These are the best sights, museums, and art galleries in Baku, Azerbaijan! For more on Baku, check out the city’s top experiences, where to eat and drink, the best hotels and hammams, and must-try Azerbaijani dishes.
Sightseeing
Historic Old City
Spend a day wandering the UNESCO-listed Walled City of Baku (İçәri Şәhәr), enclosed by 12th-century defensive walls. Inside are ancient hammams (bathhouses), mosques, and caravanserais, where merchants and their caravans stayed while traveling the ancient Silk Road. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower are the Old City’s highlights. The 15th-century medieval Islamic palace was the royal residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty, which ruled the region during the Middle Ages. Maiden Tower is the oldest structure in the Old City. It’s believed to have been completed in the 12th century, but its original structure may date back to 600 BC. This cylindrical stone tower has a spiral staircase leading to the top, offering city views. The tower features in local legends, including the famous tale of a princess who leaped to her death from its heights to escape an unwanted marriage.
Modern Landmarks
In central Baku, head down pedestrian shopping avenue Nizami Street toward Fountains Square. These lively, leafy streets are filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and prime people-watching! For a classic Baku experience, join local families, couples, and friends for a stroll down the picturesque, century-old Boulevard, a miles-long waterfront pedestrian promenade hugging the Caspian Sea. You’ll notice three sky-high Flame Towers that characterize the city’s skyline. They’re most impressive at night when the buildings feature a light show that can be seen across the city. Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the Heydar Aliyev Center. This wave-like architectural wonder, without a single straight line, was designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. While far from the center, it’s a stunning symbol of modern Baku.
Bulvar; Photo Credit: Azerbaijan Travel
Heydar Aliyev Center; Photo Credit: Iwan Baan
Museums & Art Galleries
The National Carpet Museum provides an overview of Azerbaijani carpet-making, an ancient tradition recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It has a superb collection of rugs, but because the building is shaped like a rolled carpet, some are awkwardly hung from a distance. Still, it’s a unique opportunity to learn about Azerbaijan’s history and culture through this artisanal craft. Baku’s Museum of Modern Art has an incredible collection of Azerbaijani avant-garde, with 800+ works of art from the mid-20th century until now. It’s an absolute must for art aficionados, who will need several hours there. YARAT Contemporary Art Space hosts art exhibitions by international and local artists to explore and showcase contemporary art in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus. YARAT is out of the way, but its thought-provoking and cutting-edge installations are worth checking out.
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