A Guide to Baku: How to Plan Your Perfect Trip

Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan, is a city where East meets West, blending centuries-old history with stunning modern architecture. Known for its unique skyline dominated by the Flame Towers and its charming Old City, Baku offers a rich cultural experience alongside a laid-back atmosphere. From strolling along the Seaside Boulevard to exploring the ancient alleyways of the Old City, there’s plenty to see without ever leaving the city.

When my wife and I decided to visit, the goal was to keep things slow-paced and relaxing, rather than rushing around to various cities. We made the conscious decision to focus solely on Baku since my wife was six months pregnant at the time. This city has plenty to offer on its own, and we found it to be a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Getting to Baku: Flight Details and Tips

Planning the journey to Baku was fairly straightforward. Azerbaijan’s capital is well-connected to many major cities around the world, with Heydar Aliyev International Airport being the main gateway.

We flew via Air Arabia and I recommend checking for flights a few weeks in advance for better deals. Popular airlines like Azerbaijan Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Qatar often provide good options. While there is a direct flight from Delhi too and on my airline, the timings just did not suit my needs.

Visa Requirements: A Simple Online Process

One of the most convenient aspects of visiting Azerbaijan is its straightforward online visa process. Before our trip, I applied for the visa through the official website, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

For Indian citizens the cost for the visa was about 3,200 INR per person. The process required basic personal information, details of our hotel booking, and a few supporting documents. The turnaround time was surprisingly quick—within 3 to 4 days, we had our visas approved and ready to go.

Exploring Baku: What I Did There

• The Seaside Boulevard : Our first stop was the Seaside Boulevard, a beautiful stretch of coastline, offering stunning views of the Caspian Sea. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy the fresh air, or just sit and watch the world go by. The atmosphere here is peaceful, and you’ll find both locals and tourists enjoying the views. The promenade is lined with parks, gardens, cafes and restaurants.
• Old City (Icherisheher) : A UNESCO World Heritage site, is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses, mosques and bustling bazaars. The ancient walls and narrow cobbled streets are rich with history, and we found ourselves transported back in time. Some highlights include the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It’s easy to spend hours wandering around, soaking in the historic charm.
• Nizami Street : For a more modern experience, Nizami Street is the city’s main shopping district. We took a stroll down this bustling street, which is filled with high-end shops, cafes and restaurants. The dynamic setting offers a great opportunity to take in the local scene while enjoying a quick snack.
• Flame Towers : One of the most iconic symbols of modern Baku, the Flame Towers are a sight to behold, especially at night when they light up the skyline. You can catch views of them from different parts of the city, but they’re particularly stunning from Highland Park. These are three skyscrapers that resemble blazing flames, a symbol of the country’s rich oil heritage.
• Highland Park : Offers breathtaking panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea. It’s a perfect spot to end a day of sightseeing, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. This is also the best place to view the flame towers. Explore the local mosques which is a sight in itself.
• Carpet Museum : We also visited the Carpet Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Azerbaijani carpets. The museum itself is shaped like a rolled-up carpet, making it one of the most unique buildings in the city. Inside, we learned about the history and craftsmanship behind these beautiful pieces. The carpets, woven with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, are more than just floor coverings; they are a testament to the artistic skill and cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people.
• Heydar Aliyev Center : Another modern marvel is the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The futuristic building is an architectural masterpiece, and even if you don’t go inside, the exterior alone is worth the visit. It is a bold and visionary architectural statement, embodies Baku’s forward-thinking spirit and its embrace of the future. Do not miss out on the car museum inside.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Tips

When it comes to accommodation, Baku offers a wide range of options suitable for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a luxury stay or something more budget-friendly, the city has plenty to choose from.

We opted for a boutique hotel during our stay. It was comfortable, intimate and had a charming atmosphere, which made it perfect for the leisurely vibe we were aiming for. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the location was central, making it easy for us to explore the city on foot.

I recommend staying near the Seaside Boulevard or in the Old City if you want easy access to Baku’s key attractions and a variety of dining options. These areas are vibrant, safe, and most attractions are within walking distance.

For those seeking luxury, Baku boasts several five-star hotels with stunning views of the Caspian Sea and top-tier amenities. However, if you’re on a budget, there are also a variety of mid-range hotels and hostels scattered throughout the city. Each accommodation option provides something different, so you can choose based on your preferences and budget.

Best Time to Visit

We visited Baku in late August, which turned out to be a great time to explore the city. The weather was warm but manageable, with temperatures averaging around 25-30°C. This allowed us to comfortably walk around and enjoy the outdoor attractions like the Seaside Boulevard and Highland Park without the intense summer heat that peaks earlier in the season.

During the winter months (December to Feburuary) the temperatures can go as low as 2°C at Baku, with snow fall at few places like Shahdag. This is also famous for its ski resorts. Summer in Baku (June to September) is hot and humid, with the occasional rain and temperatures often reaching over 30°C. It’s the peak tourist season, and is ideal for those who want to enjoy the beaches, nightlife, and cultural festivals.

Late August is also a quieter time for tourism, which means fewer crowds at popular spots. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere and want to avoid the busy summer rush, this time of year strikes a nice balance between pleasant weather and a more peaceful city vibe. Just make sure to bring light, breathable clothing, a rain coat for those untimely but quick rain showers and stay hydrated while exploring.

Budget-Friendly Tips For Getting Around

One of the things I loved about Baku was how easy and affordable it was to get around. Public transport is widely available and reliable, with buses and the metro being the most common options. If you’re planning to explore the city, I highly recommend getting a BakuCard, which gives you access to public transport and discounts at certain attractions.

However, for added convenience, we used the Bolt app, which is similar to Uber but often cheaper in Baku. Be ready to see a different driver and car than what is shown on the app, but they will still take you to your destination. This caught us by surprise, so we confirmed the name of the driver before getting in.

Indulging in Azerbaijani Cuisine

Eating Out in Baku is also an enjoyable experience with options to suit every budget. We found everything from street food vendors selling traditional snacks like qutab (savory stuffed pancakes) to more upscale restaurants serving Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist. For travelers looking to save, street food and casual eateries are plentiful and offer delicious, affordable meals.

Do not forget to explore the local cafe’s scattered around and try the tea and coffee.

Azerbaijani cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors and aromas, influenced by its Silk Road heritage and the diverse cultures that have shaped the region. You must try dovga (a yogurt soup with herbs), qutab (savory flatbreads filled with various ingredients), and shekerbura (sweet pastries filled with nuts). The classic dolma, filled with rice and minced meat, and plov (a savory rice dish with lamb and vegetables). Their kebabs are on a different level. And of course the baklava. Every bite was an explosion of flavor, showcasing the creativity and culinary prowess of Azerbaijani chefs. Here’s a few places I recommend you visit :

• Sirvansah Musey Restaurant
• Ocakbaşı
• Manzara Restaurant
• Dolma Restaurant

_{If you follow a strict vegetarian diet, options in Baku may be somewhat limited, as Azerbaijani cuisine is predominantly meat-based. However, there are a few vegetarian-friendly restaurants available. For more variety, you might want to consider alternative options like preparing your own meals or exploring international restaurants that offer plant-based dishes.}

Why I Stayed in Baku: Keeping It Leisurely

This trip was unique for us, as we planned it to be as relaxing as possible. With my wife being six months pregnant at the time, we decided to focus entirely on Baku rather than venturing out to other parts of Azerbaijan. While Azerbaijan has plenty of stunning cities and natural landscapes to explore beyond Baku, we found that staying within the city was the perfect choice for a leisurely vacation.

The city’s laid-back atmosphere allowed us to experience it comfortably, without the pressure to see everything in a rush.

For travelers who prefer a relaxed vacation or for those traveling with family, focusing on Baku alone can be a great option. The city’s blend of history, modernity, and diverse attractions offers plenty to fill your days without the need for extensive travel.

Reflections and Takeaways

Baku provided us with a relaxing yet culturally rich travel experience. Whether you’re planning a leisurely trip like ours or a more fast-paced adventure, the city offers something for everyone. With its beautiful architecture, historical sites, and vibrant culture, Baku is a destination worth exploring. By following some of the tips and insights shared here, you can plan a trip that suits your pace and preferences while enjoying the best that the city has to offer.

Alternate Itinerary: Exploring Beyond Baku

While we chose to focus on Baku for a more relaxed trip, there are plenty of amazing destinations just outside the city that you might want to consider for a more adventurous itinerary. If you’re up for exploring beyond Baku, here are a few recommendations:

• Gobustan National Park: Famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is just an hour’s drive from Baku. It’s a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
• Absheron Peninsula: For those interested in natural landscapes, a visit to the Absheron Peninsula will introduce you to beautiful beaches and cultural landmarks like the Fire Temple of Ateshgah.
• Sheki: A bit farther away, the town of Sheki offers beautiful mountainous landscapes, the historic Sheki Khan’s Palace, and a taste of Azerbaijan’s more rural culture.
• Ganja: The second-largest city in Azerbaijan, Ganja is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful parks.

You can easily add a day or two to your trip to explore these areas by either renting a car or joining a guided tour.

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Contact Me for a Customized Itinerary

If you’re interested in planning a customized itinerary that suits your pace and preferences, feel free to reach out to me. Whether you’re looking for a more relaxed trip like ours or something packed with adventure, I’m happy to help you create the perfect travel plan. Send me a message, and let’s make your Baku experience unforgettable! Or Click Here if you want to explore more of my travels.

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Additional Resources

• Book : BAKU Pocket Guide – A Travel guide
• Documentaries : “Azerbaijan: The Rising Phoenix“
• Websites : Wikipedia, Britannica, Tripadvisor
• Apps : Google Maps, Rome2Rio, Duolingo for language learning, Bolt, Splitwise
• Products : A list of my essentials that I do not travel without :
  • Stroller : There’s a lot to walk in Portugal and this stroller has been very comfortable not just for my kid but for us too, that comes with storage as well. This also folds down to an easy to carry mode and it also fits in the over head bins on flights.
  • Snack box : This box is very convenient to carry snacks for my kid especially during flights and at airports. It has 3 compartments that lets me carry a variety of snacks and fits in the diaper bag without taking up a lot of space.
  • Busy board and Toys for flights : How to entertain small kids on a flight? These 2 are small, compact and easy to carry that keeps my kid occupied for hours. We only use these on flights.
  • Diaper changing mat : Changing diapers becomes very convenient with this mat providing a clean and comfortable space to lie your baby on especially while you are on the move, providing a germ free space that comes with pouches to store wipes and much more.
  • Diaper disposal bags : Easiest way to take care of those dirty diapers after a change especially on the go without worrying about any smells that may discomfort those around you.
  • Universal Charger : This one is helpful for any trip to any country. One product that takes care of any type of plug points in different countries.
  • Travel Containers : These containers help us carry the different products like specific shampoos or moisturizes for your baby or even for your self, that come in large quantities so you do not need to carry the bigger bottles.
  • Rain Coats : Cause you never know when it may start pouring, and this is lightweight and does not take up much space.

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_{These are of course just my opinions based on my experiences and gained knowledge. Differences in opinions are welcome.}

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_{Leave a comment below if I have missed out on something you want to discuss.}

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