Azerbaijan as a travel destination is like a Magnum almond ice-cream. The more bites you take and layers you unravel, the more flavoursome and tastier the experience gets. In Azerbaijan, you can –
- See the grandeur and vibrancy of it’s capital city Baku,
- Do multiple day trips to stunning places that lend a unique character to the country,
- Explore the interiors of the country by travelling off the beaten path.
I’d been to Azerbaijan in 2017 and loved my experience there. So, here’s my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan which can help you enjoy your trip to the country –
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AZERBAIJAN
1. EXPLORE THE NAGORNY PARK
Also known as the Upland Park, this place has you covering the most famous sights of Baku. From the Parliament of Baku to the Flame Towers, you’ll see quite a few landmarks in the vicinity of the park.
Inside you’ll see a mosque, an alley of tombs and a memorial monument signifying the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani officers in war.
Beautiful panoramic views of Baku city are an added bonus that this place gives you. Visit this place to be a part of the country’s history.
2. VISIT THE MAIDEN TOWER AND TASTE PAKHLAVA
Maiden Tower is a cylindrically shaped tower in the heart of the Old City of Baku. You’ll see a lot of souvenirs in Azerbaijan featuring the Maiden Tower.
If you’re wondering why, then the legend associated with the Maiden Tower should answer your question.
Around the Maiden Tower, you’ll see quite a few patisseries & bakeries. So it’ll be a crime if you don’t experience a Pakhlava tasting travelling this far.
Pakhlava is a delicious pastry of Middle-Eastern origin and whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you got to give this local dish a try!
3. WALK ALONG THE BAKU BOULEVARD AND VISIT THE CARPET MUSEUM
If there’s one place that you can enjoy a stunning sunset from, then Baku Boulevard is that place. With a promenade running parallel to the seafront, it is one of the most happening areas in the city.
Here, you can stroll along the gardens, sit & admire the colourful fountains in the evening or enjoy an Azeri meal in a restaurant at night.
A notable landmark that you’ll observe along the way is the Carpet Museum. The museum is innovatively designed like a carpet from the outside and on the inside has a rich collection of Azerbaijani carpets.
4. EXPLORE THE GOBUSTAN NATIONAL PARK
This UNESCO World Heritage site was declared as the national treasure of the country by the government. It’s a dry hill and rocky site with fenced pathways for visitors to explore the place.
You can see images of humans, ships, animals, constellations etc. carved on the rocks. The place reflects the rituals and lives of people in the pre-historic times.
Witness a variety of landscapes around the park like the Caspian Sea, mud volcanoes, human settlements and rocky hilly areas. Interestingly the area was once completely submerged in water.
5. EXPERIENCE THE TEMPLE OF ‘ETERNAL FIRE’ – ATESHGAH TEMPLE
The Ateshgah Temple is a holy place for both Hindus and Zoroastrians. Firstly, you can see an inscription in Sanskrit at the entrance signifying the cultural importance of the temple.
Secondly, you’ll see pipelines – used in olden times to store natural gas & oil, running across the area. That’s how you know that the place has naturally occurring eternal fires.
Furthermore the role of fire in various rituals and ceremonies can be seen in the form of miniature representations. Finally the place symbolizes the spiritual transformation of the believer with fire playing a key role.
So if you’re into spirituality, religion or history, you’ll definitely love the place. It’s one of my favourite places and deservedly makes it into the list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan.
6. VISIT THE MOUNTAIN OF YANAR DAG
Ever heard of a place where natural gas is miraculously burning since ancient times? The mountain of Yanar Dag is that place.
After Ateshgah temple, this is another place famous for having an eternal fire. The fire is essentially because of tectonic plate activity and is hence, naturally occurring.
Though I’d call it more of a hill than a mountain, the place surely is one of the wonders of nature. You need to see it to believe it!
7. SPEND TIME AT THE FOUNTAINS SQUARE
After all the exploration and day-tripping, if you crave for a place bustling with lights and people, then head to the Fountains Square. This charming square consists of boutiques, hotels, shops, pubs, restaurants and of course – fountains!
Here, you can –
- have a great meal – be it traditional Azeri cuisine or American fast food,
- enjoy live musical performances with a glass of wine in hand,
- admire the sights of colorful fountains against the backdrop of the night sky,
- party the night away to some great EDM, trance and English music,
- enjoy a romantic walk along the entire stretch of the Square and breathe in the lights and amazing vibe of the place.
8. SEE THE BESH BARMAG MOUNTAIN AND WALK ALONG THE FOREST REGION OF GUBA
Experience magic in the mountains as you travel towards the Guba region of Azerbaijan. On your way don’t forget to see the Besh Barmag or “Five Finger” mountain. It’s 382 metres above sea-level and overlooks the Baku-Guba highway.
The mountain lives up to it’s reputation as it actually looks like the 5 fingers of a hand.
Spend some quality time walking in the woods soaking in the cool breeze and sounds of the forest in Guba. The Guba region known otherwise for it’s apple orchards is one of the most serene areas in Azerbaijan.
There are some resorts and small restaurants that you can enjoy local Azeri cuisine at. If travelling off the beaten path is your thing, then definitely give this place a try!
9. SPENDING TIME AND HAVING A MEAL WITH AN AZERI FAMILY
We say that one of the highs of travel is to be able to experience local culture. Then why not do it than just pay lip service? Obviously you can’t just drop in at anybody’s home and tell them to host you because you’re a traveller.
Therefore, if you think your communication skills can’t get you this opportunity, then there are travel agencies that can arrange this for you.
I can personally vouch for the experience as I had the best time with Sevta & her beautiful grandkids in their little home. This activity features in my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan because at the end of the day what can be more satisfying than the hospitality & warmth of local people combined with great food!
10. ENJOY AN EVENING AT THE COFFEESHOP COMPANY
The fact that I spent 2 consecutive nights at this place speaks volumes about it’s quality. With a warm, cozy indoor seating and an equally attractive outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed outing.
From food to beer to wine to coffee, it has a variety of options to satisfy your taste-buds.
Add to it, the energetic live musical performances put up by bands and you have an experience to cherish. The place is located at the Fountains Square and is a must-do if you want to experience the dazzling city nights!
CONCLUSION
So that’s my list of the Top 10 things to do in Azerbaijan. Hope you can plan your trip better with the help of this post. Azerbaijan as a country can be explored in less than a week so if you have a few days of vacation up your sleeve, do explore this beautiful country.
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IMAGE CREDITS –
Featured Post Image (Flame Towers) – from Wikimedia Commons by Investigation11111
Maiden Tower – from Wikimedia Commons by Daoud Majtahdi
Pakhlava – from Wikimedia Commons by Fmelikov
Baku Boulevard – from TripAdvisor by INMSpace
Carpet Museum – by Azerbaijan Carpet Museum Management
Yanar Dag mountain – from Wikimedia Commons by Frokor
Fountains Square – from Wikimedia Commons by Urek Meniashvili
Guba Forest region – courtesy azernews.az
Coffeeshop Company – from Facebook, courtesy @coffeeshopcompany.az
68 comments
What an amazing experience! I am always looking for new and interesting places to travel to. It looks like I have one more to add to my travel bucket list 🙂 Beautiful photos, also!
There is definitely an array of attractions to explore in Azerbaijan…I can personally appreciate the architecture of the carpet museum with my background in textiles!
That’s so cool. You’d love the Heydar Aliyev foundation center then. That building too has absolutely awe-inspiring architecture!
I have never heard of Azerbaijan. But it definitely seem to be a great place for site seeing. Definitely a place to consider if I am travelling to the Middle East.
Yes for sure! Also, there’s a number of cheap holiday packages including your flights and meals and hotel stays from holiday-factory.com. So don’t forget to check them out!
Really helpful information about AZERBAIJAN will share this info with my friends who are planning to visit the country early next year.
Thats so cool! I hope I am as lucky as you and can visit the place next time. Would love to explore the country after seeing the real side to it through your posts!
Holy Shit Dude!!! You explored Azerbajjan that I have been wanting to visit for a while now. I just love how diverse and beautiful this country is. I am sure going to take help from your blog when I finalize my trip.
Please share details of Visa procedure for Indians
That’s great! It is indeed a lovely country. As for Indian citizens wanting to travel there, all you need to do is apply for an online Visa here- http://www.azerbaijanonlinevisa.com/‎
Then you got to ensure you have a minimum 6 month validity of your passport till you leave azerbaijan and 2 passport sized color photographs. That’s it.
So many places for photo opps! I also would be having a nice foodie time!
Ok, everything you’ve written here is cool. Places look great food looks delicious but… Koi haunted place mili kya? Where I can investigate…
Raat mein galiyaan kaafi sunsaan aur haunted lag rahi thi..you can carry out your investigation there. So, when are you going to Azerbaijan?
I have never been to Azerbaijan, but these tips look like it would be great fun to do while there. It also looks to be a beautiful place.
I have never travelled to the Middle East. The modern architecture with the mix of history is beautiful. I am in awe of the flame towers. The scenery is so beautiful.
Beautiful article..you have given so many details with lovely pics..the places appear amazing…this country certainly has a lot to offer to a tourist..
I would never normally have thought about visiting here and wouldn’t have a clue what there is to do so this was great to read! I loved the look of the Mountain of Yanar Dog!
What an amazing place! I would have never known about it, if I wouldn’t have seen this!
All these pictures are amazing and I would love to view the sunset from Baku Boulevard
Oh my goodness those trees are gorgeous!! What a beautiful picture. I like the carpet factory, what a cool look for a building.
I happen to be in Az in the 90s. It looked very different. tx for sharing. hard to believe…it’s changed so much and fortunately for the better!
Azerbaijan is on my wish list. It’s a destination I truly want to explore. And you proved me right!
This looks like a gorgeous destination with tons of cool things to do! I hope I get to visit myself someday. Seems not so expensive from your description. Totally loved the calm serenity of the Guba forest..I totally see myself trekking and exploring little eateries there!
Beautiful place I swear! I didn’t know much about the place till I read your post..was specifically curious about the legend of the Maiden Tower which I read about in one of your previous posts and boy! wasn’t it dramatic!
this looks like such an amazing trip! All these places look fantastic! I think I’ll be booking my tickets to Baku the next time I crave a little break from my monotonous life!
I specifically love the Fountains Square and the Baku Boulevard. Such a beautiful place where people come, chill and have a good time besides beautiful natural scenery!
This looks like such a cool place to explore. I hope to make it here one day. Still can’t believe how that mountain has naturally burning fires since decades!
That fire in the mountain is so cool. This would be the best reason to visit this place
Indeed, I was in absolute awe looking at it live!
Thank you for introducing me to some new places I would love to visit. I love learning from bloggers!
Never heard of this place before and would probably never make it there. However, it looks stunning! I love the culture shown in the pictures.
Sounds like you had an amazing trip! Plus, a picture is worth thousand words & you have so many !
Coffeeshop Company would be where I would spend 99% of my time. I love coffee! This looks like an amazing city!
Hi5! Was my favourite hangout as well. Cheers to coffee love
I’ve never been to Azerbaijan but your photos portray the city very well! Wish I can go in the future
this looks like such a neat place to visit!! I have not heard of this city before reading this post. Thanks for sharing this part of the world with me!
What a cool place! I love the architecture and all of your photos! Makes me want to go there
That is true, so unique and always overlooked by many travelers I learned a lot today 😀 I’m jealous how you keep updating blog after blog of a different destination!!
Wow!! Amazing! I would love to go and see and taste these things! I love living through your beautiful post!
I’d definitely be in a rut if I visited Azerbaijan. I think I’d dedicate each day to visit a place but for starters, I’d go to Azerbaijani , Baku Boulevard and visit the Carpet Museum and visit the forest in Guba.
Wow this was so comprehensive! We plan to visit Azerbaijan for the F1 GP next year and this article just got us started!
Your photos are amazing and the architecture is so detailed. I have never been but hopefully I do one day. That experience of staying with the locals and having a meal with them is so heartwarming. Isn’t that what travel is all about!
Looks like a really cool place to visit. I especially would love to visit Gobustan National park someday. Amazing scenes there and a coffee at Coffeeshop Company to round it off would be my pick!
Thanks for sharing this, all of these places look beautiful and the Maiden Tower is quite a neat shaped building. Read about the legend since you mentioned it and dang that sounded extremely cinematic!
This post brings this exotic destination to life. I never heard of it before, but it certainly seems like a beautiful place to visit in the Middle East. Must be more feasible to embark on a trip from Dubai considering it’s proximity. Nevertheless an unexplored gem is what it seems like!
Great suggestions, you’ve really hit on some great ideas 🙂 Culture, architecture, history, modern cities, nightlife, nature..everything’s pretty much covered. Comprehensive and impressive I must ADMIT!
I’ve only recently heard of this place. I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I’ll have to put it on my list! Baku is one helluva city. So many things to explore out even on daytrips..it seems like the kind of place that’d fit into my budget!
This looks like an amazing place to visit. It has made it’s way on to the bucket list of places to see 🙂
I have never heard of Azerbaijan but when I see the photos this place looks so AMAZING! I like the photos! Extremely informative article. Bookmarking this for my future travel to Eastern Europe!
I rarely read Azerbaijan as travel destination and thanks to you – you are opening many travelers’ eyes to visit this city! The carpet museum is a place I wish to visit.
Fantastic views….. Nice to see not seen before places like Azerbaijan….. It’s like being on the Silk Road…. It will open up to more places to explore…… Exciting….Love the daytrips to outside the city like Gobustan and Ateshgah temple!
I haven’t been to Azerbaijan but your post is so thorough seems like I’ve been there already. Charming little unexplored gem..and not too expensive too as I checked against the USD. I see my next travel plan tilting towards Azerbaijan.
Wow, Azerbaijan is definitely on my bucket list and there is not much information about it on the internet. I would love to see more posts about accommodation there? Is it easy to find a homestay?
Yes it is. You can go to booking.com and see 31 listings for Homestays. They are pretty economical but I’d still advice you to use AirBnbs as they are cheaper and most of them in better localities offering you better access to everything.
I didn’t think that Azerbaijan is that beautiful a place.
It’s encouraged me to visit this at least once in my life.
Thanks for sharing your tips man…surely looking forward to seeing Baku in particular!
Looks like Azerbaijan is great place to travel, beautiful picture as usual. Love to try Pakhlava looks like cousin of Baklava.
I’d love to have a walk along the Fountains square. Seems like a dreamy place with so much to do and explore for a first time visitor!
These are awesome things to do, I love they can be family friendly. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures. I feel like I was there.
I’m hoping to get there next year! Bookmarking your post for day-trip ideas especially the Gobustan area and then the temple!!
Gorgeous photographs! The Pakhlava looks delightful and delicious. Going to try that out if I visit Azerbaijan.
Bookmarked! Because Azerbaijan is definitely on my list! Thank you so much for sharing such a great travel post. Your blog is awesome BTW.
Thankyou Sheena, stay tuned for more posts – not just on travel but slice of life as well. Glad you liked the blog.
When I was younger, I got to read about Azerbaijan and had wanted to visit. This post ignited my desire even more. The views are stunning!
I don’t have plans to travel any time soon but this looks like a place I will love to visit first up considering the variety of things to do and the fact that it’s eastern EUROPE in a budget afterall!
I never thought of azerbaijan as a travel destination but this list is convincing. Quite a lot to see there surprisingly, only heard of it and saw it in movies till now..
lovely attractions i am sure they are all worthwhile to visit… i wanna go particularly to the carpet museum.. the architecture is so inviting!
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