Baku Tour Packages

On the shores of the mighty, blue Caspian Sea, lies Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. The city is also the largest in the country and the lowest-lying national capital in the world. Baku lies 28 meters below sea level and interestingly enough, keeps sinking gradually, making it a natural harbour and enhancing its significance throughout history. The only other national capital below sea level is Amsterdam. The Bay of Baku, on the southern shore of the Absheron Peninsula, offers a unique blend of culture, history and architectural marvels. The city itself is one of the listed old cities as per UNESCO. Often, Baku is referred to as the love child of Paris and Dubai, where the East meets the West. Baku is commonly divided into two parts, the inner city and the outer city. The Inner City has immense historical significance and is called Icherisheher, locally. This historic core is the Old City bordered by a curving wall, featuring grand palaces, mosques, and the sunken ruins of caravanserais and old hammams. This Walled City goes back to the 12th century, built with quarried stone giving the buildings a uniform appearance similar to its surroundings. What not to miss when you are in Baku 1. Maiden Tower: The Maiden Tower, built in the 12th century is one of the most mysterious structures in the world. To date, the purpose of this structure has not been known but it is considered to have been built as a Zoroastrian Fire Temple or a Tower of Silence. In Azeri, the Maiden Tower is known as ‘Qiz Qalasi’, being an eight-storey cylindrical structure. The Maiden Tower features on the Azerbaijani currency notes and official letterheads, being the country’s one of the most distinctive national emblems. The Tower has a museum and a gift shop while the view from the rooftop is one of the best places to get a glimpse of the Old City. 2. Flame Tower: Rising boldly against Baku's skyline, the Flame Towers are a trio of skyscrapers that epitomize the modern spirit of Azerbaijan. Designed to resemble flames, these architectural marvels symbolize the country's historical connection to fire and its contemporary dynamism. By day, their sleek glass façades reflect the Caspian Sea and the city below, while at night, the towers come alive with a dazzling LED light show that mimics flickering flames. The Flame Towers house luxury apartments, office spaces, and a hotel, offering stunning panoramic views of Baku and creating an iconic image that bridges the city's rich past with its vibrant present. Being the largest Island in Thailand, it is home to more than 40 stunning beaches offering experiences which cater to all types of travelers. 3.Palace of Shirvanshahs The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, located in the heart of Baku's Old City, is a majestic 15th-century architectural gem that stands as a testament to the grandeur and sophistication of the Shirvan dynasty. It has been described by UNESCO as ‘one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture’. Surrounded by ancient stone walls and overlooking the Caspian Sea, this palace complex includes royal residences, a mosque, a mausoleum, and a bathhouse, each intricately adorned with exquisite carvings and designs. Back in the day, the palace was surrounded by a wall with towers which acted as an inner stronghold of the Baku fortress. As you explore its serene courtyards and hallways, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs transports you back in time, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Azerbaijan. 4.Yeralti Hamam or Underground Bath Museum The Yeralti Hamam, or Underground Bath Museum, in Baku, is a captivating destination that offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled beneath the bustling streets of the Old City, this historic bathhouse dates back to the 17th century and showcases the traditional architecture and bathing rituals of the time. As you descend into the cool, dimly lit chambers, you are transported to an era when bathhouses were not just places of hygiene but also social hubs for relaxation and conversation. The museum meticulously preserves the original stone walls, domed ceilings, and intricate tile work, providing an authentic experience that highlights the importance of communal baths in Azerbaijani culture. Visiting the Yeralti Hamam is like stepping into a hidden world where history, tradition, and tranquillity converge. 5.Heydar Mosque Standing majestically in the heart of Baku, the Heydar Mosque is a symbol of architectural splendour and spiritual significance. Completed in 2014, this grand mosque, named after Azerbaijan's former President Heydar Aliyev, features four towering minarets and a central dome that commands attention. Its pristine white façade, adorned with intricate carvings and elegant calligraphy, glows beautifully under the sun and even more so when illuminated at night. The mosque's vast interior, capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers, is a serene space filled with exquisite chandeliers and detailed Islamic motifs. The Heydar Mosque not only serves as a place of worship but also stands as a beacon of cultural heritage and unity in Azerbaijan. Engage your taste buds in Azerbaijan’s local dishes 1. Plov If you are in Baku, you must not miss out on the traditional Azerbaijani dish, called plov. Plov is essentially rice-based with a delicious combination of dried fruits, mutton, chilov which is beans with fish or chicken. Rice steamed with saffron to give it a delightful aromatic quality is a speciality of Azerbaijan. One can find plov, also known as pilaf in most restaurants in Baku. 2. Dolma Dolma is a dumpling delicacy of Azerbaijan, commonly appreciated in Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines. It is typically eaten in bite-sized portions with a generous dollop of creamy garlic yoghurt sauce. Interestingly, the Azeri Dolma has more than 25 varieties, depending on the region and the season. It is made by stuffing tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplant, rice, peas, and spices into grape leaves or wrap them around meat. In English, the word "dolma" means "stuffed." Bread, tomato, cucumber, and other greens can also be served with the dish. Vine leaves are used to wrap the dolma in the winter and spring. It makes use of peppers and eggplants in the summer. Additionally, it makes use of cabbage leaves in the fall. 3. Buckwheat Buckwheat is a staple of Azerbaijan, being a great alternative to its counterparts of rice and wheat in Asia. Buckwheat is rich in carbohydrates and is often consumed as a part of breakfast too. 4. Bozbash Bozbash or Kufta Bozbash is often referred to as the national soup of Azerbaijan. It is a tad bit spicy and quite rich in taste. The dish is cooked by boiling large meatballs in a broth of potatoes, peas and mutton bones, until turned tender. Dry or fresh cherries add to the taste. Additionally, in Baku, adding saffron and turmeric to the dish is a common practice. 5. Saj Ichi Many Azerbaijani dishes are prepared using the traditional methods which have been prevalent since ancient times. This includes cooking with clay or copper pots to retain the flavour of the dish. One such dish is the Saj Ichi. The cuisine of Azerbaijan is known for its saj ichi. Given that lamb has been consumed in the nation for millennia, it is typically the preferred meat. After the lamb has been diced, it is cooked in a copper pan over hot coals with cubed potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. 6. Piti Piti is a liquid dish of lamb or mutton and chickpeas, with added chestnuts, plums, onions, saffron and bread. The soup is made by cooking it slowly in a unique method for almost five to six hours, which has been passed on through generations. The secret lies in the unique way of cooking Piti, which is made in a clay pot called the ‘topu’. The dish originated in the northern city of Sheki which is historically known as the ‘potters’ city’. Considered a workers’ dish, Piti is quite fulfilling and nourishing and most definitely a must-try. Best time to visit Baku The ideal months to visit Baku would be from April until October with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C. The weather is nice and moderate during these months, making it the perfect time to see the city's mix of contemporary and historical attractions. The best seasons to explore the Old City (Icherisheher), stroll along the Caspian Sea promenade and see the Flame Towers are spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear. This time of year provides a distinctive experience by balancing good weather with a variety of cultural events. With temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C, April to June and September to October are Baku's busiest travel months.