Discover The Old City Baku: Everything You Need To Know

Old Town Baku in Azerbaijan, also known as Icherisheher, was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000. The city will give you the vibe of vintage cities that have no tall glass buildings, instead massive stone walls with towers and gates, just like in old times. 

Old City Baku is a treasure trove of architectural gems including places, mosques, bathhouses, minarets and roadside inns. From The Palace of Shirvanshahs, a gem of Shrivanese architecture to the Maiden Tower, the best sunset point in the city, Old City covers everything you would wish to see! The streets are so happening and the eateries are classic and antique, very different from what you have been visiting till now.  

Plan your trip to Old City Baku and explore the best things to do in Baku! If you have already planned but are looking for the perfect Old City Baku Azerbaijan travel guide, we are here to help you, covering everything you need to know so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly.

History of Old Town Baku in Azerbaijan

The Shirvanshahs ruled in the 9th century, turning Baku into a hub of trade, culture, and education, and constructing notable buildings like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Juma Mosque.

Old City Baku gained global attention after it was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Today, it is a vibrant part of Baku, popular among tourists for its unique Azerbaijani culture and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Old City Baku

Peak Season ( April to June )

Shoulder Season (September and October)

Off-Season (November to March)

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How to Reach Old City Baku

• By Air:  Baku features a well-connected airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The most convenient way to reach Baku is by air and then from the airport, you can hire a taxi, take a bus, use the metro or rent a private car to Icherisheher Baku.
• By Road: If you are already in Azerbaijan, you can opt for a private car, metro , taxi or bus to reach the Old City. For the metro, take the red line to Icherisheher station, located right next to the city walls.

Things to Do in Old Town Baku

1. Explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique opportunity to travel back in time and imagine the lives of the Shirvanshahs and their court. The complex comprises living quarters, bathhouse, courtyards, mausoleum, Divanhana hall, administrative buildings, all decorated with stone carvings. It stands as one of the best places to visit in Old Town Baku.

• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
• Entry Fees: 10 AZN

2. Witness the Sunset from the Maiden Tower

Visitors need to climb the spiral staircase to the top and enjoy the perfect sunset from there and think about those times when the tower held deeper significance beyond being a mere tourist attraction. 

• Timings: 10 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry Fees: 6 AZN for student and 15 AZN for adult

3. Step back in time at Juma Mosque

More than just a place of worship, Juma Mosque stands as a historical testament to Islamic culture. It features a square-shaped hall with a small dome and pillars, adorned with beautifully detailed craftings on the walls. The exterior showcases intricate decorative stonework and calligraphy, adding to its architectural beauty.

• Timings: Varies depending on prayer times. Generally open mornings and evenings for non-Muslims.
• Entry Fees: Free

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4. Discover the historical tapestry of Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum is a gem for anyone interested in art, textiles and Azerbaijani culture. Shaped like a rolled-up carpet, the museum is one of the top places to visit in Old Town Baku. 

Visitors not only have the opportunity to admire the exhibits but also to learn about weaving techniques. In addition to carpets, the museum features costumes, jewellery, rugs, and much more!

• Timings: 10 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Friday) and 11 am to 7 pm (Saturday-Sunday)
• Entry Fees: 7 AZN for adults and 3 AZN for children and students

5. Discover the Tiny World of Books at the Miniature Books Museum

These books, available in various languages including English, Russian, Arabic, Azerbaijani and Turkish, range in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres. The museum invites you to explore over 5600 unique books from 76 different countries.

• Timings: 11 am to 5 pm ( Closed on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday)
• Entry Fees: Free

6. Wander through Caravanserais

Wandering through these sites will take you back to the time of the Silk Road. Today, two of these buildings still stand: Multani Caravanserai and Bukhara Caravanserai. Multani Caravanserai was used by merchants from Multan, Pakistan. Now it’s a restaurant serving Azerbaijani food. 

Bukhara Caravanserai, built in Central Asian style, has shops and cafes. Even though they’re not inns anymore, they give us a peek into the past when Baku was a hub of trade. 

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7. Indulge in a Hammam experience

Baku boasts several historical hammams, some dating back hundreds of years. A typical hammam involves a series of hot, warm and cool chambers. You will be provided with peshtemal ( a traditional cloth to wraparound ), slippers and a skilled attendant, known as tellak, may assist with washing and scrubbing using a kese (exfoliating mitt) and fragrant soaps.

Following the cleansing process, you can relax in a steam room or enjoy a soothing massage. The heat and steam help to ease muscle tension and improve circulation.

Cost of Different Types of Hammam: 

• 30 AZN to 50 AZN ( Basic Hammam )
• 50 AZN to 100 AZN ( Including Massage )
• Over 100 AZN ( Luxury Hammam )

8. Stroll through the Vintage Streets of Baku Old City

The vibrant streets are home to many art galleries, traditional craft workshops and stores offering authentic souvenirs,jewellery, clothes and much more!

The old stone houses, doors and balconies emit a vintage charm, providing perfect settings for aesthetic photography. You will thoroughly enjoy wandering through these streets.

9. Browse for Unique Souvenirs at Old Town Baku in Azerbaijan

What to buy:

• Carpets: These are a classic souvenir from Azerbaijan. You can find both old and new ones in different styles and sizes at shops around the Baku Old Town.
• Kelagayi: These are beautiful silk scarves with pretty flower designs. They come in lots of colours and sizes, perfect for adding a touch of Azerbaijani style to your clothes.
• Jewellery: Handmade jewellery made from silver, gold, and colourful stones with traditional Azerbaijani patterns that are really special.
• Ceramics: You can find all sorts of hand-painted ceramic things, like plates, cups, and little statues, both pretty and useful as souvenirs.
• Carpet Bags: These are really cool bags made from old carpets. They’re strong as well as thick and come in different sizes, perfect for carrying your stuff.

Where to Buy:

• Caravanserai Shops: Take a look at the shops inside Multani Caravanserai or Bukhara Caravanserai. You can find all kinds of souvenirs there, from old-style clothes and musical instruments to handmade crafts and tasty local treats.
• Art Galleries: Discover unique artwork by local Azerbaijani artists in galleries spread throughout the Old Town. You might see paintings, sculptures, or fabrics that you really like.
• Street Vendors: Keep an eye out for street vendors selling handcrafted items like miniature carpets, dolls in traditional costumes, or keychains with Azerbaijani motifs.

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Places to Stay in Old City Baku

• Fairmont Baku Flame Towers: If you are looking for a luxury stay, Fairmont is an iconic luxurious hotel offering stunning views of the city and the Caspian Sea. The hotel is designed to exceed five-star standards with high quality luxury amenities in the rooms.
• Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel: The hotel is situated right next to the Maiden Tower, offering the stunning views of the city. The hotel features spacious rooms and breakfast is served on the terrace, offering a delightful experience.
• Two Seasons Boutique Hotel: Located in the heart of Baku Old City, the hotel is very close to the Palace of Shirvanshahs. It offers great views from the balcony and the staff is so humble and provides a comfortable stay with a focus on Azerbaijani hospitality.
• Shirvanshah Hotel: A stunning hotel which offers a unique experience steeped in history. The Azerbaijan cuisine they serve is the best in town and the staff, especially the manager, is so friendly. Everything is a 5 – 10 min walk to most of the tourist attractions.

What to Eat in Old City Baku

Must-Try Dishes

• Plov: A traditional Azerbaijani rice dish often made with saffron, raisins, chestnuts, and meat (lamb or chicken).

Where to eat: Firuze Restaurant and Köhne Şeher

• Dolma: Grape leaves or other vegetables like peppers, cabbage leaves or zucchini stuffed with seasoned rice, meat, herbs and spices.

Where to eat: Köhne Şeher and Firuze Restaurant

• Kebabs: Skewed meat that is cooked by grilling or pan-frying.  There are many different varieties of kebabs, depending on the region and the type of meat used.

Where to eat: Namli Kebap

• Dushbara: Small dumplings filled with lamb, beef and fresh herbs. They are typically served in yoghurt sauce.

Where to eat: Dushbara Restaurant

• Pakhlava: The most famous sweet dish in Icherisheher Baku is a layered dessert pastry made with chopped nuts and honey.

Where to eat: Pakhlava Boutique Baku

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Conclusion