Discover Baku in Guided City Tour of Old Town Modern Landmarks

Baku , Azerbaijan

Discover Baku in Guided City Tour of Old Town Modern Landmarks

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(13 reviews)

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About this experience

More than just a tour, this is a lived journey through Baku’s vibrant streets, historic Old City (Icherisheher), Flame Towers, and buzzing local bazaars. Walk, taste, and explore with Ell—your multilingual local guide—who brings 16 years of Baku life and rural Azerbaijani roots into every step.

You’ll gain insider knowledge, try traditional tea and sweets, and hear the stories behind the city’s iconic landmarks. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, family, or group of friends, this tour is perfect for those who want meaningful cultural connection, not just photo ops.

Expect real conversations, local flavors, and hidden corners you won’t find in a guidebook—designed for curious travelers who want to experience Baku with heart.

Available options

Discover Baku in Guided City Tour of Old Town Modern Landmarks

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Professional English speaking local guide.

Hotel pick up and drop off.

A mini van or sedan is included on our tours depending on number of people and clients’ needs.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Martyrs’ Lane in Baku is a solemn hilltop memorial honoring those who died during Black January (1990) and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Visitors see rows of black marble graves, the Eternal Flame monument, the Turkish and British memorials, and a small mosque. It also offers one of the best panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea, making it both a place of remembrance and quiet reflection.

Highland Park (Dağüstü Park) in Baku is a scenic hilltop park overlooking the city and the Caspian Sea. It’s known for its wide terraces, tree-lined paths, and sweeping views of the Flame Towers, Boulevard, and Baku Bay. The park is also home to the Eternal Flame and Martyrs’ Lane, making it both a peaceful spot for strolling and a place of historical significance.

Stop 3

Baku Boulevard, stretching along the Caspian Sea, is the city’s most popular promenade filled with parks, cafes, and attractions. Along the boulevard you’ll find Deniz Mall, a futuristic shopping and entertainment center shaped like a flower; the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, designed like a rolled-up carpet and showcasing centuries of weaving art; and Little Venice, a charming network of canals with gondola rides. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk with sea views and cultural highlights.

Optional: If clients want to enter the Carpet Museum, it is 6 USD (10 AZN)/person. There is also a 3 USD/person fee for a boat to visit Little Venice.

Nizami Street in Baku is the city’s main pedestrian shopping avenue, lined with elegant 19th–20th century architecture. It’s filled with international boutiques, local shops, restaurants, and lively cafes, making it a favorite spot for both shopping and evening strolls. At night, the street glows with lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the heart of modern Baku.

Stop 5

The Old City of Baku (Icherisheher) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by ancient fortress walls. Inside its narrow streets, travelers can explore landmarks like the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, traditional caravanserais, mosques, and hammams. With its mix of history, local craft shops, and cozy cafes, the Old City is the cultural heart of Baku and a journey back in time.

Optional: If clients want to enter the Maiden Tower or the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, they can pay on site; each site is 9 USD (15 AZN)/person.

What's not included

We can stop by traditional restaurants if guests wish to purchase food.

Any other personal expenses.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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