It’s hard to imagine the variety of places to visit near Baku, a city that remains largely unknown to many tourists who love to explore Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, a country situated in a region blessed with rich geographical diversity, often remains overlooked by travelers. However, Baku, its capital city with a stunning view of the Caspian Sea, is a place that journeys from ancient times through the medieval ages, flourishing during the Ottoman period, and eventually becoming the vibrant city it is today.
Despite the many wars that Baku has faced, the city has managed to preserve its numerous tourist attractions. According to experts, there are more than 20 places to visit near Baku, attracting history buffs, foodies, and even plant and animal experts. In the following lines, we will explore some of the most remarkable places to visit near Baku.
1. The Old City (Icheri Seher)
Icheri Seher is one of the places to visit near Baku that UNESCO has listed as a World Heritage site due to its historical significance. In the heart of the Old City, you will find ancient textiles, trading practices that rely on tools from the early ages, and traditional restaurants.
2. Maiden Tower (Maiden Tower)
The Maiden Tower is distinguished by its cylindrical shape. The exact date of its construction remains unknown, as does the reason for its construction. The tower contains remnants of Arabic inscriptions and artifacts, suggesting it was used as a Zoroastrian temple and possibly a fortress. The tower’s stones hold many secrets, and it is deeply connected to religious beliefs from its time of construction.
Near the tower, excavations have revealed the remains of a 9th-century mosque. Every stone placed in the Maiden Tower reflects the economic strength of the state that built it during that era. The tower is also known as the Temple of the Sacred Fire, where fires were lit during festivals, particularly religious ones. For anyone visiting Baku, the Maiden Tower is a must-see. It also houses a museum, where you can listen to fascinating stories about the tower’s history.
Before visiting this landmark, be sure to check the visiting hours, as it is open to visitors from 9 AM to 6 PM. The entry fee is approximately $6, which is quite affordable compared to ticket prices at other attractions worldwide. This makes places to visit near Baku an attractive destination for everyone.
3. Shirvan Shahs Palace
With a history spanning over 800 years, the Shirvan Shahs Palace is one of the most important historical places to visit near Baku and is registered with UNESCO. Inside the palace, you will find the main building complex, the crypt, the Dervish tomb, the mosque, the bathhouse, and other facilities.
In ancient times, the palace had a walled perimeter with towers, although these are no longer standing. However, some of the tower foundations are still visible in certain parts of the palace. The tombs, mosque, and palace were all built with the same stones, highlighting the care taken in their construction.
The Shirvanshah dynasty, the rulers of that era, were the original founders of this palace. They were Arabs who settled in the region, adopting Persian customs and becoming a powerful ruling family in Azerbaijan from 861 to 1538. The Shirvan Shahs Palace is a must-see for tourists due to its multiple attractions and rich history. For a ticket costing just $6, you can visit between 10 AM and 6 PM. Exploring the palace’s 6-hectare area and taking photos is a delightful experience that will occupy much of your time. If you want to see all the palace’s details, you can enjoy your visit by staying at a nearby hotel.
4. Azerbaijan History Museum
Visiting this museum is like seeing all the places to visit near Baku in one go. The museum takes you back in time with its exhibits of historical artifacts, handicrafts, and archaeological finds, amounting to nearly 300,000 items. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with an entry fee of just $3.
5. Nizami Street
Walking 3.5 km along a single street is a great pleasure, but you should be prepared to spend money. Nizami Street, stretching over 2 miles, is Baku’s main shopping district, frequented by collectors of souvenirs and trinkets. The architectural facades vary along the street, showcasing different styles. Nizami Street is a busy yet clean area, named after the famous Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi.
6. Fountain Square
Fountain Square is one of the places to visit near Baku for walking enthusiasts. The square is filled with dozens of fountains and extends from Nizami Street to the eastern walls of Icheri Seher. On both sides of the square, you’ll find cafes and restaurants with outdoor terraces overlooking the fountains.
7. Flame Towers
The Flame Towers is an iconic structure that stands 182 meters tall near Baku Bay. From a distance, the lights emanating from the towers resemble flames, making it one of the most prominent places to visit near Baku.
8. Flag Square
Unlike the older historical sites, Flag Square is one of the newer places to visit near Baku, established in 2007. The square is named after its 162-meter flagpole, which once held the record for the world’s tallest flagpole with a 70×35 meter flag. Though Azerbaijan’s record has since been surpassed by Tajikistan, Flag Square remains an important landmark.
9. Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard, a national park designed by architect Mahammad Hasan Hajinsky, stretches 3.7 km along the coast. At the end of the boulevard is Flag Square. Baku Boulevard is one of the newer places to visit near Baku, established in 1998.
10. Mini Venice
A network of water canals located in Baku Boulevard or the National Park, Mini Venice was designed to give tourists the feeling of being in the floating city of Venice. You can navigate the artificial canals in boats between 10:30 AM and 11 PM.
11. Teze Pir Mosque (Teze Pir)
Established in 1914, this mosque in central Baku didn’t serve its intended purpose for long. After only three years of use, the Bolshevik Revolution occurred, placing Baku under Soviet control. The mosque was then converted into a cinema and later a barn. It wasn’t until 1943 that the mosque regained its status. The Teze Pir Mosque is one of the places to visit near Baku that attracts tourists, especially Arab Muslims, due to its significance.
12. Funicular
For those who enjoy panoramic views, the Funicular is an excellent choice. From the top, you can see the entire city, including both near and distant places, low-rise houses, modern skyscrapers, historical palaces like Icheri Seher, Martyrs’ Lane, and the Old City. Everything is visible as you ride the Funicular.
Conclusion
Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, has a rich history filled with civilizations and historical landmarks. The places to visit near Baku are varied; some have well-documented histories, while others remain a mystery. The remnants show that the greatest civilization that influenced Azerbaijan was Islamic, with a strong economy that allowed the construction of forts, landmarks, and palaces that continue to bear their name and preserve their engravings.
93% of Azerbaijan’s population is Muslim, though 50% identify as secular despite being officially registered as Muslim.
Baku is a city open to European life while retaining its historical essence. You’ll find this spirit in the buildings and traditional restaurants that carry the flavor of heritage. From operas that tell the stories of poets immortalized in the city’s streets to its many museums and palaces, Baku offers countless attractions
