Perched on the shores of the Caspian Sea, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Baku is a city of striking contrasts. It’s where ancient stone walls stand beside glass skyscrapers, where tea is served with jam, and where every corner tells a story — some thousands of years old, and others yet to be written.
If you haven’t been to Baku, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated gems of Eurasia.
🏛️ Old City, New Vibes: Icherisheher
My journey began in the Old City (Icherisheher) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and warm sandstone buildings instantly transported me back in time.
Highlights:
Maiden Tower: A mysterious 12th-century structure with stunning panoramic views from the top.
Shirvanshah’s Palace: A royal complex steeped in Persian-inspired architecture.
Cozy tea houses tucked away in quiet corners where you can sip black tea and people-watch for hours.
🌃 The Modern Marvels of Baku
Step outside the old walls, and you’re suddenly in a sleek, ultra-modern city.
Flame Towers: Shaped like flames, these iconic skyscrapers light up the Baku skyline each night with mesmerizing LED shows.
Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea Promenade): A serene walk along the water with palm trees, fountains, and charming cafés.
Heydar Aliyev Center: Designed by Zaha Hadid, this futuristic building is as much a sculpture as it is a cultural center. It’s a must-see — and a photographer’s dream.
🕌 Culture, Cuisine & Caspian Charm
Baku is where the East meets the West — and nowhere is that more deliciously obvious than in the food.
Must-try dishes:
Plov: A saffron-infused rice dish with meat and dried fruits.
Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with a spiced meat and rice mixture.
Qutab: A crispy, savory pancake filled with greens or cheese.
And don’t skip Azerbaijani tea served in pear-shaped glasses, always accompanied by sugar cubes or fruit preserves.
🌄 Day Trips From Baku
If you have time, venture outside the city for even more wonders:
Gobustan National Park: Famous for its ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) and mud volcanoes — seriously, the landscape looks like Mars!
Ateshgah Fire Temple: A Zoroastrian temple where flames once burned naturally from underground gas vents.
Yanardag (Burning Mountain): A hillside that’s been on fire for decades — a surreal sight!
💬 Final Thoughts: Why Baku?
Because it’s bold, beautiful, and full of surprises. Baku is the kind of city where you can explore a medieval fortress in the morning, lounge by the sea in the afternoon, and party in a rooftop bar by night.
It’s where every step reveals something unexpected — a hidden mural, a perfect sunset, a centuries-old bazaar, or a kind smile from a local.
📌 Quick Tips for Baku Travelers:
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October
Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Language: Azerbaijani (but Russian and English are widely understood in tourist areas)
Local Etiquette: Dress modestly in historical and religious areas. Always greet with a smile — Bakuvians are super friendly!
📷 Come for the culture, stay for the views — leave with stories you’ll tell forever. That’s Baku. 🇦🇿
