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Old City (Icherisheher), Azərbaycan - Things to Do in Old City (Icherisheher)

Things to Do in Old City (Icherisheher)

Old City (Icherisheher), Azərbaycan - Complete Travel Guide

Icherisheher, the Old City of Baku, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that serves as the ancient heart of Azerbaijan's capital. This walled medieval city, dating back to the 12th century, is a living museum where centuries-old architecture coexists with modern life. The fortress walls enclose narrow cobblestone streets, traditional caravanserais, ancient mosques, and the iconic Maiden Tower, creating an atmospheric journey through Azerbaijan's rich history. Walking through Icherisheher feels like stepping back in time, with its labyrinthine alleys revealing hidden courtyards, traditional carpet shops, and local artisans' workshops. The Old City perfectly balances preservation with contemporary culture, housing museums, galleries, restaurants, and boutique hotels within its historic walls. This compact area can be explored on foot in a day, but its layers of history, from Zoroastrian fire temples to Soviet-era influences, reward visitors who take time to delve deeper into its stories.

Top Things to Do in Old City (Icherisheher)

Explore Maiden Tower

Climb the mysterious 12th-century Maiden Tower, Baku's most iconic landmark and symbol of the city. This 29-meter cylindrical tower offers panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and houses a museum explaining various legends about its purpose. The tower's unique architecture and historical significance make it the perfect starting point for exploring Icherisheher.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2 AZN ($1.20). Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available for an additional fee and provide valuable historical context.

Visit Shirvanshah's Palace Complex

Discover this 15th-century palace complex, considered the pearl of Azerbaijan's architecture and a masterpiece of medieval Islamic art. The complex includes the main palace building, Divankhana, burial vaults, mosque, and bathhouse, showcasing the grandeur of the Shirvanshah dynasty. Each structure demonstrates exceptional stonework and architectural innovation of its time.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is approximately 4 AZN ($2.40). Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the historical significance and architectural details.

Wander the Ancient Streets and Bazaars

Meander through the maze-like cobblestone streets discovering traditional workshops, carpet galleries, and antique shops. The atmospheric alleys lead to hidden courtyards, ancient caravanserais, and local artisans creating traditional crafts. This self-guided exploration reveals the authentic daily life within the medieval walls.

Booking Tip: Free to explore, but bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones. Best experienced in morning or evening when lighting creates magical shadows. Allow 2-4 hours depending on your interest in shopping and photography.

Experience Traditional Azerbaijani Cuisine

Savor authentic Azerbaijani dishes in atmospheric restaurants housed within historic buildings of the Old City. Try local specialties like plov (pilaf), dolma, kebabs, and traditional sweets while enjoying the ambiance of centuries-old dining halls. Many restaurants feature traditional music and decor enhancing the cultural experience.

Booking Tip: Meals range from 15-40 AZN ($9-24) per person. Make reservations for dinner, especially on weekends. Look for restaurants in restored caravanserais for the most authentic atmosphere.

Visit Museums and Galleries

Explore several small museums and art galleries scattered throughout Icherisheher, including the Museum of Miniature Books, Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and various contemporary art spaces. These venues provide deeper insights into Azerbaijani culture, history, and artistic traditions within intimate historic settings.

Booking Tip: Individual museum entries range from 2-5 AZN ($1.20-3). Consider a combined ticket if visiting multiple sites. Most museums are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Getting There

Icherisheher is located in central Baku and easily accessible from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, which is about 25km away. Take the airport bus (Route 116) to the city center, then walk or take a short taxi ride to the Old City. From within Baku, the Old City is walkable from most central hotels and attractions. The Icherisheher metro station on the Green Line provides direct access, though the area is also reachable via Sahil or 28 May stations. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt operate throughout the city and provide convenient door-to-door service.

Getting Around

Icherisheher is best explored on foot due to its compact size and pedestrian-friendly cobblestone streets where cars are restricted. The entire Old City can be crossed in about 10-15 minutes, making walking the most practical and enjoyable way to discover hidden corners and architectural details. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to uneven cobblestones and occasional steep inclines. The area is well-signposted in multiple languages, and most major attractions are clearly marked with informational plaques in English and Azerbaijani.

Where to Stay

Icherisheher (Old City)
Nizami Street area
Fountain Square district
Sahil Boulevard waterfront
Flame Towers vicinity
Port Baku area

Food & Dining

Icherisheher offers an exceptional dining scene that blends traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with atmospheric historic settings. Restaurants housed in restored caravanserais and medieval buildings serve authentic dishes like plov, fresh Caspian Sea fish, and traditional sweets alongside local wines and tea. The Old City features everything from upscale dining establishments with panoramic terraces to cozy family-run eateries tucked into ancient courtyards. Many venues offer live traditional music, especially in the evenings, creating an immersive cultural experience. Don't miss trying local specialties like qutab (stuffed pancakes), dovga (herb soup), and pakhlava while enjoying views of the historic architecture.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Baku

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

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Firuze restaurant

4.5 /5
(7344 reviews) 2

Bake&Roll Sushi Bar

4.8 /5
(1710 reviews) 2
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SUSHI ROOM BAKU

4.7 /5
(1484 reviews)
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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)

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Icherisheher is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for walking on cobblestones. Summer can be quite hot and windy due to Baku's location on the Caspian Sea, though early morning and evening visits remain pleasant. Winter visits are possible but can be cold and occasionally rainy. The Old City is particularly magical during the evening when historic buildings are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere regardless of season. Consider visiting during Novruz (Persian New Year in March) for special cultural events and festivities within the historic walls.

Insider Tips

Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best photography lighting and to avoid tour groups, especially around major attractions like Maiden Tower
Look for the small traditional tea houses hidden in courtyards where locals gather - they offer authentic experiences and the best conversations about local history
Many shops in the Old City close for lunch between 1-3 PM, so plan your souvenir shopping accordingly and remember that bargaining is expected in traditional bazaars

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