Things to Do in Flame Towers

Baku's skyline changed forever when Flame Towers rose from the hillside overlooking the Caspian Sea, creating what might be the most recognizable silhouette in the Caucasus. These three glass towers - shaped like stylized flames and standing at heights of 182, 161, and 163 meters - house luxury apartments, offices, and the Fairmont Baku hotel, but they're actually most famous for their nightly light shows that illuminate the entire structure in dancing flames visible from across the city. The towers sit in a city that's genuinely fascinating - part ancient Silk Road trading post, part modern oil boom town. Baku's Old City (Icherisheher) spreads below the towers like a medieval maze, while the Caspian waterfront stretches endlessly to the east. It's the kind of place where you'll find 12th-century caravanserais next to sleek shopping centers, and where the scent of saffron pilaf drifts from family-run restaurants tucked between glass office buildings.

Baku's food scene reflects its position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with Persian influences mixing with Turkish and Russian flavors in genuinely delicious ways. You'll find excellent plov (saffron rice with meat or vegetables) and fresh Caspian sturgeon at traditional restaurants like Shirvanshah or Dolma, while newer spots like Art Club Restaurant offer modern takes on Azerbaijani classics. The Old City hides some wonderful family-run places where you can try qutab (thin pancakes with herbs) and drink tea from traditional glass cups. Street food is generally safe and delicious - look for fresh bread from tandoor ovens and grilled kebabs from sidewalk vendors, especially around Fountain Square in the evenings.

Late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) offer the most comfortable weather, with warm days perfect for walking around the city and cool evenings ideal for waterfront strolls. Summer can be genuinely hot and humid thanks to the Caspian Sea, with temperatures often hitting 35°C (95°F) or higher, though the sea breeze provides some relief. Winter is mild compared to much of the region but can be quite windy and gray. That said, the Flame Towers look spectacular against winter storm clouds, and you'll have museums and indoor attractions largely to yourself. Ramadan can affect restaurant hours and alcohol availability, so it's worth checking the dates if that matters to your travel style.