Baku Old Town Walking Tour with a Local
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Enjoy personal and professional attention with a local tour guide to discover top attractions of Baku Old Town. You will visit and learn about the main and unique monuments of Baku. Those include the Maiden Tower, the Palace of Shirvanshahs, the courtyard known as “Divankhana”, mosques and minarets, caravanserais and bathes. Old Baku's mystical history and exquisite architecture is a unique experience for any traveler and even locals! The tour will give you a rich overview of oriental Baku.
Available options
Private Tour
Private Tour
Small Group Tour
What's included
Local professional guide
0.5 Lt bottled water
Detailed itinerary
1
Tour starts at Icharishahar metro station, just by the old city walls of Baku. From there on your way to the Palace of Shirvanshahs, you will get informed about the history of mosques, caravansaries, old trading squares and old city walls.
2
Stop 2
Enter the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, the central part of ancient Shirvanshahs kingdom and dive into the spirit of Islamic civilization while passing through the courtyard and king’s private rooms. Together with your guide you'll get to know the history of the palace and visit the meticulously designed mausoleums that witnessed many troubles for the past two centuries. Afterwards, you'll also explore the ancient and controversial pagan temple located next to Maiden Tower and see ancient pagan monuments discovered in different parts of Azerbaijan.
3
Stop 3
Visit the most remarkable and mysterious monument – the Maiden Tower, built in the south-east part of Icharishahar. Be ready to climb up 8-storey tower and hear from your guide the theories and legends behind it. Enjoy the panoramic view of Baku city right from the top of the tower.
4
After Maiden Tower we'll pass by the mosques and bathhouses located in the Old Town and you'll learn why one of the oldest surviving mosques in the city is called "Broken Fortress".
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Available languages
Guide guide
RU
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
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Tripadvisor
5.0
80 reviews
5★
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The tour departs from the exit of Icharishahar metro station. Your guide will have a badge with their name and Baku Tours logo on it. See the image for the exact meeting point: http://bit.ly/IchariMeet
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
