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Baku Travel Guide

Travel to Baku - The Capital of Azerbaijan

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Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan as well as the largest city in the country and the Caucasus. It is located on the coast of the Caspian Sea and it is divided into two parts, the downtown area and the UNESCO listed Old City. Attractions are numerous here for culture and history buffs alike.

Written evidence for the existence of Baku dates back to the 6th century AD and since then it has been linked to various Persian empires. The name, Baku, is said to mean either "wind pounded city" or "Mount of God". Other names for the city have included Bakukh, Bakuya and Bakuye.

Attractions in Baku

Cultural attractions are numerous in Baku and include the UNESCO listed Old City with its walled fortress, The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs, Maiden's Tower, Atashgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dagh which is a mountain that has been continuously on fire for one thousand years due to its natural gas vents.

There are also many museums and galleries such as The Azeri National Costume Museum, Taghiyev History Museum and Latif Karimov Carpet and Applied Arts Museum. For history and culture you are spoilt for choice in Baku.

Activities in Baku

Take the Baku Funucilar Railroad up to the Alley of the Marytrs or perhaps attend the vibrant and exciting Baku Jazz Festival which is an annual festival that lasts for a week and features acts from around the world.

Relaxing

In order to relax head to Targova Street and Fountain Square where you will find many shops, restaurants and places to simply sit and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Or perhaps check out Hamam Mehellesi; the public baths.

Getting Around

There are numerous buses, minibuses, trains and taxis within Baku and it is advisable to negotiate a fare before your journey in a taxi. There is also a metro system and you can get around the Old City by foot.