Azerbaijan
Plan your trip to Baku
Everything for your Baku trip in one place — build the plan in a tap, free, with Vagga.
Start freeBaku, the capital of Azerbaijan on the shore of the Caspian Sea, is a striking meeting of a walled old town and a futuristic skyline. The Flame Towers, the old city of Icherisheher, a long seaside boulevard and a rich cuisine — all under a 4-hour direct flight from Tel Aviv. Here's everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Baku — and build it in a tap with Vagga.
Top sights
Old City (Icherisheher)
Baku's walled historic heart, a UNESCO World Heritage site of stone lanes, carpet shops and cafés.
Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası)
An ancient, mysterious stone tower in the old city, with sea views from the top.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
A 15th-century royal palace complex, the architectural jewel of the old city.
Flame Towers
Three flame-shaped skyscrapers, the symbol of modern Baku, lit by a dazzling show at night.
Heydar Aliyev Center
Zaha Hadid's flowing white building — an architectural masterpiece.
Baku Boulevard
A long Caspian-front promenade with gardens, a 'Little Venice' of canals, and life late into the night.
Things to do
Gobustan day trip
Thousands-of-years-old rock carvings and active mud volcanoes — an otherworldly landscape about an hour away.
The fires of Absheron
The Ateshgah fire temple and the burning Yanardag hillside — the natural flames behind Azerbaijan's 'Land of Fire' name.
Flame Towers light show
Views of the towers and the bay from Highland Park, best at sunset and after dark.
Azerbaijani tea in a çayxana
Sweet black tea with jams and pastries in a traditional tea house — a local social ritual.
Where to eat
Plov
Rich saffron rice with meat and dried fruit — the national dish.
Lyulya kebab
Seasoned minced meat grilled on skewers — an Azerbaijani grill classic.
Qutab
A thin flatbread stuffed with herbs, pumpkin or meat.
Dushbara
Tiny dumplings in broth — true Azerbaijani comfort food.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October): pleasant weather for exploring. Summer is hot and humid on the Caspian; winter is mild but windy — Baku isn't called the 'City of Winds' for nothing.
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Old City — Icherisheher, the Maiden Tower, the Shirvanshahs' Palace, and Fountains Square in the evening.
Day 2
Modern Baku — the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Flame Towers, and the seaside boulevard with Little Venice.
Day 3
Day trip — Gobustan (rock art and mud volcanoes) and the fire sites of Ateshgah and Yanardag.
Good to know
How many days do you need in Baku?
Three for the city; four with day trips to Gobustan and Absheron.
Do I need a visa for Azerbaijan?
Many nationalities, including Israeli citizens, need an e-visa (ASAN) — issued online in a few days.
What's the currency in Baku?
The Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Cards work in the center; carry cash outside the city.
How do you get there and around?
A direct flight from Tel Aviv takes about 3.5 hours. The city is walkable, with a cheap metro and taxis.
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