Last Updated on October 22, 2025 by Roslin Dwivedi
First Impressions of Baku
The moment we stepped out of the airport, a cool breeze caught us by surprise — waking us up instantly at 2:30 a.m. We quickly booked a Bolt taxi to our hotel. The driver was incredibly kind; he even clicked a few pictures for us outside the airport and played Hindi music videos on his car screen for entertainment. Communication went smoothly thanks to Google Translate, which, as we later realized, would become our best friend throughout the trip.
That was our very first impression of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan — warm people, a safe city, and a little Bollywood touch at 3 a.m.
In recent years, Baku has become increasingly popular among Indian travelers. Its countryside, with open fields and rolling landscapes, often reminds visitors of Switzerland, though with its own raw, untouched charm.
If you’ve never heard of Azerbaijan, you’re not alone — many people haven’t. But this beautiful country truly deserves more attention for its unique blend of cultures and welcoming atmosphere.
Baku, being the most developed part of Azerbaijan, is the heart of the country. It blends Turkish warmth, Russian influence, and European elegance in its architecture, food, and lifestyle. I would love to go back — maybe just to walk along those rose-lined streets, admire the old European stone buildings, sip coffee at cozy cafés, and enjoy a slice of Azeri baklava. Everything in Baku feels designed to make you fall in love.
The locals speak Azerbaijani, and the currency is the Azerbaijan Manat (AZN) — about ₹52 for 1 AZN — making it quite affordable for Indian travelers. The Azerbaijan e-visa process is also simple; Indian nationals can easily apply online through the ASAN Visa portal, with processing taking around 5–15 days.
Baku may not flaunt its richness loudly, but you can feel it — in its modern skyline, cultural pride, and timeless soul. Once you visit, Azerbaijan stays with you. It’s the kind of place that quietly touches your heart and lingers long after you’ve left.
Disclaimer
Here’s 5 days itinerary for Azerbaijan
Day 1: Baku old city, Nizami street and Fountain Square Area.
Today was our first day in Baku. Recovering from the night flight, we took it slow. Still, the excitement of being in a new city got us jumping out of bed early. My husband and son opened our window curtains to catch that morning beauty of Baku. From our balcony we noticed the hotel’s front roads secured for the Marathon today. Thanks to the hotel letter in the room informing us about the Baku Marathon happening at the time so we were not surprised. Happy to see people cheering for the runners and some just minding their tourist business, walking around the place. Since Four Seasons Baku is right in the middle of all the drama, we could see some must visit places right across the hotel from the balcony.
The morning views and glory of the place was such that we found ourselves ordering In room breakfast to enjoy the breakfast with a view. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy your hotel room. And then we marched out to witness the Marathon in person.
Baku Marathon 2025
The Baku Marathon 2025 was scheduled for May 4th, according to Days Of The Year. It’s an annual event organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to promote a healthy lifestyle and support sports development.
If you walk towards the Old City Baku, you’ll find some nice upscale stores on the way like Dolce & Gabbana, Marina Rinaldi and Peserico. The town looks mesmerizing with European style architectural buildings beautifully designed; some balconies decorated with roses looks out of a fairy tale mansion.
Our casual stroll brought us to the old city Baku’s gate near the Maiden Tower. The place was buzzing with people – far too many for an ordinary day – and the way to the entrance was decorated with a series of welcome arches leading us to the International Carpet Festival happening at the old city.
I couldn’t believe how lucky we were! What are the chances of catching a festival right on your first day? It felt like a dream come true — a chance to mingle with locals, experience their traditions, and learn so much about Azerbaijani culture.
International Carpet Festival 2025
It was held from May 2-4. The International Carpet Festival 2025 is a vibrant celebration of history, creativity, and cultural exchange — a living showcase of Azerbaijani craftsmanship and heritage in the ancient heart of Baku.
Exploring the Old City – Icheri Sheher
Old town Baku is also called Icheri Sheher, one of the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES.
You must visit the old city when in BAku. It’s one of the best gifts you will give yourself here.
We walked through the charming old city that was packed with energy. The cobbled streets, carpets on displays, the buzzing cafes, the souvenir shops packed with buyers and the medieval architecture surrounding all the drama, brought such a great atmosphere and aesthetics.
One side of the Maiden tower was crowded with tourists and the other side was alive with music. Stalls dedicated to carpets — from weaving and coloring to cleaning demonstrations. We wanted to buy a souvenir carpet but somehow couldn’t make a decision.
Even kids tried their hands, cleaning the carpet displayed on one side. They queued up excitedly, two at a time, using a long stick with a brush attached on the other end to scrub the carpet as a man poured water over the fabric. Our son also tried, it was such a fun and wholesome sight.
The carpets were displayed on every turn, floors, streets, shops and even used as shades.
It took us nearly two hours to explore the whole area, and though we didn’t stop for coffee or lunch, we knew we’d be back. The Old Town was within walking distance from our hotel, and during our stay, we returned several times — for dinner, drinks, or simply a peaceful evening stroll.
Enjoy the social atmosphere in this lively Fountain Square & Modern Baku
Leaving the Old City through its main gate, we wandered around until we reached the heart of modern Baku, Fountain Square — a lively area surrounded by elegant buildings, filled with chic restaurants and cafes, stylish boutiques, local sweets and Baklava shops, and malls showcasing global brands like Zara, Costa Coffee, and McDonald’s. A perfect place to experience Baku’s traditional charm blends with its modern side.
Especially Azerbaijani people. As a woman I couldn’t help but notice how fashionable the women were — dressed straight out of Zara, effortlessly elegant. Even the curvier women carried such grace and confidence; they all looked like models. Maybe it was a special day… or maybe that’s just how Baku is.
While at fountain square, we had lunch at an underground restaurant called Firuze Restaurant. Its rustic stone walls, polished wood furniture, colorful ceramic plates on walls, tinted window glass set up and Azerbaijani carpets created a warm, old-world charm. The food — authentic Azeri cuisine — was delicious, and the ambiance transported us back in time. I am sure during winters people love eating in a cozy restaurant tucked within the ground. Do try this restaurant for a unique experience.
Evening at Nizami Street and Cafe street
After lunch, we headed to Nizami Street, another architectural gem lined with high-end stores and restaurants on the ground floors. Heading back to our hotel, we ended our Day one by enjoying evening coffee and cake in a cafe, that was lined up with many more lovely cafes in this vibrant cafe street called Mardanov Gardashlary Street, famous for its charming cafés — perfect for a cup of coffee and some dessert before calling it a day.
On our first day in Baku, we got 3 lovely treats. We witnessed the Baku Marathon, International carpet festival Baku 2025 and then how the locals spend their weekends in Fountain square Baku. The place was buzzing with laughter, music, and life. If I had a time machine, I’d love to transport myself back here every weekend.
Day 2 – Gobustan Rock Art & Mud Volcano Adventure: A Day Trip from Baku
Let me start with a little travel story — an innocent mistake that could’ve easily cost us two hours of driving for absolutely nothing. Thankfully, Google Maps saved our day (and our fuel)!
After a relaxed breakfast, we got ready to explore some of the scenic spots outside Baku city. We were so sure that our $200 rental car (for two days) would take us on the best adventures across Azerbaijan. With big smiles, we jumped in, turned on Google Maps, and entered our destination — Shamakhi Alpaca Farm — the very reason we’d rented the car in the first place.
Just as we were about to start, the car’s GPS announced, “Shamakhi Alpaca Farm may be closed today.” We looked at each other, confused, and quickly checked online. Sure enough, Google confirmed it — closed.
That was Google save number one.
And believe it or not, the day had another. We then thought of visiting the Baku Funicular, only to find out that it too was temporarily closed.
So, we changed plans on the spot, turned the car south, and decided to explore Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and the Mud Volcanoes instead — two of Azerbaijan’s most fascinating natural and historical sites.
Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
About an hour’s drive from central Baku brings you to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes in the world. The drive itself is scenic — the brown desert hills stretch endlessly, with bursts of chilling wind and open skies that make you want to pull over and just soak in the view.
Gobustan is home to more than 6,000 prehistoric rock engravings, dating back over 40,000 years. These ancient carvings are a silent record of early civilization in this region. It feels like stepping into an open-air museum of human history with carvings depicting humans dancing, hunting, and living.
That said, be prepared for a bit of walking and hiking. The carvings are faint in some places and may take a moment to spot, but the natural landscapes and viewpoints are breathtaking, making the effort worthwhile. The site also has a visitor museum, restrooms, and a small snack stall — all very convenient if you’re traveling with kids. There is parking at the entrance where you will get the tickets or after getting tickets you can drive even further to reach closer to the Rock art site.
Tickets:
- Adults: 10 AZN
- Kids: 5 AZN
Driving Tips:
- Distance from Baku: Around 64 km (1 hour by car)
- Route: Take the Baku–Alat Highway (M3) south, then follow signs to Gobustan. Google Maps gives accurate directions.
- Fuel Stops: There are a few petrol stations along the highway, so it’s easy to refuel if needed.
- Parking: Free, available next to the museum entrance.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 10 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) to avoid heat and bus crowds.
Travel Tip:
If you’re visiting on a weekday, you’ll likely have the site almost to yourself, making it much more peaceful. Don’t skip the museum — it’s air-conditioned, well-presented, and gives great context to what you’ll see outside.
Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex
From Gobustan Rock Art, drive another 40–45 minutes along the same route, and you’ll reach the Mud Volcano Tourism Complex. The site is well-developed for visitors, with ample parking, clean restrooms, and a ticket office right by the entrance.
Tickets:
- Adults: 9 AZN
- Kids: 3 AZN
(Includes entry to the museum, café, and volcano viewing area.)
Contrary to the viral social media videos you might’ve seen — there’s no need to get your shoes muddy here! The complex has a wooden bridge and viewing platform built around the bubbling mud volcanoes, allowing you to safely enjoy the view without slipping or getting dirty.
The landscape is surreal — cracked earth, bubbling pools of thick grey mud, and the faint smell of gas seeping through the ground. These volcanoes are among the largest in the world, and Azerbaijan actually hosts nearly half of all the mud volcanoes on Earth!
Next to the viewing area is a small museum where you’ll find fascinating exhibits — from fossil displays and ancient skeletons to prehistoric animal remains. Our six-year-old was completely fascinated, especially seeing the massive bones of elephants and giraffes up close.
It turned out to be an unforgettable family day — full of unexpected detours, ancient art, and natural wonders.
Day 3 – Road Trip to Shamakhi
On our third day, we planned a road trip to Shamakhi, a 123 km drive from Baku filled with picturesque views and rolling landscapes. Our main goal: to visit the Shamakhi Alpaca Farm. I wanted my son to see an animal different from the usual ones he sees in zoos.
We faced a little problem before visiting Alpacas. If you’re planning to go — make a reservation. Don’t listen to anyone who says you don’t need one! By the time we reached, it had started raining heavily. The gatekeeper stopped us and asked if we had a booking. When we said no, he flatly replied, “No, you can’t go.” We tried explaining, but he simply said, “Sorry, no English,” straight to our faces.
Meanwhile, a few tourist buses arrived. The gatekeeper checked their bookings and waved them in without hesitation. Not ready to give up, we quickly called our hotel concierge and asked them to make a reservation for us. After waiting a few minutes in the drizzle, the gatekeeper finally let us in.
Inside, we parked in a small lot near the entrance building and paid 45 AZN per person. It felt a little pricey at first, but after seeing how well the place was organized and how attentive the staff were, it felt completely worth it.
Shamakhi Alpaca Farm
The Shamakhi Alpaca Farm is about a two-hour drive from Baku, and it’s beautifully maintained. Entry tickets are 45 AZN per person. Once your booking is confirmed, you’re handed your ticket and guided to a changing area where you swap your shoes for rubber boots — they have all sizes, and the place is spotless even though people walk in with their dirty shoes from outside.
After putting on your boots, you wait by the farm gate until the previous group exits. Then it’s your turn to enter. The staff hand you small packets of Alpaca food (mostly chopped vegetables) — this is included in your ticket.
The farm has two sections:
- The first is for the female Alpacas, who are gentle and don’t fight over food. You can feed them easily — they won’t get jealous if you favor one over another.
- The second section is for the male Alpacas, who are more playful. Here, you can hug them and take photos — unlike the females, who don’t like to be touched (sounds a bit like humans, doesn’t it?).
Each group is assigned a guide who walks you through the whole experience. Only a few staff members speak English, so if you’re curious about the farm or the animals, it helps to ask for one who does.
There’s also a small café, clean washrooms, and a souvenir shop selling cute Alpaca-themed goodies — perfect for taking a little piece of Shamakhi home.
Meysari Wine Tour
After the Alpaca Farm, you can continue exploring Shamakhi or head to the Meysari Wine Tours, just a short drive away. If you plan to go, definitely book in advance!
Meysari (also spelled “Meysary”) is a winery under the Shirvan Wines brand.
It is the first EU-certified organic winery in Azerbaijan. They follow organic viticulture practices: grapes are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or dyes, and many processes use environmentally friendly and sustainable methods. The winery is located in Meysari village, Shamakhi District, about 750 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. The climate is favorable, and the soil plus the elevation make for good grape growing. Vineyard size: It started with about 40 hectares planted in 2014. Over the years it has expanded, in some sources to ~160 hectares or even more (up to ~310 hectares in other references). We by mistake drove the opposite way to reach the winery but it paid off as we could see the huge plantation and made a video of it. It looked very captivating.
Meysari wine tour includes
Meysari wine tour includes guided walkthrough of the vineyards — seeing grape rows, learning about grape types (French varieties plus some local/Azerbaijani ones) and how they are grown.
In winemaking facilities, you’ll get to see the winery itself, how grapes are processed, fermentation, storage, etc. They use modern equipment (e.g. French-made machinery Pera-Pellenc) alongside traditional/winery practices.
Wine tasting depends on the package, you’ll taste 3 to 6 types of wine, generally including white, rosé, red. Snacks are usually included — olives, cheese, bread, sometimes a meat platter.
You can dine at an on-site restaurant called Abgora inside the winery complex, which serves local and European cuisine. Some tours include lunch or snacks there.
Many tours include access to a wine-museum, souvenir shop, and opportunity to buy wine directly.
We bought a few bottles of Meysari wine for around $10 each — a nice souvenir to bring back. Ps: We enjoyed the wine back at home in India. And we were surprised by the taste. It was sweet, and caught us off guard. I love sweet wines, too bad we can’t go back and buy more.
Some Useful And Practical Info About Meysari Wine Tour
- Distance / Travel Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Baku (depending on traffic) to Meysari / Shamakhi.
- Opening hours: Meysari is generally open Mon-Sat from ~08:00 to ~19:00. On Sundays, visits are often possible by pre-arrangement. The on-site restaurant is open every day.
- Language: Some guides speak English, Russian, maybe other languages; not everyone will speak fluent English in all parts of the facility. If you have specific questions, it helps to tell the tour organizers in advance.
- Reservation: Highly recommended. Especially if you want a more premium package (e.g. tastings + lunch), or if you’re going with a small group. Tours can get full.
- What to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes (vineyard may have uneven ground).
- Light jacket or shade hat depending on weather.
- Possibly cash, especially if you plan to buy wine or souvenirs there.
- Camera!
The Drive Back to Baku
The drive back from Shamakhi to Baku is simply stunning. The scenery keeps changing as you drive — from green valleys to winding hills. At one point, we stopped at a roadside stall selling boiled corn and sour dried mango sweets (just like the ones we get in India!).
Further down the road, you can came across a lush patch of green valley dotted with white blooms — we couldn’t resist stopping for a few moments just to soak in the beauty.
On the way, we stopped by a local supermarket. Towards the entrance, they sold an array of bakery items and sweets. We picked up some chicken-stuffed bread for lunch and lots of Azeri Baklava for ourselves and friends back home. It was fresh, delicious, and much cheaper than what you’d find in the city center, airport or on Nizami Street.
Note: The baklava has a very sweet taste, and the packaging wasn’t ideal for air travel. Nothing leaked onto our clothes, but every box was soaked in syrup by the time we unpacked. You can always ask your hotel to help repack it properly before flying.
After a long drive, returning to our hotel, we took a short, relaxing swim in the indoor pool. The water was warm and calming — the perfect way to unwind after a full day of adventure. Later went to Nizam Street for dinner.
Day 4 – Yanar Dag, Ateshgah, Baku Funicular And Baku Promenade
We decided to spend the day doing some of the more touristy things in Baku. After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast at the Four Seasons Baku, our first stop was Yanar Dag.
Yanar Dag – The Burning Mountain
Yanar Dag literally means “Burning Mountain” in Azerbaijani — and that’s exactly what it is! It’s a natural gas fire that has been burning continuously for decades on the hillside of Absheron Peninsula. The flames, which can reach up to 10 meters high, are fueled by natural gas seeping from the earth’s surface.
Standing there, watching the fire dance endlessly, especially on a windy day, feels almost mystical. There’s something fascinating about seeing nature’s raw power on display — no human setup, just the earth itself burning since ancient times! The best time to visit is in the evening, when the fire glows brightest against the dark sky.
Tickets are Entry fee: Around 9 AZN per person (as of 2025).
Free for children under 6.
Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Small souvenir shops and a café are available near the entrance.
From there, we headed to Ateshgah, the famous Fire Temple of Baku.
Ateshgah – The Fire Temple of Baku
The Ateshgah Fire Temple, located in Surakhani (around 30 minutes from the city center), is one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic heritage sites. Historically, it was a place of worship for Zoroastrians and later for Hindu traders who traveled along the Silk Road. The word Ateshgah comes from Persian, meaning “Home of Fire.”
The temple is built around a naturally burning flame, and even though the natural gas once fueling it has since diminished, the restored flame still symbolizes Azerbaijan’s nickname — “The Land of Fire.”
The structure is beautifully preserved, with inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian, giving a glimpse into the diverse cultural and religious connections that shaped ancient Baku.
Tickets are Entry fee: Around 8 AZN per person.
Audio guide: 2–3 AZN extra (available in English).
Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Plan around 45–60 minutes to explore comfortably.
By the time we finished exploring both these places, it was already lunchtime, so we decided to stop at a lovely restaurant called Chinar. The best part about this place was its location — right next to the Baku Funicular.
Baku Funicular – A Quick Ride with a View
If you plan to take the funicular, note that tickets cannot be booked in advance. You’ll need to stand in line and purchase your ticket on the spot. This made me feel a bit like hopping onto a bus — get a ticket, get in and enjoy the ride.
The funicular connects Baku Boulevard with the Upland Park, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Flame Towers. The ride itself is short (just a few minutes), but it’s a fun and scenic way to see Baku from a different angle.
Ticket Information:
- Ticket price: 1 AZN per person (one-way).
- Tickets can only be purchased at the counter (no online booking).
- Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM.
- The ride takes about 5 minutes each way.
Evening walk at Baku Eye and Baku Promenade – Things to do in Baku at night
In the evening, we headed out to see the Baku Eye and enjoy a stroll along the Baku Promenade. Both were right across from our hotel, so we simply used the underground subway to get there. We took a long, leisurely walk toward the Baku Eye, then continued to Deniz Mall, wandered around Mini Venice, passed by the Carpet Museum, and finally made our way to the Baku Promenade.
At the promenade, you’ll walk along the Caspian Sea and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere as you watch locals go about their evening — teenagers singing with guitars, kids playing and cycling, couples strolling, and others jogging or simply enjoying the sea breeze. It was drizzling a little, and the weather had turned quite cold, which made the walk even more cozy and memorable. From the promenade, we could also see the famous Flame Towers glowing beautifully in the distance — their flame-like lights flickering against the dark sky.
We stopped at a small food stall selling a variety of crepes, coffee, and tea. The friendly owner even suggested a local restaurant in the Old City that he loved. Taking his advice, we ended our day at Qədim Bağ, where we tried some authentic Azerbaijani dishes — and they were absolutely delicious! We had Kutab, thin pancakes stuffed with herbs and cheese, and Dolma, minced meat wrapped in grape leaves. Both were unique and flavorful — a must-try if you’re in Baku.
You can easily spend your evening walking along Baku Boulevard — it’s the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and see the Flame Towers sparkle after sunset.
Day 5 – A Leisurely Stroll, Breakfast & Shopping in Old Town Baku
It was our last day in Baku, and I didn’t want to rush anywhere. So, we decided to keep it easy and head to Café Street, near the Old City. Most of the cafés weren’t serving breakfast — just coffee, doughnuts, or slices of cake. Eventually, we found The Bagel Bar, which turned out to be a great spot with delicious breakfast combos.
Savoring our breakfast, we decided to go on one final walking tour around the city — exploring the little corners we hadn’t seen on our first day. We wandered through narrow streets, passed charming shops, and stumbled upon an old, abandoned hotel guarded by the police.
As we walked toward Nizami Street, we discovered a lovely children’s park tucked between the buildings and a few small, budget-friendly coffee shops selling takeaway drinks and snacks. It felt nice to simply wander without a plan — just soaking in the calm pace of Baku one last time.
Things You Must Know Before Going to Baku
Car Rental in Baku
We rented a car from a local provider contacted through our hotel. The company was Car Rent Baku. we took this model self drive for 117 USD for 2 days. The car was perfect and lovely to go around. We used the car to go out of Baku. One day we went to Gobustan and Mud volcano and another day we went to Shamakhi Alpaca Farm and a Mayasari wine tour. If you want to visit outside BAku, especially Gabala, Lahij or Shamakhi, you must rent a car by self-drive or with a driver. It will give you a chance to go around and freedom to stop for how long you want. No rush tours and peacemind. I would not recommend renting a car to go around the city as getting parking can be a bit difficult in the city plus attractions are close to each other.
Travel Visa for Azerbaijan
Most travellers need a visa to go to Azerbaijan. The process to get a visa online is pretty easy. You can apply for a visa on their official visa website https://evisa.gov.az/en/ Usually it takes 3 working days to receive your visa that allows a 30 day stay in the country. The Visa processing charges are 25 USD per person, the same charges are for kids. They also have express service if you need the visa urgently. Do make sure that your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of arrival.
Where to Stay in Baku
There are many luxury and budget accommodations available in Baku
Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Baku, For staying in the city center. Fairmont Baku (inside the Flame Towers), near the city centre and other attractions. And JW Marriott Absheron, close to Crescent Mall and Baku boulevard.
Mid-range: Promenade Hotel Baku, Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel, or Passage Boutique Hotel (great for Old City views). From these hotels you can walk and explore the city centre very conveniently.
Budget: Sahil Hostel & Hotel or Cheeky Carabao Hostel (good for backpackers).
If you want to be close to the main attractions, stay near Nizami Street or Old City (Icherisheher).
How to Explore Baku (Getting Around)
Baku is a compact and walkable city — especially the downtown area near the Caspian Sea Boulevard.
You can easily get around by:
- Metro: Cheap and efficient (1 AZN for a card, 0.30 AZN per ride).
- Bolt App: The most convenient way to book taxis (similar to Uber).
- Walking: Perfect for exploring Old City, Flame Towers, and the Promenade.
I suggest you avoid regular taxis without meters, instead go for Bolt that gives fixed rates. Use your credit card to pay and you will avoid scams of extra fair or from anything that can go wrong.
Transfers from Baku Airport
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is around 25 km from the city center.
Options to reach your hotel:
- Airport Express Bus: Runs every 30 minutes (Cost: 1.30 AZN).
- Taxi or Bolt: Around 20–25 AZN depending on your location.
If you are arriving late at night, pre-book your transfer through your hotel or Bolt.
Money Exchange
The local currency is Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
You’ll find many exchange offices in Baku city, especially around Nizami Street and 28 May metro.
Tip: Don’t exchange at the airport unless it’s urgent. The city offers much better rates.
ATMs are widely available, and most cafes and shops accept cards. We used our HSBC credit card everywhere to pay and save a lot on exchange rate.
What to Eat in Baku
Azerbaijani cuisine is rich, flavorful, and a mix of Turkish, Persian, and Middle Eastern influences.
Don’t miss these delicacies in Baku:
- Plov (saffron rice with meat or veggies)
- Dolma (minced meat wrapped in grape leaves)
- Kutab (thin stuffed pancakes)
- Dushbara (small meat dumplings in broth)
- Baklava (sweet pastry layered with nuts and honey)
Where to Eat in Baku
Some must-try restaurants in Baku are:
- Qədim Bağ Restaurant (Old City – traditional Azeri food)
- Chinar Restaurant (modern vibe, great for lunch after sightseeing)
- Nakhchivan Restaurant (local dishes with great ambiance)
- Dolma Restaurant (near Fountain Square – cozy and authentic)
Cafes near Nizami Street and the Boulevard serve great coffee and desserts.
SIM Card
You can easily get a local SIM card at the airport or city center. We bought our sim cards from Fountain Square, there are many shops offering you good packages that will suit your vacation duration.
Some popular networks you will find are Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar Mobile.
A tourist SIM with 10–15 GB data costs around 15–20 AZN.
Azercell usually offers the best coverage and speed in Baku and nearby cities.
Is Baku Worth visiting
Baku isn’t just a beautiful place to visit, it’s a feeling. It not only offers unique attractions, delicious food but also has Friendly people, rich culture, and a sense of calm that makes you want to come back again.
One moment I’ll never forget was at the Baku Promenade. It was raining lightly, and I saw a young woman walking alone, singing and enjoying the rain — completely at ease. No stares, no catcalling, just peace. It felt like freedom. That’s when I realized how safe and welcoming this city could be for solo female travelers.
What stood out the most for me, though, were the people. The man at the petrol station who got excited to meet someone from India and spoke endlessly in Azeri with the biggest smile. The school teacher who helped us find the Meysari Wine Tour. The woman who shared stories about schools in Baku. The crepe seller who recommended his favorite local restaurant. People we met who didn’t speak English used Google Translate just to connect and a sweet lady who packed us boxes of Baklava with the biggest smile. Every interaction we had with these people showed genuine kindness.
0 Comments