Stroll Through Icherisheher (Old City)
Wander the narrow streets of Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire centuries-old stone buildings, the Maiden Tower, and city walls. Don't miss the small handicraft shops for authentic souvenirs.
Introduction
Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, sits on the Caspian Sea, blending ancient architecture with a modern skyline. Its Old City, a UNESCO site, reveals centuries of Silk Road history alongside lively cafes and bazaars.
As an affordable business destination, Baku offers coworking spaces and budget hotels near the city center. Visitors can network in stylish yet accessible lounges, enjoy local cuisine at value eateries, and explore museums or seaside promenades in their downtime.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleBusiness
DatesDate not specified
BudgetLow budget
AccommodationHostel, hotel
Interests and Activities:
arts and culture
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Key Facts
Location
Absheron Peninsula
Currency
Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
Religion
Islam (predominantly Shia)
Population
2,300,000
Language
Azerbaijani, Russian, English
Electricity
220V, 50Hz, Plug types C & F
Time zone
UTCAZT (UTC+4)
Country code
+994
Internet access
Broadband and mobile widespread; moderate to fast speeds; affordable
Climate
Semi-arid, hot summers, mild winters
Language:
Azerbaijani
hello
salam (sa-lam)goodbye
sağ olun (sah-ol-un)yes
bəli (beh-lee)no
xeyr (khayr)how much
bu neçəyədir? (boo neh-cheh-yeh-deer)please
zəhmət olmasa (zeh-met ol-ma-sa)thank you
təşəkkür edirəm (teh-sheh-kyoor eh-dee-rem)excuse me
bağışlayın (ba-ghish-la-yin)
Map
Logistics
Flying is the most common way to reach Baku. Heydar Aliyev International Airport serves numerous direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, often offering budget options with airlines like Wizz Air or Pegasus. From the airport, the affordable Aero Express bus connects travelers to the city center.
For an even lower-budget route, overland options include trains and buses from neighboring countries like Georgia and Russia. The overnight Baku-Tbilisi train is comfortable and economical, while international buses are available if you don’t mind longer travel times. Weather is rarely an issue, but border regulations and visas should be checked in advance.
Weather
Baku experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool, windy winters. Summer temperatures often reach 30°C (86°F), with July and August being especially dry and sometimes windy, thanks to the Caspian Sea breezes. Winters are mild, but the famous cold, gusty winds—known as the “Khazri”—can make it feel much colder.
The best time to visit is from April to June or September to early November, when temperatures are pleasant, and the city’s parks and promenades come alive. During summer, Baku hosts vibrant festivals and outdoor events, while winter visits may be less comfortable due to wind and occasional rain, making outdoor exploration less enjoyable.
Food & Drink
Baku’s cuisine centers around rich flavors like plov (saffron rice pilaf), kebabs, dolma, and fresh salads. Try traditional Azerbaijani dishes at budget-friendly spots such as Sehrli Tendir, Nergiz, or Dolma Restaurant, which offer authentic meals at reasonable prices. For quick coffee or pastries, visit Passage 145 or Art Garden Café.
Casual bars like Room and Etud Café serve local beers and teas in a relaxed ambiance, perfect for business travelers unwinding after work. Tipping isn’t mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appreciated. Vegetarian options are available but can be limited, so specify dietary needs when ordering.
Tap water isn’t recommended; opt for bottled water. Meals tend to be hearty and portions generous, making shared platters a smart choice for both budget and networking.
Accommodation
For budget-savvy business travelers, the Nasimi and Sabail districts are prime choices. These central areas offer quick access to office complexes, the Old City, and fine dining. Check out top-rated budget hotels like the Sahil Hostel & Hotel or the Deniz Inn Hotel, both known for clean rooms and good locations.
Hostels such as Centric Baku Hostel and Home Boutique offer affordable dorms and private options, plus coworking spaces and modern amenities. Booking.com and Hostelworld are reliable for up-to-date prices and guest reviews. Staying close to the 28 May Metro station makes it easier to commute throughout the city. Consider booking early, especially during international events, to get the best rates.
Itinerary
Begin your journey through Baku by exploring its vibrant downtown and absorbing the city’s unique blend of ancient and modern influences.
Photograph Maiden Tower
Visit the mysterious Maiden Tower, one of Baku’s most iconic symbols. Read the legends at the foot of the tower and snap panoramic photos of downtown Baku from the top if your budget allows entry.
Tour the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Exterior)
Explore the exterior courtyards and walkways of this stunning medieval palace compound. Learn about the Shirvanshah dynasty while enjoying impressive architecture without an entrance fee.
Old City Tour (Baku, Azerbaijan)
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Discover for yourself the treasures of Baku’s ancient Old City (İçərişəhər). This tour will help you get acquainted with the history that began in the 5th century, the most historical sights of Baku - Maiden Tower, the Palace of Shirvanshahs, the mosques and minarets, caravanserais and public bathes. You will meet its most photogenic and friendly residents, the community cats, who laze about the streets waiting for your good head scratch. Our professional and friendly guide will tell you about rich history of the oriental side of Baku and show you the places that were used as scenes for many Soviet films.
Attractions
4.7 (481 reviews)
Full Day Sightseeing Tour of the main Attractions around Baku
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
In a short time you will see 6 main sights around Baku, with guides who will not only tell you the story but will be your friend all the way to the end point, help you with any questions and tell you everything you need to know!
From $66 USD
4.7 (54 reviews)
Azerbaijani Cooking Class + Old City Tour + Lunch
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Experience the best of Baku in one unforgettable half-day. Begin with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old City, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Then, step into a traditional Old City restaurant for a hands-on Azerbaijani cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, prepare and enjoy three beloved dishes: dolma (vine leaf), qutab (stuffed flatbread), and ayran (refreshing yogurt drink with mint). Conclude with samovar-brewed tea served alongside local sweets and jams. This halal-friendly tour blends history, culture, and cuisine, offering authentic tastes and unforgettable memories in the heart of Baku. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, small-group experience.
From $55 USD
5.0 (19 reviews)
Most Popular Private Tour in Baku: City Tour & Old Town Walk
INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation
Private Baku City Sightseeing Tour with Old City walking tour. Visit Highland Park, National Flag Square, Seaside Park (Baku Boulevard), Shirvanshahs` Palace, Maiden Tower, Juma Mosque, Double Gates, Bazar Square and Caravan Saray.
From $65 USD
5.0 (4 reviews)
Baku by Night: Private 2-Hour Car Tour with Scenic Stops
INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation
Discover the charm of Baku after dark with our immersive private Baku night tour. With a personal driver, you’ll explore the city’s most iconic sights, beautifully illuminated and free of daytime crowds. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see both the historical and modern sides of Baku in a whole new light. Enjoy panoramic views from Highland Park, admire the glowing Flame Towers, and ride along the scenic Seaside Boulevard. Pass by the iconic Maiden Tower — a UNESCO-listed landmark wrapped in legend — and experience the romantic atmosphere of Little Venice.
From $60 USD
5.0 (14 reviews)
Baku Soviet Architecture Gudied Walking Tour
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Over three hours we will walk into social and cultural formation of Baku City Centre, Fountains Square (then Parapet), Nizami (then Torgovaya), 28 May and Khagani (Xəqani; then Molokanskaya) streets, based on exquisite life stories, urban legends and myths relates to love and hatred, rise and fall, happiness and tragedy, turmoil and tranquility, contrast and harmony from the confluent life of oil barons and everyday people throughout last 100 years of the city.
From $60 USD
4.9 (53 reviews)
Gobustan, Mud volcanoes, Fire temple, Fire mountain PRIVATE TOUR
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Four Absheron Treasures Tour will help you look at history of Azerbaijan in a different way. Take a look at the rock paintings of primitive people, learn in detail about the useful properties of mud volcanoes, get more information about the connection of this region with fire and Zoroastrianism together with our accredited guides.
From $110 USD
4.8 (27 reviews)
Baku Night City Tour
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Experience the best of Baku in a three hour Night Baku tour that covers the top attractions in the city of Wind.Night tour through ancient and contemporary streets of Baku would give you an excellent opportunity to reveal true nature of Baku. Our night city tour includes Highland Park, National Flag Square, Seaside Park (Baku Boulevard), Mugam center, Little Venice on Baku Boulevard, National Art Museum of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State Philarmonic Hall and so on.
From $65 USD
4.9 (8 reviews)
Baku Essentials: 4-Hour Private City Tour with Expert Guide
INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation
4 hour private Baku City Tour with English speaking guide. Visit Highland Park, Seaside Park (Baku Boulevard), Shirvanshahs` Palace, Maiden Tower, Juma Mosque, Double Gates, Bazar Square and Caravan Saray.
From $80 USD
4.4 (7 reviews)
Ateshgah Fire Temple & Yanar Dag mountain (Group & Private)
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
• Must-see places of Baku in just 5 hours • The castle-like Hindu, Sikh and Zoroastrian place of worship • See one of only a few burning mountains in the world • Discover the symbol of modern Baku: Heydar Aliyev Center • Enjoy complimentary round-trip transportation from your Baku hotel
From $113 USD
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