Exploring Baku: Weekend Activities and Locals' Secrets

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, modern architecture, and vibrant local life. Whether you're strolling along the seafront, indulging in local cuisine, or exploring ancient landmarks, there's plenty to do to make your weekend in Baku unforgettable.

Walk the Seafront

Take a leisurely stroll along Baku's seafront, which runs along a natural bay on a peninsula. This is a reconversion area designed for recreation and entertainment. It stretches from Milli Park and its wide pedestrian promenade, named Dniyknar Bulvar.

As you walk, enjoy the views of the bay and the refreshing breeze from the Caspian Sea. Key points of interest along the route include:

The Baku Eye Ferris wheel. Park Bulvar Mall, a modern shopping center. The under-construction Caspian Waterfront building with petals inspired by the sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Continue until you reach National Flag Square, Dvlt Bayra Meydan, where you can admire the world's largest flag and flagpole. Adjacent is the massive Crystal Hall, built for the Eurovision 2012 event.

Eat Like a King

Since 2015, Azerbaijan's currency has strengthened against the pound, making Baku an incredibly affordable city. This means even backpackers can afford to eat like royalty. Check out irvanah, a stone-arched dining room that serves as both a museum and a restaurant. The cocktail list may be extensive, but the fresh pomegranate juice and feijoa compote are highly recommended. Savory dishes like shekerbura (hazelnut-filled pastries) and local desserts like pakhlava are perfect to finish with. With a set meal costing just 85 manat (roughly 40 pounds), it's a delightful experience without breaking the bank.

Ride the Funicular to the Flame Towers

Experience a ride on the funicular from the seafront to the Flame Towers, three impressive modern buildings that house offices, residences, and the Fairmont Hotel Baku. While the funicular doesn't offer an observation deck, it's still a great place for selfies. Descend through the landscaped Daüstü Park, which offers the best view of Baku. Timing it right for the beginning of sunset and then descending through the park back to the seafront by the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum to view the night-time light decorations of the Flame Towers is a perfect way to end the day.

Drink Tea and Savor Azeri Culture

Explore the hidden teahouse just around the corner from the Shah Palace Hotel. This is a perfect place to enjoy traditional Azeri tea, free from souvenir hawkers. The ambiance, with low seating, Azeri wool carpets, and silk curtains, is ideal for lounging and playing backgammon. The national tea set, served in pear-shaped glasses of cut crystal, is complemented by fresh lemon slices, cubed sugar, and a variety of nuts and dried fruits. Don't forget to try the pakhlava, a delicious take on baklava.

Have a Kebab and Late-Night Snacks

On a nice evening, join the locals as they stroll through the pedestrian zone, flanked by embassies, corporate headquarters, and palatial residences. Stop at Nizami Küsi, known for its late-night snacks, to enjoy Azeri-style kebabs. Popular are the paper-thin flatbreads called lavash and skewers or shashliks that can be made from lamb, beef, chicken, fish, or vegetables. These are always accompanied by onions and special spices before being wrapped in the bread.

Haggle for a Carpet and See Zaha Hadid's Architecture

Baku is known for its rich history in carpet weaving, so it's worth bargaining for a handmade rug at the Carpets Museum. Here, you can buy carpets made using traditional methods and themes, with staff able to provide detailed information on the origin and significance of each piece. While bargaining with street vendors may help you find cheaper options, it's worth it to purchase authentic Azeri rugs directly from the museum.

To experience modern architecture, visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of Zaha Hadid's firm. Don't miss the chance to visit its gardens, featuring modern art sculptures, flower fields, and waterfalls, as well as its famous interior design.

Eat Local Cuisine and Explore the Old City

Sample traditional Azeri dishes at Sehrli Tndir, a restaurant in the historic Old City. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, but the dolma (stuffed vegetables), plov (rice pilaf), and kebabs are must-trys. The open tandoor oven, where the resident baker prepares the bread, is a unique feature of the restaurant.

Explore the UNESCO-designated Old City, brimming with ancient landmarks like Maiden Tower, Juma Mosque, Hamam Mehellesi (public baths), and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Relax and admire the cat populations that make the Old City their charming home.