Baku Soviet Architecutre Gudied Walking Tour
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2h
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About this experience
Over three hours we will walk into social and cultural formation of Baku City Centre, Fountains Square (then Parapet), Nizami (then Torgovaya), 28 May and Khagani (Xəqani; then Molokanskaya) streets, based on exquisite life stories, urban legends and myths relates to love and hatred, rise and fall, happiness and tragedy, turmoil and tranquility, contrast and harmony from the confluent life of oil barons and everyday people throughout last 100 years of the city.
Available options
Baku Soviet Architecutre Gudied Walking Tour
What's included
We finish tour with a cup of local tea at local coffee shop.
Detailed itinerary
1
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.
2
Nizami street is the central shopping and entertaining core of modern day Baku. 800 m of 3.5 km long street is traffic free and it is one of the most busiest part of the city with full of people who take their time after work to stress out and relax in restaurant, shops and concert halls and theatres.
3
Intersection of Samad Vurgun and Nizami streets is one of the busiest streets of Baku with great view of Stalinist Architecture from 1950s.
4
28 May street is a commemorative street to declaration of Azerbaijan's first independence in 1918. The statue of Qara Qarayev, one of the greatest composer of classic music, locates in here. Here we discuss how musics, literature contributed to nation-building process for Azerbaijanis.
5
Over half an hour we will walk through cultural sections of Nizami street, where Song Theatre, National Library, Opera and Ballet Theatre and Lev Landau, Nobel Prize Winner, to talk rich artistic cultural heritage of Baku.
6
The street and the park historically known as Molokanskaya as it named after spiritual Christians exiled to Azerbaijan from Russia. It's been one of the central streets of downtown Baku. Here locates (a) Khagani (formerly Molokan) Park and (b) Russian Drama Theatre. We will discuss Russians and Russian language and Azerbaijani Society.
7
The History Museum was the private residence of Haji Zelnalabdin Taghiyev, aka the father of the nation. Due to its ornate and decorative interior beauty and spatial structure, many modern historic events took place in the museum. Here we tell Taghiyev's story of rags to riches.
8
Gigantic and Iconic Soviet Landmark in Baku
9
Stop 9
Dənizkənarı Milli Park, also known as National Park is a promenade established in 1909, which runs parallel to Baku's seafront. Its history goes back more than 100 years, to a time when Baku oil barons built their mansions along the Caspian shore and when the seafront was artificially built up inch by inch.
What's not included
Lunch
Private transportation
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
14 reviews
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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. The guide carries a red umbrella with a badge.
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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