What to see in Baku during a week of rest, first of all, from the sights and where to take a walk in the evening, what to do with children and how to entertain them during their stay in the capital? We will find out where it is better to go on excursions, where to find programs in Russian, prices.
Baku is a city from oriental fairy tales about Aladdin, Genie and Princess Jasmine. At present, Baku is one of the cities that harmoniously combines the antiquity of the east and modern buildings, made in a special, peculiar to oriental people, unusual, unlike anything else.
Baku is a wonderful tourist center. To enjoy the beauties of this ancient city, you need to spend at least three days in it, and preferably a whole week. In this article, we will talk about what to see in Baku in 3 days, where to walk in Baku in the evening, and discuss the most beautiful places in Baku.
Azerbaijan is one of the most ancient states; people have been living in the territory of this country for more than 4000 years. Baku is the pearl of this ancient heritage. Let's look at the most interesting places in Baku that you should definitely see with your own eyes, at the end of the material on the map you can see all the sights of the capital, description, their location.
- Icheri Sheher region. kingdom of cats
The most ancient district of the city of Baku is called Icheri Sheher, it is there that the historical monuments of the ancient past are concentrated.
The first thing that catches your eye when visiting the ancient quarter is a huge number of cats of different stripes and colors. Cats are the true owners of the ancient city.
It is Icheri Sheher that reminds us of fairy tales about Aladdin. Walking along its narrow streets, it seems that a nimble monkey is about to jump out from around the corner, followed by a clever little boy. The famous scene from The Diamond Arm was filmed here.
The most famous places are the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the Maiden's Tower. The interior decoration of these architectural monuments is not particularly impressive, but from the outside they look interesting, they have their own special energy, and when you think about how many secrets they keep in themselves, what they could tell, fantasy paints pictures of princesses running up the stairs, formidable guards and wise sultans.
- Baths Gadzhi Gaiba
Not far from the Maiden's Tower is an ancient hammam, dug in the 20s of the last century. The hamam is not active, at present it is just a historical heritage of the ancient state.
- Mohammed Mosque
Another monument that has survived from ancient times is the Mohammed Mosque, as it is also called. The mosque is made in a fairly strict style, without the usual oriental lace in the ornament, which does not spoil it at all.
- Bibi Heybat Mosque
A building of stunning beauty, whose age, by the standards of historians, is about 1000 years. The building was almost completely destroyed in 1936 and restored according to ancient sketches only at the end of the last century.
- Tezepir Mosque
Another beautiful mosque, located in Baku, was built in the period from 1905 to 1914, functioned until the October Revolution, then was closed. During the Soviet era, the mosque was first a warehouse, then the building was reconstructed into a cinema, currently it is a functioning mosque with women's and men's halls.
Despite its antiquity, the mosque was heated in a very modern way - warm floors, hot steam passed through special channels, warming the entire room from the inside.
- Heydar Mosque
Not so long ago, the building was erected in honor of Heydar Aliyev, the construction was completed in 2014. The project is made in the style of Shirvan-Absheron architecture, each of the four towers reaches 96 meters.
Address: Binagadi district, Hamzy Babashova, 1107
- Flame Towers
The symbol of modern Baku is the fiery towers - three skyscrapers built in the form of three flames. Skyscrapers tower over the entire city and are visible from any point in it. In the evening, the towers are illuminated with red light, and then a huge fiery flower is lit over the city.
- Museum of Modern Art Baku
The Museum of Modern Art in Baku speaks for itself, already when you approach the building you understand that it will be unexpected, interesting, unusual, unusual, limitless. The avant-garde lives in every element inscribed in the museum building. The museum presents a collection of the best sculptors and avant-garde artists of Azerbaijan.
- Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Have you ever wanted to be in a fantasy movie? Feel like in another reality, walk along the walls, feel like in space? Then you are here, in the center of Heydar Aliyev. This center is unusual and incomparable, it strikes with its originality, smooth lines, curves. It seems that completely different laws of physics operate in this place. In fact, this is a museum of the history of Azerbaijan with many interesting expositions. To visit Baku and not visit it is a big omission.
- Carpet Museum
Do you want oriental flavor? Then visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Here is stored the history of the creation of carpet products. Think carpets are boring and uninteresting? You will see that this is a fundamentally wrong opinion. Few people thought about how diverse carpets are. The Carpet Museum will reveal a special philosophy, will allow you to take a different look at the bright, colorful interior detail.
The visiting card of the city of Baku is its embankment, a meeting place for local residents who are closely intertwined with tourists. Walking along the embankment is an exciting activity. Refreshing wind from the Caspian Sea, greenery, flowers, a wide alley, warm sun, beautiful views. You can allocate a whole evening for a walk, slowly enjoying evening Baku.
- National Flag Square
Another excellent place for an evening promenade is the State Flag Square, which is magnificent in the light of evening lanterns.
There are many places for walking along shady alleys and green parks in Baku. Here you will find Seaside Park, Heydar Aliyev Square, Sahil Park, Hussein Javid Park and Upland Park.
It is also recommended to visit the miracle of nature - the burning mountain Yanardag, with natural eternal fire. The fire at the foot of this mountain has not died out for more than one hundred years, it is believed that the mountain was a place of worship for fire worshipers. Visiting a natural wonder is not free, but not too expensive either. The entrance to the foot of the mountain will cost 2 manats. Although, they say, you can get to the mountain and completely free of charge if you go around the hill from the other side.
- By the way, if you like to drive around the sights on your own, then we advise you to rent a car, so you can see much more than you plan. Renting a car in Baku at the best prices will help, he is looking for the best options among all companies.
Prices for excursions in Baku and surroundings
As in any tourist center, there are services of excursion guides in Baku, excursions can be ordered both upon arrival on the spot and using Internet services that contain information about all walks around the world. Prices for excursions in Baku in Russian will range from $30 to $140. The most expensive are field trips with transport costs.
- All tours can be divided into points:
- Where can I go on excursions in Baku? Which tours are the most popular?
Among the most popular is an evening tour of Baku, its cost is about 90-100 dollars per person.
Good sightseeing tours of the city, their cost will be approximately $ 120 per person. If you can’t decide which sights to see in Baku, take a sightseeing tour, it will include all the most interesting places, you don’t need to solve the transport issue, and the guide will tell you everything in detail. Such a trip is also suitable in case of limited time visiting the city.
Separately, there is a tour of the old city, its cost will be approximately 30 euros, tours are conducted in three languages.
Where to go in Baku with children and what to do?
In Baku, as in any large city, there are places to visit them with children, some of the most interesting are:
- the Baku zoo is not the best zoo in the world, however, it is interesting in its own way;
- historical and ethnographic museum "Gala" - a magnificent open-air museum. There are many exhibits here, ranging from historical artifacts to a collection of robots and a mini-farm with sheep;
- Of the parks, Upland Park is considered the most interesting for children;
- Ferris wheel from which you can see the city from a bird's eye view;
- in summer, you can visit the water park, which is located on the territory of the hotel called Kempinski.
What can you see on your own in 3-5 days?
The more time you plan to spend in Baku, the more measured and unhurried the sightseeing can be. 3-5 days is the perfect time to fully appreciate and explore all the most significant places in this amazing city.
It is best to start from the ancient part of the capital of Azerbaijan - Icheri Sheher. You can go to it along the Primorskaya embankment, through the State Flag Square and the Flame Towers, then go down to the old city through the Alley of Martyrs.
Through the square, with a monument to the poet Vahid, moving along the Kremlin wall, on its right side, we will get to the street where the famous scene from the film "The Diamond Arm" was filmed.
Going further, ancient mosques and the Maiden's Tower open up to the eye, at the top of the tower there is an observation deck, you can climb it for 4 manats. Next, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs awaits us. You can look around the palace from the outside, if you want to see the interior, you will have to pay 4 manats for an adult and 20 coins (gyapiks) for a child.
Do not rush to leave the old city, feel its atmosphere, wander its streets.
Going to the metro station of the same name with the old district and going a little up and to the right, you can get to the Fountain Square. Having familiarized ourselves with the area, we go further to the center. It will not be possible to pass by Heydar Aliyev, the building will fascinate even on the way from the airport to the city center. It is easy to recognize it, it is so unusual that it catches the eye and does not let go.
Temple of fire worshipers Ateshgah is located near the Korogly metro station. The temple was built around a natural eternal fire, currently there is also a fire burning in the middle of the temple, in the place where the altar of fire worshipers was, only the gas is already supplied through a special tube.
The next point will be the Gobustan reserve with its rock paintings, mud volcanoes are also located there. You can visit the Burning Mountain on a separate day, and on your return you can devote the evening to walking around Baku in the evening.
The next day can be devoted entirely to visiting Baku museums, as well as walking through picturesque parks.
A visit to Baku is mainly walking, of course, you can also choose car tours, but this way the atmosphere of the city is lost. In this regard, prepare comfortable shoes, it is advisable to give up heels, as the streets are paved pavements, especially in the old city.
Being in the capital, it is also worth considering the fact that the city is part of the Muslim world. Girls should not dress too revealingly, and among the male population it is not customary to wear short shorts.
Another not unimportant fact is a strong, constant wind. The presence of wind on the streets of Baku has its advantages - it blows and does not allow the sun to create suffocating heat. There are also disadvantages in this, wide skirts and loose hair can become your trouble for the whole time you visit the city, constantly diverting attention to yourself.
Photo review about the sights of Baku (prices and opening hours) and tips on what to see in Baku in one, two or three days.
Azerbaijanis periodically wrote to me with reproaches. What are you talking about, they say, about Georgia and Armenia, but not about us? Why haven't you been to Azerbaijan? Our Baku is so beautiful, but you ignore it.
Really, what am I? Once called - you have to go!
And you know what? Baku is a great place where you can fly cheaply for the weekend, or better for a week or two. I won’t talk about the whole of Azerbaijan (we never got to the mountains), but the capital and its environs definitely deserve attention.
We wandered around Baku for a week, walking 12-20 km every day, so I think that we had a good look at the city.
Usually, when traveling around Azerbaijan, a couple of days are allocated to the capital, so I’ll tell you what to see in Baku in one or two days, and what you can skip.
Baku is a large modern city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is called the "City of Winds" because a strong wind constantly blows from the Caspian Sea.
There are many cats and almost no dogs.
There are dozens of pedestrian streets, parks and places for walking.
And also tall mosques, wide one-way avenues and the cheapest subway in the world (probably). Comfortable!
Attractions of Baku on the map
Below are the sights of Baku that I especially liked.
Old Baku (Icheri Sheher)
Coordinates: 40.366929, 49.837559
Nearest metro: Icheri Sheher
The old city is small, surrounded by a fortress wall, entrance to the territory is free, you only need to pay for tickets to some key places.
Cobbled streets, houses on the hills, palaces, souvenir shops, several restaurants - all this can be found in Icheri Sheher.
Fortress walls of Icheri Sheher
The fortress walls are not very high, but rather thick. There is a ladder, you can climb the wall and look at the old city from there.
Kichik-Gala street
This street runs along the fortress wall. If you are wondering where the "Diamond Hand" was filmed in Baku, then here is the address: st. Kichik-Gala, d.8/1, Icheri Sheher. The famous fall scene was filmed near this house.
In Google, this street is called Böyük Qala, and on maps.me it is called Kiçik Qala
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Coordinates: 40.366584, 49.833284
Entrance - 4 manats for adults 0.2 manat for children
Working hours: 10.00-18.00 seven days a week
Here is a museum of Azerbaijani culture, living quarters where shahs used to live, baths, a mosque. It is more interesting to go with a guide when they tell you what's what.
20-30 minutes is enough for a tour without a tour.
Bath Gadzhi Gaib
Coordinates: 40.366415, 49.836669
English Haji Bani Bath Complex
Similar baths can be seen in Tbilisi, Iran and, as it turned out, in old Baku.
Maiden's Tower
Coordinates: 40.366256, 49.837498
Entrance - 8 manat
This is the oldest building in Baku, which has survived to this day. As is often the case, there is a beautiful legend about the construction of the Maiden's Tower.
Long ago, an all-powerful shah fell in love with his own daughter and decided to marry. And the girl asked her dad to postpone this event, instead to start building a cylindrical tower on a ledge of a rock.
The daughter's logic is clear to me. When you are engaged in construction, you forget about everything in the world. But the Shah did not forget. He completed the tower and again let's frighten the child with marriage.
The maiden did not want to marry her father, so she jumped into the waters of the Caspian right from the top of the building (in those days the Caspian Sea splashed at the foot of the tower). Such is the evil legend.
We did not climb the tower, instead we immediately went to Nagorny Park to the observation deck - from there the view of the city is better.
Excursions in Baku
Photo of old Baku
It's nice to just walk around the back streets of the old city. Tourists mostly wander along the same routes and cluster near the Shirvanshah's palace and baths.
And you can, after all, turn a bit off the beaten track. You'll be all alone. Just you and the cats.
Seaside boulevard
One Azerbaijani said that earlier in Baku one could often hear such a dialogue:
— Have you been to Baku?
- Was
— Have you been to Primorsky Boulevard?
- No
“So you haven’t been to Baku!”
Therefore, we leave the old city and go to the sea to the Seaside Park and the boulevard.
It is good here at any time of the day, on Fridays they put on a stage, they sing songs.
Locals run in the evenings, fishermen catch fish, couples hug, restaurants are waiting for visitors, Argentine 200-year-old baobabs grow, the beauty of Azerbaijan is broadcast on a huge screen. Beauty!
I think you don't need to tell how to walk along the boulevard :) The park is green, it is watched over by specially trained people. I saw how 6 people cut one bush.
Hilton (right) and "Egg" on the left I liked the area of the Hilton and Marriott hotels on Primorsky Boulevard, where the Government House and the shopping center are located park boulevard in the shape of an egg.
Coordinates 40.371137, 49.849489
Little Venice
Coordinates: 40.361136, 49.835759
There is a small system of walking water channels on the boulevard. In the summer, gondola rides float on them.
Carpet Museum
Coordinates: 40.359777, 49.835544
Price for adults - 8 manat, with audio guide — 10 manats
Working mode: 10.00-18.00 seven days a week
The Carpet Museum is another architectural landmark, located on the embankment immediately behind the Little Venice, across the road from the funicular.
The world's first specialized museum for the collection, storage and study of the carpet. It is better to take a guide or an audio guide, otherwise it is not so interesting.
Funicular Baku
Baku funicular in front of the Carpet Museum Coordinates: 40.360255, 49.833083
Price - 0.6 manats
Working mode: 10.00 — 22.00 , dinner 13.00-14.00
Day off: Monday
If you came during business hours, and the funicular really works, then urgently buy a lottery ticket. You are lucky today!
The funicular is more often resting than working. We came during working hours, a leaflet with the word “Prevention” hung on the door, and three people were sitting inside. They showed a cross with their hands on their chests (they say, it's closed), and then let's chat.
If the funicular is working, then it’s good, if not, then there is a staircase to the left of it. It takes 15 minutes vertically to get to Nagorny Park
upland park
Coordinates: 40.357225, 49.830121
One of the highest observation points of Baku, the whole city is visible from the observation point.
It is cooler here than near the sea, and the wind is even stronger. In the summer, Nagorny Park is the perfect place to hide from the heat.
There, on the hill, you can see the Alley of Martyrs, the eternal flame in memory of the dead, the Turkish mosque and come close to the Flame Towers.
Blue Mosque
Coordinates: 40.358595, 49.827900
Turkish mosque near the Flame Towers at the upper funicular station. A functioning Sunni mosque.
It may not be worth going here especially for her sake, but if you are in Upland Park, you can come and see.
Flame towers
Coordinates: 40.359481, 49.826602
Flame towers are the tallest buildings in the country, visible from anywhere in Baku. A kind of symbol of the city. The height of the towers: 190, 160 and 140 meters.
They look especially cool in the evening when the illumination is turned on.
You can even live in these glass pieces by booking a room at the 5* Fairmont Hotel in one of the towers. The view from the panoramic window is much steeper than from any observation deck.
National Flag Square
Coordinates: 40.344293, 49.844836
From the observation deck you can see the Ferris wheel, and even further - Bayraq Meydanı Square with a huge state flag of Azerbaijan. You can go take a closer look.
And further south there is a large Water Palace, where, in the evenings, the illuminations are also turned on and a giant guy is shown swimming in the pool. An unusual sight.
Mosque Bibi Heybət
Interesting view from the walls of the mosque
Coordinates: 40.308543, 49.820516
Shiite mosque on the shore of the Baku Bay in the village of Shikhovo south of Baku.
It seems that Iranians traveling in Azerbaijan come here only for the sake of this mosque. Everyone gathered there. And if a religious holiday is some kind or just a day off, then the people are in darkness.
I cannot take responsibility and advise you to go specifically to this mosque. It's far from the city center, it takes 30 minutes by bus.
TV tower
Coordinates: 40.351524, 49.823357
There is a TV tower in Baku, it also stands on a hill. At the top is a revolving restaurant at an altitude of 310 meters, you can admire the city from a height. The price tag is high.
You can get there by bus 18 from the old town or by taxi.
I was too lazy to go to the tower, just know that this option is also available.
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
Coordinates: 40.395915, 49.867804
Nearest metro: Nariman Narimanov, walk from the subway 1 km (10-15 minutes)
Entrance - 15 manats. We didn't go into the museum itself, so I don't know what's inside.
One of the most famous sights of Baku. You can find a million photos of this building on the Internet, but in real life it is more beautiful and more monumental. Smooth lines, perfection itself. Recognized as one of the most beautiful buildings on the planet.
Around a large park. There are giant multi-colored rabbits with snails.
Here is “I love Baku”, with which everyone takes pictures.
If I had only 5 minutes to explore Baku, I would come straight here. Like many other buildings in Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Center is especially beautiful in the evening.
Fountain Square
Coordinates: 40.370892, 49.836710
Here, Baku residents and tourists walk at a slow pace at any time of the day. Sculptures, cafes, hiking trails.
The fountains are open all year round. In winter, New Year's fairs are held on the Fountain Square.
There is also a restaurant of national Azerbaijani cuisine firuza(Firuze). It was recommended to us by the owner of the apartment, and it has good reviews on tripadvisor. The interior is purely designed for tourists, visitors are also tourists (which is logical). After this Firuza, I didn’t even want to look in the direction of Azerbaijani cuisine.
There is also on the square Georgian restaurant. Of course we have been there. Don't repeat this mistake.
Teze Pir Mosque
Unusual floor in the mosque Coordinates: 40.372115, 49.828661
If you visit any religious sites in Baku, then Teze Pir should be in the first place.
Teze Pir Mosque stands on a hill above the old city. This is one of the important religious centers of Azerbaijan
It is interesting that this mosque was built not by men, but by a woman, Nabat Khoja gizi Ashurbekova, an oilman and philanthropist.
Night Baku
Baku is the city that must be seen in the multi-colored lights of illumination. Towers of Flame, Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku Boulevard, Aqua Center with a huge screen - all these places are worthy of admiring them at night.
Backlighting in Baku is on until one in the morning, then it is turned off. The city used to sparkle all night, but during Formula 1 there was a cost overrun, now you have to save.
Museums in Baku
I was only in the Museum of Modern Art, and even then on the advice of a friend. I will not recommend this place.
My reviews of Baku
If you cross Moscow with Batumi and add a little bit of Istanbul, you get Baku. These are the associations I have.
One can feel the scope in Baku. Wide streets, long boulevard, endless sea, high houses. I liked the city. True, not immediately.
I understand that it is incorrect to compare, but I still involuntarily drew parallels with and. Baku does not have this Georgian “Zakhada, daraga!” There, no one will run after you with compliments. If you ask people for help, they will help, but they themselves do not make much contact.
It seemed that more closed people in Baku. It is understandable: a big city, a lot of people, everyone has their own worries. But outside the capital, you again find yourself in your beloved Caucasus, where they will get to know you themselves, and talk, and help.
Is it worth it to go if you have already been to and? Yes, it's worth it. Azerbaijan is different. Religion is different, nature, language, people. It definitely won't be boring.
In the next post there will be technical information: where to go from Baku for one day, in which area to live, where to go shopping, etc.
Let your rest in Baku be bright, like the lights of the night city!
Your Mila Demenkova
In the capital of Azerbaijan, the past meets the future face to face. The modern architecture of the city is not inferior in beauty to the historical buildings of the Icheri Sheher region and has great cultural value. Flame towers compete in expressiveness with the ancient Maiden's Tower. The magnificent forms of the Shirvanshahs' palace somewhere even lose out in pomp and luxury of the newly built Bibi-Heybat mosque.
Today, Baku enjoys all the benefits of generous financial flows from oil and gas production, as well as the rich historical heritage that the city inherited from the previous centuries full of bright events. The tourism industry of the city is developing very rapidly, as new cultural facilities are constantly being built in Baku and interesting places for guests of the republic appear.
The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
What to see and where to go in Baku?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
The cultural center, located on the avenue of the same name, which was built by the Turkish construction holding according to the project of the famous architect Zaha Hahid. The complex is multifunctional and includes spacious conference rooms, a museum, offices and exhibition galleries. The Heydar Aliyev Center was erected for the purpose of studying the cultural values, language, history and traditions of the Azerbaijani nation.
An old residential quarter, surrounded by a powerful fortress wall. Icheri Sheher is a national historical monument of great cultural value. People have lived in this place since the Bronze Age. During the Early Middle Ages, there was already a fairly dense residential area. In the 17th - early 19th centuries, Icheri Sheher was the capital of the Baku Khanate.
The boulevard was founded at the beginning of the 20th century at the initiative of the city authorities. As part of the work on the arrangement of the future avenue and the park, the embankment was ennobled, trees were planted and infrastructure elements were built. Twice a significant part of the boulevard was flooded due to the rise in the level of the Caspian Sea. In the 2000s a musical fountain, a theater, a cinema were built in the park and attractions were restored. The last renovation took place in 2015.
Three skyscrapers, towering in the modern central part of Baku, which are made in the form of flames. The grandiose evening illumination creates the effect of giant torches directed to the sky. The lighting design of the Flame Towers is recognized as the best in the world. The construction of the facilities was completed in 2012. The interior space is occupied by a hotel, residential apartments and commercial premises.
The exact time of construction of the structure is unknown. It is believed that it could have been erected during the reign of the Sassanid dynasty in the 3rd-7th centuries. or even earlier. In the XII century, it entered the defensive system of the Baku fortress. With the original purpose, too, not everything is clear. Perhaps it was a ritual building of the followers of Zoroastrianism. In 2000, the tower was included in the UNESCO list.
The palace complex of the XIII-XVI centuries, built in the Shirvan-Absheron architectural style. The residence of the Shirvanshahs was located on the territory of the palace at a time when Baku was the capital of Shirvan. The complex includes a mosque of the 15th century, a royal tomb, Divan-Khane, a bathhouse and a mausoleum of the medieval scientist and thinker S. Ya. Jalaleddin Bakuvi. Despite the fact that the buildings of the ensemble were erected at different times, it looks quite harmonious.
The temple was built in 1998-99. on the site of a historic 12th-century mosque that was blown up as part of a government program to eradicate religion in the 1930s. It is believed that the first building was erected according to the design of the architect Mahmud ibn Saad. The new building was built in full accordance with the canons of the Shirvan architectural school. For this, photographs of the early 20th century, old plans and other historical documents were widely used.
Temple of the beginning of the 20th century, built according to the project of Z. Akhmedbekov at the expense of the local philanthropist N. Ashurbekova. After 1917, the mosque was closed, and until 1943 the building was used for other purposes. He managed to avoid the sad fate of the Bibi-Heybat mosque. The inscriptions on the outer facade of the building are made of gold; valuable mahogany was used to make window openings and doors.
The mosque is located within the historical quarter of Icheri Sheher. Some researchers believe that in the pre-Islamic era, a pagan fire sanctuary was located on the site of the temple. The first building was erected at the beginning of the 14th century. After its destruction in the 17th century, the mosque was rebuilt. The second building existed until the 20th century, then it was destroyed by fire. The construction of the beginning of the 20th century has come down to us.
The modern temple, built in 2012-14. by decree of President I. Aliyev. Its opening took place in 2015. The head of Azerbaijan wished that the mosque be named after his father Heydar Aliyev, a charismatic and revered leader who made an invaluable contribution to the development of statehood and national identity. The building was built in the traditional Shirvan-Absheron style.
The museum was founded in 1967. At first, the exposition was located on the territory of the Juma mosque. In 2014, a new building was built for the extensive collection. The exposition includes about 14,000 carpets, national clothes, jewelry, chased crockery and other objects of applied art. The museum plays an important role in the study of the history of the carpet. His team has repeatedly participated in international symposiums.
The museum is an important cultural center of Azerbaijan. It contains the world's largest collection of Azerbaijani literature and carries out serious scientific activity. It was founded in 1939, but the first visitors were able to get here only in May 1945, immediately after the end of the Great Patriotic War. The museum is housed in a 19th-century mansion that underwent major restoration in the 1960s.
The gallery exhibits an extensive collection of works by Azerbaijani, Russian and European artists, housed in separate themed rooms. The total number of exhibits is more than 17 thousand. In addition to paintings, the funds contain jewelry, textiles, dishes, carpets, sculptures and other artifacts. The museum was founded in 1936 on the territory of a picturesque mansion of the 19th century.
The collection is located on an area of about 2 thousand m² and has about 120 thousand items, of which 20 thousand are constantly exhibited. The rest of the exhibits are stored in museum funds. The collection covers a wide period of the history of the eastern part of the Caucasus, including the rise and fall of kingdoms, the advent of various religions, the origins of traditions and other educational sections. The museum was opened in 1920.
The gallery contains works by masters who worked in the XX-XXI centuries. About 800 paintings are exhibited here, as well as many photographs, sculptures and various installations. The museum provides an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the works of contemporary Azerbaijani artists - E. Shakhtakhtinskaya, O. Eldarov, S. Bahlulzade, T. Salahov and many others. There is also a section with works by Western European masters.
The collection is located on the territory of the Icheri Sheher quarter. The museum has existed since 2002. Its collection is made up of exhibits from a private collection of books owned by Z. Salakhova, the sister of the contemporary artist T. Salakhova. For 30 years, she has collected more than 6.5 thousand books from 64 countries of the world. The museum funds contain quite rare editions of famous classics, released in a limited edition.
The State Theater of Azerbaijan, founded in 1920. Over the past time, the stage has changed several names until it received a name in honor of the national poet S. Vurgun. The theater's repertoire has always been composed of the best works of Russian and foreign classics, as well as the works of Azerbaijani authors. In 2006-2008 the building was completely refurbished. Every year the repertoire is updated, the poster includes 6-8 new performances.
The scene has existed since the beginning of the 20th century. Residents of the city call the theater "Baku Opera". F. Chaliapin, M. Plisetskaya, E. Obraztsova, M. Caballe, V. Gordeev and other stars of the ballet and opera stage performed here at one time. The theater building was erected at the expense of the Mailov brothers. M. Mussorgsky's opera "Boris Godunov" was chosen as the premiere performance. The modern repertoire consists of immortal classical works.
An architectural monument of the beginning of the 20th century, built at the expense of the industrialist M. Mukhtarov according to the project of I. Ploshko. The magnate decided to build the palace after traveling around Europe with his wife Lisa, who was impressed by the magnificent Venetian palazzos. The architecture of the building is a mixture of elegant French Gothic and luxurious Italian Baroque.
The square adorned the capital of Azerbaijan in 2010. It was founded by the decree of President I. Aliyev. The project was developed by an American architectural company in collaboration with an Azerbaijani firm. The area covers an area of 60 hectares. In the middle is a 162-meter spire crowned with a national flag of gigantic size (length - 70 meters, width - 35 meters, weight - about 350 kg).
The stadium opened in 2015. According to the UEFA classification, it belongs to the 4th category. The opening/closing ceremonies of the 1st European Games, as well as some athletics competitions, were held on its territory. It is also planned to host matches of the European Football Championship 2020 here. The arena is multi-sport, that is, adapted for various types of competitions. It is designed for 69,870 spectators.
City park built in the 1930s. Throughout the Soviet period in the history of Azerbaijan, it was very popular among the residents of the capital. In the 1990s in the park were buried people who died during the events of Black January. It has since been declared a memorial. There is an observation deck in the park, which can be reached by the city funicular.
The alley is located on the territory of Nagorny Park. It is a mass grave where the victims of the events of January 1990 are buried, as well as people who died during the beginning of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Previously, there was a Muslim cemetery here. In the course of the funeral, a tombstone of the “Shahida of 1918” was discovered. The bodies found in old burials were re-buried in a mass grave.
One of the oldest parks in Baku, which was laid out in the second half of the 19th century. Since then, it has been reconstructed and changed its name more than once. The square is named after the poet Khagani. The garden is located on a small area of 0.8 ha. In its central part there is a pool and the sculpture "Three Graces". Park alleys are designed in such a way that they lead to the central sculptural composition.
One of the first squares in Baku, the architectural appearance of which took shape by the middle of the 19th century. The place is surrounded by green alleys and urban monuments of the 19th-20th centuries: the Grand Hotel, an old cinema, museums and an Armenian temple. In the center is a fountain with an original sculptural group. In 2010, the square was reconstructed, as a result of which the area acquired a more modern look.
An interesting trend has been observed recently. Increasingly, information about travel to the former republics of the USSR began to slip. On the one hand, it is interesting to look at the life of our neighbors, and on the other hand, the dollar has not returned to 35 rubles, and travel lovers are constantly looking for a reasonable alternative to expensive trips.
Azerbaijan appeared in my travel wish-list relatively recently. We can say that spontaneously. Quite by chance, I found out that every year on May 10, a grand flower festival is held in Baku. "Why not" - I thought and set up daily monitoring of the cost of air tickets in the desired direction.
So… How to plan a trip to Azerbaijan? What to pay attention to first of all when going to Baku?
1. Facilitated visa regime
Russians do not need a visa for a tourist trip for less than 90 days. At the border, they do not ask for hotel reservations, medical insurance or material support. Only a passport is required.
If you stay in Azerbaijan for more than 10 days, you will need to register with the migration service. However, the hotel can easily handle this issue.
Here it is the first plus - ease of entry into the country and savings on a visa.
2. Airport
The main air gate of the country is the Baku airport named after Heydar Aliyev. S7, Utair and Aeroflot fly from Russia to Baku. Also, regular flights are operated by Azerbaijan Airlines.
In order to "catch" interesting flight prices, it is most convenient to subscribe to Aviasales. My tickets cost me 12,500 rubles, but, for example, now there are “delicious” air tickets Moscow - Baku for October 2016 - March 2017 for 6,700 rubles. (round-trip fare).
Express bus H1 runs from the airport to the city center. This is the best transfer option. A ticket costs only 1.3 manats and is bought from a special vending machine. The express stops right in front of the arrivals terminal.
3. Hotel
Everything is fine with housing in Baku. If you like to feel at home while traveling - choose AirBnb, if you don't like making your bed - book a hotel on Booking or through any other booking site.
I recommend renting accommodation closer to the old city (Icheri Sheher), and even better - within walking distance. Hotels in the historical part cost decent money, so for the sake of saving money, you can consider a hostel for living (about 18 manats per day).
4. Time difference
The difference is small, only 1 hour, but it is there. When it is 7 am in Moscow, it is already 8 am in Baku. It is better to immediately translate all the clocks to local time so as not to get confused.
5. Currency exchange
The national currency of Azerbaijan is manat. The current rate is ≈ 45 rubles for 1 manat, but the rate is not stable now, so it is better to clarify the information just before the trip.
You can safely travel to Azerbaijan with rubles. Here is the second positive point.
Of course, both dollars and euros will be easily exchanged for you, but buying currency in Russia and exchanging it in Baku, you can lose on the difference in rates.
As such, exchangers have been abolished in Azerbaijan. Money can only be exchanged at the bank. If you arrive in Baku on the eve of weekends or holidays, be sure to play it safe and exchange money at the airport. There's a pretty decent exchange rate.
There are a lot of ATMs in Baku, almost at every step. In extreme cases, you can withdraw cash there.
Two currency exchange points are open on weekends:
- Bank of the Republic, near the funicular (practically on the seaside boulevard)
- on Fuzuli street, not far from May 28 square.
6. Public transport
Baku has two large metro lines and many buses. A one-time trip costs only 0.2 manats. Translated into rubles - about 10 rubles. The third obvious plus!
The metro uses special cards of two types. Plastic for 2 manats and paper (disposable) for 0.2 manats. It is profitable to buy a card for 4 trips, the total cost of the card will cost 1 manat.
Buses in Baku are different. In more modern "models" payment is made by the same transport card. In older buses, including intercity ones, the driver needs to pay for the fare.
The funicular can not be called public transport, but it works absolutely free. It's nice, damn it. :)
7. Food
The religion of the country leaves some imprint on the local cuisine. For example, in Azerbaijan they do not eat pork, but there are a lot of lamb dishes on the menu. For Russian people, Azerbaijani cuisine will not seem very specific, because many dishes have been known to us since childhood - dolma, pilaf, kebab.
Be sure to try qutab - a flatbread stuffed with meat, herbs or cheese. It is served in almost any cafe and costs 0.5 - 1 manat.
In Baku, they drink tea from such small glass cups called "armud". If you are offered jam for tea, first ask about its cost.
In many cafes you can pay with a bank card, but it is better to play it safe and always have some cash with you.
8. Security
It so happened that I went to Azerbaijan alone. I can safely say that Baku is a safe city for a girl. Azerbaijanis are very friendly to tourists - they suggest the way, the best bus routes and just communicate with pleasure. They are sure to be interested in what city you came from and have heard well not only about Moscow and St. Petersburg. :)
And also, there are a lot of policemen on the streets in Baku.
9. Language barrier
He is not. :) Absolutely everyone understands the Russian language and at least a little bit is explained in it. I didn't have to use my meager knowledge of English at all.
This is a huge positive moment for those who are afraid to go on an independent trip due to lack of knowledge of the language.
10. Local color. Sights of Baku
Baku surprises with its architectural mix. The heart of the city is Icheri Sheher (old city). Such lovely narrow streets where Nikulin cursed and fell, and then Mironov. Here you need to dissolve and just get lost. Just do not forget to look into the local souvenir shops, they are here with the thinnest touch of antiques.
What to do in the old city? Be sure to climb the Maiden Tower, look into the art salon of local artist Ali Shamsi and take a cinematic shot near the cherished door "damn it". And you can also go to the old bathhouse and look into the unique Miniature Book Museum.
Baku is a beautiful modern city, the capital of Azerbaijan. My trip was very short, but the feeling of visiting Baku was very vivid. I will try to tell about them in more detail. So, if you decide to come here, you should immediately understand that despite the fact that the city is located on the Caspian Sea, you will not be able to swim within the capital. Why?! And because here, right near the coast, serious oil production units have been installed. The sea in this place is dirty with a corresponding smell. So either take a hotel with a pool, or go outside the city.
As you understand, Baku is not a beach holiday. People come here for other purposes: for business, to visit relatives or for educational purposes, like me.
Fountain in the city center.
Baku is an expensive city. The local currency here is called the manat. The exchange rate is approximately 1 manat is 1 euro. The cost of staying in a hotel per day starts from $ 60. It is cheaper to rent an apartment, about 40 dollars, depending on the area, repair, availability of the Internet. If you need a completely economical option, you can try to stay in a hostel, there are three of them in Baku, the price will be only $20. By the way, despite the fact that the country is Muslim, both boys and girls are placed in the room together.
In general, I came to the conclusion after visiting a lot of places. That as soon as the country begins to enrich itself at the expense of oil, the city changes at a frantic pace. Buildings begin to grow up, losing their Asian flavor. Why... read more
Helpful answer?
Helpful answer?
Helpful answer?
Weather in Baku by months:
| Month | Temperature | Cloudiness | Rainy days / Precipitation |
Water temperature in the sea |
Number of solar hours per day |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy | At night | |||||
| January | 8.3°C | 6.0°C | 45.7% | 1 day (21.0 mm.) | 7.2°C | 9 a.m. 40m. |
| February | 7.8°C | 5.4°C | 47.6% | 2 days (27.6 mm.) | 6.3°C | 10 a.m. 40m. |
| March | 10.9°C | 7.7°C | 33.9% | 1 day (17.3 mm.) | 7.8°C | 11h. 57m. |
| April | 15.8°C | 11.5°C | 22.0% | - | 11.6°C | 13h. 17m. |
| May | 22.9°C | 18.2°C | 13.9% | - | 18.3°C | 14h. 26m. |
| June | 27.8°C | 23.7°C | 9.4% | - | 23.4°C | 15h. 1m. |
| July | 30.4°C | 26.5°C | 8.8% | - | 26.0°C | 14h. 43m. |
| August | 31.1°C | 27.4°C | 9.4% | - | 26.8°C | 13h. 44m. |
| September | 26.3°C | 23.2°C | 17.8% | 1 day (11.7 mm.) | 24.4°C | 12h. 27m. |
| October | 19.9°C | 17.2°C | 36.2% | 2 days (29.1 mm.) | 19.8°C | 11h. 8m. |
| November | 13.7°C | 11.4°C | 43.3% | 2 days (29.8 mm.) | 14.2°C | 9 a.m. 57m. |
| December | 10.0°C | 7.8°C | 44.0% | 2 days (22.4 mm.) | 9.4°C | 9 a.m. 21m. |
* This table shows average weather data collected over more than three years
Helpful feedback?
Helpful feedback?
Helpful feedback?
How much does a vacation in Baku cost? March 2018.
tour cost
There are no visas to Azerbaijan from Russia, which is very good for those who want to visit this country. I bought a ticket from Moscow to Baku for 6,700 rubles. From the airport named after Heydar Aliyev, I got to the city by bus for 40 kopecks, which is about 30 cents. I stopped at the Sahil Hostel, since it is not so easy to rent apartments in Baku for a day, and they are not as cheap as in Tbilisi, for example. per day I paid the hostel 45 manats, which is about 25 dollars. The hostel was beautiful in a convenient location with many amenities. I stayed in Baku for 4 days. since in 3-4 days you can completely walk around all the sights in Baku. There are not so many tourists in Baku compared to Tbilisi, but even here there were enough resting foreigners.
On the first day of rest, I walked around the park "Boulevard" which is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. there are always a lot of people there, I rented a bicycle for 2 manats 1 dollar 30 cents per hour, drank a cup of coffee with a roll in a local cafe and paid 2 manats. Then I took a taxi for 5 manats from the Boulevard to the "Old City - Icheri Sheher", where I walked along the streets where the film "The Diamond Hand" was filmed, and visited the Shirvanshahs' Palace. Entrance to the palace costs 4 manats. Then by bus from there for 40 kopecks you can get to the famous "Ban Haji Gaib". Further, not far from the well-known "Maiden Tower" is located 10-15 minutes walk, the entrance to the Tower costs 8 manats. Also visit the museum of carpets, the entrance to which costs 8 manats. I also ordered an excursion called All Baku and "Fiery Absheron". The excursion cost $30. We traveled in a minivan with 7 people. We were taken to the Museum of Miniature Books, where again the entrance fee is $2. Then we went to the Governor's Garden, Then we went to the "Ateshgah" temple, where the entrance fee is also 2 dollars, and we were taken to the "Yanardag" hot mountain, the entrance fee to the territory of the mountain is 1.5 dollars. The final point of the excursion is Baku Highland Park. where you can climb the funicular by paying 70 kopecks for a ticket or climb the stairs and you can admire the beauty of the city at night from the mountain. also in Baku, I visited the Turkish "Blue Mosque" "BibiHeybet Mosque" Visiting Mosques is completely free. You can also visit the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, although I didn’t find anything interesting there, but I paid 15 manats for entry.
Food and products
Food in Baku in local stores is inexpensive, bread costs 70 kopecks 40 cents, chicken can be bought at a very cheap price of 4 manats - a little more than 2 dollars. sausages, sausages are cheap from 2-3 dollars. in Restaurants prices are more expensive, On the Fountain Square, I went to the local restaurant "Firuze" to taste the local cuisine. I ordered in that restaurant a friend whom I met in the hostel, Lyulya kebab chicken breast salad 150 grams cucumber tomato salad mushrooms and walnuts 200 grams Dolma from Tike-kabab grape leaves a couple of lemonades and local wine, paid 97 manat-50 dollars.
Souvenirs and other goods
From souvenirs I bought souvenir magnets for 2 manats, and an Azerbaijani flag for 1.5 manats.
Cost of services and entertainment
As such, I did not find prestigious Bars and clubs where tourists go, the cost of a taxi ride around the city varies from 5 manats to 20 manats, and if you are a tourist even higher)
Total money spent on vacation
Helpful information?
May holidays experience
Baku is the discovery of the year for us! Just returned and overwhelmed with emotions from the city, from the weather, from the hospitality. Indeed, the capital of Azerbaijan can be compared with the capital of the Emirates! And I'm sure we got the timing right. It was comfortable to walk around the city, along the embankment, to catch the warm, not yet scorching rays of the sun.
What to take with you on vacation?
Baku city is a modern metropolis. However, hi-tech here quietly coexists with old buildings, with ancient crafts and centuries-old traditions. Therefore, it is better to make a wardrobe for relaxation from thin, light clothes, not too open. Tops and shorts have a place to be, but it is better not to go to the Old Town in this form. Muslims anyway.
Where is the best place to stay?
We lived in the Old City - Icheri Sheher. Authentic apartment, rented from local residents, suited us both in terms of price and spirit. If you are not ready to dissolve among the locals, you can settle near the Fountains Square or along Nizami Street. This is practically the center of the city, the whole city will be within walking distance.
Of course, the coolest hotel in Baku is the Flame Towers. I think the view from the rooms is amazing. But for us it was too expensive.
What to do at the resort?
Baku is great. Just to walk around the city, you need at least two or three days. A lot of money is spent here on night illumination. Therefore, we duplicated our walks by the same routes in the evening, with the lights on.
Mandatory program in the capital: the Old City, the new embankment with all kinds of installations and Upland Park.
You can use a bike to explore the promenade. Distances are good.
Swimming in Baku is difficult. To the beaches you need to go to the other end of the peninsula. Therefore, a seaside vacation is not entirely about Baku. They only walk along the embankment of the capital, and go to swim in Shikhovo and Buzovna.
In addition to the metropolis, we really liked the trip to Gobustan. This is a national park in which the most popular among tourists, mud volcanoes and petroglyphs, can be seen on your own. Entrance to the park is paid, about $ 1. This price includes a visit to the interactive museum about the history of Gobustan. We quickly ran to decipher the rock art. An interesting activity. True, from the museum you need to walk a fairly large distance, and uphill.
Gobustan can also be visited as part of an excursion.
It is worth visiting the fiery sights of the Apsheron Peninsula as part of excursions: this is the fiery mountain Yanardag and the fire temple Ateshgah. They are located near Baku, about 30 kilometers from the center. But it is inconvenient to get there on your own. They are far enough apart. And not so large-scale as to spend a lot of time on them.
There are no beaches in Baku. We liked Shikhovo beach. For lovers of extreme sports, there is also a water park. But in general - an ordinary sandy beach. Like others that we saw: in Buzovna, in Novkhani, in Bilgah, in Mardakan. Swimming at the above beaches is safe. Easy to get by taxi. Here it is not very expensive pleasure. The Caspian Sea, unfortunately, does not abound with beautiful coastlines. But still the sea!
Rest in Azerbaijan organization of group and individual tours in Azerbaijan; excursion programs to the historical places of Azerbaijan; development of any excursion route according to your desire; assistance in booking hotels, apartments and hostels in Baku; organization of transfers in Baku and Azerbaijan;
So you can get to know our country and get to know Azerbaijan better) WE ARE HAPPY FOR EVERY GUEST!
The Museum of Petroglyphs - this is the name of Gobustan - a mountainous place in the southeast of the Greater Caucasus Range, located 60 km from Baku. It was here that the ancient sites of primitive people were found, who left behind a lot of rock carvings - petroglyphs. These primitive monuments of art reflect the culture, economy, worldview, customs and traditions of ancient people. Once upon a time, the sea lapped right at the foot of these mountains, but then receded, leaving characteristic relief traces on the polished boiling rocks. Gobustan petroglyphs belong to different eras. They were made between the 10th and 18th millennium BC. to the Middle Ages of our era. Rock carvings were discovered by chance. In the 1930s, work was carried out in a stone quarry. The area was littered with large stone...
