72 hours in Baku: Top things to do

Known as ‘the land of fire’ due to its huge supply of oil and natural gas, Baku has really only been on tourists’ radars over the last couple of decades. However, it has so many sights to see, and it’s easy for UAE citizens to visit, with no visa required for stays of less than 90 days. Holders of a residence visa issued by the United Arab Emirates can apply for an e-visa in advance of their trip - in general, entry requirements are relatively easy, as Azerbaijan recognises UAE residency, although this can be dependent on nationality..?

Whether you’re considering a short city break, or want to spend more time visiting several places in Azerbaijan, with no end of things to do in Baku, you should aim to spend at least three days here.

Read on to discover how to spend 72 hours in the lowest capital in the world (did you know it sits at 28 metres below sea level?), as you uncover the traditional and modern elements of the city, and learn more about Baku’s rich past.?

Alternatively, if you’ve already made up your mind, then why not book your Azerbaijan holiday package with us, so you can get excited about your next trip?

Day one

The heart of Baku is its Old City, which is also known as Icherisheher; so, it makes perfect sense that you’d spend your first full day here uncovering what’s inside the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Morning

Their buildings are said to date back to the 11th century, although some historians believe the oldest building could date back to the 7th century. One of the most famed buildings here is the Maiden Tower, which is home to a museum that depicts life in Baku over the centuries.

Climb to the rooftop and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over the city, with the futuristic flame towers to one side, and the glistening Caspian Sea to the other.

From there, head to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which is a seven-minute walk from the Maiden Tower, and one of the best things to do in Baku. This particular palace dates back to the 15th century, and is made up of nine buildings and three courtyards.

Afternoon

Once you’ve stopped for lunch and sampled some of the sweet treats the cafes have to offer (including pakhlava, which is similar to baklava, but typically has fewer layers of pastry), it’s time to continue your exploration within the walled city of Baku. Whether you prefer to join a free walking tour to learn some of the history of Azerbaijan’s capital, or you’d prefer to get lost in the winding backstreets by yourself, it’s entirely up to you, with so many places to see in Baku during your time here.

Other sights to visit in the Old City include Mohammed Mosque, which stands as a reminder of the city’s resilience and courage, with the damage to the minaret still clear from the Russo-Persian War; and Vagif Mustafazadeh House Museum, which is dedicated to the composer who was born in the city in 1940.

Evening

Take a picture through Gosha Gala Gapisi at sunset, with its double gates once serving as the only entrance to Icherisheher; and enjoy some souvenir shopping at the small stalls, before heading for dinner.

For your first night in Baku, you have to dine at an authentic Caravanserai, which were once key stop-offs for travellers on the Silk Road.

A couple of classic Azerbaijani dishes you should try when in Baku include dushbara, which hails from Baku. Similar to tortellini, these dumplings are typically filled with lamb or mutton, and are served with vinegar, garlic, and yoghurt – although you may find vegetarian versions in some places.?

You should also give lavangi a go, which is an onion omelette that’s served alongside flatbread, and is usually filled with either chicken or fish, alongside a whole load of other flavours including raisins, onions, and walnuts.?

Day two

Now you’ve seen the Old City, it’s time to explore the more modern side of Baku on your second day in the city, with some of the top places to see in Baku here.

Morning

Azerbaijan makes some of the best quality carpets in the world, so why not spend an hour or two learning all about its history at the Carpet Museum? The exterior is pretty impressive, as it’s styled like a giant rolled-up carpet, and inside, you’ll get to see a variety of artefacts that highlight the most popular weaving techniques over the years.?

From there, enjoy an 11-minute walk along the waterfront and you’ll get to Baku Eye. A tourist attraction that’s particularly popular with families, it’s one way to see views of Baku from above, and one loop round takes about 15 minutes.

Continue walking south for another 25 minutes, and you’ll hit D?vl?t Bayra?? Meydan?, which translates to National Flag Square. Here, you’ll see an imposing flag of Azerbaijan that’s a huge 70x35 metres tall. It used to be the tallest flagpole in the world until it was taken over by the Jeddah Flagpole in Saudi Arabia. Baku has plans to take the crown once more, but even without the accolade, there’s no denying once you’re there, it’s extremely impressive.

Afternoon

If you’re still wondering what to do in Baku, then you’re in luck, as one of our favourite things is a picturesque walk along the Caspian Sea. Baku is prettily perched right by the waterfront, and Baku Boulevard has long been a popular meet-up place for locals.

The Carpet Museum and Baku Eye represent one end, so you can spend the afternoon taking a casual stroll towards the north of the city, enjoying stop-offs at the tree-lined park on the edge of the boulevard, and admiring the views at Baku viewpoint.

If you’re a self-confessed shopaholic, you’ll no doubt want to spend some time at the shops, and luckily, Baku’s got plenty. For international brands, head to Nizami Street, which is just a few rows back from Baku Boulevard; or Park Bulvar Mall, which is right on the waterfront.

Evening

One of the most striking buildings in all of Baku, the Flame Towers highlight Baku’s modernity, and is the perfect contrast to Icherisheher. These three skyscrapers were built in 2007, with the flames a nod to the country’s nickname “The land of fire”.

One of these buildings hosts the Fairmont Hotel, which is home to a popular rooftop bar, so whether you’re more cocktail or mocktail, it’s worth a visit.

However, the Flame Towers are more impressive from the outside, especially at night-time when they’re lit up to look like actual flames. Cross over the road to Highland Park to watch the sunset over the city, and then turn around to witness the dramatic Flame Towers in all their glory.

The park is home to a restaurant, so you can enjoy dinner there, or catch the funicular back down to the Carpet Museum, with the Old City a short walk, with its huge choice of eateries.

Day three

Rounding off your third and final day in Baku, make sure you tick off the key sights and get your fix of delicious Azerbaijani cuisine, before you head back home.

Morning

Heydar Aliyev Centre is another key example of modern architecture, and if you’re wondering what there is to do in Baku in three days, visiting this should be one thing on your list.

A short taxi or metro ride from the city centre, it was designed by British-Iraqi architect, Zaha Hadid, and was opened in 2012. The curved fa?ade is extremely impressive, and if you have time, you should head on in to see which exhibitions are on.

If you’ve gotten to the Heydar Aliyev Centre early, then spend the rest of the morning at Yasil Bazar, which is less than a half an hour’s walk from the business centre. A sight for the senses, this marketplace sells herbs, spices, dried fruit, and preserves – so you can stock up your spice cupboard, or just come and take photographs of this iconic Baku institute.

Afternoon

Baku is clearly a city of contrasts, with the Flame Towers and Icherisheher a prime example of this. However, many buildings were built in the 20th century that are worth a visit, as they highlight the more recent history of Baku.

Head just outside the Old Town and walk around in a ring, and you’ll find examples of 20th-century architecture in the houses, many of which have mosaiced steps to the door with the initials of the owner.

Walk past Saadet Sarayi (the Palace of Happiness), which is a wedding venue that dates back to Soviet times, Baku Railway Station, which is where the sleeper trains to Tbilisi run from, and is home to a small museum, and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, which hosts performances daily.

Complete your ring around the city by ending up at the Philharmonia Garden, which takes you back to the edge of the Old City Walls. Extremely picturesque, this little square features a charming fountain as its centrepiece, with pretty flower beds lining it. There are several benches here, so you can sit and enjoy some quiet time, as you reflect on your trip to Baku.

Evening

A 40-minute taxi ride out of the city, Heydar Mosque is slightly out of the way, but it’s worth visiting. It’s one of the newer mosques in the city, with construction completed in 2014, but it’s extremely decadent.

The floodlights are turned on just before sunset, so we’d recommend visiting later in the day, so you can admire the mosque bathed in a golden glow, to bring an end to your Baku trip.

The metro in Baku is worth a visit in its own right, and is a nod to the USSR, with touches of the Soviet-era present alongside the Azerbaijani-inspired mosaics. Heydar Mosque is by Nesimi stop, so ride the metro back to the centre of Baku once you’ve done.

For your final night in Baku, you should try traditional Azerbaijani food again. If you like soup then you’ll love piti – its name is taken from the pot it’s been cooked in, and it typically simmers for nine hours, to infuse the flavours of mutton, tomatoes, chickpeas, and potatoes.

Finish off your dinner with kata, which is a sweet pastry-like pie, and has a delicate infusion of either lemon or vanilla.

So, if you were wondering what to do in Baku for three days, now you know! If you’d like to extend your trip, then Tbilisi is a great option as it’s easily reachable by plane and train, and you’ll get to uncover the looming Caucasus mountains, and sample delicious Georgian cuisine.

For more inspiration, discover our pick of the top things to do in Tbilisi, and travel to Georgia from Dubai with us, alongside your stay in Baku.