Activities in Baku - Where you celebrate the culture of Azerbaijan

It is time to find out the most fascinating things in Baku, both visiting old sites and going through the newest things in the Caspian Sea. Baku features a stunning skyline of the Flame Towers, a historic Old City, local cuisine, and more, which is why the city has something to offer to any traveler. Having a rich culture, unique architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, these are the activities that should not be overlooked during a visit to Baku as they will definitely make the visit an unforgettable experience full of adventure and real experience.

Planning an interesting adventure activities in Baku

Traveling to Baku for the first time? Azerbaijan Immigration Services will guide you through the top things to see in Baku and the most exciting things to do so travelers can enjoy the whole vacation.

Head to the Modernization

Explore Baku Old City

The historical center of Baku is the Old City or Icherisheher which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the oldest monuments is the Shirvanshah Palace with many others in this walled city going back at least to the 12th century, and among them, the famous Maiden Tower.

• The Maiden Tower (Qiz Qalasi) is an inexplicable cylindrical building with a panoramic view of Baku being at the top. Its origins and purpose are still debated by historians which contributes to its appeal.
• The Palace of Shirvanshah is the grand masterpiece of the Azerbaijan architecture, which comprises the complex of buildings which initially accommodated the royal family of Shirvanshah. The guests can come to the great halls, mosques and mausoleums.

The Baku Old City

Flame Towers

The Flame Towers are a three-tall structure that defines the Baku skyline as an indication of the modernity and high rate of development of the city. During the evening, LED displays are used to illuminate the towers giving a panoramic view. Tourists can enjoy the scenery of the city through a variety of different vantage points or take a drink in one of the rooftop bars of the towers.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum of Baku brings out the great tradition of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. The unique structure of the museum which takes the shape of a rolled-up carpet is exhibited by a massive amount of carpet and rugs in every part of the country. Tourists can find out the history, the techniques, and the cultural significance of Azerbaijani carpets.

The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum

After enjoying the vibrant experiences in Baku, consider expanding your journey with a visit to other stunning cities to visit in Azerbaijan that highlight the country’s rich diversity and charm.

Adventure things to do and see in Baku

Gobustan National Park

Gobustan National Park is a place situated a few minutes away from Baku, which is famous due to its ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and other unique geological features. The petroglyphs some of which are more than 40,000 years old offer us a glimpse on how the prehistoric man would have lived. The lunar landscape of the park with mud volcanoes also helps to create the ambiance of the park.

Explore more about top 7 best national parks in Azerbaijan

Hiking and Nature Walks

The Greater Caucasus Mountains located to the north of Baku provide great hiking to people who like outdoor activities. Different levels of difficulty have astonishing levels of mountain, valley and rural village view. These hikes are refreshing as the mountain air and the beautiful sceneries can offer one a refreshing break.

The whole view of the Greater Caucasus Mountains in Azerbaijan

If you're curious about exploring more of Azerbaijan beyond the capital, don’t miss what to do in Shamakhi Azerbaijan—a destination rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty.

Caspian Sea Beaches

The water sports in Baku which tourists cannot afford to miss in Baku is the Absheron Peninsula where Baku is situated, has numerous beautiful beaches through the Caspian Sea. You would find a beach to your liking whether you want a colorful beach party or a relaxing place. Other popular places to sunbath and swim are Bilgah Beach and Shikhov Beach.

The Caspian Sea offers a variety of stunning coastal destinations, and if you're looking for the best beaches in Azerbaijan, there are plenty of options with golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and excellent amenities.

Fun activities in Baku for cultural experiences

Take part in and see the traditional dance and folklore

Azerbaijani dance is a vibrant expression of the country’s cultural identity. Traditional dances are performed at various cultural events and festivals, showcasing the rich heritage and diversity of the Azerbaijani people. 

Baku's cultural calendar is filled with opportunities to witness traditional dance performances. The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater and the Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall regularly host performances by national dance ensembles. The dances are characterized by energetic movements, colorful costumes, and intricate choreography.

The city also hosts folklore festivals where traditional music, dance, and crafts are showcased. These festivals provide an immersive experience into the rural and historical aspects of Azerbaijani culture, with performances by folk musicians and dancers, as well as demonstrations of traditional crafts and customs.

Azerbaijan Baku often holds traditional festivals with dance performances on the street

To enrich your cultural journey beyond the capital, be sure to explore the charming places to see in Sheki Azerbaijan—a town famous for its historic architecture and vibrant heritage.

Experience Baku International Jazz Festival

Baku has a long-standing love affair with jazz, dating back to the early 20th century. The Baku International Jazz Festival, held annually in October, celebrates this musical heritage by bringing together jazz musicians from around the world.

• Venues and performances: The festival features concerts in various venues across the city, including the Baku Jazz Center, the Heydar Aliyev Center, and open-air stages. The performances range from traditional jazz to contemporary fusion, offering something for every jazz enthusiast.
• Workshops and jam sessions: In addition to concerts, the festival includes workshops, masterclasses, and jam sessions where aspiring musicians can learn from and play alongside seasoned professionals. These interactive elements foster a sense of community and creativity among participants and audiences alike.

For a refreshing escape into nature and history, consider exploring Qabala in Azerbaijan—a scenic town known for its mountains, ancient sites, and outdoor adventures.

Attend the Baku International Film Festival

The Baku International Film Festival is a prestigious event that showcases the best of Azerbaijani and international cinema. This is one of the most popular activities in Baku that has many choices from international travelers. Held annually in September, the festival attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the globe.

• Screenings and competitions: The festival features screenings of feature films, documentaries, and short films in various categories. The films are showcased in multiple venues, including the Azerbaijan State Film Fund and the Nizami Cinema Center. The festival also includes competitions for best film, director, actor, and screenplay, with winners receiving the coveted Golden Pomegranate award.
• Workshops and panels: Filmmakers and industry professionals conduct workshops and panel discussions on various aspects of filmmaking, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts.

If you're looking to unwind by the sea after your time in Baku, don’t miss these relaxing and scenic Astara activities that showcase the region’s natural beauty and calm atmosphere.

Taste the traditional delights in Baku

No visit is complete without the cultural cuisine of that destination. Travelers can wander around some bustling markets, such as Taza Bazaar and Yashil Bazaar that bring a sensory overload with their vibrant displays of fresh produce, spices, and traditional foods.

There are some food festivals, like the Pomegranate Festival and the National Cuisine Festival, where travelers can witness the country’s cooking demonstrations, tastings, and competitions.

There are many traditional foods in Azerbaijan that you should try

After exploring the dynamic culture of Baku, consider heading north to discover Quba Azerbaijan attractions—a region known for its mountain landscapes and traditional charm.

Get ready to explore activities in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is a vibrant city, which is a perfect source of culture with a rich array of festivals, music, dances, art and gastronomic pleasures. Baku offers a diverse experience of the cultural heritage of ancient traditions of Novruz and mugham music and modern manifestations of jazz and modern art.

Azerbaijan Immigration Services will ensure that your trip to Azerbaijan is made true with our best services. You are either in a film festival, you are embarking on local markets, you are partying the night away in a stylish nightclub, international travelers can readily obtain travel documents to enter Azerbaijan without any problems with a simple click. We have personnel who would take you through the visa process without any hassle. All you need to do is fill out an application form and submit us with some of the basic forms of required documents. Following 03 business days, people can obtain Azerbaijan e-Visa to travel and explore all the activities in Baku.