Sunday, November 19: Arrival and City Introduction
Start your trip to Baku by settling into your hotel and getting acquainted with the city. In the morning, head to the iconic Baku Old City (Icheri Sheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow, winding streets, admiring the ancient architecture and historical landmarks. Visit the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs for a glimpse into Azerbaijan's rich history. In the afternoon, explore the modern side of Baku by visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece. As evening falls, indulge in Azerbaijani cuisine at a local restaurant and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.
Baku Old City (Icheri Sheher): Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - Half a day
Maiden Tower: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - 1 hour
Palace of the Shirvanshahs: Cost estimate - AZN 15 (approximately $9); Time spent - 1-2 hours
A unique breakfast experience can be had at Café City in Baku, offering a variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head over to Firuze Restaurant, known for its delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Dolma House, where you can enjoy authentic Azerbaijani dolma dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
Monday, November 20: Modern Baku and Park Exploration
On this day, explore the modern side of Baku. Start your morning with a visit to the Flame Towers, an iconic landmark of the city. Take in the breathtaking views from the observation deck. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in nature at the Baku Boulevard. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore the park's picturesque pathways along the Caspian Sea coastline. Discover the Carpet Museum and the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art for a glimpse into the country's traditional art and culture. Wrap up the day with a relaxing dinner at an Azerbaijani restaurant overlooking the waterfront.
Flame Towers: Cost estimate - Free to visit; Time spent - 1-2 hours
Baku Boulevard: Cost estimate - Free; Time spent - Half a day
Azerbaijan National Museum of Art: Cost estimate - AZN 10 (approximately $6); Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Fika Baku, located near the Flame Towers. This cozy café offers a range of breakfast options, from hearty omelettes to freshly baked pastries. Enjoy your meal for an average cost of about 20 AZN per person.
For lunch, head to Old City Café, a charming restaurant in the heart of Baku's Old City. Indulge in traditional Azerbaijani dishes like plov and dolma, while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. Expect to spend around 30 AZN per person for a satisfying lunch.
For a delightful dinner experience with a view, dine at Bahar Restaurant. Located along the Baku Boulevard, this restaurant offers a wide selection of Azerbaijani and international cuisine. Enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the waterfront for an average cost of about 40 AZN per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Day Trip to Gobustan National Park
Spend the day exploring the ancient petroglyphs at Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, take a guided tour through the park to see the prehistoric rock carvings and learn about Azerbaijan's ancient history. Afterward, visit the Gobustan Museum to delve deeper into the region's archaeological findings. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings before returning to Baku. In the evening, visit the Fountain Square for some shopping and entertainment.
Gobustan National Park: Cost estimate - AZN 20 (approximately $12); Time spent - Half a day
For breakfast, head to Cafe City, located in the heart of Baku. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and traditional Azerbaijani dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 15 AZN per person.
For lunch, visit Firuz Restaurant, known for its delicious Azerbaijani cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering kebabs, pilaf, and an array of flavorful side dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
For dinner, try the elegant Art Garden Restaurant, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and a diverse menu of international and Azerbaijani dishes. Savor gourmet cuisine paired with fine wines. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AZN per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Absheron Peninsula Tour
Embark on a tour of the Absheron Peninsula to experience the natural and cultural highlights. Start your day by visiting the Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), where natural gas has been burning for centuries. Continue to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historical religious site influenced by Zoroastrianism. Explore the history and religious significance of this unique place. Then head to the Bibi-Heybat Mosque to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its historical importance. In the evening, relax at a local hammam (Turkish bath) for a traditional bathing experience.
Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): Cost estimate - AZN 5 (approximately $3); Time spent - 1-2 hours
Ateshgah Fire Temple: Cost estimate - AZN 10 (approximately $6); Time spent - 1-2 hours
Local Hammam: Cost estimate - AZN 50-100 (approximately $30-$60); Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe City, located near the Absheron Peninsula. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and a cup of aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Nakhchivan Restaurant, known for its traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering kebabs, pilaf, and local specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
For an unforgettable dinner experience, try Firuze Restaurant, offering a mix of Azerbaijani and Turkish dishes. Enjoy dishes like lamb stew and pide while enjoying a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
Thursday, November 23: Cuisine and Cultural Exploration
Dedicate this day to experiencing the rich cuisine and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. Start your morning with a visit to the Taza Bazaar to explore the local produce and traditional ingredients used in Azerbaijani cooking. Take part in a cooking class to learn how to prepare signature dishes such as dolma and plov. Indulge in a delicious lunch featuring the dishes you helped prepare. In the afternoon, visit the National Carpet Museum to discover the intricate art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving. Spend the evening strolling through the Philharmonic Park and enjoying a live classical music performance.
Taza Bazaar: Cost estimate - Free to visit; Time spent - 1-2 hours
For breakfast, head to Café City and enjoy a delicious Azerbaijani breakfast spread including traditional pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
For lunch, visit Dolma House and savor a variety of dolma, a popular Azerbaijani dish made with stuffed grape leaves, served with rice and yogurt. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
For dinner, dine at Sirvansah Restaurant and indulge in a selection of kebabs and grilled meats, accompanied by traditional Azerbaijani bread and salads. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.
Friday, November 24: Absheron Beaches and Shopping
Spend your last day in Baku relaxing on the beautiful Absheron beaches. Take a short trip to the surrounding coastal areas, such as Shikhov or Bilgah, and enjoy the sandy shores and the calm waters of the Caspian Sea. Unwind with beach activities or simply bask in the sun and take in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, explore Baku's shopping districts, such as Nizami Street and Park Bulvar Mall, to indulge in some retail therapy and find unique souvenirs. End your evening with a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring the delicious seafood specialties.
Absheron Beaches: Cost estimate - Free to visit; Time spent - Half a day
Nizami Street (shopping): Cost estimate - Varies; Time spent - 2-3 hours
Park Bulvar Mall (shopping): Cost estimate - Varies; Time spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe City, located near Nizami Street. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, from traditional Azerbaijani dishes to international favorites. The average cost for a meal here is about 20 AZN per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Firuze Restaurant in Park Bulvar Mall. This restaurant specializes in Azerbaijani cuisine and offers a wide range of flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 30 AZN per person.
Enjoy a memorable dinner at Siz Bulag Hotel & Restaurant, situated near the Caspian Sea. This restaurant offers stunning views of the sea and serves a delectable selection of seafood and Azerbaijani dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 50 AZN per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a unique experience off the beaten path, consider visiting the Yanar Bulag (Burning Spring) located in a remote village outside Baku. This natural phenomena is a continuously burning spring fueled by natural gas, creating a mesmerizing sight. Locals also recommend exploring the picturesque Gobustan Rock Formations outside of the main park, where you can find lesser-known petroglyphs amidst stunning landscapes. Additionally, head to one of Baku's traditional teahouses to enjoy a cup of aromatic Azerbaijani tea and savor the authentic local atmosphere.