Top 10 Things to Do in Baku

Explore the UNESCO-listed Walled City of Baku (known as İçәri Şәhәr). Notice the 12th-century defensive walls enclosing the city and the ancient hammams (bathhouses), mosques, and caravanserais (large guesthouses along the ancient Silk Road for traveling merchants and their caravans). 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, a network of ancient routes connecting Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Middle East, was used by traders for more than 1,500 years. Merchants and their caravans stayed at caravanserais along the Silk Road to rest and refuel. Caravanserais, most importantly, facilitated the spread of culture, language, religion, and ideas.

You can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani food in an atmospheric old caravanserai at Han Restaurant Baku and Mugam Club. Note that Mugam Club caters to large parties.

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.

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 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 entails 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. It’s open to women on Mondays and Fridays and men on all other days. For a modern and luxurious hammam and spa, go to HamamBath. It’s a 15-minute drive from the Old City.

Join local families and couples at night and on weekends for a stroll down the Caspian-front Bulvar (promenade). 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 art exhibitions to explore and showcase contemporary art in Azerbaijan.

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

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 barbecued meat (and delicious lamb), rice dishes like dolma and pilaf, fruit sauces made from pomegranate, cherry, sour plum, and quince, and fresh vegetables and herbs.

Don’t miss these 8 must-try dishes to get a real flavor for Azerbaijani food.