{"id":39014,"date":"2019-12-24T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2019-12-23T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=39014&#038;preview=true&#038;preview_id=39014"},"modified":"2024-09-24T07:15:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-23T21:15:44","slug":"why-visit-baku-azerbaijan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/why-visit-baku-azerbaijan\/","title":{"rendered":"10 reasons why Baku, Azerbaijan needs to be on your bucket list"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>There are few places in this big ol\u2019 world left under the radar, but Baku is one that should be right at the top of your \u2018must visit\u2019 list.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Baku is the capital of <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/azerbaijan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Azerbaijan<\/a>, a little country that sits at the crossroads of East and West. It\u2019s a melting pot of culture, with a history that includes an ancient fire religion, medieval ruins and Islamic traditions; it also spent almost 70 years behind the Iron Curtain.<\/p>\n<p>Here are ten reasons why you need to book a trip right now to eat, sit, wander and have your mind expanded by the\u00a0compendium of culture that is modern-day Baku.<\/p>\n<h2>1. It\u2019s full of amazing architecture<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7178-e1577058590149.jpg\" alt=\"Amazing architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7178-e1577058590149.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7178-e1577058590149-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7178-e1577058590149-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7178-e1577058590149-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>In the space of a few blocks you\u2019ll go from stately Imperial Russian buildings, to the curved lines of the orient, through to stark communist apartment blocks and incredible feats of modern design. Of course, there is also the heart of Baku, the UNESCO-listed Old City, which dates back to the 12<sup>th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you are a scholar of architecture or simply a curious traveller, you\u2019ll easily be able to spend a day just exploring the exteriors of this mosaic-like city.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/trips\/KFSB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>EXPLORE BAKU ON OUR 10-DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF AZERBAIJAN &amp; GEORGIA SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE. FULL DETAILS HERE.\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-39023 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7170-e1577058563963.jpg\" alt=\"Baku city skyline\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7170-e1577058563963.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7170-e1577058563963-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7170-e1577058563963-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7170-e1577058563963-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Be sure to get up close to the constructions on foot, but also hit the road for a different perspective. It\u2019s safe to jump on a bus or you can grab an \u2018eggplant taxi\u2019; the British-style cabs in Baku are the colour of the ubiquitous vegetable. On wheels, you\u2019ll see how much variety there is in a relatively small area, and you\u2019ll also be able to get around to some iconic buildings like the modernist Heydar Aliyev Center, the imposing Flame Towers and the mysterious Maiden Tower.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/azerbaijan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>CHECK OUT OUR FULL RANGE OF ADVENTURES IN AZERBAIJAN HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>2. There\u2019s a hillside on fire 24\/7<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39027\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8088-e1577058666644.jpg\" alt=\"A fire burning in Azerbaijan\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8088-e1577058666644.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8088-e1577058666644-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8088-e1577058666644-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8088-e1577058666644-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Yanar Dag, or &#8216;burning mountain&#8217;, is an iconic landmark of Azerbaijan and it\u2019s pretty spine-tingling to get up close to. There\u2019s proof from as far back as the fifth\u00a0century that the entire hill used to be completely aflame, but over time the natural gases have slowly been depleted. A few square metres is all that is left, and it&#8217;s predicted to go out completely by 2020.<\/p>\n<p>The country has a deep affinity to the element of fire, so much so that it\u2019s even known as \u2019The Land of Fire\u2019. Nearby you\u2019ll be able to visit the Ateshgah fire temple; it has a long history as a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Zoroastrians. Zoroastrianism is one of the world\u2019s oldest continually practised religions, with many elements still present in Azerbaijan&#8217;s culture. Fire is sacred and you\u2019ll find countless references to its flickering flames throughout everyday life for Azeri people.<\/p>\n<h2>3. You\u2019ll find some unusual museums<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39026\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7568-e1577058637812.jpg\" alt=\"A woman weaving carpets in Baku\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7568-e1577058637812.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7568-e1577058637812-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7568-e1577058637812-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7568-e1577058637812-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>The Azeri take great pride in their carpet-making history, so it\u2019s only natural that there\u2019s a whole museum dedicated to the woven wonders. The museum has three floors of beautiful artistry and history, where you\u2019ll learn that carpets have ALL sorts of uses. There\u2019s even a carpeted mustache cover, to protect every hipster\u2019s precious facial styling.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/10-must-see-visit-georgia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RELATED: 10 MUST-VISIT PLACES IN GEORGIA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39029\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/P1044827-e1577058734822.jpg\" alt=\"Kittens asleep on a carpet Baku, Azerbaijan\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/P1044827-e1577058734822.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/P1044827-e1577058734822-231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>A museum of a very different variety, the Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, is a must visit. Along with sampling a number of traditional Azerbaijan dishes, you\u2019ll be able to take your pick from a labyrinth of richly decorated rooms in this old bath house. Between staircases and tapestries sit countless rooms, each with a different theme, illustrating a different element of Azerbaijan\u2019s history (you can even choose to dine in a meticulous recreation of a Soviet era kitchen). There&#8217;s a team of over 35 chefs that cater for up to 1000 diners at a time in this popular (and highly regarded) museum slash restaurant.<\/p>\n<h2>4. It\u2019s a city made for strolling<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39022\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7091-e1577058455619.jpg\" alt=\"A street lit up with lights in Baku\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7091-e1577058455619.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7091-e1577058455619-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7091-e1577058455619-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A7091-e1577058455619-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Baku is as pedestrian friendly as you can get and you can easily get around all day (and night) on two feet. Take an afternoon stroll around the Old City, pottering down alleyways and hidden alcoves. Head over to the promenade for a pre-dinner wander, where you&#8217;ll get a great view of the Caspian Sea and the latest buildings popping up along the coastline. After dinner join the locals for a few hours out and about in the main hub \u2013 Nizami Street. A pedestrian and shopping strip, it\u2019s lined with underground restaurants and bars. However, the best action is up above, as the city comes to life with residents walking their dogs, catching up for tea and simply soaking up the atmosphere ate into the evening.<\/p>\n<h2>5. There\u2019s a sweet treat at every meal<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39021\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6978-2-e1577058413522.jpg\" alt=\"A man selling sweets in the market\" width=\"500\" height=\"650\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6978-2-e1577058413522.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6978-2-e1577058413522-231x300.jpg 231w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/>Tea reigns supreme as the national drink, with sugar as a side at every serving. Traditionally brewed in an urn, called a samovar, tea here is enjoyed black and served in little hourglass-shaped cups. The shape enables the top half to cool down, while the bottom remains piping hot. Alongside every cup of tea, you&#8217;ll also likely be served a pot of jam (and additional sugar), and some sweets like the delicious Baku Pakhlava.<\/p>\n<h2>6. Azerbaijan wine is a thing<\/h2>\n<p>While Georgian wine is shining bright in the spotlight, just over the border lies Azerbaijan. Both of these regions are similar in style and terroir, so try some of the local wine when visiting.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll find similar techniques and traditions too, including the use of amphora for fermentation, and some unique grape varieties such as\u00a0 Madrasa and Saperavi. Hit up one of Baku\u2019s newer wine bars such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kefliwinebar\/?fref=ts\">Kelfi<\/a> for the full gamut. There\u2019s even pomegranate wine, though it\u2019s a pretty particular taste\u2026<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/bulgaria-new-bordeaux-wine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RELATED: WHY BULGARIA IS THE NEW BORDEAUX<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>7. It\u2019s full of passionate people<\/h2>\n<p>An incredible meal tastes darn delicious, but the icing on the cake is the waiter who figures out exactly what you\u2019re hungering for and then with a smile, suggests the perfect option from the menu. Yes, of course it\u2019s the PEOPLE that truly make a place special.<\/p>\n<p>During my time in Baku, I experienced nothing but genuine hospitality. The Azeri have a deep-set pride of their culture and are keen to share it with anyone who shows an interest. A fan of the food? Don\u2019t be surprised if you&#8217;re welcomed into a kitchen when you ask how something is made. Take a trip to the markets and you\u2019ll be asked for a selfie with every stall holder \u2013 a toothy grin and a snap truly makes their day.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/lola-akinmade-akerstrom-in-uzbekistan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RELATED: THE ART OF CONNECTING WITH STRANGERS IN UZBEKISTAN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>8. You\u2019ll spend your days feasting on flavour<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39020\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6941-2-e1577058376472.jpg\" alt=\"Dried fruit at a market\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6941-2-e1577058376472.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6941-2-e1577058376472-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6941-2-e1577058376472-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A6941-2-e1577058376472-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Azerbaijan is a country made for foodies. You could spend days here and <em>still<\/em> be working your way through the countless varieties of dolma, not to mention plentiful mounds of saffron scented <em>Plov<\/em> (pilaf), <em>Lula <\/em>kebabs cooked over the coals, grilled vegetables, and rich lamb-based stews like <em>Piti<\/em>. Bread is non-negotiable \u2013 if you can catch it being made fresh in a <em>tendir<\/em> at one of your mealtimes, be sure to watch the baking process in action.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"\/adventures\/caucasus-cuisine-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>RELATED: A GUIDE TO THE WORLD&#8217;S BEST-KEPT CULINARY SECRET<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The cuisine is based on fresh produce, abundant herbs and spices, and regional specialties that you\u2019ll not find anywhere else in the world. It\u2019s also super healthy, with ferments and pickles on every table, and no shortage of ways to include yoghurt into a meal. <em>Dovga<\/em> (chilled yoghurt soup) is surprisingly refreshing on a hot day. One paragraph is not nearly enough space to even start on the food in Baku; you\u2019ll have to try it for yourself.<\/p>\n<h2>9. See some of the world\u2019s oldest art<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39028\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8216-e1577058703746.jpg\" alt=\"A rocky outcrop in Azerbaijan\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8216-e1577058703746.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8216-e1577058703746-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8216-e1577058703746-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/EN5A8216-e1577058703746-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Few people are aware that this little country is home to some of the world\u2019s oldest rock art. Just an hour\u2019s drive from the centre of Baku, you\u2019ll find yourself in the middle of the rocky outcrops in Gobustan National Park.<\/p>\n<p>How these ancient carvings aren\u2019t more of a mecca yet is a mystery \u2013 the impeccably preserved collection of over 6000 rock engravings are just awesome to gaze at in person. Standing at the bottom of the rock face, it puts life into perspective when you realise that these were crafted by communities as far back as 40,000 years.<\/p>\n<h2>10. Musical interludes aplenty<\/h2>\n<p>Here is a country that takes music just as seriously as it takes it food. There is a rich tradition of artistic endeavours in Azerbaijan and artists of all disciplines are well respected; there are sculptures all around the city of poets, writers and musicians, as well as countless opportunities to catch a festival celebrating them. Sample some of the traditional (and very intricate) folk music called mugham, catch a classical concert, or hit up a jazz show.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Interested in Azerbaijan? Check it out on a small group adventure with Intrepid now! <a href=\"\/search?country=Azerbaijan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Explore our range of trips now<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>All photos by Cassandra Charlick.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are few places in this big ol\u2019 world left under the radar, but Baku is one that should be right at the top of your \u2018must visit\u2019 list.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16210,"featured_media":39019,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[1313],"tags":[180,46],"class_list":["post-39014","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-asia","tag-europe","ipf_region-azerbaijan"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why You Need To Visit Baku, Azerbaijan | Intrepid Travel Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Baku, in Azerbaijan, has a history that includes an ancient fire religion, medieval ruins and Islamic traditions. 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