Baku, dear city! If this is your first visit to Baku, then you are very lucky, and there are plenty of things to do in Baku. Don’t be in a hurry, because there are many things to see in Baku; you will be able to see them easily. First of all, let’s start with the Caspian Sea Boulevard and things to do in Baku.
The best things to do in Baku
What you should do in Baku, of course, is walk and discover interesting places. If you are coming to Baku as a tourist for the first time, the first place you should go to is Icherisheher. Here you will see the ancient city and the works of art of antiquity and travel back in time. The architecture and meeting of the buildings will fascinate you. These places are considered Baku tourist places. Icherisheher is one of the famous places in Baku.
One of the first interesting things you will see while walking in the Old City is of course interesting souvenirs. These will suit your home and create spiritual value.
Later, interesting restaurants will appear in front of you. Be sure that there are restaurants with delicious food, live music, and national ornaments of Azerbaijan.
What you will also get to know is Maiden’s Castle and the Palace of Shirvanshahs. In these two places, you will feel the 15th century, experiencing the real past. Thus, when you climb to the height of the Maiden’s Castle, you will hear the legends walking here, you will admire this castle once again, you can watch all of Baku and take incredibly interesting pictures.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the ancient streets. Don’t forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast.
Where to eat and drink in Baku?
You will not go hungry in Baku. When you say what to do in Baku, let food come to mind. First, on the list of dishes you should eat in Baku, there are delicious dishes of our national cuisine, such as dolma, plov, khangal, dovga, kutab, etc. If you have visited Baku in the winter or rainy months, you can eat Khangal. You can taste the dishes of Azerbaijani national cuisine anywhere, in any restaurant. However, we recommend you visit the restaurants in the Old City.
Map of things to do in Baku
When we say best things in Baku, we first suggested to visit the Old City. Now it’s time to explore the city. With this, you can go to Baku Boulevard to watch the waves of the Caspian Sea, then to White City Boulevard and from there to walk around the other side of the city. If you like visiting museums, you’re in luck, because there are museums here that you won’t see anywhere else in the world. For example, The Baku Miniature Museum.
The Baku Miniature Museum
This museum located in the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital, is a unique cultural gem that showcases an extensive collection of miniature books. This museum, founded by Zarifa Salahova in 2002, is the only one of its kind in the world, featuring thousands of tiny books from over 60 countries. Each book, some no larger than a few millimeters, is a testament to the art of miniaturization and the preservation of literary heritage.
Visitors to the museum can marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of these books, many of which are rare and antique, with some dating back centuries. The collection includes miniature versions of famous literary works, religious texts, and historical documents, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of books that are both small in size and immense in cultural value.
Azerbaijan National Museum of Art
The Azerbaijan National Museum of Art is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Baku. Established in 1936, the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 15,000 works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from Azerbaijan and around the world. The museum’s exhibits span various periods and styles, offering a comprehensive overview of the country’s artistic evolution.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is a symbol of the country’s rich tradition of carpet weaving. Opened in 1967, this museum is the world’s first dedicated to carpets and features an extensive collection of Azerbaijani carpets, dating back centuries. The museum’s unique building, shaped like a rolled-up carpet, is an architectural marvel in itself, and its exhibits showcase the intricate patterns and vibrant colors that characterize Azerbaijani carpets.
Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is not just a museum but an architectural masterpiece. The center, which opened in 2012, houses a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Heydar Aliyev, the third President of Azerbaijan, as well as contemporary art exhibitions. The building’s fluid, wave-like design is iconic, symbolizing the modern and dynamic spirit of Baku.
Baku Museum of Modern Art
The Baku Museum of Modern Art, established in 2009, is a haven for lovers of contemporary art. The museum features a wide range of works by Azerbaijani and international artists, with a focus on avant-garde and modernist movements. Its open and fluid design encourages visitors to explore the connections between different art forms and ideas.
Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
Dedicated to the rich literary heritage of Azerbaijan, the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the country. Founded in 1939 and located in a stunning building in the center of Baku, the museum is named after the great medieval poet Nizami Ganjavi. The museum’s collection includes manuscripts, rare books, and artworks that celebrate the literary achievements of Azerbaijan.
Where to stay in Baku?
We walked, had fun, saw interesting things in Baku, and now we need to find a place to stay. You can get accommodation at a hotel in Baku at an affordable price or by using various house rental websites.
Where to go next: More ideas for Azerbaijan
In conclusion, Baku offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors, making it a must-see destination. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of the Old City, marveling at modern architecture, or discovering the city’s diverse museums, there are countless things to do in Baku. If you’re wondering what to do in Baku, the city has something for everyone, from cultural sites to vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore what to see in Baku, as each corner of this city reveals a unique piece of its fascinating history and dynamic present.
