Essential Things to Do in Azerbaijan

From Baku's futuristic skyline to ancient mountain villages and fiery natural wonders, this guide covers the top activities for your trip to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaycan · 4 min read

Azerbaijan, often called the 'Land of Fire,' is a captivating destination where Eastern traditions meet Western progress. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it offers travelers a remarkable diversity of experiences. Within a single trip, you can explore the futuristic architecture of a booming capital, wander through timeless villages in the Caucasus Mountains, and witness strange natural phenomena that have fascinated people for millennia. This guide highlights the most rewarding activities for visitors.

In and Around Baku: A City of Contrasts

The heart of the capital is Icherisheher, its walled Old City and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Getting lost in its maze of narrow alleyways is a required experience. Here you'll find the iconic Maiden Tower, a mysterious stone structure with debated origins, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a 15th-century complex that was the seat of the region's ruling dynasty. The area is filled with mosques, caravanserais, and traditional bathhouses, offering a tangible link to Baku's medieval past.

Just beyond the old walls, Baku presents a completely different face. The city's 21st-century architectural ambition is best seen in the Flame Towers, three skyscrapers that illuminate the skyline nightly with mesmerizing light displays of fire and water. Another must-see is the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of fluid design by architect Zaha Hadid. Its sweeping white curves are a photographer's dream, and the exhibitions inside cover Azerbaijani culture and history.

For a more relaxed pace, head to the Baku Boulevard, a wide promenade that stretches for miles along the Caspian Sea coast. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists to walk, cycle, and enjoy the sea breeze. Along the boulevard, you can visit the striking Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, designed in the shape of a rolled-up carpet, or take a gondola ride through the canals of 'Little Venice.' The Baku Eye Ferris wheel also offers fantastic views of the city and the sea.

Natural Wonders and Ancient History

A short drive from Baku lies Gobustan National Park, another UNESCO site. This arid, rocky landscape is home to more than 6,000 prehistoric petroglyphs, some dating back 40,000 years, which depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and ancient animal life. Nearby, a bizarre and fascinating landscape of bubbling mud volcanoes awaits. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes, and watching them gurgle and spit cool, grey mud is a unique spectacle.

Azerbaijan's 'Land of Fire' moniker comes from its natural gas reserves that seep through the ground and ignite. The most famous example is Yanar Dag, or 'Burning Mountain,' a hillside that has been continuously ablaze for centuries. Another key site is the Ateshgah Fire Temple in Surakhani, a pentagonal complex built around a natural gas vent. Originally used by Zoroastrian fire-worshippers, it was later a place of pilgrimage for Hindu merchants, reflecting the area's historical role on the Silk Road.

Exploring the Caucasus Mountains

Escape the city and head northwest to Sheki, a charming town nestled in the forested foothills of the Greater Caucasus. Sheki was a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road, and its history is palpable. The main attraction is the stunning summer palace of the Sheki Khans, famous for its intricate 'shebeke' stained-glass windows, assembled without glue or nails. You can also visit historic caravanserais, some of which have been converted into hotels, offering a chance to sleep where traders once did.

For a deeper dive into mountain culture, visit the village of Lahij. Tucked away in a scenic river valley, Lahij is renowned for its coppersmiths, whose workshops line the main cobblestone street. You can watch artisans crafting intricate plates, samovars, and jewelry using techniques passed down through generations. The village's stone houses and slower pace of life feel a world away from Baku's hustle.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Caucasus Mountains offer tremendous opportunities for hiking and exploration. The region around Guba is a popular base, with trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The remote mountain village of Khinalig (Xinaliq), one of the highest and most isolated in Europe, offers a challenging but rewarding journey, with breathtaking landscapes and a unique local culture and language.

Azerbaijan is also a country of vibrant festivals. The most important is Novruz, the spring equinox celebration marking the Persian New Year. It's a time of family gatherings, traditional food, and public festivities involving folk music and bonfires. For music lovers, the annual Baku International Jazz Festival attracts renowned artists from around the world each autumn, filling the city's venues with world-class performances.