Being the cradle of the ancient civilization, as well as being at the crossroads of the geopolitical, economic, cultural interests of many tribes and nations, Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage. The country is located in the South Caucasus, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. The republic borders with Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkey, and Russia, by the sea – with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The total area of Azerbaijan is 86,600 square meters. Km and the population are more than 9 million people.
The capital of Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, the port city of Baku. Baku is the cultural, industrial, the political capital of Azerbaijan, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, on the shores of the bay of the same name in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula, rich in its oil fields.
This is one of the most charming cities in the East, whose architectural sights and oriental charm attract tourists from all over the world.
How to travel to Baku?
We will tell you how you can get to the “windy city” of Baku and make it as cheap as possible.
To begin with, we note that for citizens of the CIS (except for Turkmenistan and Armenia), visas for entry into Azerbaijan are not required. For citizens of other countries, a visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from a private or legal person or a travel agency.
You can be travel Baku by almost any mode of transport. Planes fly there. Ferries sail, trains and buses run. You can also drive by car. So if you, for example, are afraid to fly, then there are a lot of options.
By plane
The plane is my favorite most convenient and fast transport in order to travel Baku. Also, in Baku, there are flights with transfers. They are usually cheaper. Aircraft in Baku arrive at the International Airport Heydar Aliyev. It is located 25 km from the city (20 minutes drive) and is connected to Baku by a motorway. Inside the airport, there is everything you need for passengers: duti-fri, cafes, and shops, free Wi-fi, a prayer room, an airport hotel, taxi fare, as well as a medical center, a storage room, and a reception desk.
By train
Even though I prefer to fly to Baku, many get there by train. Though it is long, it is beautiful, because the path runs through forests, rivers, and mountains. Yes, the way to travel Baku by train is not fast.
By bus
This is quite exciting, but not the safest route. Suitable for adventurers, as the contingent on such a bus is not particularly pleasant, and if you go there in the summer, you can languish from the heat, as these buses are not equipped with a conventional air conditioning system.
By ferry
Baku is also a port. Residents of the city are proud of their coastal location, and tourists, including myself, often use the services of sea transport. You can be reached from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan port, from where you can sail to Baku, is located in the city of Aktau. And in Turkmenistan, there is a Caspian port of Turkmenbashi. The duration of travel is from 12 to 18 hours.
Where to stay in Baku?
After the issue with the air ticket is resolved, you can start searching and booking accommodation. There are not only many places in Baku where a tired traveler can arrange a halt. Moreover, the rooms and service of many hotels are surprisingly high quality. In addition to the budget options, in the capital, you can find a comfortable hotel for a very reasonable price.
What to try in Baku?
The next important step in planning a trip is Azerbaijani food. It is impossible to leave Baku without tasting the famous Azerbaijani dishes, the recipes of which are handed down from generation to generation. Across the city is full of inexpensive cafes, offering its guests all sorts of kebabs, and the famous “Kutaby” (pita bread with different fillings). You can eat in such places for 5-10 AZN.
In the old town, there are several small restaurants, interesting not only for the local traditional cuisine but also for the authentic atmosphere. It is traced in the interiors and the attitude of the staff towards the visitors – true oriental hospitality. If you need a snack on the run, you can safely go to kiosks with shawarma, donuts and other pastries. Cooked here quickly, tasty and at the same time keep the workplace clean.
In the restaurants of national cuisine, you can try unusual dishes and plunge into the atmosphere of oriental hospitality. The city has several respectable bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The average price tag in them is much higher than in other institutions of the city. However, you can pay for a luxurious interior, European service, skillful decoration of dishes, and an excellent view of the city and the sea.
What to see in Baku? What sights?
After the choice of housing has been made and the issue with food has been resolved, it is possible to make a route for walking around Baku. Conventionally, all the attractions of the city can be divided into three parts: the Old City, buildings built during the Soviet period, and modern Baku. You can find a lot of useful information about Azerbaijan and Baku on the Internet. With the help of certain key search concepts, such as “10 things to do in Azerbaijan” , “Baku sights,” , “How to choose travel agency” , ” Baku City Tours ” etc. You can get initial information about the country, its culture, customs. We decided to offer you our list of places that should definitely be visited upon arrival in Azerbaijan:
The old town of Icheri Sheher is located in the center of modern Baku. The place is unique, steeped in history, unusual architecture, as well as replete with souvenirs, small restaurants, and traces of the silk road trade.
- Night Baku
Baku is particularly luxurious at night. In the evening, as soon as the sun goes beyond the horizon, the golden lights of the city light up before the eyes of citizens and numerous tourists. The Baku Bay of Absheron Peninsula resembles a gorgeous necklace of gold and precious stones. This is a very romantic city, walking on which you will get a lot of emotions and positive impressions.
- Baku Boulevard
Baku Primorsky Boulevard is one of the attractions of Baku, a favorite vacation spot for Baku residents and city guests.
- Highland Park
The Sergey Kirov Nagorny Park, located in the very center of Baku, is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the capital, as well as a favorite resting place of local residents.
- Yanardagh
Yanardag (literally “burning mountain”) is one of the most famous and popular tourist places of the “eternal flame” in Azerbaijan.
Ateshgah is an open-air museum, which has been declared the State Historical and Architectural Reserve by the presidential decree of Azerbaijan.
- Gobustan Reserve
Gobustan is one of the world’s most famous historical and archaeological reserves, an open-air museum with a massive collection of priceless historical exhibits.
- Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural center built on Heydar Aliyev Avenue in Baku.
- Historical and Ethnographic Museum “Gala”
The Gala Historical-Ethnographic Open-Air Museum was founded in 2008 on the site of an archaeological site in the village of the same name and is dedicated to the history of the Absheron Peninsula.
- Fountain Square
Fountain Square, the first city square
Baku, a favorite place for walks of Baku residents and guests of the capital.
Conclusion
Numerous scientific studies have repeatedly confirmed that regular trips abroad have a positive effect on our health. Trips to faraway countries can satisfy curiosity, go beyond the familiar surroundings, experience real adventures, fill with energy, broaden horizons, give bright and unforgettable impressions. Pleasant memories of vacationing at sea or skiing are brightened up by everyday life, giving life a special meaning.
The tourism industry in Azerbaijan has been developing rapidly in recent years. Every year, about one and a half million people come to Azerbaijan as tourists. This is primarily because the country is located between Europe and Asia. This is also because, out of 11 existing climatic zones of the planet, 9 are represented in the country, ranging from subtropics to high alpine meadows.
If you are going to travel, if you want to get a lot of positive emotions, see how one country can combine two different cultures of the West and East, try the unique taste of oriental cuisine, get acquainted with ancient sights and monuments of modern civilization, touch the national color travel Baku!
Leaving the city, do not forget to buy souvenirs that reflect the national character and local flavor in which they were produced and purchased. These can be key chains, statues, magnets, backgammon, which will be a pleasant reminder of being in Azerbaijan, traveling old Baku, holy places, museums, cultural objects, architecture, etc.
Enjoy your holiday!
