Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku, also known as Icherisheher, which is a maze of narrow alleys and historic buildings. Visit the iconic Maiden Tower, learn about the history and culture at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and take in the scenic views from the top of the walls that surround the city.
Witness the natural phenomenon of Yanar Dag, a fiery mountain where flames leap out from the earth's surface due to the presence of natural gas. Afterward, visit Ateshgah Fire Temple, a Hindu and Zoroastrian place of worship that features a central eternal flame, as well as several smaller flames around it.
Take a tour through Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its array of over 6,000 rock engravings and petroglyphs that date back to the Bronze Age. Afterward, visit the nearby mud volcanoes, which are naturally occurring phenomena that spew mud and gas from the earth's surface.
Explore the striking contemporary architecture of the Heydar Aliyev Center, a cultural center that houses exhibits and events, and has won numerous international architectural awards. Later in the day, visit the bustling Fountains Square in central Baku, which offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a lovely fountain display.
With more time, consider taking a day trip to the beautiful city of Sheki, which is about a four-hour drive from Baku and features stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and the historic Sheki Khan's Palace. For those with less time, skip either Yanar Dag or Ateshgah Fire Temple, as both feature similar fiery phenomena. It's also recommended to reserve tickets in advance and check opening times for each location, especially during peak tourist season.