Bakü City Guide

General Information / Guide

Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, offers a striking mix of old and new. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's famous for its medieval walled Inner City as well as its modern skyline, dramatically enhanced by the Flame Towers.

Climate / Weather / When to Go

Featuring a temperate semi-arid climate, Baku has hot summers and cool winters. The most pleasant times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.

How to Get There

Baku's main airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, offers flights to numerous international destinations. The city has a well-developed public transportation system including metro, buses, and it is also connected by rail and road to other parts of Azerbaijan.

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

Azerbaijani cuisine in Baku includes specialties like Plov, Kebabs, and Stuffed Vine Leaves. Tea houses serve traditional sweets such as Baklava and Shekerbura. The city's seaside promenade offers seafood restaurants with views of the Caspian Sea.

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Old City (Icherisheher): A fortified historic core with ancient buildings including the iconic Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
• Flame Towers: A trio of skyscrapers covered with LED screens that illuminate the cityscape.
• Heydar Aliyev Center: A cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid, known for its distinctive architecture and hosting various artistic events.
   

What to Do

Tour the walled Old City of Baku (Icherisheher) to see ancient sites like Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Stroll along Baku Boulevard by the Caspian Sea, and don't miss the modern architectural wonders like the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center.

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

Baku's nightlife is dynamic and varied, featuring trendy nightclubs, sophisticated bars, and traditional tea houses. The city center and Fountain Square are bustling in the evenings, offering entertainment, dining, and live music, reflecting both modern influences and traditional Azerbaijani culture.

Shopping / What to Buy

In Baku, shoppers can visit the old city's traditional bazaars and modern shopping centers like Ganjlik Mall. Azerbaijani silk scarves, locally known as kelagayi, make for beautiful souvenirs. Don’t miss the carpets, renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colors.

Festivals/ Events

March: Novruz Bayram (celebrates the Persian New Year with traditional dances, music, and food)
October: Baku Jazz Festival (an international festival showcasing jazz talents from around the world)

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

20 January: Martyrs’ Day
8 March: International Women’s Day
28 May: Republic Day
15 June: National Salvation Day
Eid al-Fitr (varies)
Eid al-Adha (varies)
Novruz Bayram (varies)

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

Azerbaijani is the official language. Russian and Turkish are also widely spoken, with some English.
Conservative dress is advisable, particularly in religious and rural areas.
Baku has a temperate semi-arid climate with very hot summers.
Explore carpet and handicraft markets but be ready to haggle to get the best deals.

Transportation

Baku offers a comprehensive public transit system with buses and a metro, providing efficient and inexpensive ways to navigate the city.
Taxis are readily available, and fares typically start at AZN 1 with additional charges per kilometer.
For a scenic route, consider using the funicular or renting a bike to explore the city’s attractions.