Baku Holiday Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know

I did a solo trip to Baku and it’s one of the most memorable trips I’ve done.

Partly because Baku is a bit undiscovered and partly because it’s a crazy blend of ancient and modern.

You will find a mix of futuristic architecture, alongside silk road inns and oil pumping wells for example!

Check out my guide for all you need to know to plan your Baku holiday or use the link below to jump straight to everything you need for your Baku trip.

Baku Holiday

Let’s start with a quick summary of my visit to Baku.

Baku Holiday – Summary of Visit

	1 = Poor, 5 = Excellent	Comments
Personal Safety	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Safe walking anywhere at anytime
Cleanliness	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scenery	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	City had lovely architecture
Friendly People	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Very friendly welcome & departure
Weather	⭐⭐⭐⭐	20 degrees
Getting There	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Direct flight from Istanbul
Facilities	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Apartment with jacuzzi bath
Value for Money	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Overall trip was great value
Hotel Cost	£75	Apartment with balcony, jacuzzi bath
Why Visit?		Off the beaten track

Baku Holiday Review Video

Before You Visit Baku – Trip Resources

Travel Insurance with Coverwise	The travel insurance I use
Specialist Medical Travel Insurance	Compare medical providers quickly
EVisa Service	The official Government site
Currensea Overseas Debit Card	Great rates and automatic top ups
ESIM for Easy Mobile Phone Calls	For easy mobile phone use abroad

Baku Holidays

Weather in Baku

As you can see from the annual average weather chart below, Baku can get quite cool in the winter and quite hot in the summer.

One thing to be mindful of is the strong sea wind. The wind can be very strong and it can also reduce the temperature feel.

My Personal Experience Of Baku’s Weather

I visited Baku at the end of October. The weather was pleasant, and I didn’t need a coat or extra layer until it got dark. I only needed a layer because the wind was making it cooler. It was enjoyable to sit outside during the daytime too.

Baku City Break

Getting to Baku from the UK

Baku is fairly straightforward to get to from the UK, with direct flights from London with Azerbaijan Airlines.

Finding a Cheap Flight to Baku

For my trip, I did a reverse flight search. As a result, I managed to find a really cheap flight from Istanbul to Baku. It was with the budget branch of Azerbaijan Airlines, called Buta Airways.

• Easy online booking: It was easy to book the flight online and to book luggage as well.
• Affordable price: The flight cost worked out to around £45.
• Short flight duration: The flight time is 2 hours and 45 minutes from Istanbul

There are direct flights with AZAL, Turkish Airlines and AJet operating.

Holiday in Baku

Baku Holiday Trip Itinerary

Having found my flight route to get to Baku, I decided to do a two-stop trip:

• 4 nights in Istanbul
• 3 nights in Baku

Check out my Istanbul City break details, which include where I stayed, what I did, and where I visited before I got to Baku.

Holiday in Baku

Getting to Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Buta Airways flies from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul. This airport is on the opposite side of Istanbul from the much newer IST Airport.

It is easy to reach this airport by bus from the city center. The bus ride takes around 1.5 hours to get there.

I ended up staying at the Sabiha Gokcen Airport Hotel, which was great. It made my morning much less frantic and made getting into the airport for an early flight much more bearable.

Istanbul Airport Experience

Sabiha Gokcen Airport is like many airports. Everyone entering must scan their belongings at the entrance. The airport has a good selection of cafes and shops for something to eat before the flight.

Flight to Baku from Istanbul

The flight to Baku was on an Embraer aircraft. It was clean and comfortable, although I appeared to be the only non-local person aboard.

I thought it was great value. The flight time was around 3 hours and the flight cost was around £25 including luggage.

Read More: How to Get to Baku from the UK

Baku City Break

Getting a Visa to Enter Baku

You do need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. This is very easy and simple to get through the E-Visa service.

Visa Cost and Application Process

• The cost was $24.
• Fill in the application online.
• Download the visa once approved.

Important: You need to apply at least 3 days before you enter the country.

City Break Baku

Arrival at Baku Airport and Getting to Baku City Centre

It took around 40 minutes to get from Baku Airport to the city centre.

Actually it took a bit longer because we stopped at a filling station on the way. It was the cleanest filling station I have ever seen and like something out of a movie!

I prebooked a transfer through the accommodation provider to make it easier on arrival.

It was pretty reasonable and he took me directly to my accommodation which was a bit outside of the main city centre area.

Baku Holidays

Baku Currency

Currency Exchange

There is a place to get Baku currency at the airport, and I recommend doing this. I didn’t, and it caused quite a few problems later in the day.

Transportation Options

Just before going through into the arrivals hall, there is a taxi desk where you can book a transfer into the city if you haven’t done so already.

Bus Services

There is a bus that runs throughout the day from the airport terminals to the city center. Here are some details:

• Ticket price: 1.50 AZN when bought with a Baku Kart.
• Purchase location: Buy your card at the airport first.

Travel Time

It takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center from the airport. The map above shows the distance from the airport to Baku’s city center.

Scenic Drive

The drive into Baku is very interesting. There are some fantastic buildings along the way, including one that looks like a giant candle complete with a holder!

Read more information on Heydar Aliyev Airport.

The currency in Azerbaijan is Azerbaijan New Manats. The exchange rate was around 2.5 AZN to £1 when I visited.

Holidays in Baku

Accommodation in Baku

Holiday Baku

Jireh Baku Royal Apartments

Location

My apartment was at the top of a large block of flats. There were three blocks in the development. At the bottom of one block, there was a small convenience store.

Apartment Features

The apartment had a lounge with a large leather couch. The TV cabinet was quite ornate, but the TV didn’t work.

Kitchen and Dining Area

The kitchen included a dining area with:

• A gas stove
• Ample cooking space

Bedroom and Bathroom

The double bedroom featured an ornate double bed with large storage units.

The bathroom had a massive jacuzzi bath.

Additional Amenities

• WIFI was included
• There was a small terrace area that looked out across the main road and the sea.

Cost of Stay

For three nights, I paid around £75, which I thought was very reasonable.

🏨 Check out hotels in Baku on Booking.com and holiday rentals on Vrbo 🏨

Baku Hotels

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in Baku, with prices and facilities to suit all budgets.

If you want to go all out luxury and location then these two are my top picks – you can also scroll around the map to find other alternatives.

Read More: Where To Stay in Baku

Intercontinental Hotel

The Intercontinental Hotel is a luxury hotel in Baku. It’s got a great location and fantastic facilities and service. If you want a luxury stay then this is it.

🏨 Book your stay at the Intercontinental Hotel on Booking.com 🏨

The Flame Towers

If you want an iconcic stay in Baku then staying in the Flame Towers has to be it. You have all the luxury and comfort of a Fairmont Hotel with the novelty of staying in an amazing building which is the symbol of Baku.

🏨 Book your stay at the Flame Towers on Booking.com 🏨

Baku Hotels – Map Search

Use this map search to find hotels across Baku and quickly find one that suits your requirements

Baku Holiday

Getting Around Using Baku Kart

Public transport is a great way to travel when visiting Baku. The Baku Kart is a contactless payment card for public transport, similar to the Oyster card in London.

Getting Your Baku Kart

All public transport in Baku is now cashless. You need to have your own Baku Kart before you board. You can buy these cards at the metro stations.

I initially thought I could buy a Baku Kart on the bus, but I was wrong. Thankfully, a lovely local girl paid for my fare into town.

How to Buy a Baku Kart

Buying a Baku Kart is relatively straightforward. The instructions are available on the machine in English.

My Experience with Public Transport

I used the metro and buses every day. It cost me around £5 in total for my 4 days and 3 nights in Baku.

A Word of Warning!

I read on another blog about some young people pushing through the barrier when scanning their Baku Kart to avoid paying. This happened to me once with some teenage girls. I half expected it, so it wasn’t a surprise.

More Information

Check out the Baku Kart page for more details on costs, passes, and routes.

Baku Card Options

The Baku Kart is the official card for public transport. There is also a Baku Card, which offers free transport and discounted entry to various museums.

The pricing is as follows:

• A 24-hour pass costs 12 Euros.
• A week-long pass costs 35 Euros.

Like all pass schemes, consider whether the discounts are worth it based on what you want to see and do.

Baku Holiday

Things to Do in Baku

The main part of the city is very easy to explore on foot.

The Promenade

There is a large promenade dotted with gardens, cafes, and sculptures. It is a very pleasant place to walk and see locals enjoying the same experience.

Features Along the Promenade

You will find various features along the promenade, including:

• The Baku Eye, a large observation wheel.
• The Carpet Museum, a huge building shaped like a roll of carpet.
• A charming area called Little Venice, known for its attractive water gardens.

Art and Nature

Sculptures and interesting plants are scattered throughout the gardens. You can also see an intriguing display of all the Formula One racing drivers.

🚴 Check out tours and activities in Baku Get Your Guide 🚴

Baku Holiday

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre

When visiting Baku, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre is an absolute must.

Getting There

It is easy to reach using the metro. After that, you can walk several blocks to the Cultural District.

The Cultural Centre Experience

The area around this space-age building is beautifully landscaped. The conference center also has an interesting design. In the grounds, you will find some fascinating public art.

Walking to the Cultural Centre allows you to see a bit more of local life as you pass through the residential area.

An Unexpected Adventure

On my return journey, I got off at the wrong station. This mistake turned into an adventure when I discovered the underground shopping malls. These malls are located in the underpasses, which are common in Baku. Here are some features of the underpasses:

• Some have escalators
• Many just have steps
• Walking around Baku often involves going under roads or over footbridges

🚴 Check out tours and activities in Baku Get Your Guide 🚴

Museums to Visit in Baku

Azerbaijan Museum of Independence and Miniature Book Museum

I planned to visit both these museums but failed to find either. I walked around the block where the Independence Museum was supposedly located but could find no sign of it at all. This was disappointing because the subject is so interesting.

I had the same issue with the Miniature Book Museum.

It seems like Baku is open for visitors, but it has not fully connected the dots in highlighting things to do and places to visit.

Visiting the Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are an iconic building in Baku. They stand on a hill above the bay and offer a dramatic and beautiful sight. You can stay in the Towers, but it is quite expensive.

Daytime Visits

The Flame Towers are worth visiting during the day. Here are some highlights:

• Amazing views across the bay of Baku
• Nearby viewing areas

Nighttime Visits

Visiting at night is also a must. You will see:

• Fantastic views of the color-changing lights
• A spectacular sight worth experiencing

Getting There

To reach the Flame Towers from Baku, take the funicular that will take you up to the base of the towers.

Nearby Attractions

There are some lovely gardens near the Towers. Be prepared for quite a few steps if you head over to the viewing terrace, but it is well worth it.

Also nearby is Martyrs Lane. This area shows pictures and details of local people who died fighting the Russians. It’s a very moving tribute.

Read More: Things To Do in Baku

Baku Holiday

Baku Tea

Many of the cafes in the gardens serve traditional Baku Tea. This tea is made from black tea and served with a variety of jams. The tea is poured into the cup first, and then the jam is added for sweetness.

Snacks and Cakes

Alongside the tea, cafes often serve snacks and cakes. This can be a nice treat during your stay. However, it can also be frustrating when all you want is a drink.

Pricing Expectations

The cost of tea can be quite high. In one cafe, the cost reached £15. There seems to be an expectation that tourists will pay for the full tea service.

• Some cafes say it is that or nothing.
• It is important to check the menu before you sit down.

Otherwise, you might end up with an expensive bill.

Read More: Is Baku Expensive?

Baku Holiday

Eating and Drinking

Eating new dishes is always a great part of travelling. Here’s where I ate during my stay;

Caravanserai were buildings that provided shelter, food, and stabling to travelers along the Silk Road.

Dining at The Mugam Club

The Mugam Club is a restaurant located in an old Caravanserai. The restaurant claimed it was open for breakfast, but it did not have a breakfast menu.

Given there was no breakfast I had a meal of bread and cheeses instead.

I loved the building and it was worth visiting just for that. I was the only person in the restaurant, probably because everyone else knew they didn’t do breakfast. As such it was very quiet and a lovely experience.

It would be amazing to visit in the evening and see the place lit up.

Baku Holiday

Old Baku Tea House

Finding the oldest tea house in Baku was a bit of a challenge. The entrance was unimposing and easy to miss.

Inside the decor was cosy with cushions, tapestries and smaller areas for seating.

I didn’t like the large TV screens showing music videos everywhere as these seemed to clash with everything else.

Baku Holiday

The House Cafe

I absolutely loved this restaurant. It is in one of the main squares and close to the old town.

Popular and Welcoming

The House Cafe was very popular and busy with locals. The waiting staff were friendly and helpful, and they spoke English, which was great.

Delicious Breakfast

I had breakfast there, which is shown in the photograph above. It was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious.

Refreshing Drinks and Clean Facilities

I enjoyed some lovely non-alcoholic drinks too.

• The toilets were very clean.
• It was a lovely spot to watch locals enjoying the cafe.
• I also enjoyed the open space of the square.

Baku Holiday

Public Transport Issues

Public transport in the evening can be hit or miss. I waited in the city to visit the Flame Towers. I then headed down to the main road to catch a bus to my accommodation.

Challenges with Buses

Unfortunately, the bus stops were only in the city center. There were no other stops along the route. As a result, I ended up walking along a busy road at night. Eventually, I found a taxi rank and took a taxi back to my hotel. The driver didn’t want to charge me, but I had to insist on paying.

A Surprise at the Bus Terminal

On another occasion, I managed to catch a bus heading in the right direction. However, I ended up at a bus terminal where the bus route finished. This didn’t seem too far from where I was staying. I took the opportunity to visit a local supermarket, which was fantastic. It was packed with local items, and I stocked up on gifts for home, including:

• Azerbaijan tea
• Local sweets
• Handcrafted souvenirs

Walking Through Baku’s Neighborhoods

After visiting the supermarket, I navigated through a scrubby residential area. Dogs were running about, and the roads were unmade. There were many ramshackle buildings, which made it feel like a less-than-ideal place to walk. I kept focused on my destination.

I passed some chemical and cement works and made my way around the back of the residential buildings to the main road. This part of Baku felt like a hidden gem that most people don’t get to see.

Is Baku Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Feeling Safe

I felt very safe in Baku. despite making a few mistakes including getting lost at night and walking through a housing estate

Getting to the City Centre

Upon arrival, I needed to get a taxi into the city centre. My goals were to:

• Get some money
• Do some shopping

Since I didn’t speak the local language or Russian, I had to mime to the taxi driver. He was lovely and drove me around for an hour. The total cost was £10.

Public Transport Challenges

I did not realize that public transport was cashless. I tried to board a local bus, and a local girl kindly paid for my ticket otherwise I would have been stuck.

Evening Adventures

Later in the evening, I couldn’t find a bus. A taxi driver took me back to my apartments, and he didn’t want any payment.

Read More: Is Baku Safe?

Baku Holiday Video

Baku FAQs

Baku Holiday Summary

• Baku is a great place for a city break. There is plenty to do, including simply enjoying the parks and architecture
• Baku feels a little less discovered compared to many other places
• It’s an interesting combination of the old and new

If you are looking for a very memorable city to visit that’s a unique blend of old and new, you should visit Baku.

Please check the latest Foreign Office Advice before visiting Baku, given the disputes going on in the country

You Might Also Like

If you have found my Baku Holiday review article useful you might also like;

• Is Baku Worth Visiting?
• Is Baku Safe?
• Is Baku Expensive?
• How to Get to Baku from the UK
• Where to Stay in Baku
• What To Do in Baku

You can read more on my Azerbaijan page

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