Azerbaijan 2 Day Itinerary

Two-Day Baku Itinerary: A Taste of the Land of Fire

This itinerary focuses on exploring the vibrant city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. It assumes you’re interested in a mix of history, culture, and modern experiences.

Before You Go:

  • Visa Requirements: Check if you need a visa for Azerbaijan based on your nationality. https://www.azerbaijan.travel/en/visas is a good resource to check the latest visa information.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring Baku. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter brings colder temperatures and occasional snow.

Day 1: Historical Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day by immersing yourself in the history of Azerbaijan with a visit to the Walled City of Baku (Icheri Sheher).

    • Things to do: Explore the ancient walls, wander through the narrow streets, and discover charming landmarks like the Maiden Tower (Giz Galasi), Shirvanshah’s Palace, and the Nizami Mausoleum.
    • Getting Around: The heart of Icheri Sheher is easily walkable.

  • Afternoon:

    • Option 1: Take a guided tour of the Icheri Sheher, learning about its rich history as you visit key landmarks.
    • Option 2: Immerse yourself in the city’s architectural heritage with a stroll through the historic streets and a visit to the historical museums like the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum or the Museum of Modern Art.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant in Icheri Sheher.

    • Recommendation: “Shahdag Restaurant” offers stunning views and authentic cuisine, making it a perfect spot for an evening meal.

Day 2: Modern Marvels & Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Explore the Flame Towers, the iconic skyscrapers of Baku that symbolize the city’s modern transformation.

    • Option 1: Visit the nearby Icheri Sheher park and enjoy the cool breeze while admiring the architectural prowess of these towers.
    • Option 2: Experience the vibrant cityscape from the top of one of the towers, with a panoramic view of Baku and the Caspian Sea.

  • Afternoon:

    • Immerse yourself in the beauty of Fountain Square, a lively hub for cafes, restaurants, and street art. Enjoy the atmosphere while sipping on tea or coffee and indulging in local delicacies.
    • Explore the Icheri Sheher: Wander through its historic streets, admire the architecture, and enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony at a local teahouse.

  • Evening: Take a walk along the Baku Boulevard and enjoy the Caspian Sea breeze, street performers, and vibrant atmosphere.

Other things to do in Baku (choose based on your interests):

  • Visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque: This beautiful mosque is a modern architectural marvel and a place of serenity.
  • Explore the Old City (Icheri Sheberon): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City offers a glimpse into Baku’s ancient past with its cobbled streets, mosques, and traditional architecture.
  • Wander through the Maiden Tower: This historic landmark is a must-see for its stunning views and intriguing history.
  • Shop at the Nizami Street: This pedestrian street is the heart of shopping in Baku, offering everything from international brands to local souvenirs.

Cultural Experiences:

  • Visit the Azerbaijan Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in the artistic history and heritage of the country.
  • Explore the Nizami Street: A modern-day cultural hub, with a variety of museums, art galleries, and historical sites along its path.
  • Experience the local cuisine: Sample traditional dishes like dolma (stuffed grape leaves), plov (rice dish), lavash bread, and juicy kebabs.

Day 2 - Modern Marvels & Cultural Immersion:

  • Getting Around: You can explore Baku’s historical sites in Icheri Sheher by walking, but for longer distances or exploring further afield, consider using taxis, the metro system, or renting a car to see more of the city and surrounding areas.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, especially covering shoulders and knees.
  • Language: The official language is Azerbaijani. While English is becoming more common, it’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Azerbaijani or use a translation app for easier communication.
  • Currency: The currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
  • Language:

Tips:

  • Haggling: Haggling is expected at markets and with local vendors, but not in restaurants or hotels.
  • Photography: Some places may have restrictions on photography, so always ask before taking pictures.
  • Currency: It’s a good idea to exchange currency before you arrive in Azerbaijan, as rates can be unfavorable once you are there.

Food:

  • Traditional Restaurants: Enjoy authentic Azerbaijani cuisine with dishes like “plov” (a rice dish), “dolma” (stuffed grape leaves), “kufte bozbash” (meatball soup) and “lavash” bread.

Remember: This is just a suggestion for your two days in Baku. You can customize it based on your interests and the amount of time you have to spend at each location.

Food:

  • Currency:

Language:

  • Azerbaijan: The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, but many locals also speak Russian.

Cultural Experiences:

  • Visit: Heydar Aliyev Center, a modern cultural center showcasing art, music, and architecture.
  • Explore: the Museum of Carpet and Applied Art, to learn about this traditional craft.
  • Experience: a “chaykhana” (teahouse) culture for a taste of local traditions.

Things to do in Baku:

  • Witness: the modern architecture of the city:

Day 2 - Enjoy the vibrant city life:

  • Visit: the Flame Towers, a modern architectural marvel, and enjoy the stunning views of the city.

This is just a taste of what you can see and do in Baku. The city offers a rich tapestry of historical sites, museums, and cultural experiences.

Possible options for your itinerary:

  • Food:
    • Start with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast. This often includes “bal” (honey), “ayran” (a yogurt-based drink), and “qutab” (savory pancakes).
  • Explore: the Old City, visiting the historic palaces, mosques, and mosques.

Day 2 - Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy a meal at a “traditional Azerbaiani restaurant” in the city.

Food:

  • Local Markets: For a truly immersive experience, visit a local market like the Taza Bazaar, where you can see vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and spices.

Getting Around:

  • Consider: using public transportation or taxis to explore the city’s diverse offerings.

Taxis:

  • Car: are readily available in Baku, but it is important to note that traffic can be congested.

Day 2 - Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani meal:

Transportation:

  • Baku: has a good public transportation system, including buses, trolleybuses, and the metro.

Possible options for getting around:

  • Explore: the city on foot (especially enjoyable in the Old City).
  • Use the metro: to travel further afield.
  • Take a taxi: to experience the city’s vibrant streets and enjoy a “tea” ceremony" at a local teahouse, a popular cultural tradition.

Things to do:

  • Explore the city: Visit the Baku Old City (Icheri Sheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its historic architecture, cobbled alleys, and bustling marketplaces.

  • Taxis:

  • Visit:

  • Take the bus:

  • Travel: to the Baku Boulevard, a beautiful promenade along the Caspian Sea, for a relaxing stroll and stunning views of the city.

Food & Drink:

  • Explore: the history of the “chaykhana” (tea house) culture in Baku.

  • Enjoy: a cup of “chay” (tea) at a local “chaykhana”, experiencing the unique atmosphere and traditions of these social hubs.

  • Experience:

  • Consider: enjoying the traditional “chay” ceremony and cuisine at a “traditional restaurant” along the Baku Boulevard, or at a smaller tea house in the Old City.