10 BEST Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From the city of Baku to the mountain villages of Khinaliq and Lahij, Azerbaijan offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists.

Visitors can explore ancient fortresses, admire beautiful architecture, hike through scenic mountains, and discover some of the world's oldest rock art. In this article, we will highlight the top 10 must-visit destinations in Azerbaijan that showcase the country's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

1. Old City of Baku

The Old City of Baku, also known as Icherisheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the capital of Azerbaijan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in the world, with a history dating back to the 7th century.

Visitors can wander narrow streets and alleyways, admire historic architecture, and explore restaurants, cafes, and shops selling traditional Azerbaijani handicrafts and souvenirs. The Old City of Baku is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture.

Highlights of the Old City

• The iconic Maiden Tower, which dates back to the 12th century, is shrouded in mystery and legend.
• The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a magnificent complex of royal buildings and courtyards that served as the seat of the Shirvanshah dynasty in the 15th century.
• The Juma Mosque is a 12th-century mosque with a stunning interior adorned with intricate brickwork and mosaics.

2. Maiden Tower in Baku

The Maiden Tower is an iconic landmark located in the Old City of Baku, Azerbaijan. Here are some key facts about this fascinating tower:

Highlights Of The Maiden Tower

• The Maiden Tower dates back to the 12th century and stands 29 metres tall.
• The tower is shrouded in legend and mystery, with many tales surrounding its purpose and construction.
• Visitors can climb to the top of the Maiden Tower for panoramic views of the Old City and the Caspian Sea.
• Inside the tower, there is a museum with exhibits on the history and culture of Baku.

3. Flame Towers in Baku

The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers located in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. They are a modern architectural marvel and a symbol of the city’s rapid development.

Visitors can admire the towers from various viewpoints around the city or experience them by staying at the hotel or visiting one of the restaurants or bars inside. Visible from many points across the city, the Flame Towers create a dramatic skyline unique to Baku.

Highlights of the Flame Towers

• The towers are clad in LED screens that display a mesmerising light show every evening, earning them the nickname "Flaming Towers".
• The tallest tower, standing at 190 metres, houses a luxury hotel, while the other two towers are residential and office spaces.
• The towers offer stunning views of the city, especially at night when they are illuminated with fiery colours.

4. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is a modern architectural masterpiece in Baku, Azerbaijan. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it is one of the most impressive cultural centres in the world.

Visitors can explore exhibition spaces showcasing art, design, and cultural artefacts, along with cafes, restaurants, and a gift shop selling souvenirs and books. The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary architecture and culture.

Features of the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

• The building’s striking white curves and undulating rooflines make it an instantly recognisable landmark in Baku’s skyline.
• The centre's interior is just as impressive, with sweeping spaces and dramatic lighting that create a sense of drama and excitement.
• The centre hosts a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and performances.

5. Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea

Baku Boulevard is a 3.5-kilometre promenade that runs along the Caspian Sea in the heart of Baku, Azerbaijan. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide range of attractions and activities.

Highlights of Baku Boulevard

• The Baku Eye Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
• The Baku Crystal Hall is a concert venue that has hosted numerous international music events.
• The Little Venice area, which features a network of canals and bridges reminiscent of Venice, Italy.

Activities on Baku Boulevard

Visitors can enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the boulevard, taking in views of the sea and the city skyline. There are also cafes, restaurants, and shops offering local cuisine and souvenirs. In the evenings, the boulevard comes alive with music, performances, and other entertainment.

6. Gobustan Rock Art in Azerbaijan

The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Azerbaijan. The site contains more than 6,000 rock engravings, or petroglyphs, dating back to the Neolithic period.

Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the site’s history and significance. The surrounding area is also home to unique flora and fauna, including mud volcanoes and endemic plant species.

Highlights of Gobustan Rock Art

• The rock engravings depict a wide variety of scenes, including hunting, dancing, and religious rituals.
• Some of the engravings are over 12,000 years old, making them some of the oldest examples of rock art in the world.
• The Gobustan Museum houses many artefacts and exhibits related to the site's history and cultural significance.

7. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is located in the heart of Baku and is dedicated to the country’s carpet weaving traditions. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the exhibits and the cultural significance of carpet weaving and attend workshops to try traditional weaving techniques.

Highlights of the Museum

• The collection of over 14,000 carpets and textile items dates back to the 17th century.
• The stunning modern architecture of the museum building, which resembles a rolled-up carpet.
• The interactive exhibits and multimedia displays offer fascinating insights into the history and techniques of carpet weaving.

8. Fountain Square in Baku

Fountain Square is a lively public plaza located in the heart of Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.

Visitors can stroll around the plaza, sit on benches, and enjoy tea or coffee, with shopping options ranging from boutiques to souvenir stalls.

Highlights of Fountain Square

• The numerous fountains, which are lit up at night, provide a beautiful backdrop for photos.
• The abundance of street performers and musicians adds to the festive atmosphere.
• The surrounding architecture, which includes a mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers.

9. Highland Park in Baku

Highland Park, also known as Dənizkənarı Milli Parkı, is a public park located on a hill overlooking the Caspian Sea in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Visitors can explore the park, take in the views, or enjoy a picnic with friends and family. The park is particularly popular in the evening when the city’s skyline is illuminated.

Highlights of Highland Park

• Stunning panoramic views of Baku's skyline and the Caspian Sea.
• A variety of walking paths, green spaces, and picnic areas.
• The Azerbaijan Flag Square is home to one of the world's largest flags.
• A funicular railway that takes visitors up and down the hillside.

10. Martyrs' Lane in Baku

Martyrs' Lane, also known as Shehidler Khiyabani, is a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Soviet crackdown in Azerbaijan in 1990 and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen by walking along the rows of graves and taking in the solemn atmosphere of the memorial. There are also several small museums and exhibitions nearby that offer further insight into the site’s history and significance.

Highlights of Martyrs' Lane

• The memorial's central monument, which features an eternal flame and a list of the names of those who lost their lives in the conflict.
• The picturesque views of Baku Bay and the city skyline from the hilltop location of the memorial.
• The numerous gravestones and tombs of those who gave their lives for their country, many of which are adorned with flowers and other offerings.