Perfect Azerbaijan 4 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Heading to the Caucasus? This 4 days Azerbaijan itinerary will take you to the highlights of the Azerbaijan capital, Baku, cultural monuments, ancient places of interest, and beautiful day-trips. Be it history, modern architecture, or natural wonders, this guide is a balance of the best kind. Find out the best places to visit and useful travel suggestions to have the best experience during your four days vacation in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan travel plan for 4 days

4 days itinerary in Azerbaijan

Explore the perfect 4 days itinerary in Azerbaijan to experience its rich culture, scenic beauty, and historical landmarks.

Day 1 : Discover Baku’s historic core

Visiting Baku’s historic centre, where ancient beauty meets modern sophistication may be the first thing to start your first day in Azerbaijan. Upon arrival and after taking a slight rest, you get a short Bolt taxi ride in a car or by foot (depending on the location of your hotel) to a place called Icherisheher, or the Old City. A short Bolt taxi ride usually costs between 2.5–5 AZN, depending on distance and time of day.

The Old City is a World Heritage Site of the UNESCO and is characterised mostly by preservation of medieval structures, narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful monuments in the guise of Maiden Tower and Palace of Shirvanshahs. You also do not forget to visit the Miniature Book Museum and walk along the Nizami street where you can not only do some shopping, taste the local snacks and feel the colourful life in the street.

Make sure to visit Flame Towers Light Show in the evening which is one of the most known attractions in Baku. To add on to this, in the event that you could not visit some sites during the day; at night, they are highly illuminated.

There is nothing that a person would love more than being asked by others to recommend where to have dinner, like the Old Garden Restaurant where you would have a chance to experience the local cuisine, which would include Coban Qovurma (chicken and potatoes) and Corak (bread). The food is both cheap and good.

Take another Bolt to the hotel and end your day at the hotel (though you can ask your driver to take you close to Flame Towers so that you can see them more closely).

Explore the heart of historic Baku

Day 2: Modern marvels and cultural insights

Spend the second day of your Azerbaijan tour in the Flame Towers and other contemporary architectural wonders of Baku. Start your day at the magnificent Heydar Aliyev Center designed by the renowned international architect Zaha Hadid. The futuristic and fluid architectural structure is the marker of modern Azerbaijan and it is here that several exhibitions showcasing the local art and culture and history are held.

Then go to the Ateshgah Fire Temple which is situated in the outskirts of Baku.While Ateshgah shows architectural features influenced by Hinduism, it also reflects the Zoroastrian heritage of the region. The present-day structure was built by Indian merchants during the 17th–18th centuries. The area traditionally bears the influence of Zoroastrianism, but nothing directly indicates that this particular temple was applied to Zoroastrian ceremonies. Close by is the Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), a natural gas fire, which burns on the hillside - a very spectacular and unusual phenomenon in nature.

In the afternoon, also assuming that you have much time to spend, you can visit the Carpet Museum or just take a relaxing stroll along Baku Boulevard where you can enjoy the sight of the Caspian Sea and have a snack in one of the many cafes which are situated there.

Evening: enjoy more local cuisine at one of Baku’s modern restaurants that blend traditional flavors with contemporary presentation.

Cherry on top of the day, watch the Flame Towers light up the skyline of the city, a place that perfectly synthesizes the long history of Baku and its brash, new character.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

Day 3 : Day trip to Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes

Day 3 will be an ideal day to take a guided day trip out of Baku to one of the most interesting areas of Azerbaijan - Gobustan National Park and the Mud Volcanoes. It is one of the most common day-excursions in the country, which can be organized at most hotels or tour agencies in Baku. The majority of the itineraries are quite similar and include all major attractions.

Start the day with a 1,5-hour drive to Gobustan National Park (about 65 km south of Baku). It houses over 6,000 antique petroglyphs (tens of thousands of years old) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You would also visit Gobustan Museum, which would provide some helpful background information about the carvings and about the pre-historic life around.

Then drive a short distance to the nearby Mud Volcanoes, a strange geological phenomenon of cold, bubbling mud spouting forth from cone shaped mounds. The country of Azerbaijan boasts almost half of all the mud volcanoes in the world and this otherworldly, moonlike landscape is like nothing you’ve ever seen.

The tours are arranged in such a way that most of them include transport and a local guide which makes it hassle free and educative. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and sun protection.

In the late afternoon, return to Baku by car or tour vehicle; you’ll have time to relax or continue sightseeing in the city.

Rock formations in Gobustan National Park

Day 4: Excursion to Sheki or Guba

On the last day of your stay in Azerbaijan, make sure to leave the capital and drive to the mountains to experience the cultural and scenic side of the country. While both Sheki and Guba offer unforgettable experiences, Sheki is best suited for an overnight trip due to the distance from Baku. If you're limited on time, Guba and Khinalig make a more feasible day trip.

Should you decide to go to Sheki, be ready that it will be a long yet fulfilling journey some 4.5-5.5 hours (roughly 358 km) depending on traffic and road conditions, especially during rain or winter. Sheki was a former trading centre of the Silk Road, and is architectured and characterized. You should also not miss the Palace of the Sheki Khan with stained-glass windows and ornate interiors. Sheki’s center is walkable, and the town is surrounded by green hills, offering a peaceful setting for cultural exploration.

As an alternative, drive north east to Guba and Khinalig village. Khinalig, located in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in the Caucasus, with roots dating back several thousand years. The scenery along the drive is breathtaking with canyons and alpine views.

One of the best parts of this tour is the possibility to have lunch with the local family, which provides the real experience of Azerbaijani hospitality and home-cooked food.

However, whichever destination you will pick, Day 4 will be an ideal closure to your itinerary because it helps you to get in touch with the rich heritage and natural beauty of Azerbaijan.

The Palace of the Sheki Khan

Helpful hints for traveling in Azerbaijan

Traveling in Azerbaijan is a rewarding experience, but a few practical tips can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:

• Visa requirement: Most visitors need an e-Visa, which is easily acquired online through the Azerbaijan Immigration Service.
• Currency: The local currency is Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Cash is preferable in rural areas and credit cards in towns.
• Language: Azerbaijani is the official language. The major tourist attraction sites have English speakers but a translation application comes in handy.
• Transportation: The most well-known and affordable ride-hailing app is Bolt. Baku also has comfortable public buses and the metro.
• Internet connection: Free Wi-Fi is available in the majority of hotels and cafes. Buying a local SIM card might be a good idea so that you can get better coverage.
• Dress code: Azerbaijan is not very conservative. Above all, be conservative in your dressing especially in mosques or in rural areas.
• Food safety: It is not recommended to use tap water- drink bottled water instead.

These tips will help you navigate the country with confidence and respect local customs.

How to get around Azerbaijan

Transport in Azerbaijan is relatively convenient with a combination of the modern urban transport and the traditional intercity means of transport. Once you are in Baku or you are off to the exploration of mountain villages, such as Sheki or Khinalig, there are a few means to travel safely and cheaply. The most viable means of transport in Azerbaijan are broken down here.

Metro (in Baku only):

• Modern, efficient, and cheap.
• Operates daily from early morning until late evening.
• Signs are in Azerbaijani and Russian.
• Requires a metro card (2 AZN), with each ride costing 0.20 AZN (~$0.12).

Bus:

• Extensive networks in Baku and between major cities.
• Inexpensive and fairly reliable.
• Pay fare directly to the driver or use a transport card.
• Route info may be in Azerbaijani only.

Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps (e.g., Bolt):

• Widely available in cities.
• Ensure the meter is used or agree on the price in advance.
• Bolt is cheaper and more trusted than street taxis.

Marshrutkas (Shared Minibuses):

• Operate fixed routes, especially in rural or suburban areas.
• Affordable, but often crowded.
• Fare is paid in cash to the driver.

Intercity Travel:

• Use long-distance buses (e.g., Baku to Sheki, Ganja, Guba).
• Trains are available but slower and less frequent.
• Domestic flights exist but are rarely needed due to the country's compact size.

Cycling:

• Baku has growing bike lanes and rental options.
• Suitable for short distances and sightseeing.

Walking:

• City centers like Baku’s Old City are very walkable.
• Great for exploring local culture and architecture.

Renting a Car:

• Possible, but driving outside cities can be challenging.
• Roads in remote areas may be in poor condition.
• Parking in Baku is limited and traffic can be heavy.

FAQs about Azerbaijan 4 days itinerary

What do I take as a foundation on the journey?

One should be advised to remain in the capital, Baku, which provides the widest range of accommodation including hotels, hostels, and apartments with different prices. Baku is a very convenient, safe, and modern well-connected city; that is why it is a great location to have a day trip to Gobustan, Ateshgah, and even to Sheki or Shamakhi.

What mode of transport is possible?

The main means of transport are the metro in Baku, buses, taxi, and ride-hailing apps, such as Bolt. There is a separate cost of using a driver to move out of town, you can join the group tours or you can use the intercity buses. You may hire a car but that is not always a good idea because of the condition of the roads as also because of the traffic laws in those places which are complicated.

When is the best time to visit Azerbaijan?

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) because at this time of the year, the weather is mild and one can carry out some sightseeing. The summers, especially in Baku are sweltering, and winters are cold and better suited to skiing in the mountains, such as Shahdag or Tufandag.

How much money should I budget for 4 days?

Budget travelers can expect to spend around $60–70/day, while mid-range travelers may spend $90–120/day depending on dining and transportation choices. The medium-level travelers can spend $80-100 per day. Baku is generally affordable for budget and mid-range travelers, especially with local food and public transport, though high-end services may be more expensive.

What local foods should I try?

Traditional dishes to Try in Azerbaijan include plov (saffron rice with meat), dolma (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat), kebabs, and piti (lamb stew in a clay pot). qutab (stuffed flatbread) and dushbara (little dumplings in broth) should not be missed. To have a full experience, have Azerbaijani black tea with local jams.

Can I get a SIM card or use Wi-Fi easily?

Yes, it is cheap and simple to obtain a SIM card in Azerbaijan. Tourist SIM packages are available in major providers, such as Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar. You may purchase them at the airport or in the city stores. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants (in particular, in Baku and other large cities) widely offer Wi-Fi.

In conclusion

This 4 days itinerary in Azerbaijan is the most suitable to mix culture, history and nature: the Old City of Baku, the mud volcanoes, the mountain villages. Whether one is travelling alone or with the family, Azerbaijan will present an unforgettable experience with just a few days of visit. Do not forget to get your Azerbaijan eVisa long before entering the country using the official site of the Azerbaijan Immigration Services and avoid any issues.