Azerbaijan tours & holidays

April through June are the best times to visit Azerbaijan. The temperatures are warm, the flowers are out, and the skies are clearest.

If you’re not as keen on visiting at the hottest time, September and October can still be moderately warm and sunny, with fewer visitors and the annual grape harvest.

The heat and humidity can be uncomfortable, especially in Baku, during the summer months of June, July and August, but luckily, Azerbaijan is right on the Caspian Sea and has great beaches.

Similarly, temperatures can get very cold during winter, from November to March, which is good news for the skiers.

Before Islam and Persian cultures arrived in the 7^th century, Azerbaijan was populated by various tribes.

In 1828, present-day Azerbaijan was split between Russia and Persia before being declared independent in 1918. Two years later, Azerbaijan became part of the Soviet Union as a Soviet Socialist Republic, which lasted until 1991, when it restored its independence.

Azerbaijan has held significance in recent years due to its abundance of oil and natural gas, but it was once a thriving stop on the Silk Road. This meant it was exposed to the many people and cultures of the thriving trade route, and to this day, it retains a strong sense of diversity.

Although still predominantly Islamic, the population includes a mixture of Jewish, Hindu and Christian people. Novruz, the regional celebration of the new year, is the largest festival for all Azerbaijanis who partake in traditional cultural rituals and customs.

Azerbaijan is a mountainous country on the European and Asian continents. Its eastern border is the Caspian Sea, on its northern border are Russia and Georgia, to the west is Armenia, and to the south is Iran.

The Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountain ranges fall within Azerbaijan, with the remaining areas characterised by lowland plateaus and plains.

Azerbaijan is a hotspot for hikers and snow sports enthusiasts, with many natural parks and open-air archaeological sites throughout the country.

Azerbaijan’s cuisine boasts its unique flair, reminiscent of dishes across the Middle East, the Caucasus Mountains and the Mediterranean. Many traditional ingredients are used, including fresh fish from the Caspian Sea, sheep and cattle in the grasslands and regionally grown fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Foods to try in Azerbaijan

1. Piti

This national dish, originating in Sheki, is a hearty mix of lamb, chickpeas and potatoes. Made traditionally with specialty clay pots, this soup is slow-cooked and infused with the taste of saffron.  

2. Plov

This is a favourite dish found all around the country. A simple make-up of long-grain rice, mutton, carrots, onions and sometimes with raisins or chickpeas, Plov is typically made differently by each household.

3. Dolma

Dolma is a dish found all across the Middle East and surrounding areas. The Azerbaijani dolma is typically small grape vine leaves stuffed with an assortment of mince, rice, fresh herbs and onions.

4. Halva

There are various types of halva in Azerbaijan. A moist, gelatinous type in Baku and a layered baklava from Sheki. The second is made with layers of rice paper lattices and nuts flavoured with cardamon, coriander seed and syrup and has been a recipe passed down through generations.

5. Tea

Tea is a relatively new drink in Azerbaijan, but it quickly gained popularity, culminating in a tea ceremony accompanied by sweets. Served in a pear-shaped glass with a lemon slice, Azerbaijani tea can be anything from flavoured black tea to thyme or rose water tea.

1. The Walled City of Old Baku

Constructed sometime in the 12th century, this walled fortress was granted UNESCO World Heritage listing in 2000. Today, the Old City retains its labyrinth of alleyways, old buildings and now, boutique hotels, somehow still preserving its feel of a medieval town.

2. Shirvanshah’s Palace

This ornate sandstone palatial complex received World Heritage status at the same time as the Walled City (where it’s located). Largely destroyed by a bombardment, courtesy of the Russian Navy in the 18th century, the Palace has since been meticulously restored and is clearly visible from the sea and the city’s surrounding heights.

3. Maiden's Tower

Another World Heritage-listed sight inside the Walled City, Qiz Qalasi – translated as the Maiden’s or Virgin’s Tower – is one of Azerbaijan’s foremost architectural accomplishments and recognisable emblems. Standing 29 metres high and cylindrical in design, the history of this spiralling and mystifying structure remains a point of debate between historians, while its top offers 360-degree views of the surrounding Baku Bay and the town’s alleys and minarets.

4. Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape

The ancient carvings and petroglyphs of the Qobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, less than 70 km from Baku, provide a rich and fascinating insight into how life was for people in the area over 40,000 years ago. More than 6,000 depictions of flora, fauna and people engaged in hunting and fishing reveal cultural continuity between prehistoric and medieval times and seismic geographical change. The site received UNESCO listing in 2007.

5. The Khan’s Palace

This former summer residential palace of the Shaki Khans is an ornately tiled and patterned two-story structure built in 1797. Renowned for its exquisite stained-glass windows, murals and frescos, the palace’s beauty is only enhanced by natural surroundings.

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Manat (AZN).

Credit cards are usually accepted in restaurants and shops in the cities, but generally not outside, where cash is preferred.

ATMS are common throughout Azerbaijan's main towns, so be sure to get cash out before travelling to more rural areas. Foreign currencies, including USD and EUR, are easily exchanged.