Few sources focus on writing about tourism in Azerbaijan, which is why we decided to be among the promoters of Arabic content creation that you are interested in. In this article, you will find a simplified tourist guide that takes you to the beautiful Azerbaijan. Buckle up; we will fly together through the sky of the text.
Azerbaijan shares many similarities with Turkey in customs and traditions. So, if you have previously visited Turkey, you will not feel much difference in Azerbaijan; Azerbaijan is one of the Turkic countries that formerly gained independence from Turkey and has had its own governance. However, it remains the “Land of Fire,” a historical crossroads of ancient empires and a major oil field that has been the cause of many wars on its soil.
Top Tourism in Azerbaijan Destinations
Azerbaijan is home to significant geographic and demographic diversity. It has been inhabited for at least 200,000 years. Over a millennium and a half, it came under the control of Arabs, Turks, Mongols, Persians, and then the Russians. Since 1991, it has been slowly developing as it tries to emerge from the remnants of the Soviet collapse by exploiting its natural resources.
Tourism in Baku
Tourism in Baku, the capital city, combines architecture from Paris and Dubai with hints of the Soviet Union’s cold influence. Amid the rapid, chaotic changes of the world, Baku’s landmarks are slowly evolving. The old town is located in the center of Baku, consisting of a pointed arch illuminated by ancient stones, streets lined with trees, and many heritage shops under the branches. Yet, there are many towers that have started to rise, making some Soviet-era buildings feel dwarfed in a city of giants.
For romantics, walking through Baku’s streets offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea. Baku, Azerbaijan, is considered one of the most famous tourist capitals in the world. It is an industrial oil city, yet it still retains its old character in many areas and is filled with museums that preserve the connection between the past and the present, revolution and occupation. Baku enjoys a vibrant nightlife with plenty of daytime work.
Visitors can stroll through souvenir shops on Nizami Street, large stores like IF, and Park Boulevard. Whether in a regular car or a four-wheel drive, no one can feel bored in Baku.
Tourism in Quba
Tourism in Quba: Located 170 km north of Baku, Quba, or the Dome of Khans, was built in the mid-18th century. It is a city of authentic carpets, beautiful nature, and foods that no one can visit Quba without tasting.
Religions embrace here, from churches and mosques to entire Jewish villages like those located at an altitude of 2500m. Skiing in Shahdag, visiting the sea and squares, strolling in the shadows of gardens, or witnessing history closely in the cemeteries of martyrs are all places worth visiting during tourism in Azerbaijan.
Tourism in Sheki
Sheki Tourism: Sheki is known for its green pastures, beautiful forests, old houses with oak roofs, and a small Khan’s palace. In the past, Sheki was located on the valley, but it was destroyed by floods in 1716 and rebuilt. In the 1840s, khans began to proliferate in Sheki. With wars, Sheki fell under Russian rule and flourished as a Silk Road and caravan route. Notable museums in Sheki include the Botanical Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Archaeological Museum.
Tourism in Gabala
Gabala stands out in summer tourism, where visitors prefer hiking in the forests, climbing, and enjoying the cable car. From December to March, it becomes a destination for skiing in the mountains. Its tourist spots include Yeddi Gozel (the Seven Lakes) and the municipality’s amusement park designed like a Greek theater, among other tourist attractions in Gabala.
What sets tourism in Gabala apart from other tourist destinations in Azerbaijan is the availability of shooting and archery learning places, where an international shooting competition was held between 2014 and 2016. As in other areas, various traditional dishes and restaurants are available in Gabala, ranging from economical options to high-end restaurants.
Tourism in Lankaran
Tourism in Lankaran: Located in the east of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea, its residents are closer to Iranians in language and appearance. What distinguishes it tourism-wise are the healthy hot springs and the vast green spaces that fill the eyes with beauty. This geographical diversity has contributed to the biodiversity of animals and plants in the area.
Tourism in Absheron
Absheron Azerbaijan: The name comes from the Absheron Towers. In this area, you will hear ancient legends from the depths of history about mountains igniting near the waters, which is what Azerbaijan is famous for as its nickname is the “City of Fire” due to its numerous ancient volcanoes and earthquakes.
What Is the Best Time for Tourism in Azerbaijan?
Winter is best for ski resorts if you are an adventure and ice enthusiast. Summer is the time to relax in the mountains and beaches. Spring and autumn are perfect as transitional seasons, offering moderate temperatures and opportunities to explore various landmarks. In general, the climate varies with the terrain, so some consider the best places in Azerbaijan to be in the southeast, where moderate temperatures can be found in July, while higher temperatures prevail in other areas.
Regardless of the season you visit Azerbaijan, make sure to visit international exhibitions and be present during religious holidays in Azerbaijan for the best experiences. You can also coordinate with individual or group tour centers.
Do You Need a Visa for Tourism in Azerbaijan?
Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Tajikistan are countries whose citizens and passport holders do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan.
Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, and South Africa can obtain a visa upon arrival.
How to Travel to Azerbaijan?
By air, the easiest way to reach Azerbaijan is through Baku, the country’s capital, with daily flights from many regions.
By land, you can arrive by train through Georgia or across the borders with Russia and Iran.
By sea, but this becomes more complicated and is easier for passport holders that allow entry without a visa.
Tourism in Azerbaijan and Living Expenses
The approximate daily cost of living in Azerbaijan is $20-30 if we consider all economic factors during transportation. Tourism in Azerbaijan is not as expensive as in other countries, and you can enjoy your time with minimal spending.
Accommodation and Lodging
There are many hotels in Azerbaijan, especially in the capital Baku, catering to all visitors, from modest budgets to luxury hotels. Prices range significantly, from $6-12 for a basic hostel to $20-35 in a 4-star hotel, rising above that in business and ambassador-level hotels.
Examples of these hotels include:
- Baku Hotels:
- Dinamo Hotel Baku: Suitable for ambassadors and high-ranking officials
- Baku Palace: Suitable for high-ranking officials
- Boulevard Hotel Baku Collection: Suitable for business people
- Baku City Hotel: Suitable for those looking for an excellent location in the city at an economical price
- Baku Sahil Hotel: Suitable for those looking for an excellent location in the city at an economical price
- Intourist Hotel Baku: Suitable for business people
- Sheki Hotels:
- Sheki Saray Hotel: Suitable for business people and above.
- Sheki Caravanserai: One of the luxury hotels at reasonable prices, recommended.
- Ganja Hotels:
- Ramada Plaza Ganja: Business class
- Ganja Hotel: Economic class
- Vego Hotel: Superior class
Food and Drinks
Eating and drinking are enjoyable aspects of tourism in Azerbaijan, and many options are available in one place. However, you may not find European spices everywhere if you attempt to cook your food. Additionally, be cautious with meat; it is recommended to cook it well before eating, as some meats in popular or remote restaurants come from personal produce without oversight.
In general, the cost of local restaurants is not much, and shops and regular grocery stores are also widespread along the road wherever you go. However, if dining at a higher-end establishment is possible, we recommend:
- Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel, a high-end restaurant for local cuisine.
- Sumakh, another high-end restaurant for local dishes.
- Pan-Asian, offering international dishes.
- For vegetarians, Jihad Falafel on 40e Qogol Street.
However, the more upscale the restaurant, the more a reservation is required, and the higher the cost. A meal in a local restaurant without appetizers or drinks costs more than $6, while prices are higher in more upscale restaurants.
Be generally cautious; some restaurants list a price on the menu but charge a higher price when paying. If you’re alone, you may be bullied into paying, with claims you didn’t understand what you ordered well.
Famous dishes you can eat include:
- Kebab, costing no more than $1-2.
- Gabala plov, a type of rice with over 40 different preparation methods.
- Dolma, or stuffed vegetables with vine leaves.
Avoid trying traditional dishes from remote villages or ordering from street vendors to maintain food safety.
Other Tips for Tourism in Azerbaijan
- You will need adapters with three prongs if you’re carrying equipment with you.
- You won’t find anyone who understands Arabic, and even English is not understood by the general public, so make sure to have a translation tool or use Google Maps.
- In terms of clothing, if you’re a Muslim, you’ll feel completely comfortable because Azerbaijani society is mostly conservative, and women cover their hair in many cities and streets, while minarets are widespread.
- The safest place to exchange currency is at the airport or your hotel.
- Cash is better than credit cards.
- Always carry your passport when shopping in stores because you will be asked for it if you don’t have the exact change, and they will give you the change only if you show your passport.
- Avoid the countryside if you are sensitive to animal or bird smells.
