Azerbaijan surprises tourists with its mix of cultures, landmarks, and landscapes. The capital, Baku, combines ancient sites like Maiden Tower with modern designs like the Heydar Aliyev Center. Just a short drive away, Gobustan’s rock carvings and mud volcanoes reveal stories from thousands of years ago. In the countryside, mountain villages welcome guests with traditional food and warm hospitality. From coastlines to peaks, the country has endless places to see. If you’re planning a trip, the list of things to do in Azerbaijan will keep you busy from start to finish. Here in this specific blog section, we have mentioned some of the best things that you can experience in Azerbaijan.
Things to do in Azerbaijan: Must Try These 10 Best Things
1. Explore Baku's Old City (Icherisheher)
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Baku’s Old City, also called Icherisheher, is the oldest part of the capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by well-preserved stone walls, it feels like stepping back in time. Here you’ll find narrow streets, ancient mosques, and caravanserais that once welcomed Silk Road traders. The Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs are two of its most famous landmarks. Walking through the Old City gives travelers a chance to see traditional houses, small shops, and quiet courtyards that show how people lived centuries ago. It’s one of the top things to do in Azerbaijan for history lovers and anyone curious about the country’s cultural roots.
Activities to Try: Climb the Maiden Tower for panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea. Don’t forget to explore the miniature book museum and shop for traditional carpets and souvenirs.
2. Discover the Heydar Aliyev Center
A true masterpiece of modern architecture, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a symbol of Baku's futuristic ambition. Designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, the building’s flowing, curved lines are a stark contrast to the city's Soviet-era architecture. There are no straight lines in the entire structure, making it a photographer's dream from every angle. Inside, you’ll find a world-class museum and exhibition space showcasing Azerbaijani history and culture alongside international art installations. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in design, art, or simply witnessing a truly groundbreaking piece of architecture.
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday Closed)
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3. Witness the Burning Mountain (Yanar Dag)
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One of Azerbaijan’s most famous natural wonders, Yanar Dag is a hillside that is literally on fire. A steady stream of natural gas seeping from the sandstone creates a wall of flames that burns continuously, day and night, regardless of the weather. This mesmerizing sight is believed to have been burning for centuries and was even mentioned by Marco Polo. Visiting at dusk is particularly magical, as the flames glow brightly against the darkening sky. It’s a short trip from Baku and offers a powerful glimpse into why Azerbaijan is called the "Land of Fire."
Best Time to Visit: The view is most impressive after sunset when the flames stand out against the night sky. A late afternoon or evening trip is ideal.
4. Explore the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
Journey 60 kilometers south of Baku to discover a prehistoric world at the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. This UNESCO-listed site features over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs carved into rocks, dating back as far as 40,000 years. These fascinating carvings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and the rituals of ancient tribes. The landscape itself is a semi-desert wilderness, adding to the feeling of stepping into a long-lost era. The accompanying museum is excellent, providing context and insight into the lives of these early inhabitants.
Activities to Try: Hike around the different rock formations to spot various carvings. The museum’s interactive displays are a great starting point before you explore the outdoor site.
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5. Visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
Shaped like a giant rolled-up carpet, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is as stunning on the outside as it is on the inside. Carpet weaving is an integral part of Azerbaijani culture, and this museum celebrates that rich heritage beautifully. Inside, you'll find a vast collection of carpets from different regions and time periods, each with its own unique patterns, colors, and story. The exhibits showcase the intricate craftsmanship and artistry involved in this ancient tradition. It's a visually stunning experience that offers deep insight into the nation's soul.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday Closed)
6. Walk Through Sheki's Historic Center
Nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s most charming towns. Its historic center is a delight to explore, with its cobblestone streets, tiled roofs, and friendly atmosphere. The crown jewel is the Palace of Sheki Khans, a small but breathtaking summer residence adorned with intricate woodwork and vibrant stained-glass windows known as shebeke. The town was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, and you can still visit historic caravanserais where traders once rested for the night.
What to See: Don't miss the Palace of Sheki Khans and the nearby craft workshops. Enjoy a cup of tea in a historic caravanserai for an authentic experience.
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7. See the Famous Mud Volcanoes
Azerbaijan is home to nearly a third of the world's mud volcanoes, and seeing them is a truly unique experience. Located near Gobustan, these strange geological formations bubble and spew cold, grey mud. It’s a surreal, almost lunar landscape. The volcanoes are not large, but they are constantly active, gurgling and burping as gas escapes from deep within the earth. You can get surprisingly close to the cones. For adventurous travelers, it's a fun and quirky detour that highlights the country's unusual natural phenomena.
Best Time to Visit: Visit on a dry, sunny day, as rainfall can make the area messy and difficult to access.
8. Walk Along Baku Boulevard
Running parallel to the Caspian Sea, Baku Boulevard is a sprawling park that serves as the city's main promenade. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk, offering beautiful sea views, cool breezes, and lush gardens. The boulevard is dotted with cafes, fountains, and attractions, including a mini-Venice with gondola rides and the giant Baku Eye Ferris wheel. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists to unwind, exercise, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Activities to Try: Rent a bike, take a gondola ride in "Little Venice," or ride the Baku Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.
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9. Hike in the Caucasus Mountains near Quba
For a dose of nature and adventure, head to the Caucasus Mountains. The region around the town of Quba is a fantastic starting point for hiking. You can explore green valleys, dramatic canyons, and breathtaking mountain passes. The area is also home to remote and ancient villages like Khinaliq and Laza, where you can experience traditional mountain life. The scenery is spectacular, offering a refreshing contrast to the arid landscapes around Baku. It's an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to explore rural Azerbaijan.
Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) is the best time for hiking, with pleasant weather and accessible trails.
10. Bathe in a Naftalan Oil Spa
For one of the most unusual things to do in Azerbaijan, travel to the town of Naftalan for a crude oil bath. This special grade of oil, found only in this region, is not used for fuel but for its therapeutic properties. For decades, people have visited Naftalan's sanatoriums to bathe in the thick, warm oil, which is said to treat various ailments, particularly skin conditions and joint pain. While it may not be for everyone, it is a unique wellness experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
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Travel Tips for Visiting Azerbaijan
- Visa Tips: Many nationalities can apply for a fast and easy ASAN eVisa online before their trip.
- Currency: The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Card payments are common in Baku, but carry cash for rural areas and markets.
- Language: The official language is Azerbaijani (Azeri). Russian is also widely spoken, and English is becoming more common in hotels and tourist spots.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal months are April to June (spring) and September to October (autumn) for pleasant weather.
- Transport: Baku has an efficient metro system. Ride-hailing apps like Bolt are cheap and reliable. For travel between cities, use trains or buses.
- Water: It is recommended to drink bottled water instead of tap water.
- Safety: Azerbaijan is generally a very safe country with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply in crowded areas.
- Dress Code: The country is secular and has a relaxed dress code. However, you should dress modestly when visiting mosques.
- Bargaining: Haggling is common and expected in local markets and with taxi drivers who don't use a meter.
- Connectivity: SIM cards with data are affordable and easily available at the airport and in city shops.
Final Thoughts
Azerbaijan is a land of endless discovery that attracts tourists from different parts of the world. If you are travelling to this country in 2025 you must know about the best things to do in Azerbaijan. Whether you are a solo adventurer seeking mountain trails, a couple looking for a romantic escape in Baku's old alleys, or a family wanting to explore fiery wonders, this country has it all. Its blend of ancient culture, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes creates a truly memorable journey. It’s a destination that constantly surprises, leaving you with stories you’ll be eager to share. To experience all the incredible things to do, book your Azerbaijan tour packages with Myholidays and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
Things to do in Azerbaijan - FAQ’s
Azerbaijan is quite affordable compared to Western European destinations. Costs for food, transport, and accommodation are reasonable, especially outside of central Baku.
Azerbaijani cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern and Eastern European flavors. Must-try dishes include plov (saffron rice with meat or vegetables), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and various grilled kebabs.
Yes, Azerbaijan is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. The locals are hospitable, and crime rates are low, but it's always wise to take standard safety precautions.
While Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country, it is secular. There is no legal requirement to cover your head, except for when entering a mosque as a sign of respect.
A trip of 7 to 10 days is ideal to experience the main highlights. This gives you enough time to explore Baku and its surroundings, as well as visit a mountain region like Sheki or Quba.
In Baku, the metro and ride-hailing apps are very efficient. To travel between major cities like Baku, Sheki, or Ganja, the train network is comfortable and reliable.
The dress code is generally relaxed and Western-style clothing is common. For visiting religious sites, it's respectful to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Yes, alcohol is legally available and consumed. You can find local beers, wines, and spirits in many restaurants, bars, and shops throughout the country.
