Azerbaijani Cooking Class + Old City Tour + Lunch

Baku , Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Cooking Class + Old City Tour + Lunch

Active

(53 reviews)

3h - 4h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the best of Baku in one unforgettable half-day. Begin with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old City, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

Then, step into a traditional Old City restaurant for a hands-on Azerbaijani cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, prepare and enjoy three beloved dishes: dolma (vine leaf), qutab (stuffed flatbread), and ayran (refreshing yogurt drink with mint).

Conclude with samovar-brewed tea served alongside local sweets and jams. This halal-friendly tour blends history, culture, and cuisine, offering authentic tastes and unforgettable memories in the heart of Baku. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, small-group experience.

Available options

Private tour

Privately organized<br/>Duration: 3 hours: Flexible timing according to your wish.<br/>Pickup included

Group tour

Shared tour<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Tour guide

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Cooking Masterclass

Lunch

Detailed itinerary

We check-in the tour and start from our office in Old City Baku - Icherisheher.

The Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapysy, in Aze: Qoşa Qala Qapısı) are the main entrance to Icherisheher, the historic Old City of Baku. Built in the 12th century, these fortified gates stand approximately 8 meters tall and 20 meters wide, serving as a vital part of the city's ancient defense system. The Double Gates have long been a symbol of Baku's rich cultural heritage, connecting the old walled city with the modern urban landscape.

Stop 3

The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan. Along with the Shirvanshahs' Palace, dated to the 15th century, it forms a group of historic monuments listed in 2001 under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments as cultural property.

Juma Mosque or Friday Mosque is a mosque in Icherisheher, functioning since the 12th century.

Stop 5

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described by UNESCO as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture".

Workshop of Ali Shamsi in Old City

Stop 7

Cooking masterclass in a national restaurant. You’ll prepare and taste some of the country’s most beloved dishes: Dolma, Qutab and Ayran.
After the class, enjoy the dishes you’ve made together in a relaxed, communal setting. The experience ends with the quintessential Azerbaijani tea ritual — fragrant samovar tea accompanied by local sweets and homemade jams, a tradition deeply tied to hospitality.

What's not included

Entrance fees (Not required)

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

53 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is smart casual

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide

Meeting point

Our office in Old City Baku: Once entered to Old City Baku from the Double Gates, turn right after Information Center. You will see our office after walking up 20 meters in your left.

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination.

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

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