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7 Days in Azerbaijan Itinerary: Best Places, Maps, & Tips

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Are you planning a trip to Azerbaijan? Here’s everything you need to craft the perfect 1 week Azerbaijan itinerary – including what to do, what not to do, what and where to eat, how to get around, where to stay, day trip suggestions, experience-based practical tips, and handy map.

One Week in Azerbaijan Itinerary: An Introduction

I spent days scrolling through the information about Azerbaijan making notes of the tiniest of details, and interacting with locals in Azerbaijan travel groups on Facebook to plan this Azerbaijan travel itinerary & feel that it’s one of the best on the internet.

When I say the best, it doesn’t mean that this itinerary covers all the best places in Azerbaijan because, of course, 7 days aren’t enough to explore everything that this beautiful country in the Caucasus has to offer, however, it includes the best places one must see to get acquainted with Azerbaijan as a first timer visitor. To become the best of friends, you need to come back!

Azerbaijan: First Impressions

Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, turned out to be a sweet surprise for me, maybe, because I wasn’t expecting much from the country – as it’s less written and talked about. Every place felt so untouched, raw, and intriguing – like a breath of fresh air! By the end of 7 days in Azerbaijan, I found it hard to bid adieu. I wanted to stay. I wanted to know a little more. I wanted to feel its soul. Sigh! I knew I was coming back soon.

Azerbaijan definitely is one of the most charming, vivacious, and rewarding countries I’ve ever visited. From modern architectural wonders, soviet era structures, and historical gems to welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, natural treasures, and cultural encounters – a little country packs a punch.

Azerbaijan 1 Week Itinerary Map

7 Days in Azerbaijan Itinerary in a Nutshell

Azerbaijan itinerary 7 days: explore the best of azerbaijan in one week.

This Azerbaijan 7 days itinerary starts and ends in Baku and lets you explore the key highlights of Azerbaijan beside the vibrant capital of Baku – Yanar Dag, Ateshgah, Gobustan, Lahic, Sheki, and Shamakhi while combining day tours and a road trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku

Your Azerbaijan exploration starts in Baku , a vibrant capital city that very well knows how to hold on to its heritage while embracing futuristic trends and continuously reinventing itself.

A maze of cobbled streets peppered with historic architecture sits next to the spacious Parisian-style avenues and boulevards lined with stunning modern architectural wonders – a leisurely walk through the city is all you need to appreciate the intriguing contrasts.

Board a Baku Aero Express, hop on an airport taxi, or book a comfortable private transfer from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to your hotel in the city center.

You must book accommodation that’s right in the heart of the city. We stayed at Salam Baku Hotel that’s located on Nizami Street, the main downtown street. The hotel is basic, however, we could catch all the action from our room overlooking the street. Plus, it was easy to get around with the minimal use of public transportation.

You can check in to your hotel, freshen up, have a refreshing cup of coffee, and head out to explore Icherisheher aka Old City aka Inner City, Baku’s historic core – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling the winding streets of the old walled city of Baku feels like walking back in time. You can take a free walking tour or guided walking tour or choose to design your route map and explore on your own.

As you lose yourself in the streets of İçəri Şəhər, you’ll notice the well-preserved old-world structures – beautiful palaces and mosques, caravansaries, traditional souks, and hammams alongside charming coffee shops, famous restaurants, luxiuorous hotels, famed tea houses, swanky boutiques, antique shops, museums, and art galleries punctuated by small shops and street vendors selling Azerbaijani carpets, silverware, and other traditional items – the overwhelming beauty and history swoons you.

If you make an effort to venture a little deeper, you can witness the local life. As per Wikipedia, more than 3,000 people live in attractive stone houses and apartments inside the Old City walls.

The notable attractions to check out in the Old City of Baku include Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapisi), Maidan Tower , Fortress Walls , Juma Mosque , Muhammad Mosque , Palace of Shirvanshhahs , Bazar Square , Haci Banu Hammam , Vagif Mustafazadeh House-Museum , and the Museum of Miniature Books .

And don’t forget to capture the stunning views of the iconic Flame Towers  rising behind the old city fortress walls.

I’d highly recommend a guided or self-guided panoramic night tour of Baku to get a unique nighttime perspective on the capital city. The Flame Towers illuminate in the colors of the national flag and look like burning flames from a distance. And the night view of the city from Upland Park is breathtaking!

End your day with a traditional dinner at Shah Restaurant & Gallery . You must try their shah pilaf.

Where to Stay in Baku Overall Best: Royal Antique Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.5) Budget: Renaissance Boutique  (⭐ 8.4) Mid-Range: Art Club  (⭐ 9.3) Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Baku (⭐ 9.4)

Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku

Feast on Azeri breakfast at Sehrli Təndir , an old caravanserai-turned restaurant.

Now that you’ve seen the historic side of Baku, it’s time to discover the city’s contemporary side. Witness Flame Towers , the iconic flame-shaped trio of skyscrapers up close. Climb the stone steps or take a funicular to the lush Upland Park to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city and its bay. Take some time to walk the Martyrs’ Lane or Alley of Honor inside the park.

Head to the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum , a cultural center displaying the largest collection of rugs and carpets in the world. A quick stroll through the museum presents insights into the colorful weaving history of Azerbaijan.

Other beautiful attractions close to the museum are Mini-Venice , Denizkenari Milli Park , and Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre .

Enjoy a leisurely walk on the main pedestrian and shopping street, Nizami Street . Action-packed – the street is always full of people – locals and tourists. From small shops, hip boutiques, and charming cafes, to famous food chain outlets, supermarkets, famous restaurants, and bakeries, to the range of hotels – you can find anything and everything here. The famous public square in Baku, Fountain Square is also a part of Nizami Street.

Related Read: Best Hotels in Baku Near Nizami Street

While you are here, relish a traditional lunch at Dolma or Firuze.

After a hearty meal, take a taxi, bus, or metro to the Heydar Aliyev Center . I’d say it’s the high point of Baku. It’s visually, aesthetically, and intellectually compelling – inside out. Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, you can’t help but fall in love with the unique piece of post-modern architecture as soon as you enter the complex. Walking around the museum, you’ll find out a lot about the history, culture, and art of Azerbaijan.

Spend your evening walking a 4 km (2.5 miles) long Bulvar or Baku Boulevard , a gorgeous promenade along the Caspian Sea. As you walk, the refreshing touch of the cool sea breeze caressing your face takes away the day’s tiredness. There are many benches or cafes along the way to sit and relax and indulge in people-watching. It’s also a great place to capture the best view of the Flame Towers.

There’s no better way to end your Baku exploration than a delicious dinner with a view at Sky Grill.

Day 3: Day Trip to Absheron (Ateshgah & Yanardag) and Gobustan (Mud Volcanoes and Petroglyphs) | Overnight in Baku

After spending 2 days in Baku, it’s time to discover the natural wonders around Baku.

The Absheron Peninsula is a promontory in eastern Azerbaijan extending into the Caspian Sea northeast of Baku. From mud volcanoes and lakes to beaches and ancient villages – It’s peppered with unique natural, historical, and cultural wonders.

Some of the most visited attractions on the peninsula include the famous burning mountain, Yanar Dag, and Ateshgah Fire Temple.

Gobustan or Qobustan is home to the Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve which beautifully preserves the rock petroglyphs (prehistoric rock carvings) and mud volcanoes. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape within the reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Petroglyph Museum inside the reserve is also worth a visit.

The mud volcanoes are about a 30-minute drive from the museum. You have to leave your car (if you’ve one) at the museum parking and visit the mud volcanoes with a tour guide in their vehicle.

We took this all-inclusive Gobustan & Absheron Tour that makes it easy to explore all these amazing attractions with ease. The tour includes a traditional lunch and the all entrance fees.

If you want to explore independently, I’d suggest you dedicate two days – one day for Ateshgah and Yanar Dag and another for Gobustan as it involves a lot of driving.

Day 4: Day Trip to Quba | Overnight in Baku

Close to the Russian border, the little sleepy city of Quba (Guba) is full of nature, art, history, and culture. Famous for its apple orchards and carpets, Quba is peaceful and charming. The city is a great base for those who want to explore the ancient mountain villages of Khinaliq (Xinaliq) and Laza.

I mainly visited to get a sneak peek into the ancient art of weaving at a traditional carpet-weaving factory – Qadim Quba. Juma Mosque, Ardabil Mosque, Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, traditional Turkish hammam, and Qirmizi Qasaba (aka Red Village or Caucasian Jerusalem) are some of the attractions worth checking in Quba .

About 168 km (104 miles) away, Quba is easily accessible from Baku by bus, taxi, or rental car.

I’d strongly recommend you join this amazing guided tour that lets you explore Quba along with the beautiful mountain village of Khinalug and the incredible colorful landscape of Khizi or this one that includes a visit to the unique Red Town and many other natural wonders along with Quba and Khinalug.

Where to Stay in Quba Overall Best: Quba Palace Hotel & Golf Resort (⭐ 9.6) Budget: Gold Hotel Quba  (⭐ 8.5) Mid-Range: House in Quba  (⭐ 9.2) Luxury: Quba Palace Hotel & Golf Resort (⭐ 9.6)

Day 5: Drive to Sheki | Explore Lahic on the Way | Overnight in Sheki

About 300 km (187 miles) from Baku, it’s a long way to Sheki. Public transport options like a coach, mini-van, or overnight train are available. Hiring a taxi, a chauffeur-driven car, or renting a car are great options for those who seek ease and comfort.

We hired a driver with a car for the next 3 days in Azerbaijan to explore Lahic, Sheki, and Shamakhi.

Lahic and Shamakhi are on the way to Sheki from Baku. We discovered Lahic while driving from Baku to Sheki and explored Shamakhi when we were coming back from Sheki to Baku.

Lahic or Lahich or Lahij is a remote lost-in-time mountain village in one of the most beautiful regions of Azerbaijan, Ismailli.

Worlds apart from Baku, Lahic is one of the best places in Azerbaijan to witness rural life and Azeri culture and traditions. Historically, it was an important part of the Great Silk Road.

Well-known for its coppersmiths’ workshops, Lahic is a UNESCO Creative City . The cobblestone streets lined with cute little wooden artisanal shops selling handcrafted copperware attract a wealth of tourists here. Besides, the cool weather and abundant natural beauty are other draws for tourists. It’s one of the best day trip destinations from Baku.

A drive from Ismailli to Lahic is utterly beautiful yet a hair-raising experience with sheer drops and bends.

For those who want to do more in less time with ease, this full-day tour to Shamakhi and Lahij from Baku is also a great option.

Where to Stay in Lahij Overall Best: Abbasov’s Guest House (⭐ 9.7) Budget: Ancient Lahij Guest House  (⭐ 8.9) Mid-Range: Abbasov’s Guest House  (⭐ 9.7) Luxury: Brick House (⭐ 8.7)

Day 6: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki

The ancient Silk Road city of Sheki (Shaki or Şeki) never fails to charm its visitors. Located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is a must-visit when in Azerbaijan.

You can feel the historical and cultural vibe here. There’s a reason, the historic center of Sheki along with the beautiful Sheki Khan’s Palace has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Sheki is also a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network because of its rich art and crafts heritage. Shebeke (wooden framed stained glass), pottery, and silk weaving are some of the most recognized traditional art forms in Sheki.

Getting lost in the narrow lanes, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the historic architecture the city unveils at every step. And how could I not talk about delicious food and lovely locals?

The best things to do in Sheki include visiting the Old Town, Summer Place, Winter Palace, Silk Road Caravanserai, Three Saint’s Church, and Albanian Church of Kish, and relishing the local dishes of Piti and Sheki Halwa.

If you are short on time and can’t dedicate an entire two days to exploring Sheki and its surroundings, this full-day tour from Baku to Sheki including a visit to Shamaki and Gabala on the way is perfect for you.

Where to Stay in Sheki Overall Best: Marxal Resort & Spa (⭐ 9.7) Budget: Old Town Sheki (⭐ 8.7) Mid-Range: Sheki Palace Hotel  (⭐ 8.2) Luxury: Marxal Resort & Spa (⭐ 9.7)

Day 7: Drive Back from Sheki to Baku | Explore Shamakhi on the Way | Fly Back Home

Today’s your last day in Azerbaijan. Make the most of it. Start your drive back to Baku from Sheki after a fulfilling breakfast. You can time your journey as per the timing of your flight back home from Baku.

We left Sheki at around 8 am so we could explore Shamakhi on the way to Baku Airport. The ancient capital of Shamakhi is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan. It’s packed with history and culture and the breathtaking countryside surroundings make it all the more attractive.

The historic Silk Road city is also known as the city of poets because the legendary Azerbaijani poets – Sabir and Nesimi called it home. It also earned a name for its traditional Shamakhi dancers.

The city withstood invaders and earthquakes and strives to preserve its cultural heritage. Juma Mosque, one of the first mosques in the Caucasus, looks stunning. Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum is another landmark here that’s home to the tombs of Shirvanshahs – the last independent rulers of Shamakhi.

If you’ve time, you can add a visit to the Alpaca Farm and Shamakhi Safari Park, especially if you are traveling with kids.

Azerbaijan Trip: How to Plan

Best time to visit azerbaijan.

The best months to visit Azerbaijan are May, June, September, and October. July and August are the hottest months so it’s best to avoid planning during that time.

October is a perfect time to witness the autumn colors. Music lovers can plan for mid-October when the Baku International Jazz Festival takes place.

March is also a good time to visit, especially for culture enthusiasts, as it’s when (the first day of the spring, usually March 20th) the country celebrates one of its biggest traditional festivals – Nowruz, a Persian New Year. Plus, the weather is pleasant.

Winter is again a beautiful time to experience Azerbaijan. The beauty of the Caucasian Mountains covered in a sheet of shimmering white snow is unbeatable. adventure enthusiasts can head to Shahdag Mountain Resort and the Tufandag Mountain Resort to enjoy skiing. Also, it’s a great time for festive vibes – a colorful and flavorful event – Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Christmas, and New Year Fair takes place from December through January.

How to Get to Azerbaijan

Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is the major airport. Azerbaijan Airlines operates regular flights to Azerbaijan from most of the famous cities around the world.

If you are coming from Georgia, there’s a daily overnight train from Tbilisi to Baku.

Visa for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan offers single-entry eVisa to over 95 countries, including the US, European Nations, the UK, Canada, and India. Check this list to see if your country is visa-exempt or eligible for applying eVisa.

The application process is quite simple. Visit https://evisa.gov.az/ , click on the application tab, fill in the details, and pay the amount ($26). You’ll receive your eVisa in your email in about 3 days. We received ours in less than 48 hours.

The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and permits a stay of a maximum of 30 days.

You can take the help of iVisa by paying a minimal service fee if you find it difficult to apply on your own.

How to Get Around Azerbaijan

The public transportation in Azerbaijan isn’t as efficient as other European countries. You can rent a car and self-drive to venture out of Baku, however, the roads are crazy and poorly lit (not to mention the difficult mountain terrain around remote villages) outside the cities.

So, I’d recommend hiring a car with a driver who knows the country well. If he doubles up as a guide, bingo. It’s safe, comfortable, and cheap for families.

We hired a private car and driver and absolutely enjoyed our Azerbaijan road trip.

Alternatively, you can book guided day tours to explore the places on your Azerbaijan itinerary with ease and comfort. The day tours take away the guesswork out of the trip and let you enjoy the places without any stress and anxiety. I completely rely on Get Your Guide and Viator for day tours.

How to Stay Connected in Azerbaijan

The airports, hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Azerbaijan have WiFi connectivity, however, to stay connected while traveling around the country, a local SIM card is vital.

Azercell and Bakcell are two of the famous mobile operators in Azerbaijan. Azercell is recommended by locals for its better connectivity. There are different types of tourist plans available depending on the data usage. We were in Azerbaijan for 7 days and purchased a 2 GB tourist plan for 10 manats ($5.88) from an Azercell store on Nizami Street.

If your phone supports eSim, you can buy one from Airalo .

Based on my personal experience, here are a few things you should take care of while traveling in Azerbaijan.

• Azeris are helpful and friendly, however, language is a huge challenge because English isn’t widely understood. Make sure you download a Google Translate App or Widget on your phone. Also, learning some common phrases in the Azeri language comes in handy.
• Taxi scam is common, especially at the airport. It’s safer to use Uber or Bolt. If at all, you hire a taxi, discuss the distance, time taken, and the approximate charge to the destination beforehand. Check if the taximeter is working properly. Getting from the airport to the center takes around 30 minutes and costs around 40-50 AZN ($24-30). For a hassle-free trip, you can pre-book a private transfer from the airport.
• Always keep exact cash while paying a taxi driver or a street vendor or someone at a shop because there are chances that they hand over a fake currency note to you. It didn’t happen to us in Baku, Azerbaijan but in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Keep sufficient cash in the local currency (AZN). Don’t pay in USD or Euro even if someone asks you, most likely it’s a scam. You tend to overpay without even noticing it.
• Always check the bill before paying in a restaurant or cafe. They sometimes add a food item you never ordered or quote a price for an item higher than mentioned in the menu. Don’t know intentional or accidental, but it happened to us twice. Also, it’s a common practice to serve a water bottle or a platter of mixed food items on your table while you order. You might feel these are complementary but they come with a heavy price. Ask the price of a water bottle (it’s way costlier than in the supermarket) or other specials to save the embarrassment and regret later.
• Beware of over-friendly locals. If someone comes to you and offers help without you asking, it’s a red flag.

Suggested Azerbaijan Itineraries

If you’ve fewer or more days than 7 days, here are suggestions to help you craft an itinerary accordingly:

Azerbaijan Itinerary 4 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku Day 2: Explore Baku Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Fly Back Home

Azerbaijan Itinerary 5 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag | Overnight in Baku Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Overnight in Baku Day 5: Day Trip to Shamakhi | Fly Back Home

Azerbaijan Itinerary 6 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag | Overnight in Baku Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Overnight in Baku Day 5: Day Trip to Shamakhi | Overnight in Baku Day 6: Day Trip to Quba and Xinaliq | Overnight in Baku

Azerbaijan Itinerary 10 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag from Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan from Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 5: Drive to Quba | Explore Quba | Overnight in Quba Day 6: Day Trip to Xinaliq from Quba | Overnight in Quba Day 7: Day Trip to Laza from Quba | Drive back to Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 8: Drive to Sheki | Explore Shamakhi and Lahic on the Way | Overnight in Sheki Day 9: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki Day 10: Drive Back to Sheki | Explore Gabala on the Way | Fly Back Home

Azerbaijan Itinerary 14 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag from Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan from Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 5: Drive to Quba | Explore Quba | Overnight in Quba Day 6: Day Trip to Xinaliq from Quba | Overnight in Quba Day 7: Day Trip to Laza from Quba | Drive back to Baku | Overnight in Baku Day 8: Drive to Lahic | Explore Shamakhi on the Way | Overnight in Lahic Day 9: Explore Lahic | Drive to Sheki | Overnight in Sheki Day 10: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki Day 11: Day Trip to Ganja and Lake Goygol | Overnight in Sheki Day 12: Drive to Gebele from Sheki | Explore Gebele | Overinght in Gebele Day 13: Drive to Baku from Gebele | Overnight in Baku Day 14: At Leisure | Go Shopping in Baku | Fly Back Home

Azerbaijan Travel FAQ

Is azerbaijan located in europe or asia.

Located on the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country and is considered a part of both Europe and Asia or better yet, Eurasia.

What is Azerbaijan Most Famous For?

Azerbaijan is best known for its abundant oil and natural gas resources. It’s nicknamed the Land of Fire, the reasons being – it’s the birthplace of crude oil and the eternal flames (natural phenomenon) dot the country’s landscape. The name of the country literally translates to protector of fire. The capital city of Baku is also known for F1 Race.

How Many Days in Azerbaijan?

7 days in Azerbaijan are enough to explore most of the country’s highlights. If you want to travel a bit deeper, I’d recommend setting aside at least 10 days for a trip to Azerbaijan.

Which Month is the Best for Travel in Azerbaijan?

We visited Azerbaijan in June. It was scorchingly hot, with pleasantly warm evenings. After talking to the locals and fellow travelers who visited the country during different seasons, I can assuredly confirm that overall October is the best month to explore Azerbaijan.

Is it Expensive to Visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan isn’t a cheap country for sure, howbeit, it’s quite a competitive and affordable country to travel to, especially for Western travelers. The amount of money you spend depends on your travel style – still, you can expect to spend about $60 to $80 per person per day for an easy and comfortable stay.

Is Azerbaijan an Islamic nation?

Yes, Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, with Shia Muslims forming the majority. Yet, the country is relatively open-minded and follows secularism.

Is Azerbaijan Safe?

Yes, it is! Petty crimes like pickpocketing and tourist scams (mostly related to unofficial taxis) can happen, however, it’s safe, generally. As in any other foreign country, avoid staying out after dark and exercise caution and common sense all the time. Also, you must know that entry to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is prohibited.

Is Azerbaijan Tourist-Friendly?

Yes, most certainly. Azerbaijan welcomes tourists with an open heart and mind. The infrastructure is super. Locals are warm and welcoming and are keen to help out if and when needed. Unlike other Muslim countries, they have a modern outlook when it comes to the freedom of women, and at the same time, they are respectful towards women. The food options are abundant. There are endless things to see and do for each kind of traveler – art, culture, history aficionado or architectural enthusiast, nature lover, or shopaholic.

Is Azerbaijan Family-Friendly?

Azerbaijan is a great place to visit with family. It’s safe and secure and offers an intriguing mix of experiences ranging from cultural, and historical to gastronomical for families traveling with kids and teenagers. We enjoyed our time as a family in Azerbaijan.

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Anjali Chawla

6 thoughts on “7 Days in Azerbaijan Itinerary: Best Places, Maps, & Tips”

I recently visited Azerbajan and your blogs were the guiding lights. It helped a lot.

Thanks for writing and keep it up!1

Oh, I’m thrilled to hear that the blog was your go-to guide for your Azerbaijan adventure! That’s exactly why we pour our hearts into each post—to make your travels just a bit more magical. If you have any stories or tips from your trip that you’d like to share, I’m all ears! Keep exploring, and thanks so much for your kind words.

Amazingly detailed research! Will help me to plan well. No other blog required to be referred. Everything covered at one place. Thanks 😊

You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear that you found the information helpful. If you have any more questions or need further assistance as you plan your trip, feel free to ask. Enjoy your travels!

How much to tip the driver and guide for a 7 days trip

I did not see tipping as a common practice in Azerbaijan, and no one asked for it. However, if you feel your driver and guide provided excellent service, a small gesture of gratitude is always appreciated. For a 7-day trip, you might consider around 10-15% of the total tour cost. Hope that helps.

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How To Plan A Trip To Azerbaijan: Itinerary For A Week

Why did we enjoy our week-long trip to Azerbaijan SO much?

In the day and age of the mighty internet, it is hard to find surprises while travelling. Every little attraction has been documented or photographed by someone or the other. Perhaps that is why we enjoyed our trip to Azerbaijan so much – it was after a long time that we visited a country where there were surprises at every corner . We went expecting high-rises in Baku and historical treasures in the countryside. But we met amazing people, saw natural wonders, visited the northernmost villages of Europe, and had some of the best meals we’ve had in a while travelling. The best part? A week-long trip to Azerbaijan is affordable and offers a variety of experiences in one short trip!

As a former member of the USSR, Azerbaijan has a fraught history. The capital Baku has undergone a huge resurgence over the past 10 years. Shopping malls, high-rises, luxury hotels, and a picture-perfect promenade – you’ll find it all here. But driving out of Baku is like stepping back into time. You will find historical treasures without another tourist in sight, natural wonders untouched by tourism, and charming little mountain villages that seem to have walked out of a postcard. Here’s a detailed guide to Azerbaijan and a day-by-day itinerary for a planning your week long trip to Azerbaijan. THIS is Azerbaijan through our eyes!

Jump Straight To

Visas and arriving in Azerbaijan

Citizens of most countries need to apply for an Evisa prior to visiting Azerbaijan. This is a seamless and straightforward process but it helps to have hotel bookings and a rough itinerary before applying for a visa.

You will fly into Baku international airport. Most international flights land at the brand new terminal, which makes for an amazing first impression. We flew on AZAL, the national carrier, and the flight as well the service was excellent. The airline operates direct flights to Baku from New Delhi and London. The airport is about 30 kilometres from the centre of the capital and it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel. There are many other airlines that now have good connectivity to Baku. We suggest comparing prices and booking here .

Getting around in Azerbaijan

If you’re planning to stay in Baku and do a couple of day trips around Baku, we would not suggest renting a car. That’s because traffic in Baku can be nightmarish. Moreover public transport is decent and taxis are readily available. You can also use Uber to get from one place to the other.

For day trips and even 2-3 day trips, we would suggest opting for a tour guide. This is because English is not widely understood, especially in the countryside and exploring independently can be a bit challenging. Tour guides will rent a car with a driver for you and pick you up and drop you back at your hotel. This makes it really seamless to explore places. One day trip from Baku that we would highly recommend is to Shamaki (details below)We lucked out and found an amazing tour guide in Baku. Roman is knowledgeable, flexible, and extremely punctual. He also has amazing knowledge of local food joints and historical treasures. We would highly recommend him if you want to plan a short or long trip around Azerbaijan. He doesn’t have a website but you can drop him a WhatsApp message on +994 70 367 51 39 and he is extremely prompt to respond.

If you’re there in Azerbaijan for more than 5 days and enjoy independent and travel, then we would recommend renting a self-drive car after you’re done exploring Baku. We did this on our last 3 days. Read our experience below:

Suggested itineraries for Azerbaijan

Explore Baku Day trip to Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag

Explore Baku Day trip to Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag 3 day trip to Quba and Xinaliq

Explore Baku & everything it has to offer Day trip to historical treasures of Shamakhi half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag 3 day trip to mountainous villages Northern Azerbaijan – Quba, Xinaliq, Laza Explore Sheki Visit Ganja and Lake Goygol

Budgeting for a trip to Azerbaijan

The amount of money you spend in a country depends heavily on the kind of hotels you stay in, the type of restaurants you visit, and the amount of shopping you do. However Azerbaijan is an extremely affordable country in general.

You can find nice luxury hotels for less than $100 per night. Hostels can be hit or miss, so

Food is incredible everywhere you go. You can get delicious street food for $2-$5. Sit down meals at nice restaurants cost approximately $15 per head.

Renting a car with a driver costs approximately $100 for 1 day. You can negotiate cost of excursions with tour agents or guides. Rates are competitive and affordable. For a self-drive rental, expect to pay around $30-$40 per day for an economy car.

Food – what to eat in Azerbaijan

I feel like I was to pen poetry for Azeri food. To say it’s good would be the understatement of the year. Make sure you try local drinks such as Ayran (yogurt-based drink), Feijoa juice (pronounced fek-ua, the local fruit is used in drinks all over Azerbaijan), and aerated pear juice. Don’t forget to stop at one of the many supermarkets along the way to sample local fruits and vegetables. Most of the fresh produce in Azerbaijan is organic and tastes incredible.

If you eat meat, you’re in for a treat in Azerbaijan. Try the Lyulya/Lule kebabs (mince-meat skewers), dolmas (steamed grape leaves stuffed with minced meat), and chicken kebabs. Stick to local specialities and avoid ordering fish as it is expensive and not the best.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are lots of options for you too. Try vegetarian dolmas, qutab (flatbreads stuffed with spinach), fresh curd, vegetarian piti (soup), local cheeses, and pilaf (rice, seasoned with local flavours).

Best time to visit Azerbaijan

The best time to visit the country is between March and June and then from September to November. This is because it gets very hot during peak summer months (July and August) and a lot of the mountainous roads are blocked or snowed under during winter months (December- February). However if you want to visit just Baku and Shamakhi, then December is also a good time to visit as the roads in this area are good and you can witness snow-laden panoramas.

View this post on Instagram Hello from Azerbaijan ??? We’ve wanted to explore the country for ages and promised we would do it in 2019! The windy capital, Baku, is full of glittering high-rises, and shopping malls. But we spent our first day walking around the old centre of Baku where cobbled alleys and carpet shops set the tone, with the aroma of freshly-baked sweets & flatbreads wafting from hole-in-wall eateries. That might have tempted us into having baklava for breakfast – don’t judge ?? ✨ ✨ #bruisedpassports #love #travel #ExperienceAzerbaijan #azerbaijan A post shared by Travel & love : Savi and Vid (@bruisedpassports) on Oct 14, 2019 at 5:31am PDT

Packing for Azerbaijan

This is tricky. We visited Azerbaijan in October and got everything from bitterly cold and windy days to scorching heat. I would suggest packing at least one light jumper and one jacket, irrespective of when you visit. Pack more if you’re going during winter months. It can get really windy in Baku as well as the countryside so carrying a light windcheater definitely helps.

Azerbaijan is a fairly progressive country, so you will see locals wearing short skirts and sleeveless tops, especially in Baku. However conservative clothing is preferred in the countryside. We would recommend packing at least a few dresses and trousers that cover your knees and arms, especially for trips to the countryside and visits to mosques.

Some tips and warnings for exploring Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a super safe country to explore. Azeris are friendly and while English isn’t widely understood, they are always willing to help

However do keep a couple of things in mind. Restaurants often tend to overcharge tourists by bringing “specials” to the table or including caviar in a mixed platter of kebabs etc. For this reason, we would recommend ordering only off the menu and taking a screenshot of the menu for reference in case there is a discrepancy in the bill

Similarly, always set a fixed rate with taxi drivers before you get into a local taxi or they might overcharge you for the shortest of distances. You can also avoid this altogether by using Uber or moving around with a tour guide.

Day by day breakdown of a trip to Azerbaijan

I’ve never really seen a city like Baku. One minute you’re surrounded by glittering high-rises and luxury hotels, the next you have tiny eateries and colourful carpet shops in a local market. You could think of it as a mix of Abu Dhabi & Marrakech. We suggest spending at least 3 days in the city.

Accommodation in Baku

We stayed at Intourist Hotel in Baku . The luxury hotel has spacious rooms and a great location, right opposite the Baku Eye. Service and breakfast buffet is mediocre. So you might want to choose another hotel such as Fairmont Baku (located in one of the flame towers) or Four Seasons Baku if you enjoy your luxuries.

There is no dearth of nightclubs, restaurants, and sightseeing opportunities in Baku. But here are some things you should definitely do in Baku

• Walk along the waterfront promenade to acquaint yourself with Baku. From here you can see a glimpse of the iconic Flame Towers, Baku Eye, the Caspian Sea, and many other prominent landmarks of the city
• Spend a morning at Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre and admire the gorgeous architecture
• Go on a walking tour to the carpet museum, and Little Venice. Drop by Nizami Street for a spot of shopping and lunch. You will find high street shops, designer boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
• You should also spend a few hours walking around the Old City – admire the colourful carpet shops, pick up a souvenir or two, sample Baklava from a hole-in-the-wall eatery, visit the Maiden Tower, and the Shirvanshah Palace
• Pack a shawarma and take the funicular to Highland Park at sunset or once it’s dark. It offers an amazing view of the the city’s skyline and the Flame Towers.
• There are dozens of amazing restaurants in Baku but 2 mid-range restaurants we really recommend for scrumptious Azeri Meals are Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant and Qaynana restaurant. A meal at either of these will cost you around $15 per person and it’s well worth it. Both restaurants are beautifull, so expect walls adorned with carpets and rooms dotted with traditional artefacts. You will definitely want to take your camera along for these meals.
• Visit Hyder Mosque (a bit of an offbeat gem at the moment), especially at night when it’s all lit
• Take a half-day tour to Ateshgah and Yanardag. At Yanardag, trapped gas deposits ensure a . Ateshgah is a temple of great significance to the Zoroastrians.
• You could also take a day trip to the dramatic cliffs and mud-volcanoes of Gobustan. While this isn’t a particularly scenic part of Azerbaijan, it’s a great place to observe natural phenomena such as spitting mud volcanoes and Palaeolithic carvings. We will forgive you for thinking you are on Mars.

If there is one day trip we recommend from Baku, it is to Shamakhi. You don’t need to start too early from Baku and can easily leave after breakfast. Stop at the shrine of Diri Baba , a Sufi dervish, who spent his life in a cave, carved into a rock. The fascinating site dates back to the fifteenth century.

Next, stop at the magnificent Juma Mosque. Make sure you are wearing something that covers your elbows and knees. Women also need to carry a scarf to cover their head. The intricate and gorgeous Mosque is a photographer’s delight and the best part is, there are rarely more than a handful of people around.

You could also head to the neighbouring Yeddi Gumbaj, a cemetery overlooking the city of Shamaki. But this is easily skippable as it isn’t anything special.

At this point, you can start your drive back to Baku. But if you have an extra night, we’d really recommend spending a night in Tufandag or Shamakhi, surrounded by mountains on all sides. Shamakhi Palace Hotel is an opulent luxury hotel, as the name suggests. But it is quite affordable coming at under $90. Rooms are spacious and boast of gorgeous views overlooking mountains. Don’t leave without sampling their incredible breakfast spread – you will find everything from fresh fruits and pastries to Azeri style eggs and potato cakes on the menu.

Drive back to Baku

Spend a night in Baku as your trip to Northern Azerbaijan starts next. We’d suggest just relaxing but if you’re up for it you can always walk down to the waterfront promenade or even the highland park.

Quba and Xinaliq

You can book a 3 day trip to Guba and Xinaliq with any travel agency or tour guide.

However after exploring the surroundings of Baku with a guide on our first 4 days in Azerbaijan, we decided to rent a car for this part of our trip. Roads in Northern Azerbaijan (especially between Guba & Xinaliq) can be quite hit and miss with lots of dirt tracks and mountain bends, so we would suggest doing this only if you are an experienced driver. We rented with Avis and the process was seamless. Car rentals start at around $40 per day and fuel is really cheap In Azerbaijan (around $0.5 per litre – perks of being an oil stronghold!).

Quba is a 3 hour drive from Baku. However set aside at least 5 hours for the drive because you definitely need to stop at Candy Cane Mountains on the way. The scenic spot is just an hour away from Baku and comprises of these gorgeous mountains, ideal for a hike and some photographs. The stripey mountains are a unique site but you might have them all to yourself, especially if you go on a weekday. Please beware that there are only 8-10 striped mountains at this spot, so keep a lookout for them while driving

You can stay in an apartment or hotel in Quba. We suggest Shahdag Hotel Guba . You could think of it as a clean 3-4 star hotel, which is the best you’ll get in the city centre. It is affordable, rooms are spacious, and WiFi is good. Breakfast is passable and it even has a terrace restaurant for lunch and dinner. In case you want to venture out for a meal, there are a handful of restaurants in Guba. Of all the restaurants we tried in Guba, a doner shop opposite our hotel and restaurant Sarin (10 minute walk from the hotel) were the best.

Xinaliq is the highest village in Europe and a must stop on your visit to Northern Azerbaijan. It takes an hour and a half to drive to Xinaliq from Quba. But keep lots of time for stopping along the way because the scenery and mountain roads are absolutely spectacular

If you enjoy truly local experiences, then we suggest spending 1 night at a home stay in Xinaliq. They’re extremely humble rooms in locals’ houses, so this is ideal for solo travels and couples. We don’t suggest doing this if you’re travelling with family or have too much luggage. But if you do, you’ll be greeted warmly. Do not expect elaborate meals but there’s no shortage of Azeri tea and flatbreads stuffed with spinach.

If you’re not staying in Xinaliq, just drive back to your accommodation in Quba for the night. The couple of days we spent driving in the Northern part of Azerbaijan made for a special road trip through the Azeri countryside.

Sheki and Ganja

If you have some more time we would highly recommend continuing onto Sheki and exploring the surrounding of Ganca city, especially Lake Goygol National Park. We couldn’t cover this part on this trip owing to paucity of time but can’t wait to return to explore these beautiful parts of Azerbaijan.

I hope this answers all your questions about planning an incredible trip to Azerbaijan. If you have any other questions, leave them down below and we’ll definitely answer them soon 🙂

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90 thoughts on “ how to plan a trip to azerbaijan: itinerary for a week ”.

Hey … how about Lankaran and qabala in Azerbaijan.. also how is lagich.. is it worth visiting ?

Qabala is very nice and you can easily see it if you stay overnight in Shamakhi. However the hotel we’ve suggest in Shamakhi has similar views to the ones you’ll find it Qabala. Also, Lankaran and Lagich are decent put stops but would suggest prioritising places like Shamakhi, Xinaliq and Goygol if you have limited time as they are prettier and have more to offer 🙂

Thanks for the detailed itinerary shared. Can u guys tell me if the chargers from India works with Azerbaijan sockets ?

Most sockets in Azerbaijan are type c and f – basically the 2 round pin ones. we always carry a travel adapter just in case. the indian chargers for small devices might work, but for laptops and all are usually 3 pin ones (type d), so you should carry an adapter just to be safe

Hi you both 🙂

My husband and I are planning to visit Azerbaijan with our son who’ll be 15 months when we want to go. Is it OK to travel with a toddler that age? Will the place interest and keep him occupied too?

Hi Gayathri,

Yes we don’t see a reason why your toddler won’t enjoy it 🙂 Most of the hotels have kids’ clubs

Hi Guys, We are traveling next week and I am wondering what is the best way to take a simple card. Heard it’s really expensive at the airport. Thank you

Hey do you mean a SIM card? If so, the easiest way is to buy it on arrival itself. However if you’re there for a short time, then you might not need it as most hotels and restaurants have good wifi 🙂

Guys your detailed itinerary suggestion was very helpful for my 8 day trip. Based on my experience would suggest a few things. 1. You can do a full day trip from Baku which covers 7 attractions including Qobutsan Rock Museum, Mud Volcanoes, Yanardagh & Ateshgah. 2. Sheki is very highly recommended. For me it is a MUST VISIT in Azerbaijan. 3. Qabala was great and a stay at the Tufandag Mountain Resort is very much recommended along with the ski lift rides up the mountain. 4. The road to Lahij goes through a canyon and is absolutely breath taking. Can easily be done on the way from Qabala to Sheki as a stop. For me the journey to Lahij was more interesting than Lahij itself.

I immensely gained from Bruisedpassports post and thought could add a few things that might help others …

Glad to hear you had an amazing trip to Azerbaijan and that our itinerary was helpful 🙂

Thank you so much for your suggestions – they’ll definitely add to the information for someone planning a trip to Azerbaijan in the future.

We were planning a 4 day trip to Baku. Our agent suggested a place called Gabala instead of Shamaki. Which one should we go for? Please suggest. TIA

Hey Rachna,

Yes you could drive further up to Gabala instead of Shamakhi. You won’t go wrong with either option 🙂

Hi Savi, Your itinerary is such a great help! I’m not worrying anymore about my upcoming trip to Azerbaijan. As I’m doing it myself I probably will do some guided day tours in Baku. Is it easy to book while in Baku? And are they cheaper than online ones? Thanks Josh

Hey Josh – It is easy to book tours upon getting to Baku. However you will find the most competitive rates only 🙂

I recently embarked on a remarkable journey to Azerbaijan, and I must say that it exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I landed at the airport until my departure, Roman, our knowledgeable guide, was an invaluable companion, ensuring that every aspect of our trip went smoothly. With his expertise, we explored the fascinating landmarks, savored the local culture, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

On the first day of our itinerary, Roman greeted us at the airport with a warm smile, making us feel instantly welcomed and at ease. Our adventure began with a visit to Highland Park, where we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Baku’s stunning skyline. Roman’s insightful commentary added depth to our experience, allowing us to truly appreciate the significance of the landmarks that stretched out before us.

Next on the list was the iconic Flame Tower, an architectural marvel that symbolizes the modernity and progress of Azerbaijan. Roman’s explanations about the design and significance of the building brought a new level of appreciation to its grandeur. We continued to the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, where Roman’s passion for the country’s rich history and culture shone through his explanations of the exhibits and the center’s purpose.

One of the highlights of our trip was exploring Little Venice, a charming and picturesque area in Baku. Our visit to the Carpet Museum was equally captivating, as Roman’s deep understanding of Azerbaijan’s artistic heritage brought the intricate designs and craftsmanship to life.

The second day took us to Gabala, a scenic region outside Baku. Roman ensured that our journey was comfortable and enjoyable, and we were enthralled by the beauty of Nohur Lake. The picturesque surroundings, coupled with Roman’s fascinating stories about the region’s history, made it a truly enchanting experience. The visit to the Waterfall and the Cable Car ride were exhilarating additions to the day, offering breathtaking views that left us in awe of Azerbaijan’s natural wonders.

On the third day, Roman guided us through Gobustan, an archaeological treasure trove that left us awe-inspired. The Art Rock Museum showcased ancient rock carvings that vividly depicted the life and customs of early civilizations, and Roman’s deep knowledge and passion for the subject enriched our understanding of this historical site. The exploration continued with a visit to Mud Volcano, a unique phenomenon that fascinated us, and the Fire Temple and Burning Mountain, which held spiritual and mythical significance.

Throughout the journey, Roman’s attentiveness, professionalism, and genuine care for our experience were evident. He ensured that we were comfortable, answered all our questions with patience, and went above and beyond to make our trip unforgettable. His expertise and passion for Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and natural beauty were infectious, igniting a deep appreciation within us.

As our trip came to an end, Roman organized our airport transfer seamlessly, relieving us of any logistical concerns. We departed Azerbaijan with a newfound love for the country, thanks in large part to Roman’s impeccable guidance and assistance.

I wholeheartedly recommend Roman and his services to anyone planning to explore Azerbaijan. With his expertise and unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience, you can trust that your journey will be filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. He can be reached at +994 70 367 51 39

I have been trying to reach Roman since the last one week but his number is not in service. I am planning to go for 3days to azerbaijan. I know it is extremely short but this is the maximum leave I could manage. I have few doubts. 1. What is the possibility of taking car on rent and the prices for 3 days. 2. How to book the cable car at Tufandag? 3. Which places would you suggest to try local food?

Hi, I am Roman. You can reach me in mentioned phone number. +994703675139

Hello.. How much did Roman charge for each day?

Heyy guys Just back from beautiful Azerbaijan. Planned a sudden week long trip to Azerbaijan without doing any research and then stumbled upon your article. I was hesitant travelling alone with kids sans husband, but I Can’t thank you enough for the guide recommendation. Roman was a gem. He was there right from the time we landed at the airport till we departed. He was punctual and very very helpful. Not only did he take us around, he became a great companion for my kids. I would recommend him to anyone I know who is travelling to Azerbaijan. Thanks Roman for making the trip so memorable for us.

So happy to hear that 🙂 Glad you had an amazing time with Roman in Azerbaijan.

Hi, You your whole itinerary seems very exciting for me to visit Azerbaijan for atleast 10days.But will this itinerary be suitable even for solo female travellers?

Thanks Shiba! Very useful !

The last photograph on the beautiful road atop the car is which place?

That’s on the way to Khinaliq/Xinaliq 🙂

Hey, Thank you for sharing!!!

I’ve Canceled my trip to Azerbaijan last year because of the pandemic and I plan to visit it this year, and this guide will help me a lot. Thanks again

Hey, I was just looking up the airlines you mentioned to fly directly from new delhi to Baku. But there isn’t seems to be any. Did you fly from Delhi to Baku or from London?

Hi Srav – there are usually direct flights from both Delhi to Baku & London to Baku via Azerbaijan Airlines. But I believe they are currently suspended due to the pandemic

This is fab!

hi its easy drive to baku

I have visited Azerbaijan in jan 2020 with my wife. Our tour guider was ROMAN he was so Cooperative and know the historical information about Azerbaijan really enjoyed. It feels like he was my childhood friend. Highly recommended from my side.

Can we drive in Azerbaijan with Indian DL (english) or will need IDP

Hello an IDP is preferable though some local car rentals also accept Indian DL 🙂

Thanks for the detailed description its is both interesting and enriching.

We are going to be based out of Baku. Does it make sense to various short trips from Baku or take a longer trip and cover the places that you covered. Thanks.

Hey not all these can be covered on day trips but most can 🙂

Hello, Do you recommend renting an economy car for exploring the countryside or a 4×4? Thinking if I could pack some light trails while exploring. Any recommendations on where to recommend from? Thanks.

Hey Adil – a 4X4 is not compulsory for a road trip in Azerbaijan. You can pick something that is budget-friendly, no problem 🙂

It would be really helpful if you could give recommendation for where to take cars on Rent.

Hey you can compare prices and book car rentals for Azerbaijan here https://kayak.co.in/in?a=kan_148771&lc=en&url=%2Fcars

Hey, Would you suggest visiting Azerbaijan in winters to experience snow?

hey guys.. Awesomely explained 🙂 Just a question how about last week of October to the mountain of Xinaliq for a self driving road trip? Will it be snow and bitter cold?

Hey Nisar – yes I believe so but it’s still gorgeous 🙂

Ohhh what to say about Azerbaijan.. breathtakingly Beautiful country with amazing people .. But we personally cannot imagine Azerbaijan without our guide and friend Roman .. pure hearted soul .. Guys if you are planning to visit Azerbaijan please book Roman as your guide .. He will make your trip 100 times better .. never seen anybody as punctual as Roman .. He knows every nook and corner of Azerbaijan.. he will take you to the best food joints ..He will show the best of Azerbaijan.. Roman was with us throughout our stay ( 11 days ) in Azerbaijan.. he made everything soo easy and smooth for us with 2 toddlers in hand..he even bought jackets foods tea and what not for us .. he became a family.. I am really greatful for Savi and Vid for recommending this gem of a person .. even we loved spending time with his wife wasifa .. booking Roman was the best decision we have made while visiting Azerbaijan.. Thanks again guys ❤️❤️❤️

So so lovely to hear this Rameeza 🙂

Can you please give an idea about the charges

Hey did you visit Xinaliq during end of October, planning to go myself in few days from now. How was the weather and road conditions? Pls do share

Hey road was absolutely fine. Weather was cold, so do pack some woollens, especially a warm down jacket 🙂

Thanks for your detailed explanation. I am planning to travel from Saudi for 7 days with my family in December. I arrive from riyadh to baku and how about the return, should it be from Baku itself or is there any other airport to fly back from? for the ticket purpose.

Hey there – returning from Baku itself is most convenient 🙂

We just returned from our 10 day trip to Azerbaijan and I am really glad I found this blog before we left. We booked Roman as our guide during our stay there and we couldn’t be more grateful for him.

From taking us to breathtaking landscapes, to feeding us delicious local food, Roman helps you get a truly wholesome experience. He recommends and takes you to places based on your interest and is very mindful of your comfort, safety and budget. We particularly enjoyed our two day trip to quba and xinalig village in the mountains where Roman arranged warm azer chai,delicious jam and a home cooked meals for us. I would highly recommend Roman for anyone considering a holiday in Azerbaijan as having him around makes your experience stress free and relaxing.

Hey so happy to hear you enjoyed this guide to Azerbaijan and had a good time on your travels 🙂

Thank you for your detailed description. It is both interesting and informative.

How can we reach Roman? Thank you

Hey – the phone number is in the article above 🙂

I have been trying to reach the number, but it is sadly out of service :/

Hi I am Roman. My mobile is active. You can reach from +994 70 367 51 39

Thanks for sharing your experience in such detail. This is a huge help for those planning to travel to Azerbaijan. I have a question regarding the local currency Manat. Is forex card widely accepted there? Or do you recommend to carry more local currency in cash?

Forex cards are accepted in most of the places. We usually just withdraw a small amount of local currency from ATM when we land in a new place. Carrying Manat from India is not necessary.

hi…planning a 5 day trip to Baku in october…should we stay overnight at GABALA or a day trip is good enough. Any other place near Baku for overnight stay can also be recommended. Thanks in advance

The pictures said it all. Very beautiful captures.

I wanted to understand if we need the driving license for the country in case we opt for car rental and what is the process?

Hey Ananya – if you have an Indian driving licence in English, that will work 🙂

Hi Savi&Vid, The article is really insightful. Thanks for including each and every detail. I just wanted to know how safe it will be for a solo female traveller? Do share your thoughts. One of your ardent followers, Neeraj

Hey Neeraj – it is safe, don’t worry 🙂 However would recommend sticking to the more popular/bigger cities 🙂

Hi Savi& Vid,

your artical is very helpful. we are travelling to Azarbaijan i, on 25th of this month. our next destination is Georgia on 1st Oct from Baku. So we have exact 5 days in hand for exploring Azarbaijan. We are travelling with Family of 5 members(all are pure vegetarians)(Mom-Dad-Sister-in-law and two of us). How to plan the days so that we can explore maximum of Azarbaijan. Can you help? We have booked the flight tickets and visa. No bookings has been made for Azarbaijan. Any tips you will give as we are travelling with family. would you suggest self-driving?

Hello – you can plan based on the article! You should spend all your time in Baku with a day trip to Shamakhi and half-day trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag. Baku has a number of vegetarian restaurants but in remote places like Xinaliq, vegetarian food is harder to find

We are travelling- all adults to Azerbaijan for 5 days in October and were deciding between staying for 2 nights either in Gabala or Quba ? Which one would you guys suggest?

Hey it’s so hard to choose but we love Quba 🙂

The whole itinerary is exciting and helps to plan an efficient trip. Wanted to check if IDP is required or Indian licence would work here and in Georgia both.

Hey Aditya – you can use your Indian licence to drive in Georgia as long as it is in English 🙂

I’m planning on going with my boyfriend to Azerbaijan beginning of November for 10 days. Now we’re backpacking and lifting. Is it safe? We would sleep in hostels 🙂

Is there beautiful nature as well?

Yes it is very safe – we had a great time. Yes there is beautiful nature outside Baku – if y ou want, you can go to the northern village of Xinaliq -it’s very beautiful

Hi Savi and Vid,

You people are gems.Like seriously one in million.I have been following you since my college days and always wanted to plan the whole trip just like yours.

You people carry a pocketful of sunshine wherever you go, brightening the lives of those lucky enough to know you.

I wanted to follow your itinerary to Baku for 7 days.Can i plan in December?Is it worth going

Thank you so much for your kind words Sanya 🙂

Yes Baku should be nice in December but it will be a bit cold, which can always have its own magic 🙂 hope you have an amazing trip

Hi Savi & Vid, we have planned a trip on 15 Dec for a 5-day tour to Baku & Azerbaijan and close tourist attraction, we are vegetarians if you could recommend good veg restaurants.

Hi is end March a good time to visit? Loved ur blog. Keep it up.

Yes March end should be nice 🙂

Do you think AirBnbs (apartments ) are good/safe instead of hotels? We are 3 families and i think it will be economical if we just book a 3bedroom apartment via airbnb?

Rest i am trying to follow you iternaty as well as suggestions in comments.

Yes, they are safe. Go with the ones that have previous reviews and are hosted by superhosts

Hi ! Loved the itinary ‘. can I fly into Baku to visit Georgia and then fly back into Baku on the e – visa and back to mumbai or would have to book one way flights to each destination ?

You can do that theoretically, however make sure that your e-visa for Azerbaijan is a multiple entry one. To be honest, given the good direct flight connections with both baku and georgia from India, we’d do Mumbai-Baku-Georgia-Mumbai

Hello..We are travelling on 23rd March for 10 days. 1) Could you suggest a good travel insurance. 2) Also we are planning to use ThomasCook One Currency Forex card. Hope its accepted in Azerbaijan like every other country. 3) And we are staying in Shahdagh Mountain Resort for 2 nights. Will we get a taxi from Baku to drop us and pick us back after 2 days, or should we book another taxi from Shahdagh to Baku separately. How easy is it to get a cab from Shahdagh back to Baku.

1) We use HDFC ergo and Bajaj Allianz. Thankfully, never had to make a claim till now, but have heard that both these are good with claims 2) You should check that with ThomasCook. 3) I think your hotel should be able to arrange a taxi back from Shahdagh to Baku.

I have used TATA AIG in the past and had made medical claims as well. It was an easy process. I have explored a lot and find this policy to be the best.

Thanks for the amazing description and itinerary details. Also, would connect with Roman for our trip. thanks for recommending him.

I wanted to know:

1) if Azerbaijan is good for restricted mobility residents. I am asking because I have a heart condition due to which I can’t climb stairs and walk on difficult terrain.

2) Is June end a good time to travel. will it be too crowded because of vacations etc.?

Thanks a lot

Hey, any apps / website you would recommend for car rentals for self drive (Automatic) and can you guide on the procedure for international license?

We usually use an aggregator like Skyscanner or Kayak. In Azerbaijan we rented from Avis, and used an Indian license without any problem

Hello, regarding forex, I checked with a couple of forex agencies and they all told me to carry either usd or euros in my forex card because very few of them deal with Manat. Is it ok if I travel with usd or euros in my forex card? From your experience, do you think that’s a good idea or should I get Manat in my forex card?

Doubt that you’ll be able to get Manat added on your forex card. you can get EUR or USD added. You can withdraw Manat on reaching Baku

Hi Savi and Vid

I have followed numerous suggestions on your blog but your recommendation of Roman is completely off. He is a cheat and you should seriously think about removing his suggestion from your website. (I have proof of all that I have written below and am happy to provide you the same to take your decision).

I’d just like to provide my feedback about Roman who has been highly recommended here on this forum. I trusted it blindly as I have followed many suggestions on this website and all so far have been positive but it has been an appalling experience with him.

I asked for a quote for 8 people from the onset and got a quote from him which I agreed to. Just 10 days or so before my arrival suddenly he changed the price saying that we need a bigger vehicle. Again my requirement did not change at any point.

Even though this was a red signal I agreed to the cost revision not wanting to spoil my plans.

Then suddenly on the day before my tour planned by him I was told that the tour is without a guide. Now why would anyone contact a guide for a tour (2 months in advance as well) – take the itinerary suggested by him and go in just a car without a guide. Then he says he was booked out 3 months in advance (I had booked through him 2 months in advance).

I am still in Baku and honestly it has been an appalling experience with him. If after this warning you still plan to contact him please negotiate with Roman like you would a LEGAL contract not assuming anything and EVERY word should be mentioned and vetted and checked again because it will be conveniently used against you when required. Even if any punctuation is missing get it added as that will be used as an excuse later to cheat you and change the agreed to terms. I have proof of all this and am happy to show anyone interested so you do not face the same situation as me.

I have travelled to just about every country in North America, Europe and most of Asia, Austraila and many in Africa – so pretty much the world and nowhere have I seen such blatant volte face as I have right now.

BE careful and safe travels to all.

Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience and insights! It’s of immense help to those planning a visit to Azerbaijan. I am visiting Azerbaijan in May with my daughter. I would love to rent a self drive car as I’ve done many road trips in India including in the Himalayan region. I had some concerns though. How safe would it be for 2 women to drive in the country side by themselves? Does Google Maps work well in the country side? Is there good network for mobiles to work to be able to navigate your way? If you could please help clarify the above concerns it would be a great help. Thanks.

It should be safe provided you follow all normal travel precautions. We had an amazing time driving in Azerbaijan and exploring the remote villages. Google maps and network both worked well. Have a great trip 🙂

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Azerbaijan Itinerary: 1 & 2-Week Routes for First-Time Visitors

I don’t remember the first time I heard about Azerbaijan , but it’s always held an exotic allure to me. Azerbaijan — even the name sounds exotic — a place of…well, I didn’t know what. It just sounded intriguing and off the beaten path. I knew two things about Azerbaijan before I visited: it once won the Eurovision Song Contest and has a lot of oil money.

It was only in the last few years that I began to think in earnest about visiting.

But years passed without any progress toward that goal — until one June when, on a whim, I went there with a friend. We had found a cheap flight from London , so off we went!

Sometimes that’s all it takes to end up somewhere.

Azerbaijan matched my expectations: Baku was a modern city steeped in oil money with a recently built subway, fast Wi-Fi, and tons of Parisian-style and futuristic buildings, while the rest of the country was incredibly rural with small towns surrounded by gorgeous mountains and farmland. In tiny villages, old men with canes sat in town squares gazing at passersby. Old babushkas with their backs bent and heads covered with scarves wandered past with groceries, off to make dishes for the family.

To help you make the most of your trip, here are two itineraries to ensure you see the highlights, save money, and get off the beaten path!

Table of Contents

What to See and Do in Azerbaijan: One-Week Itinerary

On your first day here, wander around the old city. The Old Town is surrounded by a towering medieval stone wall, and, within this part of the city, you’ll find narrow winding streets and plenty of historic monuments to explore. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which was built in the 15th century and includes a mosque, bathhouse, and mausoleum. Inside you’ll be able to see all kinds of relics and artifacts that have been discovered around Baku.

You’ll also find the ancient Muhammad Mosque within Old Town which dates back to the 11th century. Don’t skip the famous Maiden Tower with its great views of the city. The oldest parts of Maiden Tower are believed to have been constructed between the 4th and 6th century CE while the newer parts are from the 12th century. (Fun fact: They still have no idea what this tower was built for, but many believe it was originally used as a Zoroastrian temple, and various mysterious legends surround the site. )

Book lovers will be enchanted when visiting the Museum of Miniature books, which is located in the Old Town. The museum is part of a personal collection and features thousands of teeny-tiny books. The oldest tiny book is a copy of the Quran from the 17th century and the smallest book is a copy of “The Most Miraculous Thing” that can only be read with a magnifying glass and measures 6mm x 9mm (less than one inch!)

Afterward, go on a free walking tour with Baku Free Tour and then take in the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (the country is famous for carpet making and the museum itself is actually shaped like a carpet) and the National Museum of History, which will give you a decent understanding of the history of Azerbaijan.

Where to stay in Baku: Sahil Hostel – This hostel has comfortable beds, a nice common area, and incredible showers (they even have massage sprays). The staff is not that friendly, but its central location and facilities, as well the ease with which you can meet other travelers, more than make up for that.

Additionally, nearby are the famous and iconic Flame Towers. Built in 2012, they stand 182 meters (600 feet) tall and are covered in LED screens displaying images of dancing flames (hence their name). One of them is a hotel with a restaurant at the top; the food there is supposed to be very good and fairly priced. I highly recommend watching the sunset over the city near the Flame Towers, then seeing the tower’s LED lights come on.

As a unique contrast to the ancient history of Baku’s Old Town, head to the Heydar Aliyev Centre. Designed by Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect, this hyper-modern structure is one of the most interesting buildings in Baku. The design is fluid and curvy with hardly any harsh angles. The space is often used for events like rotating art exhibitions and gala concerts. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

Next are the petroglyphs in Gobustan, home to 6,000 rock paintings that are up to 40,000 years old. The well-preserved sketches display ancient populations traveling on reed boats, men hunting antelope and wild bulls, and women dancing.

Then visit Ateshgah, a temple that has been used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship (now it’s a center for Zoroastrians). Each room has really detailed panels about the history of the temple, the pilgrims who visited it, and the Zoroastrian religion. In the center of the complex is a flame representing God.

Until 1969, the temple featured a natural eternal flame, but it went out from the overuse of the area’s gas. Now the fire is relit by a pipeline connected to a nearby city. The temple itself is a castle-like structure with a museum surrounding it.

Finally, there is Yanar Dag (“burning mountain”), which is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside. Marco Polo once described the land in this area as being on fire because of phenomena like this, but this is the only fire left. It’s kind of a disappointment, as it’s really small. It’s not worth the journey, to be honest, but it’s included in most tours, so you’ll see it anyways.

None of the sites are too far from Baku, and can all be done in a day. Most leave around 10am and get back around 5pm. I suggest taking a tour instead of going on your own, as it makes getting to these sites easy. Only Ateshgah is reachable by public transportation. All the other sites will require a car. Lots of people on Couchsurfing offer rides too. A full-day tour will cost about $40-60 USD and include lunch.

Days 4 & 5 – Lahij Take a three-hour bus to Lahij in the Caucasus Mountains, home to less than 1,000 people. Lots of day tours come here because the town is famous for copper wares; you’ll hear the clang of metalwork throughout the day. On your way, you’ll wind through the mountains, over bridges, and along a road so narrow you’ll feel like you’re going to fall off before you reach the town. When I was there, the road was partially out because of heavy rain and I was not a fan of driving the narrow, gravel road to town!

But it was worth it!

Lahij is beautiful, with cobblestone streets, panoramic views of the valley, and old locals sitting in the town square eyeing the tourists that wander past on their way to hike for the day. The tiny village is over 2,000 years old and is known for its craftsmanship. Over 40 unique craftsman trades have been practiced here throughout the ages. These include leatherwork, blacksmithing, carpet making, and of course creating copperware.

There is also a unique cuisine in this region, so make sure to try some during your stay.

Overall, though, there’s not much to do in Lahij itself. There’s a tiny museum that takes five minutes, and you can ride a horse or shop if you want, but the real reason to visit is to go hiking. There are a lot of trails in the mountains around town, and it’s best to ask your guesthouse or the tourist office for information, as there’s no trail map. There are some ruins on the trail leading up from the nearby river and waterfall but be warned: it’s a steep 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) up and the ruins (really just a wall) are easily missed.

Where to stay in Lahij: Ancient Lahij Guesthouse – This cozy homestay offers free Wi-Fi, a garden and terrace, fully-equipped kitchen, and a delicious free breakfast. It’s cheap and charming.

Days 5 (& 6?) – Sheki Next, head to Sheki via public bus, a famous stop on the Silk Road, where you can see the old caravanserai (inn with a courtyard), which housed traders and merchants centuries ago. Built like a castle to protect merchants (high walls, one gate), it dates back to the early 18th century. Now, it’s a restaurant (skip it) and a hotel.

Sheki Khan’s Palace is the country’s newest UNESCO World Heritage Site and was built in 1797. It was the summer residence for Shaki Khans and features exceptionally well-preserved frescoes that were painted at various times throughout the 18th century. Additionally, there’s a fortress and a few churches in the old town fortress down the street from the caravanserai. All in all, you only really need a few hours to see everything in town.

Be sure to visit nearby Kis to see the Albanian church, which dates back to the 5th century and was restored with the help of Norwegians in the early 2000s. If you’re staying for longer, consider booking some of the interesting craftsmanship classes and workshops offered in the area.

Afterward, go to the Gelersen-Göresen ruins, which are a lot more expansive than those in Lahij and provide some incredible views of the surrounding valley. Originally used in a fortress, the medieval ruins date back to the 8th or 9th century. The name translates to “you come, you will see.” Around the fortress, there are deep, seemingly bottomless wells that may have served as booby traps for enemies.

I’d recommend taking a taxi there, as it’s an uncomfortable and not very scenic two-mile walk on an open and exposed road. Your driver will wait (or might join you, as mine did).

Overall, you really only need a day for these sights. There’s not much to do, and the attractions aren’t that stellar. Sheki is a popular day trip from Baku and a weekend spot for locals, who head to the resorts located on the way to the ruins. The only reason I would stay longer is if you wanted to do some hiking and horseback riding in the area.

Where to stay in Sheki: Ilgar’s Hostel – Ilgar is an incredible host. This homestay is really basic. No A/C, simple accommodations, very basic bathroom. It’s cheap but you’re staying in Ilgar’s home with his family and he’s an awesome host who speaks fluent English and knows everyone in the area. There’s nothing he can’t help with!

What to See and Do in Azerbaijan: A Two-Week Itinerary

Days 4 & 5 – Quba Head north by bus to the mountain town of Quba for a cooler climate, old mosques, and traditional carpets in beautiful alpine surroundings. There’s a lot of hiking here, too, and many people also visit Tenghi Canyon. You can also stop in Khinalig, a major Zoroastrian center, or Krasnaya Sloboda, the only all-Jewish town outside of Israel , populated by the Juhuro, or Mountain Jews.

Where to stay in Quba: Vadi Chalet Hotel – This upscale hotel offers mountain views, an airport transfer, pool, and air-conditioned rooms. It’s not cheap, but if you want to splash out on something nicer than guesthouses, this is your best option.

Where to stay in Qabala: Kahran Hostel – This is a newly opened hostel in a good neighborhood located next to some great cafés, bars, and restaurants. It’s a social environment and the staff is really helpful.

Day 10 – Ganja Azerbaijan’s second-biggest city dates back to the 6th century. There’s an attractive square near another caravanserai (similar to the one in Sheki), some traditional churches, a very odd house made from bottles, and the Tomb of Nizami Ganjavi, the country’s most famous 12th-century poet (he’s kind of a national hero). It’s a good stopover on the way south.

Where to stay in Ganja: Old Ganja Hostel – It’s located right in the center of the city, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

Days 11 & 12 – Lankaran Before heading back to Baku, go south to visit this sleepy resort town on the Caspian Sea. See the Old Prison and Lighthouse (Stalin was actually a prisoner here for a while), visit the ancient bazaar, the 18th-century fortress, and the 19th-century mosque. You can spend a good day sightseeing here and then another on the beaches further south in Kenaramesha. If you have more time, take a day trip to the Ghizil-Agaj State Reserve, which is home to about 250 bird species. You can take organized tours from town.

Where to stay in Lankaran: Khan Lankaran Hotel – There are not many hostel options in Lankaran, but this hotel is affordable and incredibly cozy. The restaurant serves Azerbaijani and European food, as well as local drinks.

Day 13 – Head back to Baku before heading home. Head back to Baku for any final things to do before flying out of the country and heading back home!

Whenever I leave a place, I always ask myself: On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely am I to come back? I feel like I’m a 6 with Azerbaijan.

I loved my time there and, if I were in the region again, I would definitely visit again to do some longer hikes I missed this time. I found the people to be incredibly warm and hospitable. Even though we couldn’t communicate a lot (outside Baku, English is not widely spoken), we pantomimed and communicated nonverbally , which led to some fun and lots of laugh over the confusion of trying to figure out what we were both trying to convey.

The food in the country is excellent: a mix of Turkish and Mediterranean styles, with lots of rice, chicken, fresh vegetables, and spices. The landscape is stunning with lush valleys and farmland and the raw beauty of the Caucasus Mountains in the north.

And Azerbijian is very safe too, as the government doesn’t want to anything to ruin the tourism sector (and, being a quasi-dictatorship, it has the power to make sure nothing does).

All in all, Azerbaijan is an awesome destination. It’s definitely a place you shouldn’t miss, especially if you want something a little exotic, cheap, and filled with outdoor activities.

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Book Your Trip to Azerbaijan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Wander-Lush

Visit Azerbaijan: The Ultimate Azerbaijan Travel Guide

• The Caucasus

The fire of true enthusiasm is like the fires of Baku, which no water can ever quench… Ouida

The Land of Fire

Burning hillsides, oozing mud volcanoes, ancient fire-worship temples and skyscrapers twisted to mimic roaring flames – from urban to rural, Azerbaijan is one of the most fascinating countries on earth.

A contrast to neighbouring Georgia and Armenia, this former Soviet Republic is set beneath the same Caucasus mountains, and yet it feels a world apart.

Beyond the defensive walls of the Icherisheher , Baku’s historic Old City, there have been no holds barred in sculpting the capital’s distinctive skyline. From the Heydar Aliyev Center to the Flame Towers , you have to see Baku’s modern marvels in person to fully appreciate them.

Walk the Bulvar , an enormous promenade that follows the curve of the Caspian coast, and stroll Baku’s Parisian-style boulevards. Just beyond the manicured parks and fountains, you’ll find the same Soviet-style apartment blocks that run as a common thread throughout the region.

You need not travel far from Baku to get a window onto the unreal landscape of the Absheron Peninsula . Spend a day in Gobustan National Park , home to sloshing mud volcanoes and petroglyphs. After dark, head to Yanar Dag , an oil seam that was set aflame by a farmer’s cigarette butt in the 1970s and has been lighting up the night ever since.

Travel around Azerbaijan by bus , following in the footsteps of traders and merchants who once coursed through the country on their way from East to West. Reminders of the old Silk Road are everywhere, from the copper workshops of Lahic , to the caravanserais of Sheki . The latter is a must-see for its UNESCO-Listed Palace of the Sheki Khans and the lesser-known Winter Palace. Both are opulence embodied, with their miniature paintings and shebeki stained glass windows.

Build-out your Azerbaijan itinerary by visiting the carpet workshops in Quba , hiking in the mountains around Khinaliq (one of the highest villages in the region), and perhaps make a detour to visit the second-largest city, Ganja . In the enclave of Nakhchivan , only accessible via a quick flight from Baku, you’ll find yet more curiosities – including Alinja Fortress , billed as the Caucasus’ answer to Machu Pichu.

Azerbaijan travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

April/May or September/October (spring/fall shoulder seasons).

How long in Azerbaijan?

2-3 full days for Baku; 7 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.

Daily budget

40-50 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; day tours; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Baku, Ganja or Gabala; bus/train/taxi from Georgia or Iran.

Azerbaijan evisa

eVisa (single-entry; 30 days) required for most passports.

Getting around

Hire a car; use intercity trains and marshrutka vans.

Where to stay

Hostels, family-run guesthouses or hotels.

Tours & experiences

City tours, alpine hiking and mud volcanoes.

Explore Azerbaijan

Discover all the best things to do in Azerbaijan with my latest travel guides.

One-Week Azerbaijan Itinerary: How to Spend 7 Days in the Land of Fire

A Short Guide to Visiting Khinaliq, Azerbaijan’s Highest Village

A Short Guide to Visiting Lahic, Azerbaijan’s Coppersmith Village

15 Captivating Things to Do in Baku, Azerbaijan

Everything You Need to Know About the Baku Tbilisi Kars Railway

17 Magical Things to Do in Sheki: A Complete Guide to Azerbaijan’s Silk Road City

My azerbaijan favourites.

Xinaliq to Qalayxudat, north-eastern Azerbaijan.

Must-eat meal

Piti (aromatic meat stew served with bread).

local experience

Sip chai in a local teashop in Baku.

best souvenir

A Kelagayi silk scarf printed with buta motifs.

Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Popular destinations, san francisco, new york city.

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• A One Week Travel Itinerary...

A One-Week Travel Itinerary To Azerbaijan

Few can find it on a map, let alone travel to Azerbaijan. But the Land of Fire has history, incredible hospitality, and nine climatic zones creating astonishing diversity. With the new eVisa and fall in oil prices, Azerbaijan makes for an affordable destination to spend a week.

Day one: arrive in baku and sightseeing.

You’ll fly into Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Getting to the city is easy: either take one of the black cabs (make sure you negotiate the price) or the bus, which drops passengers at 28 May tube station. The express bus departs every 30 minutes costing AZN1.30 ($0.80). You need to buy a BakiKart from the machine in the terminal and give it to the driver.

Depending on what time you arrive in Baku, the priority may be either sightseeing or food. For sightseeing, head to Icheri Sheher, the 15th-century old town and visit Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and walk around the fortress walls. If you’re hungry, you’ll find several traditional restaurants in the old town area and international ones on Fountain Square.

Other must-visit attractions in Baku include strolling along the promenade (Baku Boulevard), riding the funicular to Martyrs Alley and Eternal Flame for views of the city, and taking a Caspian Sea Cruise. Walk along Nizami Street for shopping and to see late 19th century architecture, photograph the Flame Towers during both the day and night, and marvel at the futurist Heydar Aliyev Centre.

Day Two: Visit the Fire Temple and Burning Mountain

Azer translates to ‘fire’. Azerbaijan has strong cultural links to fire from the early Zoroastrians to the burning mountain at Yanar Dag and modern Flame Towers. Day two takes you to experience the full extent of the Land of Fire. Either join a tour or use the metro and bus, which cost less than $3 in total.

Get up early and visit Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag, the burning mountain. The Fire Temple dates back thousands of years. The current temple was built 500 years ago. Take bus 184 from Koroglu Metro Station. After the temple, return to this station and take bus 217 to Yanar Dag.

Yanar Dag in a rural Baku suburb is both awe-inspiring and surreal. A 10 metre-horizontal strip (33 feet) across the scorched mountain continuously burns regardless of the sub-zero winter temperatures or occasional torrential downpour. Ignited natural gas leaks from underground reserves and burns.

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Day Three: Gobustan’s Petroglyphs and Mud Volcanoes

Day three involves visiting Gobustan (Qobustan) National Park and the mud volcanoes. UNESCO Gobustan , 60 kilometres (37.3 miles) southwest of Baku, has more than 6000 rock carvings including some estimated to be 40,000 years old. Inside you’ll see Gaval Dash, a large rock that makes a similar sound to a tambourine when struck. The weird mud volcanoes spewing freezing mud from subterranean gas reserves are are nearby, too.

Be prepared to splurge on a tour or else settle for a complicated day on public transport. Tours start at $70 per person with an English-speaking guide and last six hours. If you use the bus, first get to Field of 20 (20-Ci Saha) bus stop in Baku and take 195 heading to Alat. Get off in Gobustan. Write the name in Azeri along with a request to stop here on a piece of paper and show the driver. They probably won’t speak English. From the bus stop, either take a taxi or walk the 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) to the National Park. You’ll need to get a taxi to visit the mud volcanoes.

Day Four: Head to Ganja

Visitors who travel to Azerbaijan often visit the historical second city, Ganja. Dating back to the 6th century and the birthplace of famous 12th-century poet, Nizami Ganjavi, Ganja offers a glimpse into traditional Azerbaijan before the the wealth from black gold.

It’s a long journey from Baku to Ganja, taking up to four-and-a-half hours on the 370-kilometre trip (230 miles). Tickets cost AZN10 ($5.90) departing from Baku International Bus Terminal on the outskirts of the city. Take the green line to Memar Ajami and the purple to Avtovaghzal.

When you arrive in Ganja, head to the central square near Ataturk Avenue and grab a bite to eat. Don’t expect any English. If you have the energy, go sightseeing or wait until tomorrow.

Day Five: Sightseeing in Ganja

Ganja’s main attractions include the Bottle House, giant Tomb of Nizami, and 15th-century Shah Abbas Mosque. The History and Ethnography Museum along Ataturk Avenue makes for an exciting stop for an hour, and the ruins of Shah Abbas caravanserai are on the square opposite. Walk along the pedestrian street, snap a few photographs and head to the historical Khan Baghi Park.

Lake Goygol, a mountainous lake surrounded by lush forest, is 45 kilometres (30 miles) and accessible on a half-day trip. In the evening, take a taxi to the large Heydar Aliyev Park on the outskirts of Ganja.

Day Six: Travel to Sheki

Sheki, the historical mountain town near the Georgian border, is the final stop. Regular buses leave from Ganja, and depending on the weather, should take up to three hours.

Most who travel to Azerbaijan skip Sheki, but they miss out on the historical and natural wonders. The main attractions include the 18th-century Sheki Khan’s Palace (Khansarai), the caravanserai that once housed Silk Road traders and a set of medieval baths.

Day Seven: Final Day of Sightseeing

Stroll along the streets in Sheki and soak up the history one last time. Tourists who travel to Azerbaijan often visit neighbouring Georgia from Sheki. If this is your route, take the bus from Sheki to Azerbaijan’s border town at Balakan. Get a taxi to the border, cross into Georgia and then catch another marshrutka (minibus) from nearby Lagodekhi to Sighnaghi. Or, take the six-hour bus from Sheki back to Baku.

Places to Stay

The best hotels in ganja, azerbaijan.

Bars & Cafes

The 10 best coffee shops in ganja, azerbaijan.

The 10 Best Bars in Ganja, Azerbaijan

10 Azerbaijani Books to Read Before You Go

Restaurants

The 10 best restaurants in ganja, azerbaijan.

Film & TV

The best independent cinemas in baku, azerbaijan.

How Eurovision Shot Azerbaijan to Tourism Stardom

10 Azerbaijani Films You Need to Watch

See & Do

When is the best time to visit azerbaijan.

Chovgan: Azerbaijan's Thrilling National Sport

Guides & Tips

Money and travel costs in azerbaijan.

Where to Watch the Stars in Azerbaijan

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Tour To Planet

Explore The World

Top 11 Tourist Attractions in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a colorful and vibrant country. Where Asian and European cultures are closely intertwined. It is a prosperous, modern state thats is careful preserves its history and value. There are hundreds of historical sights are located throughout this country ancient cities, fortresses, mosques, and palaces are preserved from the times of most powerful people. Azerbaijani resort area on the coast of the Caspian sea is excellent health resorts. Where every tourist can improve their health, take sunbathe and fully relax on well-maintained beaches. Fans from all over the world of picturesque landscapes are attracted to this country by its natural beauty of Azerbaijan. Here is also a peak of Greater and Lesser Caucasus ranges pierce the sky, in Gobustan nature reserve mud volcanos, are beat from the ground. The lake Geigel sparkles with a smooth surface.

In Azerbaijan,

There are 9 out of 11 climatic zones of this planet that are represented by subtropics. Where palms, banana grow to this alpine zones with a sharply continental climate. The best time for the travel to visit Azerbaijan is from March to October. In spring nature blooms with bright colors. Since in May the water of the Caspian sea is warmed up to a comfortable temperature. The beginning of autumn is one of the best times for excursions and trips. In Azerbaijan, tourists will find themselves into a real fruit paradise. In this country, you can also eat plenty of delicious apricots, watermelons, pomegranates, and sweet grapes. Here is an overview of the top 11 Tourist Attractions in Azerbaijan.

11. Caspian Sea Resorts

This is a well-maintained coast of the Capsian sea thats has a high-quality beach holiday. In Baku, Lankaran, Nabran, and Kachmas is a place where tourists will find everything that is tourists need a comfortable vacation of hotels, developed infrastructure, excellent cuisine with a high level of service and almost all of the world chains. Water in the Caspian sea is warmed up to the +25 in May and the swimming season is until the end of October.

10. Heydar Aliyev Centre

It is a modern futuristic building with congress centers, exhibition galleries, museums, and offices thats are demonstrating the achievement of Azerbaijani culture. This building has received an award in 2014 fo the world’s best building design. This Heydar Aliyev center was established in 2006 fo the development of great Azerbaijani culture, traditions, history, language, and customs.

9. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

8. Palace of Happiness

This building was in Venetian style that was erected at the most expensive of millionaire and oil industrialist of early in the 20th century of Murtuza Mukhtarov. After the full honey, one trip of Europe this wife is very impressed with a European architecture especially of this flying Venetian Palazzos. Immediately Mukhtarov was decided to build a palace for his beloved wife with the European Manners for which he hired an architect of Plosko.

7. Ateshgah of Baku

6. Palace of Shaki Khans

5. Palace of Shirvanshahs

4. Old City Baku

3. Maiden Tower Baku

2. Gobustan National Park

1. Flame Tower

This is a modern architectural complex thats is a symbol of the prosperous and new Azerbaijan. These buildings are huge glass skyscrapers in the form of flames thats is aimed at the sky. In the evening the facade lights up imitating a blazing fire. Flaming towers are visible from almost anywhere in the Baku. The visitors of the capitals are delighted with the contemplation of the game of colors on these glass surface towers. Therefore it is one of the Top Tourist Attractions in Azerbaijan.

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6 Top Must-See Places for Nature Lovers in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a great country to visit for nature lovers. With stretches of clean, relatively untouched and vast open areas- including 9 National Parks , it’s a place you can appreciate and experience the great outdoors. It’s not just one ‘type’ of nature Azerbaijan has to offer either, from green snow-capped mountains to sagebrush hills and the largest lake in the world. There’s many different experiences to choose from depending on what you’re most drawn to, explained in more detail below.

Azerbaijan’s Nature is Uniquely Diverse

The culmination of elevation, climate, proximity to water and natural geological phenomenons in Azerbaijan make for a uniquely diverse country in terms of nature.

As you can see from the elevation map above, Azerbaijan has a unique mix of terrain. From mountains, green subtropical regions to semi-arid climate. The north of the Azerbaijan is situated in the Caucasus mountain range (shared with Georgia, Armenia, and Russia), it gets flatter and drier towards the center, while the south of Azerbaijan is subtropical and hilly. On top of the land formations, the whole eastern side of Azerbaijan is stretched along the largest lake ( by surface area ) in the world- the Caspian Sea, which is salt water except for the very north part where water flows in from Russia. The Caspian coastal area is a source of natural gas which ends up creating some unique natural phenomenons, such as bubbling warm mud volcanoes. Roughly half of the world’s mud volcanoes are situated here in Azerbaijan.

With all these land formations and being situated at the meeting point of Russia and the Middle-East, Azerbaijan’s climate is also extremely diverse as well. Using the Köppen climate classification  out of the possible 11 climates, Azerbaijan has 9 of them . In this relatively small country, there’s places to go skiing on mountains , lay seaside near warm water and everything in between.

So whether you are hoping to be amongst breathtaking green and snowcapped mountains, see some unique active land formations before your eyes, frolic in sagebrush hills or relax along a calm blue sea, Azerbaijan has a great deal of nature to offer.

We’ve compiled a list of the top 6 must-see places in Azerbaijan for nature lovers along with where they’re located so you maybe able to experience them. Enjoy!

The city  Gabala is located in the heart of Caucasian mountain range , offering breathtaking views of green mountains, rich flora & fauna, and notable history as well. This region also happens to be considered the birthplace of Azerbaijani wine — and you can even take a wine tasting tour to one of the best wineries in the country.

Moreover, Gabala is quite tourist-friendly and there are many hotels for all budgets within the amazing views as well as an amusement park along the water. If you happen to visit during the winter, then you’d be able to experience the best ski resort in the country,  Tufandag Ski Complex .

Gabala is also known for its beautiful chain of waterfalls known as the Seven Beauties ( in Azerbaijani, Yeddi Gozel ) which originates from the mountain range above. In the Spring, Summer, and Fall months a walkway is open along the falls open to tourists. Along the way there’s a teahouse open for you to pause, sit and rest. Here, teas are made from the fresh clean water collected from the waterfall , so this is a unique opportunity to rest, be surrounded by nature and ( quite literally ) take it in.

The highest mountain peak Mount Bazardüzü in Azerbaijan is also visible in Gabala.

Besides mountains, freshwater Lake Nohur is a popular destination for tourists as it offers a perfectly peaceful and calm environment for relaxation. Oh, and one more thing, do not forget to take a cable car from the bottom of the mountain to the top! You will travel up the mountain with breathtaking views. Some hotels and teahouses are accessible this way actually.

Check our Gabala article for more detailed information.

Gabala, Azerbaijan is located here:

While you are in Gabala, you can take a short ride from there to the town of  Shaki . Shaki is one of the main destinations in Azerbaijan for history and nature. It’s a tad less tourist-focused than Gabala in terms of rides and attractions (no amusement park here for the kiddos) but it is very popular to spend time here if you love mountains and are also interested in the history of the Silk Way trading route.

Shaki is known for its position within the Caucasus mountains , being part of famous pre-historic Silk Way and also their food (namely piti and their unique style of paklavah). Azerbaijan’s history, food, and culture in general is effected by Shaki’s unique customs, so you would be having an important and authentic experience.

Not only are you able to lodge in one of the most historically significant destinations in the country, Karvansaray (one of the resting places for Silk Way travelers), you also get to take in the views and breathe in the fresh air of the Caucasus Mountains. You will find yourself outside quite a bit as the city and its important historical destinations isn’t too spread out, meaning it is very friendly to walkers!

Check our Shaki article for more detail information.

Shaki, Azerbaijan is located here:

3. Mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park

Azerbaijan is home of over 400 mud volcanoes ,which is over half of the overall mud volcanoes in the world.

What is a mud volcano you ask?

A mud volcano is bubbling warm mud (water), gas, and/or flames from the ground. Their formation isn’t necessarily related to lava- the mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan for example are created from natural gas from the ground beneath. They can be anywhere from 1 meter to 700 meters tall in size!

Unique wonder of the World

In 2017  CNN Travel  included the  Gobustan State Reserve  in its list of 50 natural wonders of the world. It is truly a unique landscape. We recommend traveling there on a cloudy day for optimal photos and comfort.  Be aware the volcanoes are situated in an open and dry stretch of land- so arriving at high noon during the summer time could get quite hot! Make sure to bring water with you and stay hydrated.

The best part of visiting Gobustan National Park, other than the volcanoes, is how close it is from Baku. In no more than an hour and a half car ride you are there- so it makes for a great day trip. There are plenty of tours (check out IndyGuide , Trip Advisor , etc) to choose from if you’d like a guided experience.

You could in theory bathe in the mud(?), however currently there’s no place to shower off. ( Business idea? )

While you’re there, you can also experience some prehistoric history as well. UNESCO World Heritage Site petroglyphs (rock carvings) dating back to 12,000 BC are also located in this region. Read more about  the rock Engravings of Gobustan for more interesting facts and photos.

Without a doubt, whether you’re a seasons geologist nerd or someone that is interested in walking through land that seems like a different planet, the mud volcanos of Gobustan National Park will give you a truly unique and memorable experience you can have in Azerbaijan.

Gobustan National Park, Azerbaijan is located here:

4. Absheron National Park

Have you noticed Azerbaijan’s unique peninsula that juts into the Caspian Sea? Have you been curious is people can walk to the farthest point of it? Well, you can! The iconic peninsula, adjacent to Baku, is actually a national park.  Absheron National park is an interesting place. At a distance it’s a flatter, semi-desert area of land along the Caspian that, according to other’s accounts, might not even seem like you are in a park. But the closer you look you look you are able to appreciate the delicate ecosystem here and simply appreciate some calm away from the city.

This park is close distance-wise to Baku and is accessible by car (or taxi). You may want to arrange for your taxi to wait for you to ensure you have a ride back.

It is recommended to visit Absheron National Park especially in the spring or summer when the wildflowers are blooming. The park is a great place for coastal bird watching, or simply having a picnic in a calm open nature outside the bustle of Baku. People have claimed to see gazelles and even camels here (Azerbaijan is not desert, so this is odd to hear). There was also once a time there was an abundance of Caspian Seals here in the summer, but locals now say this occasion is quite rare . Caspian Seals would be more commonly seen in the north part of the Caspian sea near Russia where it is cooler temperatures.

You also should be able to drive far down the peninsula and walk to the tip of what’s sometime’s called the ‘Eagle’s Beak’. We’ve heard at the present moment this area is a bit lackluster, but also word that the government is working on building this area into more of a tourist destination.

5. Lake Goygol in Göygöl National Park

Lake Goygol (in Azerbaijani Göygöl) means Blue Lake due to its clean water. The lake formed as a result of an earthquake in 1139 in the city of Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second largest city. The earthquake demolished rocks from surrounded mountains and blocked the river, which formed this deepest lake in Azerbaijan.

The Goygol National Park is currently the most recently added national parks of Azerbaijan, and is located in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range near the highest peak (Murovdag) close by. Because it’s a National park there’s plenty of walkways and places to rest and enjoy the scenery. The perfect place to pack a sandwich for a walk, no?

It is relatively far from the capital Baku and might be part of a longer tour you have planned around Azerbaijan/ the Caucasus. However recently, a new Baku-Ganja train route was announced, which takes around 3 hours. From Ganja, you can take a very short taxi ride to the lake.

If you love mountains, fresh air, and clean water— definitely make your way to this park.

Göygöl National Park is located here:

6. Shahdag National Park

Shahdag National Park (in Azerbaijani Şahdağ Milli Parkı) is the biggest national park in the Caucasus mountain ranges and aims to protect endangered species living in this unique ecosystem. It’s located close to the Georgia/Azerbaijan border, just west of Quba.

There are many hiking trails in Shahdag National Park, as short as 3-4 km up to 39 km. All trails go through a beautiful river, forest and green valleys surrounded mountains. On the official website of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources you can find all the information about the park and hiking trails, rules to follow, as well as a way to purchase your entry ticket (roughly a few US dollars). If you like hiking in lush environments and being amongst gorgeous mountains, then this park is absolutely for you.

***Remember all national parks entry ticket can be bought online from the official website of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources .

There are a handful of more parks to write about, including tips on where to be able to swim in the Caspian Sea, but we wanted to start with these for now. We will add to this list, so feel free to pop back in later.

Thanks for reading!

—Go Travel Azerbaijan Team

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A trip to Baku is a no-brainer – here’s why

Blending old and new with both charm and chaos, Azerbaijan’s capital continues to be one of the most dynamic cities on the planet.

Baku is repeatedly referred to as “the next Dubai” – but Icheri Sheher, the old city with 12th-century defensive walls, would beg to differ. Elsewhere, the capital of Azerbaijan hosts a vibrant piazza, a lively jazz scene, artistic institutions aplenty, a handful of architectural gems, and a food scene that draws influences from East and West owing to its location in the Caucasus. Factor in the three-hour flight time and visa-on-arrival system for all UAE residents, regardless of passport, and a jaunt to Baku feels like a no-brainer.

Sleeping In

By now, many of the major luxury hotel groups have landed in Baku – Fairmont, Four Seasons, and JW Marriott included. But as any savvy traveller can testify, the location of a hotel trumps all else. Enter: Boutique 19 Hotel , which sits perfectly in the middle of Fountains Square and Baku Boulevard, both of which deserve a visit during your trip. However, bragging rights come in the form of Boutique 19’s proximity to Icheri Sheher (Inner City), which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 – part of its fortress wall is located inside the hotel.

Stepping Out

Baku may be one of the world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, but never does it feel too chaotic or overcrowded. Unlike your trips to the likes of London or New York, you’ll actually find the time to pause and people-watch in the tree-lined Fountains Square. Here await – you guessed it – fountains of various designs alongside street food, bronze sculptures, and carousels that look like they belong in a whole other era. The piazza transitions seamlessly into the lively Nizami Street. Stroll down this pedestrian avenue to feel the city’s pulse as it’s rife with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and high street stores. And adding to its appeal is the sheer diversity of historic architectural styles – Baroque, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic included.

Another wonderful area in which to take a stroll – and get a whiff of the Caspian Sea – is Baku Boulevard. Not only is this seaside venue especially family-friendly owing to attractions such as Tusi-Bohm Planetarium, Baku Eye ferris wheel, and Little Venice (complete with gondola rides), but at 25 kilometres in length, it’s also one of the longest promenades on the planet. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to get heckled by the many playful men who sell dondurma – there’s an ice cream stall at almost every turn.

Time Travel

Nothing wins tourists over more than Icheri Sheher, which holds history, mystery, stories, and secrets within its 12th-century walls. You’ll undoubtedly get lost within its maze of cobblestone streets, but that’s part of the fun – just be sure to make a mental checklist of some unmissable pit stops. Both Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower are listed in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The former is the crown jewel of the inner city as it’s made up of several different structures built throughout the ages, with each adding to the mash-up of medieval, Asian, and Islamic influences. The latter, meanwhile, is a symbol of Baku.

Historians don’t agree on when this cylindrical stone tower was built, how it was built, or why it was built, but everyone agrees that it is the stuff of legends – literally. Of the many folklores that surround it, the one you’ll likely hear is that it’s named after a princess who took her own life by jumping off the top of the tower to escape from a marriage of strategic convenience. Culture buffs, take note: the Museum of Miniature Books and studio of famous (and famously barefoot) artist Ali Shamsi also come highly recommended.

We recommend setting a whole day aside for this veritable open-air museum as amongst the domed bathhouses, sandstone caravanserais, and storied mosques are plenty of opportunities to pick up quality (read: authentic) souvenirs such as traditional copperware, handwoven carpets, intricately painted ceramics, and armudu teacups alongside unexpected vintage finds – Soviet-era shot glasses, anyone? Social project ABAD gets a special mention for housing handicrafts from all over Azerbaijan under one roof, encouraging small-scale entrepreneurship and supporting the formation of family businesses.

In complete contrast to the old city – and speaking volumes of Azerbaijan’s oil boom in the late 19th century – are Baku’s over the top architectural marvels. There are two in particular that are worthy of a closer look: the flamboyant Flame Towers and the beautifully fluid Heydar Aliyev Center. We suggest viewing the Flame Towers from the commanding Bahram Gur Statue before taking the Baku Funicular up to Martyrs’ Lane for panoramic views and countless photo ops. 

Come night, this trio of flame-shaped skyscrapers comes alive, its flickering lights symbolizing Zoroastrianism’s origins in Azerbaijan. Further afield, Heydar Aliyev Center is a true architectural feat by the late and legendary Zaha Hadid. Walk around to admire the many waves, folds, and curves of this iconic structure – and know that you’re in the presence of greatness.

Food Matters

It’s not just Baku’s architecture that reflects the diversity of its past; the culinary culture of Azerbaijan, which sits at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and borrows from the travellers who passed along the Great Silk Road, is just as rich. Influences from Turkey, Iran, Russia, and Georgia are evident in Azeri dishes – think: pilafs embellished with nuts and dried fruits, fall-off-the-bone meats, sumac-infused salads, creamy cheeses, and pomegranate molasses adding a hint of zing to fresh fish from the Caspian Sea.

Both Sumakh and Nakhchivan are popular with the locals for their upscale ambience, but as a tourist, you ought to dine at Şirvanşah – especially if you’re pressed for time. Not only is this museum-meets-restaurant housed in a two-story building that once served as a caravanserai, but it also serves authentic Azeri cuisine to a backdrop of live mugham music, making for a night you won’t soon forget. Russian fare, meanwhile, is best enjoyed at Mari Vanna, where a meal feels more like dining in your (rich) grandmother’s living room than a restaurant abroad.

Culture Quest

Baku’s blend of East and West, old and new, has resulted in a culture scene that has something for everyone. Bibliophiles should make a beeline for the extravagant Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, history buffs can while away the hours at the massive National History Museum of Azerbaijan, and a slice of the country’s carpet-making heritage can be experienced at Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Also keep an eye out on the shows taking place at the various cultural venues around town, starting with Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and Baku Marionette Theater.

The city has a longstanding (and complicated) relationship with jazz – authorities in the Soviet Union banned it after World War II, forcing musicians to move or perform in secrecy. The result? Baku became a regional hub for this genre of music. Today, live jazz can be enjoyed at various places around town, but Baku Jazz Club is the one to beat. Incidentally, the 17th edition of the annual Baku Jazz Festival will kick off on 23 September, taking over the city for seven glorious days of performances.

Art for Art’s Sake

Between the Center of Contemporary Art, Azerbaijan National Museum of Art, and Yarat Contemporary Art Space, aesthetes will be spoilt for choice – the city’s thriving art scene certainly came as a surprise to us. But if you can make time for only one, opt for Baku Museum of Modern Art, where open passages help provide a multidimensional perspective of the over 800 exhibits. Contemporary art by leading Azerbaijani artists aside – which greets you before you’ve even entered the building – masterworks by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Marc Chagall are also on display.

  Retail Therapy

If you’re lucky enough to make it to the Baku Museum of Modern Art, there are two great stores just minutes away on foot: Port Baku Bazar and Chelebi. The former is a gourmet food market where you can sample and stock up on endless varieties of the sinfully delicious pastry, pakhlava. But that’s not all. 

Locally produced jams and honey, black caviar produced from classic Caspian sturgeon by Baku Caviar, all manner of sweet and savoury breads, and high-end confectionery by Xurcun are also on sale at Port Baku Bazar. Next door, Chelebi sells vibrantly hued cushions, coasters, wall art, figurines, and other decorative home accessories – all great gifts for those unlucky enough to overlook this unmissable travel destination.

GO: Visit https://azerbaijan.travel for reservations and more information.

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Azerbaijan , landlocked country of eastern Transcaucasia. Occupying an area that fringes the southern flanks of the Caucasus Mountains, it is bounded on the north by Russia, on the east by the Caspian Sea, on the south by Iran, on the west by Armenia, and on the northwest by Georgia. 

Destination :  Azerbaijan

Tour Departures : Every Month

Days : 6 Nights  / 7 Days

Highlights : Baku ♦ National Museum of History of Azerbaijan ♦  National Museum of History of Azerbaijan ♦ Gabala ♦ Sheki ♦ Of Kish Village ♦   Mud Volcanos ♦ Gobustan National Park ♦ Bibiheibat Mosque ♦ Absheron Peninsula ♦ Yanardag – Fire Mountain ♦ Heydar Aliyev Center ♦   Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Tour Cost : Starting  from Rs. 1,19,000

✓ 4N Accommodation in West Sine Hotel 4 *( Baku)

✓ 1N Accommodation in White Boutique 4* (Gabala)

✓ 1N Accommodation in Ruma Gala Hotel 4* (Sheki)

✓ Daily Breakfast

✓ 6 lunches / 6 dinners

✓ Daily 1*500 ml water bottle

✓ Entrance fee

✓  English Speaking Guide

✓  All Tours & transfers mention in program

✓  Tour Manager from Sky Planet Holidays

✓  Sky Planet Holidays Complementary Travel Kit

× Personal Expenses

× Travel Insurance

× Any other items not mentioned in the package inclusions.

× Other tours and meals than mentioned in the program

× Unutilized services are Non refundable.

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×   Optional tour Personal expenses such as drink, telephone, laundry etc

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♦ Sky Planet Holidays will take booking against Travelers, passport copy & Advance payment of Rs. 45000 per Person

♦ Final payment Should pay 20 days prior of Departure

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♦ The Cruise tickets/ accommodation/ sightseeing activities and other items included in the itinerary are all group reservations. Once confirmed and ordered, no refund will be arranged to Travelers who did not avail or drop out from the journey in any circumstances. Alternative itineraries will not be arranged.

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Note:   To get a pdf format Azerbaijan itinerary Kindly contact us on 868 0000 578  or  868 0000 328

CHENNAI – ARRIVAL BAKU

Assemble at Chennai airport at 0100 hrs. Then board Air Arabia (G9-472) Flight at 0415 hrs. Arrive in Sharjah International Airport at 0645 hrs. Next connection by Air Arabia (G9-303) to Baku at 1305 hrs. Arrive in Baku International Airport at 1555 hrs, After Completing The Airport Formalities, then Proceed to the hotel Check-In at Hotel Atlas 4* or similar Evening free for Leisure Dinner at the Indian Restaurant Overnight Stay at hotel – Baku

BAKU LOCAL-SIGHTSEEING

Morning breakfast at the Hotel Transfer to the Panoramic View Of Baku City And Baku Bay From Highland Park – Martyrs Alley, Marvelous View Of Flame Towers Later Visiting Old City – Icheri Sheher And then Proceed to Entrance Gates Of Old Baku; Fortification Tower; Caravanserai Complexes – Bukhara And Multan; Maiden Tower (Under Unesco Protection); Old Mosques; Bathes Miniature Book Museum; Shirvanshahs Palace (Under Unesco Protection); Narrow, Small Cobbled Stone Streets.  Continue With Nizami Street A Large Pedestrian And Shopping Street In The Downtown Baku  Visiting National Museum of History of Azerbaijan: The Former Mansion of Azerbaijani Oil Magnate and Philanthropist H.Z.Tagiyev Walking On Baku Boulevard. Boat Tour On A Windless Weather Dinner at Indian Restaurant Overnight Stay at hotel – Baku

BAKU – GABALA

Morning breakfast at the Hotel & Check-Out Enroute To Baku – Gabala Route On The Way Visiting Diri Baba Mausoleum In Maraza. Continue To Juma Mosque, Mausoleum Of Yeddi-Gyumbez In Shamakhi City. Drive through Girdimanchay River‟s Canyons to Visit Ancient Lahij Village. Lunch at Indian Restaurant Visiting Workshops Of Blacksmithes, Potteries, Carpet Weaving Shop, Cobbled Stone Streets. Lahij Was One Of The Main Points On Great Silk Road. Visiting Nohur Mountain Lake in Nohurgishlag Village In Gabala. Arrival In Gabala Check-In at Lake View 4* or Similar Visiting Of Tufandag Mountain With Mountain Cable Car Dinner at Indian restaurant Overnight Stay at hotel – Gabala

GABALA – SHEKI

Morning Breakfast & Check-Out hotel On The Way to Sheki Route Visiting Chotari Albanian Church And Udi House In Nij Village, Arrival at Sheki Check-In at Hotel Sheki Macara 3* or Similar Lunch at Indian Restaurant Visiting Of Kish Village: The First Church Of Caucasus Visiting Of Old Sheki: Medieval Fortress, The Palace Of Shaki Khans – A Summer Residence Of Shaki Khans, Historical Museum; Round Temple (Outside); Handicrafts Workshop Of Shebaka, National Musical Instruments, Takalduz Continue With Sheki Caravanserai – A Historical Monument In Sheki Dinner at local restaurant Overnight stay hotel at Sheki

SHEKI – BAKU

Morning Breakfast and Check-Out hotel Visiting Local Eastern Bazaar of Sheki. Continue Trip Back To Baku. Lunch at Indian restaurant On The Way, Visit To Mud Volcanos Visiting Gobustan National Park (Under UNESCO Protection), Primary People Carved Their Daily Life Styles On Rocks. There Are More Than 6000 Stone Carvings (Petroglyphs) On The Rocks Near The Caspian Sea Side. Check-in to the Hotel Sheki Palace 4* or Similar Visiting The Bibiheibat Mosque – Which Is A Historical Mosque In Baku Arrival Dinner at Indian Restaurant Overnight stay hotel at Baku

ABSHERON PENINSULA TOUR

Morning Breakfast at the Hotel Sightseeing Tour To Absheron Peninsula: Fire Worshippers‟ Temple – Ateshgah: The Temple Was Built Over A Pocket Of Natural Gas That Fuelled A Vent Providing An „Eternal‟ Fire Which Zoroastrians Used To Worship. Continue With “Yanardag” – “Fire Mountain”: A Natural Gas Fire Which Blazes Continuously On A Hillside On The Absheron Peninsula Near Baku, Which Itself Is Known As The “Land Of Fire.” Flames Jet Into The Air 3 Meters (9.8 Ft) From A Thin, Porous Sandstone Layer Visiting Lunch at Indian restaurant The Heydar Aliyev Center (from outside) Visiting Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Dinner at Indian Restaurant Overnight Stay hotel at Baku

BAKU – DEPARTURE

After Breakfast and Check-Out from Hotel Then Proceed City Shopping Lunch at Indian Restaurant And You Will Be Transferred To Baku Airport at 1330 hrs.  Then Board in Air Arabia (G9-304) Flight at 1655 hrs. Arrived Sharjah at 1935 hrs. Next Connection to Air Arabia (G9-471) at 2200 hrs.

CHENNAI ARRIVAL

Arrive in Chennai at 0335 hrs

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Arts & Culture | June 28, 2024 7:00 a.m.

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Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Why Azerbaijan is asking tourists to “take another look”

Nov 9, 2018 • 2 min read

Azerbaijan is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world , but the country stills remains off-the-beaten-path for even the most avid travelers. But now, the country is urging travelers to “take another look” and consider planning a trip to the ‘Land of Fire’.

The Azerbaijan Tourism Board launched its new “Take a Look” campaign aimed at doubling the number of tourists heading to the country by 2023. Last year, Azerbaijan introduced a new online visa system to issue single-entry, 30-day e-visas to people of 81 different nationalities, including from the US, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, many EU countries, and nations in the Middle East, Asia, Central and South America. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan also simplified their visa processes , making the whole region easier for international travellers to explore.

The plan is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the ancient Silk Road cities found in Central Asia. Azerbaijan may also be particularly attractive to travellers next year, as it will hold high-profile sporting events like the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and UEFA Europe League Final in 2019.

Azerbaijan’s economic boom comes courtesy of its oil industry, and the capital of Baku has seen incredible modern buildings spring up around its Unesco-listed core. But once you leave the cities, you will be able to explore rural villages, hiking through the wilds of the incredible Great Caucasus Mountains and so much more.

“'Take another look’ unlocks Azerbaijan’s unique stories and secrets. The Azerbaijani people are excited to share their culture, cuisine and country with visitors. For thousands of years, the paths running through Azerbaijan have hosted many a traveller, trader and guest”, said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board, in a statement.

Right now, three-quarters of travelers visiting Azerbaijan are from neighbouring Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey and the UAE. However, the country is looking to lure in more people from Europe, the Middle East, China, Central and Southeast Asia. Want to learn more about travelling to Azerbaijan? Find out here.

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