Perfect Azerbaijan 6 Days Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

This travel guide will tell you all you need to know to get the best out of Azerbaijan in less than a week. With the modern skyline of Baku, the old world charms of Sheki and the natural wonder of Gobustan, this itinerary is not only a great mix of culture, history, and scenic beauty. Find what to do, reach the most famous places, get traveling hints, and plan your day by day to get the best of 6 days exploring this country.

See what to include in your 6-day Azerbaijan adventure

Overview of Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary

The given Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary is well thought out to assist the international tourists in sightseeing the most recognizable sites and experiences offered in the country within the span of nearly seven days. The adventure starts in the bright capital, Baku, and passes across ancient monuments, natural beauties, and idyllic townships in the mountains.

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

• Day 1: Arrival & Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
• Day 2: Modern Baku – Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center & Metro Art
• Day 3: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes
• Day 4: Absheron Peninsula – Ateshgah, Yanar Dag, Gala Open-Air Museum
• Day 5: Sheki – Sheki Khan’s Palace & Historic Bazaar
• Day 6: Day Trip to Gabala (Optional) or Return to Baku

This itinerary includes must-see attractions, accommodation suggestions, and transportation tips to make your journey smooth and memorable.

Do you need a visa for Azerbaijan?

The majority of the people travelling to Azerbaijan are in need of a visa. Citizens of around 12 countries, such as Turkey, UAE, Belarus, Georgia, and some CIS countries, can enter Azerbaijan visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival.

In the event that it is necessary to have a visa to your country (e.g., in the EU, US, UK, Australia), an electronic visa will be required, which will be issued in the ASAN Visa system. The e-visa is restricted to a single entry, a maximum duration of stay of 30 days and once issued the visa has to be used within 90 days. In case you surpass 15 days, you are expected to check in to the State Migration Service.

Azerbaijan e‑visa fees

Fee type	Normal (3 days)	Urgent (24h)	Super‑Urgent (5h)
Government fee	US $50	US $50	US $50
Service fee	US $59	US $79	US $99
Total	US $109	US $129	US $149

You can apply online using your passport details and the address of your first accommodation. Be sure to print your e-visa and carry it with you when you travel.

Azerbaijan travel made easy with an e-visa

How to get to Azerbaijan

As of mid-2025, land borders of Azerbaijan remain closed for general passenger travel, including those with Georgia, Russia, and Iran. Therefore, overland entry and the Tbilisi–Baku train are not currently operational for tourists. Travelers should rely on flights to enter and exit Azerbaijan.

Currently, air travel is the only way to enter Azerbaijan. The capital city of Baku has an International Airport of Heydar Aliyev (GYD) which is the major international gateway. Direct flights are available to cities such as Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, London, Vienna, Rome, and Barcelona. When you are coming to Tbilisi (Georgia), there are daily flights operated by Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) and Georgian Wings.

To consider as the most convenient, Baku-to-Sheki direction of the Azerbaijani trip may be taken as the starting point and the finale of your journey. You can either return to Baku for your flight or cross into Georgia if you're continuing your journey.

Things to keep in mind before visiting

Before you set off on your trip, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Azerbaijan. From cultural norms to local regulations and travel tips, being prepared will help you make the most of your 6-day itinerary.

Transportation

Getting around Azerbaijan is relatively easy, thanks to a mix of public and private transport options. Here’s what you need to know about transportation within the country:

Buses and marshrutkas (Minibuses):

• The cheapest and widely used means of transport across the cities.
• They can be purchased at big bus stations in Baku (International Bus Terminal).
• Regular directions to Sheki, Gabala and Ganja and other towns.
• You can pay in cash; most routes do not require advance booking.

Trains:

• Only a few rail services to and fro Baku towards the bigger cities such as Ganja.
• The night train at Tbilisi-Baku is currently under suspension.
• Train travel is affordable, but long-distance routes are slow and limited.

Domestic flights:

• Azerbaijan Airlines operates limited internal flights (e.g., Baku to Nakhchivan).
• Useful for long-distance connections not served by road.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps:

• Taxis are widely available in cities.
• Use Bolt or Uber in Baku for fixed pricing and safer service.
• Always agree on a fare when using street taxis outside major cities.

Car rentals and private drivers:

• Available at airports and in Baku.
• Best option for flexible travel, especially in regions like Sheki or Gabala.
• Roads are generally in good condition, but mountain driving requires caution.

A taxi from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to central Baku typically costs around 15–25 AZN, depending on traffic and time of day.

How to get around Azerbaijan

Weather

Azerbaijan has a diverse climate due to its varied geography, ranging from coastal lowlands to mountain ranges. Here's what to expect seasonally:

• Spring (March to May): warm and pleasant and the best time to have a tour in Baku and Sheki.
• Summer (June to August): Hot, particularly Baku and in lowlands; cooler in mountainous areas such as Gabala.
• The season of autumn (September to November): Pleasant gets comfortable in terms of temperature, and the landscapes become colorful making it an ideal period to travel.
• Winter (December to February): cold and snows in the mountains; Baku remains cold but it scarcely snows.

The best times to visit are spring and autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Buying a sim card

It is no longer lengthy and troublesome to obtain a SIM card in Azerbaijan. It will usually take approximately 15-20 minutes, and it can be conducted at the official stores of the mobile operators in such cities as Baku, Sheki, or Gabala.

You will have to carry your passport and sign a registration form. Such popular providers can be mentioned as Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar.

Typical tourist bundles start from around 30 AZN for 10-15 GB data valid for 30 days. SIM cards are available in the airport or in city centers where there are high footfalls such as in major tourist places or shopping places.

Make sure your phone is unlocked before arrival.

ATMs and money

The currency of Azerbaijan is listed as Azerbaijani manat (AZN). Although over the years credit and debit cards have become widely accepted in Baku, in order to visit smaller towns (such as Sheki or Gabala), cash remains very important.

The majority of ATMs in Baku have a set fee of withdrawal whereas pasha banks (red and green color machines) are understood to be free of charge of whatsoever source and the maximum limit of withdrawal is 500 AZN per transaction.

Beyond the capital, it is a cash economy hence it is advisable to have sufficient local money especially when traveling around local restaurants and small shops. Exchange of foreign currency can be done in the banks and exchange offices.

Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary

Discover the perfect Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary covering top cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic nature spots across the country.

Day 1: Arrival & Baku Old City (Icherisheher)

Your trip in Azerbaijan starts in Baku, the capital city, which is a beautiful mixture of ancient traditions and modern dynamic. Once you have arrived, check into your hotel, and decide to spend your first day exploring the historic center of Baku, which is the UNESCO-Inherited Icherisheher (Old City).

• Fly to Baku and land at Heydar Aliyev International Airport and head to the hotel located in the center of the city or Old City.
• Visit Icherisheher (Old City) that is distinguished by the narrow cobbled streets and the fortified stone walls.
• See the Maiden Tower, which is one of the most characteristic objects of Baku where you will get a panorama view of the city.
• Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, an exquisitely rebuilt royal complex built in the 15th century.
• Stroll through old caravanserais, artisans boutiques and old mosques such as Beyler Mosque.
• Sip some local tea or have lunch in a small teahouse inside the Old City.
• Find out there is the Museum of Miniature Books or the Bukhara Caravanserai.
• Finish your day off by a stroll on the Baku Boulevard and a dinner in an Azerbaijan traditional restaurant.

This day gives you a rich introduction to Azerbaijan’s culture, history, and hospitality.

Maiden Tower

Day 2: Modern Baku – Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center & Metro Art

On your second day in Azerbaijan, dive into the vibrant and modern side of Baku. The city blends futuristic architecture with creative public spaces and cultural landmarks.

• Begin your day with such an emblematic masterpiece by Zaha Hadid as the Heydar Aliyev Center. She can see inside exhibitions about Azerbaijani culture, art and design.
• See modern and traditional crafts by going to the Baku Carpet Museum or the YARAT Contemporary Art Space.
• See the Flame Towers which is one of the most known sights of Baku. Enjoy some breathtaking urban sceneries whether you are at Upland Park or close to an observation point.
• Visit Baku Metro stations, which are designed in a unique way and have rich details in mosaics with Soviet style. Note that photography is officially restricted inside Baku Metro stations unless permission is granted.
• Experience the led light show on the Flame Towers in the evening, the best place to observe it would be at the boulevard or a rooftop cafe.
• Spend your evening having dinner in Fountain square where you can taste local food and relax around the lively environment.

This day offers a fascinating look at how Baku combines innovation, culture, and visual appeal.

Heydar Aliyev Center

Day 3: Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes

On Day 3, step outside Baku to explore the region’s unique geological and historical treasures.

• Early exit to Gobustan National Park - begin to make a scenic drive south west of Baku of 50km.
• Visit some old rock carvings (petroglyphs) - the ancient rock art is more than 20,000 years old, it follows hunters, rituals, and pre-historic life are represented here.
• Take a trip to the local museum and tourist centre - get acquainted with archeological finds, local history.
• Visit the field of Mud Volcanoes, where you can observe steaming fumaroles and the spitting landscapes of boiling mud; you will be able to learn about the geology of the lands.
• Choose an escorted one in a 4x4 vehicle - to get a bumpy experience.
• Have a picnic lunch admiring the Caspian Sea or attend the adjacent roadside restaurant.
• In the late afternoon, drive back to Baku with photo stops at cliffs by the coast and volcanic structures.
• Leisurely rhythm and night - relax back in the city enjoying a meal at a restaurant of your preference.

Day  3 offers a standout blend of natural beauty and prehistoric heritage, adding depth and contrast to your journey.

Mud Volcanoes

Day 4: Absheron Peninsula – Ateshgah, Yanar Dag, Gala Open-Air Museum

On your fourth day, take a short trip outside Baku to explore the Absheron Peninsula, where fire, history, and heritage meet. This region offers a unique glimpse into Azerbaijan’s ancient religious roots and traditional village life.

• The first thing in the morning is drive to the Absheron Peninsula, which takes 30-45 minutes to reach it: there are sea views and cultural surprises.
• Visit Ateshgah (Fire Temple) - one of the old shrines of Zoroastrians constructed by Hindu and Parsis merchants. Find out about its pyrotechnic contraventions and inner rooms.
• On to Yanar Dag ( Burning Mountain) - see a natural gas fire that burns everlastingly on a hill - an entrancing scene of Azerbaijan geological peculiarities.
• Lunch at a khanegah-type cafe tasting locally special foods around the sites of warming fires.
• Depart towards the Gala Open-Air Ethnographic Museum, an open-air village museum exhibiting traditional Azeri rural life with real houses, tools, carpentries and carpet-weaving.
• Take a walk at the historical courtyard houses, see scenting herb gardens and talk to the local artisans.
• Late in the afternoon, the way back to Baku, and back in time to make the sunset walks along the Caspian or a comfortable evening in the city.

Day 4 highlights ancient beliefs, nature’s surprises, and rural heritage—adding cultural depth and diversity to your itinerary.

Ateshgah

Day 5: Sheki – Sheki Khan’s Palace & Historic Bazaar

On the fifth day, journey northwest from Baku to the enchanting town of Sheki, rich in history, architecture, and traditional crafts.

• Go by car or shared taxi to Sheki (about 4–5 hours). Have picturesque landscapes of the foothills of Caucasus.
• Travel to Sheki Khans Palace, which is famous for its high-tech stained-glass windows (shebeke) , numerous fantasy frescoes, and wooden carved ceilings.
• Visit the old bazaar and caravanserai, which used to buy and sell silk, spices and the local products. Perfect to be used as souvenirs and people watching.
• Local products include thick piti and shakarbura pastries, which may be found in a traditional teahouse.
• Visit the walls of the Sheki Fortress, as well as local churches, and learn the strata of cultural heritage of the town.
• Take a walk along cobbled streets, visiting the craftsman shops making silverware, textiles and hand painted memorabilia.
• Overnight in Sheki, be it in one of the lovely guesthouses or in a boutique hotel so that an early onset is made the next morning.

Day  5 showcases Azerbaijan’s traditional craftsmanship, architectural elegance, and relaxed pace.

Sheki Khans Palace

Day 6: Day Trip to Gabala (Optional) or Return to Baku

On the final day of your Azerbaijan adventure, choose between exploring nature-rich Gabala or returning to Baku for more sightseeing and travel preparations.

Option 1: Day trip to Gabala

• There will be a transfer to Gabala (approximately in 2 hours by car or private transfer).
• Ride in Tufandag Cable Car to get the breathtaking sights of the Caucasus Mountains and woodland.
• Go to Nohur Lake, have a nice walk by the lake or a hiking adventure.

Stop at a local restaurant to sample mountain-region cuisine, such as trout and fresh salads.

Option 2: Return to Baku

• Travel back to Baku in the morning.
• Spend the afternoon on last minute shopping in the old city or fountain square or the modern malls.
• Visit the National Museum of Azerbaijani History or the Crystal Hall complex at the waterfront optionally.

Choose what suits your preference: a nature-filled finale in Gabala or a relaxed city wrap-up in Baku. Either way, you'll end your 6-day journey with beautiful memories and a sense of discovery.

Caucasus Mountains

FAQs about Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary

Got questions about planning your Azerbaijan 6 days itinerary? Here are some quick answers to help you prepare your trip.

Is 6 days too short?

Six days is actually an ideal amount of time to explore Azerbaijan’s highlights without feeling rushed. A total of 5-7 days are enough so that you can comfortably see Baku, Gobustan, Absheron, Sheki, and even make a one day trip to Gabala.

What's the best time to visit?

Spring (March to May), and autumn (September to October) are the most suitable times to visit Azerbaijan. These seasons include pleasant weather, sunny days, plus-looking sceneries ideal to indulge in sightseeing, open-air activities, and to explore both urban and mountain areas.

Is English widely spoken?

English is not widely spoken around most cities of the country like Baku although it is relatively understood and spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist zones. English is not widely spoken in smaller towns such as Sheki or Gabala, so simple Russian, Turkish, or a translation application can come in handy there.

In conclusion

Here is a 6 days itinerary of Azerbaijan that is full of history, nature, and culture, as Baku is a modern city with skyscrapers and Sheki is an old city that represents a decorum. And do not forget to apply online for your Azerbaijan e-visa through the official Azerbaijan Immigration Service in order to have painless travel. Your itinerary and visa in the bag, you are all geared to experience this interesting and wonderful destination.