Baku City Tour

Capital city Baku situates on the western shore of the Caspian Sea in the southern part of the Absheron peninsula. Firstly, Baku became the capital city in the 13th century, during Shirvanshah’s dynasty. Before that, the capital was the city of Shamakhi, that is 122 km far from Baku. Because of the big earthquake, Shamakhi city was completely destroyed. After this disaster, the king of Shirvanshahs’ decided to transfer the capital of Azerbaijan from Shamakhi to Baku. The location of the city played a great role in the development of the port city Baku.

You will begin your Baku City Tour by exploring the city's ancient side before transitioning to its modern parts. The journey starts at Icheri Sheher, the heart of the capital. From the Double Gates, also known as the Shamakhi Gate (named for its direction toward Shamakhi City), you’ll step into the historic Old City. Baku, known for its cultural richness, cleanliness, and tidiness, has been a central hub since ancient times. Merchants from Eastern countries often stayed in the Caravanserais, which today have been transformed into modern hotels. Four Caravanserais still exist in Icheri Sheher, Baku. Near the Double Gates was the old Custom Office, where merchants paid fees. For hygiene purposes, horses' hooves were cleaned with tar, and merchants were required to visit the nearby Hamams (Bathhouses) before entering the Caravanserais or walking through the city. As you wander through Icheri Sheher, you’ll discover landmarks such as the Building of Baku Khans, the Chain House, the Sailors House, and the Cat Home.

During the tour, you’ll also explore the Multani and Bukhara Caravanserais. The Multani Caravanserai housed merchants from India and Pakistan, while the Bukhara Caravanserai welcomed guests from Uzbekistan. If suitable, you may enter these historic structures.

Next on the Baku City Tour, visit the iconic Maiden Tower, a former symbol of Baku. Built in two phases—initially in the 6th century BC as a fire-worshippers’ temple, and later in the 12th century by Shirvanshah II—this tower tells a unique story. In 2001, the Maiden Tower, alongside the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List of historical monuments.

The next stop is the Shirvanshahs’ Palace. This complex includes the Main Palace Building, the Palace Mosque, Divankhana, the Mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, the Family Mausoleum, the East Portal, Murad Gate, a Water Reservoir, and remnants of a Bathhouse. In the 15th century, after a devastating earthquake in Shamakhi, Ist Ibrahim Khalilullah, a great ruler of the Shirvanshah State, relocated the capital to Baku and began constructing the palace. This memorial complex, believed to be built on sacred ground, honors Seyyid Yahya Bakuvi, a scientist and Sufi dervish.

Another highlight of the Baku City Tour is the Ismailiyya Palace, a stunning Gothic-style building on Istiglaliyyat Street. Built by architect Josef Ploska for the Muslim Charity Society, it was financed by millionaire Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son Ismayil. The construction took five years, inspired by Gothic designs admired by Musa Bey during his son’s treatment in Switzerland. Today, it serves as the Presidium of the Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.

Your tour continues to Fountain Square and Nizami Street, a bustling pedestrian and shopping street named after the famous Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi.

The final destination of the Baku City Tour is the beautiful Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea. This peaceful seafront area, established in 1909, is perfect for relaxing or enjoying a Boat Tour, especially at night. Along the Boulevard, you’ll find modern attractions like Daniz Mall and Park Boulevard Mall, perfect for shopping to conclude your day.