Baku travel guide
The capital on the Caspian, where medieval walls stand next to glass towers.
Baku sits on the Absheron Peninsula on the shore of the Caspian Sea and is where almost every trip to Azerbaijan begins. In the centre lies the walled Old City, around it the grand buildings of the 19th-century oil boom, and a little further out a skyline of contemporary architecture.
Two or three days are enough to see the main sights. Baku is also the base for day trips to Gobustan, the fire sites of Absheron and the mountain regions.
Things to see
Icherisheher (Old City)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, narrow stone lanes, caravanserais and small workshops.
Seaside Boulevard and oil-boom architecture
A long promenade along the Caspian and richly decorated mansions built by oil barons in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Yanardag and Ateshgah
A hillside where natural gas has burned for centuries, and the fire temple once used by worshippers of the flame.
When to go
April to June and September to October are the most comfortable months. Summer can top 35 °C, while winter is cold and very windy — Baku is called the City of Winds for a reason.
Getting there
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is about 25 km from the centre, 30–40 minutes by taxi or airport express bus. The city has a metro, buses and ride-hailing apps; public transport requires a BakuCard.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Baku?
Two days cover the main sights. Add a day trip to Gobustan and Absheron and plan for 3–4 days.
Are there day tours from Baku to the mountains?
Yes. Day tours to Guba, Gabala, Ismayilli and Khizi leave Baku every week.