7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Baku, Azerbaijan

Sunday, August 27: Arrival and Exploring the Old City

Begin your trip by exploring Baku's enchanting Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the morning, visit the iconic Maiden Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Afterward, explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a medieval royal residence. In the afternoon, wander through the narrow streets, admiring the charming architecture and stopping at local shops. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani dinner at a local restaurant.

• Maiden Tower: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Palace of the Shirvanshahs: Estimated cost - AZN 15 (approx. £6.60), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Exploring Old City: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe City located in the Old City. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries and traditional Azerbaijani dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 15 AZN per person.
• For lunch, try Firuze Restaurant located near the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This restaurant specializes in Azerbaijani cuisine, offering a wide range of kebabs, pilafs, and soups. The average cost for a meal is about 25 AZN per person.
• For dinner, visit Art Garden Restaurant situated in the heart of the Old City. This restaurant boasts a beautiful garden ambiance and serves delicious Azerbaijani and international dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 40 AZN per person.

Monday, August 28: Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes

Embark on an exciting day trip to Gobustan National Park, known for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. In the morning, explore the park's UNESCO-listed rock art, dating back thousands of years. Afterward, venture to the nearby mud volcanoes and witness these unique natural wonders up close. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscapes. Return to Baku in the evening.

• Gobustan National Park: Estimated cost - AZN 5 (approx. £2.20), Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mud Volcanoes: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Picnic Lunch: Estimated cost - AZN 20 (approx. £8.80), Time spent - 1 hour

Tuesday, August 29: Heydar Aliyev Center and Fountains Square

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece. Explore the museum's exhibits and learn about Azerbaijan's history and culture. In the afternoon, head to Baku's vibrant Fountains Square, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and indulge in local delicacies. In the evening, catch a performance at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.

• Heydar Aliyev Center: Estimated cost - AZN 15 (approx. £6.60), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Fountains Square: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Wednesday, August 30: Absheron Peninsula and Yanar Dag

Explore the scenic Absheron Peninsula on a day trip from Baku. Start by visiting the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. Continue to Yanar Dag, the "Burning Mountain," where natural gas vents create an eternal flame. Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, relax at one of the peninsula's sandy beaches. Return to Baku in the evening.

• Ateshgah Fire Temple: Estimated cost - AZN 10 (approx. £4.40), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Yanar Dag: Estimated cost - AZN 5 (approx. £2.20), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Beach Relaxation: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 31: Baku Boulevard and Flame Towers

Spend the morning exploring Baku Boulevard, a picturesque waterfront promenade. Rent bicycles or take a leisurely walk while enjoying views of the Caspian Sea. Visit the Carpet Museum to learn about Azerbaijan's rich carpet weaving tradition. In the afternoon, marvel at the modern Flame Towers, an iconic symbol of Baku's architectural prowess. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the area.

• Baku Boulevard: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Carpet Museum: Estimated cost - AZN 7 (approx. £3.10), Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Flame Towers: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, September 1: Ateshgah Fire Temple and Bibi-Heybat Mosque

Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple once again in the morning to witness the religious rituals. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and learn about the temple's history. Then, head to the nearby Bibi-Heybat Mosque, a magnificent example of Islamic architecture. Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring modern Baku at your leisure.

• Ateshgah Fire Temple: Estimated cost - AZN 10 (approx. £4.40), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Bibi-Heybat Mosque: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Lunch: Estimated cost - AZN 20 (approx. £8.80), Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, September 2: Day Trip to Sheki

Embark on a full-day excursion to the charming city of Sheki, located in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Explore the iconic Sheki Khan's Palace, known for its intricate artwork and stained glass windows. Visit the local bazaar to shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Sheki's famous baklava. Return to Baku in the evening.

• Sheki Khan's Palace: Estimated cost - AZN 10 (approx. £4.40), Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Shopping at the Bazaar: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Lunch: Estimated cost - AZN 20 (approx. £8.80), Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the quirky Miniature Book Museum, housing a collection of miniature books from around the world. Families with kids can enjoy a day at the Dreamland Golf Club, offering mini-golf and other activities. Don't miss out on trying traditional Azerbaijani sweets like pakhlava and shekerbura at local bakeries.