Why Baku Should Be Your Next Destination for Culture, Cuisine, and Luxury
The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, is a metropolis of more than 2,000,000 inhabitants, located in a depression approximately 30 metres below sea level at the east-central end of the country, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, on the Apseron Peninsula. Cosmopolitan Baku is a city undergoing rapid change, juxtaposing features deeply rooted in its recent Soviet past with a strong desire for modernisation. The well-kept pedestrian streets of its elegant city centre are filled with tea rooms and pubs frequented by foreigners residing in the city. The UNESCO World Heritage status has partially preserved the charming old city, surrounded by the richly decorated arches of medieval walls. However, in recent years, numerous redevelopments risk endangering certain historic beauties.
A Rich History
The first moments of glory for Baku date back to 1191, when the Shirvanshahs, the ruling dynasty of the region, moved their court there after their former capital, Samaxi, was destroyed by an earthquake. Largely devastated by Mongol assaults, Baku regained its former splendour under the reign of Shirvanshah Khalilullah I (1417–1465), who completed the construction of a grand palace complex. By the time Tsar Peter the Great conquered the city in 1723, its population had dwindled to less than 10,000 due to limited trade and access to drinking water. However, the commercial exploitation of oil wells in the late 19th century brought a significant economic boom. Today, Baku is experiencing a new phase of recovery, driven by oil revenues and an emerging tourism sector with excellent potential.
Exploring the City
From the walls of the old city, Neftciler prospekti runs parallel to the Caspian Sea, leading to the imposing and typically Soviet-style Dom Soviet (Government Palace), overlooking the Bulvar, a green seaside promenade. The striking buildings from the oil boom era are concentrated around Fountain Square, with more fountains scattered throughout the city centre, especially in Heydar Aliyev Park. Baku’s main pedestrian street is Nizami kucasi, still referred to as Torgovaya (“Street of Trades”), a holdover from Soviet times.
The heart of the city is the Icheri Sheher, the old walled city protected by UNESCO. This area is home to most of Baku’s tourist attractions, such as the Maiden Tower, a 29-metre-high stone structure believed to have served as a defensive tower, lighthouse, or even a Zoroastrian observatory. Nearby is the Palace of the Shirvanshah, a sandstone complex featuring the Divan Khane rotunda, the Mausoleum of the Dervish, and the small Shah Mosque.
Cultural Highlights
Baku boasts several significant cultural institutions. The State Museum of Art features collections of 19th-century Azerbaijani and Russian art, as well as modern Azerbaijani works. The Carpet Museum, housed in a neoclassical building, showcases the history of carpet-making in Azerbaijan, with over a thousand exhibits. Other highlights include the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, with its ogival niches containing statues of literary greats, and the Historical Museum, housed in a former oil magnate’s mansion. The Rostropovich Museum is dedicated to the world-renowned cellist and conductor born in Baku.
Annual Events
Among Baku’s annual events, the theatre and concert season runs from mid-September to May, peaking with the renowned Baku Jazz Festival, which has featured artists like Herbie Hancock. The Caspian Oil & Gas Show, held in early June, is a key industry event.
Climate
Thanks to the Caspian Sea, Baku enjoys a mild, dry climate. January temperatures average between 5–6°C, rarely dropping below zero, while July temperatures range from 23–30°C. Rainfall is minimal, at around 200 mm annually, with occasional strong winds, known as khazri, sweeping in from the sea.
Getting There
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is the busiest in the Caucasus, offering connections to many European and Central Asian destinations. From the airport, marshrutka (minibus) No. 36 reaches the city centre. The metro is ideal for reaching the Avtovagzal long-distance bus station, with services to domestic destinations, Tbilisi (12 hours), and Istanbul.
Where to Stay
- Fairmont Baku: Located in the iconic Flame Towers, this luxury hotel offers panoramic views and world-class amenities.
- Four Seasons Hotel Baku: An elegant option on the Caspian Sea promenade with spacious rooms and excellent service.
- Boulevard Hotel Baku: A modern waterfront hotel with a contemporary design and direct access to the Bulvar.
- Old City Inn: A boutique hotel within the walls of the Icheri Sheher, perfect for history enthusiasts.
- Hilton Baku: Centrally located, this hotel features a revolving rooftop restaurant with stunning city views.
Where to Eat
- Chinar: A chic restaurant offering modern Azerbaijani cuisine with Asian influences, set in a stunning garden.
- Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant: Dine amidst traditional decor and artifacts, enjoying authentic Azerbaijani dishes.
- Sumakh: Renowned for its contemporary take on classic Azerbaijani flavors, served in a stylish setting.
- Zafferano: An upscale Italian restaurant located in the Fairmont Baku, blending local ingredients with Mediterranean flair.
- Dolma: A cozy eatery in the city centre, famous for its delicious Azerbaijani dolma and kebabs.
