Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the best places to visit in Azerbaijan, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

15 Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan for Unforgettable Experiences

Straddling the boundary between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern. The “Land of Fire” earned its evocative nickname from its abundance of natural gas that fuels the flames of Yanar Dag and the Fire Temple of Baku. But there’s much more to discover in this Caucasus country, from the UNESCO-listed Old City of Baku to the lush forests of Guba. Here are the 15 best places to visit in Azerbaijan.

1. Baku Old City (Icherisheher)

Azerbaijan’s top tourist attraction is the walled Old City of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the narrow alleys to discover the 12th-century Maiden Tower, the sandstone Palace of the Shirvanshahs, and the ruins of ancient bathhouses. Don’t miss the 15th-century Multani Caravanserai, which once housed Silk Road merchants and now hosts cultural events.

2. Heydar Aliyev Centre

Designed by starchitect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Centre is one of the most stunning Azerbaijan tourist places. The undulating white concrete structure houses a museum dedicated to Azerbaijan’s former president, as well as an auditorium, gallery spaces, and a library. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth visiting just to marvel at the building’s futuristic curves.

3. Gobustan National Park

Azerbaijan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gobustan National Park, is one of the country’s must-see places. The park is home to over 6,000 rock carvings dating back 40,000 years, depicting hunting scenes, animals, and people. The park’s mud volcanoes are another highlight—Azerbaijan has the world’s highest concentration of these gurgling, bubbling vents.

4. Yanar Dag

One of the most unique Azerbaijan tourist attractions is Yanar Dag, or “Burning Mountain.” Natural gas seeping from the ground has fueled flames on this hillside for thousands of years. Visit at night to see the fire flickering against the dark sky. Yanar Dag is located on the Absheron Peninsula, about a 30-minute drive from Baku.

5. Palace of the Shirvanshahs

No list of places to see in Azerbaijan would be complete without the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This sandstone complex was the seat of northeastern Azerbaijan’s ruling dynasty from the 13th to 16th centuries. Highlights include the palace’s ornate portal, the Divanhane octagonal pavilion, and the Shirvanshahs’ tomb with its elegant dome.

6. Sheki

The ancient Silk Road city of Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful places. The star attraction is the Khan’s Palace, an 18th-century summer residence decorated with elaborate frescoes, stained glass, and wood carvings. Sheki is also known for its delicate halva sweets and traditional handicrafts like silk scarves and ceramics.

7. Flame Towers

Baku’s trio of skyscrapers known as the Flame Towers have become an icon of modern Azerbaijan. The curving glass towers light up at night with LED displays depicting flames, the Azerbaijan flag, and other images. For panoramic views over Baku, head to the observation deck or revolving restaurant on the 24th floor.

• Fun Fact: The Flame Towers were featured in a 2012 episode of The Amazing Race reality TV show.

8. Lahij

The mountain village of Lahij is a living museum of traditional handicrafts. For centuries, the village’s coppersmiths have hand-hammered beautiful pots, pans, and pitchers that make unique souvenirs. Lahij’s cobblestone streets, stone houses with red-tiled roofs, and scenic setting in the Caucasus Mountains add to its timeless charm.

9. Guba Genocide Memorial Complex

The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex commemorates the thousands of Azerbaijanis killed by Armenian and Bolshevik forces in 1918. The complex includes a museum with exhibits on the tragedy and a memorial garden. While a sobering experience, a visit offers important insight into Azerbaijan’s turbulent history.

10. Naftalan

The small city of Naftalan is famous for its crude oil spas. For over a century, people have flocked here to soak in baths of warm crude oil, which is said to have healing properties for skin, joint, and nerve conditions. Several sanatoriums offer oil baths along with massage and other treatments.

• Travel Tip: If you’re visiting Naftalan’s oil spas, be sure to bring a dark-coloured swimsuit that you don’t mind getting stained. The crude oil will ruin the light-coloured fabric.

11. Ateshgah Fire Temple

Zoroastrians from India and Iran made pilgrimages to Ateshgah for centuries to worship flames fueled by natural gas. Today, the 17th-century pentagonal complex is a museum of Zoroastrian history and culture. The natural flames are long extinguished, but an eternal flame still burns in the central altar.

12. Mud Volcanoes

Azerbaijan is home to nearly a third of the world’s mud volcanoes. These small volcanoes spew cold mud and gas instead of lava. The country’s biggest concentration of mud volcanoes is in Gobustan National Park, but you can also find them on the Absheron Peninsula and other areas near Baku.

13. Khinalug Village

Perched 2,350 meters above sea level in the Caucasus Mountains, Khinalug is Azerbaijan’s highest village. Its stone houses cling to the steep mountainside, with sweeping views of the rugged landscape. The remote village is home to just 2,000 people who speak their own unique language. A trip to Khinalug offers a glimpse of traditional mountain life.

14. Baku Boulevard

Baku Boulevard is a 3.75-kilometer promenade along the Caspian Sea waterfront. Lined with cafes, amusement park rides, and fountains, it’s a popular spot for a stroll or bike ride. Be sure to see the Baku Eye—a 60-meter-tall Ferris wheel with glass passenger capsules offering panoramic city and sea views.

15. Goygol Lake

Goygol, which means “Blue Lake” in Azerbaijani, is a stunning mountain lake near Ganja. The deep blue waters are surrounded by lush green forests that turn golden in autumn. Hiking trails circle the lake, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and wildflowers. Goygol is most easily visited on a day trip from Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city.

• Insider Tip: The road to Goygol is often closed in winter due to heavy snow. Plan your visit between April and October for the best weather and access.

Explore Azerbaijan with Ease – Stay Connected with Airtel’s Roaming Plans

As you explore Azerbaijan’s tourist places, staying connected is key for accessing maps, booking lodging, and sharing photos. Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans offer affordable data and calling across Azerbaijan, so you can stay in touch and make the most of your trip.

From the ancient alleys of Baku to the timeless villages of the Caucasus Mountains, Azerbaijan offers a wealth of unique experiences. With this guide to the best places to visit in Azerbaijan, you’re ready to start exploring the Land of Fire.