Exploring Baku: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary + Honest First Impressions of Azerbaijan’s Capital

Michael & Mri
Sep 11
7 min read

Updated: Nov 5

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to visit Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, imagine a city that feels part–Middle East, part–Europe, with futuristic architecture, a sparkling waterfront, and a maze-like old town that could easily belong in an old-world fairytale.

We spent three days exploring Baku with our six-month old baby, and it completely surprised us - clean, grand, and welcoming, with just enough quirk to keep things interesting. Here’s everything we did, what we loved, and a few things we didn’t expect at all!

Why visit Baku

Baku is one of those cities that doesn’t quite fit into a box - and that’s what makes it so fascinating. It’s the perfect blend of ancient Silk Road heritage and modern ambition, where you’ll find gleaming skyscrapers next to medieval city walls.

Here’s why Baku deserves a spot on your travel list:

Unique East-meets-West vibe – It’s got the grandeur of Dubai, the history of Istanbul, and a hint of European charm.
Surprisingly affordable – From taxis to meals, everything is a fraction of what you’d pay in most European capitals.
Striking architecture – Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Old City walls are all jaw-dropping in their own way.
Family-friendly and safe – Locals adore babies, the city is spotless, and taxis are cheap and reliable.
Photogenic streets with no crowds – We visited in June and had entire picturesque corners to ourselves, which is honestly something rare these days.

Our honest impressions of Baku

Here’s what stood out most during our visit — the good, the surprising, and everything in between:

Built for the future: The city is massive — wide promenades, empty boulevards, and architecture that feels futuristic. It almost feels like it’s waiting for more people to fill it!
Immaculate cleanliness: Street cleaners are everywhere, and so you’ll rarely see any litter.
Ridiculously cheap taxis: We paid around €2 for 20-minute Bolt rides. Pro tip — select cash as the payment option; drivers seem to prefer it.
Traffic chaos: Think Bangkok or Jakarta levels of congestion. Rush hour and non–rush hour feel about the same!
Safe and scam-free: I have seen plenty of Instagram reels talking about scams in Azerbaijan, but this was not our experience at all. We never felt unsafe or overcharged — a huge plus for travelers.
Polite sales culture: Vendors are friendly but not pushy. A simple “no” is respected. Such a change from places like Egypt...
Beautiful architecture: From the Old City’s sandstone walls to the ultra-modern skyline, Baku is stunning from every angle.

Traveling in Baku as a young family

We couldn’t believe how baby-friendly Baku is! They LOVE babies. Everyone wanted to make Maya laugh — even the burliest men melted when they saw her!

Azerbaijan Airlines is baby-approved: The crew was kind, stroller-friendly, and absolutely doted on Maya. (Fun travel moment: The airline once handed us a ham sandwich and multivitamin juice “for the baby” 😅 — so maybe pack your own baby snacks!) Families with babies also get to skip every line - even passport control!

The entire city works with a stroller except for the Old City cobblestones (but they’re smoother than most European ones). We made this mistake and ended up baby wearing instead.

That's where the positives end though. We didnt find changing areas anywhere, although locals were very accommodating (TIP: a portable changing mat is a must). Cribs/cots are also free in most hotels, though usually toddler-sized, so prepare for some bending!

Three days is the perfect time for Baku - the first day to orient yourselves, the second day to go a little deeper, and the third day for a little day trip.

Day 1: Iconic Baku Highlights

Start your trip by exploring Baku’s modern side, where futuristic architecture meets the Caspian Sea breeze:

Flame Towers

These three iconic skyscrapers dominate Baku’s skyline and are designed to resemble flickering flames — a nod to Azerbaijan’s nickname, the Land of Fire. They look especially beautiful at night when they’re lit up in red, orange, and yellow LED lights. We didn’t go inside, but watching them glow from various parts of the city was a highlight.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

Even if you don’t step inside, the building itself is worth a visit. Shaped like a rolled-up carpet, it’s one of Baku’s most striking pieces of architecture. Inside, you’ll find centuries of weaving traditions — but we just admired it from the outside and strolled along the boulevard instead.

Little Venice

Right next to the Carpet Museum, you’ll find this charming spot — a small network of canals complete with gondolas and pastel bridges. It’s a quirky, photogenic place that feels like a slice of Europe by the Caspian.

Baku Boulevard

Stretching for miles along the waterfront, this is where locals come to unwind. In the evening, it comes alive with families, music, and a cooling breeze off the sea. We loved walking here after sunset — it’s the perfect place to people-watch and enjoy the city’s laid-back side.

Baku Ferris Wheel

Also known as the Baku Eye, this 60-meter wheel offers beautiful panoramic views over the city and the Caspian Sea. Go at sunset if you can — the light over the Flame Towers is stunning.

Wrap up your first day with dinner by the waterfront or near Fountains Square - Baku’s dining scene is full of surprises, with everything from traditional Azerbaijani kebabs to international favourites.

Day 2: Getting lost in Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher)

We had booked a free walking tour for 11 AM, meeting at KFC in Fountains Square… except the guide never showed up! 😅It was a first for us - in 80 countries we have never had this happen! So we decided to do our own DIY tour, retracing the usual walking route through the Old City.

Day 2 is all about stepping back in time in Baku’s Old City, or Icherisheher — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like an open-air museum. Inside the fortified walls, time seems to slow down. Everything was as I would expect from back in the day. 'Old world charm' definitely got a new meaning... Cobbled lanes, sandstone walls, and beautifully preserved architecture make it one of the most atmospheric parts of the city.

If you’re doing a self-guided walk, here are the main stops to include:

Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapisi): The traditional entrance to the Old City, where merchants and travelers once entered the walled town.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs: A 15th-century royal complex with a mosque, mausoleum, and stunning stonework that tells the story of medieval Azerbaijan.
Juma Mosque: Still an active place of worship, it offers a glimpse into Baku’s Islamic heritage.
Miniature Book Museum: A quirky little stop that holds over 6,000 tiny books — worth a quick peek if you love oddities.
Caravanserai: Once used by traders traveling along the Silk Road, these traditional inns have now been transformed into restaurants and tea houses where you can stop for a drink or meal.

Maiden Tower

Standing tall at the edge of the Old City, this cylindrical 12th-century tower is one of Baku’s most famous landmarks. Climb to the top for sweeping views over the rooftops of Icherisheher and the Caspian Sea. The climb is steep and narrow but absolutely worth it.

After your morning exploring, stop for lunch nearby — we grabbed something casual close to Fountains Square before spending the afternoon getting lost in the maze of alleys and photographing the city’s timeless corners.

Highland Park and the Funicular Ride

Later in the afternoon, take the funicular (or walk, if you’re up for it) up to Highland Park. From the top, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of Baku - with the Flame Towers, the Caspian Sea, and the whole city laid out below. It’s especially magical at sunset when the sky turns golden and the Flame Towers begin to light up.

Dont miss Heydar Aliyev Center – Baku’s Architectural Masterpiece

No trip to Baku is complete without visiting the Heydar Aliyev Center, one of the most striking buildings we’ve ever seen - and that’s saying something. Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the center is an architectural marvel with its futuristic, fluid white curves that seem to flow right out of the ground.

It’s not just a building — it’s a statement. The design intentionally avoids straight lines, symbolizing the fluidity of Azerbaijan’s culture and progress. The sheer scale of it is jaw-dropping; standing in front of those sweeping waves of white feels like you’ve stepped into a sci-fi movie.

Inside, the museum features rotating exhibitions on everything from Azerbaijani history and art to cars, fashion, and design. But honestly? The exterior is the real showstopper. We spent far longer outside than in — wandering around, taking photos from every possible angle, and watching the reflections shift with the light. Even if you’re not an architecture enthusiast, this spot is worth it for its sheer “wow” factor.

PRO TIP: A visit here is included in the day trip we did on Day 3, but since we got stuck in one of Baku's famous traffic jams, we ended up missing it. Go early in the morning or around sunset for the best photos — the soft light hits the curves beautifully, and you’ll avoid harsh midday glare. The plaza surrounding the building is also stroller-friendly and perfect for a quiet wander.

Day 3 – Day trip to one of Azerbaijan's most unique landscapes

For our final day in Azerbaijan, we left behind Baku’s sleek skyline and set out to explore one of the country’s most surreal regions — a place where ancient rock carvings, bubbling mud volcanoes, and ever-burning flames tell the story of how Azerbaijan earned its nickname: The Land of Fire.

Our day trip combined Gobustan National Park, the mud volcanoes, Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), and the Ateshgah Fire Temple — four of the most fascinating (and wildly different) attractions just outside Baku. Read all about our trip in this blog post A Day Trip from Baku: Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & the Land of Fire

Alternative Day Trips from Baku

If you’re staying longer, there are a few other options we heard great things about:

Qabala: A scenic mountain town about 3–4 hours away, perfect for nature lovers and cable car views.
Sheki: A charming Silk Road town known for its traditional architecture and slow-paced atmosphere — best for an overnight stay.
Lahij Village: Famous for its cobblestone streets, copper workshops, and old-world mountain charm.

Each of these day trips offers a completely different side of Azerbaijan — from ancient trade routes and mountain views to the wild volcanic desert of Gobustan — proving just how diverse and underrated this country really is.

Final thoughts

Baku completely defied our expectations - futuristic yet historical, massive yet calm, polished yet authentic. It’s one of those destinations that makes you wonder why it isn’t on more people’s radar.

For us, it was the mix of warm hospitality, clean streets, and architectural beauty that stood out most. And yes, it’s probably the first place we’ve been where our baby was treated like a celebrity!

More photos below xx