Top 9 Things To Do In Baku In January: Unveil Winter Beauty

January is a good month to experience Baku without the rush of peak tourism. Things to do in Baku in January range from walking through the old city to visiting modern museums and nearby natural spots. You’ll find lower prices for hotels and flights, and shorter lines at popular places. It’s easier to get into restaurants, talk to locals, and explore at your own rhythm. Tea houses are warm and welcoming, and day trips are still possible.

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Best Things To Do In Baku in January

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Baku in January, for your next visit to Azerbaijan, to have the best during your vacation:

1. Stroll Through The Old City

Image of Old city, Baku, visiting here is one of the best things to do in Baku in January.

Photo: AlixSaz / Wikimedia Commons

Icherisheher, Baku’s Old City, transforms into a quiet winter wonderland in January. Its narrow alleys, medieval walls, and old mosques are covered in a light dusting of snow, making it a peaceful spot for exploration. Visit the Maiden Tower or the Palace of the Shirvanshahs while avoiding peak-season crowds. Cafés tucked inside historic buildings serve warming Azerbaijani tea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is among the top things to see in Baku in January, if you love architecture, history, and atmospheric strolls through the past.

Ideal Duration: 2 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Icherisheher, Baku

2. Visit The Flame Towers For A Skyline View

Baku’s Flame Towers, seeing them is a top thing to do in Baku in January.

Photo: Xoncha / Wikimedia Commons

The iconic Flame Towers shine brightly during January’s long winter nights. While you can’t go inside all three towers, nearby viewpoints and the Fairmont hotel offer fantastic views. At dusk, the towers light up with LED flames, snowflakes, and Azerbaijani flags. The chilly air only adds to the dramatic skyline. The beautiful scenery and exceptional views, especially with the reflection over the Caspian Sea, are one of the things that add to your Azerbaijan trip.

Ideal Duration: 30 – 60 minutes
Timings: Evenings recommended
Location: Flame Towers Complex, Baku

3. Warm Up At A Traditional Hammam

Traditional hammam in Baku, relaxing here is one of the best things to do in Baku in January.

Photo: Darth Vader Baku / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

January in Baku can get quite cold, so warming up in a local hammam is both traditional and soothing. Experience Azerbaijani-style steam baths, scrubs, and massages. The Taze Bey Hammam is one of the oldest and most popular in the city. It’s a unique way to dive into local culture while staying warm. This is one of the top winter activities in Baku for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind after sightseeing.

Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Location: Taze Bey Street, Baku

4. Explore The Heydar Aliyev Center

Heydar Aliyev Center; visiting this museum is one of the top indoor things to do in Baku in January.

Photo: Emin Allahverdi / Wikimedia Commons

Designed by Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Center is both a futuristic landmark and a warm indoor escape during chilly January days in Baku. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture, fashion, art, and innovation. Its wave-like architecture looks stunning against the grey skies. It’s one of the best things to do in Baku in January if you are a fan of architecture, photography or staying cosy indoors.

Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Timings: 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Baku

5. Wander Along The Baku Boulevard (Seaside Promenade)

Image of Baku Boulevard, strolling here is one of the best free things to do in Baku.

Photo: Rufatazizzade / Wikimedia Commons

Despite the cold, Baku Boulevard stays active with locals and tourists enjoying the Caspian breeze. The winter air is fresh, and the crowds are thinner, making January a great time to walk from the Ferris wheel to the Carpet Museum. Hot chestnuts from street vendors keep your hands warm. Whether you’re snapping photos or sipping tea with a sea view, it’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Baku in January.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Timings: All day
Location: Neftchilar Avenue, Baku

6. Discover The Baku Carpet Museum

Patterned displays of carpets inside the Baku Carpet Museum, a must-visit winter activity in Baku.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

The Baku Carpet Museum is shaped like a rolled carpet and offers a deep dive into one of Azerbaijan’s most beloved traditions. It’s especially good to visit in January when indoor attractions are a warm refuge. Inside, you’ll see centuries-old designs, interactive weaving demos, and regional patterns. It’s one of the best things to do in Baku in January for those interested in folk art and local craftsmanship.

Ideal Duration: 1.5 hours
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Location: Baku Boulevard, near Little Venice

7. Go Ice Skating At Park Bulvar Mall

Panoramic view of exteriors of Park Bulvar, skating here is a fun winter thing to do in Baku.

Photo: Stomatoloq Fərid Zey / Wikimedia Commons

For a fun and active break from sightseeing, try ice skating at the indoor rink inside Park Bulvar Mall. Open year-round, it’s especially popular in January when the weather outside is cold. Rent skates, join in with locals, and enjoy a warm drink afterward at a nearby café. Ice skating at Park Bulvar Mall is one of the top things to do in Baku with family during the winter season of January.

Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Location: Park Bulvar Mall, Neftchilar Avenue

8. Enjoy Azerbaijani Cuisine At Şirvanşah Muzey Restoran

Image showcasing the rich cuisine of Baku, dining here is a top thing to do in Baku in January.

Photo: Emin Bashirov / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

January is a great time to explore Azerbaijani food, and Şirvanşah Muzey Restoran offers a full experience. Set in a restored historic building, the restaurant serves local favourites like piti stew, plov, and dolma in a setting filled with traditional music, carpets, and artwork. It feels like stepping into a small cultural museum. Warm lighting, live sounds, and classic recipes make this one of the most enjoyable things to do in Baku in January. Be sure to end your visit with their tea service, complete with jam and pakhlava.

Ideal Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Location: Kichik Gala Street, Old City

9. Sip Tea At A Traditional Çayxana

Glass of Azerbaijani tea with, enjoying this is one of the best things to do in Baku in January.

Photo: Ilhama Ibrahimova / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

After a day out in the cold, there’s nothing better than warming up with a glass of hot black tea at a local çayxana (tea house). These are scattered all over Baku, from the Old City to modern cafés. Locals sip tea with lemon or jam, and the pace is always slow. It is one of the simplest things to do in Baku in January, especially if you’re into local culture and casual chats with friendly strangers.

Ideal Duration: 30 – 60 minutes
Timings: Morning to late evening
Location: Various locations around Baku

There are many things to do in Baku in January including exploring the old city or spending time in museums. Local restaurants serve warm dishes like piti and qutab, and tea houses are a good spot to relax. The city is less crowded, so you will have more space to enjoy it all. Book your trip with TripXL and see what January in Baku has to offer.

Cover Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Top 9 Things To Do In Baku In January: Winter Walks & Caspian Views