Icheri Sheher (Walled Old City)
Walled medieval core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, caravanserais, mosques and carpet shops along narrow stone lanes.
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About Baku
Baku sits on the southern edge of the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea, the lowest-lying national capital in the world at about 28 m below sea level. Its medieval core, Icheri Sheher (Old City), is enclosed by 12th-century walls and holds the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, both UNESCO World Heritage listed. Below the walls, the 1880s-1910s oil boom left grand Belle Epoque streets around Nizami Street and Fountain Square, while the seafront Baku Boulevard runs for several kilometres along the bay toward the Flame Towers, the skyline symbol of the modern city. The Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Center, the Carpet Museum and the Highland Park viewpoint show the newer face of the capital. Outside the centre, Gobustan National Park (about 65 km south) has thousands of rock carvings and mud volcanoes, and the Absheron Peninsula has Yanar Dag, the Ateshgah fire temple and Gala. Azerbaijani food, including plov, dolma, qutab, piti and endless black tea, is the other main draw.
- Capital
- Baku
- Largest city
- Baku
- Population
- ~2.4 million (city); ~2.6 million including the wider Absheron metropolitan area
- Languages
- Azerbaijani (official), Russian (widely understood), English (common among younger people and in tourism)
- Currency
- Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
- Time zone
- Azerbaijan Time (UTC+4, no daylight saving)
Explore Baku by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Baku
The 17 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Maiden Tower (Qiz Qalasi)
12th-century stone tower with walls up to 5 metres thick, one of Baku's best-known symbols; a small museum inside leads up eight floors to a rooftop terrace overlooking the Caspian Sea and Old City.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
15th-century residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty on the Old City hilltop, with a palace, mausoleum, mosque, bathhouse and a courtyard of carved limestone, part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Heydar Aliyev Center
Cultural centre designed by Zaha Hadid with a flowing white curved facade, housing museums and exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture, plus a public plaza and gardens.
Flame Towers
Three flame-shaped skyscrapers on the Baku skyline whose LED facades display flames, the national flag and animations each night; best seen from the Boulevard, Martyrs' Lane or the Old City.
Baku Boulevard (Seaside National Park)
Waterfront promenade along the Caspian Sea, several kilometres long, with gardens, cafes, a carousel, the Little Venice canal and views of the Flame Towers.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Baku Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Baku, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Baku
- Days 1-2Baku city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Baku
- Days 1-3Baku comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Baku, departure
Where to stay in Baku
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget AZN 65-95 (~$40-55)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range AZN 190-290 (~$110-170)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury AZN 550+ (~$325+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers
Fairmont Baku occupies one of the three Flame Towers above the bay, with city and Caspian views from most rooms, a spa, several restaurants and the Highball lounge. It sits uphill from the Old City, so a taxi or the funicular is the usual way down to the Boulevard.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Hotel Baku
Four Seasons Baku stands in a Belle Epoque-style building facing the Seaside Boulevard, a short walk from the Old City and Fountains Square. It has a full spa, an outdoor pool in season and several restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Absheron Baku
A large five-star on Azadliq Square a few minutes from the Heydar Mosque and the Boulevard, with a spa, indoor pool and several restaurants. A comfortable business and leisure base with good metro and taxi access.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Baku
Hilton Baku is a tall hotel on Azadliq Avenue with a rooftop 360 Bar, a spa and fitness centre and large rooms; rates are often lower than the seafront luxury hotels. Taxi to the Old City takes 10-15 minutes.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Baku
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant
Restaurant in a restored 19th-century bath-house and caravanserai building near the Old City, serving classic Shirvanshah-style kebab and saffron plov. The phone number is taken from the venue's own published contact and should be confirmed when booking.
Dolma Restaurant
Underground restaurant a short walk from the Old City walls, built around Azerbaijan's national stuffed-leaf dish.
Nargiz Restaurant
Central restaurant steps from Fountain Square serving the core Azerbaijani repertoire until 1AM. Some listings give the address as Fountain Square 6A; the Tarlan Aliyarbeyov 9 address is used here.
Firuze Restaurant
Well-known central restaurant near Fountain Square with dushbara, piti and plov at fair prices. Another listing gives 51 Nizami St; the Tarlan Aliyarbeyov address is the one confirmed by two sources.
Qaynana Restaurant
Old City restaurant known for its tendir-baked breakfast and for shah plov, the pastry-crusted rice dish, at dinner.
SAHiL Bar & Restaurant
Bar and restaurant on the Caspian embankment popular for sunset views. One listing places it at Neftchilar Ave 34; confirm the entrance on the boulevard on arrival.
Getting around Baku
Baku combines a compact walkable centre with a growing metro, a modern bus network and cheap ride-hailing. Most visitors walk between the Old City, Fountains Square and the Seaside Boulevard and use the metro or Bolt/Yango for longer hops. Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is about 20 km north-east of the centre. Intercity buses to the regions leave from the Baku International Bus Terminal, and trains leave from Baku Railway Station beside the 28 May metro. Prices in AZN with USD at roughly 1 USD = 1.70 AZN.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in AZN, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AZN 25-40 (~$15-24) for a hostel dorm | AZN 100-170 (~$60-100) | AZN 340+ (~$200+) |
| Food (per day) | AZN 20-30 (~$12-18) | AZN 55-85 (~$32-50) | AZN 130+ (~$77+) |
| Transportation | AZN 3-6 (~$2-4) | AZN 15-30 (~$9-18) | AZN 50+ (~$30+) |
| Activities | AZN 8-15 (~$5-9) | AZN 30-60 (~$18-35) | AZN 100+ (~$59+) |
| Daily total | AZN 65-95 (~$40-55) | AZN 190-290 (~$110-170) | AZN 550+ (~$325+) |
Best time to visit Baku
Weather through the year in Baku
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Baku.
Spring and early autumn bring dry, sunny days around 18-27°C (64-81°F), comfortable sightseeing and fewer crowds than summer.
Baku is known as the City of Winds; the cold Khazri wind can make January-February feel much colder than the 3-9°C (37-48°F) forecast, and the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend sharply raises hotel prices.
Essential travel tips
- Download Bolt and Yango for fair, fixed-price taxi rides
- Get a BakuCard (about AZN 2) at a metro station for AZN 0.50 rides
- Cover shoulders and knees for mosque visits, and women should carry a scarf
- Carry a light windproof jacket, as the Khazri wind can be strong all year
- Apply for the e-visa at evisa.gov.az several days before travel
- Tip about 10% in restaurants if a service charge is not already added
Safety information
As of the most recent advisory found (issued 28 April 2026), the US State Department rates Azerbaijan Level 3 - Reconsider Travel because of terrorism, armed conflict, and landmines; check travel.state.gov and gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/azerbaijan again immediately before departure because the regional security situation, including the Iran conflict that began in late February 2026, can change quickly
Day-to-day crime against visitors in Baku is low and violent crime is rare; the most common problems are overcharging by unofficial airport taxis, bill padding at a few tourist restaurants, and pickpocketing in crowded metro trains and bazaars
The land border with Armenia is closed. The UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the Armenian border and against all but essential travel to the south-western districts affected by the 2020 and 2023 conflicts; the US advisory names Aghdam, Fuzuli, Shusha, Zangilan and other former front-line districts as landmine areas
Landmines and unexploded ordnance remain in the former Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and surrounding districts; never leave marked roads, never touch metal objects, and enter these districts only with an authorised guide and the permits required by Azerbaijani authorities
Nakhchivan airport was hit by a drone on 5 March 2026 and flights were briefly suspended; air links to Nakhchivan and the southern Iranian border region may be disrupted, so avoid the southern border with Iran unless it is the only exit route, and check airline notices for any flight
Photography of military sites, government buildings, oil facilities, and border areas is prohibited; do not photograph police or soldiers, and carry the passport or a photocopy and the e-visa printout at all times
Use Bolt, Yango, or the official airport taxi desk, and agree the fare before getting in any other cab; an unofficial taxi outside the airport terminal has quoted almost 60 AZN / approx $35 for a ride that costs roughly 20-35 AZN / approx $12-21 in an app
Baku is windy; the cold northerly khazri wind can make winter feel much colder than the temperature, while hot summer days exceed 35 C / 95 F, so carry water in summer and a windproof layer from October to April
Tap water in Baku is not recommended for drinking by most residents and visitors; use bottled water, which costs 0.60-1.50 AZN / approx $0.35-0.90 per bottle in shops
Drivers rarely yield to pedestrians, so cross at signals or with a local crowd, particularly on Heydar Aliyev Avenue and Neftchilar Avenue
Alcohol is legal and widely sold in Baku, but public intoxication can lead to fines or police attention; never drink and drive, as the legal limit is zero
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Baku?
Most visitors need an e-visa (ASAN Visa) from evisa.gov.az, usually issued within about 3 working days. A limited group of nationalities enter visa-free, and eligibility has changed several times in 2026, so check the official portal for your passport before travel.
What currency is used in Baku and how much does it cost?
Azerbaijan uses the Azerbaijani manat (AZN), pegged at about 1.70 AZN to 1 USD. Cards are widely accepted in Baku, but cash is useful for bazaars and taxis. A budget day costs about AZN 65-95 (~$40-55).
How do I get from Baku airport to the city centre?
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is about 20 km north-east of the centre. Bolt or Yango taxis take 25-45 minutes and cost about AZN 20-30 (~$12-18), and BakuBus H1 runs to 28 May metro station for about AZN 1.30 (~$0.75).
Is Baku safe for tourists?
Baku is generally safe, including for solo travellers. The main risks are taxi overcharging, aggressive driving and petty theft. Avoid the Armenian border areas and former conflict zones because of landmines. The general emergency number is 112.
What are the top attractions in Baku?
The top attractions include Icheri Sheher (Old City), the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Flame Towers, the Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku Boulevard and Gobustan National Park.
What food is Baku famous for?
Baku is famous for saffron plov, qutab flatbreads, dolma, piti stew, kebabs and black tea served with jam and sweets.
Explore Baku by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.