A City of Contrasts
Your first impression of Baku begins the moment you leave the airport. The drive into the city surprises many first-time visitors: instead of the dusty, modest streets they might expect, they are greeted by wide, illuminated avenues lined with sleek skyscrapers, glowing bridges, and modern architecture. The city reveals itself as a dynamic, cosmopolitan hub — a true meeting point of East and West.
Baku’s Icherisheher (Old City) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Here, stone-carved buildings whisper stories of Silk Road merchants, caravanserais, and centuries of cultural exchange. Just a short walk away, the cityscape transforms into a showcase of modern architecture: the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, is a fluid, futuristic masterpiece, while the Flame Towers glow over the city at night, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s eternal connection with fire.
Old City (Icherisheher), Baku, Azerbaijan
The Warmth of Azerbaijani Hospitality
Azerbaijani hospitality is renowned worldwide. Visitors are welcomed like family, offered fragrant black tea served in pear-shaped glasses and plates of pakhlava or shekerbura. Conversations flow as easily as the tea, and hosts take pride in sharing the beauty of their culture. This warmth extends to the bustling streets of Baku, where a mix of Eastern charm and European sophistication creates a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from all over the world.
A Culinary Journey Through the Land of Fire
Azerbaijan’s cuisine is as colorful and diverse as its culture. In Baku, meals are a celebration — from saffron-infused plov topped with dried fruits, to sizzling lamb kebabs grilled over open flames, and pillowy tandir bread still warm from the oven. Fresh herbs, pomegranates, and spices bring brightness to every plate. Whether in a high-end restaurant or a small family-run eatery, food here is prepared with care and served with pride, turning every meal into an unforgettable experience.
Azerbaijani tea in an armudu glass with pakhlava.
Adventures Beyond the City
Baku is surrounded by remarkable natural and historical attractions, perfect for day trips:
Gobustan National Park – Famous for its prehistoric rock carvings and otherworldly mud volcanoes, offering a glimpse into the life of ancient civilizations.
Ateshgah Fire Temple – A 17th-century temple once used by Zoroastrian fire worshippers, located in the village of Surakhani.
Khinalig Village – One of the highest and most ancient mountain settlements in the Caucasus, where unique traditions and breathtaking landscapes await.
Besh Barmag Mountain (Five Fingers) – A sacred rock formation that has inspired myths and legends for centuries, offering panoramic views of the Caspian coast.
Guba – Known for its apple orchards, carpet weaving, and the serene beauty of its forests and mountain rivers.
Mountain landscapes of Guba, Azerbaijan
Why Baku Should Be Your Next Destination
Whether you come for the history, the food, or the hospitality, Baku offers an unforgettable introduction to Azerbaijan’s rich culture. The city’s ability to merge the elegance of the East with the dynamism of the West makes it a truly unique destination. From the moment you drive in from the airport, dazzled by the lights and skyscrapers, to wandering the ancient streets of Icherisheher, Baku is a place where every corner tells a story — and every visitor leaves with a memory worth treasuring.
Traditional Azerbaijani breakfast with tea served from a samovar.
