Exploring Baku, Azerbaijan: A Traveler's Experience And Insights

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city of contrasts. It is a place where ancient history and modern architecture coexist, with natural gas vents and volcanoes alongside modern skyscrapers. Baku has something for everyone, from history buffs to beachgoers.

The city's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back almost a thousand years and features the iconic Maiden Tower, while the Heydar Aliyev Center showcases modern architecture. Baku also offers museums, including the Carpet Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, which houses works by Picasso and Dalí.

Outside the city, visitors can explore the Absheron Peninsula, home to the Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag, a natural gas vent. Baku's coastline along the Caspian Sea provides opportunities for cruises and beach visits. The city also boasts delicious cuisine, particularly its world-class kebabs, and vibrant nightlife.

With its unique blend of old and new, Baku is a fascinating destination that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Baku's Old City

The Maiden Tower is one of the most famous attractions in the Old City. The tower is steeped in mystery and legend, and its original purpose and construction date are still unknown. Another must-see is the 15th-century Shirvanshahs' Palace, the former residence of the Shirvanshah dynasty. It is a stunning architectural complex that includes a mosque, mausoleum, hamam, divankhana, gates, and reservoir.

The Old City is also home to the Museum of Miniature Books, which houses the world's smallest book, measuring just 2x2mm. The Marionette Theatre, which stages performances of two Uzeyir Hajibeyli masterpieces, is another cultural gem.

The Old City offers a wealth of historic mosques, caravanserais, and hamams, alongside small independent art galleries and rooftop bars. Baku's Old City is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination for travellers exploring Baku and Azerbaijan.

The Caspian Coast

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city of contrasts, with a unique mix of ancient and modern architecture. The city sits on the Caspian Sea, the world's largest inland sea, and its coastline is a must-visit when in Baku.

For those looking to enjoy the beach, Bilgah Beach, about a 40-minute drive from the city centre, offers clean and unpolluted water. There, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a small fee. Amburan Beach Club, about an hour's drive from the city, features a private beach, swimming pools, slides, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It's a great option if you don't mind paying a fee to access the facilities and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Baku's museums

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city filled with museums, modern architecture, and cultural history. Here is a detailed guide to some of Baku's most fascinating museums:

The Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most famous buildings in Baku and a symbol of Azerbaijan. The building, named after the country's beloved leader, houses a museum and conference centre with rotating exhibitions. Even if you don't go inside, the surrounding giant park is a popular place to visit, especially at sunset. The unique modern architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center also makes it one of the best spots for Instagram-worthy photos in Baku.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Just outside the Old City of Baku, you will find the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Carpets are an important part of Azerbaijani culture, and this museum showcases a range of exquisite carpets and provides insight into the history and craftsmanship behind them.

The Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Baku. Located in the Old City, this ancient tower offers a stunning view of the modern Flame Towers. Climbing the tower and taking in the contrast between old and new Baku is a must-do experience.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Baku is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This medieval palace complex, located in the Inner City, dates back to the 15th century and was once the residence of the Shirvanshah rulers. The palace museum displays artefacts and provides a glimpse into the history and culture of medieval Azerbaijan.

Baku Museum of Modern Art

For those interested in contemporary art, the Baku Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit. The museum showcases the works of both established and emerging Azerbaijani artists, offering a unique perspective on the country's modern art scene.

Baku National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

To delve into the rich history of Azerbaijan, a visit to the Baku National Museum of History is essential. The museum exhibits cover a wide range of historical periods, from ancient artefacts to more recent exhibits on the country's independence.

With its mix of historical and cultural museums, Baku offers visitors a well-rounded understanding of Azerbaijan's past and present. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history buff, Baku's museums will surely enrich your visit to this captivating city.

Baku's hinterland

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city on the Caspian Sea. It is also the largest city in the world below sea level. Baku is divided into 12 administrative raions and 48 townships. The city is known for its harsh winds, reflected in its nickname, the "City of Winds".

Baku is Azerbaijan's scientific, cultural, and industrial centre. Many sizeable Azerbaijani institutions have their headquarters in Baku, including the Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, which comprises numerous scientific-research establishments.

Baku's food scene

Traditional Azerbaijani Cuisine:

• Agabala Restaurant: Named after a philanthropist, Aghabala Guliyev, this restaurant showcases 19th-century Azerbaijani cuisine. The menu features classics like chighirtma (scrambled eggs with herbs) and dolma (vine leaf parcels filled with meat). It uses traditional ingredients such as pomegranate, rice, figs, yoghurt, and saffron.
• Art Club: Located in the Old Town, Art Club combines a restaurant and an art gallery in an 18th-century townhouse. The menu includes traditional dishes like shah plov (king's rice with dried fruits and nuts), mangal salad (grilled vegetables), and dolma. You can enjoy your meal with a glass of homemade lemonade or local wine while listening to traditional music on the veranda.
• Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant: This unique restaurant doubles as a museum, offering a journey through Baku's history. Housed in a converted medieval hammam, it boasts a collection of antiques and curiosities. Each dining room has a distinct theme, including a wing dedicated to the Soviet period. The menu features a range of Azerbaijani dishes at reasonable prices.
• Nuxa: This restaurant brings the charm of Sheki, a city at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, to Baku. The red-brick interior and dazzling lanterns reflect the Silk Road ambiance of Sheki's famous caravanserai. The staff are from Sheki, and the menu showcases northwestern Azerbaijani cuisine, including piti (mutton and chickpea soup).
• Sehirli Tendir: Located in the Old City, this cosy restaurant serves traditional Azerbaijani breakfast. You can watch bread being made in a clay oven and enjoy it with pomegranate jam, sour cream, or pomidor-yumurta (a dish with eggs and tomatoes).
• Dərya Fish House: Situated on the coast of the Caspian Sea, this restaurant specialises in fresh seafood caught daily from the Caspian. The menu includes white fish, mullet, pike perch, and sturgeon, prepared fried or grilled, along with local dishes like buglama (lamb stew). It offers a seaside promenade and a playground for children.
• Muzey Shirvanshah: Set in a former caravanserai, this restaurant is known for its museum-like traditional interior. Each room is filled with artefacts and memorabilia, creating a magical dining experience. The menu features classic Azerbaijani dishes like Shah pilaf (a pastry filled with rice, lamb, and dried apricots).
• Araz Cafe: One of Baku's oldest bistros, Araz Cafe opened in 1953 and has a nostalgic ambiance. The menu focuses on Azerbaijani cuisine, offering pilafs, dolmas, and qutabs (stuffed pancakes), along with local beer and wine. It's a convenient spot for families, creatives, and travellers alike.

International Flavours:

• CASA Cafe: Part of the Culinary Arts Center of Azerbaijan, CASA Cafe offers a fusion of Western, Italian, Thai, and Indian cuisines. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pastas, risottos, and a kids' menu. It's located by the Caspian Sea, next to the famous carpet museum.
• Vida Cafe: Vida Cafe, part of the Nine Senses chain, offers vegan and vegetarian dishes made with local organic ingredients. The menu features sorbets, falafel, hummus, vegan smoothies, and exotic salad bowls. Their cauliflower steak with chilli jam and mucver (vegetable fritters) are must-tries.
• Nar & Sharab: Located in the Bibiheybat district, this restaurant offers a calm and simple setting to enjoy some of Baku's best seafood. They serve freshly caught fish from the Caspian Sea, including mullet, pike, perch, and sturgeon, prepared grilled or fried. They also cater to non-seafood lovers with Azerbaijani meat dishes like buglama.
• Sky Grill and 360 Bar: Located on the 24th floor of the Hilton hotel, Sky Grill offers grilled meats and seafood, expertly paired with fine wines. The elegant interior features golden accents and mood lighting. After dinner, head up to the 360 Bar for cocktails and panoramic views of the Caspian Sea.
• Sumakh: With a modern interior showcasing light-coloured walls and wooden design elements, Sumakh is known for its ambiance and delicious Azerbaijani cuisine. The open kitchen allows diners to watch their food being prepared. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from roasted vegetable salads and tandoori flatbreads to lamb kebabs and pilafs.
• Nakhchivan: This restaurant transports diners to the romantic region of Nakhchivan, known for its strong cultural identity. The décor reflects the late 19th-century oil boom in Azerbaijan. The menu showcases a variety of Nakhchivani kebabs, appetizers, and the signature dish—15 types of pilav.
• Cafe Tendir: This charming tea garden is located in the heart of the Old City, offering unparalleled views of the Maiden Tower. It's the perfect spot for a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast or a typical tea, jam, and sweets experience. In the summer, you can enjoy your tea on the roof of a 15th-century hammam.
• Mari Vanna: Specialising in refined Russian cuisine, Mari Vanna presents imaginative takes on classic dishes. The menu includes dumplings, borscht, beef stroganoff, and pelmeni. The interior exudes Soviet-era nostalgia, with antiques and a Russian stove from St. Petersburg.
• United Coffee Beans (UCB): UCB is part of the new wave of contemporary cafes bringing a genuine coffee culture to Baku. They roast their coffee beans and offer alternative brewing methods. In addition to coffee, they serve healthy snacks, sandwiches, desserts, pancakes, and a range of breakfast options.
• Syrovarnya: This Russian restaurant serves rustic Italian cuisine and produces its own cheese, including mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, and halloumi, which you can enjoy on its own or mixed into salads and wood-fired pizzas. The green-hued interior creates a soothing, homely atmosphere: "It’s the best restaurant interior I’ve come across in Baku

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