Top 20 Must-Visit Places in Azerbaijan

When we think of unique and exceptional travel destinations, Azerbaijan is sure to come to mind. If you're looking for a unique travel experience, Azerbaijan is one destination you should definitely consider. Located in the Caucasus region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, it is bordered by Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and Turkey. Here’s an article that highlights some of the top tourist attractions in Azerbaijan.

Table of Content

Baku Old City (Icherisheher)

Baku Old City, also known as Icherisheher, is an ancient city rich in history and heritage. Surrounded by massive walls with two main gates, it contains a small number of residential areas within its walls. Located in the central part of Baku, it’s renowned for its historical streets that house many historic buildings such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Visitors can also stroll through its streets, enjoy traditional cafes, restaurants, and gardens, and shop for souvenirs in the many stores that fill the area.

It is recommended to visit for lunch or dinner as the evening atmosphere is enchanting.

Location

Maiden Tower

Maiden Tower in Baku Old City is an ancient structure that offers a 360-degree view of the city from the top. It features some small arms exhibits and a rich history displayed on the staircase walls. You can easily include it in your tour of the Old City, as it is well-maintained and kept exceptionally clean.

Entrance to the museum is free for people with disabilities and veterans.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 11:00 to 18:00

Entrance Fee:

  • 15 AZN for foreigners, 6 AZN for foreign students.

Location

Fountain Square

Located in the heart of Baku, Fountain Square, formerly known as Parapet, is home to many beautiful fountains built during the Soviet era, making it a nighttime gathering spot. It is renowned for its restaurants, hotels, tunnels, shops, and stores, and is one of the most desired spots in Baku. The square often hosts festivals, celebrations, and concerts.

Location

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Baku Fortress - Icherisheher is one of the ancient cities reflecting Azerbaijan's rich history. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which served as the residence of the Shirvanshah rulers, is known for its magnificent minarets and domes. The State of Shirvanshah was established in the 6th century and lasted until the 16th century, thanks to the wise and sound policies of its rulers. After its collapse, the residence was moved to Baku, and the construction of the palace began. The palace grounds were expanded in the 14th and 15th centuries, with various functional buildings constructed, some of which have been preserved to this day. The site was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday from 11:00 to 19:00
  • Friday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00

Entrance Fee:

  • 15 AZN for foreigners, 6 AZN for foreign students.

Location

Entrance to the museum is free for people with disabilities and veterans.

Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center was established to promote these values, the heritage, and to implement development projects in various fields such as science, education, culture, and economy, and to organize local and international events. The center works to promote Azerbaijani history, culture, and language worldwide, in cooperation with similar international institutions, and is known as a venue for conferences and international events.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily except Monday from 11:00 to 18:00
  • On Saturdays and Sundays, the center closes at 17:00.

Entrance Fee:

  • Tickets for the museum and exhibitions, including the classic car exhibition, start from 10 AZN.

Location

A paid guided tour service is available for groups of 3 or more.

Flame Towers

Flame Towers in Baku are a prominent and prestigious landmark, housing offices of multinational companies and high-level government offices, with ample underground parking. Its stunning view offers an elegant panorama, and the towers are beautifully situated overlooking the Caspian Sea. The charming ambiance and the beautiful aura give the place a unique allure, even from a distance.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 09:00 to 18:00

Location

Highland Park

Highland Park is the highest point in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, offering a beautiful panorama of the city and the bay, attracting both locals and tourists to enjoy the breathtaking aerial views and engage in outdoor recreational activities. The park features walking paths and shaded wooden benches for visitors’ comfort. Panoramic views of the entire city of Baku can be seen from here, including Deniz Mall, Baku Eye, the Caspian Sea, and Flame Towers.

Operating Hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Entrance Fee:

  • Free

Location

Martyrs' Lane

Martyrs' Lane is located within Highland Park, near the Flame Towers, and is a cemetery that honors those who were martyred during the Soviet attack and the Karabakh conflict. It is a place for the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country, and fresh flowers are placed there daily by the people and government. The mosque named Mosque of Martyrs is also located in this area.

Location

Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum was established by decree No. 130 in 1967. The museum has undergone several name changes, from the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpet and Applied Art from 1967 to 1993, to the State Museum of Azerbaijani Carpet and Applied Art named after Latif Karimov from 1993 to 2014, and was later renamed the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum from 2014 to 2019. Finally, it has been known as the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum since 2019.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily except Monday from 10:00 to 18:00
  • On Saturdays and Sundays, the museum closes at 19:00.

Entrance Fee:

  • 10 AZN for foreign visitors
  • Group tour package (for groups of more than 10 visitors): 7 AZN per person.

Location

The museum offers several paid services, including guided tours and photography.

Seaside National Park

Baku is distinguished by its unique history and architecture, and the Seaside National Park, known as Dənizkənarı Milli Park, is a significant part of it, holding great importance in urban planning. As an example of material culture, Baku Boulevard reflects a perfect balance between history and modernity. The word "boulevard" comes from French, meaning "a stroll along the coast," and the first boulevard in Western Europe was established in the 17th and 18th centuries. On December 29, 1998, the national leader Heydar Aliyev signed a decree granting the boulevard the status of a National Park, and in 2001, the Seaside National Park was listed among historical and cultural landmarks of national importance.

Operating Hours:

  • Open 24 hours

Entrance Fee:

  • Free

Location

Park Bulvar Mall

Park Bulvar is a shopping and entertainment center located in the Seaside National Park in the heart of Baku. It features 17,000 square meters of retail and entertainment space, including six cinemas, a planetarium, restaurants, and a supermarket. Parking is also available for up to 550 cars. Park Bulvar offers a modern and comprehensive experience for shopping, entertainment, dining, music, and movies.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 10:00 to 22:00

Location

Mini Venice

Mini Venice in Baku is a delightful gem located on Baku Boulevard, offering a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It features beautiful waterways, colorful boats, and charming bridges, making it resemble the authentic city of Venice. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and explore the scenic beauty of this unique attraction.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 11:00 to 21:00

Location

Ganjlik Mall

Ganjlik Mall is the largest shopping center in Baku, Azerbaijan. The mall offers a wide range of international and Turkish brands, making it an ideal destination for shopping and entertainment. It features a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as children’s toy stores, making it a perfect spot for families. The mall is conveniently located near the airport road, making it easily accessible.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 10:00 to 22:00

Location

Gabaland Amusement Park

Gabaland Amusement Park is a beautiful theme park worth visiting, offering a unique experience with ice cream and the beauty of the lake and facilities. You can start your journey by taking the cable car or from the starting point, which is one of four main points. This park is suitable for a family-friendly atmosphere.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily except Monday from 11:00 to 19:00
  • On Saturdays and Sundays, the park is open from 10:00 to 20:00.

Entrance Fee:

  • Ticket prices start from 15 AZN.

Location

Visiting Gabaland Amusement Park requires walking, so choose suitable weather to enjoy the various activities.

Baku Eye

Baku Eye is a Ferris wheel similar to the Singapore Flyer, but it is a smaller version, standing at just 60 meters high. It is an interesting attraction located on the waterfront in downtown Baku, where all other famous buildings and areas are situated. It is a great spot for families to gather and enjoy a lovely evening in this open space, with views of the giant wheel.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 12:00 to 22:30, except on Sundays when it opens at 18:00.

Entrance Fee:

  • 10 AZN.

Location

The site is closed during the winter season.

Yeddi Gozel Waterfall

Yeddi Gozel Waterfall is a beautiful, free attraction with shops and restaurants at the entrance. You need to walk for a while, and the climb involves about 50-60 steps to the first waterfall and 50-70 steps to the second. The climb may be challenging for the elderly and those carrying infants. However, the place is worth the effort for its beauty, photo opportunities, and the enjoyment of nature.

Location

Be cautious when climbing with your children. Additionally, there are parking fees.

Gobustan Rock Art

Gobustan is a fantastic place about an hour from Baku, featuring uniquely carved rocks and a small museum showcasing the history of early humans. The museum contains many artifacts explaining how early humans used rocks for communication. After the museum tour, the guide takes you on a hike up the mountain to see the historic rocks and ancient inscriptions.

Operating Hours:

  • Daily from 10:00 to 17:00, except on Saturdays and Sundays when the center opens at 09:00.

Entrance Fee:

  • 10 AZN for foreign visitors. Other tickets are available for different sites within the center.

Location

Sheki 

Sheki is the capital of the Shaki region in Azerbaijan and is considered one of the culturally and artistically significant cities in the country. Located in a picturesque mountainous area surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is one of the most beautiful cities in Azerbaijan. It is famous for its many historical and cultural sites, including the historic Shaki Fortress, which is one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage sites.

Sheki is home to numerous museums and art galleries that display traditional arts, handicrafts, and ancient manuscripts. The local Sheki market is a great place to buy traditional carpets and beautiful handcrafted items. Additionally, Sheki is known for its musical and artistic culture, where visitors can enjoy traditional music and dance performances in local theaters and festivals. The Sheki Poetry and Music Festival is one of the city’s most important cultural events.

Ganja 

Ganja is one of the major tourist cities in Azerbaijan. Ganja is famous for its natural thermal waters and health treatments, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation. The city is home to many health resorts that offer a variety of health treatments and thermal water therapies. In addition to health treatments, visitors can explore many cultural and tourist attractions in Ganja, including historic mosques, shrines, and beautiful gardens. The Nizami Ganjavi District is one of the city’s important cultural sites, featuring a collection of historical monuments and buildings.

Gabala 

Gabala is one of the top tourist cities in Azerbaijan and is a popular destination for summer vacations. Located in the northern Caucasus Mountains, Gabala is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including green mountains, dense forests, and flowing rivers. Gabala is known for its mild and pleasant climate during the summer, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Visitors can have a great time outdoors, hiking in the mountains, viewing stunning waterfalls, and exploring the beautiful rural areas.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique travel experience in the Caucasus region, Azerbaijan offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, breathtaking nature, and adventure. Discover the beauty of this country and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Azerbaijan. Check out WINGIE’s deals now to book your discounted flight to Azerbaijan.

Tsisem Molla
210 Article
After graduating from Political Science and International Relations she volunteered at NGOs and is ambitious about advocacy.