Baku, Azerbaijan Travel -Ultimate Guide
It was in late November 2017, when I started to hear the travel hornet buzzing about Baku, Azerbaijan. Here is a short story on how my ‘Baku, Azerbaijan Travel – Ultimate Guide’ was conceptualized.
I knew almost nothing about the country, but my interest was piqued by what I was hearing and as they say, ‘if you are destined to travel to a country then you do.’
In February 2018, I was fortunate to organize group travel for a corporate client of mine. So, altogether 101 people traveled to Baku to create this ultimate travel guide for you
Table of Contents
How To Get To Baku?
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev International is the international airport. It is served by some of the best airlines like, Emirates, Qatar, Azerbaijan Airline, Turkish, and Etihad Airways, just to name a few. This airport is located 30-minutes away from the city center.
How To Get From The Airport To The City?
The cheapest way to get from the airport to the city is by taking the Aero Express Bus. It operates 24-hours a day. From 6 am to 7 pm it runs at half-hour intervals. From 7 pm to 9 pm every 40-minutes and from 9 pm to 6 am every hour. To use this service, you need a BakiKAT which can easily be purchased from a vending machine at the airport. The bus travels from the airport to Koroglu Metro Station and then non-stop to 28 May Station. From here you can walk, take the metro or taxi to your place of stay.
Tip: The vending machine does not accept credit cards, therefore, you will need Manat, the local currency to purchase the BakiKART. The cost of traveling from the airport to the city is AZN2.00. This card can also be topped-up and you can use it for your travel by metro or the red buses that operate in the city.
The other mode of transportation available at the airport are taxis. Would I take them? NO! The taxi drivers in general are scammers (writing from personal experience); their meters are faulty and they try their best to rip off the unsuspecting tourists.
My suggestion: Don’t take the bus, too time-consuming, airport taxis, a no, no. Get your tour operator to book a private transfer, book a car through rental car companies, or ask the hotel you are staying at if they provide airport shuttle service. It will save you time and your Baku experience will start in a pleasant manner.
For your return journey to the airport, you can pre-book an Uber which would be convenient and cost-effective.
Where Is Azerbaijan And What Is The Name of Its Capital City?
It is a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. It has Georgia and Russia to the north, Iran to the south, Armenia, and Turkey to the south-west, and it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east. Baku is the capital and the largest city in Azerbaijan.
3 Interesting Facts About Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan has been ruled by several empires from, Persian, Alexander The Great, Ottoman, and the Russians. Due to its lovely concoction of East meets West, Azerbaijan has a rich culture and fascinating history.
- It is one of the oldest oil-producing countries and is an important supplier of oil & gas in the Caspian Sea.
- It was an independent nation from 1918 to 1920 and then it was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan declared sovereignty in 1989 and independence in August 1991.
What Do The Words Baku And Azerbaijan Mean?
I have heard of two meanings: One is that Baku is derived from old Persian Bhagavan, which translates it as the “City of God.” Another folk etymology of the word meaning is ‘City where the wind blows.’ Maybe it derived this meaning because of the extreme winter snowstorms and strong winds. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is known as, The Land of Fire!
What Are The Visa Requirements For Visiting Azerbaijan?
The E-Visa process for Azerbaijan is a straightforward process. You fill up an online form with your passport details, where you will be staying, upload your passport and a photograph, and voila!
Nationalities that are eligible for e-visa are mentioned on the site. Unlisted ones would need to approach the local consulate or embassy for the process.
Normal processing time is 3 working days, at a cost of USD 23.00. For urgent visa the cost is USD 50.00 and you will get your visa within 3 hours. The visa is valid for 90 days, with a 30 days stay in Azerbaijan.
What Languages And Religions Are Practiced In Azerbaijan?
The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani. Azeri, is a Turkic language and the dialect is closely related to the modern spoken Turkish language. The Russian language is also widely spoken, more so by the ethnic Russians who live there. In schools, the students are taught Azeri and English while Russian along with other languages are offered as additional languages.
The majority of the Azerbaijanis are Muslim. However, other ethnic-religious minorities are also welcome to practice their own beliefs.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Baku?
Not to sound like a grinch, but I was blowing out ‘breath vapor’ as I had traveled in the month of February. Read about my unforgettable memories.
And neither am I a fan of sweltering heat so I would say the best time to visit is from April to June and then September to October. This way you don’t have to experience the hottest months or the ass freezing ones.
Is Baku An Expensive City?
I would say no, it is not an expensive city. My viewpoint is based on a few factors;
Baku city offers organized, reasonable public transportation options for both locals and tourists. Therefore, traveling within the city is cost-effective.
The country has been blessed with being the epicenter for the oil & gas industry and the tourism industry has seen an incredible boom over a short period of time due to the active role the government has played in promoting the country’s history, culture, tourist sites, and architecture. Due to all these efforts, the city not only has chain-brand hotels but it also has small budget style hotels available for all types of travelers.
Thirdly, there are an extensive number of small and well-known restaurants. If you wish to spend extra dollars on food then by all means dine at some of the best restaurants, but if you are on a budget then you can find fast-food international and local options to dine at a reasonable cost.
Lastly, I found shopping in malls quite reasonable as there are many small brands and options available. Those of you who only buy branded goods should head off to Port Baku Mall. Enjoy spending those dollars!
Is Baku A Safe City To Visit?
Personally I didn’t experience any unsafe incidents or feel insecure during my stay in Baku. Then again, I use common sense in any new city I am visiting. I take necessary precautions like, I don’t carry too much cash with me, and always hold my purse in front of my body when taking public transport or while walking the streets at night. The rule of the thumb that I follow is that I always ask my agent or concierge at the hotel if there are areas that I should avoid during night time and ask them which areas are unsafe for tourists. Their suggestions have always kept me safe during my travels.
Considering that alcohol is sold at supermarkets and Baku has a nightlife so for those who like to paint the town red, I would suggest that be careful in crowded bars. Buy your own drink, don’t leave your drinks unattended at the table or your purse on the floor while you go and shake your bootie. Tourist drinks can get spiked and theft can happen. Party but at the same time be vigilant.
What Currency To Carry To Baku?
You might find it difficult to get the local currency, Azerbaijan Manat, in your country, so the best currencies to carry with yourself, as they are easily accepted are: USD, Euros, and UK pound.
Tip: Once you arrive at the airport, get some manat from the bureau de change which is located in the arrival hall after you clear customs and before you exit the airport. You might not get the best rate but you would need local currency to travel from the airport to the hotel, for tipping your driver, or if hungry, to buy a meal.
Also depending on the time you arrive, you might not be able to get to a currency exchange kiosk or a bank in the city.
Another tip: Amrahbank offers a good exchange rate and they have several branches in the city. Simply google the location or ask your hotel concierge to guide you to one of their closest branch.
Use this website to get an idea of the conversion rate for your currency against the Manat.
Should I Buy Travel Insurance For My Travel To Baku?
Definitely! Anything can happen or go wrong during your travel, so I advise you to always buy travel insurance for any destination that you are traveling to. I always take the best insurance coverage, but again this is totally up to you to decide. I have used a few insurance companies in the past, however, World Nomad is my first choice.
How To Get Around In Baku?
Public transport in Baku is safe, convenient, and reasonable compared to some other countries. The metro and buses are far cheaper than taxis.
There are two types of buses, red and purple. The red buses are newer with air-conditioning and comfortable seats. For you to travel by the red ones, you would need to purchase the BakiKart card as cash is not accepted by the drivers.
The Metro is the second mode of transport. It operates from 6:00 am to midnight. Again, you would require a BakiKart to use this service. You can purchase this card at the metro stations and selected bus stops served by the red bus company. Just a small piece of advice that if you are purchasing this card using a vending machine then just know that the machine will not give you change back. Therefore, insert the exact amount, and also when you do top-up then do the same. Lastly, this card is non-refundable, but if you are left with some credit in the card at the end of your stay then you can simply go to the metro station on your last day and get the amount refunded in cash to you.
The third means of traveling within the city is by taxis. Personally, as mentioned above, I would not take the metered cabs as the drivers are scammers, especially if you do not speak Azerbaijani or Russian. I had one such bad experience and after that I used Uber. It was cost-effective, convenient and the drivers are knowledgeable and helpful. Besides Uber, you can also use Bolt, Omega Taxi, and Maxim Taxi. Simply download their app and enjoy the ride.
Where To Stay In Baku?
Baku, Azerbaijan, in the past known to a few, has seen a tremendous boost in the tourism industry in the last few years. The destination has become famous amongst individuals, families, honeymooners, and corporate travelers. This boom in tourism did not go unnoticed by the international hotel chains. Therefore, now in Baku, you can find luxury hotel chains like Marriott, Renaissance, Hilton, Fairmont and Kempinski, Sheraton, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Accor group’s Pullman Hotel and Radisson.
Luxury hotel situated in the heart of the city, on the Freedom Square. Baku’s main shopping, entertainment, and business districts are all within a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Baku Central Station is about 7-minutes walk and the international airport is 25 minutes by drive. WIFI is available at additional cost.
Located in the Flame Towers Complex. It has all the amenities of a luxury hotel. Baku Old City district and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace is 15-minutes walk from Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers. Free WIFI is available.
It is a 4-star hotel located in the city center and close by to most of the shopping malls. Fountain Square is 550 m, while Azerbaijan Opera and Ballet Theatre is 800 m away. Free WIFI is available.
What To Do In Baku?
There is always so much to do when one visits a new city. However, one can never do or see it all in one short visit. Below is a list of places that you must visit or atleast try to during your stay in Baku.
- Highland Park
- Baku Boulevard
- Shirvanshahs Palace
- Maiden Tower
- Juma Mosque
- Heydar Aliyev Center
- Flame Towers
- Ateshgah Temple
- Yanardag (burning mountain)
- Gala outdoor museum
- Shamakhi
- Diri Baba
- Yeddi Gumbaz
- Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
- 28 Mall for shopping
- Nizami Street
- Fountain Square
What Are The Local Popular Dishes Of Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan cuisine is a blend of Persian, Middle Eastern food combined with European flavors. I am not a protege of Anthony Bourdain but I did manage to try a few of their local dishes.
- Plov – This is a classic Azerbaijan dish. It is saffron-flavored rice cooked with meat, dry fruits, fresh herbs. The best thing about this dish is that restaurants have their own recipe for it. So don’t expect the same recipe being followed in different restaurants.
- Dolma – This consists of rice mixed with lamb, cinnamon, herbs wrapped in vine leaves. There are some who also use cabbage leaves as a wrap.
- Kebabs / Shashlik – Again extremely common. They use lamb and chicken meat to make these.
- Seafood dishes – These are on the expensive side compared to meat dishes.
- Halva – Known to many as ‘Baklava’ is a dessert made with nuts, pistachios, and coated with sweet or honey syrup.
- Azeri Sherbet – Common welcoming drink. It is a cold, sweet drink made with water, sugar, and various fruit juices.
- Black tea – freshly brewed and it is strong and served hot.
What Is The Electricity Voltage In Azerbaijan?
In Azerbaijan the standard voltage is 240V.
If you are from a country which has a different voltage, then you must carry a travel adaptor, unless your electric items have a dual voltage adjuster.
What To Pack For Azerbaijan?
- The general rule of the thumb that I follow before deciding on the clothes that I need to pack for my trip, is the country’s culture and the weather. Azerbaijan’s majority of the population is Muslim. Therefore, I would suggest that you keep your dressing decent and not provocative. Winter season dressing is easy to determine as you should carry your windbreaker jacket, mufflers, gloves, and boots. For summer travel, ladies don’t carry those tight-fitting dresses or shorts. Pack comfortable clothing and avoid micro-mini skirts or dresses.
- Carry your camera with an extra battery. Trust me you will be taking zillions of photographs and the extra battery will be really handy.
- Laptop or notebook with your charger. I cannot live without my Apple iMac.
- Your Phone and charger. As a backup, I also carry a power bank. I keep this charged all the time. Helpful tip. Put your phone and other equipment for charging at night before going to bed, so in the morning you don’t have to see the unwanted red blinking light.
- Sunglasses. I can’t live without mine.
- A cap if you are planning to travel during the hot months. Believe you me, you will need this.
- Sunscreen – I always carry an extra tube. I simply can’t have enough of this.
- Comfortable shoes if you are someone like me who loves walking and exploring the city.
- If you are traveling during the summer months then pack your one-piece swimsuit, if you intend to use the hotel swimming pool.
- Prescription medicines. I always count my travel days and pack all my meds in a plastic sealed bag. The plastic bag also makes it easy for custom officers to see the medicines that you are carrying.
What Emergency Numbers Should I Keep On Hand While Traveling To Azerbaijan?
Emergency Numbers:
Police / Fire / Ambulance
Dial 102 / 101 / 103
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6 Comments
Sarah Weiss
Wow this was incredibly in depth description. Im sure if anyone is planning to go to this country they would find literally everything they need. Very well presented!
Good luck with your blog 🙂
MSAInfiniteMonkey
Hello Sarah,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment. Let’s stay in touch as bloggers 🙂
SABREENA AGHA
Outstanding blog so detailed with loads of useful info don’t need to refer to any other travel book just read this before visiting Baku. Also Travel Nomad should sponsor you for mentioning them ;).
MSAInfiniteMonkey
Thank you Sabreena for your kind comment.
Taylor
This is such a helpful guide! Azerbaijan is very high on my bucket list. I find it to be a very interesting destination. Also the food sounds wonderful! Thank you for sharing. 🙂
MSAInfiniteMonkey
Thank you, Taylor, for your comment. Yes a must-visit destination.