The Baku City Tour begins at Baku National Boulevard, a beloved seaside retreat for locals and visitors alike, stretching along the Caspian coast. Lined with chestnut, plane, and palm trees, the boulevard is dotted with modern cafes, restaurants, theaters, and fountains. From here, a funicular railway will take you to Highland Park (Dagustu Park), offering stunning panoramic views of Baku. You can also embark on a sea voyage by pleasure boat along Baku Bay, where a guide will share intriguing historical tales and legends of the Caspian Sea.

Icheri Sheher (Baku’s Old Town)

The fortified old town of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once served as the medieval capital of the Shirvan Shahs. Known as Baku’s heart, it houses the iconic Maiden Tower, local carpet weavers, and a variety of bars and restaurants. Historical traders even referred to Icheri Sheher as Baku's Acropolis.

Maiden's Tower

The cylindrical Maiden Tower, with over a thousand years of history, is a UNESCO-listed monument. Originally thought to be a Zoroastrian temple, it later became a watchtower in the 18th century. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 29-meter (95 feet) tower for incredible views of Icheri Sheher.

Fountains Square

This popular central Baku piazza is lush with trees and artful fountains, including one topped with reflective silver spheres. It’s a favorite spot for leisurely strolls and offers views of the stately Nizami Literature Museum’s statue-inlaid facade.

Nizami Street

Named after poet Nizami Ganjavi, this 3.5-kilometer (2-mile) street forms Baku’s main shopping district. As you wander, observe the architecture shift from baroque and neo-gothic to Stalinesque styles.

National Flag Square

Marking the western end of Baku Boulevard, National Flag Square symbolizes Azerbaijani pride. Unveiled in 2007, its flagpole stands at 162 meters (531 feet), once holding a world record. Though Tajikistan now holds the record, the flag remains an impressive sight.

Flame Towers

These three Flame Towers, reaching up to 182 meters (597 feet), stand above Baku Bay, symbolizing energy and eternity. Completed in 2012, their flame-like design lights up in fiery colors at night, embodying Baku’s modern architectural spirit.

Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard, a 3.5-kilometer (2.2-mile) seaside promenade, features an amusement park, cafes, Mini-Venice, and the Baku Eye. Starting at National Flag Square and ending at Freedom Square, it’s ideal for views of the Flame Towers and scenic coastal walks.

Mini Venice

Inspired by Venice, this section of Baku Boulevard has two large islands connected by bridges. Visitors can ride Azerbaijani-style gondolas through the canals, making it a favorite spot for a romantic evening.

Baku Funicular

Connecting Neftchilar Avenue to Martyrs Alley, the funicular offers expansive views from the top, encompassing Icheri Sheher, the Old City, and the horizon’s modern skyline.

Carpet Museum

Azerbaijan’s Carpet Museum, established in 1967, was the world’s first of its kind. Inside a building resembling a rolled carpet, visitors can explore traditional carpet-weaving and its cultural significance in Azerbaijan.

Palace of the Shirvan Shahs

The 15th-century UNESCO-listed Shirvan Shahs’ Palace complex includes a palace, mosque, and mausoleum, showcasing 800 years of dynastic history in Icheri Sheher.

Museum of History of Azerbaijan

Located in an Italian Renaissance-style mansion, the Museum of History houses over 300,000 artifacts, spanning ancient to modern history and ethnography, making it Azerbaijan’s largest museum and a top attraction.

House of Government

Built in 1952, this baroque structure on Neftchiler Avenue is notable for its architectural grandeur, particularly when lit at night.

Palace of Happiness

This neo-gothic palace, also known as the Palace of Marriage Registration, was built in 1912 as a romantic gesture by oil baron Murtuza Mukhtarov. It remains a unique piece of Baku’s history and architecture.

Caspian Sea Cruise

Experience Baku’s skyline from the Caspian Sea on a cruise departing from the Baku Boulevard terminal. Lasting about an hour, highlights include the illuminated Flame Towers and city lights.

Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre

Built during the oil boom in 1911 by architect Nikolai Bayev, this theater represents stunning art nouveau architecture and hosts memorable performances.

Highland Park (Dagustu Park)

Located atop a hill, Highland Park offers sweeping vistas of Baku.

Baku National Boulevard

This 2nd-longest boulevard in the world stretches along the Caspian Sea and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Day 3: Gabala Tour

Gabala, Azerbaijan’s premier provincial holiday destination, is known for its new hotels, ski resorts, and scenic mountain foothills. Formerly the capital of Caucasian Albania, the ancient city of Gabala holds ruins dating back to the 4th century BC.

Sites of Interest

• Maraza Village: A visit to the Sufi Dervish Mausoleum, “Diri Baba.”
• Nohurgol Lake: Surrounded by a forest, this lake is ideal for relaxation and boating.
• Tufandag Cable Cars: Known for the world’s longest cable cars, Tufandag offers panoramic Alpine views.
• Yeddi Gozal (Seven Beauties) Waterfall: A scenic natural attraction.
• Qabaland: Azerbaijan’s first theme park, offering activities for all ages, including karting and ice skating.