Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and the largest city in the Caucasus. Its Old Town, Icheri Sheher, has UNESCO World Heritage status. The city is a mix of Turkish-Islamic, Western European, and Russian influences. At 28 m below sea level, it is the lowest-lying capital city in the world.

As of Jan 2026, Azerbaijan's land borders with its neighbours remain closed to civilian traffic. The only legal way into the country is through an international airport. Heydar Aliyev International Airport is 25 km from the city centre and is served by major airlines including Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and Azerbaijan Airlines.

The city has a metro, well-developed bus and minibus network, and large walking areas including the Inner Walled City, the Boulevard, and Fountain Square. The Baku Funicular costs 1 manat. Bicycle rental from MyBike costs 10-20 manat per day. Taxis can be arranged by calling 189 from an Azeri phone.

Summers are hot and dry, winters cool, moderately wet and breezy. The year-round average temperature is 14.2°C, matching the earth's landmass average. Baku receives only 200 mm of rain annually, making it the driest place in Azerbaijan. The city is very breezy most of the year.

Budget accommodation includes hostels like Caspian Hostel (dorm bed 16 manat) and Cheeky Carabao Backpackers Hostel, as well as budget hotels like Altstadt Hotel (double/twin 50 manat) and Guest House Inn (60 manat per person). Mid-range options include Consul Hotel and Days Hotel Baku.

Baku has many restaurants and kebab shops for quick meals. Budget meals cost up to 10 manat, mid-range 10-20 manat. Local specialties include piti (a hearty soup) and kebabs. Lavas Bistro offers filling kebabs for 3 manat. Tea houses (çay xanalar) are common; in Baku women are allowed, but in rural areas it may be forbidden for women to enter. Women drinking alcohol is acceptable in Baku but taboo in rural areas.

Top attractions include the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (10 manat), Maiden Tower (15 manat), Azerbaijan Carpet Museum (10 manat), and the Heydar Aliyev Center. Boat tours from Baku Boulevard cost 6 manat for 40 minutes. Visit the old hamams: Hamam Mehellesi (10 manat entry, skin peel 15 manat, massage 20 manat) or Aga Mikayil Bath House (10 manat). Mini-Venice offers charming boat rides. For sports, see a football match or catch the Formula One Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit (next race 19-21 Sep 2025).

Baku is considered a safe city, but common sense is useful. The biggest problem is dangerous driving; many drivers do not obey rules and speed. Security is high with regular checks at metro stations and some attractions. Since the Karabakh conflict reignited in September 2020, security has been further tightened.