DESTINATION GUIDE TO
BAKU

Welcome to Baku – a vibrant city where modernity meets history. Here, you’ll experience a dynamic blend of life and energy, from bustling bazaars to luxurious penthouses.
From the sleek sophistication of the Flame Towers rising above, to the medieval charm of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at its heart, our breathtaking capital offers something for everyone.

FLIGHTS

The aerial distance between India and Baku is 3,522 km. Flight details – Multiple options are available for flights to Baku from India.

CURRENCY

The manat (AZN) is our national
currency.
Card payments are accepted at most shops and restaurants in the country. Mastercard/Visa ATMs are widely available in all main cities and
towns. Exchanging money back is no problem.

VISA

Some nationalities are issued a visa on arrival, while many others can get an e-visa within 3 days via evisa.gov.az. All others need to apply for a visa at their nearest Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Please check the latest requirements before booking your trip. 

TIME:

We’re 4hrs ahead of GMT but we
don’t put the clocks forward in
summer, so while we’re 3hrs ahead of Western Europe in winter, that drops to 2hrs in April-October.

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CODE:

The country code is +994, the dial out code
from Azerbaijan is 00.

DRIVING:

An international driving licence is required.
Car rental is increasingly available in Baku.

 

LANGUAGES:

Our state language is Azerbaijani, which is similar to Turkish. Basic English is understood by most of the population. Russian is widely known, especially in Baku.

RELIGION & CULTURE

In the course of its long history, Azerbaijan has given the world a number of outstanding thinkers, poets, and scientists.
Azerbaijan’s cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and public libraries, are located in Baku. Many of them were established after World War II. The city has museums devoted to the art, history, and literature of Azerbaijan. In Nagorno-Karabakh there is a museum with material on the history and archaeology of the Armenian people of the region.

Azerbaijan is a predominantly Muslim country; more than three-fifths of the population is Shiʿi, and about one-third is Sunni. Members of the Russian Orthodox or Armenian Orthodox Church constitute a very small percentage of the population .

PROHIBITIONS IN BAKU

DRONES

  • The import of drones is prohibited for people who do not have temporary or permanent residence rights in Azerbaijan
  • Special permission is required to rent unmanned drones

WEAPONS

  • Carrying firearms or piercing objects is prohibited in the Baku Metro

MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE

Icherisheher (Old City)

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heart of Baku, full of narrow, winding streets and historical landmarks. Key sites include the Maiden Tower, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, a former royal residence. The Old City also has traditional caravanserais and mosques.

 

Flame Towers

he Flame Towers are a trio of modern skyscrapers that resemble flames, symbolizing the country’s ancient fire-worshiping traditions. These towers are especially breathtaking at night when they light up in vibrant colors. They stand as a symbol of Azerbaijan’s oil-rich history and modern growth.

Baku Boulevard and Caspian Sea Promenade

This scenic promenade stretches along the Caspian Sea and offers beautiful views of the coastline. It’s lined with parks, cafes, and recreational spots, and features attractions like the Baku Eye (Ferris wheel) and the Baku Crystal Hall, which hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Designed by the iconic architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is an architectural masterpiece. The fluid, organic design stands in stark contrast to the city’s more traditional buildings. It houses a museum and cultural center, celebrating the life and legacy of Azerbaijan’s former president Heydar Aliyev.

Baku Modern Art Museum

For art enthusiasts, Baku Modern Art Museum is a fantastic place to see contemporary works by Azerbaijani and international artists.

The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions, from contemporary visual art to sculpture and installation.

National Carpet Museum

This museum is a treasure trove of Azerbaijan’s carpet-weaving history, with an extensive collection of carpets and kilims that showcase the country’s rich cultural traditions. The building itself is designed to look like a rolled-up carpet.

FOODS-
Baku offers diverse dining experiences to tickle all travellers’ taste buds. You will
find plenty of places to sample the best of Azerbaijani cuisine, alongside a growing mix of popular international franchises, contemporary cafes, caravanserais, chocolate shops and steakhouses.  

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CHAYKI

A family atmosphere on the Seaside Boulevard, complete with a large green garden and a menu that strikes the perfect balance between old and new.

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BAKU CAFE

If you want to try traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a modern way, then you should definitely come here. It offers a wide range of national dishes as well as sweets & teas. In addition to Azerbaijani cuisine, the menu
includes dishes from other world cuisines.

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Nakhchivan

The best spot in the city to try traditional Nakhchivan
cuisine. The real stars of the show are the wide range of perfectly spiced kebabs, the ornate Ordubad desserts, and the 15 varieties of mouthwatering plovs.

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Burc Qala

A traditional restaurant loved by its reviewers, located
in front of the studio of well-known modern artist Ali
Shamsi.