Baku Old Town & Oil History Private Walking Tour

Baku , Azerbaijan

Baku Old Town & Oil History Private Walking Tour

Active

(234 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We explore the historic heart of Baku on a walking tour. We discover iconic landmarks starting out walk from Fountains Square and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Icherisheher (Old Town) and then into Istiglaliyyat street and back to Fountains Square.

Thematiclly, we welve into the city's rich history, from its medieval origins to its transformation under the influence of oil barons in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. We will learn and have pondered understanding about the social, cultural, and political aspects of Baku's past and present.

Available options

Baku Old Town & Oil History Private Walking Tour

What's included

Bottled water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Fountains Square is downtown, entertainment and leisure centre in Baku. However, this neighborhood emerged as main trading street of boom town during the first oil boom era, late XIX and early XX century. This is where we meet and end the tour.

Stop 2

Known as Icherisheher, Old Town of Bakuis a UNESCO's World Heritage site. We will walk and stop to offer explanation without entering the sights (Museums of Shirvanshahs Palace and Maiden Tower, Miniature Book Museum Muhammad Mosque and more) with historic photos.

Formerly Nikolayevskaya and Kommunisticheskaya, the Istiglaliyyat Street was one of the main streets of Imperial Russian time Baku. Here we will explore urban transformation that brought by oil barons and their quest for personal glory and fame. The attractions covered along Istiglaliyyat street are: Governor’s Garden, Town Hall, Philharmonic Hall, Palace of Happiness, Institute of Manuscripts of Azerbaijan, Ismaliyya Palace (Muslim Charitable Society), Literature Museum and the statue of Nizami.

This is where one of the evironment built during Baku's expansion beyond the fortess wall. The story of the garden will be linked to a book titled as Ali and Nino.

Baku Town Hall is one of the monumental architectural landmark from Oil Boom Era. It allows to understand architectural influences from Europe and impact that cosmopolitan and diverse groups of people had on Baku.

This is a story about an Oil Baron and his wife whose love story retold when people get married in their mansion which serves as marriage registry today.

This is a story about first secular school for Muslim Women and the process of modernization in Baku and ultimately Azerbaijan's first independence.

This is a story of an Oil Baron who commision a Palace in the memory of his son that becomes an important architectural landmark designed in Venetian Gothic Style.

Stop 9

The walking tour ends at Fountains Square.

What's not included

Lunch

Private transportation

Admission fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

234 reviews

5★

227

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet out front of KFC/Pizza Hut at Fountains Square (See it here https://goo.gl/maps/2impV4G1z1uequ5c7).

The guide carries a red umbrella to recognize.

About Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's known for its futuristic skyline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Maiden Tower and the iconic Flame Towers.

Top Attractions

Maiden Tower

A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (5 AZN)

Flame Towers

Three futuristic skyscrapers that are landmarks of modern Baku. The towers are designed to resemble flames, a reference to Baku's ancient history as a center of the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to view from outside

Old City (Icheri Sheher)

The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions within have varying costs

Baku Boulevard

A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, activities have varying costs

Heydar Aliyev Center

A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (depends on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plov

A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.

Main course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Dushbara

Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Piti

A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Dolma

Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gobustan National Park Exploring mud volcanoes Visiting the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory Strolling along Baku Boulevard Enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse Relaxing at a local hammam (bathhouse) Exploring the Old City Visiting museums and historic sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Baku with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Crowds are moderate, and the city hosts several festivals during these months.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Azerbaijani
Widely spoken: Russian, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Baku is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Baku Railway Station

By bus

Baku International Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old City (Icheri Sheher) Nizami District Khatai District

Day trips

Gobustan National Park

60 km from Baku • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and a unique desert landscape. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.

Lankaran

220 km from Baku • Full day or overnight

A city in southern Azerbaijan known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and the nearby Hirkan National Park. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Shamakhi

120 km from Baku • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, and the nearby Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory. It's a great place for history lovers and those interested in astronomy.

Festivals

Baku International Jazz Festival • October Baku International Film Festival (BAFTA) • October Novruz Bayrami • March 20-21 (or around the spring equinox)

Pro tips

Visit the Flame Fountain in Baku Boulevard, a unique attraction where natural gas flames continuously burn from a stone fountain
Try traditional Azerbaijani tea in a local teahouse, such as Sazaghan Teahouse or Chaykhana #1
Explore the Old City on foot, taking in the narrow streets, historic sites, and local markets
Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park to see ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes
Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid