Baku is getting a lot of attention now, with many great things to see and do. In recent years, the Azerbaijani capital has thrown itself onto the world stage, staging its first Grand Prix in 2017 and hosting the UEFA Europa League final in 2019. As a result, Baku’s stock has never been higher, and – with Azerbaijan massively relaxing its visa process – there has never been a better time to book a ticket and explore this wonderful city.
48 hours can fly by in a place as huge as Baku, but there are a few things that all visitors should try to see and experience before they leave.
1: Set yourself up with a traditional breakfast
Best for: Starting your day the right way.
Azeri meals are feasts fit for a king. You are in for an absolute treat in Baku, from breakfast to dinner!
We recommend having a leisurely breakfast in one of the classic restaurants nestled among the streets of the Old Town. Enjoy platters of freshly baked bread, honey, butter and cheeses; all homemade and delicious. Supplement your breakfast with some eggs and tea, and you are on to a winner.
How to do it: We recommend Sehirli Tendir and Qazmag Cafe – both within a stone’s throw in the Old Town.
2: Take a walking tour of Baku’s Old Town and visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Best for: Getting a taste of historic Baku.
After setting yourself up for the day with a hearty breakfast, you may want to join a free walking tour to get a feel for the historical centre of Baku.
The history of Baku and Azerbaijan is complex and varied – it’s well worth hearing from the experts to understand the context of the buildings and streets you’re exploring. Azerbaijan Traveller and Baku Explorer offer popular free tours through the Old Town and beyond.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is nestled amongst the streets of the Old Town and should be on everyone’s list when visiting Baku. The Palace dates back to the 15th century. Today it stands as one of Azerbaijan’s most important monuments. Visitors must not miss the architecture and history on display here.
3: Take in the views from the Maiden Tower
Best for: The perfect view across Baku.
The Maiden Tower is an iconic fixture on Baku’s skyline. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous throughout Azerbaijan and remains shrouded in mystery. Nobody knows when or why it was built or even what the name ‘Maiden Tower’ refers to.
One thing is for sure – the views from the top are certainly worth trekking up its narrow spiral staircase!
4: Stroll along Baku Boulevard
Best for: Getting your stepcount up next to the Caspian Sea.
The snappily named Baku Boulevard is a monumental promenade and park stretching for miles along the seafront.
The Boulevard forms a focal point for families, friends and couples who want to enjoy the wide-open spaces and views over the Caspian Sea. Encompassing everything from cafes and ice cream stalls to a Ferris wheel and even a mini-Venetian canal (complete with gondolas!), the Boulevard has a bit of everything for all ages.
It’s the perfect spot to take a step back, relax, and maybe even watch the sun setting over the city.
Look out for groups of all ages playing chess on the giant boards up and down the Boulevard, completing the laid-back atmosphere.
5: Check out Baku’s stunning Carpet Museum
Best for: One of the most impressive pieces of architecture in the Caucasus.
As you stroll along the promenade, you cannot fail to spot the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, helpfully shaped like a vast rolled-up carpet. The museum houses the most extensive collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world.
It is a gateway to discovering more of the cultural history of Azerbaijan through the regional techniques, colours and patterns used in carpets. Just one warning – the museum closes on Mondays. Check out opening times here.
6: Watch the sun set over the Flame Towers
Best for: Enjoying a stunning Baku sunset.
The three Flame Towers are icons of the Baku skyline and possibly the most famous structures in the city. Impressively dominant during the day, the trio come into their own as the sun begins to set. Over 10,000 LED bulbs create an awe-inspiring light display!
Whether the Azerbaijan Flag or figures playing golf, it’s hard not to be mesmerised as the towers cycle through their light shows. In addition, visitors can have great views from the piers along Baku Boulevard.
7: Visit the mud volcanoes and petroglyphs at Gobustan
Best for: A half-day excursion from Baku.
If you’ve got a spare morning or afternoon, it’s well worth exploring beyond Baku and checking out Gobustan. Here you’ll find a fantastic collection of petroglyphs dating back thousands of years and the bizarre natural phenomena of mud volcanoes.
There is a well-established museum at the site of the Petroglyphs. The displays talk visitors through the history and meaning of the ancient drawings, whilst the mud volcanoes are in a far less formal setting.
Read next: Discover the best things to do during a weekend in Rotterdam.
8: Pay tribute to fire
Best for: Understanding why this is the Land of Fire.
Azerbaijan is, of course, known as the Land of Fire. So the possibilities are endless for those who want to embrace all things ‘flame’. As well as the unmissable Flame Towers, there are plenty of other sights where you can get your fix – most notably, the Fire Temple and Yanar Dag (‘burning mountain’ in Azerbaijani).
The Fire Temple is an eternal flame, appropriately fuelled by Baku’s main gas pipeline, with centuries of history. It’s a little out of the city centre but is another classic option for those with a bit more time on their hands.
Yanar Dag is an (almost) entirely natural phenomenon – a section of hillside burning for decades. Rumour has it that a shepherd’s stray cigarette accidentally lit it, but no human intervention has been required to maintain the flame. It’s reasonably tiny – we’re talking less than 5 meters – so it’s worth heading there after dark to get the full effect.
Baku is a colossal city, with enough to keep anyone busy for weeks, but it’s certainly possible to get a good feel for the place in a couple of days. Just be prepared for a busy 48 hours!
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