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Baku
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Baku combines a medieval walled city, Caspian views, oil-boom architecture, modern museums and Azerbaijani culture across the Absheron Peninsula.

Old City and Oil Wealth

Baku rises beside the Caspian Sea on the Absheron Peninsula, where medieval walls, nineteenth-century oil mansions and bold contemporary architecture share the same skyline. At its historic core, Icherisheher, narrow lanes wind past sandstone buildings, courtyards, mosques and caravanserais, with the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs forming the city’s most recognisable medieval ensemble. Beyond the walls, the fortunes created by Azerbaijan’s oil boom transformed Baku at the end of the nineteenth century, leaving grand façades along streets such as Istiglaliyyat and Nizami.
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A City of Contrasts

Baku’s centre is compact enough for extended walks, yet its architectural character changes quickly. Parisian-influenced apartment blocks and ornate mansions give way to the sweeping seafront promenade, landscaped squares and the sculptural Flame Towers on the hills above the city. The Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid, introduces a fluid white form to this historic setting, while the Carpet Museum and Museum of Modern Art reflect different strands of Azerbaijani cultural identity. In the evenings, residents gather around Fountain Square, the Boulevard and the restaurants of central Baku.

The Caspian and the Absheron Peninsula

The Caspian is central to Baku’s atmosphere, though the city is a working capital rather than a traditional beach resort. Along the waterfront, promenades, gardens, museums and views towards the bay create a measured route through the urban landscape. Beyond the centre, the wider Absheron Peninsula contains fire-related cultural sites, coastal settlements and traces of the region’s long relationship with petroleum. Baku’s appeal lies in these layers: a medieval walled city, an oil-shaped modern capital and a windswept Caspian setting experienced within a relatively concentrated urban area.

When is the best time to visit Baku?

Best: May, September–October · 23–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January721
February818
March1322
April1924
May (best)2418
June3110
July357
August359
September (best)3014
October (best)2324
November1723
December1125

Getting to and around Baku

How to get there

Baku is served by Heydar Aliyev International Airport, east of the central city, with road links connecting the terminal to the capital. The airport is Azerbaijan’s principal international aviation gateway. Baku also has rail connections to other Azerbaijani cities and international services whose routes and schedules can change, so current information should be checked before departure. Long-distance coaches and intercity buses link the capital with regional destinations, while major roads connect it across the Absheron Peninsula and towards the wider country. There is no regular international passenger ferry service that should be assumed as a straightforward alternative to flying; Caspian shipping arrangements are specialised and schedules are subject to change.

Transportation

Central Baku is well suited to walking, particularly around Icherisheher, Fountain Square, Nizami Street and the Boulevard, although hills and busy roads can make some routes less direct. The Baku Metro is useful for moving between central districts and operates with a rechargeable or electronic fare system; city buses cover areas beyond the most concentrated sightseeing zone. Taxis and app-based car services are widely used, but agreeing the fare or confirming it in the app is sensible. The city’s broad avenues can be difficult to cross, and traffic is often heavier around major roads. BakuCard or other current local payment arrangements may be required on public transport.

Best attractions in Baku

Baku’s sightseeing begins in Icherisheher, the walled old city where the Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs and quiet stone lanes reveal the capital’s medieval character. Beyond the walls, the Museum of Azerbaijan Carpet displays the country’s celebrated weaving traditions in a building shaped like a rolled carpet, while the National Museum of History occupies the former mansion of oil magnate Taghiyev. The waterfront Boulevard offers gardens, public spaces and expansive views across the Caspian, with the Baku Eye and nearby cultural venues adding a modern leisure dimension. On the hillside, the Flame Towers create the city’s most recognisable contemporary silhouette, and the Heydar Aliyev Centre presents exhibitions within Zaha Hadid’s sweeping white architecture. For a different atmosphere, the Central Botanical Garden and the city’s older residential streets provide quieter glimpses of everyday Baku beyond its grandest façades.

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Best landmarks in Baku

Baku’s most important landmarks express successive chapters of its history. The Maiden Tower, a powerful cylindrical structure within Icherisheher, is associated with the medieval walled city, although aspects of its original purpose and dating remain debated. Nearby, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs forms a major surviving royal and religious complex from the medieval Shirvan period. The old city walls mark the historic limits of Baku and frame gates, mosques, caravanserais and residential lanes. The nineteenth-century Ismailiyya Palace and the Palace of Happiness show how oil wealth introduced elaborate architectural ambition beyond the medieval core. On the waterfront, the Baku Boulevard represents the capital’s relationship with the Caspian, while the Flame Towers and Heydar Aliyev Centre embody its contemporary architectural image. Together these structures make Baku’s urban history legible through stone, ornament and dramatic modern forms.

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Neighbourhoods in Baku

Best restaurants in Baku

Baku’s food culture reflects Azerbaijani traditions shaped by the Caucasus, Iran, Central Asia and the Caspian. Menus commonly feature plov, dolma, grilled meats, qutab filled with herbs or meat, fresh salads and soups, while regional cheeses, preserves and fragrant herbs appear in everyday cooking. Tea served in pear-shaped armudu glasses is an important social custom, often accompanied by jam, pastries or dried fruit. Restaurants in and around Icherisheher offer traditional dishes in historic surroundings, while central streets such as Nizami and the areas around Fountain Square contain contemporary Azerbaijani restaurants, cafés and international dining. Yashil Bazaar and Teze Bazaar provide insight into the ingredients behind the cuisine, from fruit and vegetables to spices, nuts and sweets. Caspian fish and seafood may also appear, although availability and preparation vary by establishment.

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Best bars in Baku

Baku’s evening scene is concentrated in the centre, particularly around Fountain Square, Nizami Street and the lanes near Icherisheher. Visitors can find cafés, wine bars, cocktail venues, hotel lounges and restaurants that remain active after dark, while the Boulevard provides a quieter setting for an evening walk beside the Caspian. Several venues offer live music, including Azerbaijani mugham, jazz and contemporary performances, reflecting the capital’s long musical tradition. Nightclubs and late-night bars exist, but the atmosphere is generally more mixed than in a dedicated club district, with nightlife spread among restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. Dress standards vary, though smart casual clothing is useful for more formal venues. Alcohol is available in many establishments, but visitors should respect local sensibilities and use licensed taxis or reputable app-based transport after late evenings.

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Best nightclubs in Baku

Baku’s evening scene is concentrated in the centre, particularly around Fountain Square, Nizami Street and the lanes near Icherisheher. Visitors can find cafés, wine bars, cocktail venues, hotel lounges and restaurants that remain active after dark, while the Boulevard provides a quieter setting for an evening walk beside the Caspian. Several venues offer live music, including Azerbaijani mugham, jazz and contemporary performances, reflecting the capital’s long musical tradition. Nightclubs and late-night bars exist, but the atmosphere is generally more mixed than in a dedicated club district, with nightlife spread among restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. Dress standards vary, though smart casual clothing is useful for more formal venues. Alcohol is available in many establishments, but visitors should respect local sensibilities and use licensed taxis or reputable app-based transport after late evenings.

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Best shops in Baku

Shopping in Baku ranges from traditional food markets and carpet shops to polished malls and independent boutiques. Yashil Bazaar and Teze Bazaar are useful places to see the ingredients of Azerbaijani cooking, including saffron, dried fruit, nuts, spices, cheeses and sweets, though visitors should compare prices and pack food securely. Carpet shops and specialist galleries offer kilims and Azerbaijani carpets, but buyers should request proper documentation because some carpets and antiques may require export permission. Nizami Street combines historic façades with fashion, jewellery, cafés and international retailers, while Port Baku Mall and Deniz Mall provide modern shopping in contemporary settings. Locally made ceramics, copperware, textiles, tea glasses, miniature art and packaged sweets can make more distinctive purchases than generic souvenirs. Bargaining may be possible in informal markets but is not expected in fixed-price shops or malls.

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Baku essentials

Currency and Payment
Azerbaijan uses the Azerbaijani manat, written as AZN or ₼. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in established hotels, shopping centres, modern restaurants and many central businesses, while cash remains useful for smaller shops, markets, taxis and some casual eateries. ATMs are available in central Baku and at the airport, but international visitors should check withdrawal fees and notify their bank when appropriate. Keep some manat in smaller denominations, particularly when visiting markets or travelling beyond the centre. Foreign currencies should not be relied upon for ordinary purchases, and exchange rates and card surcharges can vary between providers.
Safety
Baku is a large capital with busy roads, crowded public areas and a lively central zone, so ordinary urban precautions are appropriate. Keep phones, wallets and passports secure in crowded places, especially around transport hubs, markets and busy pedestrian streets. Take care when crossing broad boulevards, as traffic can be fast and pedestrian priorities may not always be obvious to visitors. Use licensed taxis or reputable app-based services and clarify fares before setting off. When exploring quieter streets at night, remain aware of your surroundings and stay on well-lit routes. Check current government travel advice for wider regional and border considerations before travelling outside Baku.
Emergency Situations
Azerbaijan’s general emergency number is 112; police can also be contacted on 102, the fire service on 101 and ambulance services on 103. Operators may not always communicate fluently in every language, so having the accommodation address written in Azerbaijani or Russian can help. In an emergency, state the location clearly, remain available for follow-up questions and ask hotel staff or a local contact to assist with translation when possible. International visitors should carry travel insurance details and their passport information securely. For urgent medical treatment, contact the ambulance service or attend an established hospital emergency department rather than relying on informal advice.
Do's and Don'ts
Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country with a generally secular public culture, but modest clothing is appropriate when entering mosques, shrines or other religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered where requested. Remove shoes when a religious venue or household requires it, and ask permission before photographing worshippers or private spaces. Avoid photographing military installations, sensitive government facilities and security checkpoints. Tipping is not governed by one universal rule, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary in many restaurants. Learn a few courteous Azerbaijani words, respect local privacy and avoid treating traditional customs as spectacles.
Local Tips
Use Icherisheher as the starting point for orientation, then follow the pedestrian routes towards Fountain Square and the Caspian-facing Boulevard. The city’s scale is deceptive: distances that look modest on a map may involve steep streets, wide junctions or long exposed stretches, particularly in windy weather. Visit a food or produce market with small cash denominations and ask about unfamiliar ingredients rather than assuming every product is a souvenir. Baku can be hot in summer and windy in cooler months, so layered clothing and water are useful for long walks. If time permits, treat the Absheron Peninsula and Gobustan as separate excursions rather than trying to combine them with a rushed city itinerary.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalam[sah-lahm]
GoodbyeSag ol[sahg awl]
YesBəli[beh-lee]
NoXeyr[kheyr]
Please/You're welcomeXahiş edirəm[kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum]
Thank youTəşəkkür edirəm[teh-she-kur ed-ee-rum]
Excuse me/SorryBağışlayın[bah-gee-shlah-yuhn]
How are you?Necəsən?[neh-jeh-suhn]
Fine. And you?Yaxşıyam. Sən?[yahkh-shee-yahm. sahn]
Do you speak English?İngilis dilində danışa bilərsən?[ing-ee-lees dee-leen-duh dah-nee-shah bee-luhr-suhn]
I don't understandAnlamıram[ahn-lah-muh-rahm]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseXahiş edirəm menuya baxmaq istəyirəm[kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum meh-noo-yah bakh-mahq is-teh-yee-ruhm]
I don't eat meatMən ət yemirəm[muhn aht yeh-mee-ruhm]
Cheers!Sağ olun![sahg awl-oon]
I would like to pay, pleaseXahiş edirəm ödəmək istəyirəm[kha-hee-sh ed-ee-rum uhd-eh-mehk is-teh-yee-ruhm]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Kömək![kuh-muhk]
Go away!Uzaq ol![oo-zahk awl]
Call the Police!Polisi çağırın![poh-lee-see chah-gee-ruhn]
Call a doctor!Həkim çağırın![heh-keem chah-gee-ruhn]
I'm lostYolumu itirmişəm[yoh-loo-moo ee-teer-mee-shuhm]
I'm illXəstəyəm[khes-tuh-yuhm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Almaq istəyirəm...[ahl-mahq is-teh-yee-ruhm]
I'm just lookingSadəcə baxıram[sah-deh-jeh bakh-uh-rahm]
How much is it?Neçəyədir?[neh-jeh-yuh-deer]
That's too expensiveÇox bahadır[choh bah-hah-duhr]
Can you lower the price?Qiyməti endirmək mümkündür?[kee-uh-meh-tee ehn-deer-mehk moo-mkoon-dur]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Saat neçədir?[saht neh-jeh-deer]
It's one o'clockBir sətirədir[beer sah-tee-ruh-deer]
Half past (10)Onun yarısı[oh-noon yah-ruh-suh]
MorningSəhər[suh-hehr]
AfternoonGünorta[goon-oor-tah]
EveningAxşam[akh-shahm]
YesterdayDünən[doo-nuhn]
TodayBu gün[boo goon]
TomorrowSabah[sah-bah]
1Bir[beer]
2İki[ee-kee]
3Üç[ooch]
4Dörd[durrd]
5Beş[besh]
6Alti[ahl-tee]
7Yeddi[yeh-dee]
8Səkkiz[suhk-keez]
9Doqquz[dohk-kooz]
10On[ohn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?... haradadır?[... hah-rah-dah-duhr]
What's the address?Ünvan nədir?[oon-vahn neh-deer]
Can you show me (on the map)?Mənə göstərə bilərsiniz (xəritədə)?[muh-nuh gohs-teh-ruh bee-luhr-see-neez kheh-ree-teh-duh]
When's the next (bus)?Növbəti (avtobus) neçədədir?[nuhb-buh-tee ahf-toh-boos neh-jeh-deer]
A ticket (to ....)Bir biletlə (....-a)[beer bee-let-luh (....-ah)]

History of Baku

Early Settlements and Sacred Fires

The Absheron Peninsula has been inhabited since antiquity, benefiting from its position on routes linking the Caucasus, Iran and the Caspian basin. Baku’s early history is associated with its sheltered harbour, natural petroleum seepages and Zoroastrian fire traditions, although the precise origins of the urban settlement are difficult to establish. Classical and medieval sources refer to the wider area under names connected with the Caspian coast and its fortified communities. The peninsula’s combustible gases and oil-bearing ground later became part of the cultural imagination surrounding Azerbaijan as the Land of Fire. These natural resources were significant long before industrial extraction, shaping local trade, settlement patterns and the religious associations that remain visible in nearby sites such as Ateshgah.

The Medieval Shirvanshah Capital

By the Middle Ages, Baku had become an important fortified port within the historical region of Shirvan. In the twelfth century, the Shirvanshah rulers developed Baku as a political centre, particularly after an earthquake damaged Shamakhi in 1191. The walled settlement expanded around the harbour and gained religious, administrative and commercial buildings. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower and surviving sections of the defensive walls belong to the layered medieval city visible in Icherisheher today, although the monuments represent different periods of construction and alteration. Baku’s position on Caspian trade routes brought contact with merchants and cultures from across the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East.

Persian and Russian Imperial Rule

Baku remained contested during the early modern period as regional powers sought control of the Caspian shore. It came under Russian rule after the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813 and the Treaty of Gulistan, with the transfer confirmed and extended after the Treaty of Turkmenchay in 1828. Imperial administration altered the city’s political and commercial orientation, while its harbour became increasingly important to Russian interests in the Caucasus. Baku’s population included Muslims, Armenians, Russians, Jews, Europeans and other communities, creating a cosmopolitan social environment. The old walled town continued to function as the historic core while new quarters developed beyond its medieval boundaries.

The Oil Boom and a New City

The rapid expansion of oil production in the second half of the nineteenth century transformed Baku. Industrial drilling, refining, rail connections and shipping attracted capital, engineers and workers from across the Russian Empire and beyond. The Nobel and Rothschild interests were among the major forces in the oil economy, while local entrepreneurs such as Zeynalabdin Taghiyev invested in industry, education and civic institutions. Wealth from petroleum funded grand residences, public buildings and European-influenced streets outside the old city. At the same time, industrial growth produced difficult labour conditions and sharp social inequalities. This oil-boom landscape established much of the architectural character of central Baku.

Revolution, Republic and Soviet Transformation

The upheavals following the Russian Revolution brought severe political instability to Baku. In 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established Baku as its capital after forces associated with the republic captured the city during the final months of the First World War. The republic was short-lived: Soviet power was established in Azerbaijan in 1920. Under the Soviet Union, Baku became the capital of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and expanded as an industrial, administrative and cultural centre. Oil remained fundamental, while planned districts, apartment blocks, theatres and public institutions reshaped the city beyond its imperial-era avenues. Soviet modernisation added another substantial layer to Baku’s urban identity.

Independence and the Contemporary Capital

Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Baku subsequently experienced large-scale redevelopment, supported by energy revenues and the strategic importance of the capital on the Caspian. The waterfront was extensively landscaped, major cultural buildings were constructed and older districts were restored or adapted for tourism and public life. Contemporary landmarks such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Centre stand alongside medieval walls and oil-era mansions, creating a deliberately varied skyline. The city’s modern identity remains closely linked to petroleum, but it is also expressed through museums, international events, Azerbaijani arts and the continuing life of Icherisheher.

Baku in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Baku, Azerbaijan

Discover the wonders of Baku with Evendo: a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Explore Baku like never before with Evendo – your comprehensive and free travel guide. Discover top attractions, local tips, and book your entire trip with ease.

  • Comprehensive history of Baku
  • Essential travel tips and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation
  • 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions and amenities
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Baku, Azerbaijan's vibrant capital, where East meets West in a blend of ancient history and modern marvels. With Evendo, your visit to Baku becomes an unforgettable adventure. Our app is designed to provide you with detailed information on the city's best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine exploring the stunning Flame Towers, wandering through the historical Old City (Icherisheher), or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the Baku Boulevard – all with insider tips and local advice at your fingertips.

Evendo offers more than just information; it makes planning your trip seamless. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences right from the app. Whether you're keen on discovering the ancient Maiden Tower, dining at the famous Şirvanşah Museum Restaurant, or shopping at the bustling Taza Bazaar, Evendo has you covered. No more hassle of searching what to see or do and figuring out logistics – everything you need is in one place.

Our app also features the rich history of Baku, essential travel tips, and curated local advice to help you experience the city like a local. With the 'Near Me' feature, you can effortlessly find attractions and amenities around you, ensuring you make the most of your visit. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Furthermore, Evendo isn't just limited to Baku. It covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so you have the world in your pocket once you download the app.

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