Baku Azerbaijan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Baku’s Historic Core

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Leileh, located in the Old Town (Icheri Sheher). Try their traditional Azerbaijani dishes like Piti (lamb and potatoes cooked in a clay pot) or Shakshuka.
  • Visit the Maiden Tower (Qızbayrançı Səbəfili), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for panoramic views of Baku.
  • Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, another UNESCO site, and learn about the history of the Shirvanshah Dynasty.

Afternoon:

  • Stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit the Market Square (Əldar Ələkbərov Caddesi), and shop for souvenirs. Don’t miss the beautiful Carpet Museum, showcasing Azerbaijani carpets from different eras.
  • Relax at Fountain Square (Fountains Square) and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in one of the many cafes.

Evening:

  • For dinner, head to Nobel Restaurant, offering a variety of Azerbaijani and European dishes with a stunning view of the Caspian Sea.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Baku Boulevard, enjoy the sea breeze, and witness the beautiful Flame Towers light show in the evening.

Accommodation:

  • Stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Baku for luxury and comfort, or choose the more budget-friendly Old City Inn. Both hotels are centrally located.

Day 2: Modern Baku & Ateshgah Fire Temple

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your hotel or try a local café.
  • Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, an impressive architectural marvel designed by Zaha Hadid, and explore its exhibitions.
  • Next, head to Flame Towers and take a tour if available.

Afternoon:

  • Take a day trip to Ateshgah Fire Temple (Fire Worshippers’ Temple). It’s about 30km north of Baku and was a pilgrimage destination for Zoroastrians since the 17th century.

Evening:

  • For dinner, try Xurşət, a restaurant offering traditional Azerbaijani dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit Nizami Street (Nizami Ganjavi Caddesi), Baku’s main pedestrian street, for shopping and nightlife.

Day 3: Exploring the Absheron Peninsula

Morning:

  • Have breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Head to Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see petroglyphs and explore the mud volcanoes.

Afternoon:

  • Visit the Baku Oil Rocks (Azerbaijani: Azerbaycan Dərxi), a unique settlement built on stilts over oil platforms in the Caspian Sea.

Evening:

  • For your final dinner, head to 7 Sons for innovative Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Spend your last night reminiscing about your trip and enjoying Baku’s vibrant nightlife.

Transportation:

  • The best way to get around Baku is by taxi or public transport (buses and metro). You can download the Yandex Taxi app for easy taxi services.

Things to Know:

  • Azerbaijani currency is the Manat (AZN). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • English is not as commonly spoken as in other European cities, so learning a few basic phrases in Azerbaijani or having a translation app can be helpful.
  • Baku can get very hot in the summer, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing and don’t forget sunscreen!