The Best of Baku: How to Spend Three Days in Azerbaijan's Charismatic Capital

Baku is one of Europe’s most fascinating capital cities. Spread along the coast of the Caspian Sea, it boasts an ancient core, elegant twentieth-century mansions, and a sweeping seafront boulevard where the high-octane Azberaijan Grand Prix takes place. The medieval era still seems to linger within the golden sandstone walls of the Old Town, but step outside them and you'll find yourself in a thoroughly twenty-first-century city, glistening with modern-day architectural glories and excellent shopping opportunities. Here's how to explore every inch of this unique destination on a three-day break.

Day one

Morning: stroll through the Old Town

An Icheri Shahar (Old Town) shop selling carpets and souvenirs (Photo: Getty Images)

Baku, the charismatic capital city of Azerbaijan, has a history dating back at least 1000 years, and still maintains an ancient core – known as Icheri Shahar, or the Old Town – nestled amongst the hyper-modern façades. Surrounded by stone walls of a beautiful soft golden colour, the Old Town is a perfect place to wander.

The iconic Maiden Tower, with its imposing appearance and mysterious history, is one of Baku's must-see attractions; nobody knows exactly when or why it was built. Look out also for the Gasimbey Hammam, a seventeenth-century bathhouse – the story goes that the owner had as many wives as there are domes on the roof. Bibliophiles should call by the Museum of Miniature Books, a delightful little place holding some almost microscopically tiny tomes.

Afternoon: travel back in time at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

The entrance to the Divankhana pavilion in the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Photo: Getty Images)

After lunch – perhaps some dolma vine leaves or lavangi (tender chicken stuffed with walnuts and raisins) in a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant – it’s time to visit the Old Town’s highlight. In the fifteenth century, Baku was ruled by the Shirvanshah dynasty, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs was their centre of power.

Guided tours will show you the beautifully carved Divankhana pavilion, where they held court; the dramatic family tombs, also with elaborate stonework on the entrance; and the little Key Gubad Mosque, which has a striking conical roof and is one of the oldest parts of the complex. Exploring the palace will give you a fascinating insight into life in medieval Baku.

Evening: recharge with gardens and tea

The Tea Lounge at JW Marriott Absheron Baku invites you to experience a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony (Photo: Marriott International)

After spending the day in the winding streets of the Old Town, you may want to enjoy an evening stroll amidst attractive greenery. Head to the JW Marriott Absheron Baku and wander in the beautiful garden, taking in the evocative scent of jasmine and lavender mingling with the sea air. After your rejuvenating walk, visit the hotel’s Tea Lounge to experience a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony.

Day two

Morning: walk or cycle along the Caspian seafront

Baku's waterfront promenade by the Caspian Sea is perfect for a morning stroll or cycle (Photo: Getty images)

If you are staying in Sheraton Baku Intourist, you can wake up to see the sunrise over the Caspian Sea. After breakfast, head down to the waterfront, either on foot or on one of the hotel’s rental bikes. For most of the length of Baku’s coast, the city boasts an immaculate seafront boulevard which makes a perfect place to take a morning walk or ride.

Your route will lead you to the striking Carpet Museum, an architectural triumph which resembles a rolled up carpet. Inside, you can explore the history of this traditional Azerbaijani craft, with handmade exhibits ranging from the seventeenth century up to the modern day.

Afternoon: ascend to the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers at dusk, next to the Martyrs' Lane Mosque and modern funicular station (Photo: Getty Images)

Azerbaijan calls itself the Land of Fire, thanks to its enormous natural oil and gas resources. In celebration of this, Baku boasts three huge skyscrapers known as the Flame Towers, built to resemble silvery flickers of fire. You can see them from all over the city, but to get a closer look, take the funicular railway up the hillside from behind the Carpet Museum.

At the top, you can visit not only the Flame Towers but also Martyrs' Lane and the striking Shahidlar Monument, where a flame is kept burning. Among others, they commemorate those who were killed in Black January (1990) and the First Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988–1994). It's a reflective and peaceful spot from which to contemplate the sweep of the bay, and the city spread beneath you.

Evening: enjoy a delicious meal of local flavours

Rich, syrupy baklava, a popular Azerbaijani dessert (Photo: Getty Images)

After your day’s exploration, you’ll have built up a good appetite, so head to the Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard and enjoy the very best of Azerbaijani cuisine at the Black City Lounge and Terrace restaurant. Sit at an outdoor table and take in the views of the bay while sampling delicious stuffed vine leaves, grilled meats, and Azerbaijan's national dish, plov – a rich rice dish infused with saffron and served with tender, slow-cooked meat and vegetables. Finish up with some traditional halva or baklava.

Day three

Morning: admire opulent mansions and high-end shops

The elegant design of Baku's Fountains Square invites you to slow your pace and soak up the pleasant surroundings (Photo: Getty Images)

The area just east of Baku's Old Town is now home to the city’s grandest streets, with designer shops and upmarket restaurants making it well worth exploring. Start off in Fountains Square, a wide open space filled with elaborate fountains and bronze statues. Then make your way south to the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, which is housed in an opulent mansion, or spend the morning shopping in the elegant streets leading east from Fountains Square.

Afternoon: discover Baku’s futuristic architecture

Baku's modern urban skyline reflected in Caspian Sea (Photo: Getty Images)

Baku has many more innovative pieces of architecture beyond the famous Flame Towers and Carpet Museum. For a particularly elegant example, take a trip to the east of the city and visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, which opened in 2012. Named after the former president and housing an exhibition about his life, the Zaha Hadid-designed building is a glorious, white marble structure which flows with graceful curves. It’s an incredible sight, and one of Baku’s highlights.

The nearby Ritz-Carlton, Baku is architecturally noteworthy in its own right, a segmented glass tower with views towards the Caspian Sea or the sinuous Heydar Aliyev Center. As an official partner of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2024, which is held on a road parallel to the coastal boulevard, the Ritz-Carlton Baku offers a special F1™ package, which includes round-trip transportation and Club Lounge access.

Evening: unwind with a spa treatment

Relax in a pool at the Ritz-Carlton Spa Baku as you wrap up your third day in the city (Photo: Getty Images)

After three days of sightseeing, it’s time to relax, and there’s nowhere better than The Ritz-Carlton Spa Baku. With magnificent swimming pools, a hammam, a sauna and a steam room, as well as a huge range of treatments, the spa makes for a truly restful experience.

Beyond Baku

Explore dramatic mountains and historic palaces

Dawn in the village of Khinaliq (Photo: Getty Images)

If you have a little extra time, you can easily explore the beauty of Azerbaijan outside Baku. Consider heading northward to reach the village of Khinaliq, tucked away in the picturesque Caucasus mountains and thought to be Europe’s highest village. From here, you can hike through valleys and up to jagged peaks.

If you prefer winter sports, hit the slopes at the excellent ski resort of Shahdag, where you can enjoy elevated rustic charm at the Park Chalet, Shahdag, Autograph Collection or classic elegance at Pik Palace, Shahdag, Autograph Collection.

For history lovers, the town of Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s highlights, with two exquisitely decorated palaces which were once home to seventeenth-century khans.

Published: October 07, 2024