Things to do in Azerbaijan

Baku’s Old City, or Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a journey through time. This walled city is a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and cultural landmarks. Key attractions in the old city include the Maiden Tower, a mysterious structure with roots dating back to the 12th century, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a stunning example of medieval Azerbaijani architecture. Wander through the ancient streets, visit traditional markets, and explore the numerous mosques, caravanserais, and bathhouses that give Icherisheher its timeless charm. This historic quarter is a must-visit for anyone exploring Baku.

Baku’s nightlife is lively and diverse, offering something for everyone. Start your evening at one of the city’s rooftop bars, like the 360 Bar, which offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea and Baku’s skyline. For live music, head to the Jazz Club or Etud Café. Nightclubs such as Enerji and Pasifico offer a high-energy atmosphere with international DJs and dance floors packed until dawn. You can also take the night tour around the city and witness the popular attractions of Baku under the charming nighlights.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Azerbaijan’s premier ski resorts offer world-class facilities and breathtaking mountain scenery. The Shahdag Mountain Resort, located in the Greater Caucasus, features well-groomed slopes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala also offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, along with modern amenities like ski schools and equipment rentals. Both resorts provide luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and snow activities, making them perfect destinations for a winter getaway.

When visiting Baku, don't miss the chance to embark on a memorable cruise ride on the Caspian Sea from the iconic Seaside Boulevard. Whether during the day to admire the seafront or in the evening to enjoy the city lights, these 30-minute cruises offer unforgettable experiences. Choose between the spacious Mirvari, accommodating up to 450 passengers, or the cozy Shafag, with a capacity of 60. Ticket prices range from 5 to 10 AZN, and trips operate on a schedule starting from 5:00 PM, with the ticket office opening at 4:00 PM. Relax with refreshing beverages or traditional teas being served onboard.

For breathtaking views and an exhilarating experience, take a cable car ride at the Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala. The cable car ascends through the stunning landscapes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, offering panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and pristine valleys. At the top, you can enjoy various activities such as hiking, skiing in winter, or simply relaxing at the mountaintop cafes and restaurants. The Tufandag cable car ride is a highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers, providing unforgettable scenery and a chance to experience the beauty of Azerbaijan’s mountainous regions.

Azerbaijan's Caspian Sea coastline offers a variety of beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm and appeal. Beaches in Baku like Bilagh and Amburan offer golden sands and clear waters, along with facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and cafes. Private beach clubs and resorts in Baku provides exclusive experiences with amenities like pools, restaurants, and live entertainment. For a family-friendly outing, Shikhov Beach is ideal with its calm waters and picnic areas. In Lankaran, the beaches are renowned for their unique black sand, believed to have therapeutic properties.

Naftalan, a small town in central Azerbaijan, is famous for its therapeutic crude oil baths. The unique Naftalan oil, rich in medicinal properties, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, joint pain, and inflammation. You can experience the healing benefits of Naftalan oil at several resorts and spa centers in the area. The oil baths involve immersing yourself in warm, viscous oil, followed by a cleansing shower and a relaxing massage. This therapeutic treatment is both a unique and a rejuvenating experience, making Naftalan popular for health tourism.

Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes, and visiting them is a unique experience. Located primarily in the Gobustan National Park, these geological wonders are caused by the eruption of mud and gases from underground. The region holds all types of known mud volcanoes, most of which are active. The mud from this area, concentrated with water, oil and natural gases, is considered to be therapeutic and rejuvenating in nature. You can take mud baths which are known to be very effective for skin health and stress reduction.

Yanardag, or Fire Mountain, is a natural gas fire that has been burning continuously for centuries. Located on the Absheron Peninsula, this fascinating phenomenon is caused by natural gas seeping through the earth’s crust and igniting upon contact with the air. The flames, which can reach up to 3 meters high, create a mesmerizing sight, especially at night. Yanardag has been a place of pilgrimage for fire worshippers and has inspired numerous legends. A visit to this fiery mountain is a must for anyone interested in Azerbaijan’s natural wonders and geological history.

Azerbaijan’s cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Russian influences. Must-try dishes include Plov, a fragrant rice dish with saffron, and Dolma, vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat. Kebabs and shashliks are other popular choices, often enjoyed with fresh salads and bread. Baklava and Sheki halva are some of the must-try dessert items when visiting the land of fire. Make sure to try the unique Azeri tea which is served with lemon and sugar cubes. The traditional way of having this tea is to dunk the sugar cube and bite it before sipping the tea.

Azerbaijan’s festivals provide a fantastic way to experience the country’s culture and traditions. The Novruz Bayram, celebrating the Persian New Year, is one of the most important events in March, marked by feasts, music, and traditional dances. The music and art festivals celebrate Azerbaijan’s culture around the year. The Gabala International Music Festival attracts artists from around the world for a week of classical and jazz performances. Baku hosts the annual Azerbaijan International Jazz Festival, featuring both local and international musicians. Attending these festivals allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural life of Azerbaijan and enjoy unique experiences.

Azerbaijan offers diverse hiking experiences that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts, from rugged mountain trails to serene lakeside paths. Popular destinations include Shahdag in the Greater Caucasus, known for its challenging trails and stunning alpine scenery. Gobustan offers moderate hikes through ancient petroglyphs and rocky terrain, while Lerik in the Talysh Mountains provides lush forests, waterfalls, and bird-watching opportunities. More skilled trekkers can also trek to Mount Bazarduzu, Azerbaijan's highest peak. Marked trails like Laza-Kuzun, Khinalig-Galakhudat, Bash Goynuk-Kish, and Chiragli-Javadkhan offer scenic routes through valleys, forests, and historical landmarks.

Baku offers a diverse range of hammams and spa therapies, providing a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The city's historic hammams, such as the Taze Bey Bath and Aga Mikayil Hamam, provide authentic experiences with their classic Turkish and Azerbaijani baths and ornate architecture. For a more contemporary experience, Baku's luxurious spas, like the Four Seasons Hotel spa and City Retreat Spa, offer state-of-the-art facilities and a range of treatments, from Balinese massages to 24-karat gold therapies.

Azerbaijan’s diverse landscapes are home to a rich variety of wildlife, and the country’s national parks offer excellent opportunities for nature enthusiasts to spot rare and endangered species. Azerbaijan's nine national parks offer an incredible opportunity to spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. From the semi-desert landscape of Shirvan National Park to the lush forests of Hirkan National Park, each park is home to a unique array of flora and fauna. With over 140 bird species in Ag-Gol and 1,900 plant species in Hirkan, the parks provide ample opportunities for birdwatching and botanical exploration.

Baku boasts an impressive array of museums that cater to diverse interests. The Heydar Aliyev Center, with its striking architecture by Zaha Hadid, houses exhibits on Azerbaijani culture and history. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum showcases the country’s rich tradition of carpet weaving, with an extensive collection of beautifully crafted carpets. For history buffs, the National History Museum offers a comprehensive look at Azerbaijan’s past, from ancient times to the modern era. Art enthusiasts will enjoy the Museum of Modern Art, featuring works by Azerbaijani and international artists. Exploring Baku’s museums is a great way to delve into the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

The village of Kish, near Sheki, is home to one of Azerbaijan’s oldest Christian monuments, the Church of Kish. This ancient church dates back to the 12th century and is believed to have been founded by Saint Eliseus, a disciple of Saint Thaddeus. The church’s beautiful stone architecture and serene setting make it a significant historical and cultural site. Inside, you’ll find a small museum with artifacts and exhibits related to the region’s Christian heritage. The Church of Kish offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s diverse religious history.

Azerbaijan's local bazaars offer a vibrant shopping experience where you can find everything from Azeri carpets to traditional crafts. Visit the old city in Baku that is perfect for souvenir and carpet shopping or take a trip to Yashil Bazar to buy saffron and ther spices. You can also head to the Lahij village bazaar, famous for its copperware and handmade crafts. These markets provide a glimpse into daily life and are perfect for picking up unique gifts like carpets, pottery, and textiles.