1. Maiden Tower
Something of a mystery surrounds this rather odd looking tower in the Azerbaijani capital Baku. No-one is entirely sure who or why the tower was built, but it’s generally accepted that it dates back to the 12th century. It may have been a watch tower, or possibly an observatory or even a temple of sorts, no-one really knows, but this just adds to its charm. It’s one of the country’s most popular sights and offers wonderful views of Baku Old City from the top of its spiral staircase.
Address: Baku, Azerbaijan
2. Palace of the Shirvanshahs
This is another of Azerbaijan’s most important historical buildings and most popular things to do. It was built in the 15th century by the Shirvanshahs who once ruled parts of the country until the 16th century. Along with the Maiden Tower it is on a list on a Unesco World Heritage List of historical monuments, and very popular with visitors. As well as the main palace building, the Divanhane, there is a mosque, mausoleum and bath house which are all worth visiting.
Address: Qəsr 76, Baku, Azerbaijan
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3. Azerbaijan mud volcanoes
The mud volcanoes in Gobustan, near Baku, is one of the more off-the-beaten-track things to do in Azerbaijan, but very fun nonetheless. The country is actually the location to almost half of the world’s known mud volcanoes, including two of the biggest – Turaghai and Boyuk Khanizadagh. At the top of Daşgil Hill in Gobustan is a collection of much smaller mud volcanoes which spurt and spit with thick mineral mud (face mask anyone?!) and make quite an entertaining sight.
Address: Daşgil Hill, Gobustan National Park, Azerbaijan
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4. Heydar Aliyev Center
This is Azerbaijani’s pièce de résistance when it comes to modern architecture. The cultural and conference center was designed by Dame Zaha Hadid, whose résumé also includes the Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The huge but incredibly stylish frame took six years to build and contains eight levels housing a museum, workshop, exhibition space and auditorium. Hadid’s mission was to create a building without a single straight line, and she succeeded. Even if you don’t want to step inside the Heydar Aliyev Center, take the time explore the exterior and marvel the work of one of the world’s best known and well loved architects.
Address: 1 Heydar Aliyev prospekti, Bakı AZ1033, Azerbaijan
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5. Xan Sarayi
Unlike the Heydar Aliyev Center which is all sleek lines and curves, the Xan Sarayi or Palace of Shaki Khans is angular, intricate and colorful. It was once the summer house of the Shaki Khans, built in 1797. Sadly it is the only building still standing on the site that once contained a winter palace and almost 40 other buildings. In the 1950s and 60s it underwent a 10 year restoration, and then again in 2002, making sure it doesn’t face the same fate as its neighbors. The palace is surrounded by a walled rose garden and trees that are more than 500 years old. The exterior is beautifully and colorfully painted and inlaid with strong colors. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Azerbaijan.
Address: Sheki 0055, Azerbaijan
6. Fazil Labyrinth
The excavation of this underground labyrinth in Fazil, Azerbaijan, was a labour of love for two local archaeologists and enthusiastic helpers from around the world. There’s more than a dozen underground grave sites that date from the 2nd to 7th centuries BC and are still exactly as they would’ve been back then, complete with bones and other traditional burial artifacts. You can walk through the labyrinth of tombs by appointment with the local tourist office. There are English signs but no guides, but it’s still well worth the visit.
Address: Fazil Village, Azerbaijan
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7. Quba
If you want to see a bit more of rural Azerbaijan, head to the Quba area around the Caucasus Mountains in northeast Azerbaijan. Due to the climate it’s incredibly lush and green, with lots of communities of sheepherders who are often happy to meet adventurous tourists. The most popular place to visit around Quba is Khinalig village (or Xinalig), which at 2,000 meters above sea level is considered one of the highest villages in Europe. There’s no mass tourism here but friendly locals are usually happy to offer spare rooms and tips on what to do in the area.
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8. Gobustan National Park
This national park is one of the best things to do in Azerbaijan if you want to see its prehistoric history. It contains more than 600,000 rock paintings depicting all manner of prehistoric life including bullfights, warriors, ritual dances, and battles. The park is also home to the mud volcanoes and the mystical Gaval Dash musical stone. The rather unremarkable looking stone ‘plays music’ when it’s hit with smaller stones. The noise is said to resemble a tambourine and was used as part of ancient ritual melodies. You can take an organized tour to the park or hire a local independent guide. It is around 40 miles southwest of Baku city.
Address: Gobustan National Park, Gobustan, Azerbaijan
9. Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Traditional carpet weaving is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest traditions with families of locals passing down the skills through the generations. This large museum in Baku holds some of the most treasured carpets, as well as tools explaining the weaving techniques over the years. As well as Azerbaijani carpets, the museum on Baku’s waterfront has ceramics, national clothing, art works, jewelry and metal works from the Bronze Age onwards. If you want to purchase a one-off piece (be mindful of your luggage allowance) head to the museum shop which stocks pieces made from across Azerbaijan.
Address: Baku, Mikayıl Useynov Avenue, 28, Azerbaijan
Opening times: Tuesday through Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday and Sunder 10am – 8pm, closed Monday
Entry: Tickets cost 7AZN (Dh15) for adults
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10. Fountains Square
The capital city of Baku has a few busy areas that draw the crowds, especially when the sun’s shining and the food and drink is flowing. Fountain’s Square is one these places, and contains dozens of fountains, hence its name. There are lots of stores, restaurants, hotels and cafes around the large square, and it’s especially buzzing on weekends and evenings. It runs from Istiglayyat Street through Nizami Street and is a must-visit on any trip to Azerbaijan.
Address: Baku 1005, Azerbaijan
Content first written/published in June 2018. Information correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
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