Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, strategically located on the Caspian Sea, is an extravagant hub of culture, history, economy, and political center. Having a rich history and presence of early civilization dating to the 4th millennium BCE, Baku features special architectural glory and historical attractions.
Not just that only, while in Baku, you get to find its modern-day side with the presence of skyscrapers, high-end shopping avenues, cafes, and what not. To be precise, there are several best places to visit in Baku while embarking on your family-friendly, couple-friendly, or even solo travel expedition.
Now, if you are eager to know the top Baku tourist attractions before creating your travel itinerary, then we have got this covered for you. In this blog, we will be taking you on a brief journey toward Baku’s key attractions and major highlights.
So, with no further ado, let’s get started on the same.
List of Best Places to Visit in Baku
1. Shirvanshahs Palace
To get started, Shirvanshahs Palace could be your first Baku sightseeing attraction to explore. A magnanimous-looking and architecturally rich palace on the Caspian Sea, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 15th century, during the reign of the Shirvanshah dynasty, you will witness half the construction site here. It was due to the halted construction when Shirvanshah Khalilulla I’s son was killed in the battle. Despite that, the palace holds attention-grabbing sights of a large mosque inside, intricately carved stone walls, magnificent domes, and more. Inside the complex, you get to find the main palace area, along with a bathhouse, mausoleum, and several courtyards.
Key Highlights:
- 52 dwelling houses
- Seyid Yahya Bakuvi Tomb
- Eastern Portal
- Ruins of Key Gubad Mosque
- Palace Mosque
- Location: 9R8M+CCX, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Timing: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Tour Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: Foreign Adults (10 AZN), Local Residents (2 AZN)
2. Heydar Mosque
The list of best places to visit in Baku is certainly incomplete without mentioning the largest mosque in Azerbaijan, Heyder Mosque. A contemporary-designed mosque covering an extensive area of 12,000 square meters is worth Baku’s travel attraction to explore. Named after President Heydar Aliyev, the mosque features extravagant-looking architecture with key attractions going towards special stones used in the construction as per Shirvan Absheron style architecture. Additionally, exploring this mosque will help you come across the rich historical traces of Baku by visiting a small museum on the lower level of the mosque.
- Location: Hamza Babashov, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Timing: Open from Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday)
- Tour Time: Approximately 1 hour
3. Icherisheher
All the history buffs looking for some old-school tour in Baku must pay a visit to Icheri Sheher. Better known as the Old City or the Inner City, this part of Baku will certainly take you through the old times by witnessing sights of monuments, mosques, bathhouses, narrow streets, sandstone city walls, and fortress gates. Experience incredible things to do around Baku’s sightseeing attractions, including a sightseeing tour of traditional streets, delectable Azeri cuisine, street shopping, museum excursions, etc.
Key Highlights:
- Maidan Tower
- Muhammad Mosque
- Bazaar Square
- Old City Walls
- Location: 20, Icherisheher, 85 A.Zeynalli Street, Baku, Azerbaijan
- Timing: 24 hours
4. Nizami Street
One of the popular streets in Baku, best known for its shopping arcades, architecturally rich buildings, local & international cuisine, and more to explore here. It’s an ideal place for explorers to take a walking tour in Baku while witnessing the real side of the city and finding manifold-like travelers all around. Most importantly, Nizami Street is lined with numerous cafes, bars, strolling areas, and the list goes on. All of this makes this area an ideal place to visit in Baku at night in the company of your near and dear ones.
Key Highlights:
- Fountain Square
- Neo-Modern Style Buildings
- Nargiz Shopping Center
- Tour Time: Approximately 2-3 hours
5. Baku Boulevard
A spectacular-looking Baku tourist spot at the seafront area called Baku Boulevard showcases the modern style of the city while catching the attention of globe trotters here. One of the popular promenades in Baku, this area was established in 1909, covering an area of 3 miles, right from National Flag Square to Freedom Square as well other key Baku travel attractions. When exploring Baku Boulevard, do not forget to experience Baku Ferris Wheel (located at 197 feet).
Key Highlights:
- Carpet Museum
- Baku Eye
- Park Bulvar
- Location: 92 Neftchilar Ave, Baku, Azerbaijan
6. Mud Volcanoes-Gobustan National Park
In stark contrast to the city of Baku lies another major attraction called the Mud Volcanoes-Gobustan National Park. As the name itself implies, this is an incredible sight of mud sweeping from the surface area along with majestic view of rock formations and vegetables. During your exploration of the best places to visit in Baku, take some solace and come over here to witness the captivating outlook of rock carvings, mountain regions, nature walks, and more.
Key Highlights
- UNESCO Listed Rock Art.
- Mud Volcanoes and Rock Formations
- Natural Reserve
- Location: Near the Black Sea and Caspian Sea
- Tour Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Concluding Thoughts
Now that you know some of the best places to visit in Baku, fill your travel diaries with unforgettable experiences. Simply plan a trip to Baku in the company of loved ones or explore as a solo traveler to keep everything handy in terms of information, things to keep in mind, and the required set of information.
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Best Places to Visit in Baku FAQs
What is the best time to visit Baku?
The best time to visit Baku is from April to October. The reason behind this is the moderate set of temperatures during this period. Thus, travelers find it convenient to stroll outside in Baku and have unforgettable experiences.
What are the top things to do in Baku?
There are several things to do in Baku, such as exploring Fountain Square, Little Venice, Baku Boulevard, National Flag Square, Heydar Mosque, Nizami Street, and more.
Is there any beach in Baku?
Yes, there are numerous beaches in Baku including names like Shikhov Beach, Crescent Beach, and Bilgah Beach.
