Home › Destinations › Maiden Tower
Maiden Tower, Azərbaycan - Things to Do in Maiden Tower

Things to Do in Maiden Tower

Maiden Tower, Azərbaycan - Complete Travel Guide

Maiden Tower, or Qız Qalası in Azerbaijani, stands as one of Baku's most iconic and mysterious landmarks in the heart of the Old City (Icherisheher). This ancient cylindrical stone tower, dating back to the 12th century, rises 29 meters above the Caspian Sea shoreline and serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tower's unique architecture and enigmatic purpose have puzzled historians for centuries, with theories ranging from a Zoroastrian temple to a defensive fortification. Today, the Maiden Tower houses a museum that takes visitors on a journey through Azerbaijan's rich history, from ancient times to the present day. The tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of Baku's skyline, the Caspian Sea, and the contrast between the medieval Old City and modern Flame Towers. Its location within the walled Old City makes it the perfect starting point for exploring Baku's historical treasures, traditional crafts shops, and authentic Azerbaijani culture.

Top Things to Do in Maiden Tower

Explore Maiden Tower Museum

Climb the ancient stone steps of this 12th-century tower while discovering Azerbaijan's history through interactive exhibits. The museum showcases archaeological findings, historical artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring the tower's mysterious past to life. The panoramic viewing platform at the top provides stunning 360-degree views of Baku's Old City and modern skyline.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2-3 AZN for adults. Visit early morning (9-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) for the best lighting for photos. Purchase tickets on-site as advance booking isn't necessary. Combine with Old City walking tours for better value.

Old City Walking Tour

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Icherisheher, the UNESCO-listed Old City surrounding Maiden Tower. Discover ancient mosques, traditional hammams, historic caravanserais, and artisan workshops within the medieval walls. The area perfectly preserves centuries of Azerbaijani culture and architecture in a compact, walkable area.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, or join guided tours for 15-25 AZN. Best times are early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Look for local guides near the tower entrance who offer authentic stories and historical insights.

Traditional Azerbaijani Craft Shopping

Browse authentic handicrafts in the small shops surrounding Maiden Tower, including hand-woven carpets, traditional copperware, and local textiles. Many workshops allow visitors to watch artisans at work, creating everything from intricate metalwork to beautiful silk scarves. The Old City is renowned for its high-quality, authentic Azerbaijani crafts.

Booking Tip: Prices vary widely, so compare several shops before purchasing. Bargaining is expected and can reduce prices by 20-30%. Visit during weekdays for better attention from shopkeepers and potentially better deals. Ask for certificates of authenticity for expensive carpets.

Shirvanshah's Palace Complex

Explore this magnificent 15th-century palace complex located just steps from Maiden Tower. The architectural masterpiece includes the main palace building, Divankhane, burial vaults, mosque, and bathhouse, all showcasing exquisite medieval Islamic architecture. The complex offers deep insights into the royal life of medieval Azerbaijan.

Booking Tip: Combined tickets with Maiden Tower cost around 5 AZN and offer good value. Audio guides are available for 3 AZN and highly recommended. Visit in late afternoon when the golden light enhances the palace's beautiful stonework.

Caspian Sea Waterfront Stroll

Take a leisurely walk along Baku's beautiful waterfront promenade (Seaside Boulevard) starting from near Maiden Tower. The area features parks, fountains, cafes, and stunning views of the Caspian Sea, especially beautiful during sunset. The promenade connects the Old City with modern Baku, offering a perfect transition between historical and contemporary attractions.

Booking Tip: Free activity perfect for any time of day, though sunset hours (6-8 PM) offer the most spectacular views. Rent bikes from stations along the boulevard for 2-3 AZN per hour. Many cafes offer outdoor seating with sea views at reasonable prices.

Getting There

Baku is accessible via Heydar Aliyev International Airport, located 25 kilometers from the city center, with regular flights from major European, Middle Eastern, and regional cities. From the airport, take the bus (Route 116) for 0.30 AZN, a taxi for 15-25 AZN, or use ride-sharing apps. Baku is also reachable by train from Tbilisi, Georgia, or by ferry across the Caspian Sea from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. Once in Baku, Maiden Tower is located in the Old City, easily accessible by metro (Icherisheher station on the Green Line) or taxi from anywhere in the city.

Getting Around

Baku's public transportation system includes metro, buses, and taxis, making it easy to reach Maiden Tower and explore the surrounding areas. The metro is the most efficient option, with Icherisheher station just a 2-minute walk from the tower. City buses cost 0.30 AZN per ride, while metro tickets cost 0.30 AZN with a BakuCard. Taxis are affordable and widely available through apps like Bolt or BiTaksi, with most rides within the city costing 3-8 AZN. The Old City itself is best explored on foot, as most attractions are within walking distance of Maiden Tower.

Where to Stay

Old City (Icherisheher)
Fountain Square Area
Nizami Street District
Seaside Boulevard (Dəniz Mall area)
Sahil Metro Station vicinity
Flame Towers area

Food & Dining

The area around Maiden Tower offers an excellent variety of dining options, from traditional Azerbaijani restaurants serving plov, kebabs, and fresh Caspian caviar to modern cafes and international cuisine. The Old City features several authentic restaurants with atmospheric courtyards and traditional decor, perfect for trying local specialties like dolma, qutab, and pakhlava. Fountain Square, just a 10-minute walk from the tower, hosts numerous restaurants and cafes ranging from budget-friendly local eateries (meals from 8-15 AZN) to upscale dining establishments. Don't miss trying fresh pomegranate juice, Azerbaijani tea served in traditional armudu glasses, and the famous Baku ice cream from street vendors along the waterfront.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Baku

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Firuze restaurant

4.5 /5
(7344 reviews) 2

Bake&Roll Sushi Bar

4.8 /5
(1710 reviews) 2
meal_delivery

SUSHI ROOM BAKU

4.7 /5
(1484 reviews)
meal_delivery

Dolce Far Niente (Crescent Mall)

4.7 /5
(556 reviews)

Voodoo Roof

4.9 /5
(299 reviews)
bar

Trattoria L'Oliva

4.6 /5
(253 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Maiden Tower is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring. Summer months can be quite hot and windy due to Baku's location on the Caspian Sea, but the tower's stone interior provides cool relief. Winter visits are possible but can be cold and windy, though fewer crowds mean better photo opportunities. For optimal lighting and views from the tower, visit during the golden hour before sunset. The tower is open year-round except for major holidays, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photography from the tower's top
Combine your Maiden Tower visit with exploring the entire Old City on foot - most major attractions are within a 10-minute walk
Try bargaining at the craft shops around the tower, but always be respectful and start at about 70% of the asking price

Explore Activities in Maiden Tower