Baku, Azerbaijan 7 Day Itinerary

Baku, Azerbaijan: 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Explore Old Town (Icherisheher) & Caravanserai

  • Breakfast at Balabal Cafe (Nizami Street, 20)
  • Visit Palace of Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, and explore the narrow, winding streets of Old Town.
  • Lunch at Karvansaray Xalvani (Xalqyarı Street, 18) for traditional Azerbaijani cuisine.
  • Afternoon visit to Carpet Museum and Heydar Aliyev Center.
  • Dinner at Fountain Square with various food stalls offering local dishes.

Day 2 - Highland Parks & Modern Baku

  • Breakfast at Tovuz Cafe (Nizami Street, 71)
  • Morning visit to Bakini Mountain and Gobustan National Park.
  • Lunch at Café Gobustan in Gobustan.
  • Afternoon trip to Budapest-like Baku Boulevard, Fountains Square, and Flame Towers.
  • Dinner at NUSARYA Azerbaijani Cuisine Restaurant (Azadlig Square, 1)

Day 3 - Ateshgah Fire Temple & Yanar Dag

  • Breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag in the afternoon.
  • Lunch at Pasha Pizza (Neftchilar Ave, 27) for a pizza with Azerbaijani twist.
  • Spend evening exploring local markets like Bastilimahalla Bazaar.
  • Dinner at Sabaylon (Shirvanshahs Boulevard, 15) for seafood delights.

Day 4 - Absheron National Park & Mud Volcanoes

  • Breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Full-day trip to Absheron National Park, including visits to Bibi-Heybat Mosque, Mud Volcanoes, and Qobustan Museum.
  • Lunch in Absheron National Park.
  • Return to Baku and relax at a local tea house like Chayhana Umid (Nizami Street, 41).
  • Dinner at Le Bistro (Hagigat Street, 39) for French cuisine with a twist of Azerbaijan.

Day 5 - Day Trip to Gobustan & Qobustan Museum

  • Breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Full-day trip to Gobustan and revisit the highlights from Day 2, spending more time exploring the petroglyphs and mud volcanoes.
  • Lunch in Gobustan.
  • Return to Baku and spend evening strolling along Nizami Street.
  • Dinner at Sad-Khane (Xagabul Street, 20) for Kebabs & Barbeque.

Day 6 - Explore Modern Architecture & Relax

  • Breakfast at your accommodation.
  • Visit Heydar Aliyev Center and other modern architectural marvels like the Crystal Hall and Museum of Modern Art.
  • Lunch at Cafe Mugam (Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater Square, 1) for contemporary Azerbaijani cuisine.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing in a local Hamam (Turkish Bath), such as Sultan Hammami (Xagabul Street, 23).
  • Farewell dinner at Manat Restaurant (Nizami Street, 18) for a taste of various Azerbaijani dishes.

Day 7 - Last Minute Shopping & Departure

  • Breakfast at your accommodation or local tea house.
  • Spend the morning doing last-minute shopping for souvenirs and traditional crafts in the Bastilimahalla Bazaar.
  • Have a leisurely lunch before heading to the airport, preferably at 4 Rooms (Nizami Street, 13) or another favorite spot from your journey.
  • Departure.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
  • Language: Azerbaijani and Russian are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Best time to visit: April to June and September to November for mild weather.
  • Transportation: Taxis and public buses are available, but consider using ride-hailing apps like “Yandex.Taxi” or “Baku Cabs”.
  • Safety: Baku is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious in crowded areas and at night.
  • Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) and F (Schuko) sockets are used.

Tips:

  • Try local dishes like Piti (meat & vegetable stew), Dovga (wheat & yogurt soup), and Lavangiya (fish with walnuts).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially during religious holidays like Novruz.
  • Bargain in bazaars, but be fair and reasonable.
  • Enjoy the hospitality of Azerbaijani people, who are known for their warmth and generosity.