Baku Azerbaijan 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Baku Itinerary: A Blend of History, Culture & Modernity

This itinerary balances exploring Baku’s historical charm with its vibrant contemporary scene. It’s a starting point, adjust it based on your interests!

Where to Stay:

  • Luxury:

    • Four Seasons Hotel Baku: Breathtaking views, luxurious rooms, and exceptional service.
    • Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers: For a modern & luxurious experience with iconic views from the hotel’s rooftop.

  • Mid-Range:

    • JW Marriott Absheron Baku: Elegant rooms with convenient access to attractions in the city center.
    • Hilton Baku: Reliable and comfortable option with great amenities near the Caspian Sea.

  • Budget:

    • Baku Hostel: A social and affordable choice for solo travelers or groups (always check reviews for cleanliness, safety, and overall vibe).
    • Hostel Baku: Offers dorms and private rooms at competitive prices (consider location for your interests).

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is the currency. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some local currency for smaller vendors and markets.
  • Language: Azerbaijani is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken. English is becoming more common in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Azerbaijani phrases (“hello” - “salam”, “thank you” - “təşəkkür edərəm”, “goodbye” - “göz ayrılığına” will impress locals!)
  • Safety: Baku is generally a safe city. However, be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Day 1: Exploring the Old City

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the historical heart of Baku, the Old City (Icheri Sheher). Wander through its labyrinthine streets and discover:

    • The Maiden Tower: This iconic landmark offers stunning views over the city.
    • The Palace of the Shirvanshah: A beautifully preserved 15th-century palace with a mosque, mausoleum, and caravanserai.
    • Icheri Sheher’s Market: Explore the local market for fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs.

  • Afternoon:

Things to do:

  • Explore the historical streets: Immerse yourself in the charm of Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City, discovering hidden mosques, tea houses, and traditional architecture.

  • Visit the Shirvanshah Mosque: This historic mosque is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture.

  • Climb the stairs of the Baku Fortress: Enjoy breathtaking views and learn about the city’s ancient history.

  • Afternoon:

Things to do:

  • Shirvanshah Mausoleum: Explore this 15th-century mausoleum with its intricate carvings and historical significance.
  • Lunch at a traditional restaurant: Experience authentic Azerbaijani cuisine with dishes like plov (pilaf), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), or kebabs in the bustling Old City restaurants.

Day 2: Modern Baku and Beyond

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid.
  • Afternoon:

Things to do:

  • Carpet Museum: Immerse yourself in the art of carpet weaving at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

Evening:

  • Enjoy the Flame Towers, Baku’s iconic skyline feature, and marvel at the city lights from the top.
  • Explore the Nizami Street:

This pedestrianized street is a must-see for its combination of historic architecture and modern shops.

Day 3: Culture & History Day

  • Morning: Explore the Baku Old City’s cobbled streets, tea houses, and local markets.
  • Visit the Martyrs’ Lane: This memorial site commemorates Azerbaijanis who died in a conflict with Armenia.
  • Experience the Baku Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city’s traditional shopping scene.

Day 3:

  • Azerbaijan History Museum: Learn about the history of this ancient and fascinating country.

Other things of interest:

  • Take a stroll along the Caspian Sea: Enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air.
  • Experience a mud bath at the Gobustan: Indulge in the therapeutic tradition of mud bathing at the historic Gobustan, a site known for its ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings)

Enjoy Baku’s vibrant nightlife:

  • Explore the modern bars and clubs of Baku: Discover the city’s thriving nightlife scene, experiencing its modern atmosphere and unique offerings.
  • Discover traditional Azerbaijani culture:**

Visit the Heydar Mosque:

This impressive mosque offers stunning views of the city and is a great example of contemporary Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan.

Enjoy the traditional music and dance performances:

  • Explore the local cuisine:

Try traditional dishes like plov, dolma, dolma kebab, qutab (savoury pancakes), and plov with lamb or beef**.

Visit the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan:

  • Explore the historical museums and galleries showcasing the country’s rich past.
  • Experience the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) and mud volcanoes.
  • Enjoy the Flame Towers’ illuminated skyline, a symbol of Baku’s modern transformation.

Other Activities:

  • Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid, for its exhibitions and breathtaking views.
  • Explore the historic streets and alleys of the Old City.
  • Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings of the Fountain Square, a popular gathering place in Baku.
  • Relax on the Caspian Sea beaches:

Day 3:

  • Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center: Experience the modern architecture and cultural events held at this iconic venue.

Enjoy the local culture and atmosphere:

  • Experience the mud volcanoes:

Explore the unique landscape and witness the natural phenomenon of these volcanic formations.

  • Enjoy the vibrant

Day 3:

  • Enjoy the scenic views from the Flame Towers, while learning about the modern architecture of the city.
  • Explore the Heydar Aliyev Center, a cultural hub designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

Enjoy the local cuisine:

  • Sample Azerbaijani cuisine:

Explore the culinary delights of the region, such as **the Flame Towers’ restaurant offering traditional dishes and stunning views.

  • Visit the Baku Boulevard:

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

Note:

  • This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it to fit your interests and budget.
  • Consider adding a day trip to Gobustan, the ancient fire temple, or to other historical sites in Baku.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Baku by exploring its trendy bars and restaurants.

Enjoy the bustling local markets:

  • Visit the Flame Towers’ rooftop: Take in the panoramic views of the city and enjoy the fresh air.
  • Enjoy the open-air market at Gobustan, where you can experience the traditional way of life in Azerbaijan.
  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Baku’s bustling markets.

Day 3:

  • Enjoy the food scene in Baku, with its diverse culinary offerings.
  • Visit the “Old City” (optional)
  • Enjoy a variety of Azerbaijani restaurants and cafes

Other things to do:

  • Explore the history of Azerbaijan’s oil industry at the Azerbaijan History Museum.

  • Discover the modern art scene in Baku by visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center, a popular venue for art exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the city.

  • Explore the historical sites:

Day 3:

  • Explore the Heydar Aliyev Center, a cultural hub that showcases the history and architecture of Azerbaijan.

  • Enjoy a variety of traditional dishes like pilaf and kebabs in a modern setting at the restaurant.

  • Discover the Heydar Aliyev Center’s exhibitions on the country’s rich history and culture.

  • Explore the unique mud volcano formations in Gobustan.

This is a framework, remember to personalize it with your own preferences!