City Getaway in the Caucasus: Baku

As we continue our journey across the Caucasus, one city stands out from the other capitals in the region with its captivating combination of ancient monuments and futuristic architecture effortlessly co-existing next to each other. Nestled on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku will keep you spellbound. Wandering through the streets of the Old Town, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying local shops and cafes while witnessing Baku’s rapid development and modern architectural wonders, will guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Autumn is among the best seasons for exploring Baku, and as it slowly approaches, we have put together a short guide of the must-see places in the city and its immediate surroundings to help you prepare for your next getaway. The best tips including recommendations on the local cuisine come from Euro Jet’s Regional General Manager, Marina Abdushkureva who oversees our local operations and partnerships.

What to See

Baku’s Top 5 Gems

Baku’s skyline is dominated by the iconic Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers resembling flames and symbolizing Azerbaijan’s nickname as the Land of Fire. The towers are at their most impressive after sunset when they come alive with a mesmerizing light show. For the best views, head to Highland Park where you can capture stunning photos of the towers including the panorama of the city and the Caspian Sea.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Baku’s Old City, or Icherisheher, is a maze of narrow alleys, ancient mosques, and centuries-old buildings. The most notable ones are the Palace of the Shirvanshahs dating back to the 15th century and the 12th-century Maiden Tower with an excellent viewpoint over the Old City. Tugged away in one of the alleys, you can also find a unique Museum of Miniature Books presenting 6,500 mini-books from 64 countries and holding a Guinness World Record for the largest private collection of miniature books.

For a romantic stroll along the Caspian Sea, head to Baku Boulevard, a seafront promenade lined with cafes, parks, historical monuments, and modern architecture. There is an amusement park with a Ferris Wheel, also known as the Baku Eye, as well as the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum designed to resemble a rolled-up carpet and showcasing the country’s rich tradition of carpet weaving.

Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center with its flowing curved lines is a stunning example of Baku’s futuristic architecture. The center is a hub for Azerbaijan’s cultural activity hosting a variety of concerts, art displays and cultural events. Make sure to pop in to admire the innovative interior design and perhaps explore some of the center’s permanent collections or temporary exhibitions.

Located a half-hour drive from the city center on the eastern side of Baku, the Ateshgah of Baku is another must-see sight of the capital under UNESCO protection. The 18th-century fire temple is built on a place marked by the phenomenon of eternal flames caused by the natural gas leaking from the ground. The flaming hearth forms the centerpiece of a triangular courtyard surrounded by simple stone cells that now house a very good museum.

Euro Jet and Azerbaijan

If you are flying private to Azerbaijan, Euro Jet is ready to offer comprehensive flight support services at the country’s five main airports – Baku (UBBB/GYD), Fuzuli (UBBF/FZL), Gabala (UBBQ/GBB), Gyandzha (UBBG/KVD), and Nakhchivan (UBBN/NAJ). Euro Jet’s operations are overseen by our Regional General Manager, Marina Abdushkureva and possible thanks to our long-term cooperation and strong relationship with our trusted local partner, ASG Business Aviation.

Recommended: A Day Trip from Baku

For a memorable day trip from Baku, head to the Gobustan National Park and the nearby mud volcanoes. Just about 60 kilometers southwest of Baku, Gobustan is home to an extraordinary collection of rock carvings. Over 6,000 petroglyphs, some dating back over 40,000 years, depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily life, providing a fascinating insight into prehistoric periods of time. A short drive from the site, the bubbling mounds of mud volcanoes offer a truly unique experience. You can even take a bath in them as the mud is said to have therapeutic properties.

If you do not mind hot weather and decide to visit Baku in summer, then spending a day in the Bilgah Beach area will make for a wonderful family day. Located on the northeastern side of the Absheron Peninsula just outside of Baku, Bilgah’s beautiful sand beach is easily accessible from the capital while offering the perfect opportunity to plunge into the waters of the Caspian Sea. There are plenty of activities for all ages and interests, from water sports and beach volleyball to local dining and beachside souvenir shopping.

Our final travel tip requires a 4.5-hour drive from Baku, but the destination is so incredibly beautiful we simply could not leave it out. The Palace of Shaki Khans was built in 1797 as a summer residence for the rulers of the Shaki Khanate and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stunning architectural masterpiece, its façade is richly covered with colorful tiles while the interior is lavishly decorated with intricate wall paintings and mosaic stained-glass windows. If you decide to stay in Shaki overnight, make sure to also visit the nearby Winter Palace and explore the Old Town from the Silk Road era.

What to Taste

When in Baku, tasting Plov – Azerbaijan’s national dish – is a must. While always rice-based, there is a variety of over 40 recipes for plov and its name depends on the main ingredient accompanying the rice, from mutton and chicken to onion and dried fruit.

Piti, another delicious local dish especially popular in Baku, is famous for its richness and aroma. The main ingredients are potatoes, tomatoes, mutton, and chickpeas. Served with hot flatbread called lavash, the Piti soup is a great lunch option on your sightseeing stroll.

We can only recommend the popular street food Qutab, made from thin dough and filled with a variety of ingredients, then folded and baked in a traditional frying pan. Give a try also to Yarpaq Dolmasi, a savory meal consisting of minced lamb meat mixed with rise, onions, and fresh herbs wrapped in vine leaves.

We look forward to welcoming you to Baku!

Images: Euro Jet Archive, Shutterstock, Wikipedia