Baku, the capital and the largest city of Azerbaijan is located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The city has two name theories, the first being that Baku is derived from the Persian word ‘Bad-kube,’ which translates to ‘wind-pounding city.’ The other belief states that it comes from the ancient word ‘Baghkuy,’ meaning ‘God’s town.’ There are some incredible places to visit in Baku that you must explore while planning your trip to Azerbaijan. Make sure you carry your cameras along with you to capture the sites, making memories of a lifetime!
7 Places To Visit In Baku
Have a time crunch to search for sightseeing options? Don’t worry, as we have prepared a well-curated list of seven places to visit in Baku for your upcoming trip.
1. Museum of Miniature Books
The first and only museum dedicated to the miniature edition of books, the Museum of Miniature Books holds a Guinness World Record title of the largest private Museum of Miniature Books. With more than 7,000 miniature books placed in 35 showcases, the books written in numerous languages are divided according to categories. The museum houses the three smallest books in the world which can only be viewed by a magnifying glass. Undoubtedly, the Museum of Miniature Books is one of the unique places to visit in Baku.
Location: 28 Kichik Qala, Baku, Azerbaijan
Timings: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Mondays and Thursdays
Entry Fee: Free
Must Read: Nightlife In Azerbaijan
2. Nizami Street
Located in the heart of Baku, Nizami Street is a pedestrian and shopping street famous for its nightlife. Named after the classical Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, Nizami Street is called Torgovaya Street by the locals. The street has historic buildings that have noteworthy architectural details and houses shopping centres, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and bars. Apart from this, the famous Fountain Square and the statue of Shah Ismail are the highlights here. With lights on at night, the street looks brighter and the crowd increases multifold.
Location: Tarqovi, Baku City, Azerbaijan
Timings: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
3. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum received national status in 2019 for its contribution towards promoting and popularising Azerbaijani Carpet Weaving Art. Housing the largest and oldest carpets dating back to the 17th century, the main aim of the museum was to preserve the art of carpet weaving (which is Azerbaijan’s national heritage) by way of storage, research and demonstration. Events, symposiums, conferences, and exhibitions are conducted on the museum premises at regular intervals, making the carpet museum one of the major Baku city attractions.
Location: Mikayil Huseynov Street 28, Baku, Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Tuesdays to Fridays), 10 am to 8 pm (Saturdays & Sundays),
closes on Mondays
Entry Fee: AZN 3 for schoolchildren & students, AZN 7 for adults, AZN 12 for guided tours
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Baku
4. Highland Park
Want to witness a bird’s eye view of the entire city? Head to Highland Park, the highest point in Baku. The park is also addressed as Dagustu Park by the locals, which means Upland Park and people come here to take a stroll, enjoy enchanting views, or just relax. This viewpoint offers panoramic views of famous locations like Radio Tower, Flame Towers, a giant Ferris wheel (Baku Eye), and Deniz Mall. The park is famous for its funicular rides from which one can get to the complex within a few minutes.
Location: UN 50th Anniversary street 3, Baku, Baku Ekonomic Zone
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
5. Palace of Shirvanshahs
Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, the Palace of Shirvanshahs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle complex dates back to the 15th century and remains incomplete as the construction was halted when Shirvanshah Khalilulla I’s son Faruk was killed in a battle in 1501. The premises houses the palace mosque, the tomb of Seyyid Yehya Bakuvi (the court astrologer), and the mausoleum of the Shirvanshahs. The highlights of the palace are its intricate inscriptions and authentic structures.
Location: Muslum Maqomaye dongə 76, Baku, Contiguous Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: AZN 10 for foreigners and AZN 2 for locals
Suggested Read: Azerbaijan Travel Tips
6. Central Botanical Garden
The Central Botanical Garden, one of the popular places to visit in Baku City, is spread across an area of 16 hectares and houses intriguing flora with over 2,000 species of plants from around the world. The garden has themed sections like the Cactus House, the Japanese Garden, and the Orchid Pavilion, where a variety of home-grown and foreign plant species are preserved. Additionally, guided tours and workshops are conducted by the authorities so that the visitors can dive deeper into the world of botany.
Location: Mikayil Mushfig St., 103, Baku 1004
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
7. Baku Eye
Originally built for the Eurovision Song Contest hosted by Azerbaijan in 2012, Baku Eye has now become one of the places to go in Baku to experience thrill. Also known as the Baku Ferris Wheel, it stands tall at a height of 60 metres with 30 cabins that can accommodate up to 200 passengers at a time. Once at the top, the onlookers are in for a treat with the panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea. At night, the wheel becomes illuminated with colourful lights.
Location: Neftyanikov Ave., Baku
Timings: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Entry Fee: AZN 5 for kids and AZN 10 for adults
Further Read: Things To Do In Azerbaijan
Now that you have a list of places to visit in Baku, you can explore the destination like a local. Plan a trip to Baku and indulge in a sightseeing spree to these major tourist attractions, each offering a unique experience from the other. We bet that you won’t be disappointed!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Baku
Is Baku famous for its nightlife?
Baku is said to have the most amazing nightlife with its wide-ranging bars and clubs. Some of the live music concerts happen here at night.
What currency is used in Baku?
Azerbaijanian Manat (AZN) is the currency of Azerbaijan and is used for transactions in Baku as well. You can exchange your currency at any of the banks or foreign exchange bureaus.
What is best to buy in Baku?
Some of the things you can buy in Baku include carpets & rugs, ceramics, home textiles, natural silk, and jewellery.
Is veg food available in Baku?
Yes, there are a few restaurants in Baku that serve vegetarian food. Even some of the local dishes like gutab with green, vegetable pilaf, leafy khingal, dovga, and lentil soup are vegetarian.
What is the best time to visit Baku?
September is the best time to visit Baku as the weather conditions are pleasant for exploring Baku sightseeing places. Also, the months from March to May attract crowds in large numbers.
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