have some ideas about what you personally can do to minimize your impact and help mitigate climate change,” says Spatz.

3.Intrepid Travel, Citizens Science Program, Antarctica 

Like the other companies on this list, Intrepid Travel believes that “when people know better, they do better.” This includes how climate change is reshaping the world.

On its small-group Antarctica journeys, which range from 11- to 23-days, Intrepid invites travelers to take part in a unique Citizen Science program that allows for assisting researchers and science coordinators in collecting data and making observations.

“Citizen Science is a way to harness the power of thousands of travelers around the world to observe, record, and report on natural phenomena,” says the company’s website. “This is particularly useful in remote and isolated destinations like Antarctica, where it is challenging to support long-term academic observation teams. Scientific research in the Antarctic is often a costly, time-consuming and difficult task.”

In particular, Intrepid's Antarctica tours feature partnerships with NASA, Oxford University, Happy Whale and other research organizations, giving passengers the ability to track animal migration, observe weather patterns, and measure the health of phytoplankton (the tiny microscopic organisms that form the basis of the ocean’s entire food chain).

“Antarctica and the Southern Ocean play critical roles in the regulation of the Earth’s climate system and in many ways are the ‘canary in the coal mine’ of climate change,” the company’s website explains. “In the coming years, politicians and regulatory bodies will decide the fate of Antarctica and our scientists need all the information they can get to help inform this future policy.”

4.Natural Habitat Adventures, Climate Change & Our Wild World

It’s hardly an overstatement to say that our planet is warming at a dangerous pace, a reality that Natural Habitat Adventures points out is impacting ecosystems, habitats, wildlife and people.

“As lovers of nature, we feel acutely how much is at stake,” says the company’s website. “From the Amazon to the Arctic, as rain forests burn and sea ice melts, wild places are under duress. That’s why we believe it is critical to understand what is happening so we can influence our leaders to respond and alter our behaviors accordingly.”

With this in mind, Natural Habitat Adventures launched a special trip series called Climate Change & Our Wild World, which was crafted to bring travelers face-to-face with the how the warming climate is impacting the world. And, ideally, the trips “inspire hope and action on behalf of our planet.”

Trips included in this special series exploring the Amazon, East Greenland and even spending time with Canada’s polar bears—an animal whose plight has been particularly devastating as the sea ice that polar bears depend upon rapidly melts.

They also include traveling alongside World Wildlife Fund (WWF) experts who will provide information all along the way regarding the impacts of climate change on the wild places being visited. Trip participants will meet conservationists, researchers and other experts. 

The Nat Hab trips, along with the others mentioned in this story, have been designed with this critical concept in mind:

“We only tend to advocate for issues we feel personally invested in. And there’s no more powerful way to spark that incentive than to experience these places for yourself."

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A practical guide to travel in Egypt, from tipping culture to independent touring

From packing tips to advice on haggling, here’s everything you need to know while planning your trip.

Whether you want to sail down the Nile on a felucca, explore ancient temples, browse the museums of Cairo or go trekking in Sinai, there are a few things to bear in mind when planning your trip to Egypt. Here’s what to be aware of when it comes to visas, tipping, guides and more.

Do I need a visa?

Almost all travellers, including visitors from the UK and the EU, need a visa to travel to Egypt. While it’s possible to get a visa on arrival, it saves time at the airport if you apply online in advance. A single-entry tourist visa costs US$25 (£20). If you plan to stay in the resort towns in Sinai for fewer than 15 days, you do not need a visa. Instead, you receive a ‘permission stamp’ in your passport when you land at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. While this option is a money saver, the list of places you’re permitted to visit is quite limited — even Ras Mohamed National Park at the southern tip of Sinai is off limits without the full visa.

What should I pack?

Egypt is a majority Muslim country, so it’s respectful for travellers to dress modestly. For all genders, this means covering everything between your shoulders and knees. You will likely be asked to cover up more if you visit a mosque or church.

The tap water is not safe to drink here so bring a water bottle with a filter, such as those from Lifestraw .

Wi-fi ranges from infuriatingly slow to nonexistent across the country, even at five-star hotels. Get mobile data through your service provider at home or buy an Egyptian SIM card when you land at the airport.

Can I pay by card in Egypt?

Cash reigns supreme but you can use a card at some higher-end hotels and restaurants. Take some Egyptian pounds out of a cash machine when you arrive, but be mindful of the fluctuating exchange rate and don’t take more out than you need. For bigger expenses, consider bringing US dollars, the most — and sometimes only — accepted foreign currency.

Tipping, called baksheesh, infiltrates almost every interaction you’ll have. It’s customary to tip nearly everyone you come in contact with, even for services you don’t want or require. Keep small change on hand for toilet attendants, porters, mosque caretakers and guards at temples and tombs.

Should I join a tour or travel independently?

Egypt has been a package-tour destination since the days of Thomas Cook, who first led a group to Egypt in 1869. The country is well set up for tour groups, and many first-time visitors find this option easiest, with guides and transport logistics arranged for you. Egypt’s historic sites have little signage, making a tour guide a necessity for deeper understanding.

Nile cruises generally run between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, but a few make the long journey from Cairo. Trains, planes and buses connect cities along the Nile, and buses or internal flights can take you to the Red Sea coast.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• ANCIENT HISTORY
• ANCIENT EGYPT
• CITY GUIDES

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