Baku is one of the most underrated cities in the post—Soviet space. It is relatively easy to get here from Russia, and the city itself combines modern architecture, ancient neighborhoods, delicious cuisine and the atmosphere of a large seaside metropolis.
When is the best time to go to Baku and for how many days?
At a time when traveling around the world has become more difficult for Russians, a trip to Azerbaijan can be an excellent alternative to a European weekend. If you are planning a busy program, you can explore the available city and surrounding area tours in advance on the website www.sputnik8.com/ru/baku there are dozens of different programs here.
I have been to Baku more than ten times and I can say that the best time to travel is April—May and September–October. It is during these months that the temperature is comfortable for walking, the summer terraces of the cafes are open, and the city looks especially beautiful.
It can be very hot and stuffy in Baku in summer. The temperature often stays at +30…+35 °C, and sometimes rises even higher. In winter, on the contrary, it gets cool and very windy. It is not for nothing that Baku is called the “city of winds”. Even if the thermometer is only +5…+10 °C, a strong wind from the Caspian Sea can make a walk not the most pleasant.
Seasonal average temperatures:
- Spring: +12…+25 °C
- Summer: +28…+35 °C
- Autumn: +15…+28 °C
- Winter: +5…+12 °C
Therefore, I would recommend spring or autumn to explore the city.
For how many days to go?
2-3 days are enough for the first acquaintance with Baku. This is a great destination for a long weekend. Most of the main attractions are located in the city center and are easy to explore on foot.
There is no point in buying a tour package — it is convenient to visit Baku on your own. You arrive at the Heydar Aliyev Airport, which is considered one of the most modern in the Caucasus. There are two terminals at the airport. You can get to the center by city bus or taxi. A taxi ride usually costs about 20-25 manats.
It is better to choose the city center for living — the area of Fountain Square or the Old Town. In this case, most of the interesting places will be within walking distance.
What to see in Baku?
Exploring the city usually begins with Fountain Square. This is one of the most popular places for walking. Nearby is Malakan Park, a cozy green area that has become completely pedestrian-friendly after reconstruction.
Numerous streets with cafes, restaurants and bakeries lead from Fountain Square to the embankment. By the way, the number of bakeries in the center of Baku sometimes resembles Paris — fresh pastries are found literally at every turn.
Molokan Park in Baku
Baku Boulevard, the famous embankment along the Caspian Sea, deserves special attention. It stretches for several kilometers and is considered one of the most beautiful embankments in the region. There are parks, attractions, cafes, walking areas and interesting modern buildings.
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is located on the boulevard, the building of which is made in the form of a rolled carpet. Nearby there is a large shopping center Deniz Mall, resembling a huge flower.
If you walk further along the embankment, you can see the arena where the international Eurovision Song Contest took place.
From the embankment, you should definitely take the funicular to the Mountain Park. It offers the best panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea. It’s especially beautiful here in the evening when the lights come on.
Nagorny Park, Baku
There is also the Alley of Martyrs, a memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the tragic events of January 1990 and other armed conflicts. This is one of the most significant memorable places in Azerbaijan.
Flame Towers
Nearby are the famous Flame Towers, the main symbol of modern Baku. At night, the facades of skyscrapers turn into huge screens with fire animation, making the towers look especially impressive.
Old Town
An obligatory part of any route is the Old Town of Icherisheher. Behind the ancient fortress walls there is a real maze of narrow streets, courtyards, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Old Town of Icherisheher
It was here that the famous scene from the movie “The Diamond Hand” was filmed, where Yuri Nikulin’s character utters the legendary phrase: “Damn it!”.
Damn it! Baku
You can walk around the Old Town for hours, constantly finding new interesting corners for photos.
The Heydar Aliyev Center
One of the most impressive modern attractions is the Heydar Aliyev Center. The building was designed by the world famous architect Zaha Hadid and is considered one of the architectural symbols of Azerbaijan.
The Heydar Aliyev Center
To be honest, I personally liked the exterior of the building even more than its exposition. Inside, you can see a variety of exhibitions, from cars and national costumes to works of art and historical exhibits. It seems that a little bit of everything related to the history and culture of the country has been collected here.
The result
Baku gives the impression of a safe city. There are a lot of police, tourists and locals in the center. Even late evening walks in the main areas usually do not cause discomfort.
As for prices, Azerbaijan cannot be called a cheap country. This is especially true in the capital. Good restaurants, hotels, and entertainment are noticeably more expensive than many expect. But the quality of service, the level of landscaping and the atmosphere of the city usually justify these costs.
If you are looking for a destination for a short trip of 2-3 days, Baku is an excellent choice. The beautiful center, walks along the Caspian Sea, modern architecture, ancient neighborhoods, delicious Azerbaijani cuisine and hospitable people make this city one of the most interesting cities in the Caucasus.
The best time to travel is April, May, September and October. It is then that Baku opens up from the most pleasant side, allowing you to walk around the city and enjoy its atmosphere.
