Baku, a capital city of Azerbaijan on the western edge of Caspian Sea, holds its charm of blended Arabian and European cultures. Iconic LED Flame Towers and mind-blowing architecture of Heydar Aliyev Center among the medieval and Soviet inspired buildings would give you a thrill of this vibrant Eurasian country. I visited Baku in August 2018 for my friend’s wedding and spent a few days exploring the city. Here are the top things to do during your visit.
1. Wander in the Old Town
The Old Town (Icherisheher) and the 12th century preserved fortress wall surrounded it have been listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 2000. You can explore and immerse yourself in the vibrant old town by foot to see archaic architecture, window shopping from local street venders and getting lost in narrow alleys. There are many small shops, restaurants and art galleries you can visit. We stayed at the hotel in the old town just next to Gosha Gala Gapisi Gate. It’s very convenient to visit the main attractions in the old town and explore the more modern part of the city outside the wall within few minutes’ walk. Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah’s palace are the historical and cultural pearls of Baku to visit in this area.
Maiden Tower is the most ancient monument of Icherisheher with evidence of construction dated back since 7-6th centuries BC. Whether a temple or a defense tower, the Tower still remain a mystery of its origin and purposes. You can learn more information about different theories inside the tower. Make sure to check out the water and sewage system running till 7th floor and the rooftop overviewing the city and Baku Bay.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a former palace for the ruler of Shirvanshahs. This 12-15th-century palace complex locates at the highest point of Icherisheher. Other than the palace itself, the complex also includes the courtyard of the Diwankhana, the courthouse, the Shirvanshahs’ burial vault, the palace mosque with its minaret, the bathhouse and the mausoleum of the court scholar.
2. Hang out in Downtown
From Gosha Gala Gapisi Gate, you can go to Fountain Square and explore downtown on foot. There are many shops, restaurants, bars, and parks where you can hang out in the area. My friends and I spent some time goofing around window shopping and checking out different bars.
3. Visit Heydar Aliyev Center
This urban space designed by Zaha Hadid Architects won top-prize of Design of the Year in 2014. It is located on Heydar Aliyev Boulevard between Heydar Aliyev International Airport and the city center. The design aims to represent a new optimistic look to the future of Azerbaijan after becoming independent from the Soviet Union in 1991 and also a soft and romantic side of Azeri culture.
4. Stroll Along Promenade
Take a stroll along the waterfront next to the Caspian Sea. Here you can also see LED luminaire of Flame Towers with colors of the national flag. You could easily go to promenade from the city center by walking.
5. Visit Yanar Dağ (Burning Mountain)
Also known as “the Land of Fire,” Azerbaijan’s famous for its eternal fire at the hillside village of
6. Relax at Amburan Beach Club
You can go soak up some sun and sip some cocktails at Amburan Beach Club on the Caspian Sea. There are private beach, pools, shops, and resorts. Though the beach isn’t the nicest compared to other beaches I have been in other countries, it’s good fun going on waterslide, dip yourself in the Caspian Sea and spend a relaxing afternoon with friends.
7. Eat Local
I love the food here! As a big fan of Mediterranean food, I recommend Sehirli
