Baku (Azeri: Bakı) is the capital of Azerbaijan and is the largest city in the Caucasus. Baku's Old Town has UNESCO World Heritage status. Many cultures and architectural styles mix in Baku, in particular Turkish-Islamic elements meet strong Western European and Russian-Eastern European influences. With 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, Baku is the lowest-lying capital city in the world.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Baku is on the coast of the Caspian Sea on the southern coast of the Absheron Peninsula. There are three major divisions in Baku: İçəri Şəhər (the Old Town), the Soviet-built city, and the newest part of the city. The population in 2020 was 2.3 million. The city of Baku is on the semi-arid and dusty Absheron peninsula. The center of Baku is a patch of green in a largely brown area because of the many liters of water that is piped daily to the city.
There are pedestrian alleys and streets around the Fountain Square, the seafront, and the old town. You can walk to other places, too, but you might have to cross busy streets since there aren't always pedestrian tunnels available. The zebra crossings work with an "I'm feeling lucky" principle and aren't usually exactly safe, especially at night. At night, use your phone screen (not your flashlight) to indicate to the approaching cars that you are crossing the street, and follow other people. Baku is a great town to get around in by bicycle.
There are a number of interesting sites within Baku's walled fortress, the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which can all be seen on foot in one day: 1 The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs (Shirvanshahs' Palace; Azerbaijani: Şirvanşahlar sarayı, Russian: Дворец Ширваншахов), Sabayil (Metro Icherisheher 200 m), ☏ +994 12 492-1073, fax: +994 12 437-1246, info@shirvanshah.az. Daily: Apr-Oct 10:00-19:00, Nov-Mar 10:00-18:00. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku.
In the evening, go to the national opera on Nizami street. Otherwise, go to the rooftop bar at Sultan Inn in the Old City for a drink and excellent views of the Maiden Tower, Caspian sea and the TV tower. Boat tours of Baku. Offered from the Baku Blvd. Lasts 40 minutes. 6 manat. 1 Pantomima theatre (Pantomima Teatrı), 49 Azadliq Ave, ☏ +994 12 4414756. Offered from the Baku Blvd. Lasts 40 minutes. 6 manat. 2 National Opera and Ballet (Opera Və Balet Teatrı), 95 Nizami St, ☏ +994 12 4931651. 3 Baku Funicular Railroad. Runs from the square on Neftchilar Avenue up to the Alley of the Marytrs. 1 manat. 4 Aqua Park Baku, Rashid Behbudov, 59, ☏ +994 12 4470303. US$19 for ages 7 and up.
There are many restaurants in Baku and kebab shops can be found easily for a quick meal. 1 Half Way Inn, 6, 28 May St (Bus 2, 61, 85, 88, 90, 95 to Milli Bank), ☏ +994 12 5980905. International cuisine. 5-10 manat. 2 Nergiz Restaurant, Fountain Square, 9 Tərlan. (updated May 2022) 3 Bizim Ev Restaurant & Cafe, 7 Khagani Street. (updated May 2022) 4 Doner House, 16/21 Azadliq Ave. (updated May 2022) 5 Lavas Bistro / Fasali Cafe (Right outside Icherisheher metro, on the left). Two take-away places, one next to the other, run by the same people.
There are many outdoor tea houses (çayxanalar) serving tea and sweets that offer a sense of the local culture. If you are adventurous, try challenging a local Bakuvian to a game of backgammon (nard) or dominoes. There is a good selection of cafés throughout Baku. Expect to pay Western prices for your coffee. Aroma Cafe, 18, U. Hajibayov St, ☏ +994 12-598-07-07. Azza Cafe, 1, I. Safarli St/Fountains Sq, ☏ +994 12 437 0111, kafe@azza.az. 12-23. They bake cakes aside from doing coffee. Baku Roasting Company, Alasgar Alakbarov Street, 12 (Near Ramstore in Elmlar), ☏ +994 12 510 98 76. Tu-Su 09:00-21:00. Here you can get a nice roast and maybe an egg burrito type of thing as well.
Baku is considered a safe city, nevertheless common sense is useful as in all other big cities. Homeless people do not harass or attack people and are safe to be around. The biggest problem in Baku is driving. Many drivers do not obey rules and speed. The security is rather high, with regular security checks at some attractions and metro stations. The metro has police guarding both ends of the escalators. Since the Karabakh conflict re-ignited in September 2020, security has been further tightened. Ambulance: 103 Fire: 101 Gas Emergency 104 Speaking Clock 106 Police: 102 You must speak in Azeri, Turkish or Russian to communicate your needs.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Baku typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 2 rainy days.
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