Trip to Baku: The Travel Guide

Little Know-How About Baku

Baku, the land of mixed cultures of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the land of many historic and architectural icons. Baku is the capital and economic hub of Azerbaijan. Also, a Baku trip is one of the main reasons people actually enter this country.

Baku, the city of winds is a fast-growing and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Thanks to the oil fields, historical remains and empires, the world has the eyes on this beautiful place, called Baku.

Baku has 11 institutes of higher education, 30 museums, 7 theaters, and many more interesting places waiting for you. Baku has a total area of 2130 km². The largest city of Azerbaijan had 2.236 million people residing in its vicinity in 2016.

Visa Process

Planning a Baku trip? Here is what you need to know about the visa requirements of Azerbaijan.

If you are a citizen of any of the following countries, then you do not need to apply and wait for the visa to travel to Baku. You can enjoy the trip to Baku for 90 days without a visa. 

Here is the list:

1. Belarus
2. Georgia
3. Kazakhstan
4. Kyrgyzstan
5. Moldova
6. Russia
7. Tajikistan
8. Turkey
9. Ukraine
10. Uzbekistan

If you are a Turkish national, then you can only stay for 30 days without a visa.

The rest of the world needs to have a visa for traveling to Azerbaijan. A general guideline is as follows:

1. Application Form 
2. One Photograph 
3. Valid Original Passport 
4. Letter of Invitation

Some additional documents might be required for the visa process. You should consider visiting the Embassy or website for the visa process of your country. The e-Visa for Azerbaijan will cost you only $59.

Tourism in Baku

Due to the fast development in every sector, Baku has now become a top-rated destination all around the world. The city, with its rich culture, history and beautiful sights, has a special place in the hearts of many people, not just in the immediate regions but across the globe.  

Baku receives more than 2 million tourists annually. Baku is now one of the most famous tourist spots in the world. Your Baku trip can be the best plan you make this year.

Safety in Baku

Safety is the primary concern while planning a trip to any place in the world. Luckily, Baku is a safe place to travel with very friendly nationals. Baku has a shallow crime rate. However, beware as muggings do occur from time to time. You have to be vigilant enough to avoid any dangers while traveling, no matter where you go.

If you are a victim of any crime, you can reach out to the police at 102 any time of the day or night. Make sure to take someone if you are going personally to the police station for reporting so that the person can help you translate or interpret.

The Climate in Baku

The city of lights has a temperate semi-arid climate. During summers, the area experiences high temperatures. Although Baku is not as hot as the rest of Azerbaijan because of northern latitude. The average temperature in summers is approximately 26 degrees Celsius.

Winters are bitterly cold, with occasional rainfalls and snowstorms. The temperature falls to almost 4.3 degrees Celsius on average in winters.  

Best Time to Visit Baku

Baku is one of the rarest places in the world that is available and equally beautiful all the yearlong. Although the winter season from November to March is the peak time of the tourists.

So, if you are planning to go on a Baku trip and you don’t like the massive crowds, try visiting the city between July and August. The temperature will be hot, but there won’t be any hustling and bustling situations. You can enjoy your Baku tours comfortably

Four mandatory places to visit in Baku

Wondering where to go in Baku? Here are the four necessary areas you need to go on your Baku trip:

1.      Palace of Shirvanshahs

Baku is rich in historical remains, and the Palace of Shirvanshahs is one of those remains. This palace was built in the 15^th century for the ruling dynasty of Azerbaijan. Every block of the castle is the witness to the great times in Azerbaijan.

You can enter this classical and historical place by paying as low as $2 and if you want a tour in English the cost you will have to bear is $5.

2.      Maiden’s Tower

You can call this masterpiece the most iconic landmark in the whole Azerbaijan. It is estimated to be built from 6^th to 7^th centuries BC. Maiden’s Tower is a valuable place in Azerbaijan, and it has served many purposes since it was built. People used it as a place of worship, defense, etc. As of now, it is serving as a museum in Baku. Every stair on the tower tells you a whole new story about history. It is a great learning adventure. 

3.      Museum of Modern Art

It has been ten years since the museum was opened. The museum was designed by Jean Nouvel. The museum features the work of Picasso and Dali along with traditional Azerbaijani Art from the 1890s. It possesses a gallery, reading hall, café, and a bookshop. 

It seems like a perfect relaxation point. Make sure to stop by the museum on the trip to Baku.

4.      Nizami Street:

Nizami Street is named after the famous former Azerbaijani poet, Nizami Ganjavi. The street is one of the tourists’ favorite places to visit in Baku because of the shopping and eye-catching architecture.  

5 Best Hotels to Stay in Baku:

Already planned your trip to Baku? Wondering where to stay?

Here are a few places you can consider:

1.      Deniz Inn City Hotel:

Looking for a comfortable stay on your trip to Baku, this hotel is best for you. The spacious rooms and the pleasant atmosphere will give you home-like feelings. Deniz Inn is a 4-star hotel, located near the Palace of Shirvanshahs.

2.      La Casa Hote

Next up, we have La Casa Hotel. The hotel too provides a pleasant stay with so many interesting places nearby and the tasty food. La Casa Hotel is one of the top-rated properties in Baku.

3.      Sunday Hotel:

With its exceptional location, cooperative staff, impressive interiors and delicious food, Sunday Hotel give its customer a total getaway package. No customer has to worry about anything; they will make your trip to Baku a memorable one.

4.      Da Vinci Hotel:

It is a brilliant choice for your Baku trip. The hotel, other than the basic and elementary services, the hotel has a terrace with each room. You can enjoy the night view of the beautiful surroundings.

5.      Harmony Hotel:

Harmony hotel features spacious rooms with great interiors. Along with the cooperative staff, fitness center and a bar, the hotel has a restaurant with delicious foods. Moreover, the hotel has photocopying and faxing facility within the vicinity. Now you can imagine the level of care for their customers, they have focused on every little thing that can be needed.

Famous Foods in Baku:

Here are a few amazing foods you can try on your trip to Baku:

1.      Lyulya Kebab:

Lyulya Kebab is a thin tube-like structure, cooked with the help of a skewer. It is served with pomegranate grains and fried tomatoes. It is one of the most famous foods, not just in Baku but all over Azerbaijan. 

2.      Plov:

It is a very light and tasty dish with a straightforward recipe. Plov is a rice and meat dish in which rice is cooked in the broth, and minimal amount of spices are added. This is also a must-try dish on your trip to Baku. 

3.      Saj Ichi:

Saj Ichi is the national dish of Azerbaijan. Its recipe involves cooking vegetables and meat together. It is a very simple yet tasty dish. Your trip to Baku will be incomplete if you don’t try Saj Ichi.

Travel Costs for Baku:

If you are planning your trip to Baku, then you should know how much cost you will have to bear per day on average. You will only have to spend $ 30 to $ 50 daily to survive in Baku.

Local Traditions, Customs, And Celebrations in Baku:

Since Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, mostly customs and traditions that are observed are religious.

Here are a few celebrations, customs, and traditions celebrated in Baku, Azerbaijan:

1.      Novruz:

This is the biggest celebration in Azerbaijan and the biggest holiday. A whole month of spring is dedicated to this festival. Although the biggest celebrations of the time take place on 21^st March, every year. These celebrations are Azerbaijanis way of welcoming a new year. If you are lucky enough to get the tickets for your trip to Baku on these dates, you will see for yourself what an exciting celebration, Novruz is.

2.      Gulesh:

Pekhlevans, Gulesh competitors, wrestlers compete with each other. Gulesh is a part and parcel of Azerbaijan’s culture. The wrestling is followed by dance and music, making the festival more colorful and exciting.

3.      Victory Day:

Victory day is celebrated on 9^th May every year. It is dedicated to pay gratitude to the martyrs of World War 2 and to pay a token of appreciation to the survivors of the great tragedy.

Final Words:

Baku has so many tourist attractions that one short visit to the place wouldn’t satisfy you. Baku tends to capture both your heart and soul. So are you ready to give this city a try? When are you planning your Baku trip? Share your thoughts with us.