Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Azerbaijan

A photograph of Azerbaijan
Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Azerbaijan lies on the boundary between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, in the South Caucasus, with the Caspian Sea along its entire eastern edge and Iran to the south. Baku is both the capital and the largest city. The country is not one continuous block. The exclave of Nakhchivan is cut off from the rest by Armenian territory, and it holds the only stretch of border Azerbaijan shares with Turkey. Georgia is the neighbour to the northwest and Russia's republic of Dagestan to the north. It is one of six independent Turkic states, and the first secular democratic Muslim-majority state in the world, declared in 1918.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Azerbaijani
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+994
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Azerbaijani manat (AZN)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 220 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Baku Boulevard Baku Boulevard
    02 1 hour

    Baku Boulevard

    Dənizkənarı Milli Park

    Baku Boulevard, known locally as Bakı Bulvarı, is a long Caspian waterfront promenade that serves as Baku's principal public leisure corridor.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  2. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
    03 1 hour

    Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

    Qobustan Qayaüstü İncəsənət Mədəni Landşaftı

    Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site located south of Baku. The protected area encompasses a vast collection of rock engravings, ancient human settlements, and archaeological remains spanning multiple historical periods.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  3. Highland Park Highland Park
    04 1 hour

    Highland Park

    Dağüstü Park

    Highland Park, known locally as Dağüstü Park, is Baku's principal elevated viewpoint. It sits on a hill overlooking the Caspian Sea bay, the Boulevard promenade, and the city skyline, with the Flame Towers immediately adjacent.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Baku
  4. Atəşgah Atəşgah
    05 1 hour

    Atəşgah

    The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a religious-historical complex and museum located in Surakhani, on the outskirts of Baku.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  5. Flame Towers Flame Towers
    06 45 min

    Flame Towers

    Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers in Baku, Azerbaijan, completed as a distinctive modern landmark on the Caspian Sea waterfront. The local name Alov qüllələri reflects their flame-shaped design, which references Azerbaijan's historical identity as the Land of Fire.

    • Must see
    • Viewpoint
    • Baku
  6. Palace of Happiness Palace of Happiness
    07 45 min

    Palace of Happiness

    Səadət Sarayı

    The Palace of Happiness, locally known as Səadət Sarayı, is a Neo-Gothic mansion in Baku, Azerbaijan. Built during the oil boom era, it was originally the Muxtarov mansion.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  7. Ismailiyya Palace Ismailiyya Palace
    08 45 min

    Ismailiyya Palace

    Ismailiyya Palace is a Venetian Gothic building constructed during Baku's oil boom era. The palace was commissioned by Agha Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son Ismail.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  8. Bibi-Heybat Mosque Bibi-Heybat Mosque
    09 30 min

    Bibi-Heybat Mosque

    Bibi Heybət Məscidi

    Bibi-Heybat Mosque is a rebuilt Islamic shrine mosque located on the Caspian Sea coast near Baku, Azerbaijan. Its local name is Bibiheybət məscidi. The site is a major pilgrimage destination associated with a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  9. Heydar Mosque Heydar Mosque
    10 30 min

    Heydar Mosque

    Heydər Məscidi

    Heydar Mosque, known locally as Heydər məscidi, is a monumental modern mosque in Baku, Azerbaijan. It stands as one of the city's largest religious buildings and serves as a prominent landmark in the northern part of the city.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  10. Beynəlxalq Muğam Mərkəzi Beynəlxalq Muğam Mərkəzi
    11 1 hour

    Beynəlxalq Muğam Mərkəzi

    The International Mugham Center of Azerbaijan is a purpose-built performance venue dedicated to mugham, a traditional Azerbaijani musical form recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  11. YARAT Contemporary Art Space YARAT Contemporary Art Space
    12 1 hour

    YARAT Contemporary Art Space

    YARAT Contemporary Art Center

    YARAT Contemporary Art Space is Baku's leading contemporary-art organisation. Its local name is YARAT Müasir İncəsənət Məkanı. The organisation operates from a converted waterfront industrial building, repurposing former industrial infrastructure for cultural use.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  12. Philharmonic Garden Philharmonic Garden
    13 1 hour

    Philharmonic Garden

    Filarmoniya bağı

    The Philharmonic Garden is Baku's oldest public garden, forming a shaded green corridor between the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall and the historic walls of İçərişəhər, the Old City.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  13. National Flag Square National Flag Square
    14 45 min

    National Flag Square

    Dövlət Bayrağı Meydanı

    National Flag Square is a vast ceremonial plaza situated on the newer stretch of Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea waterfront. Its defining feature is the monumental flagpole that once held one of the world's largest national flags.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  14. Flame Towers Flame Towers
    15 45 min

    Flame Towers

    The Flame Towers are three flame-shaped skyscrapers dominating Baku's contemporary skyline, forming the city's most visible modern ensemble.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  15. Dada Gorgud Park in Baku Dada Gorgud Park in Baku
    16 1 hour

    Dada Gorgud Park in Baku

    Dədə Qorqud parkı

    Dede Gorgud Park is a large landscaped public park in Baku, Azerbaijan. Its local name is Dədə Qorqud Parkı.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  16. Baku TV Tower Baku TV Tower
    17 45 min

    Baku TV Tower

    Bakı Televiziya Qülləsi

    The Baku TV Tower, locally known as Bakı Televiziya Qülləsi, is a telecommunications and observation tower in Baku, Azerbaijan. It stands as one of the tallest structures in the country and serves as a prominent landmark on the city's skyline.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  17. Yaşıl Bazar Yaşıl Bazar
    18 45 min

    Yaşıl Bazar

    Yashil Bazaar, known locally as Yaşıl Bazar, is Baku's best-known produce market. It functions as a concentrated commercial hub where visitors encounter a wide spectrum of Azerbaijani food culture.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Baku
  18. Sharg Bazaar Sharg Bazaar
    19 45 min

    Sharg Bazaar

    Şərq Bazarı

    Sharg Bazaar is a restored domed bazaar in Baku, Azerbaijan, known locally as Şərq Bazarı. It represents a modernised interpretation of a traditional eastern market hall.

    • Must see
    • Market
    • Baku
  19. St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church
    20 45 min

    St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church

    Müqəddəs Qriqori kilsəsi

    St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church is an Armenian church located in Baku, Azerbaijan. Known locally as Müqəddəs Qriqori kilsəsi, it stands as a significant religious and historical monument in the city.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  20. Taza Pir Mosque Taza Pir Mosque
    21 30 min

    Taza Pir Mosque

    Təzəpir Məscidi

    Taza Pir Mosque is an early twentieth-century mosque in central Baku, Azerbaijan. Its local name is Təzəpir məscidi.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  21. Muhammad Mosque Muhammad Mosque
    22 30 min

    Muhammad Mosque

    Məhəmməd Məscidi

    The Muhammad Mosque, locally called Məhəmməd məscidi, is an eleventh-century mosque and minaret located within İçərişəhər, Baku's fortified Old City. Also known as Sınıqqala, it represents one of the oldest securely dated monuments in this UNESCO-listed historic core.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  22. Paired Fortress Gates Paired Fortress Gates
    23 45 min

    Paired Fortress Gates

    Qoşa Qala Qapısı Bakı

    The Paired Fortress Gates, known locally as Qoşa Qala qapısı, constitute the ceremonial main entrance through the preserved Old City walls of Baku, Azerbaijan.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  23. Bukhara Caravanserai Bukhara Caravanserai
    24 45 min

    Bukhara Caravanserai

    The Bukhara Caravanserai is a compact fifteenth-century courtyard inn in Baku's Old City, known locally as Buxara karvansarası. It stands as tangible evidence of Baku's historical position along trade routes connecting the Caspian Sea with Central Asia.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  24. Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre
    25 1 hour

    Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre

    Rəşid Behbudov adına Dövlət Mahnı Teatrı

    The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theatre is a performing arts venue in Baku, Azerbaijan, named after the celebrated Azerbaijani singer and actor Rashid Behbudov. It operates under state patronage as a dedicated theatre for song and musical performance.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  25. Multani Caravanserai Multani Caravanserai
    26 45 min

    Multani Caravanserai

    Multani Karvansaray

    Multani Caravanserai is a medieval caravanserai in Baku's Old City, historically associated with merchants from Multan in present-day Pakistan. Caravanserais served as roadside inns for traveling merchants along trade routes.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  26. Bakı Marionet Teatrı Bakı Marionet Teatrı
    28 1 hour

    Bakı Marionet Teatrı

    The Baku Marionette Theatre, known locally as Bakı Marionet Teatrı, is a specialised performance venue situated within Baku's historic Old City. It distinguishes itself through its dedication to marionette puppetry, presenting Azerbaijani musical works through this traditional art form.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  27. Fountains Square
    30 1 hour

    Fountains Square

    Fəvvarələr Meydanı

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  28. Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
    31 1 hour

    Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater

    Opera və Balet Teatrı

    The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater is a historic performing arts venue in central Baku. Built during the oil boom era, its ornate architecture reflects the wealth and cultural ambition of that period.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  29. Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre
    33 1 hour

    Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre

    Azərbaycan Döylət Akademik Milli Dram Teatri

    The Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre is Azerbaijan's national dramatic stage and one of central Baku's principal performance institutions. It presents the country's theatrical canon and serves as a cornerstone of Azerbaijani cultural life.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  30. Ajdarbey Mosque
    35 30 min

    Ajdarbey Mosque

    Göy Məscid

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  31. Baku Puppet Theatre
    36 1 hour

    Baku Puppet Theatre

    Azərbaycan Dövlət Kukla Teatrı

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  32. Heydar Aliyev Palace Heydar Aliyev Palace
    37 1 hour

    Heydar Aliyev Palace

    Heydər Əliyev Sarayı

    Heydar Aliyev Palace is a major Soviet-era concert palace in central Baku, Azerbaijan. Built during the Soviet period, it remains one of the city's most significant cultural venues.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  33. Lake Boyukshor
    39 1 hour

    Lake Boyukshor

    Böyük Şor gölü

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  34. Beyler Mosque
    42 30 min

    Beyler Mosque

    Bəylər Məscidi \ İçəri Şəhər

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  35. Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral
    43 45 min

    Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral

    Müqəddəs Mürdaşıyan Zənənlər Başkilsəsi

    Holy Myrrhbearers Cathedral is a restored Russian Orthodox cathedral in Baku, Azerbaijan. Its local name is Müqəddəs Mürdaşıyan Qadınlar Kafedralı. The building serves as the seat of Baku's Orthodox diocese and stands as a substantial early twentieth-century religious landmark.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  36. Dağ Yəhudiləri Sinaqoqu
    45 30 min

    Dağ Yəhudiləri Sinaqoqu

    The Synagogue of Mountain Jews serves Baku's Mountain Jewish community, one of the oldest Jewish populations in the Caucasus region. Mountain Jews, also known as Juhuro, have resided in Azerbaijan for centuries with distinct linguistic and cultural traditions.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  37. Khagani Garden Khagani Garden
    46 1 hour

    Khagani Garden

    Xəqani bağı ( Malakan bağı )

    Khagani Garden, known locally as Xaqani bağı, stands as one of central Baku's oldest compact gardens. It occupies a small footprint amid nineteenth-century streets and civic buildings, offering visitors a leafy pause from the surrounding urban environment.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  38. Baku State Circus
    52 45 min

    Baku State Circus

    Bakı Dövlət Sirki

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  39. Bulbula
    56 1 hour

    Bulbula

    Bülbülə gölü

    • Must see
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  40. Green Theatre
    61 1 hour

    Green Theatre

    Yaşıl Teatr

    • High
    • Art and culture venue
    • Baku
  41. Gulustan Palace
    64 1 hour

    Gulustan Palace

    Gülüstan Sarayı

    • High
    • Restaurant or café
    • Baku
  42. Yasamal cemetery
    66 30 min

    Yasamal cemetery

    Yasamal Qəbiristanlığı

    • High
    • Place of worship
    • Baku
  43. Central Park
    72 1 hour

    Central Park

    Mərkəzi Park Yuxarı \ Sovetski

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  44. Oil Pump
    77 45 min

    Oil Pump

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  45. Ganjlik park
    79 1 hour

    Ganjlik park

    Gənclik Parkı / Zığ şossesi

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  46. İzmir Park
    80 1 hour

    İzmir Park

    İzmir Bağı

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  47. Narimanov Park
    85 1 hour

    Narimanov Park

    Nərimanov parkı

    • High
    • Nature site
    • Baku
  48. 1941-1945 1941-1945
    94 45 min

    1941-1945

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Baku
  49. 20 January Circle
    100 45 min

    20 January Circle

    20 Yanvar Dairəsi

    • High
    • Historic monument
    • Baku

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Azerbaijan be?

Six to nine days can cover Baku, Gobustan or Absheron and one overnight route toward Sheki or the mountains. Western Azerbaijan and remote villages add real road time, so do not schedule them as casual extensions from a three-day capital stay.

What entry documents are needed for Azerbaijan?

Check Azerbaijan’s official ASAN Visa portal against your nationality and intended entry date. The service states the applicable electronic-visa process; border access and passport conditions should be confirmed there rather than inferred from a previous Caucasus trip.

What is the best way to travel around Azerbaijan?

Baku has metro and bus services, while rail and coaches connect selected cities. Rural monuments and mountain areas often need a hired driver or car; verify current road and boundary-area access before setting out, since the shortest mapped route may not be open to visitors.

When is a practical time to visit Azerbaijan?

Late spring and early autumn generally balance Baku walking weather with regional travel, but the Caspian coast and highlands do not share one climate. Build dates around the highest or most exposed leg and check official access information for mountain roads.

What money and payment basics apply in Azerbaijan?

Prices are recorded in Azerbaijani manat. Keep some AZN for smaller regional businesses and use regulated banking or exchange channels; in Baku, confirm the final manat amount before accepting a card terminal’s optional foreign-currency conversion.

What practical safety details should I save for Azerbaijan?

Dial 112 for the recorded emergency service and expect Type C or F plugs at 220 V. Tap-water advice is Not recorded, so ask the accommodation or local utility; also retain current official guidance for any journey near restricted boundary areas.