Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, a Caspian Sea port where a walled medieval Old City, Belle Epoque oil-boom mansions and the glass-and-steel Flame Towers share one crescent-shaped bay. Visitors come for the UNESCO-listed Icheri Sheher, the Heydar Aliyev Center, a seafront boulevard, mud volcanoes and rock art at Gobustan, and a tea-and-plov food culture at very low prices.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Baku through its food.
Taste of Azerbaijan: Old City and Downtown Cuisine Tour with Snacks and Dinner
Four-hour guided tasting walk through the Old City and downtown. Small-group places start from about $40 (approx AZN 69) on AAA's listing, and a private version is about $115 (approx AZN 196) on Expedia. Confirm current price and meeting point at booking.
Baku Walking Tour with the Best Street Food and Drink Tasting
Street food and drink walking tour listed on byFood from about $43 (approx AZN 73) per person depending on group size; the page's calendar may be dated, so confirm before relying on the price.
Baku Local Cuisine and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
Private walking tour combining local dishes and Azerbaijani wine, listed from about $191 (approx AZN 324) per guest depending on group size. Confirm current price at booking.
Old City Free Walking Tour with Tea and Sweet Tasting
Tip-based walking tour with a tea and sweet tasting. No fixed price; guests pay the guide what they choose at the end.
Self-Guided Taza Bazaar and Qutab Tasting Walk
Do-it-yourself market visit: sample qutab at AZN 1.50-4 (approx $0.90-2.40) per piece, buy dried fruit and walnuts, and try Lankaran tea. Metro stops 28 May or Nizami are within walking distance. Cash in manat is preferred.
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.