Explore Baku City

Baku city is the capital of Azerbaijan. It lies on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and the southern side of the Abşeron Peninsula, around the wide curving sweep of the Bay of Baku. The bay, sheltered by the islands of the Baku Archipelago, provides the best harbour of the Caspian, while the Abşeron Peninsula gives protection from violent northerly winds. The name Baku is possibly a contraction of the Persian bad kube (“blown upon by mountain winds”). Baku derives its importance from its oil industry and its administrative functions.

Brief History of Baku

The earliest records of the city of Baku date back to the early Middle Ages. Baku means “the city of God” or “the place of God” and was founded by the 5th century AD. The region’s early settlements were located along the crossroads of migration and trade routes along the Great Silk Road. The city was severely damaged during the Mongol invasion in the 1400s, but its economy was revived in the following century. In the 16th century, Baku became part of the Safavid Dynasty and was governed by the Iranian shahs until being conquered soon afterwards by the Ottoman Empire. At the beginning of the 17th century the Persians were able to regain power, which they retained until the Russian Empire conquered the land at the beginning of the 19th century. In 1920 Baku, along with the whole of Azerbaijan, was annexed into the USSR, where it remained until gaining full independence in 1991. Today, Baku is the leading economic and cultural center in Transcaucasia.

Baku Highlights

Baku’s surrounding vicinities offer additional opportunities for adventure: Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient cave paintings at the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs, uncover the mystery of the ever-burning fire of Yanardag or travel back in time with a visit to Ateshgah Temple, an object of pilgrimage for Zoroastrians for hundreds of years. Baku can be experienced on foot or by metro, taxi or public bus. If you’re looking to visit as many places as possible in a short amount of time, renting a bicycle at Baku Boulevard is another fun alternative. See the section on Public Transport in Baku below for further information on how to get around the city.

Shopping in Baku

Like most modern capitals, Baku boasts of seemingly endless opportunities for shopping. For those wondering if Baku is expensive, rest assured that there are shopping opportunities to accommodate every type of budget.

One of most popular shopping areas among both locals and tourists is Green Market (Yasil Bazaar), which is filled with seductive aromas and a huge assortment of brightly colored clothing, spices and souvenirs. Far more than just shopping, Yasil Bazaar is an experience in itself, a chance to learn about the long-held traditions and lifestyle of local Azerbaijanis. As you shop for seafood, meat, spices, nuts, cheese, fruit and vegetables (all at affordable prices), you can chat directly with local merchants, learn about the variety and types of products available and hone your bargaining skills.

If you’re looking for brand name clothes, shoes, accessories or jewelry, head to one of Baku’s many shopping malls. Each mall houses countless stores, satisfactory food courts and amusement venues sure to provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. The most popular ones are Port Baku Mall, Ganjlik Mall and 28 Mall. Equipped with spacious walkways, shops stocked with world-famous brand clothing and indoor comforts, Baku’s shopping centers are just the remedy for anyone wishing to return to the 21st century after a few days of historical sightseeing.

Baku Cuisine

No Baku travel guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s delectable cuisine! For tasty and unforgettable memories of Azerbaijan, look no farther than the fresh local cuisine. The rich taste of Azerbaijan’s food, prepared according to old traditional recipes, is sure to delight your taste buds and impress you with its vibrant flavors, delicate combination of ingredients and fragrant Azerbaijani spices.

Staple ingredients of Baku culinary specialties include lamb, beef, poultry and fish, plus locally grown fruits and vegetables. Fresh greens act as an integral component, enriching and infusing each dish with a light and natural taste. Once in Baku, be sure to try bozbash minced meatballs served in broth, dovga sour-milk soup, mouth-watering Baku baklava and shah-pilaf, a flavoured rice dish cooked in a paper-thin flatbread. The peculiar Azerbaijani qutab, a flatbread stuffed with cheese, herbs, pumpkin or meat, is a cheap and tasty snack that will revolutionize your idea of fast food.

Learn more about Azerbaijan cuisine