Overview

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city of striking contrasts. It’s a place where centuries-old history meets futuristic ambition, and where oil wealth has dramatically reshaped the skyline and lifestyle.

At the heart of Baku lies Icherisheher, or the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves ancient mosques, winding cobblestone alleys, and the storied Maiden Tower, all within fortified stone walls. Just outside this historic core, Baku unfolds into a dazzling display of modernity. Gleaming skyscrapers, wide boulevards, and grand European-style buildings speak to a rapid transformation that began in the late 19th century when Azerbaijan struck oil in a big way.

In fact, around the turn of the 20th century, Azerbaijan was producing half of the world’s oil, an astonishing figure that catapulted it into international prominence. With this newfound wealth, the city expanded quickly and lavishly. Oil barons, inspired by their travels across Europe, commissioned ornate architecture and opulent structures modeled after the elegance of Vienna and Paris. Many of these buildings still stand today, giving central Baku a surprisingly European flair.

The city now is at a crossroads between traditions, Soviet influences and straightforward capitalistic modernism. The streets are polished, curated beauty, not unlike Dubai, but with a very different architectural soul. Instead of the sleek minimalism of the Gulf, Baku blends ultra-modern designs (like the famous Flame Towers) with baroque façades, art nouveau details, and neoclassical symmetry. And unlike Dubai, Baku is accessible at a fraction of the cost, making it an alluring destination for curious travelers.

This is a city that went from "zero to a hundred" in a flash. From humble beginnings, Baku has become a fascinating hybrid, a cultural and architectural crossroads where East meets West, history meets ambition, and tradition meets innovation.

Things To See & Do

Explore the walled old city of Baku. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place where the architecture differs enormously from the rest of the modern city. The old city dates back to the 6th century and it gives you an idea of the incredible cultural history in this region from Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Shirvani, Persian, Ottoman, and Russian cultures. Visti the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Get lost in the narrow alleyways, shop for crafts, carpets, and enjoy a traditional tea house.

Visit the markets. The markets are so clean and the products are presented in such pleasing piles. Baku’s two famous markets include Taza Bazaar and Yasil Bazaar. The others get very few, if any, foreign tourists, making them almost impossible to find without local help. Visiting the markets and seeing the daily life of the locals is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Check out Heydar Aliyev Center. In a city filled with modern architecture, this is one of the most famous buildings of all. It’s also one of the most Instagrammed places in Baku. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions on art, fashion, and Azerbaijani culture.

Enjoy the cafe scene. Baku’s most famous shopping street, Nizami Street, is lined with European-style buildings housing restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Stroll the Buku Boulevard (Caspian Sea Promenade). This area is beautifully landscaped with parks, cafes, fountains, and even a mini Venice with gondola rides. Don’t miss the Baku Eye (Ferris wheel) and Carpe Museum nearby.

See the Flame Towers. These three iconic skyscrapers are shaped like flames. At night, they’re lit up with LED displays of fire, the Azerbaijani flag, and more. You can enjoy views from the Baku Boulevard or take in panoramic views from the Upland Park.

Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Shaped like a rolled-up carpet, this unique museum showcases the rich tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. It’s the perfect place to learn about the art form and view intricately designed pieces.

Best Day Trips from Baku

The best day trip from Baku is its most famous day trip, to Qobustan National Park (sometimes written as Gobustan) to see the mud volcanoes, a surreal and fun geological phenomenon. It is just under an hour’s drive from Baku, and to get to them requires an off-roading vehicle.

Next you’ll see the petroglyphs, a uniquely impressive ancient rock art. You’ll see people dancing, people hunting, and petroglyphs of animals. It has survived remarkably well, and this is why Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Another fun day trip is to the Fire Temple and Burning Mountain. The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a Zoroastrian fire-worship site that burned naturally from underground gas vents. Yanar Dag “Burning Mountain” is a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside. Both are short drives from the city and highlight Azerbaijan’s “Land of Fire” nickname.