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Baku
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Baku – a brief overview
Azerbaijan’s capital, the largest city in the Caucasus, is a fascinating if frenetic mix of East and West. Baku’s Old City, an entrancing walled complex of Islamic fortresses, mosques, palaces and courtyards, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Futuristic modern towers, designed by world-leading architects, dominate the skyline however.
Boosted by the most recent oil boom, Baku is a thriving and rejuvenated city, which makes for a rewarding visit. Discover its rich historical heritage, gaze in awe at its extravagant modern monuments, people-watch from a chic street coffee shop, and let rip in a raucous Russian bar.
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Top 10 sights in Baku
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Museum of Modern Art
5 Yusuph Safarov Street
AZ1025 Baku
Azerbaijan
Tel: +994 12 490 8404
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AZ1025 Baku
Azerbaijan
Tel: +994 12 490 8404
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1100-2100
This innovative museum displays work by Azeri and international artists from the mid-20th century to the present day. The paintings, sculptures, and design in the labyrinthine galleries are imaginatively arranged, thematically and for contrasting effect.
Juma Mosque
Keshla
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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This is one of Baku’s most impressive mosques, with intricately carved walls and dome. The current building is just over 100 years old but there has been a mosque on this site since the 12th century; the adjoining minaret dates back to the 14th century.
Church of Archangel Michael
Molla Vali Vidadi St
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Opening times:
Various
Still used for Russian Orthodox services, this lovely old 19th-century building is elaborately decorated inside with colourful icons and murals, and topped by the classic onion dome.
Martyrs Lane
Mehdi Hüseyn
Baku AZ1006
Azerbaijan
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Baku AZ1006
Azerbaijan
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Connected to the city below by funicular train, this hilltop cemetery is a memorial to Azeri war casualties, including victims of the 1990 Soviet army assault. There is also a modern Turkish-style mosque here, and the site offers splendid views of the city and beyond.
Maiden Tower
65 Asaf Zeynalli Street
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Opening times:
Daily 1000-1900
This tall and massively built tower is the monumental symbol of Baku. Dating back at least to the 12th century, the tower’s original function is disputed, but the superb views from the top are beyond doubt.
Shirvanshahs Palace
This faithfully restored complex of mosques, palaces, baths, tombs and courtyards dates from the 15th-century Shirvanshah dynasty, which ruled Azerbaijan for 1,000 years.
State Art Museum
Niyazi St., 9/11
Baku AZ 1101
Azerbaijan
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Baku AZ 1101
Azerbaijan
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Opening times:
Tue-Sun 1000-1800
This extensive collection displays Azeri, Russian and worldwide art from prehistoric times to modern movements, housed in two adjacent buildings. The local modern art is particularly interesting.
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
This curvaceous modern hall holds a wide range of events, concerts and temporary exhibitions, comprising a museum, library and conference centre. It’s worth seeing for Zaha Hadid’s stunning design and spacious grounds alone.
Fantasia Hamam
114 Dilara Aliyeva
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Opening times:
Various
The oldest public baths in Baku are a great way to unwind from the traffic chaos outside, with Turkish-style steam baths in private rooms. Treatments available include ‘skin peel’ and massage; there’s also a delightful tea room.
Museum of Literature
Housed in a beautiful old building, with statues of writers inset in its facade, this museum holds a collection of exquisite manuscripts from Azerbaijan, Russia and the Far East. Unfortunately, without any labelling, sometimes it’s impossible to know what you’re looking at.
Good to know
Country information
Country overview
Azerbaijan is an Islamic former Soviet Republic on the Caspian Sea, an oil rich and strategically important nation that is the key geopolitical power in the Caucasus.
Geography
Azerbaijan is bordered by the Russian Federation, Georgia, Iran and Armenia. Much of Southwestern Azerbaijan in the ethnically Armenian region of Nagorno-Karabakh is occupied by Armenian forces following the Armenia-Azerbaijan war (1988-1994).
Azerbaijan also includes the exclave of Nakhchivan, which is located between Turkey, Iran and Armenia.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 9590159
Population Density (per sq km): 111
Capital: Baku.
Language
Azeri. Russian is widely spoken; English may be spoken in Baku and other main centres.
Currency
Azeri New Manat (AZN)= 100 gopik. Notes are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 AZN. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 3 and 1 gopik.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 – December 2020 period.
Note
Holidays falling on the weekend are usually observed the following Monday.
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.
2019
Yeni il (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2019
Qadınlar günü (International Women’s Day): 8 March 2019
Novruz Bayramy (Persian New Year): 20 March 2019
Faşizm üzərində qələbə günü (Victory Day): 9 May 2019
Respublika günü (Republic Day): 28 May 2019
Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan): 5 June 2019
Azərbaycan xalqının Milli Qurtuluş günü (National Salvation Day): 15 June 2019
Azərbaycan Respublikasının Silahlı Qüvvələri günü (Army and Navy Day): 26 June 2019
Gurban (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 August 2019
Istiqlaliyyət günü (Independence Day): 18 October 2019
Konstitusiya günü (Constitution Day): 12 November 2019
Milli Dirçəliş Günü (National Revival Day): 17 November 2019
Dünya azərbaycanlıların həmrəyliyi günü (Day of Azeri Solidarity): 31 December 2019
2020
Yeni il (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Qadınlar günü (International Women’s Day): 8 and 9 March 2020
Novruz Bayramy (Persian New Year): 20 March 2020
Faşizm üzərində qələbə günü (Victory Day): 9 May 2020
Ramazan Bayrami (End of Ramadan): 24 to 26 May 2020
Respublika günü (Republic Day): 28 May 2020
Azərbaycan xalqının Milli Qurtuluş günü (National Salvation Day): 15 June 2020
Azərbaycan Respublikasının Silahlı Qüvvələri günü (Army and Navy Day): 26 June 2020
Gurban (Feast of Sacrifice): 31 July to 3 August 2020
Istiqlaliyyət günü (Independence Day): 18 October 2020
Konstitusiya günü (Constitution Day): 12 November 2020
Milli Dirçəliş Günü (National Revival Day): 17 November 2020
Dünya azərbaycanlıların həmrəyliyi günü (Day of Azeri Solidarity): 31 December 2020
All information subject to change.
Enjoy
Nightlife in Baku
As recent winners of the Eurovision Song Contest, Azeris know how to belt out a tune, and there are many lively bars and clubs around Baku where you can join in the fun.
There are many other forms of music on offer too, from traditional mugam folk singing to jazz and classical performances in sophisticated theatres.
Mugham Club
9, H.Rzaeva str.
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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One of the best places in Baku to hear live traditional music and dance, in a palatial setting.
Crystal Hall
Bayraq Meydan
Az1000 Baku
Azerbaijan
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Az1000 Baku
Azerbaijan
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The city’s largest indoor performance centre, hosting a wide range of concerts and shows.
Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall
Istiglaliyyat
Bakı
Azerbaijan
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Bakı
Azerbaijan
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Home of the Azerbaijani State Symphony Orchestra, this classic building was modelled on the Monte Carlo Casino.
Capone’s
Grand Hotel Europe
1025/30 Tbilisi prospekti
Baku
Azerbaijan
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1025/30 Tbilisi prospekti
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku’s hottest nightclub, attracting the city’s beautiful set six nights a week.
Alov Jazz Bar
Fairmont Baku
Flame Towers
Mehdi Huseyn Street 1A
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Flame Towers
Mehdi Huseyn Street 1A
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Smooth jazz entertains guests at this upscale club in Baku’s futuristic Flame Towers.
Enjoy
Restaurants in Baku
With a cosmopolitan range of cuisines, Baku offers some gastronomic treats.
The Old City has some hidden gems that are full of character, or you can head along Nizami Street for fun and fast food.
Şirvanşah Muzey
Salatın Asgərova 86
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Price: Expensive
Tasty local cuisine and live folk music make this palatial restaurant a special treat.
Terrace Garden & Q-Bar
Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel
20, Boyuk Gala
Icheri Sheher
Baku
Azerbaijan
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20, Boyuk Gala
Icheri Sheher
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Price: Expensive
Apart from the rooftop views, the food in this international restaurant is delicious and good value.
Sahil
34 Neftçilər prospekti
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Price: Moderate
This chic seafront restaurant specialises in modern Azeri cuisine, with fine wines and cocktails.
Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi
Abdulkarim Alizade str. 16.
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Price: Moderate
Traditional Turkish cuisine is the speciality in this friendly little restaurant.
Adam’s Curries
142A Alovsat Guliyev Street
Baku
Aserbaidschan
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Baku
Aserbaidschan
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Price: Cheap
The bustling ambience and spicy dishes draw a loyal clientele to this Indian curry house.
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Calendar of events
Novruz Bayram
21 – March 2019
Venue: Throughout Baku, particularly in the Old Town
Baku’s Old Town is the hub for celebrations welcoming the arrival of spring. Stalls spring up in the streets selling souvenirs and traditional food, and crowds are entertained with live music and dancing. In homes, families bake baklava, shakabura and other pastries, while children share sweets with neighbours.
International Mstislav Rostropovich Music Festival
27 March – 3 April 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Born in Baku, Mstislav Rostropovich was a Soviet cellist and conductor. A festival has been held in his honour every year since his death in 2007. Local and international soloists, ensembles and orchestras (including the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra) perform under the artistic direction of the musician’s daughter, Olga Rostropovich.
Gül Bayrami (Flower Festival)
10 May 2019
Venue: Various venues, with the main displays opposite Heydar Aliyev Palace
There are photo ops aplenty during Baku’s annual flower festival, with kaleidoscopic creations blooming in parks, gardens and squares to commemorate the birthday of former president Heydar Aliyev. As well as traditional colourful displays, you can snap floral cartoon characters, animals and famous buildings.
Eid al-Fitr / Ramazan Bayram
4 – 5 June 2019
Venue: Throughout Baku and Azerbaijan.
Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with family gatherings, feast and entertainment. Mosques are packed with praying worshippers, and it’s traditional to donate money or food to charity. Many hotels and restaurants in Baku lay on a special spread for the occasion.
National Salvation Day
15 June 2019
Venue: Concert and fireworks held on Baku Boulevard
Azerbaijanis commemorate the day Heydar Aliyev returned to power in 1993 with a public holiday and plenty of festivities. In Baku, local singers entertain crowds at a large outdoor concert on Baku Boulevard (the seafront promenade), followed by a late-night glittering fireworks display.
National Armed Forces Day
26 Juni 2019
Venue: Baku city centre
Crowds pack the streets to watch the annual huge and spectacular military parade held in honour of Azerbaijan’s armed forces. Members of the army and navy show off their military might first, with a flyover from the air force following.
Uzeyir Hajibeyov International Music Festival
September 2019
Venue: Various venues
Famed Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyov is remembered throughout the country, and especially in Baku, with a series of concerts, workshops and lectures featuring world-class conductors, orchestras and soloists. The festival usually takes place over 10 days around his birthday on 18 September.
Baku International Jazz Festival
18. – 27. October 2019
Website
Venue: Various venues
Heydar Aliyev Palace, the State Philharmonic Hall and Baku Jazz Center are among the venues hosting first-rate jazz musicians from at home and abroad. American saxophonist Joshua Redman, jazz composer Marcus Miller and German jazz artist Christoph Cech have all performed in recent years.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Enjoy
Hotels in Baku
Baku has a growing number of upscale hotels, with the most recent oil boom prompting luxurious new developments.
Prime areas include Nizami Street, and the Bulvar seafront promenade, where you can find the international hotel chains.
Qafqaz Point
Kazimzade St. 118
556. Mh.
Baku
Azerbaijan
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556. Mh.
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Category: Expensive
This exotic, modern hotel is well placed near to the Old City and shopping areas.
Horizon
Mirza Mansur St., 62
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Category: Moderate
This small, friendly hotel has sea views from some of its spacious rooms and suites.
Teatro Boutique
A. Rajabli Street 1
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Category: Moderate
This traditionally furnished hotel has a rooftop restaurant as well as a gym and sauna.
Boyuk Gala
Mirza Mansur Street 68
Baku
Azerbaijan
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Baku
Azerbaijan
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Category: Cheap
This excellent-value old hotel is in the heart of the Old City.
Good to know
Best time to visit
Today: Saturday, 25.05.2019 15:00 UTC
sunny
temperature
23°C
wind direction
northwind speed
18.125 mph7 days forecast
Sunday
26.05.2019
24°C / 21°C
Monday
27.05.2019
23°C / 21°C
Tuesday
28.05.2019
24°C / 21°C
Wednesday
29.05.2019
25°C / 21°C
Thursday
30.05.2019
25°C / 22°C
Friday
31.05.2019
26°C / 22°C
Saturday
01.06.2019
26°C / 22°C
Climate & best time to visit Azerbaijan
Generally very warm, but low temperatures can occur, particularly in the mountains and valleys. Most of the rainfall is in the west.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23 °C | -13 °C | 6 °C | 2 °C | 78 % | 22 mm | 6 | 2.9 h |
| Feb | 22 °C | -13 °C | 6 °C | 2 °C | 78 % | 16 mm | 6 | 3.1 h |
| Mar | 23 °C | -9 °C | 9 °C | 4 °C | 77 % | 24 mm | 5 | 4.0 h |
| Apr | 28 °C | -1 °C | 16 °C | 9 °C | 69 % | 25 mm | 4 | 6.5 h |
| May | 32 °C | 5 °C | 22 °C | 14 °C | 64 % | 17 mm | 3 | 8.3 h |
| Jun | 33 °C | 8 °C | 27 °C | 19 °C | 57 % | 13 mm | 2 | 9.8 h |
| Jul | 36 °C | 12 °C | 30 °C | 22 °C | 58 % | 8 mm | 1 | 10.1 h |
| Aug | 38 °C | 13 °C | 29 °C | 22 °C | 63 % | 7 mm | 2 | 9.1 h |
| Sep | 34 °C | 8 °C | 25 °C | 19 °C | 68 % | 15 mm | 2 | 7.4 h |
| Oct | 29 °C | 0 °C | 19 °C | 13 °C | 74 % | 31 mm | 6 | 4.6 h |
| Nov | 24 °C | -5 °C | 13 °C | 8 °C | 77 % | 33 mm | 6 | 3.1 h |
| Dec | 23 °C | -12 °C | 9 °C | 4 °C | 76 % | 27 mm | 6 | 3.3 h |
| year | 38 °C | -13 °C | 18 °C | 12 °C | 70 % | 238 mm | 49 | 6.0 h |
Good to know
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +994
Telephone
International calls from Azerbaijan may be dialed directly from Baku and some other towns throughout the country.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is mostly limited to the capital and main towns and is non-existent in many mountain areas.
Internet
Available in all cities and towns.
Enjoy
Shopping in Baku
Key Areas
Baku’s main shopping districts lie between Nizami (Torgovaya) Street and Fountain Square near the Old City. The pedestrian street is also lined with cafés and restaurants. The Old City’s backstreets are filled with atmospheric (though touristy) bazaar stalls, if you want to pick up a hand-woven kilim-style rug or copper tray.
Markets
There are several daily farmers’ markets, selling fresh as well as dried food, herbs and spices, including the Baki Takhil Bazar, Aliyar Aliyev Street, and 8 Km Bazar, Jamshid Nakhchivanski Street. Seasonal markets take place throughout the year in various locations, including one in the Teze Bazar, Nasimi district.
Shopping Centres
The AF Mall, 34 Samed Vurgun Street, is one of Baku’s newest, with eateries and a rooftop pool in addition to an upmarket selection of boutiques and stores. Opposite the Park Inn Hotel is the Park Bulvar Mall, with a huge range of shops, fast-food outlets, a cinema, bowling alley and planetarium.
Good to know
Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Foreign women should dress modestly, especially in the rural areas, and cultivate a certain coolness of manner. Both men and women should avoid wearing shorts as this will attract unwelcome attention. Although mostly Muslim in population, Azerbaijan is a largely secular society that views religion as a private matter. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting.
Business cards are invariably exchanged at any kind of official meeting, and not infrequently on first meeting socially as well. It’s always a good idea to give gifts to people you meet and to business contacts. Flowers, post-cards, picture books and alcohol make excellent presents.
Good to know
Health
Food & Drink
All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Some parts of Baku have their own water supply from natural mineral springs. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised. There may be some risk of meningitis, tick-borne encephalitis and leishmaniasis. Rabies is present in some areas. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
Good to know
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.