The capital of Azerbaijan is not what you’d expect! Azerbaijan’s capital, dubbed by Lonely Planet as “the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai”, is one of the fastest changing cities in the World.

Baku Is A Big Surprise?!

I was quite shocked when arriving in Baku, Azerbaijan to see how modern everything was in this capital, compared to the countryside when I crossed into Azerbaijan from Armenia. Baku is really cool! Let’s talk about the regime in Azerbaijan another day, but the capital of Baku is just magnificent! Dilapidated alleyways are now bustling with hipster cafes and international restaurants. The Flame Towers are a marvel of modern architecture. Millennials wander the streets dressed in the latest high-end fashion.

Yet Baku is not without its charm either.

At the center of Baku lies the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounding this time capsule are stone mansions and luxury boutiques. The blend of the old and new works effortlessly. There are a lot of tourist attractions around the city. The city is rapidly expanding and you will find many things to do in Baku to keep yourself busy and entertained. Here are 5 of my personal favorites in Baku!

Top 5 Things To Do In Baku, Azerbaijan

1: Check Out The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are located on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the Old City. It’s an iconic trio of buildings that transforms the image of the city from a forgotten place to a more modern day Baku. Not only does it transforms the city’s skyline, but it also pays respect to Baku’s history and predicts its strong future.

The design of the towers was inspired by Azerbaijan’s historical past of fire worship amongst locals. The buildings are shaped in a form of a flame, and are completely covered with top-modern LED screens that present movements of a fire.

From almost anywhere in the city you can see the Flame Towers, which dominate Baku’s skyline. I love this place, especially at night with its change of colors and everlasting beauty!

2: Walk Around The Old City

Old City or “Icharishahar”, is one of Azerbaijan’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s truly a unique, historical part of Azerbaijan and is located within the heart of Baku. The Old City is very clean and recently renovated. It’s a very beautiful and very artful town, surrounded by fortressed walls, adding to the character.

Walk through its cobblestone streets, see and touch the stones of the ancient walls, zigzag through narrow corridors and admire the intricate art on the doors. The Old City of Baku has a lot to offer. The town has a lot of aged buildings, a palace complex, mosques and the iconic Maiden Tower.

Lovely atmosphere and it truly is a place where time seems to have stopped in a wonderful way.

3: Check Out The Mosques

The Heydar Mosque is my favourite mosque in Baku, but most people would probably also tell you to go to visit the Bibi Heybat Mosque.

The Heydar Mosque is the largest mosque in the Caucasus. The mosque covers a total area of 12000 square meters and was built in 2012. Absolutely amazing place, love it with lights in it at night.

The Bibi Heybat Mosque is also one of the most interesting things to do in Baku, and even non-Muslims will enjoy exploring this wonderful piece of architecture. The present day structure is from July, 1998, and is a recreation of the mosque that was built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan.

Interestingly enough, the Bibi Heybat Mosque is the only religious building that was completely destroyed by Stalin in 1936, but it has been restored since and is now looking greater than ever before!

4. Climb Up The Maiden Tower

When visiting Baku you can’t miss climbing on top of Azerbaijan’s most recognized landmark, and the centre of the city’s historical importance. The Maiden Tower, or as locals call it Giz Galasi, is located in the Old City and is constantly surrounded by a hive of activity from the locals there.

It was built in the 12^th century as part of the walled city of Baku. The name Giz Galasi is better translated as “Virgin Tower”, named that because of its impenetrability. The Maiden Tower is part of UNESCO’s world heritage listing, looped in with the Old City and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace.

5.Visit The Mud Volcanoes At Gobustan National Park

The other of Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Gobustan National Park, that attracts thousands of tourists annually.

This otherworldly site is a sprawling field speckled with bubbling mud volcanoes, anthropological sites and sizzling lakes.

In Azerbaijan there are around 300 mud volcanoes to be found at the shore, in the sea and on islands. That’s about 30% of the world’s total, and is a main reason people choose to visit Azerbaijan.

Azerbaidjan Was A Good Experience

I had a really good time in Baku, Azerbaijan, my country number 66, and I know you’ll definitely have a good time too in this wonderful city. I had a bit of a hard time crossing the border waiting many hours outside in the cold night from Armenia to Azerbaijan, but in the end Azerbaijan was all worth it!

Are you ready to go to Baku now?

Gustav

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