Experience Baku – a city on the rise
Book flights to Baku with Etihad Airways and discover Azerbaijan’s diverse capital city.
Visit the ancient Old City for traditional baroque structures, or explore modern neighbourhoods for incredible, cutting-edge architecture.
Stroll along Baku Boulevard, feeling the breeze from the Caspian Sea as you soak up the view of the city’s skyline.
Take time to admire the iconic Flame Towers – these three flame-shaped skyscrapers tower over the city.
Step back in time and explore beyond the walls of the ancient Old City, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Then, head to Fountain Square and watch the world go by to the sound of the fountains dancing.
From stand-out buildings to mesmerising rock art, this city is showing the world that Azerbaijan is deserving of its place on your travel bucket list.
Book plane tickets to Baku with Etihad Airways today.
Reasons to visit Baku
Walk the Old City
Exploring the well-preserved Old City of Baku (or Inner City) is a must. Boasting UNESCO World Heritage Status, the fascinating walled city dates back as far as the 12th century, although some claim it goes back even further to the 7th century.
A contrast to Baku’s otherwise ultramodern architecture, amble along cobbled streets surrounded by sandstone buildings, buy handmade crafts from the locals, and be sure to visit the two highlights of the Old City: Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Maiden Tower features on the Azerbaijani currency, and both buildings were built around the 15th century.
Admire state-of-the-art architecture
Outside of the Old City, things are a little different. Baku has made a name for itself by constructing a plethora of extravagant, state-of-the-art structures. The most recognisable of them all are the magnificent Flame Towers, the tallest building in Azerbaijan, which dominates the skyline.
Other aesthetically stunning sights include the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Fountain Square, Ganjlik Mall and the unique Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum. Many of these places look even better when lit up – we recommend visiting them on a walking night tour.
Explore natural attractions
There’s plenty of natural beauty to discover outside of the city, much of which is reachable by booking a place on an organised tour. Visit the Absheron National Park on the waters of the Caspian Sea to see gazelles, foxes, tortoises, jackals and the endangered Caspian seal – one of the world’s smallest seal species.
Get up close to some mysterious mud volcanoes or venture a little further west and discover ancient petroglyphs and spectacular rock formations at the Gobustan National Park. As well as the outdoor reserve, there’s an interactive museum on-site.
Flying to Baku: FAQs
How many days should I spend in Baku?
If you book your Baku plane tickets around a long weekend, there should be more than enough time to see the city’s main sights. The capital also acts as a gateway to the rest of the country. Extend your trip by heading to the ancient village of Sheki, or to the ski resorts in winter.
What language do they speak in Baku?
The official language spoken in Baku and the rest of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, also known as Azeri, or Azeri Turkic, which has similarities to modern Turkish. English is becoming increasingly more common in the capital too. In Azerbaijani, hello is salam and thank you is sag ol.
What food is Baku known for?
Azerbaijani food fuses flavours and textures from the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Fresh seafood is a popular meal choice for locals in Baku, thanks to its location by the Caspian Sea. Dolma is another traditional dish, featuring a lamb and rice mix with mint, cinnamon and fennel wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves.