Baku , Azerbaijan

Old City Walking Tour

Active

(6 reviews)

2h - 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

Old City Walking tour will help you to discover The Old City of Baku and to get as a lot of information about its history and buildings inside. The tour covers top attractions of The Old City - Icheri Sheher including ancient Shirvansahs Palace, Maiden Tower with historical view, architectural Bukhara & Multani Carvansarais, Juma Mosque, hamams, temples.

Available options

English Speaking Guide

What's included

Professional Licensed English Speaking Guide

Touristic Destinations Mentioned Above

Detailed itinerary

Tour will start from the main entrance of the Old City called Double Gates. During the tour you will be able to see the Chain, Sailor and Cat Houses, Bukhara and Multani Caravanserais, Juma Mosque, Maiden Tower. Guide will explain to you the history of the Old City, and its buildings mentioned above

Stop 2

Shirvanshah Palace – the pearl of the architectural heritage of Azerbaijan, the former residence of the rulers of Shirvan, located in the heart of Baku. In addition to the palace, the amazingly beautiful complex includes the Divan-Khan courtyard, tomb, mosque in 1441, as well as the bathhouse and mausoleum of court scholar Seyid Yahya Bakuvi.

Bukhara caravanserai constructed in late 15th century over the trade highway of Icherisheher in Baku. The caravanserai has a quadratic shape and salient portal and, its yard is octagonal. Caravanserai surrounded by balconies and personal premises – chapels along the perimeter. The octagonal comfortable yard was a special hall under open sky. There travellers and merchants were gathering after daily commercial operations. The crossing arch connected in general style along the full perimeter of the internal space of the yard within direct frame aggregates the main part of the architectural composition. The restoration works implemented in 1964 completely discharged the caravansaray building from the constructions and layers added later and it promoted to discover its large-scale structure on the background of the surrounding buildings.

Stop 4

Maiden Tower is an Eiffel Tower of Baku.In 12th century it was used as a fortress of Shirvanshahs for defensive causes.Maiden Tower's architectural plan, seemingly so simple, consists of walls which at the base are extraordinarily thick, beginning at five meters in depth and gradually narrowing to four meters at the top.
Today, the interior contains an interesting display of old photographs and a souvenir shop, but the highlight is the superb rooftop viewpoint surveying Baku Bay and the Old City. The views from the top are worth the climb, with a sweeping panorama of the Old City, the new skyscrappers on the hills and the Caspian Sea.

The Museum of Miniature Books, located within the old city - Icheri Sheher, is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the museum with the largest number of miniature books. The creator of the museum, Zarifa Salahova has amassed this unique collection over the past 30 years. The only museum of miniature books in the world opened its doors on April 2, 2002. Today, the museum holds a unique collection of over 5,600 books published in 66 countries around the world.

What's not included

Any Meals

Personal Expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

After your booking, you will be informed about how to recognize the tour guide in the meeting point

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