Top 10 Things to Do in Baku

Explore the UNESCO-listed Walled City of Baku with its 12th-century defensive walls and ancient hammams, mosques, and caravanserais. Don’t miss the 12th- to 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, which features in many Azerbaijani fairy tales!

The Silk Road is a network of ancient routes connecting Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East. It was used by traders for more than 1,500 years. Merchants and their caravans stayed at caravanserais on the Silk Road to rest and refuel, spreading their culture, language, religion, and ideas along the way. You can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani food in an atmospheric caravanserai at Han Restaurant Baku and Mugam Club (note that Mugam Club caters to larger groups).

Embrace Azerbaijani tea culture at Çay Bağı 145 in the Old City. Sit outside surrounded by ancient bathhouses or upstairs for a view of Maiden Tower. Tea is served in pear-shaped glasses with local fruit jams or Azerbaijani sweets, like baklava (pakhlava in Azerbaijani). Try black tea with thyme and clove, a local favorite. Hookah is also offered indoors and outdoors.

Azerbaijani carpet-making is a traditional art recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. Vibrant colors and geometric shapes characterize Azerbaijani rugs. Brothers’ Carpets in the Old City has high quality, handmade Azerbaijani carpets and excellent customer service. Foreign Ambassadors are known to buy their carpets there!

Visit Yaşil Bazaar, Baku’s largest food market, where you’ll find carefully stacked produce, vendors playing nərd (the local version of backgammon), and cups of tea carried on silver platters. You can buy spices (like Azerbaijani saffron), tea, and baklava to take home.

Hammams have been a place for Azerbaijanis to relax, bathe, and socialize since the Middle Ages, though they’re not as central to today’s modern-day culture. The Azerbaijani hammam experience involves a soak, steam, and full-body scrub. Massages are an add-on service.

The Old City’s 18th-century Agha Mikayil Hammam, Baku’s oldest functioning hammam, offers a simple and authentic experience. For a modern and luxurious hammam, go to HamamBath.

Join families and couples for a stroll down the Caspian-front Bulvar (promenade) each night and weekend. Along the boulevard, near the Old City, is the National Carpet Museum with its superb collection of Azerbaijani rugs. Down the Bulvar by Flag Square is YARAT Contemporary Art Space. YARAT hosts thought-provoking, cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions.

Nizami Street is the most famous pedestrianized shopping street in Baku, full of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s especially lovely at night when it’s lit up. Stroll down Nizami Street toward Fountains Square and stop at one of the outdoor cafes for prime people-watching!

Architecture lovers will appreciate Baku. The Heydar Aliyev Center is a wave-like architectural wonder designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. It has come to symbolize modern Baku since opening in 2012. Baku’s three sky-high Flame Towers characterize the city’s skyline. They’re most impressive at night when there’s a light show that can be seen across Baku.

Azerbaijani food is delicious and diverse. It stands out for its grilled meat, rice dishes, fruit sauces, and fresh vegetables. Try these 8 must-try dishes to get a flavor for Azerbaijani food.