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Baku Old City, Azerbaijan, is an enchanting enclave steeped in history and mystery. Nestled within modern Baku, it features ancient walls, winding alleyways and historic monuments that reveal centuries of culture. The area’s architectural marvels and traditional markets offer an immersive journey into the past. Visitors encounter relics of Persian, Ottoman and Russian influences, making every corner a story waiting to be told. Its distinctive ambience and cultural legacy attract travellers seeking authentic experiences.
Quick Details About Baku Old City
Location: Central Baku, Azerbaijan
Area: Approximately 10 hectares
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Around 5 AZN for adults
Notable attractions: Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, mosques, caravanserais
Wildlife: Mainly urban bird species
Cultural significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries of trade and exchange
Activities: Historical tours, photography, local culinary experiences
Location
Photo: MrArifnajafov / Wikimedia Commons
The old city is situated on a distinctive peninsula in the centre of Baku. The bustling Fountains Square lies adjacent to it, and modern shopping streets and government quarters border it. The Old City is a short stroll from Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea and is near prominent landmarks such as the Flame Towers and Maiden Tower. This unique setting places it between the historical legacy of ancient defensive walls and the lively pulse of contemporary urban life, making it a focal point for cultural exploration.
How To Reach
Photo: Anar Aliyev / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Arrive at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometres east of central Baku. Dedicated taxi and shuttle bus services operate regularly, ensuring a swift transfer to the historic Old City, Baku.
By Rail: The Baku Metro offers a rapid connection from the city centre with frequent train services. Disembark at the Icherisheher station—a brief walk from the ancient walls of the Old City.
By Road: Multiple bus routes run between modern Baku and the Old City, providing an economical travel option. Taxis and ride-sharing services are abundant, offering direct and comfortable transfers to your destination.
Things To Do
Explore ancient monuments, savour local cuisine, wander lanes, attend cultural events and artisan markets, all capturing the essence of history in Baku Old City.
1. Capture Golden Hour At Maiden Tower Rooftops
Photo: Ludvig14 / Wikimedia Commons
Capture the golden hour at Maiden Tower Rooftops, where the 29-meter tower’s honey-coloured stones glow at sunset. Photograph the tower framed by the Caspian Sea and climb spiral staircases to viewpoints once used by Silk Road traders. Experiment with light painting to highlight unique nakhchir windows designed for defence and sky observation. Night sessions reveal this UNESCO landmark shining brilliantly, reflecting its historic role in trade and cultural exchange.
Timings: 6 PM – 9 PM
Cost/Person: 10 AZN / ₹60
2. Explore The 17th-Century Hammam
Photo: Turquoisetraveller / Wikimedia Commons
Enjoy a traditional sip of Azeri Chai in a 17th-century Hammam. Recline on velvet cushions in Gazi Hammam’s domed tea salon, once a bathhouse for Persian nobles. Savour thyme-infused tea brewed in copper samovars and served in uniquely shaped armudu glasses. Listen as knowledgeable staff explain Ottoman bathing rituals while steam ascends from the original marble gobek tasi. The preserved 1660s structure also features hidden sirdab cooling chambers for rosewater storage.
Timings: 10 AM – 12 PM
Cost/Person: 15 AZN / ₹ 90
3. Decode Petroglyphs At The Silk Road Scriptorium
Photo: Azeri / Wikimedia Commons
Decode ancient petroglyphs at the Silk Road Scriptorium where a restored medieval library preserves replica 13th-century manuscripts. Engage with calligraphers as they teach the nastaliq script using reed pens and walnut ink. Observe interactive screens that project historical caravans onto stone walls, recreating the environment of scribes documenting Shah Abbas’ silk deals.
Timings: 2 PM – 4 PM
Cost/Person: 20 AZN / ₹120
4. Join The Night Watchman’s Lantern Tour
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Join the Night Watchman’s Lantern Tour and experience a historical security round led by guards. Follow their lead as you learn to interpret rooftop mangal brazier patterns and test replica flintlock tufeng rifles. Wander through moonlit courtyards where poets once recited bayati verses, concluding at the secret Moon Gate featuring an acoustically perfect whispering wall. This tour offers insight into the city’s defensive heritage and traditions of the eighteenth century.
Timings: 9 PM – 11 PM
Cost/Person: 12 AZN / ₹72
Places To Visit In Baku Old City, Azerbaijan
Discover landmarks within Baku Old City, Azerbaijan, where every monument and museum narrates a unique chapter of its enduring past.
1. Muhammad Mosque (Siniggala)
Photo: Gulustan / Wikimedia Commons
Muhammad Mosque (Siniggala) is the country’s oldest mosque, established in 1078. It features a unique leaning minaret, tilted after a 1723 Persian cannon strike. Inside, the prayer hall houses an 11th-century mihrab adorned with Kufic script honouring Seljuk sultans. Visitors climb a 79‐step spiral staircase to observe oil‐lamp blackened walls and enjoy rooftop views over medieval rooftops. The mosque stands as a remarkable testament to historical resilience and architectural ingenuity.
Location: 28 Kichik Qala, Baku, Azerbaijan
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
2. Bukhara Caravanserai
Photo: Interfase / Wikimedia Commons
Bukhara Caravanserai is a 14th-century traders’ inn that preserves features of its commercial past. Camel tethering rings and a central courtyard once used for weighing silks on bronze qantar scales remain visible. Upper-floor cells now accommodate artisans crafting miniature tar lutes. Recently, archaeologists discovered a hidden Zoroastrian fire altar beneath the stables, adding to its historical significance in detail.
Location: Baku 1000, Azerbaijan
Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
3. Juma Mosque’s Underground Cistern
Photo: Urek Meniashvili / Wikimedia Commons
The Underground Cistern reveals a 12th-century water reservoir historically fed by the Khagani aqueduct. Glass floor panels display preserved Byzantine-era brickwork alongside Ottoman repair marks. Adjacent to the cistern, a madrasah exhibits 16th-century astrolabes used for precise prayer time calculations. This well-preserved underground facility offers visitors a tangible connection to centuries-old water management and educational practices within a historically significant urban setting today.
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Timings: 11 AM -3 PM
4. Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapisi)
Photo: Tərxan Paşazadə / Wikimedia Commons
The Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapisi) form the main 12th-century entrance to the city. These dual portals were designed to confuse besiegers during attacks. Visitors study the intricate shebeke stained glass, which depicts Shirvan’s seven sacred fires. The adjacent gatehouse museum exhibits 18th-century city models, including the vanished Moon Pool used to reflect defensive signals towards Maiden Tower. The structure exemplifies historical ingenuity, preserving a unique architectural legacy.
Location: Near the main historical gate area, Baku Old City, Azerbaijan
Timings: 9: AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: CC0 Public Domain / pxhere / Image For Representation Only
For a delightful stay in the old city, consider these four options. Shirvanshah Hotel offers a cosy atmosphere with friendly staff and is ideally located near major attractions. Icheri Sheher Hotel provides comfortable accommodations, including breakfast, making it a choice for visitors. Royal Antique Hotel boasts charming décor on a quiet street for a peaceful retreat, while Art Club Hotel combines modern amenities with traditional aesthetics, enabling guests to immerse themselves in the Old City’s history while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Where To Eat
Photo: Abu Zarr / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dining in the old city offers an impressive selection of culinary experiences. Mugham Club presents traditional Azerbaijani fare accompanied by live mugham music for a cultural event. Qazmaq Restaurant serves a diverse menu of local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Nargiz Restaurant fuses Azerbaijani flavours with international influences for a refreshing twist. Lastly, Sahil Bar & Restaurant provides splendid views of the Caspian Sea alongside superb seafood and grilled specialities, ensuring a delightful meal in the Old City ambience.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: İhsan Deniz Kılıçoğlu / Wikimedia Commons
Baku Old City, Azerbaijan, is best enjoyed during its mild seasons. In spring (April to June), temperatures average 20°C to 25°C with gentle breezes and clear skies, ideal for exploring ancient streets and outdoor dining. Similarly, autumn (September to November) offers comfortable weather with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C, occasional showers and fewer crowds. Cultural events and local festivals during these months enhance your visit, allowing a relaxed pace for sightseeing and deeper engagement with the city’s traditions.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
- Check opening hours in advance.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly.
- Bring water and sun protection.
- Keep cash for small purchases.
- Verify transport schedules.
Baku Old City, Azerbaijan, invites travellers to immerse themselves in a living history that spans centuries. Every corner reveals architectural wonders and intriguing tales from ancient times. The city combines cultural diversity with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination. Its preserved streets and unique landmarks create unforgettable memories for all who visit. Plan a trip with TripXL, ensuring a seamless and enriching adventure.
Cover Photo: AlixSaz / Wikimedia Commons
