Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city where ancient history and futuristic architecture collide, creating a shopping experience unlike any other. This fascinating city on the Caspian Sea is rapidly becoming a hotspot for travelers seeking retail therapy that goes beyond the usual. From the labyrinthine alleys of the Old City, filled with carpet weavers and artisan crafts, to the glittering facades of new luxury malls, Baku offers a diverse retail landscape. You can hunt for traditional souvenirs, haggle for fresh produce in a bustling bazaar, or indulge in high-end fashion from international designers. This guide will take you through the must-visit shopping destinations, ensuring you find the perfect souvenir or treat. Read on to discover the incredible variety that makes shopping in Baku an adventure in itself.
Top 9 Places for Shopping in Baku
Here’s a list of the top places to explore for the best shopping experience in Baku:
1. Nizami Street (Torgovaya)
Located in the heart of downtown Baku, Nizami Street is the city’s premier shopping artery. This bustling pedestrian thoroughfare stretches for over three kilometers and is lined with a mesmerizing mix of high-street brands, luxury boutiques, souvenir shops, and international restaurants. It’s the perfect place to start your shopping journey, offering a lively atmosphere day and night. As you stroll along the beautifully lit street, you'll find everything from Zara and Mango to more exclusive designer stores. When you need a break, grab a coffee at one of the many charming cafes and watch the world go by. The street is most vibrant in the evenings.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, weekends
2. Icherisheher (Old City)
For unique souvenirs, head straight to Icherisheher (Old City). This UNESCO-listed walled city has narrow, winding streets lined with small shops and workshops selling local Azerbaijani goods. Here, you can buy hand-woven carpets, intricate ceramics, beautiful copperware, and traditional daggers. Do not forget to purchase armudu glass tea sets and painted kelaghayi (silk headscarves). You can also step into a carpet shop to see a weaver at work, which is a fascinating cultural experience that you will never forget.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6:30 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons
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3. Yasil Bazar
Also known as Green Market, Yasil Bazar (Yashil Bazar) is a famous, bustling open-air market in Baku. It is a key destination for tourists and locals seeking fresh, local produce, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and traditional sweets. The market offers a chance to witness the authentic shopping culture of Azerbaijan as well as the daily lifestyle of locals. It's an excellent place to purchase local delicacies like saffron and caviar.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings for fresh produce
4. Port Baku Mall
For those looking for high-end luxury brands, Port Baku Mall is an absolute haven! Situated on the Fountain Square, this sleek and modern mall houses an impressive collection of high-end international brands, including Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, and Jimmy Choo. You can shop for designer fashion, fine jewelry, and upscale cosmetics. The mall also has an excellent selection of cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious meals amid shopping. If you're looking to splurge, this is the place to do it.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 11 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds
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5. Ganjlik Mall
Ganjlik Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the Caucasus region, offering a vast selection of retail, dining, and entertainment options under one roof. With over 250 stores, it draws a wide range of shoppers with popular international brands like Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, and New Yorker. Beyond shopping, the mall has a multiplex cinema, a bowling alley, and a large food court with both fast-food chains and casual dining restaurants. Its convenient location next to the Ganjlik metro station makes it easily accessible.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Weekends for lively atmosphere
6. 28 Mall
Named after the nearby 28 May metro station, 28 Mall is a key shopping destination in Baku. The mall is popular among both locals and tourists due to its convenient central location and diverse range of stores within an area of 24,374 square meters. Here , you can shop for a wide range of international fashion brands, electronics stores, a well-stocked supermarket, and a cinema. The bright and airy atmosphere at the mall ensures a pleasant shopping experience. Its top floor has a food court that provides a wide variety of cuisines, making it a great spot to refuel after an ultimate retail therapy. This mall is perfect for a comprehensive shopping trip.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons
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7. Deniz Mall
Located along the shores of Caspian Sea, Deniz Mall is a perfect spot for a full day of fun, food, and shopping in Baku. Opened in 2020, it is a part of PASHA Malls and features an impressive design inspired by the star on Azerbaijan’s national flag. Spanning over 120,000 square meters, this five-story mall in Baku houses a wide array of international and local brands, but its main draw is the host of leisure activities. It has an entertainment zone with attractions for all ages, a multiplex cinema, and a diverse food court with stunning sea views.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for sea views
8. Park Bulvar Mall
Located right on the Baku Boulevard, Park Bulvar Mall offers a fantastic shopping experience with beautiful views of the Caspian Sea. Opened in 2010, the 6-storey mall features over 100 retail stores and restaurants, a large bookstore, a supermarket, and a multiplex. After shopping, enjoy a peaceful walk along the boulevard or relax at one of the waterfront cafes. The food court on the top floor also boasts panoramic sea views. It also has a parking area that can accommodate as many as 550 cars.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings for Boulevard stroll
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9. Sadarak Shopping Center
Looking for a pocket-friendly shopping experience? Head out of Baku city to the gigantic Sadarak Shopping Center. This sprawling wholesale market is where many local retailers buy their stock. Here, you can find everything at incredibly low prices, from high-quality clothes and shoes to household items and electronics. Be prepared for a chaotic and overwhelming experience. Consider visiting the market with a local if possible. Don't forget to bargain for purchasing your favorite items at affordable rates. Also, be sure to carry some cash as credit cards and digital payments are not acceptable here.
- Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Best Time to Visit: Mornings to cover more ground
Baku presents a shopping scene as diverse and captivating as the city itself. From spending mornings looking for aromatic spices in a centuries-old bazaar to afternoon indulged in luxurious retail therapy in a futuristic, star-shaped mall, the city caters to every type of traveler. To truly understand the soul of the city, we encourage you to look beyond the big-name stores and explore the small artisan shops and local boutiques that give shopping in Baku its special character. Planning a trip to Baku already? Book one of our Baku tour packages today and get ready for a journey like no other!
FAQ’s – Shopping in Baku
Prices for local handicrafts vary widely. A small painted ceramic bowl might cost 10-15 AZN, while a quality silk kelaghayi scarf can range from 30 to 100 AZN. Hand-woven carpets are a significant investment, with prices starting from a few hundred manats to several thousand, depending on size, material, and complexity.
Bargaining is a common and expected practice in the bazaars and markets like Yashil Bazar and Taza Bazar, as well as in the souvenir shops of the Old City. In modern malls and branded stores, prices are fixed. Start by offering about half the asking price and negotiate politely from there.
Baku is generally a very safe city, and its markets are safe for solo travelers. As with any crowded place, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. The vendors are typically friendly and welcoming to tourists.
While malls, boutiques, and larger restaurants in Baku accept credit and debit cards, you need cash for shopping in bazaars, smaller souvenir shops, and at market stalls. It's best to carry a mix of both.
Foreign citizens can get a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on purchases made in stores with a "Tax-Free" sticker. You must spend a minimum amount and get the necessary paperwork from the store. Present your receipts and the completed forms at the tax-free refund desk at Heydar Aliyev International Airport before departure.
For high-end fashion, Port Baku Mall is the top destination in Baku. Nizami Street, Ganjlik Mall, and 28 Mall are the other must-visit spots. Electronics can be found in most malls, with specialized stores offering the best variety.
When purchasing carpets or items that may be of historical value, it is crucial to get a certificate of authenticity from the seller, which proves the item is not a national treasure. The shop owner should provide this. Exporting items of significant cultural heritage is restricted without special permission.
While Baku is a modern city, it's respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting more traditional markets. Malls are very liberal, and you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. For markets, casual and comfortable attire is perfectly acceptable; there’s no strict dress code.
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