Travel around Baku with Bobby
Day 1Discovering Baku’s Historic Heart – The Old City
When I first arrived in Baku, I knew my journey had to start with the beating heart of the city—Icherisheher, the Old City. Wandering through its maze-like streets, I felt like I had been transported back in time. The cobblestone pathways, ancient walls, and stunning Maiden Tower were a perfect introduction to the city’s rich history. I took my time climbing to the top of the Maiden Tower, which gave me a panoramic view of Baku, where the past and future meet so seamlessly.
For lunch, I stopped at Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, a charming spot that not only serves up traditional Azerbaijani dishes like plov and dolma, but also immerses you in a museum-like experience with its historic decor. The flavors were rich, the atmosphere warm, and the tea—a must.
Afterward, I strolled over to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which is an architectural masterpiece. The palace grounds, with its grand halls and ancient mosque, offered a deeper dive into Azerbaijan’s royal past. By late afternoon, I wandered down to the Boulevard, Baku’s waterfront promenade. The sea breeze, along with the stunning view of the Flame Towers lighting up the skyline, was the perfect end to my day.
If you want to feel Baku’s history beneath your feet, start in Icherisheher. Take your time to savor the atmosphere. And don’t miss the Boulevard at sunset—it’s magical.
Day 2A Taste of Modern Baku – From Flame Towers to Shopping Delights
Day two kicked off with a visit to Baku’s modern icon, the Flame Towers. These skyscrapers, shaped like flames, dominate the skyline and symbolize Azerbaijan’s history as the Land of Fire. The view from the Flame Towers Plaza was stunning, giving me a sweeping look over the city and the Caspian Sea.
Next, I headed to Heydar Aliyev Center, one of the most striking buildings I’ve ever seen. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, this flowing, futuristic structure is a must-visit for architecture lovers. The exhibitions inside gave me insight into Azerbaijan’s cultural journey, from traditional crafts to modern art.
After getting a modern dose of Baku, it was time for a bit of shopping at Nizami Street, the city’s main shopping avenue. I wandered through luxury boutiques, high-end brands, and local artisan shops, soaking in the cosmopolitan vibe of the city. For lunch, I decided to try Nergiz Restaurant right off the street. The food, especially the piti soup, was fantastic, offering traditional Azerbaijani flavors with a modern twist.
That evening, I wanted to experience Baku’s nightlife, so I headed to Pasifico Lounge & Dining, a trendy spot with great music, delicious cocktails, and an impressive crowd. The vibe was vibrant, and the view over the Caspian made it an unforgettable night.
I had lunch at Nergiz Restaurant, where I enjoyed piti soup and some fresh bread. The flavors were traditional yet had a contemporary twist, making it a unique experience. Later that night, I visited Pasifico Lounge & Dining, which offered a fusion of local and international flavors alongside a vibrant atmosphere.
Food
I stayed at a more modern hotel near Flame Towers, offering excellent views but a somewhat impersonal feel compared to the Old City. It was clean and efficient but lacked the warmth of smaller accommodations.
Accomodation
Visiting the Flame Towers and then the Heydar Aliyev Center was a striking contrast to the previous day’s historical sites. The architecture was breathtaking, especially at Heydar Aliyev, which truly felt like a work of art. Shopping on Nizami Street afterward gave me a taste of the city’s cosmopolitan energy.
Activity
Don’t miss the Heydar Aliyev Center—it’s truly one of a kind. And if you’re up for it, Baku’s nightlife scene offers plenty of stylish spots for a great evening out.
Day 3Into the Ancient World – Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes Adventure
On my third day, I ventured outside the city to visit the Gobustan National Park, home to ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. It’s a quick drive from Baku, and if you’re a history buff like me, you’ll love the petroglyphs that date back thousands of years. The carvings tell the stories of early human civilizations, and walking through this UNESCO World Heritage Site was like taking a step into prehistory.
The mud volcanoes, a short drive from Gobustan, were a fascinating natural phenomenon. Watching these bizarre, bubbling mounds spew mud was surreal. It felt like I had landed on another planet! After exploring the area, I headed back to Baku in time for a late lunch.
For dinner, I decided to treat myself to some fine dining at Chinar Restaurant, known for its fusion of Azerbaijani and Asian cuisine. The stylish, modern atmosphere was perfect for winding down after a day of adventure. The lavangi chicken was incredibly flavorful, and the service was top-notch.
After my day trip to Gobustan, I treated myself to a fusion dinner at Chinar Restaurant. The blend of Azerbaijani and Asian influences was a culinary adventure, with dishes like lavangi chicken really standing out. The restaurant’s atmosphere was stylish and modern, making it a great place to wind down.
Food
Returning to my hotel after an adventurous day, the comfort and peacefulness of my room were much appreciated. It was a simple but cozy place to relax after a busy day of exploration.
Accomodation
The day trip to Gobustan National Park and the mud volcanoes was a standout adventure. Seeing the ancient petroglyphs up close was awe-inspiring, and witnessing the bubbling mud volcanoes was something truly unique. This was a highlight of my trip for sure.
Activity
Make sure to take a day trip to Gobustan—it’s a perfect mix of history and natural wonder. Don’t forget your camera; the mud volcanoes are one for the books.
Day 4A Final Taste of Culture and Relaxation
For my last day in Baku, I wanted to dive deeper into the local culture, so I started at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. The building, shaped like a rolled-up carpet, was already impressive from the outside, but inside, it was even better. The craftsmanship in these Azerbaijani carpets is unmatched, and learning about the history behind each design was captivating.
Afterward, I spent some time relaxing at Torgovaya Street (Nizami Street again but this time for a relaxing stroll) and grabbed a cup of Turkish coffee from a cozy cafe. The afternoon was spent unwinding at the Little Venice park, a peaceful canal system with gondola rides, which gave me a moment to reflect on my trip.
Before heading to the airport, I had one last Azerbaijani feast at Sumakh Restaurant. The qutab and shah pilaf were the perfect farewell to the culinary journey Baku had taken me on.
On my final day, I had lunch at a cozy cafe on Torgovaya Street, enjoying some Turkish coffee and light snacks. Later, I had a wonderful final dinner at Sumakh Restaurant, where the qutab and shah pilaf were rich and satisfying, ending my trip on a high note.
Food
My hotel provided a convenient location and decent comfort, but by this point, I had begun to notice some small maintenance issues. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it did slightly affect the overall experience.
Accomodation
My last day was more relaxed, visiting the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum and taking a gondola ride in Little Venice. Both were perfect ways to soak in Baku’s culture and enjoy the city at a slower pace. It was a peaceful and reflective day to wrap up my journey.
Activity
End your trip with a visit to the Carpet Museum and a peaceful ride in Little Venice. It’s a relaxing way to take in Baku’s unique cultural blend one last time.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Baku left a lasting impression on me as a city where history, culture, and modernity merge effortlessly. From the ancient landmarks of the Old City to the modern marvels like the Flame Towers, the city's diversity was captivating. Each experience—from the cuisine to the people—reflected Azerbaijan's rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit. Here's my breakdown of the city's key elements based on my time spent exploring.
I had my first meal at Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, where the plov and dolma offered an authentic introduction to Azerbaijani cuisine. The balance of spices and freshness in every bite was a delight, and the traditional tea afterward was a perfect touch. The ambiance of dining in a place filled with history made the meal even more memorable.
Food
I stayed at a charming hotel in the Old City with a comfortable room that had a beautiful view of the historic streets. While it wasn’t ultra-modern, it had a lot of character and was in a prime location, making it easy to explore. The service was friendly and made me feel right at home.
Accomodation
Exploring Icherisheher and visiting the Maiden Tower was like stepping into a living museum. The combination of narrow streets and ancient architecture felt like a journey through time. Ending the day with a stroll along the Caspian Boulevard during sunset was an unforgettable experience.
Activity