Home › Destinations › Nizami Street
Nizami Street, Azərbaycan - Things to Do in Nizami Street

Things to Do in Nizami Street

Nizami Street, Azərbaycan - Complete Travel Guide

Nizami Street, located in the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan, is the country's premier pedestrian boulevard and shopping destination. This vibrant thoroughfare stretches through the city center, connecting major landmarks and serving as a cultural hub where East meets West. Named after the classical Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, the street embodies Azerbaijan's rich literary and cultural heritage while showcasing modern urban development. The street buzzes with activity from morning until late evening, featuring an eclectic mix of international brands, local boutiques, traditional tea houses, and contemporary restaurants. Visitors can experience authentic Azerbaijani culture alongside modern cosmopolitan life, making it an essential stop for understanding Baku's dynamic character. The pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with beautiful architecture ranging from Soviet-era buildings to modern glass facades, creates a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of contemporary Azerbaijan.

Top Things to Do in Nizami Street

Shopping and Boutique Browsing

Explore the diverse retail landscape along Nizami Street, from international fashion brands to local Azerbaijani designers. The street offers everything from luxury goods to traditional crafts, carpets, and souvenirs. Window shopping itself is an experience, as the storefronts showcase both global trends and local artisanship.

Booking Tip: Most shops open around 10 AM and close by 10 PM. Visit during weekday afternoons for a more relaxed shopping experience. Bargaining is acceptable in smaller local shops but not in international brand stores. Bring cash as some smaller vendors may not accept cards.

Traditional Tea House Experience

Visit one of the authentic Azerbaijani tea houses (çayxana) along the street to experience local hospitality and tea culture. These establishments serve traditional black tea in pear-shaped glasses (armudu) alongside local sweets, nuts, and light meals. The atmosphere provides insight into Azerbaijani social customs and daily life.

Booking Tip: No reservations needed for most tea houses. Expect to pay 5-15 AZN per person for tea and snacks. Visit in late afternoon or early evening when locals gather. Try asking for recommendations from your hotel for the most authentic establishments.

Street Art and Architecture Walking

Take a self-guided walk to appreciate the architectural diversity and street art along Nizami Street. The boulevard features a fascinating mix of architectural styles including Soviet-era buildings, modern constructions, and restored historical facades. Street performers and local artists often showcase their work, adding to the cultural atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Best enjoyed during daylight hours for photography, though evening lighting creates a different ambiance. Free activity, but consider tipping street performers. Comfortable walking shoes recommended as you'll be on foot for 1-2 hours.

Local Cuisine Tasting

Sample authentic Azerbaijani cuisine at the various restaurants and food stalls along Nizami Street. Try local specialties like plov (pilaf), dolma, kebabs, and fresh bread from traditional bakeries. The street offers dining options ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

Booking Tip: Lunch costs range from 10-30 AZN per person at casual spots, 40-80 AZN at upscale restaurants. Dinner reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends. Try visiting during lunch hours when many places offer set menus at better prices.

Evening Stroll and People Watching

Experience the vibrant nightlife atmosphere as Nizami Street comes alive after sunset. The pedestrian boulevard becomes a social hub where locals and tourists mingle, street musicians perform, and cafes extend their seating onto the sidewalks. The illuminated storefronts and lively atmosphere create a magical evening ambiance.

Booking Tip: Free activity best enjoyed between 7-10 PM when the street is most animated. Many cafes offer outdoor seating - budget 15-25 AZN for drinks and light snacks. Weekend evenings are busiest; weekday evenings offer a more relaxed pace.

Getting There

Nizami Street is easily accessible from Baku's main transportation hubs. From Heydar Aliyev International Airport, take a taxi (20-30 AZN, 45 minutes) or the airport bus to the city center, then walk or take metro to Sahil or Icheri Sheher stations. The street is centrally located and within walking distance of major hotels in downtown Baku. If arriving by train at Baku Railway Station, take the metro (Purple Line) to Sahil station, which is just a few minutes' walk from Nizami Street.

Getting Around

Nizami Street itself is pedestrian-only, making walking the primary mode of transportation along the boulevard. The nearest metro stations are Sahil and Icheri Sheher on the Purple Line, providing easy access to other parts of Baku. Taxis are readily available at both ends of the street, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt work well in the area. For exploring beyond the immediate vicinity, the efficient Baku Metro system connects to major attractions, while buses and taxis provide additional transportation options throughout the city.

Where to Stay

Old City (Icheri Sheher)
Nizami Street Area
Sahil District
Fountain Square vicinity
Port Baku area
Flame Towers district

Food & Dining

Nizami Street offers an exceptional dining scene that caters to all tastes and budgets. Traditional Azerbaijani restaurants serve authentic dishes like plov, dolma, and fresh Caspian Sea fish, while international cuisines including Turkish, Persian, Italian, and Asian options are widely available. The street features everything from casual döner kebab stands and traditional bakeries to upscale dining establishments with outdoor terraces. Local specialties to try include fresh bread from traditional tandoor ovens, Azerbaijani tea served in distinctive armudu glasses, and regional sweets like pakhlava. Many restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching while enjoying your meal.

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 Nizami Street is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking. Summer months can be quite hot, making early morning or evening visits more pleasant. The street is particularly beautiful during the evening hours year-round when the shops are illuminated and the atmosphere is most vibrant. Winter visits are possible but can be windy and cold, though the indoor shopping and warm tea houses provide comfortable refuges. Weekday afternoons offer a more relaxed experience, while weekend evenings showcase the street at its most lively and social.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Azerbaijani phrases like 'salam' (hello) and 'təşəkkür' (thank you) - locals appreciate the effort and it enhances interactions
Exchange money at official exchange offices rather than on the street, and keep small denominations of AZN for tea houses and small purchases where card payment isn't always available
Visit during both day and evening hours as the street has completely different atmospheres - daytime is great for shopping and sightseeing, while evenings offer the best social and cultural experiences

Explore Activities in Nizami Street