Sarah and her family's trip to Baku, Azerbaijan
Sunday 13.8: the old city of Baku
Sunday morning you will start with a short drive to a spectacular view of the city of Baku, from where you will set out to explore the spectacular old city.
The observation park - Upland Park:
The Upland Park is considered one of the famous sites in the city of Baku, a beautiful park that offers a panoramic view of the city and the port. The park is located on a hill at the western end of Baku Bay, and is accessed via a lot of stairs or via the funicular, a cable car that takes you from the city center to the top of the hill in a cute passenger car.
To get to the cable car- click here
To get directly to the park and climb the stairs that lead to the top of the hill- click here
Entrance to the park is free.
The funicular\ the park itself can be reached by public transport or by a prominent taxi.
What do you see and do in the park?
Panoramic views: The highlight of the park is of course the panoramic views it offers towards Baku Bay, the old city and modern landmarks in the city, including the iconic Flame Towers. Here you can enjoy a beautiful view and soak up the pleasant air.
Martyrs' Lane: Upstairs, next to the observation decks, you will find a cemetery and a memorial dedicated to those murdered by the Soviet Army during Black January (1990) and the Nagorno-Karabakh War. The Alley of the Martyrs has significant historical and emotional importance for the people of Azerbaijan. Inside the cemetery you will find the 'eternal flame', a significant symbol of the Azerbaijani people. The flame honors the memory of those who gave their lives for the independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
Green spaces and walking paths: Upland Park is well maintained, with beautiful gardens, walking paths and sitting areas. It is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to stroll, relax and enjoy the heart of urban nature.
The old city of Baku
From the beautiful park, take a funicular ride down, or descend the countless steps, and take a 15-minute walk (or a bullet ride) to the gates of Baku's Old City. From there you will explore the sites of the old city:
Maiden Tower (Giz Galasi)
A monument from the 12th century that rises to a height of 29 meters and is a symbol of Baku. The name and purpose of the tower remain shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was an astronomical observatory or an ancient temple. It has eight floors, and you can climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the old city.
The tower is open for observation between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00.
If you have experienced enough panoramic views for one day, you can skip going up to the tower.
Around the Maiden Tower, you will find small shops and stalls selling traditional Azerbaijani art, textiles and jewelry.
Entrance price: 15 AZN per person.
Kichik Qala Street
Baku's Old Town is full of narrow streets and winding alleys, each with its own unique character. While wandering among the historical heritage sites you will discover ancient buildings, charming squares and bustling bazaars.
Kitchik Kala Street, which leads to the Juma Mosque, the next site you will visit, is full of shops, cafes and restaurants. This is a great place to buy traditional Azerbaijani handicrafts and souvenirs.
Juma Mosque
Juma Mosque, also known as the Friday Mosque, this mosque was originally built in the 12th century. It has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to 1899. The mosque presents a stunning example of medieval Islamic architecture. You can observe the mosque from the outside and appreciate its architecture.
Shirvanshah's Palace
From there, you will continue walking for about 3 minutes to the palace complex of Shirvansha, which was the residence of the Shirvansha family, a historical royal family in Azerbaijan during the 15th century.
This complex includes a magnificent mosque, a mausoleum of Shah Farooq Yasser's family, a bath house and the palace itself. A visit to the ancient complex offers a glimpse into the historical lifestyle of Azerbaijani royalty.
Opening hours of the complex: every day from 09.00 to 17.30
Entrance price: 15 AZN per person.
Boyuk Qala Street and Qüllə Street.
As one of the main streets in the old city, Boivok Kala Street hosts various architectural monuments, alongside wonderful shops and lively bazaars. From there continue to Qüllə street, also a lively street full of shops and fun.
The walls of the old city
Before you end your visit to Baku's Old City, don't miss a stroll along the city's fortress walls, which have protected Baku for centuries. The walls date back to the 12th century and were expanded and renovated over time. A walk along these ancient walls offers a glimpse into Baku's defensive history. The walls surround the old city, and you can choose which point to leave and wander along.
Lunch - Rimon Kosher Restaurant
After visiting the Old City of Baku, it's time to have a late lunch, and you can do so at Khashara Rimon Restaurant, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Old City of Baku (or a short ride on the Bolt).
Link to Google Maps for the restaurant
Opening hours: 13:00-23:00.
The lively Nizami St shopping street:
From the restaurant, you can walk about 15 minutes or take a prominent taxi to the lively Nizami shopping street.
Nizami Street, named after the famous Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, is one of the main shopping and commercial streets in Baku. It is a lively and elegant boulevard lined with luxury boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants.
Nizami Street is Baku's premier shopping destination, hosting a wide variety of international brands and designer boutiques. From fashion and accessories to electronics and cosmetics, you will find everything you need for a perfect shopping trip. Alongside the prestigious shops, there are also local shops that sell souvenirs and Azerbaijani art.
The street is home to many cafes, restaurants and eateries offering both international cuisine and local Azerbaijani dishes. You can find everything from fast food to gourmet dining experiences. Many cafes have outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal while watching the world go by.
Fountains Square
At the eastern end of Nizami Street, you'll find Fountain Square, a popular gathering place filled with fountains, statues and greenery. This is a great place to relax, people watch or enjoy an ice cream or coffee from one of the surrounding cafes.
Restaurant option for dinner: Manipura Ethic Local Restaurant
From Nazimi Street, you can walk for about 7 minutes to Manipura Restaurant, a vegetarian restaurant that serves dishes such as hummus, sandwiches and salads.
The restaurant is open every day from 13:00 to 23:00.
Evening in Baku - recommended bars
The evening has come and it's time for the adults in the group to enjoy a fun-filled evening, and in the center of Baku there are countless places to do so.
Recommended bar streets in Baku:
Nizami Street and Fountain Square (Nizami Street):
Nizami Street, which is known as one of the most elegant streets of Baku, has a variety of trendy bars, lounges and cafes. In the fountain square next to the street you will find countless pubs that offer outdoor seating.
Tarlan Aliyarbeyov Street:
This street, which is not far from Nazimi Street, is home to many bars and pubs, from trendy cocktail bars to cozy beer pubs.
The recommended bars on the street:
Pub William Shakespeare Link to Google Maps
Finnegan's - an Irish pub with live performances - Link to Google Maps
Latitude & Longitude Bar Lounge- an indulgent trendy bar- Link to Google Maps
Monday 14.8: A day trip to the Gobustan Reserve, Mud Mountains and the Ateshgah Temple
The sites you will visit if you choose independently: Gobustan National Park, Yanardağ.
In the morning, you will set out together with Rashid the guide to discover the Gobustan Reserve, about an hour's drive from downtown Baku.
Gobustan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rock carvings from 40,000 years ago. The site provides fascinating insights into the rituals, beliefs and daily life of prehistoric peoples.
The main attraction at Gobustan is a collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings dating back between 5,000 and 40,000 years. They depict scenes of hunting, dances, rituals, symbolic motifs and various animals.
Beyond rock engravings, you will find remains of inhabited caves, historical settlements and burial sites that are thousands of years old.
And near the historical site, is one of the special places in Azerbaijan, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan. This is an unusual geological phenomenon, several hundreds of mud volcanoes that attract tourists from all over the world.
Unlike normal volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not produce lava. Instead, they erupt in mud and gas shows, creating spectacular bubbling pools of mud and crazy explosions.
Spend a few hours exploring the site, along with Rashid's fascinating tutorials, to gain deep insights into the significance of the rock engraving art and the mud volcanoes.
Since it will be difficult to find vegetarian or kosher food in Gobustan National Park, I recommend that you stock up on food from the supermarket in town.
Entrance fee to Gobustan reserve - 10.00 AZN per person.
It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the area may be muddy.
The burning mountain - Yanar Dag
From there, you will continue to Linar Dag, the "burning mountain", a fascinating natural phenomenon - a non-stop burning fire from the side of a hill. The fire has been burning for hundreds of years by natural gas released from the earth, and it is considered one of the most mesmerizing and fascinating tourist attractions in the country.
Yanar Dag is actually a natural gas opening in the ground, through which flames burn that are fueled by the natural gas that seeps from the depths of the earth, in flames that reach a height of more than 2 meters. The fire never goes out, even in rainy and stormy weather. The tour guide will take you to see the burning natural phenomenon, on a mesmerizing and breathtaking journey.
Entrance ticket cost - 9 ₼ per person.
The Green Bazaar (Yasil Bazar)
Your last site for the first day of the trip is the green bazaar, known as "Yasil Bazaar", one of the country's famous markets.
A visit to the green bazaar will take you between stalls of fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, meat and dairy products, crackers and sweets, souvenirs, art, antiques and countless other options.
Here you can spend several hours before returning in the evening to your hotel in the city.
Tuesday 16.8 - horse riding or bathing in the sea, mall and Turkish bath
Horse riding on the outskirts of the city - Elite Horse Club.
In the morning, get in a taxi and drive about 40 minutes east to the stables of the largest horse club in Baku, Elite Horse Club.
There, you can go horseback riding through beautiful landscapes.
The riding tour must be booked in advance, via WhatsApp/phone.
Company name: Elite Horse Club.
Contact in Russian: +994773088628
When making contact, the company will inform you of the meeting point of the horse trip.
Another option: bathing on the shores of the Caspian Sea - Amburan Beach Club
Another option is to take a taxi for about 45 minutes to the Amburan Beach Club, a luxury beach club located not far from downtown Baku.
At the beach club you will find a well-maintained private sandy beach that offers clean and clear water for swimming, lounge chairs and umbrellas, which provide a comfortable and relaxing beach experience.
The club has several swimming pools, including a large central pool and children's pools. The pools are well designed and offer a refreshing alternative to the sea.
There you will find a selection of restaurants and bars, which offer a variety of options, from local Azerbaijani dishes to international favorites.
In high season just around the time you visit, the club often hosts live music, DJs and entertainment events, adding to the vibrant and lively atmosphere.
Entrance price: 25 AZN per person.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance on the website - click here
Another option - Baku Zoological Park: Baku Zoological Park
If you don't want to travel far and prefer an experience within the city, the Baku Zoo can be an excellent substitute and a wonderful experience for the children.
Baku Zoological Park, also known as Baku Zoo, is a zoo established in 1928 and considered one of the oldest zoos in the region that serves as a prominent recreational and educational destination for locals and tourists alike.
The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including mammals, birds and reptiles. Visitors can expect to see species such as lions, tigers, bears, monkeys, elephants, various species of birds and more. The zoo also offers cafes, toilets and seating areas to ensure a comfortable visit.
Link to Google Maps for the Baku Zoo
The entrance fee to the zoo is 5 AZN per person.
Link to the zoo's website for more information
How to get there: about 30 minutes by public transport or about 20 minutes by taxi (bullet) from the hotel.
Lunch - the vegetarian restaurant Cafe falafel
After the fun ride or the visit to the zoo, you will take a taxi to the falafel cafe restaurant located in the city center. This is a restaurant that serves sandwiches, salads and even vegetarian burgers, and the taste is excellent.
Opening hours: 11:00-23:00.
The biggest shopping center in the city - Mall 28
About a 10-minute walk from the restaurant is the Mol 28 shopping center, the largest and most popular shopping center in the city. Mall 28 contains a wide variety of stores, from international brands to local stores. You can find clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, cosmetics and more. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion or more budget-friendly options, there's likely to be something for everyone.
The mall also offers a wide variety of dining options to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer fast food, international cuisine or local Azerbaijani dishes, you will find restaurants and cafes to satisfy your appetite. Among the restaurants you can also find vegetarian options.
Link to Google Maps for Mall 28
Opening hours: all days of the week between 10:00 and 22:00.
Evening entertainment - the Turkish bath Taze Bey Bath
Taza Bey Hamam, is a historical bathhouse located in the heart of the city, and it provides an outstanding example of architecture. The hammam was founded in the 19th century and since then it has been the second home of the city's residents. The architectural design of Taza Bay Hammam reflects the construction of traditional Azerbaijani bathhouses. It features domed ceilings, which allow natural light to filter through, and beautiful tile work that adds to the aesthetic appeal. The interior is divided into separate sections for men and women, each with its own bathing areas.
Bathing experience
A visit to Taza Bay Hammam offers an authentic Azerbaijani bathing experience. The process usually includes a steam room, massages and baths.
Tips for visiting
It is recommended to stock up on soap, towels and swimwear, although some items may be available for purchase or rental.
There is no need to book in advance, just come to the hammam at the desired time.
It should be taken into account that sometimes only men are allowed to enter the hammam, and massages are usually available for both women and men.
Link to Google Maps for Hammam
Opening hours: every day of the week between 9:00 a.m. and 23:00 p.m.
Link to the Hamam's website for more information
The cost of the treatments varies, ranging from 50 AZN per person for a massage, and 100 AZN per person for a visit to the hammam and massage.
Wednesday August 15.8: Day trip to the historical city of Quba - Jerusalem of the Caucasus:
The sites you will visit: the Jewish city in Cuba, carpet factory in Cuba, Gudiyalchay River, and Afurdzhi Falls.
Your next day trip outside of Baku starts at 9:00 AM with pickup from the hotel by the driver and guide Rashid. In a panoramic drive of two and a half hours you will go on a journey to the town of Kuba, a picturesque town located in the north-east of Azerbaijan. The town is located on the slopes of Mount Shahdag and is divided by the Kodial River, which gives the town a lovely view.
Cuba has a rich and varied history, with evidence of settlement dating back to the 4th century. It is known for its multiculturalism, with a large Jewish community that lived in it in the past.
The city is considered cooler in summer compared to other regions of the country. Its lush landscapes make it an attractive destination all year round.
What do you see in Cuba?
The journey in the city of Cuba begins in the Red Town (Krasnaya Sloboda), the Jewish part of the city that will make you feel like you are in a large Jewish community, all outside of Israel.
The Red Town was home to the Mountain Jews, a community that lived in the area for hundreds of years.
What do you see in the red town:
In Krasnia Sloboda you will find several synagogues, some of which are still active, these present the religious heritage of the community. Among the charming synagogues you can visit the Gombat Synagogue, one of the oldest and most spectacular in Asia.
Along with the guidance from Rashid, you can walk around the town's streets and admire the red tile roofs and the traditional architecture that gave the town its name.
In the town you will also find a Jewish cemetery, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the long-standing presence of the Jewish community in the area.
From there, you will visit a local factory and workshop To observe the complex process of traditional carpet production, and to purchase one or another unique souvenir.
From here, you will set out to discover the breathtaking nature of Northern Azerbaijan, as the tour guide takes you to the Gudyalchai River, One of the most impressive rivers in the country known for its clear waters, dramatic canyons and lush vegetation.
After visiting the river, you will discover the Apurja Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the country, flowing from a height of over 70 meters. The charming waterfall is surrounded by dense forests and mountainous terrain.
Next to the waterfall you will find spectacular observation points from which you can discover the beautiful waterfall, and if you want you can go out on one of the walking paths that lead to the base of the waterfall.
And from there, you will return back to the city of Baku.
Evening entertainment in the city of Baku - a lively wine bar
After the pampering day of travel, you can enjoy a good glass of wine in one of the city's wine bars, the most recommended of which is the ROOM wine bar located in the city center.
Bar address: 22 Tərlan Aliyarbəyov, Bakı 1005
Open every day from 17:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Option for a nearby bar near the hotel: Port Royal Pub Liman
Opening hours: 14:00-2:00.
Thursday 17.8: Explore the attractions of Baku before parting ways
Heydar Aliyev Center:
The next cultural center is one of the most iconic works of art of contemporary architecture in the world. The modern building was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and it stands as a symbol of modernity and progress in Azerbaijan.
As soon as you approach the unique building, you will notice that the unique architecture of the Haider Aliyev Center is characterized by the curved style that opposes the traditional architectural geometry. The surface folds and curves into an organic shape, devoid of sharp angles. The building is named after Heydar Aliyev, the third president of Azerbaijan, who played a central role in the country's history.
Inside the center you will find a museum, an exhibition hall and an auditorium. The museum presents an interactive exhibition about the life and work of Heydar Aliyev and the history of Azerbaijan. The museum is considered fascinating and spectacular in its beauty, and is interesting even for those who are not fond of history and museums.
The building also hosts various changing exhibitions presenting art, culture and design from Azerbaijan and all over the world. These exhibitions can range from historical objects to contemporary art, making every visit to the center unique.
important details:
Center address: Baku 1 Heydar Aliyev Avenue
Getting there: You can easily reach the center of Haydar Alive by taxi Bolt or public transport. Buses that travel near the center include, among others, the numbers 5 and 53. The trip from your hotel takes about 20 minutes by taxi, and about 35 minutes by public transportation.
Opening hours: The center is open every day of the week except Monday, between the hours of 11:00 and 19:00.
Entrance price: 15 AZN per person.
Baku Boulevard
Baku Avenue, the city's promenade, is actually a stunningly beautiful promenade that stretches along the coast of the Caspian Sea in Baku Bay. The promenade is considered one of the most popular tourist spots in the city, and it attracts countless visitors.
Along the boardwalk you will find gardens, fountains, statues and modern architecture. Along the Baku Promenade you can spend a whole day exploring the sites and attractions it offers to visitors.
Walk along the magical promenade:
Start your journey along the boardwalk in the eastern part, where the path that stretches along the sea begins and offers breathtaking panoramic views, fresh air and a relaxed atmosphere.
You can navigate to this point- click here
Option: short cruise tour:
Near the eastern part of the boardwalk you will find the Baku Marina, from where the Caspian Sea Cruise company's sailing tours depart, offering a 30-minute or longer cruise off the shores of Baku Bay.
navigate here- click here
The cost of the cruise is 5 AZN, but the cruise tours do not depart very frequently, so it is recommended to go to the cruise point when you arrive at the boardwalk and check if the rental booth is open and if there are cruise tours that day, and if so, return at the desired cruise time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to check the departure times of the cruise in advance, so you have to get to the place yourself.
Park Bulvar Mall:
Next to the boardwalk you will also find the Boulevard Park Mall, which offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment for the whole family.
Baku view point:
Proceed along the boardwalk and you will reach the spectacular observation point, which offers beautiful pictures of the beautiful water and modern buildings of the city of Baku. Next to the observation deck you can sit and eat at one of the many restaurants that the boardwalk offers.
Link to Google Maps for observation
Baku's Little Venice (Mini-Venice):
Link to Google Maps Little Venice
Continue along the promenade to the south, until you reach Mini Venice, one of the most charming and beautiful spots in the city. Mini-Venice is a charming and unique attraction, a miniature replica of the city of Venice in Italy, with canals, bridges and islands.
Mini-Venice was built in the 60s and was inspired by the iconic city of Venice with its canals and bridges. The architecture combines both European and Azerbaijani influences, creating a picturesque mix of styles.
The complex consists of various canals woven through small islands, which are connected by decorative bridges. The turquoise water and the beautifully designed environment lead visitors to the atmosphere of a European fairy tale.
One of the highlights of mini-Venice is the opportunity to cruise in a gondola-like boat through the canals. Skilled skippers guide visitors through the winding waterways, allowing them to enjoy the scenic surroundings from the water. This is a romantic and delightful way to experience the attraction.
Around the islands are scattered several cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view of the canals. The setting provides a magical atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed afternoon or a special evening.
Entrance to the complex is free, but if you want to go on a boat tour you will have to pay.
Baku Carpet Museum (Azerbaijan Carpet Museum):
Right next to Little Venice is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, an extraordinary institution dedicated to the rich and varied tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving.
The Baku Carpet Museum was established in 1967 and was the first museum in the world dedicated specifically to carpets. In 2014 it moved to its current building, which was specially designed to resemble a rolled carpet.
The architecture of the museum is a unique aspect of the institution, reflecting the theme of its collection. The building itself has become an iconic part of Baku's skyline, notable for its unique and winding structure, representing a tapestry in the process of being opened.
The museum's collections are vast and diverse, and display Azerbaijani carpets from different historical periods and regions. The main emphasis is on carpet weaving, an ancient and integral part of Azerbaijani culture.
You can enter to visit the spectacular museum, even if only some of you and some of you will continue to walk the magical promenade.
Opening hours: every day of the week between 10:00 and 18:00. Closed on Mondays.
Entrance price: 10 AZN.
The giant wheel of Baku (Baku Eye):
And now, in the early or late evening... it's time to soar to new heights. Baku's giant wheel is a prominent attraction on the city promenade, and it will take you on a breathtaking journey that overlooks the Caspian Sea and the magical city.
The Ferris wheel stands 60 meters high, and consists of 30 air-conditioned compartments that each fit up to eight people. A full rotation of the wheel takes about 30 to 40 minutes, which allows enough time to take in the beautiful panoramic views.
What can you see from above?
The Caspian Sea and the Gulf of Baku.
Baku's architectural skyline, including the iconic Flame Towers.
Parks and gardens along Baku Boulevard.
Various historical and modern landmarks throughout the city.
Ticket cost: 10 manat per person.
