3-Day Itinerary in Baku

Sunday, October 29: Exploring the Old City

In the morning, start your trip by discovering the historic Old City, also known as Icherishehir. Stroll through the ancient streets lined with beautiful architecture and visit iconic landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to learn about the country's rich carpet-weaving heritage. As the evening approaches, head to the Baku Boulevard, a waterfront promenade with scenic views of the Caspian Sea, and indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the seaside restaurants.

• Old City: Free, 4-5 hours
• Azerbaijan Carpet Museum: Admission fee: 10 AZN, 2-3 hours
• Baku Boulevard: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Art Garden, a cozy cafe located in the heart of the Old City. Enjoy freshly baked pastries and a variety of breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 10 AZN per person.
• For lunch, try Karvansaray Restaurant, a traditional Azerbaijani eatery offering a wide range of local dishes. Feast on mouthwatering kebabs, pilaf, and other Azerbaijani specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 20 AZN per person.
• In the evening, dine at Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, located within the historic Shirvanshah Palace complex. Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring Azerbaijani and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 30 AZN per person.

Monday, October 30: Modern Baku and Cultural Experiences

Start your day by exploring the modern side of Baku. Visit the iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers that light up the city skyline. Take a guided tour of the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. In the afternoon, taste traditional Azerbaijani cuisine and visit local markets like Taza Bazaar. Experience an authentic mugham music performance at the Mugham Center. End your day with a visit to the National Flag Square, home to one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, and witness a stunning sunset over Baku.

• Flame Towers: Free, 1-2 hours
• Heydar Aliyev Center: Admission fee: 15 AZN, 2-3 hours
• Taza Bazaar: Free, 1-2 hours
• Mugham Center: Admission fee: 10 AZN, 2 hours
• National Flag Square: Free, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, October 31: Absheron Peninsula Exploration

On your last day, embark on a journey to the scenic Absheron Peninsula. Start by visiting the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historic religious site surrounded by natural gas vents. Continue to Yanar Dag, the "Burning Mountain," where natural gas continuously ignites and creates an awe-inspiring spectacle. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the Caspian Sea and relax before heading back to Baku. Spend your evening exploring Nizami Street, the city's main shopping and entertainment district, before enjoying a flavorsome Azerbaijani dinner at a local restaurant.

• Ateshgah Fire Temple: Admission fee: 10 AZN, 2-3 hours
• Yanar Dag: Admission fee: 5 AZN, 1-2 hours
• Nizami Street: Free, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, venture outside of the city to Gobustan National Park, famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Quba and explore its charming streets and local bazaars. For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the stunning Goygol Lake, nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, is highly recommended. Don't forget to savor local delicacies like plov (rice pilaf) and dolma (stuffed grape leaves) and indulge in a traditional tea ceremony.