Start around 9:00 at Icherisheher, when the lanes are still pleasantly quiet. Give yourself about 1½ hours to wander past the old caravanserais and stone courtyards; the historic center is compact, so it’s easiest to explore on foot, though the cobbles can be uneven. Continue to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs for its courtyards, mausoleum and palace rooms—allow 1–1½ hours. It’s generally open daily, roughly 10:00–18:00; check the posted hours and ticket price at the entrance, as these can change.
Settle in for lunch at Art Club Restaurant, a welcoming spot in a historic Old City building. Allow an hour and budget about AZN 25–45 per person; booking ahead is sensible at lunchtime. Afterward, walk to Maiden Tower, at the Old City’s waterfront edge. Set aside an hour for the exhibits and, if it’s open, the climb for rooftop views; entry is paid and the narrow stairs are steep. From there, it’s an easy walk along the waterfront to the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Plan about an hour inside; it’s typically open Tuesday–Sunday, around 10:00–18:00, with paid admission, but confirm before setting out.
Finish with an unhurried stroll along Baku Boulevard, right outside the museum. The Caspian-side promenade is especially lovely in the late afternoon, and you can simply walk as far as you feel like before turning back. Wear comfortable shoes for the Old City’s cobbles, and keep some cash handy for small purchases; cards are widely accepted at larger venues and restaurants.
Aim to reach the Gobustan Museum around 9:00–9:30; allow about an hour for the exhibits before heading to Gobustan National Park, next door. The museum and park are generally open during daytime hours, but check the reserve’s current schedule before setting out; budget roughly AZN 10–15 for entry. At the park, give yourself 1½–2 hours to see the petroglyphs and rock shelters. Wear shoes with a good grip, bring water, and stick to marked paths—the ground is exposed and can be rough underfoot.
From the park, continue by suitable 4x4 to the Mud Volcanoes; the tracks can be bumpy and dusty, so keep a light layer handy and don’t wear your best shoes. Allow 2–3 hours including the drive and time to look around, and follow your driver’s advice about where it’s safe to walk. Pause afterward for a simple Azerbaijani lunch in Gobustan town—plan on about AZN 15–30 per person and ask your driver to recommend an open local spot rather than relying on finding a particular restaurant on arrival.
On the way back toward Baku, stop at Bibi-Heybat Mosque for 30–45 minutes. Its setting above the Caspian makes this a lovely final pause after the open, rocky landscape; dress modestly, and check at the entrance about appropriate clothing and visitor access. Keep the stop flexible: the return drive can take longer than expected, especially after the unpaved tracks, so confirm the pickup point and timing with your driver before exploring.
With the drive from Gobustan taking about 1–1½ hours, arrange an early pickup and aim to reach Baku around 9:00. The Heydar Aliyev Center usually opens at 11:00; check its schedule before you go, then allow about two hours for the exhibitions and the striking, wave-like architecture. If you arrive early, take a coffee break nearby rather than rushing—the exhibitions are ticketed, with admission typically around AZN 15–20.
Head back toward central Baku for a relaxed lunch at Zeytun Restaurant; budget roughly AZN 25–45 per person. Then spend about an hour browsing Nizami Street, where polished shopfronts sit among handsome historic façades. From the lower city, ride the Baku Funicular uphill toward Highland Park; allow around 30 minutes for the ride, any queue, and the walk to the viewpoints.
Leave about an hour to take in Highland Park’s wide views over the waterfront and Caspian Sea. Stay into dusk for the Flame Towers: their illuminated displays are best admired from the park’s viewpoint, and the changing light makes a lovely, unhurried end to the day. The funicular can be busy around sunset, so check its operating hours and allow extra time if you’re relying on it for the return downhill.
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