Baku travel guide

Welcome to Baku

Cosmopolitan and at times chaotic, Baku has a bit of everything. On the western shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is the largest city in Caucasus and it’s developing at a rapid pace.

Explore the old, the new and everything in between – and learn a bit about Azeri culture and cuisine along the way.

Top things to see and do in Baku

  • Learn about Azeri rug-making on a guided tour of the Carpet Museum.
  • Catch a show at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre – or simply admire the building’s stunning facade.
  • Wander through the old walled city (Içeri Seher) and get lost in the magnificent maze of narrow alleyways.
  • Step back through the ages at the Azerbaijan History Museum and be awed by the building’s extravagant interior.
  • Take an afternoon stroll along Baku Boulevard, followed by a spot of twilight shopping at Fountain Square.
  • Treat yourself to some sweet nut pie (shekerbura) – one of Azerbaijan’s many culinary delights.

Tips for travellers

For a panoramic view of the capital, scale the spiralling stairs of Maiden’s Tower in the old walled city.

You can get around Baku by bus or taxi. The average city bus journey will cost you about half a dollar. Although the older buses accept cash payments, you will need a BakiKart to pay for your ticket on newer buses. There are also several buses connecting Baku to other major cities in Azerbaijan. These are run by Mtrans and are inexpensive. Taxis are generally not metred and you will need to agree a faree with the driver beforehand. You can also hire a car from one of many international car hire firms in downtown Baku. You have to be at least 21 years old to hire a car in Azerbaijan.

You can get around Baku by bus or taxi. The average city bus journey will cost you about half a dollar. Although the older buses accept cash payments, you will need a BakiKart to pay for your ticket on newer buses. There are also several buses connecting Baku to other major cities in Azerbaijan. These are run by Mtrans and are inexpensive. Taxis are generally not metred and you will need to agree a faree with the driver beforehand. You can also hire a car from one of many international car hire firms in downtown Baku. You have to be at least 21 years old to hire a car in Azerbaijan.

Airport information

flydubai operates its flights into and out of Baku Airport.

Find out more about this airport.