The Azerbaijani capital is less popular as a resort than tourist centers in Europe, Thailand or even Sochi. But she did not deserve this offensive position. We have selected the main sights of Baku that you should include in your city guide.
At the end of the material, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the map of the location of objects, it will help to draw up a more accurate walking route. As a bonus, for those who like to eat deliciously and have a good evening, we have selected the best restaurants. The establishments are ideal for the whole family and gastronomic travelers.
Some objects require special knowledge from professionals, so we advise you not to skimp and book guided tours. Get a lot of emotions from what you see and tell. In addition, there is no need to worry, all selected excursions around Baku are in Russian.
Maiden's Tower
This object is included in any list of places that experts recommend to see in Baku. The unique monument is associated with the times when Zoroastrianism dominated the Azerbaijani land. Fire worshipers have long been gone, but their legacy lives on. And the monument has long become a symbol of the city. It is curious that experts cannot establish an exact date for the construction of the tower.
- Address: Prospect Neftyanikov.
- The ticket price is 8 manats.
- Working hours: from 10 am to 6 pm.
The view from the tower is excellent, but we advise you to go to the Upland Park, here the view is even better.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
A visit to the city of Baku without acquaintance with the national tradition of carpet weaving is the same as visiting Moscow without visiting the Red Square complex. The collection of the museum has concentrated a unique selection of carpet weaving. It is easy to follow from it how the technique of work has changed. Visitors will also learn how the carpet is related to other types of art in Azerbaijan. In addition to weaving items, they will show copper minting, jewelry, old weapons and faience.
- Address: Mikail Useinova, 27
- The ticket price is 8 manats. You can purchase an audio guide in Russian - additional 2 manats.
- Working hours: from 10 am to 6 pm.
Center named after Heydar Aliyev
Even for those who do not consider the former president of Azerbaijan to be an outstanding politician, it will be pleasant and instructive to look here. The building itself amazes with its non-standard architecture. The designers seem to have forgotten about the existence of a straight line. But what is inside also reinforces the idea - this center is among the best sights of Baku with photos and descriptions. The halls of the complex clearly tell about the past of the country and its current achievements.
- The ticket price is 15 manats.
- Opening hours: Tue-Fri, from 11 am to 7 pm. Weekends: from 11 am to 6 pm.
Recommended visit here in the evening, the backlight will be the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos.
History Museum of Azerbaijan
It is logical to visit this building immediately after the previous center. The museum has been operating since 1920. The funds also include a number of archaeological finds made from 1925 to 1960. Since 1968 a group of underwater archeology has been operating. There are also exhibitions with a botanical and zoological bias.
- Working hours: from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The cost is 5 manats.
Stolichnaya embankment
Suitable for those who do not know where to go in Baku in the first place. Residents and sophisticated guests of the capital love to relax here. The boulevard was opened in 1909. Due to fluctuations in the level of the Caspian in the next 50 - 70 years, the embankment had to be redesigned and improved from scratch several times. Since 1998, Primorsky Boulevard has received the status of a national park.
Nardaran fortress
The castle in the village of Nardaran was dated 1301. The tower in the fortress is 12.5 meters high. The date of construction and the name of the architect are displayed on the facade directly during the construction.
Absheron stone track
This is a complex of megaliths, the exact purpose of which has not been clarified. It is believed that they were built between 5 and 4 thousand years ago. Megaliths stretch from north to south. They are met not only on land, but also under water. One of the most common versions says that these are reclamation structures.
Diri Baba mausoleum
If you do not limit yourself to the list of sights of Baku with photos, names and descriptions in a narrow sense, it is worth mentioning this mausoleum. The two-story building was erected in 1401. The mausoleum is located exactly on the Baku-Shemakha road. The structure looks like it was inserted into the rock. It is masterfully inscribed in the surrounding nature.
Shirvan National Park
The total area of the park exceeds 500 square kilometers. Its territory is dominated by semi-desert nature. It is inhabited by both local and migratory birds, as well as gazelles.
- Coordinates for independent travel: 39 ° 35'30.9 ″ N 48 ° 53'53.6 ″ E
- Entrance fee is 2 manats.
Gelyarsan-Gyorarsan
The old fortress takes place in the vicinity of Sheki. It is definitely one of those objects that any traveler should see in Baku and its environs. The construction dates back to the 8th - 9th centuries AD. A very interesting building.
Sheki caravanserais
These are the largest caravanserais known in Transcaucasia. During their construction, the buildings were equipped with solid gates. When the gates were closed, the building turned into an impenetrable fortress.
Icheri-Sheheri region
The complex of sights of the Old City of Baku deserves attention, of course. From the first steps through the old quarter, attention is paid to the masses of cats of all kinds of shades and breeds that scurry in any direction. It would be an unforgivable mistake to lay on the inspection of the old part of the Azerbaijani capital for less than a day. Knowledgeable people even doubt that it is possible to get around all the sights of Baku in 3 days - so many of them are concentrated here.
Flaming towers
Another name is Flame Towers. These are skyscrapers, not old buildings, as is often thought. But it is precisely from such structures that it is clear that the country is moving forward, and does not lock itself chaotically and senselessly in the past. The lighting of the towers, built from 2007 to 2012, was recognized as the best on the planet.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Another attractive object in the center of Baku. The monument is carefully preserved, seeing in it a tool for reinforcing continuity. Together with the palace, the complex includes a memorial burial of a former dynasty, a mosque built in 1441, an old bathhouse, the Bakuvi mausoleum, Divan-khane (courtyard). Despite the difference in the dates of construction, the complex looks quite coherent and clear.
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun, from 10 am to 6 pm.
- The cost is 4 manats.
House of Isa-Bek Gadzhinsky
The building was built in 1912. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Baku if you come from afar. This is no accident: the building embodies the apotheosis of the Transcaucasian eclecticism of the first half of the twentieth century. Facades facing in different directions are decorated differently; they are replete with a host of small details.
Ismailia society building
The construction of the residence of the charitable society in 1907-1913 was supervised by the architect Ploshko. Here, too, a lot of impressive details. The project is inspired by the neo-Renaissance architecture of Italy at the time; now the house is occupied by the republican academy of sciences.
Fountain Square
It is not only decorated with fountains, but also the oldest square in the city. It was created according to the project of 1864, initially it was set aside for parades and other ceremonial events of the garrison, as well as for military exercises. Around there is the Nizami Museum (1860s) and the Araz Cinema (built in the 1870s).
Palace of the press
The building is included in the Baku city guide with full justification - it embodies the spirit of brilliant constructivism. The construction was completed in 1932. The work was supervised by the architect S.S. Pen.Initially, the printing palace absolutely corresponded to its name - 100% of the objects necessary for printing activity were concentrated here. There was even a store selling printed materials, as well as consumer service establishments.
Physiotherapy Institute
This institute was included in the list of recommendations for what to see for a tourist, for the same reason - the group of buildings follows the spirit of constructivism. In the reviews, many advise you to visit here. We recommend driving, but not staying longer than 20 minutes.
State Security Cultural Center
This is not a joke, but quite serious advice. When creating this complex, the architects followed the ideas of the Empire style of the late 1940s. Initially, it was just a palace of culture. The object was taken over by the secret service in 2008, and at the same time restoration began, which retained its original appearance.
State Museum of Musical Culture
It was created in 1967. The collection includes over 20,000 items. In addition to musical instruments, it includes gramophones and gramophone records. We have collected a selection of materials from the creative life of singers, recordings, phonograms, photographs, sheet music.
REST AT THE SEA IN AZERBAIJAN
BEST SKI RESORTS
Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
The fact that Baku is a beautiful city, as well as a musical city, hardly anyone will now dispute. But he can also boast of a solid literary past, traces of which have been concentrated in the museum. The exposition has become available to visitors since 1945, although formally it was ready back in 1939. After the restoration of 2005, the total number of simultaneously displayed exhibits was increased 25 times.
Ferris wheel
The attraction was set up on the coast of the Caspian Sea. From it it is convenient to observe both the beautiful places of Baku, deciding where to go, and the water surface stretching to the horizon. Light shows are organized here in the evenings. It is unique that the booths were designed for 8 people, and the turnaround takes ¼ hour - therefore you can really inspect everything around, and not tremble with fear, as in a typical park.
In the evening, after riding the Ferris wheel, we advise you to visit the State Flag Square. See a beautiful sight in the Water Palace area.
Ateshgah
Even if the list of interesting places in Baku is not impressive, one should take a look at the list of attractive objects in the vicinity of the capital. Unlike the maiden tower, no one disputes the belonging of Ateshgah to the number of monuments of Zoroastrianism. The temple was destroyed not so much by the Arab conquerors, after whom the sanctuary still experienced a renaissance, as by nature. The movements of deep layers blocked the path of the gas, and the disappearance of the enchanting fire was perceived as a sign of the anger of the gods.
Raman fortress
Different experts date the construction of the fortification to the XII-XIV centuries. Experts generally attribute it to the period of the Shirvanshahs' rule, which is also manifested in the characteristic fortification tradition. From the fortress wall, a gorgeous view is opened to explore the surrounding fields.
Yanar-Dag
Literally translated, it means "burning mountain." There are natural gas outlets that are still in use today. Entrance is only available for a fee. The greatest effect is observed in winter, when even a thin layer of snow does not accumulate near the flaming torches.
Mardakan arboretum
It is reasonably ranked among the main attractions of Baku and the surrounding area. In addition to trees, the complex also contains the Yesenin House-Museum. But the original situation has long been lost, and there is not even a trace of it. None other than Vavilov himself made efforts to create the arboretum.
SELECTION OF HOUSING IN BAKU
Quadrangle castle
The facility is also located in the village of Mardakan. The castle was built not so much for defense as in commemoration of valiant victories. The total height of the castle is 22 meters. The fortress was built in such a way that it reached the 21st century without loss.
Historical and ethnographic complex "Gala"
A part of the village received its status in 1988. In addition to 5 mosques and the remains of the castle, there are 3 baths and mausoleums for tourists. It is essentially a street museum of archeology and ethnography. There is also an antiques museum here. From time to time, the complex hosts festivals where the achievements of the masters are demonstrated.
Dashgil Mud Volcano
More precisely, not a volcano, but a whole volcanic group. Geologists believe that originally there was one large crater. But as a result of the constant eruptions, 45 separate outlets of mud were formed. There is almost no vegetation around, and therefore nothing obscures the landscape. Yes, there are many other mud cones in Azerbaijan, but they are more dangerous and much less accessible.
Upland park
Another excellent place that you can see in Baku, according to experienced tourists. Here they vigilantly look after the territory.
Recommendation: behind the park there is an observation deck, from which it is pleasant to observe the surrounding spaces. And - take panoramic shots.
Kempinski Hotel Aquapark
A choice place where to take a walk in Baku, you will be able to relax with the whole family. The interior is clean and calm. The territory is beautiful, there is a cafe-bar nearby with beach snacks and cold beer. For children, the infrastructure was excellently equipped.
Baku beaches
The Caspian coast is not much inferior to the Black Sea coast, only it is much less untwisted. Bilgah will delight tourists in the Azerbaijani capital. The banks have been arranged, the air is fresh and clean; the distance of 40 kilometers from the city along the amazing highway is passed without problems. Not only Bilgah, but also Mardakan is suitable for visiting with children. The only difference is that Mardakan has a more sophisticated range of leisure activities. There are both paid and accessible sites for the budget tourist. It is also worth thinking about the beaches of Shikhovo, Zagulba, Novkhany.
Advice: for those who like wild rest, only the untouched part of the Pirshagi coast is suitable.
Park of officers
The most notable exhibits here are bronze statues. They captured images of various people in everyday situations. The flora and fountain in the center of the park are beautiful; A playground, an indoor skating rink, the presence of national Azerbaijani and Spanish restaurants will complement the impression.
Park "Little Venice"
This is a part of the seaside boulevard, where a system of canals was laid - hence the name. The canals were built by 1960. Since then, they have become a favorite leisure place for Baku residents. Cafes were set up along the shores of man-made reservoirs, and gondolas were moving along the water.
ALL ATTRACTIONS OF AZERBAIJAN
Where to eat deliciously?
If you are tired after long walks around the city, then we advise you to go on a gastro-excursion to the best restaurants in Baku. Based on our experience and feedback from tourists, we have selected the TOP-5 places where you should sit and taste traditional dishes.
- A restaurant Malacannes 145 on Rasul Rza street 11. A cozy place with European and Middle Eastern cuisine. The average check is 1200 rubles. It is better to book a table in advance by phone: +994 51 500 01 45.
- Truly a cozy place Green Garden 145 on F. Bayramov street 1130/33. Summer terrace and amazing presentation of Azerbaijani cuisine will make you stay here for a long time. Average check from 870 rubles. Tel: +994 51 400 01 45.
- Sahil Bar & Restaurant on 34 Neftyanikov Ave (Primorsky Boulevard). Purely traditional Azerbaijani cuisine for true gourmets. Average check from 2300 rubles per tourist. Tel: +994 50 285 00 22.
- Small and colorful restaurant Nergiz Restaurant on T. Aliyarbeyov 9. They specialize in Georgian and Azerbaijani cuisines. They know how to make a very tasty dish from meat. Average check from 900 rubles. Tel: +994 12 493 98 86.
- Dolma Restaurant on the street M.Rasulzada 8. It is worth paying tribute to the owners, they follow every dish served, which cannot be said about other restaurants in the city. You can safely order European and Middle Eastern cuisine. The average check is not high, from 1200 rubles.
