Is Baku Worth Visiting? Absolutely – It’s Very Unusual

I was lucky enough to visit Baku at the end of 2019.

I did it as a solo female traveller trip and as a two-destination trip with Istanbul.

Here’s why I think Baku is worth visiting and why.

(Please check the Foreign Office advice for visiting Azerbaijan before booking your visit)

👇 My Favourite Baku Travel Resources 👇

Is Baku Worth Visiting? – Here’s Why I Went

The reasons that I decided to visit Baku weren’t very fancy or complicated. I watched an episode of The Grand Tour (the car show featuring Jeremy Clarkson and friends).

Baku looked like a bit of a bonkers place and I decided I wanted to see it for myself.

I also wanted to push myself a bit as a solo traveller and go somewhere a bit more off the beaten track.

Relatively few people from the UK visit Baku, making it feel undiscovered.

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

It’s a Real Mix of Influences

Baku is a mix of cultural influences and languages. Older people often speak or understand Russian, younger folks more likely some English.

The Azerbaijan language is beautiful too but I found it nigh on impossible to understand, even to learn a few words of the basics.

It was wonderful to discover that part of the silk road trading routes passed through Baku.

The joy of sitting and having breakfast in an old caravanserei was something I will never forget. As I ate eggs and drank coffee I imagined all the lives that had passed through before me. It was a real highlight of my visit.

I wasn’t familiar with the history of Baku which is why I found the Avenue of Martyrs very poignant.

I read many of the stories of the people who had died resisting the Russian invasion. I was particularly drawn to the women martyrs.

The history of Baku is complex and continues to be so.

There is currently a conflict taking place in Azerbaijan, over the Western side of the country.

As such it is imperative that you check the Government travel advice before planning all travel and also check your travel insurance.

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

Quirky Architecture

The architecture in Baku is bonkers. There is everything from huge imposing grand buildings, such as those that look over the promenade.

Then there are crazy modern buildings. On the way from the airport I saw a building being constructed that was designed like a giant candle, with a massive candle holder around the base.

The carpet museum is another great example – it’s a huge roll of carpet.

Then of course there is the beautiful Heydar Aliyev centre. This amazing building was designed by Zaha Hadid in 2007. It was a real statement on Azerbaijan independence. It was a line in the sand between the older Russian style of architecture and the architecture of the new state going forward.

If you take the time to visit this amazing building, you will also see the conference centre. It’s also a very modern building – looking like a UFO that has landed in a lovely landscaped park area.

I also enjoyed the underpasses because many of them had shops. One of them was large, practically a whole underground shopping mall with pedestrians cutting through to reach one side of the square to another.

The promenade is a lovely feature too. It’s dotted with interesting designs, sculpture, ponds and gardens.

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

Eating and Drinking

My first night eating at Baku was a meal purchased from the local supermarket and eaten in my apartment. I always find grocery stores interesting places when travelling, and Baku was fascinating.

The next day I ventured out and enjoyed a fantastic breakfast at the House Cafe in the town centre. A deluge of little plates and bowls headed my way, all holding treats such as jam, eggs, bread, olives and more. It was delicious and so good I went back again the next day.

I enjoyed trying tea and jam. You choose your tea and then select which flavour jam you would like to add to it. However, it was difficult to get just tea in several places which I found frustrating. Paying the equivalent of £12 every time you want to have a cup of tea makes it very expensive.

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

Staying in Baku

I was on a budget so I stayed out of the main city part of Baku, in a residential area that didn’t have many tourists.

It was perfect for me but a bit challenging a time of two.

Staying so far out of town meant it was tricky to get the bus backwards and forwards, mainly because at night I had a real problem finding the bus stop. This resulted in me wandering down the main road at night. A taxi driver picked me up and took me back to the apartment and wouldn’t accept any payment.

For all it’s issues, I felt I had a better experience in the apartment. I got to see people living their normal lives – going to work, being at home and using the small shop in the apartment block.

I also got to see a local view – oil drilling rigs out of the front of the apartment and a concrete mixing plant at the rear, with no trees in sight.

I got to wander through a local housing area, at the back of the shiny apartments. These houses were patched up, with old cars abandoned in gardens, and with dogs and children running around.

It was a total contrast to the crazy modern architecture of the city centre.

Is Baku Worth Visiting?

Baku Memories

Baku has been one of the most memorable places I have ever visited.

There were a couple of moments of fear – wandering down an unlit road late at night looking for a bus stop for example, but that, in my experience is a normal part of solo travelling.

There were plenty more memories of wonderful food, and friendly people. These included a taxi driver who drove me around to get cash and shopping for 1 hour and would only accept the equivalent of 10 pounds when we were done. The local girl who paid for my bus ticket because I hadn’t been able to get a Baku Kart at that point, and of course the local taxi driver who picked me up from a dark busy street.

I felt safe walking around Baku on my own, including at night when I stayed in the city to get photos of the sunset across the bay.

Is Baku Worth Visiting – Conclusion

• Baku is definitely worth visiting if you like quirkier, less visited destinations.
• Be prepared for the language challenges.
• Enjoy the crazy architecture, the friendly people and the interesting sights.

👇 My Favourite Baku Travel Resources 👇

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