I spent nice few days in Baku earlier this year, and I also want you to give this underrated place a try! This is a quick post with tips, heads-ups and recommendations.

Baku Main Information

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a transcontinental country in the Caucasus. Until 1991, Azerbaijan was part of the Soviet Union.

The city’s population is around 2,5 million people.

Azeri (or Azerbaijani) is the official language there. Older generations know Russian, and English is fairly well spoken in touristy spots.

Local currency is the manat (₼ or AZN), which equals to £0.45, €0.54 or 0.59 USD.

Islam (Shia branch) is the main religion, and Azerbaijan is considered the most secular Muslim-majority country.

Maiden Tower

Interesting Facts

Baku is the lowest lying national capital city in the world, being 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level.

Due to its peninsular location, Baku is often battered by strong winds, which earned it the nickname “City of Winds”. And Azerbaijan as a whole is called the “Land of Fire” thanks to natural gas manifesting as flames coming out of the ground!

In the Soviet era, Baku was a popular holiday destination where visitors flocked to enjoy beaches and resorts at the Caspian Sea.

The world’s largest KFC is located in Baku, at the Sabunçu rail station in the outskirts of the city. (But why not try the local cuisine instead? 😜)

Tea is the national drink there. It is drunk black and sweet; after meals, and as an expression of hospitality towards guests.

Baku Travel Tips

Get the Baku Card first thing

Baku’s public transport is reportedly one of the cheapest in the world. But it’s not the easiest to use at first. You can’t get on a bus or metro by tapping your bank card, and forget about paying with cash to the driver.

You need to buy a Baku Card (Bakı Kart) which you pre-load with balance, very much like London’s blue Oyster card. The system then deducts rides from the balance as you tap in.

Bring your passport to exchange the money

…or an ID card. Otherwise, you’ll be turned away. At the bank, don’t just join the queue, but print a ticket from the machine and wait until your number is called forward.

Mərkəzi Exchange on Nizami Street had the best rates when I was last in Baku.

Check opening times on Mondays

Quite a few places close on Mondays, so make sure you plan your activities around that. No chance to visit the Carpet Museum and the Heydar Aliyev Center on a Monday, or even ride the funicular to the Highland Park.

Book your tour in person, not online

You may be a well-organized traveller, but this time, don’t book until you’re in Baku. I found my day tour to Gobustan, Yanar Dagh and other historical sites on Viator, and the price was fine, but it would have cost much less if I’d booked in person with an agent. There’s plenty of reliable tourist offices in the Old Town.

Be careful taking pictures on the metro

I haven’t used the metro system in Baku, but have heard how beautiful it is. Like in many big post-Soviet cities, the stations were meticulously designed into architectural works of art. Yes, they are begging for photos. And no, you may not take one!

Photos and filming anywhere on the network is for some reason prohibited, unless you have permission from the officials (or know how to do it discreetly).

I have also noticed that filming in non-touristy parts can be frowned upon, so you may want to think twice before extensive vlogging.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Baku first, Armenia later

Baku might be part of your country hopping trip around the Caucasus. If so, avoid going there after Armenia.

The two countries have a very strained relation, and the border between them remains closed. A passport stamp from Armenia might lead to a stressful probing on entry into Azerbaijan.

Your ideal itinerary would be: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia.

Don’t get ripped off getting visa

If you need visa, make sure you’re applying on the only official website. There are many imposter sites charging even three times as much for the same service! You shouldn’t pay more than 26 USD.

Get a nice view from the plane

If you’re flying into Baku from the West, book your seat on the left side of the plane. You’ll get an amazing bird’s eye view of the city on arriving. Similarly, sit on the right on your way back.

Stay at least 4 days

Baku isn’t a very big city, and 4 days (3 nights) might sound excessive. But trust me, this is the right amount of time you need on your first visit.

This is how long I stayed, and I barely managed to see everything I had on my agenda. But I know I’ll be “bak”! 😊

Flame Towers