Best Things to Do in Baku: Ultimate Guide + 2-Day Itinerary (End of 2025 Update)
Baku blends ancient Silk Road charm with futuristic architecture along the Caspian Sea. This “Land of Fire” city offers UNESCO Old City walls, eternal flames, and innovative designs, creating contrasts at every turn.
As of December 31, 2025, Azerbaijan’s land borders stay closed for entry (extended to January 1, 2026). Fly in only; exiting by land or ferry is allowed. E-visas remain easy for most nationalities.
Quick Essentials
- Visa: E-visa online ($25 USD, 3-day processing) for 100+ countries. Apply at evisa.gov.az.
- Getting In: Fly into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD). No land/sea entry.
- Getting Around: Baku Metro (BakiKart: 2 AZN card + 0.30 AZN/ride), Bolt rides (~15-20 AZN airport to center), buses.
- Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). ~1.70 AZN = 1 USD.
- Stay: Central near Old City or Fountain Square for walkability.
Where to Stay in Baku
- Budget: Old Yard Hotel or similar hostels (~30-50 AZN/night).
- Midrange: Central boutique hotels (~80-150 AZN).
- Splurge: Fairmont Flame Towers or similar (~300+ AZN).
Must-Try Azeri Food
Azeri cuisine mixes Turkish, Persian, and Caucasian flavors—heavy on meats, fresh herbs, and rice.
Top spots:
- Sehirli Tendir (Old City) – Traditional breakfast (tendir bread, kaymak, pomidor yumurta).
- Firuze – Gutab (stuffed flatbreads) and dushbara (dumpling soup).
- Nakhchivan Restaurant – Regional specialties like piti stew.
- Nergiz – Sadj (hot plate grills) and plov (rice pilaf).
2-Day Baku Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Old City (Icherisheher)
Dive into UNESCO-listed Old Baku.
- Morning: Start at Palace of the Shirvanshahs (15 AZN entry) – stunning 15th-century royal complex.
- Maiden Tower (15 AZN) – Climb for panoramic views (glass panels at top).
- Wander narrow alleys, visit Muhammed Mosque (exterior only), and the free Miniature Book Museum.
- Late Afternoon: Head to Yanar Dag (Fire Mountain, 9 AZN) – natural gas flames burning for centuries. Best pre-sunset. Bus #217 from Koroglu Metro or tour.
- Evening: Stroll Nizami Street lights, dinner in Old City.
Day 2: Modern Baku & Waterfront
Experience the futuristic side.
- Morning: Heydar Aliyev Center (15 AZN) – Zaha Hadid’s flowing masterpiece.
- Flame Towers – Iconic trio, best views from Highland Park (funicular ride).
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (10 AZN) – Rolled-carpet-shaped building with stunning collections.
- Afternoon/Evening: Baku Boulevard stroll, Little Venice boat ride, sunset at Highland Park.
More Time? Day Trips from Baku
- Gobustan petroglyphs & mud volcanoes.
- Ateshgah Fire Temple.
- Quba or Gabala mountains.
Baku surprises with its energy, warmth, and contrasts. Two days hit the highlights—longer lets you savor it. Questions on 2025 updates? Ask below! 🇦🇿