The charming Old City, known locally as Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Baku. Wander the narrow, cobbled streets, marvel at the ancient architecture, and explore the historic Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
Head to the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, an avant-garde masterpiece of modern architecture. The center houses a range of exhibitions, from contemporary art to traditional Azerbaijani crafts. Don't miss the chance to see the stunning opera and ballet performances at the Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theatre.
In the evening, explore the city's vibrant nightlife scene. Start with dinner at Firuze, a trendy rooftop restaurant with sweeping city views. Afterward, head to one of the many bars or nightclubs in the city center, such as Pasifico or Soho.
Take a trip to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, an unusual abandoned Hindu temple with an eternal flame that seeps out of the ground. Learn about the history of the temple and enjoy stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
A peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle, the Upland Park atop Baku's highest elevation provides panoramic views of the entire city. Take a hike through the beautiful park and have a picnic while enjoying the stunning views.
Catch a glimpse of contemporary Baku as you stroll along the stunning landscaped boulevard known as the Seaside National Park. Studded with modern installations and sculptures, enjoy the vast expanse of the Caspian Sea in front of you.
Soak up the sun, take a dip in the Caspian Sea at Naghsh-e-Jahan Beach. Try jet-skiing or kayaking along the shore or simply relax with a book whilst enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
Public transportation in Baku is cheap and easily accessible. The metro is just one AZN per ride, buses and trams typically cost 0.3-0.5 AZN per ride. Taxis are also easy to find and relatively affordable when using metered services, costing between AZN 5-15 for most trips. However, traffic congestion can be challenging during peak hours.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside just outside the city. Alternatively to enjoy something more challenging, climb to the summit of Mount Bazarduzu for a panoramic view of Azerbaijan and the Caucasus Mountains. To save time you can also pre-purchase tickets to popular attractions to avoid queueing at entry gates
The main international airport in Baku is the Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). The airport is located about 20 kilometers northeast of the city center, which can be accessed by metro, bus or taxi. Travel time from the city center by taxi takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.