Things to Do in Baku

About Baku

Baku's eternal gas fires have burned for thousands of years—long before anyone built fire temples around them or skyscrapers nearby. The Caspian Sea sits next to this city where Persian design, Soviet buildings, and new money from oil create an unlikely mix. The UNESCO-listed Old City has narrow cobblestone streets. Walk through them and you'll hit Zaha Hadid's Flame Towers, which look like they belong on a different planet. Medieval meets modern. The Maiden Tower watches over ancient walls. It has for centuries. A few blocks away, the Heydar Aliyev Center curves and flows in ways that seem impossible—because they nearly are. Locals still serve tea in traditional armudu glasses and play mugham music. You'll hear calls to prayer, then turn a corner into streets busy with new construction and designer shops. East and west don't blend here so much as collide. The city earned its nickname honestly. Wind off the Caspian cuts through every street. But Azerbaijani hosts won't let you leave without tea, and probably dinner too. This is where silk road trade routes left their mark, then Soviet planners did, then oil wealth transformed everything again. The layers don't always sit comfortably together. That discomfort makes Baku interesting.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use the efficient Baku Metro (0.30 AZN per ride) or official yellow taxis with meters. Download the BiTaksi app for reliable rides. The BakuCard works for metro and buses, available at stations for 2 AZN plus credit.

Money: Azerbaijan Manat (AZN) is the currency. Many places accept cards, but carry cash for markets and small vendors. ATMs are widespread in the city center. Tipping 10% at restaurants is customary but not mandatory.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting mosques (headscarves for women, long pants for all). Remove shoes before entering homes. Avoid public displays of affection. Friday prayers draw crowds, so plan accordingly when visiting religious sites.

Food Safety: Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended. Try traditional plov, dolma, and kebabs at local restaurants. Street food is usually safe from busy vendors. Avoid raw vegetables at cheaper establishments.

When to Visit

Baku shines brightest during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures hover between 15-25°C and rainfall stays minimal at 20-40mm monthly. These shoulder seasons offer 20-30% lower accommodation prices than peak summer months. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat reaching 35°C+ and strong Caspian winds, but also lively outdoor life and extended daylight until 8 PM – expect peak pricing and crowds. Winter (December-March) sees temperatures drop to 5-10°C with occasional rain, offering the best deals (40-50% savings) and fewer tourists, perfect for museum exploration and cozy tea house visits. March celebrates Novruz (Spring Equinox) with spectacular festivities from March 20-24, while the Baku Jazz Festival occurs in mid-October. Formula 1 fans should book well ahead for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (typically late April/early May), when prices skyrocket 200-300%. Culture ensoiasts will love the mild October-November period for walking the Old City, while beach lovers should target late May-June for pleasant Caspian coastline weather before the summer heat peaks.