Top 10 Things to Do in Baku: Azerbaijan’s Modern Marvel

Hey, welcome to the first part of my Azerbaijan travel series. If you’ve ever daydreamed about visiting a place that feels like Europe and the Middle East had a beautiful baby, let me introduce you to Baku. This city completely caught me off guard. I came expecting a quiet capital with some historic sites, and left feeling like I’d discovered one of the coolest places on the map.

Baku is full of contrasts. It’s where ancient sandstone walls meet futuristic flame-shaped towers, where tea houses sit beside luxury boutiques, and where the Caspian Sea breeze follows you almost everywhere. If you're wondering what to see and do in Baku, I’ve got you covered with ten experiences that made me fall in love with this vibrant, surprising city.

1. Get Lost in Icherisheher (Old City)

Baku’s Old City, known as Icherisheher, feels like stepping into a different time. It’s full of cobbled streets, small alleys, and charming little shops. You’ll pass by locals selling handmade carpets, copper dishes, and souvenirs that actually feel meaningful. Make sure to climb the Maiden Tower for a panoramic view over the city—it’s worth the steps.

2. Watch the Flame Towers Light Up the Sky

These flame-shaped skyscrapers have become the symbol of modern Baku. They reflect the country’s ancient fire worship and look especially dramatic at night when they’re lit up with animated flames. Watching them from Upland Park just as the sun sets was one of my favorite moments in the city.

3. Stroll Along Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard is a long promenade that hugs the edge of the Caspian Sea. It’s where people go to walk, relax, and just breathe. You’ll pass gardens, cafes, and maybe even catch a street performance. There’s also a small “Venice” area with gondola rides—cheesy but charming if you’re in the mood.

4. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, this building is a futuristic masterpiece. From the outside, it looks like a wave frozen in time. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Azerbaijani culture, art, and innovation. Even if you’re not big on museums, this one is hard to forget.

5. Eat Your Way Through Nizami Street

Nizami Street is where Baku gets lively. Lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, it’s a great place to try local food. I had the best qutab here—a stuffed pancake with meat and herbs—along with some seriously delicious saffron rice. And don’t leave without trying pakhlava, their version of baklava.

6. Explore the Fire Temple of Ateshgah

About 30 minutes outside of the city, Ateshgah is a Zoroastrian fire temple that dates back to the 17th century. Built over a natural gas vent, the temple’s central flame once burned constantly. It’s a small site, but incredibly unique and packed with history.

7. Witness the Eternal Flame at Yanar Dag

Another fiery stop, Yanar Dag is a hillside where natural gas leaks from the earth and creates a wall of fire. It’s been burning for decades, and seeing it in person is both eerie and fascinating. Go at night to get the full effect.

8. Discover the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Shaped like a rolled-up carpet, this museum offers a deep dive into one of the country’s oldest traditions. The patterns, techniques, and stories woven into these rugs are beautiful and meaningful. It gave me a whole new appreciation for something I’d only ever walked on before.

9. Find Street Art in the Back Alleys

One of the things that surprised me most about Baku was its street art. Tucked between buildings and behind busy streets, there’s a bold, colorful side to this city that’s easy to miss if you’re only sticking to the tourist spots. Spend an afternoon wandering—you never know what you'll find.

10. Experience Baku at Night

As the sun goes down, Baku lights up. Rooftop bars, sea-facing lounges, live music, and even traditional performances start filling the city with energy. It’s not a wild party city, but it knows how to keep things vibrant without being overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Baku is full of surprises. It’s clean, welcoming, walkable, and packed with experiences that feel both deeply cultural and refreshingly modern. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone just looking for an offbeat city to explore, Baku delivers far more than expected.

And if you’re ready to turn this dream into a reality, there are plenty of Azerbaijan tour packages that make planning easy, especially if you want to see more of the country beyond Baku. From short getaways to extended stays, Azerbaijan holiday packages often include cultural tours, mountain escapes, and even wine tastings—yes, they have their own wine region.

So stay tuned for more in this series. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what Azerbaijan has to offer.