Saturday, September 16: Arrival and Old City Exploration
Welcome to Baku! Start your trip by exploring the historic Old City, also known as Icherisheher. In the morning, wander through the narrow streets, admiring the ancient architecture, including the iconic Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs for a glimpse into Azerbaijan's rich history. In the afternoon, head to the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to learn about the country's traditional carpet weaving. In the evening, enjoy a stroll along the Seaside Boulevard, a beautiful promenade overlooking the Caspian Sea.
Old City: Entrance fee - 10 AZN (approx. $6), Time spent - 3 hours
For breakfast, head to Café City Garden, a charming café located in the heart of the Old City. Indulge in their delicious freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
For lunch, try Firuze Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful kebabs and savory pilaf while taking in the beautiful views of the Old City. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
For dinner, visit Art Club Restaurant, a trendy spot offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Azerbaijani flavors. Their innovative dishes, stylish ambiance, and live music make for a memorable dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AZN per person.
Sunday, September 17: Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes
Embark on an adventure to Gobustan National Park, known for its fascinating rock formations and ancient petroglyphs. In the morning, explore the park's archaeological sites and discover the prehistoric carvings. Afterward, visit the nearby Mud Volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon. Get a chance to witness the bubbling mud and experience the otherworldly landscape. In the evening, return to Baku and enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani dinner at a local restaurant.
Gobustan National Park: Entrance fee - 5 AZN (approx. $3), Time spent - 4 hours
Traditional Dinner: Cost - 40 AZN (approx. $24), Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day at Coffee House Baku, a cozy café offering a variety of breakfast options including pastries, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
Lunch: For a delicious lunch, head to Old City Restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a charming setting. Try their mouthwatering kebabs or pilaf dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Chin Chin Restaurant known for its excellent Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine. Sample their signature dishes like Peking duck and dim sum. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AZN per person.
Monday, September 18: Absheron Peninsula Tour
Today, explore the scenic Absheron Peninsula. Start your day by visiting the UNESCO-listed Ateshgah Fire Temple, an ancient place of worship for Zoroastrians. Learn about the temple's fascinating history and the eternal flame that burns within. Afterward, head to Yanar Dag, the Burning Mountain, where natural gas has been burning for centuries. In the afternoon, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. Marvel at its futuristic design and explore the museum inside. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Nizami Street, a bustling pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and entertainment.
Ateshgah Fire Temple: Entrance fee - 15 AZN (approx. $9), Time spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café City, located on Nizami Street. This cozy café offers a variety of breakfast options, from freshly baked pastries to hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
For lunch, head to Firuze Restoran, a charming restaurant in the heart of Baku. Indulge in traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, such as kebabs, dolma, and plov. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at Mirvari Restaurant. With its elegant ambiance and stunning views of the city, this restaurant offers a menu of international and Azerbaijani dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AZN per person.
Tuesday, September 19: Baku Modern and Cultural Highlights
Discover the modern and cultural highlights of Baku. Start your day at the Baku Boulevard, a scenic waterfront promenade. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or a relaxing stroll along the Caspian Sea. In the morning, visit the Azerbaijan National Museum of History, housing a vast collection of artifacts from different periods. In the afternoon, explore the Heydar Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Azerbaijan known for its stunning architecture. Immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene at the YARAT Contemporary Art Space. In the evening, indulge in Azerbaijani cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Baku Boulevard: Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Azerbaijan National Museum of History: Entrance fee - 10 AZN (approx. $6), Time spent - 3 hours
Heydar Mosque: Free, Time spent - 1 hour
YARAT Contemporary Art Space: Entrance fee - 5 AZN (approx. $3), Time spent - 2 hours
Traditional Dinner: Cost - 40 AZN (approx. $24), Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A delightful breakfast option is Cafe City, located near the Baku Boulevard. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
For lunch, head to Firuz Pub & Restaurant, a cozy eatery offering a range of international and Azerbaijani dishes. Their delicious kebabs are a must-try. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
For a satisfying dinner, try Art Garden Restaurant, known for its beautiful garden setting and traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering pilaf and succulent shish kebabs. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
Wednesday, September 20: Gabala Day Trip
Embark on a day trip to Gabala, a picturesque city nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. In the morning, visit the Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex, where you can ride the cable car to the mountaintop and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Explore the Gabala Shooting Club, which offers various shooting sports activities. Afterward, visit the Nohur Lake, a tranquil spot where you can relax and enjoy nature. In the evening, return to Baku and have a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.
Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Complex: Cable car fee - 30 AZN (approx. $18), Time spent - 4 hours
Traditional Dinner: Cost - 40 AZN (approx. $24), Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café City. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options including freshly baked pastries, omelettes, and traditional Azerbaijani dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 15 AZN per person.
For lunch, check out Firuze Restaurant. This family-run eatery serves delicious Azerbaijani cuisine such as kebabs, pilaf, and soups. The average cost for a meal is about 25 AZN per person.
For dinner, try the Caspian Grill Restaurant. Located near the waterfront, this restaurant offers a stunning view of the sea while you enjoy seafood specialties, grilled meats, and Azerbaijani delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 40 AZN per person.
Thursday, September 21: Shopping and Farewell
Spend your last day in Baku indulging in shopping and bidding farewell to this beautiful city. Start your day at Park Bulvar Mall, a modern shopping center located along the waterfront. Explore the various stores and enjoy some retail therapy. In the afternoon, visit the local markets such as Taza Bazaar or Nizami Street Market to immerse yourself in the local shopping experience. In the evening, savor a delicious farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the city's skyline.
For breakfast, head to Simit Sarayi, a popular bakery that offers a variety of delicious Turkish pastries and baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
If you're looking for a quick and affordable lunch option, try Dalga Fast Food. They serve a variety of Azerbaijani and international dishes at reasonable prices. Average cost for a meal is about 15 AZN per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at DİVAN Restaurant. This elegant restaurant offers a menu of exquisite Azerbaijani and Mediterranean dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 50 AZN per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Baku, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs Bathhouses, located within the Old City. These ancient bathhouses offer a glimpse into traditional bathing rituals and feature stunning architectural details. Another hidden gem is the Azeri Balasi Tea House, a cozy and atmospheric place where you can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani tea and pastries. Locals also love spending time at the Baku Jazz Center, a vibrant venue that hosts live jazz performances, creating a lively atmosphere for music enthusiasts.