Baku, considered the heart and largest metropolis of Azerbaijan, offers a unique, fascinating harmony of both ancient and very modern architecture. In this rare place known throughout the world as the city of winds, the ancient history of centuries and the light of glassy, bright skyscrapers combine at every step. Every street, every patterned stone of the capital, where the first democratic republic of the East was founded and countless cultural figures were raised, tells a special, unrepeatable story. The light breeze blowing from the sea, the invaluable smell of rich national cuisine spreading to every corner, and the sincere hospitality of the people impress those who come here from the very first moment, leaving a deep impression on them. Our capital, the largest port center in the Caucasus, has managed to masterfully bring together both European and Eastern traditions.
Along with historical architectural monuments, ornate and magnificent buildings built during the huge oil boom that started at the end of the nineteenth century adorn the central streets of the city. Caravanserais that were dense trade centers of very ancient times, small cobblestone, winding narrow streets, ancient mosques, and caravanserais will take you completely to the distant past. Modern avenues designed in a broad European style based on the projects of Italian and German architects clearly indicate how rapidly the city is constantly developing. With our experienced local guides, you will become very closely acquainted with the finest details of this great distinction, up to its hidden interesting facts. Guests of the city can clearly see here how Gothic, Baroque, and Classicism elements are mixed with local patterns.
In the evening hours, central parks taking on completely different, bright colors, a long kilometer promenade stretching along the coast, specially illuminated historical and religious monuments make the whole general landscape even more different, highly attractive. If you want to get closely and thoroughly acquainted with the difficult but glorious past of our capital, its culture with deep layers, colorful art, and hot, dynamic local lifestyle, this short but very informative journey is exactly for you. The large and noisy capital of the Land of Fire will definitely surprise you with its deep, rich historical heritage, non-stop development, and lively rhythm that does not go out all day.
Tour highlights
- The chance to explore the narrow, mysterious, cobblestone streets of the Old City (Icherisheher), which was included in the World Cultural Heritage list of the international UNESCO organization in the year two thousand and has stood the test of centuries.
- Eagerly watching the magnificent sea view opening around from the high peak of the mysterious Maiden Tower, which has become the main symbol, the visiting card of the whole city, and has survived intact from ancient times to the present day.
- The opportunity for a quiet, fully relaxing walking tour by taking the sea air in the territory of the Seaside National Park, which always attracts the attention of locals and tourists with its spaciousness, exotic trees, and rich greenery.
- Exploring the exterior of the giant Heydar Aliyev Center, designed in a very unusual style by the world-famous, renowned architect Zaha Hadid, and considered one of the most unique examples of modern global world architecture.
- Fully enjoying the fascinating panoramic view opening to the seemingly endless blue Caspian Sea and the entire great Baku bay from the area of the spacious Highland Park located at a height, which forms an ideal setting for photography.
- Walking around the famous Flame Towers, in the part that is one of the highest points of the whole capital in the evening hours, watching the attractive show effects created by the special LED lighting system.
Photos
Tour program
- 10:00
Meeting and entering the Old City (Icherisheher) complex
In the morning hours, the gathering of the whole group is carried out at a perfectly designated central location in advance. After everyone is ready, the first and perhaps the most important stop of our very interesting excursion will be the Old City (Icherisheher), surrounded by high fortress walls, which is considered the complete historical heart, the beating heart of Baku city. Here, a detailed, extensive acquaintance with the magnificent Palace of the Shirvanshahs, considered the pearl of local architecture, and the Maiden Tower, which has no equal in the whole Caucasus and whose secret has not yet been fully revealed, takes place.
- 11:30
Seaside National Park (Boulevard)
Leaving the historical center, which embodies the atmosphere of ancient centuries, with pleasant impressions, we head towards the wide and long Seaside National Park area. Interesting information will be provided to guests during our pleasant walk along the shores of the blue Caspian Sea. A comfortable opportunity is created for everyone to take beautiful commemorative photos right in front of the buildings of Little Venice consisting of canals enriching the visual landscape of the city and the Carpet Museum with an unusual design resembling a rolled carpet.
- 12:30
Highland Park and Flame Towers
Then we go up towards the famous Highland Park to see the view completely from a height. This famous place, ascended by a special glass funicular or stone stairs for those who love a little physical activity, is located right next to the modern Flame Towers complex, already recognized on a global scale, in a very convenient place. This is visually the main, most favorite center of the capital, and from here a very magnificent, breathtakingly open, clear view of the whole city, the sea, and ships opens up.
- 13:30
Heydar Aliyev Center and conclusion of the tour
Towards the second half of the day, the very last stop of our journey will be the Heydar Aliyev Center, located in a completely different part of the city, amazing everyone. We head to that wide avenue with our comfortable, air-conditioned bus, and carefully watch the wavy structure of this giant, completely white building and its rare futuristic design with no sharp, straight corners from the outside from all angles. After a photo break, we return to the designated starting point again with great impressions.
Included in the price
- Provision of cost-effective, highly comfortable, modern transportation service.
- Constant accompaniment of the group by a local professional guide with many years of experience.
- Comprehensive excursion in all directions specifically mentioned in the extensive program.
- Coverage of car parking, parking, and other road transport expenses.
Not included
- Entrance tickets to museums, indoor exhibitions, and other paid venues during the walk.
- Guests' completely personal expenses, shopping, and individual, special additional requests.
- Lunch or dinner catering expenses not specifically mentioned in the program.
Useful tips
- Since there will be a lot of walking activity on historical cobblestone crooked streets and long parks, it is strongly recommended that you wear flat-soled, most comfortable shoes that will not tire your body.
- Since Baku is geographically a windy city, it is a very useful step to keep a light outerwear, jacket, or shawl with you against the wind blowing on the seaside even in the hottest summer months.
- Before arriving, be sure to fully charge your photo cameras and smartphones, because you will have the opportunity to take truly very interesting, unique shots around the entire Caspian coast and Flame Towers at every step.
Baku city tour: questions and answers
Will transportation be provided on the city tour?
Since our main walking areas are located in the Old City (Icherisheher) and Boulevard areas, this tour is mostly in the format of a walking excursion. Transport is only for getting to some distant places.
Where is the gathering place and what time does the tour start?
The gathering is in the center of Baku, departure time: 10:00. The exact meeting place is sent via WhatsApp the day before the trip. We evaluate the first half of the day by walking the historical streets.
Is entry to the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs paid?
Yes, our guide accompanies you to these places and provides information. However, entrance tickets for those who want to go inside are not included in the tour price.
Is it possible for school groups to join this tour?
Yes. For school groups, we organize a historical walk separately with a program suitable for the age of the students. Write the number of the group and the date you want, let's clarify the price and the program.
Request for Baku city tour
Write the date and number of people, let's clarify the price and availability and get back to you.
