Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, was not in the bucket list of most travelers till the late 90s. The capital of the Eurasian country, Azerbaijan, Baku has developed into an ultra-modern city after the country’s independence in 1991. Still, apart from the modern attractions, the place is filled with ancient sights that take us back to the yesteryears, confirming the existence of the Azerbaijan right from the stone age. You will also get to see Persian, Islamic, Medieval, Turkic, Russian, and Soviet influences in the history, architecture, and culture of Baku, making it an extremely interesting place to visit. Here are some of the best things to do in Baku, which is also the lowest lying capital in the world, as it lies 28 meters below sea level.
Explore the Old City
While the city of Baku is the epitome of modern architecture today, the soul of the city is still inside the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Believed to have been built in the 12th century, the Old City covers an area of 53 acres. Most of the major architectural attractions of Baku are located inside the Old City, which is also known as the Inner City. Walking around the narrow streets of the Old City, filled with homes, hotels, and shops made of locally quarried stone, will give you the chance to enjoy the old-world charm of the city.
Check Out the Flame Towers
The significance of Azerbaijan being the land of fire is symbolized with Baku’s Flame Towers. The Flame Towers is a group of three towers, each shaped like a fire. Located on top of a hill, these towers give you a great view of the old city and Baku Bay as well. While the three towers may look the same, each one has a different height and the highest measures 180 meters. The buildings are covered in glass and include residential apartments, corporate offices, hotels, shopping malls, and more. Most Baku tour packages include a visit to the Flame Towers.
Visit the Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum preserves and celebrates carpet weaving, the ancient art form of the country. You will get to see more than 6000 carpets, right from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The carpets are divided into seven sections, as per the regions they come from. As you walk around the museum, you will get to learn about the local cultures and traditions of different regions of Azerbaijan by looking at the patterns and weaving methods of the carpets. But the highlight of the Carpet Museum is its external structure, which represents a rolled carpet.
Marvel at the Architecture of Hyder Aliyev Centre
An iconic architecture marvel of modern Baku, Hyder Aliyev Center is designed by Zaha Hadid, a celebrity, Iraqi British architect. The building is shaped like a wave and does not have any straight line. Hyder Aliyev Center houses a museum and exhibition complex and has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Some of the exhibitions you will get to see here a mini-Azerbaijan exhibition (miniatures of the country’s major landmarks), the national leader Heydar Aliyev’s life and legacy, and an exhibition of classic cars. The center also has a world-class auditorium where conferences and events are held regularly.
Visit the Museum of Miniature Books
One of the best activities in Baku is visiting the Museum of Miniature Books. Located within the Old City, this museum is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as it is the only museum in the world that has the largest collection of miniature books. Opened in 2002, this museum is the collection of Zahira Salakhova, who has collected these books over a span of 30 years. Here, you will find miniature versions of classics and manuscripts in different languages, including English, Japanese, German, Arabic, Russian, Azerbaijani, French, Italian, and more. The smallest books here are Japanese books measuring 2×2 millimeters that can be read only through a microscope or magnifying glass.
Discover the Palace of Shrivanshahs
Image Credit: historyhit.com
A significant part of the Old City, the Palace of Shrivanshahs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 15th century, the palace was the home of the Shrivanshahs, the rulers of a historical region of the country. Made of sandstone walls and domes, a visit to the palace will give you a glimpse of the life of ruling family of Azerbaijan in the medieval period. As you explore the palace, you will get to see the main palace, a room meant for guests, a bathhouse, and a harem. The palace also has a mosque and a mausoleum where the royal family remains buried.
Witness the Beautiful Architecture of Taza Pir Mosque
Taza Pir Mosque is one of the most important religious monuments in Baku. Built in the early 20th century, this is the first mosque in Azerbaijan that was made in white stone. The stunning architecture of the building is inspired by Oriental sacral and constitutes porticos, minarets, and a square-shaped prayer hall. You will get to see quotes of the Quran in calligraphy in the exteriors and interiors of the mosque. Apart from the beautiful calligraphy, the ornate tilework and the stained-glass windows are a few other awe-inspiring features of the Taza Pir Mosque.
Enjoy the Natural Phenomenon at Gobustan National Park
Baku is not just about the ancient and modern architecture and attractions. It is also home to some unique and gorgeous natural landscapes and phenomena. Gobustan National Park is an ecological treasure of the country, home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is also home to over 6000 rock engravings that talk about civilizations that existed in the area since times immemorial. One of the most stunning features of the park is the presence of more than 300 bubbling mud volcanoes. While these volcanoes make for an amazing sight, do not forget to check the burning mountain or Yanar Dag, which is an ever-burning fire lit by natural gas in the area. Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Ateshgah Fire Temple, and Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Museum are some of the places you must see here.
Climb Up the Maiden Tower
Every Baku travel guide would tell you that it is extremely important to visit the Maiden Tower. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Maiden Tower is a prime attraction located inside the Old City of Baku. Believed to be built in the 12th century, this tower is 29 meters tall and has eight stories. Built of thick stones, the Maiden Tower was meant for the protection of the city from invaders. Today, the Maiden Tower is home to a museum that gives you a glimpse of the history and evolution of the city through different exhibits. The tower also gives you a panoramic view of the Caspain Sea and the Old City from the top. If you visit the top of the Maiden Tower in the evening, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous sunset.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Your holiday in Baku will be incomplete without some shopping. To have an authentic shopping experience in the city, a visit to Nizami Street is a must. Also called Torgovaya Street, Nizami Street is filled wih stores, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. Here, you can buy local stuff, including clothes, jewelry, accessories, souvenirs, etc. If you are interested in buying local handicrafts, you must visit the Folk Art store in the Old City, where a wide range of handmade products, including Azerbaijani dolls, jewelry, leather items, and pottery await you. The city also has several shopping malls like Park Bulvar Mall, Deniz Mall, TSUM Shopping Centre, Port Baku Mall, and Ganjlik Mall for your retail therapy.
Spend an Evening at the Fountain Square
If you want to know what to do in Baku in the evening, after a day of sightseeing, it has to be visiting the Fountain Square. Located in the center of the city, the highlight of the place is the beautiful fountain that enhances the beauty of the entire place. But apart from viewing the fountain, there are plenty of things to do here too. You will find lots of retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques lining this place. The square is teeming with activities, and you may get the chance to enjoy street performances, cultural events, and art installations. The Fountain Square is one of the liveliest places in Baku, one you must not miss.
Immerse in the Nightlife of Baku
While the Fountain Square for a vibrant and exciting evening, there would be many who would want to extend their evening well into the early hours of the morning. For those of you, Baku does not disappoint. The capital of Azerbaijan has a happening and vibrant nightlife due to the presence of numerous bars, nightclubs, rooftop bars, and more. Right from listening to a live band while enjoying a meal and a drink to dancing to the tunes of a DJ, there is plenty to look forward to here. Madrid Bar, The Phoenix Pub, ETUD Cafe & Bar, 360 Bar, Pivnaya Apteka, Room, etc., are some of the must visit places to enjoy the amazing nightlife of Baku.
You see, from sightseeing to exploring its nightlife and shopping scene, there are innumerable interesting things to do in Baku, Azerbaijan. So, do not wait anymore. Get your Azerbaijan visa, book your flight tickets, and prepare for a holiday filled with history, culture, nature, and fun.
