Azerbaijan, a land of contrasts where wind and fire meet, is a country that dazzles with its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and natural wonders. Baku, the capital, known as the “City of Winds”, majestically rises along the Caspian Sea coast, while Azerbaijan, meaning the “Land of Fire”, references its vast oil and gas reserves. With its booming economy and rapid development, Azerbaijan is increasingly being called the “New Dubai”, making it a prime destination for those seeking a blend of modern luxury and historical intrigue. If you’re planning to visit this captivating Caucasus country, we present 23 must-visit sites on your itinerary, including Azerbaijan must-see places.
1. Baku Crystal Hall
Located on the shores of Baku, this indoor stadium was built for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. Today, it hosts concerts, ceremonies, graduations, and sports championships.
2. Tea Time
Visit Azerbaijani cafes, where tea is a unique experience, and they enjoy it as follows: they don’t mix the sugar with the tea; instead, they place a sugar cube in their mouth and sip the tea, often accompanied by a touch of jam.
3. The Largest KFC In The World (Baku)
Situated at Sabunchu Train Station, this 1,600-square-meter KFC boasts impressive oriental architecture.
4. Museum of Miniature Books (Baku)
Home to the world’s smallest book, “Flowers of the Four Seasons,” measuring only 0.75 millimeters with 22 pages. The museum houses over 4,000 miniature books, including the world’s smallest Qurans.
5. Gobustan National Park
This national historic monument is famous for the Gaval Dash, a unique musical stone, and over half a million rock paintings dating back to the Stone Age. In 2007 the park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. (UNESCO’s 5 Treasures in Azerbaijan: World Heritage)
6. Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel (Baku)
A luxury hotel overlooking the Caspian Sea, featuring a 58-meter handcrafted chandelier with 72,000 bulbs.
7. Yanar Dag (The Mountain of Fire)
A perpetual flame that has burned since the 5th century, fueled by natural gas seeping through the porous sandstone. It’s located 10 kilometers from Baku.
8. Maiden Tower
This is another of Azerbaijan’s treasures, declared a World Heritage Site. It is 12th-century Persian tower offering breathtaking views of Baku and shrouded in numerous legends. One popular legend tells of a maiden who leaped from the tower into the Caspian Sea to escape an unwanted marriage.
9. Carpet Stores
Explore stores offering high-quality, handmade silk carpets and immerse yourself in Azeri craftsmanship.
10. Flame Towers
The three tallest skyscrapers in Baku symbolize Azerbaijan’s oil flame and illuminate the city at night, creating a dazzling spectacle.
11. Mud Volcanoes
Azerbaijan is home to 400 out of the world’s 700 mud volcanoes, indicating substantial oil and gas reserves in the region.
12. Azerbaijan Flagpole
Standing at 162 meters, this flagpole displays a flag equivalent to the size of three football fields. Strong winds in Baku make it a captivating sight.
13. Baku Boulevard
Baku Boulevard, the largest park in the country, offers a diverse range of attractions. It features shopping centers, numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, children’s play areas, and even a small Venice-inspired section in the heart of the boulevard.
14. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
One of the world’s most modern and avant-garde buildings, dedicated by President Ilham Aliyev to his father, Heydar Aliyev, who served as Azerbaijan’s president from 1993 to 2003. The building’s design resembles a freely falling waving scarf, situated on a 15-hectare plot in the heart of Baku, covering 100,000 square meters. Inside, it houses offices, a museum dedicated to Heydar Aliyev, exhibition areas, and is characterized by a white interior scheme that imparts a sense of spaciousness and brightness.
15. Typical Baku Markets
Explore local markets where you can find fresh fruits, caviar, and fish.
16. Alley of Martyrs
A memorial site containing 130 tombstones of those who lost their lives during the Soviet entry into Baku in January 1990 (Black January).
17. Eternal Flame
A monument honoring the victims of “Black January,” when the Soviet Army entered the city and opened fire on unarmed civilians trying to stop them.
18. Bibi-Heybat Mosque
Built from white marble, this mosque is exclusively for men and reflects Azerbaijan’s predominantly Shia Muslim population.
19. Fire Temple
A former place of fire worship where natural gas seepage leads to spontaneous small fires.
20. Caspian Sea Boat Trip
Enjoy the views of Baku from the sea, where you can spot the world’s most expensive fish, the beluga sturgeon, source of Beluga caviar.
21. Oil Wells
Just 10 kilometers from Baku, you can observe thousands of functioning oil wells, a testament to the country’s energy wealth.
22. Baku Train Station
The starting point for exploring cities across Azerbaijan.
23. Latif Karimov Carpet Museum
This museum is named after a prominent Azerbaijani carpet designer. In 2010, the carpets in this museum were recognized as “Masterpieces of Intangible Heritage” by UNESCO. In addition to carpets, the museum houses an impressive collection of ceramics, jewelry, clothing, and metalwork, among other items. The displayed carpets represent Azerbaijan’s past, present, and future, as they are an integral part of the country’s culture. The building itself resembles a rolled-up carpet and is home to the largest carpet collection of all time.
Azerbaijan is a land of unparalleled beauty, where history, culture, and modernity harmoniously coexist. These 23 must-visit sites, known as “Azerbaijan must-see places”, provide a unique insight into this nation, where wind and fire intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore and discover the richness of Azerbaijan.
