Rovshana's Guidebook
You have to SEE this!
A must-see sightseeing spots in Baku…
Baku’s UNESCO-listed fortified old city was the Medieval capital under the Shirvanshahs. Today, it’s the capital’s historic heart and home to the Maiden Tower, traditional carpet weavers and a plethora of bars and restaurants. Visiting traders in eras past often referred to Icheri Sheher as the Acropolis of Baku.
142 המלצות של מקומיים
איצ'רישהר
Baku’s UNESCO-listed fortified old city was the Medieval capital under the Shirvanshahs. Today, it’s the capital’s historic heart and home to the Maiden Tower, traditional carpet weavers and a plethora of bars and restaurants. Visiting traders in eras past often referred to Icheri Sheher as the Acropolis of Baku.
Dating back to the 12th century, this cylindrical tower has a mysterious story. Historians believe that the UNESCO-listed Maiden Tower served as a Zoroastrian temple before becoming a watchtower in the 18th century. Follow the spiral staircase to the top of the 29-metre (95-foot) structure for the best views of Ischeri Sheher.
110 המלצות של מקומיים
מגדל הבתולה
Dating back to the 12th century, this cylindrical tower has a mysterious story. Historians believe that the UNESCO-listed Maiden Tower served as a Zoroastrian temple before becoming a watchtower in the 18th century. Follow the spiral staircase to the top of the 29-metre (95-foot) structure for the best views of Ischeri Sheher.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the ruling dynasty for 800 years, can be seen on the back of Azerbaijan’s 10 manat banknote. The 15th-century UNESCO-listed complex served as a royal residence for 200 years and has a palace, mosque, burial vaults and a mausoleum. Both its awe-inspiring architecture and the excellent views it offers over the city make the Palace of the Shirvanshahs one of the top attractions in Icheri Sheher.
30 המלצות של מקומיים
הארמון של השירוואנשאה
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the ruling dynasty for 800 years, can be seen on the back of Azerbaijan’s 10 manat banknote. The 15th-century UNESCO-listed complex served as a royal residence for 200 years and has a palace, mosque, burial vaults and a mausoleum. Both its awe-inspiring architecture and the excellent views it offers over the city make the Palace of the Shirvanshahs one of the top attractions in Icheri Sheher.
Named after the Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, the 3.5-kilometre-long (2.2-mile-long) Nizami Street forms Baku’s main shopping district. As you stroll along its length, pay close attention to the architecture, which moves from Baroque and Neo-Gothic to Neo-Renaissance facades and Stalinist styles.
Nizami Street
Nizami StreetNamed after the Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, the 3.5-kilometre-long (2.2-mile-long) Nizami Street forms Baku’s main shopping district. As you stroll along its length, pay close attention to the architecture, which moves from Baroque and Neo-Gothic to Neo-Renaissance facades and Stalinist styles.
The pedestrianised Fountain Square, formerly known as Parapet, is a bustling public destination. Dozens of fountains fill the area, which stretches from Nizami Street to the eastern walls of Icheri Scherer. Bars, cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces fill the lower floors of the surrounding buildings.
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כיכר פברואר
The pedestrianised Fountain Square, formerly known as Parapet, is a bustling public destination. Dozens of fountains fill the area, which stretches from Nizami Street to the eastern walls of Icheri Scherer. Bars, cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces fill the lower floors of the surrounding buildings.
Baku’s trio of skyscrapers – the Flame Towers – are the most recognisable sight on the city’s skyline. At night, their glass facades light up in the colours of fire, an effect created by 10,000 coloured LED bulbs. Perched majestically above the Bay of Baku, two of the towers are occupied by offices and apartments, while the third – the Fairmont Baku – is open to non-guests, who can enjoy a drink or meal at the hotel.
20 המלצות של מקומיים
Flame Towers station
Baku’s trio of skyscrapers – the Flame Towers – are the most recognisable sight on the city’s skyline. At night, their glass facades light up in the colours of fire, an effect created by 10,000 coloured LED bulbs. Perched majestically above the Bay of Baku, two of the towers are occupied by offices and apartments, while the third – the Fairmont Baku – is open to non-guests, who can enjoy a drink or meal at the hotel.
The almost 3.75km (2.3mi) Baku Boulevard hugs the Caspian Sea. The coastal promenade is home to an amusement park, bars, cafés, a cacti garden, the Baku Ferris Wheel and Mini-Venice. Beginning at National Flag Square and ending at Freedom Square, this spot has spectacular views of the Flame Towers and is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the coast.
90 המלצות של מקומיים
פארק הלאומי דניזקנארי
92 Neftçilər ProspektiThe almost 3.75km (2.3mi) Baku Boulevard hugs the Caspian Sea. The coastal promenade is home to an amusement park, bars, cafés, a cacti garden, the Baku Ferris Wheel and Mini-Venice. Beginning at National Flag Square and ending at Freedom Square, this spot has spectacular views of the Flame Towers and is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the coast.
The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, established in 1967, is the world’s first. Resembling a rolled-up carpet, the museum’s current building, which opened in 2014, was designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz. Home to the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world, the museum offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional carpet-weaving and its importance in Azerbaijani culture.
45 המלצות של מקומיים
מוזיאון השטיחים של אזרבייג'ן
28 Mikayıl Hüseynov ProspektiThe Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, established in 1967, is the world’s first. Resembling a rolled-up carpet, the museum’s current building, which opened in 2014, was designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz. Home to the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world, the museum offers visitors the chance to learn about traditional carpet-weaving and its importance in Azerbaijani culture.
The curved and futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center makes the list of top things to see in Baku. Located a few kilometres to Icheri Sheher’s northeast and named after the former president, the structure exudes modernity. Conference centres, galleries and a museum are inside.
65 המלצות של מקומיים
מרכז חיידר עלייב
1 Heydər Əliyev prospekti
The curved and futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center makes the list of top things to see in Baku. Located a few kilometres to Icheri Sheher’s northeast and named after the former president, the structure exudes modernity. Conference centres, galleries and a museum are inside.
Baku Boulevard’s version of the giant Ferris wheels common in cities around the world gives passengers a treat. For next to nothing, ride the Baku Eye during the day and night for different views. Look southwest towards the pier, and you might just be able to spot the submerged 13th-century Sabayil Castle, also known as the ‘Atlantis of the Caspian Sea’.
6 המלצות של מקומיים
עין באקו
Baku Boulevard’s version of the giant Ferris wheels common in cities around the world gives passengers a treat. For next to nothing, ride the Baku Eye during the day and night for different views. Look southwest towards the pier, and you might just be able to spot the submerged 13th-century Sabayil Castle, also known as the ‘Atlantis of the Caspian Sea’.
The Baku Ateshgah, often called the "Fire Temple of Baku" is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town, a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan. Based on Persian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, and Zoroastrian place of worship. "Ātash" is the Persian word for fire.
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Ateshgah of Baku
The Baku Ateshgah, often called the "Fire Temple of Baku" is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town, a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan. Based on Persian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, and Zoroastrian place of worship. "Ātash" is the Persian word for fire.
Filarmoniya Bağı, sometimes called Gubernator's or Governor's Park, is a park in Baku, Azerbaijan, next to Baku fortress. The park was established beginning in 1830; ship's captains coming from Iran were asked to bring a sack of soil to add to it. It was extended in the 1860s and 1870s to 4.6 hectares (11 acres) and originally called Mixaylov bağı, Mikhaelovsky Garden, after the governor. In the early 20th century, there were plans to create a concert hall in the park, but the necessary felling of trees led to objections. A summer pavilion was built. The park was renovated in the 1970s and then further renovated beginning in 2007 on orders of President Ilham Aliyev. An old-fashioned fountain designed by the French company Inter Art has been added.
15 המלצות של מקומיים
Filarmoniya parkı
Filarmoniya Bağı, sometimes called Gubernator's or Governor's Park, is a park in Baku, Azerbaijan, next to Baku fortress. The park was established beginning in 1830; ship's captains coming from Iran were asked to bring a sack of soil to add to it. It was extended in the 1860s and 1870s to 4.6 hectares (11 acres) and originally called Mixaylov bağı, Mikhaelovsky Garden, after the governor. In the early 20th century, there were plans to create a concert hall in the park, but the necessary felling of trees led to objections. A summer pavilion was built. The park was renovated in the 1970s and then further renovated beginning in 2007 on orders of President Ilham Aliyev. An old-fashioned fountain designed by the French company Inter Art has been added.
Opened in October 2021, right next to the apartment, brand new and great place to visit if you have a spare time.
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גן החיות של באקו
Opened in October 2021, right next to the apartment, brand new and great place to visit if you have a spare time.
You have to EAT this!
My most favorite places to eat…
A charming Azerbaijani restaurant in the heart of the Old City. Busy and bright with windows into the street and a special ambiance inside. Great fresh food, best traditional breakfast and branch.
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Manqal Restaurant
Kichik QalaA charming Azerbaijani restaurant in the heart of the Old City. Busy and bright with windows into the street and a special ambiance inside. Great fresh food, best traditional breakfast and branch.
A beautiful and cozy old-grandmother’s-home style Russian restaurant with wide selection of food and beautiful atmosphere.
8 המלצות של מקומיים
Mari Vanna
93 Zərifə Əliyeva KüçəsiA beautiful and cozy old-grandmother’s-home style Russian restaurant with wide selection of food and beautiful atmosphere.
This restaurant is one of the best places in Baku. The impressive and indescribable beauty of its traditional decoration and it’s food choices and quality of it are just outstanding. You will bet lost in different rooms and parts of the restaurants with different treasures inside. The word Museum really has its meaning for this place Definitely place to visit when in Baku.
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Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant
This restaurant is one of the best places in Baku. The impressive and indescribable beauty of its traditional decoration and it’s food choices and quality of it are just outstanding. You will bet lost in different rooms and parts of the restaurants with different treasures inside. The word Museum really has its meaning for this place Definitely place to visit when in Baku.
"United Coffee Beans" is a local company providing freshly roasted specialty coffee in Azerbaijan. Great cozy place!
United Coffee Beans
6 Yusif Məmmədəliyev"United Coffee Beans" is a local company providing freshly roasted specialty coffee in Azerbaijan. Great cozy place!
Paris Bistro is a very warm place with welcoming staff and the authentic French interior. My favorite place for european style breakfast!
13 המלצות של מקומיים
Paris Bistro
Zarifa Aliyeva StreetParis Bistro is a very warm place with welcoming staff and the authentic French interior. My favorite place for european style breakfast!
Central Baku
75 Nizami StNice place for breakfast and lunch in the heart of city center.
Meating Point
20 Nigar RəfibəyliBest burgers in town! A place to meet and place to eat!
My favorite bakery chain - awesome breads, delicious croissants, salads, sandwiches and more!
7 המלצות של מקומיים
Entree Bakery Chain
26G Rasul RzaMy favorite bakery chain - awesome breads, delicious croissants, salads, sandwiches and more!
Gazelli Cafe
93 Nizami StreetVery nice, cozy restaurant that offers delicious Georgian food. Get spicy "Xarcho" soup and load your stomach with xinkali, khacapuri, cheburek, little Georgian style pizza, Georgian cheese and wine. Mmm...Just yummy!
Mama jan
5 Aleksandr PuşkinVery nice, cozy restaurant that offers delicious Georgian food. Get spicy "Xarcho" soup and load your stomach with xinkali, khacapuri, cheburek, little Georgian style pizza, Georgian cheese and wine. Mmm...Just yummy!
You have to BUY this!
Best shopping places in town
Ganjlik Mall Shopping Center is one of the largest shopping centers in Azerbaijan. The mall is well located, north of the city center, adjacent to the Tofiq Bahramov Football Stadium, with direct access from the busy Ganjlik metro and bus stations.
Ganjlik Mall Baku is designed in the Czech architectural studio, the Prague branch of Chapman Taylor.
World fashion brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango, Ted Baker, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, French Connection, LC Waikiki, Koton, New Yorker, DeFacto, Calliope, Terranova, Stradivarius, OVS, Pimkie and many others are represented here. A wide range of sporting goods and equipment is available at GO Sport and Courir stores.
The advantage of Ganjlik Mall is that you can get into it without leaving the Ganjlik metro station. It is only 15 min walk from our apartment.
20 המלצות של מקומיים
Ganjlik Mall
14 Fətəli Xan XoyskiGanjlik Mall Shopping Center is one of the largest shopping centers in Azerbaijan. The mall is well located, north of the city center, adjacent to the Tofiq Bahramov Football Stadium, with direct access from the busy Ganjlik metro and bus stations.
Ganjlik Mall Baku is designed in the Czech architectural studio, the Prague branch of Chapman Taylor.
World fashion brands such as Zara, Massimo Dutti, Mango, Ted Baker, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, French Connection, LC Waikiki, Koton, New Yorker, DeFacto, Calliope, Terranova, Stradivarius, OVS, Pimkie and many others are represented here. A wide range of sporting goods and equipment is available at GO Sport and Courir stores.
The advantage of Ganjlik Mall is that you can get into it without leaving the Ganjlik metro station. It is only 15 min walk from our apartment.
Located on land reclaimed from the Caspian Sea, Deniz Mall is a 120,000m² entertainment, leisure and dining destination over five floors. It is Azerbaijan's premier entertainment venue.
With over 70 favorite branded shops and restaurants, it is the best place to shop, dine and then take a long walk along the Caspian Sea.
Dəniz Mall
26a Neftçilər ProspektiLocated on land reclaimed from the Caspian Sea, Deniz Mall is a 120,000m² entertainment, leisure and dining destination over five floors. It is Azerbaijan's premier entertainment venue.
With over 70 favorite branded shops and restaurants, it is the best place to shop, dine and then take a long walk along the Caspian Sea.
The very first shopping mall in Baku.
Park Bulvar is a multi-storey shopping mall located on Baku Boulevard, downtown Baku.
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Park Bulvar Mall
Neftçilər ProspektiThe very first shopping mall in Baku.
Park Bulvar is a multi-storey shopping mall located on Baku Boulevard, downtown Baku.
This is an old-fashioned traditional bazaar full of organic fresh vegetables, fruits and the green just from the regions. The prices for all of these are quite affordable. That's why locals also prefer to do shopping in this bazaar. And of course don't forget to bargain - you can save a little money.
7 המלצות של מקומיים
Yaşıl Bazar
Xətai prospektiThis is an old-fashioned traditional bazaar full of organic fresh vegetables, fruits and the green just from the regions. The prices for all of these are quite affordable. That's why locals also prefer to do shopping in this bazaar. And of course don't forget to bargain - you can save a little money.
A must-see outside of Baku
Great places to visit just outside of city, outdoor activities, hiking destinations
Gobustan State Reserve is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings, which depict people, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000-20,000 years.
Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve acquired national status in 2006, and were added to the UNESCO World Social Legacy List in 2007.
21 המלצות של מקומיים
Qobustan
Gobustan State Reserve is very rich in archeological monuments, the reserve has more than 6,000 rock carvings, which depict people, animals, battle-pieces, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, pictures of sun and stars, on the average dating back to 5,000-20,000 years.
Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve acquired national status in 2006, and were added to the UNESCO World Social Legacy List in 2007.
Ancient glaciers, deep valleys, stunning mountain lakes and canyons, an ecological treasure trove of plants and animals…This is Shahdag in all its glory! Shahdag Mountain Resort is named after mount Shahdag (4243 m. above the sea level), a mountain peak of the Greater Caucasus range, located 29 km from Gusar city, Azerbaijan. The construction of this complex located near Shahdag National Park provides considerable opportunities for skiing and other winter sports in Azerbaijan. With various new season offers in entertainment and hospitality, Shahdag Mountain Resort is aimed to become a significant tourism destination.
Mount Shahdagh
Ancient glaciers, deep valleys, stunning mountain lakes and canyons, an ecological treasure trove of plants and animals…This is Shahdag in all its glory! Shahdag Mountain Resort is named after mount Shahdag (4243 m. above the sea level), a mountain peak of the Greater Caucasus range, located 29 km from Gusar city, Azerbaijan. The construction of this complex located near Shahdag National Park provides considerable opportunities for skiing and other winter sports in Azerbaijan. With various new season offers in entertainment and hospitality, Shahdag Mountain Resort is aimed to become a significant tourism destination.
15 kilometers of the perfectly groomed slopes, on skis or a snowboard, beautiful views over the Caucasus Mountains. This is the Tufandag Mountain resort ski area.
26 המלצות של מקומיים
מתחם הר טופנדאג
Duruca kəndi15 kilometers of the perfectly groomed slopes, on skis or a snowboard, beautiful views over the Caucasus Mountains. This is the Tufandag Mountain resort ski area.
Home to the world's greatest concentration of mud volcanoes, the landscape around Baku might be described as messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive. The country is thought to have nearly 400 mud volcanoes and while they never grow to the size of a normal volcano, topping out at around 10 kilometres in diameter and 700 metres in height (among the largest mud volcanoes in the world are Boyuk Kanizadag and Toraghai, both in Azerbaijan), they do occasionally get the chance to show off.
11 המלצות של מקומיים
Mud Volcano
Home to the world's greatest concentration of mud volcanoes, the landscape around Baku might be described as messy, bubbling, and sometimes explosive. The country is thought to have nearly 400 mud volcanoes and while they never grow to the size of a normal volcano, topping out at around 10 kilometres in diameter and 700 metres in height (among the largest mud volcanoes in the world are Boyuk Kanizadag and Toraghai, both in Azerbaijan), they do occasionally get the chance to show off.
Qaranohur
Khinalig village is the highest residential area of Azerbaijan. Located at the highest level in the Great Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan, this village is inhabited by the Khinalig people, who are considered Caucasian minorities.
The village of Khinalig is also characterized by breathtaking views. Surrounded by mountains and green valleys during the summer, Khinalig is a place of incredible natural landscapes.
Khinaliq
Khinalig village is the highest residential area of Azerbaijan. Located at the highest level in the Great Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan, this village is inhabited by the Khinalig people, who are considered Caucasian minorities.
The village of Khinalig is also characterized by breathtaking views. Surrounded by mountains and green valleys during the summer, Khinalig is a place of incredible natural landscapes.
טיפים לגבי העיר
התמצאות בסביבה
Public transport: Subways are fastest way to get around
Subway in Baku is quite easy to navigate and fastest (and cheapest) way to get around. The closest metro station for you will be Ganjlik. Both green and red lines pass through it. Also there is a direct exit from the metro to the shopping mall called Ganjlik Mall. To use the metro you will need a BakiKart, which can be purchased right inside the metro from the vending machines and can be used on both metro and bus. The Card price is 2 manat and I would suggest that you put another 2-4 manats on the first use, it will be enough for several trips, one ride costs 0,30 manat.
התמצאות בסביבה
Lazy to go out? Order your food online!
Install Wolt app on your phone, add the apartment address (don’t forget to mention door code and floor number) and order your food from most of the restaurants and coffee houses in Baku. You can also order grocery and pharmacy products there. Wolt accepts any Visa and Mastercards.
התמצאות בסביבה
Stay connected - get local number with data package
There are several cell providers what you can choose from - Azercell, Bakcell and Nar. All packages are similar so just pick one and get a local number with data (you will need data to access 🚕 when outside of wi-fi zone). There’s Azercell booth in Ganjlik Shopping mall, inside Maxi.az store on -1 foor. Have your passport with you. Many small phone shops are in downtown area, you can buy one there too.
התמצאות בסביבה
Cab service is quite convenient and inexpensive
Download Bolt or Uber apps on your cell and order cab service from and to any corner of the city. Transportation in general is quite inexpensive in Baku. For example, for max 4-6 manat ($3-4) you can get from the apartment to downtown.
התמצאות בסביבה
Money, money, money…Where to exchange.
The Azerbaijan Manat is the currency of Azerbaijan. You may exchange your money for the Manat at the airport but the rates may not be best. Once in the city you can exchange EUR or USD at most Baku banks. There’s a branch of Kapital Bank in Ganjlik Shopping Center at -1 floor. Alternatively, you can walk in any bank in city center with your passport.