Baku Travel Guide 2025 – Best Places, Food & Tips
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a stunning blend of East and West. This Caspian Sea-front city offers ancient history, dramatic architecture, rich food, and a welcoming vibe. From walking the cobbled streets of the Old City to watching flames dance on skyscrapers, Baku is a destination full of surprises.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a cultural journey, or a family vacation, this guide has everything you need to explore Baku like a pro.
📍 Top Places to Visit in Baku
- Icherisheher (Old City) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow lanes, historical buildings, and traditional crafts. Don’t miss:
- Maiden Tower
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Caravanserais
- Flame Towers – Baku’s iconic skyscrapers that light up the night sky with dancing flames.
- Baku Boulevard (Caspian Sea Promenade) – A scenic stretch with Ferris wheel, musical fountains, and sunset views.
- Heydar Aliyev Center – Designed by Zaha Hadid, this flowing structure is an architectural marvel and museum hub.
- Nizami Street – A lively pedestrian street for shopping, cafes, and nightlife.
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque – A stunning mosque rebuilt in traditional Shirvan style.
- Ateshgah Fire Temple – A historical Zoroastrian fire temple, showcasing Azerbaijan’s fire-worship heritage.
- Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) – A natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries on a hillside.
🍽️ What to Eat in Baku
Azerbaijani cuisine is flavorful, aromatic, and influenced by Middle Eastern and Central Asian styles.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Plov (Pilaf) – Fragrant saffron rice with meat, nuts, and dried fruits
- Dolma – Grape leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice
- Kebabs & Shashlik – Skewered meat cooked over open flames
- Dushbara – Tiny dumplings in a savory broth
- Qutab – Stuffed flatbread filled with herbs or meat
- Pakhlava (Baklava) – Sweet pastry layered with nuts and syrup
🧉 Tip: End your meal with black tea served in pear-shaped glasses, often with sugar cubes or local jam.
🧭 Top Things to Do in Baku
- 🏙️ Take a walking tour of Old City and Flame Towers
- 🚡 Ride the funicular to Highland Park for panoramic city views
- 🖼️ Visit museums like the Carpet Museum and the Heydar Aliyev Center
- 🛥️ Take a boat ride on the Caspian Sea
- 📸 Capture sunset photos along Baku Boulevard
- 🛍️ Explore bazaars and buy traditional souvenirs like carpets, spices, and ceramics
- 🎭 Watch a performance at the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall
🍛 Top Indian Restaurants in Baku
Missing Indian flavors while in Azerbaijan? Baku has a growing selection of Indian restaurants offering authentic taste and hospitality.
🥘 Popular Indian Restaurants:
- Maharaja Indian Restaurant – Located in central Baku, this spot offers a variety of veg and non-veg options with excellent service.
- Spicy Tandoor – Known for its curries, biryanis, and warm hospitality.
- Tandoori Baku – Great ambiance with a traditional Indian menu featuring paneer dishes, kebabs, and naan.
- Namaste Indian Restaurant – Cozy and affordable, good for vegetarian food lovers.
🫕 Tip: Most Indian restaurants offer halal, vegetarian, and Jain options on request.
🧳 Travel Tips: Do’s and Don’ts in Baku
✅ Do’s:
- Dress modestly in religious or old city areas
- Greet locals respectfully—Azerbaijanis are warm and proud of their culture
- Use local ride apps like Bolt or taxis for easy travel
- Carry cash for small vendors, although cards are widely accepted
❌ Don’ts:
- Don’t talk about political or sensitive issues in public
- Don’t tip excessively—rounding up the bill is usually enough
- Avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas
- Don’t expect everyone to speak English—use translation apps if needed
Baku is a destination that fuses tradition with innovation, creating a travel experience like no other. From its medieval streets to futuristic buildings, rich cuisine to scenic seafronts, it’s a city that caters to every travel taste. With this Baku travel guide, you’ll have all the essentials to explore confidently—plus, enjoy the comfort of Indian flavors far from home.
