Which Attractions in Baku Should You Visit on Your Next Trip

The capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku is also the biggest and most populous city in the South Caucasus area. Baku is a charming city, where you can witness the amalgamation of the old and new. This is one of the most ancient cities in the East and features ultra-modern skyscrapers, standing right next to well-preserved historic structures. In recent years, Baku tourism has witnessed a significant upsurge as a tourist destination, as more and more people are noticing all that the city has to offer.

What are the Best Attractions in Baku?

The vibrant capital city of Azerbaijan is a fascinating destination for you to explore. Home to a number of amazing tourist attractions, Baku offers a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and advanced modernity. Based on the number of days you are spending in the city and your day-to-day itinerary, there are several places worth visiting in Baku that you can add to your plan:

1. Palace of Shirvanshahs
2. Gobustan
3. Yanardag
4. Ateshgah Fire Temple
5. Old Town Baku
6. National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
7. Baku Museum of Miniature Books
8. Mud Volcanoes
9. Bilgah Beach
10. Little Venice

Palace of Shirvanshahs

One of the first attractions in Baku that you should visit is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the history of which can be traced back to the 15th century, when it was built by Shirvanshah Sheykh Ibrahim I to serve as the residence for the rulers of the Shirvan Region. In 2000, the palace was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to Expect: The palace complex houses various structures, including a divan khana (ceremonial hall), bathhouse, residential building, mosque, and mausoleum, which is the burial place of the Shirvanshah royalty. The mausoleum is an outstanding example of medieval Azerbaijani architecture, while the palace itself shows influences of the Russians. Ottoman, Shirvani, Persian, Arabic, Sasanian, and Zoroastrian cultures. Intricate carvings, glazed tile decorations, and geometric patterns adorn the palace, showcasing the time’s artistic achievements, and are some of the notable architectural features at this tourist spot in Baku.

When Should You Visit: The palace is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, every day.

Gobustan

This is one of the top attractions near Baku. Gobustan is located at a distance of 60 kilometres from the city and is an archaeological site, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient history. In 2007, the petroglyphs of Gobustan were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

What to Expect: Gobustan has a collection of more than 6000 rock engravings, which offer insights into human history for around 40,000 years, as well as a Petroglyph Museum, which displays various artefacts that were discovered here. The petroglyphs and other artefacts that you will find here illustrate the lifestyles, customs, and activities of ancient civilisations from long ago, approximately some time from the Upper Palaeolithic Era to the Middle Ages. Another reason why Gobustan is one of the most famous places near Baku is that it also houses a Roman inscription from the 1st century AD and a unique musical stone that sounds almost like a tambourine when struck by a smaller stone.

When Should You Visit: Given the distance from the main city, it is best to plan an entire day’s trip to Gobustan. You can also add a visit to the Mud Volcanoes.

Yanardag

Yanardag which translates to the “burning mountain”, is a unique Baku tourist spot that is well-known for its flames that emerge from the ground and have been ablaze for thousands of years. This should be the next on your list of must-visit places on your Baku tour. A unique Baku tourist spot, Yanardag is well-known for its flames that emerge from the ground and have been ablaze for thousands of years.

What to Expect: For thousands of years now, the flames at Yanardag have been fuelled by underground gas reservoirs and can get as high as three metres in height. The phenomenon creates a captivating sight against the backdrop of the Caspian Sea, as the wind twists and shapes the flames. Ancient inhabitants used to view this spot as a sacred site.

When Should You Visit: Try to plan a visit to Yanardag towards the end of the day, as the beauty of this natural phenomenon is best enjoyed in the dark.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

Constructed in the 17th-18th century, Ateshgah is an important historical sight and one of the most popular tourist places in Baku. This religious complex used to be a place of worship for the Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. This is another one of the Baku City attractions that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1998).

What to Expect: The temple has a unique pentagonal shape and once, natural gas fires used to burn continuously inside. The temple was abandoned in the 19th century and the fires are now fuelled by piped gas. Ateshgah is still an important tourist spot in Baku and has been transformed into a museum, where you can gain insights into the country’s culture and heritage.

When Should You Visit: The temple is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Old Town Baku

Also known as Icherisheher, Old City, or Inner City, is the capital of Azerbaijan, the ancient part of Baku. This is another one of the Baku City attractions that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to Expect: Old Baku City and its attractions are surrounded by walls that have been dated back to at least the 12th century. Old Town Baku is known for its architecture, which has been preserved well to date. It is a maze of streets, alleys, and historic structures, which offer you a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city. Other Baku tourist attractions, like Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, are also located in this part of the city.

When Should You Visit: You can visit Old Town Baku at any time during the day. However, it is recommended that you dedicate at least half a day to exploring the old city.

National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

Established in 1920, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan is one of the top attractions in Baku. The museum houses almost 3,00,000 exhibits that include ethnographic material, manuscripts, artwork, artefacts, and archaeological discoveries.

What to Expect: With a comprehensive collection of exhibits, the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan paints a vivid picture of the history and cultural heritage of the country, creating a vibrant and rich tapestry of the past. There are several sections for you to explore, including medieval weaponry, intricate carpets, traditional costumes, and other prehistoric artefacts. The compelling display will let you peek into the country’s socio-cultural evolution, its ancient civilisations, association with the Silk Road, role in the Islamic world, struggle for independence, and its modern development. This is definitely one of the top places worth visiting in Buka for those interested in history.

When Should You Visit: The museum is closed on Mondays. For the rest of the days, the museum opens from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, the ticket office for the museum closes at 5:00 pm.

Baku Museum of Miniature Books

This unique tourist spot in Baku opened its doors in 2002, and in 2015, it was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest private museum of miniature books in the world.

What to Expect: The Baku Museum of Miniature Books is not just one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Baku, it is also the only museum of its kind in the entire world. The museum has a collection of more than 6500 miniature books, including miniature editions of literary classics, manuscripts, and religious texts from around 64 countries. Visiting this tourist spot in Baku offers an intriguing glimpse into the history of printing and the art of bookmaking.

When Should You Visit: The museum is closed on Thursdays and Mondays. On the rest of the days, it opens from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the museum.

Mud Volcanoes

Located in the Gobustan region, the mud volcanoes are geological formations that make for an otherworldly spectacle. One of the top tourist attractions near Baku, this region has one of the largest concentrations of mud volcanoes in the world.

What to Expect: The region has all types of mud volcanoes, a majority of which are active. The formations are surrounded by an otherworldly terrain that appears similar to the lunar surface. Mud baths here are known to help with stress management and for improving skin health. The volcanoes erupt regularly, expulsing a combination of mud, gases, and water, and sometimes, flames, creating a spectacular sight. This is one of the best tourist attractions near Baku for photographers, curious travellers, and geology enthusiasts.

When Should You Visit: You can visit the mud volcanoes at any time, but it is always a good idea to club it with a visit to Gobustan. You can plan a 1-day excursion to cover both destinations.

Bilgah Beach

This is one of the tourist places in Baku that you can visit to take a break. A popular Baku tourist spot among visitors as well as the locals, Bilgah Beach is perfect for spending a lazy day by the sea.

What to Expect: Bilgah Beach is known for its mesmerising shoreline that runs along the Caspian Sea, offering a picturesque backdrop for you to unwind against. The clear waters and sandy shores of the beach are perfect for swimming, water sports, and sunbathing. The beach also has several clubs, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood and local dishes.

When Should You Visit: You can hop over to Bilgah Beach whenever you have time, or you can plan an entire day for relaxing on the beach between your sightseeing itineraries.

Little Venice

One of the most famous places in Baku, Little Venice is a fascinating waterfront area in the city. Located in the Baku Boulevard area, the design of Little Venice takes inspiration from the canals of Venice, and it is one of the most popular places is a Baku tour.

What to Expect: There is no denying that Little Venice is one of the top tourist places in Baku. The area features a manmade network of canals, colourful buildings, and bridges that showcase the unique charm of Venice. The area also has a number of restaurants, cafés, and shops for you to explore. You can walk along the canals, take a luxury boat ride across the canals, or even enjoy a Gondola ride to explore Little Venice.

When Should You Visit: You can visit Little Venice from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm. It is a good idea to visit Little Venice later in the day, so you can enjoy the amazing sunset views the place has to offer.

Other tourist places in Baku that you can consider visiting include the Heydar Aliyev Centre, Flame Towers, Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, Nizami Museum of Azerbaijan Literature, Highland Park, Martyr’s Lane, Bibi Heybat Mosque, Fountain Square, Baku Eye, Maiden Tower, Surakhani Ship Museum, and Yashil Bazaar. Take some time to check out all the best attractions to visit in the city, so you can choose the right Baku travel package for your next vacation.