The tourism industry is one of the best ways to increase revenue and contribute to the economy of the country by raising the budget. Many countries, like Turkey, have developed their welfare with the help of tourism, which is not easy. The state should start from the basis and improve itself in this side. It is impossible to achieve everything quickly. Therefore, Azerbaijan should develop itself in the tourism industry as Baku tourism for an extended period. Compared to the past, nowadays, the Baku tourism industry has changed a lot. Currently, it impacts a great way to the economy. That is why Azerbaijan also included the number of countries that are dealing with tourism for the high level of development. This industry is already in a new format in our country. Azerbaijan always had great potential for the growth of this part of the industry because of the precious natural resources and ancient culture. Besides, all the museums, mausoleums as well mosques are attractive for many tourists that is why they choose to come and see Baku.
Comparison to other CIS countries
Baku tourism, especially the hotel industry, is developed recently. The hotel business in our country is different than other CIS countries. Even some research about this business has analyzed all the differences. It says that in Azerbaijan, the hotel business is better developed than other CIS countries. People who come to Baku they always go back to their country with high respect and impressions. Whenever they are asked what is the best thing they liked about Azerbaijan? They always answer, hospitality. That is so great that not only our Azerbaijan cuisine but also the attitude of our people attract foreigners. Azerbaijan has started new to develop the tourism industry, so maybe some hotels are not in high quality, and they can’t provide professional help without much experience. But in all cases, it doesn’t change the reality of having beautiful places and natural resources for visitors to come and enjoy. That is why year by year foreigners who want to go to Baku increases.
There are a lot of places in Baku that should be added to the must-see sites of visitors. They are the following:
Shirvanshah Palace
Shirvanshah Palace is considered the pearl of Azerbaijan and is so valuable for Baku tourism. It is a beautiful monument that attracts many foreigners to come and see this beauty. This historical monument is made up of stone carvings, mausoleums, etc. There is a bathhouse inside of this palace as well. It is located in Icerisheher. Everybody knows this monument as the symbol of Baku. All of these things are evidence of the Shirvanshah dynasty that happened in the 15th century. At that time of the period, Baku became the capital of the kingdom. Although this dynasty took place, it didn’t change anything, and the palace is still fantastic. It is tall as well as majestic. Even there is no need to come closer, and it seems beautiful from far away in Icerisheher. This monument included the list of UNESCO as a World Heritage in 2000, and it is still protected. The location of the Shirvanshah Palace is so easy for visitors. They need to come to the Icerisheher metro station, after that they will easily reach the near destination.
Maiden Tower
Maiden Tower is another monument that makes many people enjoy and impress by the beauty of Baku. This monument even appears on Azerbaijan currency notes as well as stamps. With Shirhvanshah Palace it is also inscribed to the UNESCO as World Heritage list. A lot of visitors come to Baku, especially to see the Maiden Tower. If you haven’t yet seen it come and go up to the stairs till the top and you will understand why many people want to see it. From the top of it, it is possible to see the whole Baku with a unique and beautiful view. Here you can see all other amazing monuments of Baku and enjoy Baku tourism. Even in the inside of the Maiden Tower, there is a mini-museum that you can get to know the history of Azerbaijan. Therefore, the Maiden Tower includes the top of the tourist attractions in Baku.
The Fountain Square
It is the heart of Baku tourism. If you want to enjoy the calmness of the city, don’t forget to include Fountain Square to your visit list. It is because there are several fountains here in the main square, and they immediately attract people and give the feeling of calmness. Besides, all the gatherings as well as festivals, concerts are held in this place. People go to Fountain Square to have a good time with their friends and close ones to enjoy the time.
Heydar Aliyev Center
It is one of the places in Baku that gives the sense of modernization to our ancient feelings of Baku. It is a modern curve building that is quite attractive both inside and outside of the building. Zaha Hadid designed it. He is a British Iraqi architect that does this beautiful place, which is the fantastic tourist attraction for foreigners. There are auditoriums as well as a museum inside of this center. This building shows the beauty of our city and proves that it will continue to develop in the future rapidly. Because of the design, Zaha Hadid the building has won the award which is called the Design of the Year. As can be seen from the name of the center, there is a Heydar Aliyev gallery in the center. Also, art galleries, restaurants, and concerts are the favorite of visitors who come to this center.
Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard is a National Park in the seaside. It is a place where people enjoy all the beauty of the Caspian Sea as well as beautiful Baku, especially at night. Baku is hot in summer, so people often go to Boulevard to have fresh air. If you want to be one of these people and enjoy walking around the seaside, go to Boulevard. Even you can take a boat tour and raise your impressions about Baku to a high level. Try to go there in the evenings, because Baku is more beautiful and bright in the evenings due to the artificial lightings in the city.
Gobustan
Gobustan is a historical place that known as rock drawings. The history of the is so ancient, and it comes from 40. 000 years ago. Gobustan is proof of people who lived in ancient times in these places. All their activities at those years are drawn on the rocks. Hunting as well as images of animals and people, even their dance rituals are on the rocks. People come and see this beauty from old history. It is a little bit far from Baku but not challenging to go there. You will not regret if you spend a day in Gobustan which is 64km from Baku.
All these beautiful places, attractions, and historical areas illustrate the development of the tourism industry in Baku. However a few years ago there is no anything like” Baku tourism,” now many people come and enjoy our city.You can also read about 10 things to do in Baku or Azerbaijani Food
