About Baku
Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea and in the Caucasus region. Baku is 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and the largest city in the world below sea level. Baku lies on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, along the Bay of Baku. Baku's urban population is estimated at over two million people. Baku is the primate city of Azerbaijan. It is the sole metropolis in the country, and about 25% of all inhabitants of the country live in Baku's metropolitan area.
Places to visit in Baku
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Old City
HistoricThe walled heart of Baku with stone lanes, caravanserais and medieval monuments. Explore slowly on foot, and get a combined ticket for the major sites.
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Maiden Tower
HistoricA mysterious 12th-century tower that has become Baku's symbol. Climb to the top for views of the Old City and bay, and read the exhibits on its legends.
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Palace of the Shirvanshahs
HistoricA 15th-century palace complex of the Shirvan rulers with a mosque, mausoleum and bathhouse ruins. Spend about an hour exploring the courtyards and small museum, and use the audio guide for the history.
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Flame Towers
LandmarkThree curved glass skyscrapers shaped like flames that dominate the city skyline and light up with animated displays at night. See them best from the seafront boulevard after dark, or ride the funicular up to their base.
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Heydar Aliyev Center
Museum · 3 mi from centreA flowing white cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid that hosts exhibitions and concerts. Even if you skip the exhibits, walk around the building to appreciate its curves.
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Baku Boulevard
ParkA long seafront park with cafes, fountains and promenades along the Caspian Sea. It is especially lively in the evening, and boat rides leave from the piers.
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Gobustan National Park
Nature · 29 mi from centreA rocky landscape with thousands of ancient petroglyphs and nearby mud volcanoes. It is about an hour south of Baku, so join a tour that combines both sights.
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Ateshgah of Baku
Religious · 10 mi from centreA fire temple once used by Hindu and Zoroastrian worshippers, built around a natural gas flame. Combine it with Yanar Dag, the burning hillside nearby.
Things to do in Baku by type
22 tours, tickets and experiences across 5 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 11 experiences 2 Days Independent Tour: Gabala and Sheki -
Art & culture 4 experiences Fire Worshippers and Eternal Fire Tour -
City tours 3 experiences Baku Lights Night Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Explore the Islands of Bakú: Absheron National Park and Pirallahi - Full-Day Tour -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences Baku Wine Private Tour
- Over 6 hours 3
- 1-3 hours 2
- 3-6 hours 1
- Adult only 1
- Private 12
Top experiences in Baku
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 22 available.
Baku Full-Day Tour
From $35 per adult
Baku Lights Night Tour
From $23 per adult
Gabala Full-Day Tour
From $44 per adult
Marvel at the Natural Wonders of Bakú - Full-Day Tour
From $55 per adult
Baku Old City Walking Tour
From $17 per adult
Discover Sheki - Private Self-Guided Tour
From $289 per adult
Baku Wine Private Tour
From $176 per adult
Gabala and Shamakhi Self-Guided Tour
From $88 per adult
Guba Khinalug Full-Day Tour
From $57 per adult
Fire Worshippers and Eternal Fire Tour
From $25 per adult
Sheki Private Cultural Tour
From $176 per adult
Lankaran and Astara Full-Day Tour
From $55 per adult
Where to stay in Baku
Popular hotels in Baku, out of 287 properties you can book.
Movenpick Winter Park Baku
From $106 per night
Passage Boutique Hotel
From $68 per night
Boutique hotel Baku
From $126 per night
Graaf Hotel
From $58 per night
Fairmont Baku - Flame Towers
From $155 per night
Shirvanshah Hotel
From $88 per night
DaVinci Hotel
From $100 per night
Boulevard Side
From $44 per night
East Legend Hotel
From $33 per night
Sapphire City Hotel
From $118 per night
Sapphire Hotel
From $97 per night
Atropat Old City Hotel
From $56 per night
Best time to visit Baku
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Baku is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 78–84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Baku weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 74° 62° 3%
- Thu 22 Oct 75° 62° 17%
- Fri 23 Oct 73° 62° 18%
- Sat 24 Oct 72° 61° 10%
- Sun 25 Oct 69° 59° 6%
- Mon 26 Oct 64° 57° 9%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Azerbaijani manat (AZN)1 US dollar ≈ ₼1.70
- Language
- Azerbaijani
- Calling code
- +994
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/BakuUTC+4
Getting to Baku
These are the airports closest to central Baku. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ZXT Zabrat Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
- GYD Heydar Aliyev International Airport13 mi (21 km) from the city centre
Getting around Baku
There are pedestrian alleys and streets around the Fountain Square, the seafront, and the old town. You can walk to other places, too, but you might have to cross busy streets since there aren't always pedestrian tunnels available. The zebra crossings work with an "I'm feeling lucky" principle and aren't usually exactly safe, especially at night. At night, use your phone screen (not your flashlight) to indicate to the approaching cars that you are crossing the street, and follow other people.
By bicycle
Baku is a great town to get around in by bicycle. Except for the up-town, the city, including old town (İçəri Şəhər) and down-town is fairly flat, and though there are some streets that are dangerous to ride, there is almost always a safe, fast route to your destination.
By bus/minibus
Buses and minibuses cost 0.60 manat (July 2026) per person and can take you to almost any place within Baku. Destinations are usually posted on the front and the right side of the bus.
By metro
The metro goes many places throughout Baku and it costs only 0.60 manat (July 2026). It is the least expensive way to get around Baku besides walking. Ask a cashier or attendant. You must obtain a Bakı Metropiliten Kart (3 manat refundable deposit) and load it like a normal metro pass. You can also buy a limited card (0.2 manat) with 1, 2, 3, or 4 trips (the last one costing 1 manat). More than one person may use the same card.
Baku travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Baku?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Baku is June and September, when average daytime highs are around 78–84°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Baku?
July is usually the warmest month in Baku, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 35°F (2°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 58 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Baku?
Zabrat Airport (ZXT) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (19 km) from the centre of Baku. Other nearby airports include Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD, 13 mi).
What currency is used in Baku?
Baku uses the Azerbaijani manat (AZN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₼1.70.
What time zone is Baku in?
Baku uses the Asia/Baku time zone (currently UTC+4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Baku?
There are pedestrian alleys and streets around the Fountain Square, the seafront, and the old town. You can walk to other places, too, but you might have to cross busy streets since there aren't always pedestrian tunnels available.
What are the best places to visit in Baku?
Top sights in Baku include Old City, Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Flame Towers. The walled heart of Baku with stone lanes, caravanserais and medieval monuments. Explore slowly on foot, and get a combined ticket for the major sites.
What are the top things to do in Baku?
Popular experiences you can book in Baku include Baku Full-Day Tour, Baku Lights Night Tour and Gabala Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 22 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Baku?
The most popular types of experiences in Baku are day trips & excursions (11), art & culture (4), city tours (3) and zoo, aquarium & nature (2). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Baku?
Popular areas for hotels in Baku include Baku. Well-reviewed options include Movenpick Winter Park Baku and Passage Boutique Hotel.
How many hotels can I book in Baku?
Destina Holidays currently lists 287 properties in and around Baku, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
