Azerbaijan 3 Days Itinerary: Top Places to Visit

Getting ready to take a mini-vacation to the South Caucasus? This is an ideal 3-day itinerary of Azerbaijan that will delight visitors who want to see the most interesting things within a short period of time. This guide includes the best tourist activities, cultural sites, and dishes in the colorful streets of Baku, and the peaceful sceneries of Gobustan. You can spend the most wonderful three days in Azerbaijan following this carefully planned itinerary of some of the must-see attractions.

Experience Azerbaijan with this exciting 3-day itinerary

Overview of Azerbaijan 3 days itinerary

Azerbaijan is the most fascinating country with a lot of history, natural beauty, and culture which is the best choice for a short but unlimited vacation. The itinerary of visiting Azerbaijan within 3 days is a perfect choice for those visitors who are fond of strolling through alive cityscapes, archaeological monuments, and distinctive landscapes.

• Day 1: Take a promenade in the city and the old town of Baku containing the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshah Palace.
• Day 2: Visit Yashil Bazar (Green Market) and get to know Baku local life, then go to visit Burning Mountain (Yanar Dag) and Ateshgah Fire Temple.
• Day 3: Visit Gobustan, view ancient petroglyphs, and mud volcanoes and visit Absheron Peninsula.

This is an action-packed itinerary, and active travelers who want to enjoy the colorful Azerbaijan past and present should consider this one.

Visa for visiting

Most travelers must apply for an e-Visa before entering Azerbaijan. The process is simple and fully online via the Azerbaijan Immigration Service. You can choose from three processing options depending on how quickly you need the visa.

Visa processing options & fees

Service type	Processing time	Government fee	Service fee (1 person)	Total cost
Standard	3 business days	$50 USD	$59 USD	$109 USD
Urgent	Within 24 hours	$50 USD	$79 USD	$129 USD
Super urgent	Within 5 business hours	$50 USD	$99 USD	$149 USD

Discounted rates apply for groups of 2 or more applicants.

Additional visa tips

• Book online beforehand so as to beat airport hiccups.
• Have a printout of your e-Visa as a printed copy to bring to the customs even in case of its digital storage.
• The options of paying are Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, and Amex.
• Validity: Single entry visa that is valid for 90 days upon being issued and the stay lasts upon 30 days.
• Travel tip: When I inquired why I was in Armenia, I replied that it was tourism. It is not against the law, it is just that border officers can ask some questions.

Visa requirements for visiting Azerbaijan

Transportation in Baku

Getting around Baku is simple, affordable, and offers several convenient options for visitors. Here's what you need to know:

From the Airport to the City Center

• Best options: Use Bolt or Uber (Yandex is no longer active).
• Drive time: About 30 minutes.
• Cost: Typically around 15–25 AZN (~$9–15 USD).
• Tip: Avoid unlicensed taxis — they often overcharge foreigners.

Walking around Baku

• Ideal in central areas, especially the Old Town and Nizami Street.
• Use underground pedestrian tunnels to cross busy roads — they’re safer and often beautifully designed.
• Be cautious: cars don’t usually stop at crosswalks.
• Google Maps is helpful but not always accurate inside the maze-like alleys of Old Town.

Using the Metro

• 2 metro lines cover major parts of the city.
• A single ride costs 0.30 AZN (~$0.18).
• You need a BakiKart (2 AZN) or a single-use card (0.20 AZN).

By Bus

• Buses use the same BakiKart as the metro.
• Great for areas not covered by the metro, but you should know your route in advance.

Airport express bus

• Runs every 20–30 minutes to/from 28 May Metro Station.
• Ticket: 1.30 AZN (~$0.75 USD).
• Baku's transport system is efficient, but walking remains the most immersive way to explore.

Public transport in Baku

Accommodation

Baku has several options when it comes to accommodation which range between low-cost stay to high-end hotels. To wind up, the best suggestions of where to stay in the city are as follows:

Budget-friendly options

• Sahil Hostel: It has low rates, cleanliness and good social jamboree which is popular among the backpackers. Has both dorms and room accommodation.
• Khazar old city guest house: This is the traditional guest house in the center of the Old City for travelers who just wanted to find the charm of the old style at a low price.

Mid-range stays

• Two seasons boutique hotel: Cheap, well located, high speed internet connectivity and airport shuttles are provided.
• Deniz Inn Boutique Hotel: A very highly rated place, located in an ancient building in the Old Town- it is a worthwhile location and price.

Luxury hotels

• Hilton Baku and Radisson Hotel Baku: Both are in the center and of high-end services.
• Fairmont Baku (Flame Towers): luxurious and iconic, but a little bit dislocated to belong to the main attractions.
• Four Seasons Baku: This locality is in the center, outstanding service, and its construction is one of the landmarks of the city.

For convenience, stay near the Old Town where most sights, restaurants, and transport options are easily accessible.

Recommended stays near Baku, Azerbaijan

Dining

Baku offers a diverse culinary scene that blends traditional Azerbaijani flavors with modern twists. From budget bites to fine dining, here are the best local spots for every taste and budget:

Budget & local foods

• Khazar Restaurant (Xəzər) – Affordable place for traditional Azerbaijani dishes that locals adore.
• BIR IKI Doner Shop Great fast meal of kebabs and street meals.
• Gourmet Pendir and Chorek - First gourmet in a fast-food chain of Azerbaijan with tasty sandwiches and local-type snacks.

Cafés & Light meals

• Book and Coffee – Perfect for a quiet break.
• İçərişəhər Bookhouse & Cafe – Known for smoothies and a chill vibe.
• Caffe Giusto / Cafe de Central – Ideal for lunch or coffee breaks.

Fine dining & Rooftops

• Sumakh – Upscale restaurant serving refined Azerbaijani cuisine.
• Sky Grill (Hilton) – Great views and fine dining experience.
• Promenade Rooftop Bar – Best visited at night (no umbrellas).
• Mugam Club / Old Garden / Qayana / Rast Restoran – Excellent for authentic dishes in scenic settings (note: minimum spend on weekends may apply).

Enjoy Baku’s rich food culture, from casual cafés to elegant meals with a view.

Baku’s best dining experiences

What to do in Baku for 3 days

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Baku? This guide covers the top attractions, cultural experiences, and local highlights to help you make the most of your trip.

Day 1: Baku City and Old Town

Begin your Baku adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Day 1 focuses on exploring the historic heart of Baku, where ancient landmarks meet modern elegance.

Morning: Explore Icherisheher (Old City)

• Maiden Tower A mysterious building of the 12th century that provided good panoramic views of the city.
• Palace of the Shirvanshahs- This is a royal complex, constructed in the 15th century that illustrates the Islamic architecture and local history.
• Miniature Book Museum - a peculiar museum dedicated to thousands of miniature books originating in the world.
• Wander in alleys with mosques, caravanserais and ancient bathhouses.

Afternoon: Stroll Baku Boulevard

• Take a stroll along the Caspian Sea coast stretch.
• See Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, designed to resemble a rolled up carpet.
• Take the Baku Eye (Ferris Wheel) and enjoy comprehensive city and sea views.

Evening: Discover Modern Baku

• See the Flame Towers illuminate in blazing LED lights.
• Stroll Nizami Street (also known as Torgovaya) as the dynamic shopping and dining area of Baku.

Cap off the evening with a typical Azerbaijani meal of plov, dolma and local tea.

It is a focal point of history, culture and modernity that makes this day the perfect beginning to your 3-day Baku itinerary.

Stroll Baku Boulevard

Day 2: Yasil Market, Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), Fire Temple Ateshgah

Day 2 of your 3-day Azerbaijan itinerary will be dedicated to the exploration of the most interesting cultural and natural sightseeing in the area nearby Baku on the Absheron Peninsula.

Early morning: Yasil Market (Green Market)

Wake up early in the morning to visit the biggest and the most local bazaar - the Yasil market, in Baku. The range of fresh goods, dried fruits, spices, nuts, cheeses, and local presents as saffron and caviar is simply unbelievable. It is a fantastic market to communicate with kind sellers and taste the life of Azerbaijan.

Afternoon visit: Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain)

Then drive to Yanar Dag, the natural hill which has been burning for centuries because of the underground deposits of gas. The flames extend to 3 meters and may be observed flickering all the time even when it is being blown. It is a wonderful one of a kind phenomenon and one of the most recognizable natural sights of Azerbaijan.

Late in the afternoon: Ateshgah Fire Temple

Complete your day at Ateshgah Fire Temple which is an ancient religious complex that was used by the Zoroastrians and subsequently by the Hindus and Sikhs. The temple is a pentagon constructed over a natural gas fissure; it gives a suggestion of the spiritual as well as multicultural background of Azerbaijan. It is now turned into a museum with preserved structures and very informative exhibits.

Yanar Dag

Day 3: Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & Absheron

On the final day of your Azerbaijan 3-day itinerary, venture beyond Baku to explore the country’s most unique natural and historical landmarks.

Morning: Gobustan National Park

• Gobustan Rock Art: It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient petroglyphs unique in form and style. Existing in the number of more than 6,000 rock carvings which are thousands of years old, the site will provide an interesting overview of prehistoric life and present images of hunting, dancing, and animals.
• Mud Volcanoes: Try to be en route to Gobustan and an hour or so later you have one of the most dense spots of mud volcanoes on the planet. Stunning mounds of bubbling mineral-rich, cool mud make up this unrealized landscape and are found to have some therapeutic values.

Afternoon: Absheron Peninsula

• Visit Bibi-Heybat Mosque, a stunning reconstructed mosque near the coast that holds cultural and religious significance.
• Visit the Castle of Ramana, a medieval stone fortress offering views over the surrounding area, for a less-touristed historical stop on the Absheron Peninsula.

This day perfectly blends archaeology, geology, and spirituality—an ideal way to conclude your Baku itinerary.

Gobustan National Park

FAQs about Azerbaijan 3 days itinerary

Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you plan your perfect Azerbaijan 3 days itinerary with confidence.

What is the best time to visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan will only be best visited during spring (April- June) and during autumn (September - October). During these seasons the weather is moderate, picturesque, and comfortable: it is pleasant to travel, to explore Baku and other areas around.

Is it safe to travel in Azerbaijan?

Well, Azerbaijan as a rule is a safe place to visit especially in Baku and major cities. Nevertheless, tourists are not recommended to travel to the regions close to Nagorno-Karabakh since there are still political tensions. Make sure to keep local news and travel advisories informed.

What currency is used in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) is considered to be the official currency in Azerbaijan. Baku and the other major towns in Azerbaijan accept credit cards and debit cards and it is recommended that you anticipate carrying some amount of money once you enter the small town or in small market/local restaurants.

What should I wear while visiting religious sites?

Moral attires should be worn when one visits religious places in Azerbaijan. Women are required to wear head gear and clothes that cover the arms and the legs. Men are not allowed to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. Appropriate clothing is culturally delicate and in most cases, necessary.

Is English widely spoken in Azerbaijan?

The English language is not very common in the country, however, even in Baku you can meet simple English in hotels, tourist sights and restaurants. Russian or Azerbaijani is more common in the country, therefore it is useful to know some phrases.

Can I travel between Azerbaijan and Armenia?

Direct travel between Azerbaijan and Armenia is not possible due to closed borders stemming from ongoing conflicts. Travelers must transit through a third country, such as Georgia or Iran, to move between the two nations.

In conclusion

A 3 days Azerbaijan itinerary is the right choice to get the best of history, culture, and natural beauty mixed up with visits to the Old City of Baku and modern attractions, such as fire temples and mud volcanoes. This 3-day itinerary will allow any first-time or curious visitor to go through the highlights of Azerbaijan within a limited time. Apply online to get your Azerbaijan e-visa at the official site of the Azerbaijan Immigration Service before you travel to avoid experiencing difficulties at the entry point.