Baku – Where East Meets West and Old Meets New
Baku is a city of contrasts, with the time-worn sandstone walls of the Old City offsetting utilitarian Soviet-era buildings and shiny post-Soviet developments. Though it's eye-catching architecture, this fascinating city offers a true confrontation of old and new, and East and West. A quirky, playful feel characterises much of the modern architecture – perhaps a conscious effort to throw off the shackles of Soviet utilitarianism. The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum resembles a roll of carpet, while the evocative Flame Towers pay tribute to Azerbaijan’s adopted Land of Fire motto, and colourful rabbit statues surround Zaha Hadid's famous, undulating Heydar Aliyev Centre. Families with children will appreciate the many parks that defy Baku’s desert surroundings and numerous play areas that are made available at or near many of the attractions, while foodies will relish discovering mouth-watering local delicacies such as levengi, baci dolmasi or dushbara, or visiting the traditional Yasil Market.