Aerial view of a coastal town stretching in a semicircle around a bay. In the background, there is a skyline with skyscrapers; in the centre of the picture, a modern building with a flower-shaped roof structure that extends into the water. In the foreground, multi-story buildings and a Ferris wheel are visible.
Aerial view of a coastal town stretching in a semicircle around a bay. In the background, there is a skyline with skyscrapers; in the centre of the picture, a modern building with a flower-shaped roof structure that extends into the water. In the foreground, multi-story buildings and a Ferris wheel are visible.

Baku

Published: 30 January 2025, 14:30

A dazzling city of contrasts

The metropolis on the Caspian Sea fascinates with its exciting contrast between old and new and its spectacular skyline is reminiscent of cities like Dubai or Doha. Futuristic skyscrapers such as the Flame Towers or the half-moon Crescent Bay are visible from afar. The heart of Baku is the old town, İçəri Şəhər, with its labyrinth of winding alleys, the Maiden Tower and the palace of the Shirvanshah dynasty. The seaside promenade Baku Boulevard, lined with pretty cafes and small parks, invites you to take a stroll. Museums and cultural centres such as the extraordinary Carpet Museum or the Heydar Aliyev Center offer a wide range of exhibitions and events. Baku is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the Caucasus and offers a fascinating mix of rich tradition and the dawn of modernity.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + three hours
  • Population: 2.4 million
  • Official language: Azerbaijani
  • Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN)

Traditional beauty and futuristic design

Three mirror-glass, flame-shaped high-rises rise up into the sky amidst other multi-storey, sand-coloured apartment blocks.
The iconic Flame Towers are the central eye-catcher on Baku's skyline. The skyscrapers in the shape of flames are a symbol of modern Baku. © Alexeiy/stock.adobe.com
In the centre of the picture, there is a massive, round tower made of sand-coloured stone with a protruding, semicircular part of the building and another extension to the right of it on a square. The building is surrounded by trees. On the right side, a multistorey building protrudes from the picture.
The 12th-century Maiden Tower is an iconic structure and a well-known landmark. It towers over the old town and offers magnificent views of the Caspian Sea from above. © vladimirzhoga/stock.adobe.com
Futuristic, white building with curved shapes and a large window front at the front of the building. The building stands on a large, brightly tiled square. Behind the building, further houses are visible.
The futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center, a cultural and event center designed by world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, is an architectural highlight. © Elena Odareeva/stock.adobe.com
Sand-coloured, massive walls, several domes and a round tower of a palatial complex rise up in the foreground. In the courtyard stand two entwined conifers. Multiple arched doorways and lancet windows break up the walls. In the background are residential buildings, as well as two flame-shaped high-rises and a television tower.
The palace of the Shirvanshah dynasty dates from the 15th century and is one of Baku's most important cultural landmarks. © Boris Stroujko/stock.adobe.com
Inner courtyard surrounded by a sandstone-coloured, solid wall, which is interspersed with large, pointed arches set into the wall. There are several tables and chairs in the courtyard. There is a tree on the right side of the picture.
The old town is home to cozy caravanserais – historic inns that once served as a stop for traders on the Silk Road. © photoaliona/stock.adobe.com
View of a narrow, cobblestone street. Old houses line both sides of the street, with several balconies jutting out over the alley.
Behind meter-thick walls, you can go on a journey through time in the historic old town of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its winding alleys and old houses. © andrii_lutsyk/stock.adobe.com
Modern, large building in white with a golden floral pattern, rolled up like a carpet. A window front is visible. There are lawns to the side of the building with a paved path running through them, and a few trees in front of them.
Impressive from the inside and outside: the unique Carpet Museum, which resembles a rolled-up carpet, showcases the centuries-old tradition of carpet weaving. © sforzza/stock.adobe.com
Sand-coloured, huge mosque with a large dome and four minarets. Numerous arched gates of various sizes open to the front.
The magnificent Heydar Mosque was opened in 2014 and is one of the largest and most important mosques in Azerbaijan. © borisb17/stock.adobe.com
A wide, brightly tiled boulevard, with the sea to the left and trees to the right. The skyline rises in the background. The boulevard is bordered by bollards on the water side.
Baku Boulevard, the seafront promenade along the bay, is the city's main promenade and offers magnificent views of the skyline. © kerenby/stock.adobe.com
The centre of the image is a modern, circular building at night, glowing in blue and pink. The rays of light rise to the sky and are reflected in the water in front of the building. The construction is composed of individual conical components.
Crystal Hall was built for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. It is now a striking landmark and is used for music and sporting events. © Elnur/stock.adobe.com

Baku from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Azerbaijan Airlines

Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)

Five tips for ...

1. Architectural highlight and unique exhibition at the Carpet Museum

2. Fascinating insights into Azerbaijan's history at the History Museum

3. Unique collection of miniature books and art at the Miniature Book Museum

4. Changing art exhibitions and events at the Heydar Aliyev Center

5. Important works of art by Azerbaijani artists at the National Art Museum

1. Plov: aromatic rice dish with meat, fruits and nuts

2. Dolma: vine leaves stuffed with rice or meat

3. Kükü: traditional omelette with eggs, herbs, nuts and cheese

4. Piti: savoury stew made with lamb, potatoes and chickpeas

5. Dushbara: small dumplings filled with flavourful broth

1. Explore prehistoric rock paintings and mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park

2. Visit the highest mountain village in Azerbaijan, Khinalug, in the Caucasus

3. Go hiking and enjoy spectacular views in the Böyük Qafqaz mountain range

4. Discover traditional craftsmanship and charming landscapes in Quba

5. Visit the burning mountain Yanar Dag at dusk

Picture Source title:
© DenisSv/stock.adobe.com

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