If you are one of those travelers who like to understand a city like a person, then you’d agree that Baku is an old soul with modern appearance. This ‘personality’ of the capital city of Azerbaijan makes it one the most interesting destinations. Apart from awe-inspiring visitors with breathtaking scenic views and landmarks, there is a plethora of exciting things to do in Baku that will leave them speechless. From exploring mud volcanoes and attending a jazz festival to participating in water sports and taking a wine tour, the list is never-ending and always exciting.
Exciting Things to Do in Baku: Explore the Amalgamation of New and Old
Planning a trip to the beautiful city of Baku is never a bad idea, even if you have visited the place several times already. Baku is known as the lowest-lying national capital on all continents, which piques the interest of avid travelers. The things to do in Baku are not as simple and plain as you’d imagine. The city provides some of the most diverse yet unique activities that will make your vacation memorable. Now, let's get acquainted with some of the most enjoyable activities in the city.
- Take a tour of the old city
- Indulge in thrilling water sports
- Participate in the Baku Jazz Festival
- Savor the taste of traditional dishes
- Enjoy the city's view from Baku's eye
- Explore the mud volcanoes on a Jeep tour
- Visit the Marandi winery for a wine tasting
- Stroll through the vibrant lanes of Nizami Street
1. Take a Tour of the Old City
The historic city centre of Baku must be explored by everyone who plans a holiday in the city. One of the interesting things to do in Baku is to start your excursion by understanding the past. Also known as Icherisheher, the city is home to significant monuments and the historic gem called Maiden’s castle. Exploring the city on foot is the best way to learn and understand more about the residence of the rulers of Shirvanshahs. This place is a hub of knowledge and facts for people interested in history and archeology with a plethora of mosques, caravanserais, baths, towers, and residential buildings.
Top Attractions: History, Maiden’s castle, and monuments
2. Indulge in Thrilling Water Sports
A city that lies on the shore of the magnificent Caspian Sea must have a lot of water-related activities to offer to locals and tourists. Apart from enjoying the beach by basking in the sun or playing volleyball with your friends, there are several water sports that you can participate in to feel that adrenaline rush. Scuba diving is as thrilling as one can imagine it to be, and encountering the marine life sets you up for the day. If you are a diehard adventure junkie, then try wind surfing. One of the fun things to do in Baku is take a boat ride on Baku Boulevard and explore the waters.
Top Attractions: Scuba diving, beach activities, and wind surfing
Suggested Read: Things to do in Gabala: Top 8 Activities You Should Not Miss in Gabala
3. Participate in the Baku Jazz Festival
There are all kinds of tourists; some like to feel that adrenaline rush, and some just want to jazz up their day. If you are spending your winter in Azerbaijan, then spending a day surrounded by skilled and talented people playing the best of jazz is the best way to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. The capital city was once popularly known as the "jazz capital of the Soviet Union," now organizes many concerts along with masterclasses, exhibitions and lectures. A true jazz lover would be aware of the role this place has played in the development of this genre of music. It certainly is the best thing to do in Baku for a lover of the blues.
Top Attractions: Concerts, Jazz, and talented artists
Suggested Read: Beaches in Azerbaijan: For a Soothing Sunkissed Experience
4. Savor the Taste of Traditional Dishes
If you are a foodie traveler, then trying different flavors of new and traditional dishes in a city is an amazing experience. There is a plethora of places to eat in Baku that serve lip smacking traditional and international dishes. From snacking at a stall near a significant landmark to dining in a high-end restaurant; Baku never disappoints its admirers. Some of the most famous traditional dishes include plov, kebab, kufta bozbash, piti, dolma, dushbara, baliq, khamrashi, qutab, pakhlava, and more. Exploring the diverse flavors must be one of the most vital things to do in Azerbaijan.
Top Attractions: Traditional dishes, eateries, and restaurants
Suggested Read: Skiing in Azerbaijan: Explore the White Winter Paradise
5. Enjoy the City's View from Baku's Eye
There are few places that give their visitors the delightful opportunity to enjoy a holistic view of the city from a different angle. Baku is one of such cities, and it is home to Baku’s eye. Located in the Seaside National Park of Baku, you must enjoy the ride on this Ferris wheel not just during the day but also after the sun sets to understand how the face of the city changes. This spot is one of the best places to visit in Baku, especially if you are exploring the city for the first time.
Top Attractions: Picturesque vistas, Ferris wheel ride, and scenic city views
Suggested Read: Castles in Azerbaijan: Sink in the History of Medieval Castles
6. Explore the Mud Volcanoes on a Jeep Tour
Every adventure enthusiast imagines riding on a rough jeep while exploring the distinct attractions of the place. If you are seeking adventure in Azerbaijan and want to explore some of the most astonishing natural wonders in the city, then take the Jeep tour to the boiling and messy mud volcanoes. These amazing marvels of nature occur due to tectonic movements that create space for different gases to release. The Jeep tour will take you to Gobustan Reserve, home to these magical volcanoes that emit mud and not lava.
Top Attractions: Thill, mud volcanoes, and jeep ride
7. Visit the Marandi Winery for a Wine Tasting
If you like the taste of a well-balanced wine, the Marandi winery is the perfect place to spend half your day smelling, tasting and admiring the long process of making delicious wines. Wine tasting in Baku is not everyone’s cup of tea, but the place is worth a try if you are even a little curious. A short drive from the capital city will take you to this lush green vineyard spread across acres of land producing locally made wines infused with the flavors of the Absheron Peninsula. So, if you are making a list of diverse places to visit in Azerbaijan, put this winery on the top.
Top Attractions: Vineyard, Wine making process, and wine tasting
Suggested Read: Malls in Azerbaijan: To Have a Shopping Experience Like Never Before
8. Stroll through the Vibrant Lanes of Nizami Street
If you don’t want to miss shopping in Baku, then plan a visit to the glowing Nizami Street. The perfect place to find everything from souvenirs and traditional items to clothes and fancy products. The architecture of the buildings is quite intriguing and unbelievably beautiful, as they were constructed during the 1950s to 1970s. The street is also home to famous houses and Fountain Square. The place dazzles at night, and strolling through the lanes is the perfect way to end your evening with your soulmate when you are celebrating your honeymoon in Baku.
Top Attractions: Shopping, architecture, and fountains
So, you must have observed that the beautiful city of Baku has some or the other interesting activity for all kinds of travelers. The perfect blend of old and new has created a charming bridge where people with diverse interests meet and explore what they love. There is a never-ending list of amazing things to do in Baku and the more you spend time in the city the deeper you will get to know about the diverse activities. The capital city of Azerbaijan is the perfect place to learn about its rich history, heritage and culture.
Best Things to Do in Baku - FAQs
Yes, Baku is a perfect amalgamation of old and new, which makes it an interesting destination to explore. The city has different spots to discover for different kinds of tourists, from archaeological sites and mosques to natural marvels, opulent restaurants, and the Ferris wheel.
Baku is a city offering a plethora of amazing activities. Here are some of the most popular ones.
- Savor the taste of traditional dishes
- Enjoy the city's view from Baku's eye
- Explore the mud volcanoes on a Jeep tour
- Visit the Marandi winery for a wine tasting
There are plenty of astonishingly beautiful places to visit in the capital city of Azerbaijan.
- Flame Towers
- The Teze Pir Mosque
- Icherisheher Fortress Walls
- Bilgah Beach
- Nizami Street
- The Carpet National Museum
Baku Heydar Aliyev is the closest airport to reach the city of Baku. There are two terminals that operate domestic and international flights and a cargo terminal to transact goods and other things.
Here are some of the vital tips to keep in mind while exploring Azerbaijan.
- Always keep your passport with you
- Respect the traditions and culture
- Try all the traditional dishes
- Indulge in adventurous activities
With snowy peaks and a variety of activities available in the country, spending time in one of the popular winter holiday destinations will not disappoint.
- Enjoy Baku's winter festivals
- Glide on the snowy slopes
- Hike through the cold trails of the Caucasus mountains
- Witness the panoramic views through paragliding
The months between April and October are considered to be ideal times to plan a holiday in Baku. The weather during these months is pleasant enough for people to explore all the significant landmarks. If you like to enjoy winter in the city, then December is the best time to do so.
3–4 days are enough to explore all the significant spots in the capital city of Azerbaijan. During these days, you will also be able to participate in all of the thrilling and exciting activities.
