Best things to do in Baku
Find out more about those top places in Baku
Baku Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Sightseeing, and Windy Wonders in Azerbaijan’s Capital
Perched on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula and hugging the Bay of Baku like it owns the place (which it does), Baku is the lively capital of Azerbaijan—and a serious contender for “Most Unexpectedly Cool City in the Caucasus.” Known as the “City of Winds,” Baku will quite literally blow you away. Bring a jacket... or three.
This city is where East meets West, old meets new, and grapes meet oil (yes, really—wine and petroleum are kind of a big deal here). It’s not just the country’s cultural and scientific hub, but also a goldmine of places to visit, Insta-worthy landmarks, and eye-popping architecture.
Things to Do in Baku: From Medieval Magic to Modern Marvels
Baku is the kind of city that wears its history like a badge of honor—but also isn’t afraid to dress in futuristic skyscrapers. One minute you're sightseeing through cobblestone alleys in the Old City, and the next, you're staring up at a building shaped like a flame or a space shuttle. Welcome to Baku, where time travel is real—sort of.
Start your travel guide to Baku in the heart of the old city, or Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll find two of Baku’s most famous historical gems:
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The Maiden Tower – A mysterious stone tower wrapped in legend (some say it was a watchtower, others say it’s where a princess jumped to avoid an unwanted marriage... drama!).
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The Palace of the Shirvanshahs – An architectural masterpiece that’ll have your inner history nerd doing backflips.
These are easily among the top attractions in Baku for anyone remotely into history, mystery, or medieval fortresses.
Modern Baku: Futuristic Flair with a Side of Sass
Now hop into the 21st century—because Baku’s skyline is basically an architectural catwalk. Be sure to check out:
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The Flame Towers – Three skyscrapers shaped like giant flames (because Azerbaijan = Land of Fire). They light up the night like a fiery LED show.
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The Heydar Aliyev Center – Designed by Zaha Hadid, this curvy white wonder looks like a futuristic wave and is just as mind-blowing inside.
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Socar Tower – Home to Azerbaijan’s state oil company and proof that even oil offices can look stylish.
These modern landmarks aren’t just places to visit—they’re the reason your phone’s storage will be full before lunch.
Green Escapes, Culture, and a Little Bit of Everything
If you're wondering about other things to do in Baku, take a breather in one of the city’s many lush parks. Whether you’re strolling along Seaside Boulevard (locals call it the “Baku Riviera”) or picnicking in Highland Park with jaw-dropping views of the Caspian Sea, Baku has plenty of green spaces for when your feet beg for a break.
Cultural buffs will also love the city’s mosques, museums, art galleries, and a growing calendar of events from jazz fests to film screenings. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (shaped like a giant rolled-up rug!) is a must-see if you want your sightseeing to come with a side of quirk.
Final Thoughts: Baku, The Breezy Showstopper
In short, Baku is a city full of contrasts—in the best way possible. It's ancient and futuristic, quiet and buzzy, windy and wonderful. Whether you’re hunting down top attractions, digging into medieval tales, admiring world-class architecture, or just soaking in the sea breeze, this city will definitely surprise you—in between gusts of wind, of course.
So grab your camera, tighten your scarf, and prepare to fall for one of the most fascinating capital cities in the region.
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Maiden Tower
Maiden tower is a medieval age historic building in Baku and is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower consists of a museum, a good place to learn about history of Baku, and a gift shop. Don’t forget to climb the Maiden tower to get the most amazing views of the city.
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Palace of Shirvanshah
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site Palace of Shirvanshah is another medieval age historical hidden gem in Baku and UNESCO rightly described it as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture." It is located in old city of Baku and as the name suggests the palace was built by Shirvan’s rulers Shirvanshahs and was their residence.
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Flame Towers
Located on a hill, the Flame towers consisting of three skyscrapers reflect the modern and excellent architecture of Baku and along with other buildings of the city, the towers make the skyline of Baku shine like beacon. Shaped like flame due to the fact that the locals used to worship fire in the past, these towers can be seen from far away.
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Heydar Aliyev Center
Considered as one of the top attractions of Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center is another magnificent piece of modern architecture. Due to its excellent architecture and design the Heydar Aliyev Center won the “Design of the Year” award in 2014. The center consists of an art gallery, conference, library, concert halls and a restaurant.
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Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard, also known as Seaside National Park, was built in 1909. It’s a promenade where you can enjoy beautiful views of Baku and Caspian Sea. You can also have a boat tour here or enjoy delicious food from the nearby restaurants.
