Baku Tourism: Exploring the City’s Wonders

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a beautiful blend of rich heritage and modern architecture that has influences from Persia, Europe, and the Middle East. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the city offers mesmerising views of either the sea or the exceptional buildings. Tourists who travel to Baku also love this place because of the accommodating locals who are always happy to help and the delectable food that has flavours of Asia and Europe. A fun fact that tourists travelling to Baku should know is that it is called the "City of Winds," as the capital is known for its harsh winds.

Although the city now has a deep influence of the modern era, it also holds a strong sense of pride in its mediaeval roots. The Azerbaijan trips will show you the beauty of this unique blend and how the people are still so connected to their culture and traditions.

Best Places to Visit in Baku

There are so many tourist places in Baku that a day or two will not be enough for you to explore the entire city. From the Old City to the Flames Tower, tourism in Baku shows the contrast between old-fashioned and hypermodern styles of architecture. So get ready to explore the wonders by going to these tourist places in Baku: -

• Icherisheher or Old City
• Ateshgah Fire Temple
• Palace of Shirvanshahs
• Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre
• Flame Towers
• Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant
• Yasil Market
• Heydar Mosque

1.    Icherisheher or Old City

Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Icherisheher, or the Old City, is one of the top tourist attractions in Baku. It is also known as the Inner City, which came from the time when the Russian Empire occupied Baku and the city got divided into the inner and outer cities. The people living in the inner city considered themselves the elite and those living in the outer city were thought to be inferior. This area dates back to at least the 12^th century, which reflects on its old yet iconic buildings. Tourism in Baku proudly reveals the historical evolution of the city, with places like the Old City. You can roam around this area and visit the Maiden Tower, which is a prominent building in the capital city. The tower features a museum where you can learn about the historical evolution of Baku.

2.    Ateshgah Fire Temple

The Ateshgah Fire Temple is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Baku. Located on the outskirts of Baku, people from around the world come to visit this temple. Many Baku, Azerbaijan, tourism packages include this site on their lists because of the rich history and importance the temple holds. Until the 19^th century, natural gas oozed out of the surface of this temple, which caused eternal flames. Zoroastrianism, being the presiding religion at that time, made this a place of worship, as the Zoroastrians worshipped fire. However, once Islam became the dominant religion in Azerbaijan, the fire temple ceased to be a place of worship and was later turned into a museum. There are certain rules and regulations that tourists must follow while visiting the temple, so make sure you take a look at them.

3.    Palace of Shirvanshahs

Part of the old town, the Palace of Shirvanshahs, is one of the most famous places in Baku. This sightseeing spot in Baku will take you back in time to a time when art and architecture held utmost importance. You can enjoy taking a walk in the complex, where you will spot the main building, the burial vaults, Shah’s mosque, Murad’s gate, remnants of the bath house, and more. Rightly described as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture" by UNESCO, this palace will surely give you goosebumps with its eminent beauty. While taking a Baku tour, make sure you visit the Palace of Shirvanshahs to witness the art and glorious architecture that existed hundreds of years ago.

4.    Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is a building with unique architecture, which makes it a worthy place on your Baku tourism list. It is constructed in a curved shape that represents a fluid form and shows the transformation of Azerbaijan, making it one of the best tourist places in Baku. The building features a gallery hall, a museum, a conference hall, and a restaurant that you can visit. It is used for hosting different events that focus on health, education, sports, science, the economy, and the culture of the country. This culture centre has also hosted many exhibitions for photographers, artists, and more.

5.    Flame Towers

If you are a fan of modern architecture, you cannot miss the Flame Towers in Baku. Very few tourist places have the power to show the transformation of the capital city; Flame Towers is one of them. The building overlooks the old city and Baku Bay, giving it the perfect look in the skyline. It has changed the tourism scene in Baku, Azerbaijan, as it takes inspiration from modern architecture and the prehistoric practice of fire worship in Azerbaijan. You can enjoy the light show at night when the three skyscrapers illuminate with the colours of water, fire, and the national flag of the country.

6.    Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant

Baku tourism is not just about the old and new buildings but also about the lip-smacking flavours that everyone should try. Although there are many notable restaurants in the city that offer different flavours of Baku, Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant is something very different. It gives you an experience of museum-like interiors that come with delectable Azeri cuisine. The intricate design of the restaurant takes you back to the olden days, and those who are fascinated by the luxuries of the historical period will definitely love this place! From the seating to the little details like the crockery, carpets, and other objects, this museum restaurant is a must-visit. Make sure to try out their plov and traditional Azeri tea, which will satisfy your taste buds.

7.    Yasil Market

Many tourists who visit Baku want to experience the local culture and what their daily lives look like. For them, the Yasil Market is perfect, as it has local confectionery and various local products to let people take a peek at the local life of the capital city. You will find an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that you can take back to your accommodation and enjoy when you are not in the mood to spend money on eateries and fancy restaurants. Here you can interact with the local vendors and bargain like a local, enjoying Azerbaijani life. Additionally, you can take back high-quality nuts, spices, honey, and tea for yourself and your loved ones.

8.    Heydar Mosque

Heydar Mosque is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Baku. It is named after the former president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and was inaugurated in 2014. The stunning architecture of this mosque and the embellishments of the unique stones from the times of Shirvan make it a masterpiece that you cannot miss. Many believers and tourists visit Baku to especially visit the Heydar Mosque and witness its beauty in full glory.

If you want to explore tourism in Baku, Azerbaijan, make sure you visit these places and make your trip worthwhile. There are many other sightseeing spots in Baku that you can also visit while touring around the city. Make sure you spare 3–4 days to explore the city and its hidden gems whenever you plan your next vacation.