How to Plan Your Baku Old Town Walking Tour

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a beautiful city with a rich history spanning centuries of kings and ancient empires. One of the best ways to explore this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city is through a walking tour of the Old Town. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Baku Old Town walking tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Baku Old Town Walking Tour is a 3-hour journey through the historic Old Town. The tour covers many cultural and historic sites including historic mosques, bath complexes, trading squares, palaces, and caravanserais. You’ll explore the city’s rich Islamic heritage as you visit some of Baku’s most ancient monuments such as the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, and the old city walls. The tour includes a professional local guide who will take you through the streets, alleys, and squares of the Old Town. You’ll also receive bottled water and entrance fees, which are included in the tour price. The tour does not include food and drinks unless specified, and gratuities are not included.

Booking the Tour

You can easily book the Baku Old Town Walking Tour on the Viator website. Viator is a travel company that specializes in booking tours and activities around the world. The tour can be booked directly through the website, and the booking process is straightforward. Book the tour here

Tour Highlights

The tour provides you with an opportunity to explore the Old Town from a historical and cultural perspective. The tour guide will point out some of the significant sites and structures in the Old Town, including:

1. Palace of the Shirvanshahs

One of the most iconic landmarks in Baku is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It was built in the 15th century and is considered a masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture. The palace is characterized by its intricate carvings and beautiful design. As part of the tour, you’ll get to explore the palace’s elegant courtyards, stunning halls, and beautiful ornamental statues.

2. Maiden Tower

Another iconic landmark in the Old Town is the Maiden Tower. Standing at 29 meters tall, the tower has become an internet sensation due to its unique cylindrical shape. The tower dates back to the 12th century, and its purpose remains a mystery. The tour provides an insight into the tower’s history, and you’ll get a chance to climb up to the tower to enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above.

3. Old City Walls

The Old City Walls of Baku served as protective walls around the city and date back to the 12th century. The walls are approximately 8 meters high and form a perfect circle around Baku’s Old Town. During the tour, you’ll get to walk alongside the walls and learn about their history.

What to Bring

To make your walking tour more enjoyable, ensure that you carry the following items with you:

• Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking around the Old Town for 3 hours.
• Sunscreen: Baku can get pretty hot, so ensure that you protect yourself from the sun.
• Camera: Don’t forget to capture some of the stunning sights and attractions in the Old Town.
• Water: Although the tour includes bottled water, an extra bottle of water is always welcome.

Book Your Tour Now

Exploring the Old Town of Baku through a walking tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. The Baku Old Town Walking Tour covers many cultural and historic sites, and you’ll learn about Baku’s rich legacy of historic mosques trading squares, bath complexes, palaces and caravanserais. We hope that this guide has provided you with everything you need to plan your Baku Old Town Walking Tour. Book your tour today and experience Baku like never before. Book the tour here

FAQ About Baku: The Capital City of Azerbaijan

Baku is a metropolitan city that boasts of rich history, culture, and modern infrastructure. As the capital city of Azerbaijan, it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Baku.

1. Where is Baku located?

Baku is the capital and the largest city in Azerbaijan, located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it an important cultural and economic hub.

2. How do I get to Baku?

Baku is well-connected through air, road, and rail transport. The Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) is the main airport of Baku, which is served by many international airlines. Baku is also connected to neighboring countries like Georgia and Turkey through trains and buses.

3. What is the best time to visit Baku?

The best time to visit Baku is between April and June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are relatively low. However, If you plan on attending the Baku Grand Prix, which is held in June, anticipate large crowds and higher prices.

4. What are the main tourist attractions in Baku?

Baku is home to many tourist attractions, including:

Icherisheher (Old City)

Icherisheher is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for any tourist. Ancient walls that date back to the 7th century enclose the Icherisheher historic area, which hosts several medieval structures, charming cobbled streets, and old-fashioned streetlamps.

The Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers located in the heart of Baku. The towers’ unique design is inspired by Azerbaijan’s iconic flames and serve as a symbol of the city’s economic renaissance.

The Baku Boulevard

The Baku Boulevard is a promenade that stretches along the Caspian Sea shore, making it an ideal place for a relaxing walk or picnic.

Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a historical monument located in the Old City. This cylindrical tower dates back to the 12th century and is Baku’s most iconic landmark.

5. What is Baku’s Cuisine?

Baku’s cuisine is a fusion of Turkish, Iranian, Middle Eastern, and Russian cuisines, with a heavy emphasis on grilled meats and vegetables. You can try dishes like plov, dolma, shashlik, and various soups. Azerbaijani tea is also a must-try.

6. Is Baku a safe place to visit?

Baku is relatively safe compared to other large metropolitan areas. Still, visitors should take care of their belongings and stay in well-illuminated streets at night.

7. What is the local currency in Baku?

The Azerbaijani manat is the local currency in Baku.

8. What languages are spoken in Baku?

The official language in Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, also referred to as Azeri. However, English, Russian, and Turkish are widely spoken and understood.

9. Is a visa required to visit Baku?

Depending on your country of origin, you may require a visa to visit Azerbaijan. However, citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival or through an electronic visa system.

10. What is the best way to get around Baku?

Baku has an extensive public transportation system that includes the metro, buses, and trams. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available. Walking is an excellent way to explore the city’s historic center or the Boulevard.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it has something to offer for everyone. From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, this cosmopolitan city is sure to captivate any visitor. By using this guide, you can get a better understanding of Baku and plan an unforgettable trip.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Baku

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a beautiful and vibrant city that attracts tourists from all over the world. With its mix of modern architecture and historic sites, there is something for everyone in this city. In this guide, we will provide you with some ideas on how to spend your time as a tourist in Baku.

1. Explore the Old City (Icheri Sheher)

The Old City of Baku, also known as Icheri Sheher, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many historical landmarks. You can explore the narrow streets and alleyways, visit the Palace of Shirvanshahs, and walk along the old walls of the city. The Maiden Tower, located within the Old City, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Baku and offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.

2. Visit the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are three towering skyscrapers in Baku that are designed to resemble flames. They are one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city and offer an impressive sight both during the day and night. You can also see a light show at night that illuminates the towers with different colors and patterns.

3. Walk along the Boulevard

The Baku Boulevard is a promenade that runs along the coast of the Caspian Sea. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can rent a bike and explore the entire length of the Boulevard, or enjoy a cup of tea while watching the sunset over the sea.

4. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center is a modern architectural masterpiece that is not to be missed. The center houses a museum dedicated to Azerbaijan’s former president Heydar Aliyev, as well as art exhibitions and cultural events. The building’s unique design and curved lines are a striking contrast to the surrounding buildings.

5. Take a Day Trip to Gobustan National Park

Gobustan National Park is located about an hour outside of Baku and is home to some of Azerbaijan’s most important archaeological sites. The park is famous for its rock carvings and petroglyphs, which date back to the Bronze Age. You can also explore the park’s mud volcanoes, which are a unique natural phenomenon.

6. Try Azerbaijani Cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine is a fusion of Turkish, Persian, and Russian influences and is a must-try for any visitor to Baku. You can try local dishes such as plov (rice pilaf) or dolma (stuffed grape leaves) at one of the many restaurants in the city. Don’t forget to try Azerbaijani tea, a strong black tea that is typically served with sugar or jam.

7. Visit the National Museum of Azerbaijan History

The National Museum of Azerbaijan History is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. The museum features exhibits on Azerbaijan’s ancient past, its role in the Silk Road trade, and its modern history. The museum’s building is also a historic landmark in itself, as it was once the residence of Azerbaijani nobility.

8. Take a Tour of the Modern Architecture in Baku

Baku is famous for its modern architecture, with buildings such as the Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Center attracting visitors from all over the world. You can take a walking or cycling tour of the city to see some of the other impressive buildings, such as the Crystal Hall or the Baku Olympic Stadium.

Book Your Tour Now

Baku is a city that truly has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or cuisine, there is plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Baku and create memories that will last a lifetime.