Sightseeing in Baku - what to see. Complete travel guide

The name of the capital of Azerbaijan can be translated as “the city of winds”. This is a wonderful resort located on the border of Europe and Asia.

Primorsky Boulevard is known as the favorite place of rest among locals and tourists. It stretches just along the coastal line and is known as a perfect place for unhurried romantic walks. The boulevard is decorated with old chestnut trees, bright flowered beds, picturesque fountains and palms. Here you can also visit multiple shops, souvenir outlets, restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters.

Just several minutes of ride on a cable railway and you will leave the boulevard and reach spacious area of Nagorny Park. Here you can enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the city and then take a ride on a cutter that will take you to a marine row along the Baku Bay. During the ride you will hear many interesting stories and facts connected with the history of Caspian Sea.

The historical center of the city is often called “Baku Acropolis” as it is rich in priceless architectural monuments and sights. Such sights as ancient fortress Icheri Sheher, Maiden Tower, Synyk-Kala minaret, Bailov Stones, the house of Baku khans, numerous old mosques and trading complexes – these are just a small part of unique buildings that are worth visiting. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Once you finish with your excursions, you can have some rest in local cafes and drink a cup of aromatic coffee. You may also like local souvenirs with hand-made carpets to be the most popular of them. When you finish with sightseeing in the city, you can attend excursions to surrounding areas. For example, Gobusan town is the largest gathering of rock paintings and Surahany village is the place of location of an ancient complex of temples.

One of the most unusual historical sights of Baku is the Maiden Tower Giz Galasi. The exact date of its construction is unknown, the first mention of this tower relates to 12th century. The main secret associated with the tower, is its purpose, which researchers have not succeeded to discover. According to some assumptions, the tower could be part of a complex of fortifications, but it is quite far from the city walls and the old city gates. 

There are incredibly beautiful modern architectural structures in Baku, including complex of skyscrapers, "Flame Towers". These huge skyscrapers, the facade of which is lined with mirror tiles, resemble flames reaching for the sky. Especially beautifully these modern buildings appear in the rays of the setting sun. Many tourists come to admire the buildings in the evening; incredibly spectacular illuminations decorate them after dark. 

Those fond of walks around the historical places should definitely join the excursion visiting the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. It is a large architectural complex in the territory of which there is a mausoleum, an old mosque and a number of other interesting buildings. The main feature of the palace is the Archaeological Museum, which contains an extensive collection of artefacts. 

One of the favourite places for walks among guests of Baku is the historical street Kichik Gala. During the Soviet era "The Diamond Arm", was shot here, the scene of the fall of Yuri Nikulin was filmed near the house 8/1. The search of the house, as well as a commemorative photo shoot on the background is one of the favourite activities of many tourists. 

In the vicinity of Baku is a well-known historical and ethnographic museum Gala, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. On the territory of the museum under the open sky is an interesting collection of artefacts, dating back to the Middle Ages. Here visitors can see how the local houses looked like more than 500 years ago, and to explore the collection of ancient weapons, furniture and household items. On the territory of the museum often interesting thematic events dedicated to the culture and traditions of Azerbaijan are hosted, it is most interesting to visit the museum during the warmer months.