Discover the vibrant, secular city of Baku, the booming equivalent of Dubai, during your layover.
Baku, Azerbaijan, often referred to as "Little Dubai," offers an unparalleled experience of blending ancient history with modern marvels. This vibrant city on the Caspian Sea coastline captivates visitors with its unique charm and rapid urban development reminiscent of Dubai.
Ancient Wonders
Start your journey in Baku Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with medieval architecture, narrow streets, artisan shops, and key landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace. The Maiden Tower, dating back to the 12th century, is a city emblem and museum with historical and astronomical significance. Meanwhile, the Shirvanshahs' Palace, a 15th-century palace complex, showcases medieval architecture at its finest, featuring mosques, mausoleums, and baths.
The Bibi-Heybat Mosque, a beautifully reconstructed 13th-century Shia mosque, serves as a major religious site with striking interiors. For a deeper dive into Baku's ancient history and culture, don't miss the old caravanserais in Icherisheher.
Modern Marvels
The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, stands as a striking architectural work with fluid curves and futuristic design. Inside, you'll find exhibitions on Azerbaijani art and history. The Flame Towers, a trio of skyscrapers shaped like flames, symbolize Azerbaijan's "Land of Fire" nickname. At night, they feature spectacular LED light shows and offer panoramic views of the city and Caspian Sea.
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, shaped like a rolled carpet, showcases millennia-old Azerbaijani weaving heritage and contemporary designs. For a scenic seaside promenade, head to Baku Boulevard (National Park), which includes parks, fountains, the Baku Eye Ferris wheel, and the "Mini Venice" waterway area.
Beyond the City
Just outside the city, you can visit Gobustan National Park to see mud volcanoes and ancient rock art. If you're a fan of James Bond, take a trip to the "James Bond oil fields" where The World Is Not Enough was filmed. For those interested in history and culture, there's a Zoroastrian fire temple nearby.
Practical Tips
Navigating Baku is easy thanks to the Soviet-era metro system. Rides with Bolt and Uber are inexpensive, costing around £2 for a 15-minute journey. If you're looking for a taste of Azerbaijani cuisine, consider the Baku Dining & Wine Tasting Experience, which features traditional dishes like gutab, dolma, and plov. For a bougie baklava experience, head to Badam, while Boho bar offers Azerbaijani wine tasting.
The Four Seasons hotel is more centrally located near the UNESCO-listed Icherisheher (old city). If you're visiting in summer, don't miss Dream Fest. For a panoramic view of Baku, including the Flame Towers and the world's largest flying flag, visit Highland Park.
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, located in the Caucasus, a region spanning Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The Ritz-Carlton in Baku offers a view of Zaha Hadid's Heydar Aliyev Center.
Jamil recommends visiting the miniature book museum, Maiden Tower, and the old caravanserais in Icherisheher. Gani, who leads the Tripadvisor's Baku Dining & Wine Tasting Experience, explains the cultural influences on Azerbaijani cuisine. Keklikotu, a type of black tea served in pear-shaped glasses with cherry jam, is a must-try.
Sea Breeze, a 500-hectare development located about 20 minutes outside the city centre of Baku, is another attraction worth exploring. Emin Agalarov, a businessman and singer, is responsible for its development.
