People with kids would know how difficult it is to choose a holiday destination. The place should not only appeal to the adults but also should have interesting things to do that will keep the kids engaged and entertained. If you are someone who is looking for an ideal place for a family holiday, Baku would be a good option. The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku is quite popular among families. Apart from being rich in history and culture, this Eurasian city is home to numerous museums, theme parks, and kid-friendly attractions. Moreover, the city is safe, making it perfect for a family holiday. Here is a Baku travel guide that will tell you about the top 10 family-friendly things to do in Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku. You will find almost all of these places in most Baku holiday packages.
1. Explore the Hyder Aliyev Center
A major cultural center of Baku, Hyder Aliyev Center is most popular for its iconic design. Shaped like waves, the entire building is white in color. The building encompasses a world-class auditorium, a modern exhibition center, and a museum that gives you a glimpse into the history of Azerbaijan through photos and videos. The museum also exhibits that showcase the life and legacy of the former President, Heyder Aliyev, who the museum is named after. The center also has a cafeteria and a large garden with lots of greenery where children can run around and play. Whatever the weather might be in the city, visiting Hyder Aliyev Center is one of the best family-friendly activities in Baku.
2. Visit Baku Zoological Park
The Baku Zoological Park was established in 1928, although it was expanded and renovated over the years. What started as a small corner zoo is a 4.52 ha zoological park that has more than 1200 animals from 160 different species. The zoo has a good collection of local and exotic species, including roe deer, lynxes, Egyptian dogs, South American coatis, Nile crocodiles, red deer, kangaroo, African lion, brown bear, leopard, fox, wolf, and chinchillas. Apart from getting the chance to see the numerous animals, children will have a good time riding on a pony, interacting with different animals at the petting zoo, and playing at the children’s playground. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Baku with kids.
3. Ride on the Baku Eye
If you want to enjoy a relaxing sightseeing experience, a ride on the Baku Eye is something you should try. Also known as the Devli’s Wheel, Baku Eye is an observational wheel at Baku Boulevard. Standing at the height of 200 feet, the Baku Eye has 30 air-conditioned observation wheels that can accommodate eight people each, comfortably. You can also choose to ride in the two VIP cabins that have the capacity to fit in four people each. During your 30-40 minutes ride, you will get to see a sprawling view of the Caspian Sea as well as the entire city, including its old and new architecture.
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4. Checkout Carpets at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
One of the best things to do in Baku is visit the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, which celebrates and preserves the country’s carpet weaving skill. At the carpet museum, you will get to see the largest number of Azerbaijani carpets, almost 6000. Moreover, there are a huge variety of carpets made of different styles, regions, and eras as well. The museum is divided into different sections, and you will get to see flat-woven carpets, pile carpets, textiles, jeweler, costume and embroidery, artistic metalwork, glass, and ceramics. One of the most interesting things about the museum is that you get to see a live demonstration of an artisan weaving a carpet. Another unique thing about this museum is the building itself, which looks like a rolled carpet.
5. Let Your Kids Learn and Earn at Kinderland
Image Credit : kinderland.az
When sightseeing becomes too much for your kids, take them to Kinderland located inside Deniz Mall. Spread in an area of 5000 square meters, Kinderland is an edutainment center where kids learn while playing. This educational entertainment park lets kids learn while indulging in role playing like being chefs, bakers, teachers, shopkeepers, firefighters, doctors, etc. The kids can work at Actors School, Tea Plantation, Chocolate Factory, Archeology and Ethnography Museum, Innovation Center, IT Academy, Oil Factory, and more. They also get to earn money, which they can spend while playing in different sections of this center. Kinderland is perfect for kids between 4 and 14 years, although there is a play area for toddlers too.
6. Look at the Tiny Books at Museum of Miniature Books
One of the most unusual museums that you will get to see in Baku is the Museum of Miniature Books. This museum has more than 8000 miniature books of publications from almost 76 countries. You will also get to see miniature versions of some popular and rare books, including an ancient Quran, A History of England, Pushkin’s Yevgeniy Onegin, Krylov’s Fables, etc. The size of the books here ranges from 10×10 cm to 2×2 mm. You will also find books in the size of a matchbox and even a postage stamp. To read the smallest book in this museum, you would require a magnifying glass.
7. Walk Around the Old City of Baku
Your visit to Baku would not be complete if you did not visit the Old City of Baku. Believed to have been built somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries, the Old City is actually called the Icheri Sheher. Located on the edge of the Caspian Sea, the Old City stands apart from the rest of the city of Baku through thick walls. Entering the old part of the city would take you back to ancient times, as you will get to enjoy Oriental architecture of ancient times. Apart from residential buildings made of limestone, the Old City is home to numerous attractions, some of which are mentioned here. The Palace of Sirvansahs and the Maiden Tower are the two most important landmarks here. Walking through the narrow alleyways and uneven cobblestone roads of the Old City is an experience in itself.
8. Enjoy an Evening Stroll on Baku Boulevard
The Baku Boulevard is a waterfront destination, built on the edge of the Caspian Sea. Stretching almost a mile, the Baku Boulevard is the perfect place to spend a fun evening with family, especially your kids. You can either walk or rent a bicycle to explore this place. As you walk on the boulevard, you get to see a picturesque view of the sea on one side and the architecture and attractions of Baku on the other. The boulevard is dotted with well-groomed gardens, cafes, fountains, ice cream stands, and more. Kids would love it here as there is plenty of area to run and cycle around. Plus, the boulevard also has parks and Kids’ entertainment centers to keep them occupied.
9. Spend Time in Little Venice
While Baku Boulevard has numerous attractions, Little Venice does require a special mention. Open since the 1960s, Little Venice is an attempt to bring the charm of Italy’s Venice to Baku. The place is made of several large and small islands, all interconnected with canals and bridges. One of the best things to do here is go on a gondola ride to enjoy the decorative buildings and the ambience of the place. You can also choose to take a stroll around the place while appreciating the delightful attractions of the place. Little Venice also has numerous cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy local and international snacks, ice cream, and beverages.
10. Enjoy a Traditional Meal at Shirvansha Museum Restaurant
Image Credit: bakuguide.com
If you want to taste authentic Azerbaijani cuisine along with a cultural experience, the Shirvansha Museum Restaurant is a must-visit place. Located inside a 200-year-old palace in Old Baku, dining at this restaurant is an experience like no other. Before getting seated on your table, you can take a tour of the place and admire its colorful windows, beautiful wall paintings, intricately woven carpets, antique chairs, vintage sofas, and several artefacts that reflect the rich culture and heritage of the country. On the menu, you will find delicacies and dishes from different parts of the country, including kebabs, dolma, piti, kuku, baklava, shekerbura, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to visit Baku?
Baku is a year-round destination, although Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November) seasons are the best time to visit Baku. The summer season (June to August) is good if you do not mind the high temperatures, although this is a great time for beach activities.
2. How to travel around Baku?
Public transportation is a great way of traveling around Baku. You can choose to travel in buses, taxis, and metros with kids without any issues. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are also quite popular in the city.
3. Do the attractions in Baku offer discounts for kids?
Yes, most attractions in Baku offer a discounted price for kids’ entry tickets. Some of them do not charge any entry fee for kids.
4. What should I pack for kids in Baku?
You must pack breathable, cotton clothes for your kids, unless you are traveling in winter, in which case you will need warm clothes. A good pair of walking shoes is required for you and your kids, as exploring Baku needs a lot of walking. Do not forget to pack child-friendly sunscreen. If you are traveling with babies and toddlers, it is important to carry a stroller or a carrier or both.
5. Can I get baby and toddler supplies easily in Baku?
Yes, baby and toddler essentials like baby food, diapers, formula, etc., are available in the supermarkets and pharmacies of the city. Almost all international brands are available here.
Traveling in Baku with your family, especially kids, would be a relaxing, fun, entertaining, and adventurous holiday, all at the same time. So, if you are still wondering about an ideal destination for your family holiday, choose Baku.
