Azerbaijan is a country where ancient trade routes, natural wonders, and modern skylines come together. Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Caucasus Mountains, it offers a mix of history, culture, and striking landscapes.
Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, blends old and new. Its medieval Old City, with stone streets and historic palaces, is located beside the Flame Towers. They rise above it all, a tribute to the country’s deep connection to fire. This land has been home to Zoroastrian temples, burning gas fields, and oil wells that transformed its economy.
Outside of the city, the scenery is totally changes. In Gobustan, ancient rock carvings tell the stories of people who lived here thousands of years ago. Nearby, mud volcanoes bubble and hiss, creating landscapes that seem almost from another planet. Further west, Sheki welcomes visitors with its grand caravanserais, colorful stained-glass windows, and traditions of silk weaving that date back centuries.
Higher up, the mountains hold secrets of their own. Villages like Khinalug have stood for more than a thousand years. They are home to people who speak languages found nowhere else. The fresh mountain air and quiet life here feel worlds away from busy Baku.
Local cusine is another treasure. It tells the story of Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences. And for a truly unusual experience, Naftalan offers spa treatments where visitors bathe in crude oil, believed to have healing properties for generations.
Azerbaijan is a country of contrasts. Whether exploring its lively cities, quiet villages, or dramatic landscapes, every traveler finds something unforgettable.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, the must-try dishes, and the simplest way to stay connected while traveling.
Must-See Attractions in Azerbaijan
Baku’s Old City: Where History Lives
At the heart of Azerbaijan’s capital lies Icherisheher, the Old City. Narrow stone streets lead past medieval mosques, caravanserais, and the grand Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The Maiden Tower, standing tall and mysterious, has watched over Baku for centuries. Some say it was once a fire temple, while others tell tales of a tragic love story linked to its walls. Climb to the top for a stunning view of the Caspian Sea and the modern skyline beyond.
Gobustan: Messages from the Ancient World
Just an hour from Baku, Gobustan National Park holds thousands of rock carvings left behind by prehistoric people. These petroglyphs, some dating back 40,000 years, show hunters, dancers, and mysterious symbols etched into stone. The landscape here is just as fascinating—home to mud volcanoes that bubble and spit, creating a scene straight out of another world.
Sheki: A Town of Silk and Stained Glass
Tucked into the foothills of the Greater Caucasus, Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful towns. The Sheki Khan’s Palace, with its dazzling stained-glass windows and intricate wooden carvings, feels like a piece of art. Walk through the town’s historic streets, where silk traders once stopped along the Silk Road. Visit a caravanserai, a stone inn from centuries past, where merchants and travelers once rested after long journeys.
Khizi: Azerbaijan’s Colorful Landscape
Khizi is famous for its Candy Cane Mountains, where rolling hills are streaked with shades of red, pink, and yellow. This natural wonder creates one of the most unique landscapes in Azerbaijan. Nearby, Altiaghaj National Park offers lush forests and fresh mountain air, perfect for hiking. For history lovers, the ruins of Beshbarmag Fortress overlook the Caspian Sea, adding a touch of legend to this quiet retreat.
Khinalug: A Village Above the Clouds
One of the highest and oldest mountain villages in the Caucasus, Khinalug has been home to its people for over 5,000 years. The locals speak their own ancient language, passed down through generations. The stone houses, stacked on the hillside, overlook deep valleys and winding roads. Life moves at a different pace here—shepherds guide their flocks, and the air is crisp and fresh.
Yanardag: The Burning Mountain
Azerbaijan’s connection to fire isn’t just in its name—Land of Fire. At Yanardag, a natural gas-fed flame has burned for centuries, never going out. Even Marco Polo wrote about Azerbaijan’s eternal flames during his travels. Today, visitors can see this natural wonder up close, especially striking in the evening when the fire glows against the night sky.
Local Cuisine: What to Eat in Azerbaijan
Plov – The King of Azerbaijani Cuisine
Azerbaijani plov is more than just rice—it’s a dish of saffron-infused flavors, slow-cooked meats, and dried fruits, each layer carefully prepared. Unlike other rice dishes, Azerbaijani plov is never mixed. The fluffy grains sit separately from the juicy meat, creating a perfect balance of texture and taste. There are many variations, but the most famous is Shah Plov, wrapped in a golden crust of lavash bread, making it fit for royalty.
Kutab – Crispy, Savory Pancakes
Kutab is a thin, stuffed flatbread that’s cooked on a griddle until golden and crispy. It comes with different fillings—some are savory, filled with minced meat, herbs, or pumpkin, while others are sweet with crushed nuts and sugar. A sprinkle of sumac on top enhances the flavor, making it a must-try street food in Azerbaijan.
Dushbara – Tiny Dumplings Packed with Flavor
Imagine a soup where each spoonful holds a bite-sized dumpling. That’s dushbara, tiny parcels of minced lamb wrapped in delicate dough and cooked in a rich broth. Azerbaijanis say a good cook can fit at least ten dumplings on a single spoon! Served with vinegar and garlic, this comforting dish is a winter favorite.
Kebab & Shashlik – Fire-Grilled Perfection
Grilled meats are a staple of Azerbaijani cuisine, and kebab and shashlik are found at every gathering. Juicy lamb, beef, or chicken is marinated in fragrant spices before being skewered and roasted over an open flame. Locals enjoy it with fresh herbs, sumac onions, and thin lavash bread straight from the tandoor.
Shekerbura – A Sweet Bite of Tradition
No celebration in Azerbaijan is complete without shekerbura, a crescent-shaped pastry filled with ground nuts and sugar. The delicate patterns on the dough are hand-pressed with special tweezers, making each piece a small work of art. This sweet treat is especially popular during Novruz, the country’s biggest holiday welcoming spring.
Essential Travel Tips for Azerbaijan
Money & Payments
- The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
- Credit cards are widely accepted in Baku, but smaller towns and villages prefer cash.
- ATMs are available in cities, though it’s best to carry some cash for remote areas.
- Currency exchange offices offer fair rates, but always check for hidden fees.
Getting Around
- Baku’s metro system is fast and affordable, with beautifully designed stations.
- Taxis are common, but always use official apps like Bolt to avoid overpaying.
- Marshrutkas (minibuses) connect smaller towns but may not follow a fixed schedule.
- Trains & buses are reliable for long-distance travel, with routes to Sheki, Ganja, and beyond.
Staying Safe
- Azerbaijan is a very safe country for travelers, with low crime rates.
- Petty theft is rare, but it’s always good to keep an eye on belongings in busy areas.
- Tap water in Baku is safe, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
- Respect cultural norms—while Baku is modern, some regions are more conservative.
Staying Connected in Azerbaijan
Having a stable internet connection makes exploring Azerbaijan easier, whether you’re navigating the streets of Baku, checking hiking routes in the Caucasus, or sharing photos of Gobustan’s mud volcanoes. Public Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, but security isn’t always guaranteed. In rural areas, internet access can be extremely limited or nonexistent.
Buying a local SIM card is an option, but it requires passport registration and can only be purchased at official provider stores, mainly in Baku and larger cities. While the process is straightforward, locating an authorized store and completing the registration can be time-consuming.
With Azerbaijan JetSet eSIM, you can avoid these steps entirely. Order it before your trip and activate it the moment you land—no need to visit a store, swap SIM cards, or deal with paperwork. Just instant, reliable connectivity from the start.
Our plans come with no roaming fees, so you won’t face unexpected charges. Need more data? Simply purchase another eSIM online in just a few clicks.
Stay connected effortlessly and explore Azerbaijan with ease!
