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BAKU

Destination Overview

Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, is a low-lying city with coastline along the Caspian Sea. It’s famed for its medieval walled old city, which contains the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a vast royal complex, and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. Contemporary landmarks include the Zaha Hadid–designed Heydar Aliyev Center, and the Flame Towers, 3 pointed skyscrapers covered with LED screens.

Azerbaijan’s capital is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai…albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background. Few cities in the world are changing as quickly and nowhere else in Eurasia do East and West blend as seamlessly or as chaotically. At its heart, the Unesco-listed Old City (İçəri Şəhər) lies within an exotically crenelated arc of fortress wall. Around this are gracefully illuminated stone mansions and pedestrianised tree-lined streets filled with exclusive boutiques. In the last decade, countless towers have mushroomed, dwarfing or replacing tatty old Soviet apartment blocks. Some of the finest new builds are jaw-dropping masterpieces. Meanwhile romantic couples canoodle their way around wooded parks and hold hands on the Caspian-front bulvar (promenade), where greens and opal blues make a mockery of Baku’s desert-ringed location.

Attractions in Baku

Highland Park

Highland Park is a marvellous park located in one of the highest points of the city with a spectacular view. Highland park is one of the most favourite places in Baku to have walk, rest, and enjoy the sea view. There you can take rest by breathing fresh air, viewing the city, drinking tea in the Highland Park Café, while listening to the classic lounge music.

We suggest you to visit this park at night-time, because of the amazing lighting on the stairs to the Highland Park! In addition, on hot summer days and nights you can feel there cool, and a bit windy. Highland Park is a vast area that offers the visitor a great panorama of Baku Bay, Crystal Hall, National Flag Square, Baku Olympic Stadium, etc. It has a toy train to take you across park with marvellous boews of Caspian Sea.

The Maiden Tower

The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan. Along with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, dated to the 15th century, it forms a group of historic monuments listed in 2001 under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments as cultural property, Category III. Maiden Tower with unique architecture.

From top of the tower one can get excellent view of Baku & good chance to make nice pictures. This tapering 29m stone tower is Baku’s foremost historical icon, with rooftop views surveying Baku Bay and the Old City. The Azeri name, Qız Qalası, is usually rendered ‘Maiden’s Tower’ in English, leading to plenty of patently fictitious fairy tales. Various versions are considered in the imaginative little multimedia installations that adorn several floors of the tower’s interior.

Funicular line

Baku funicular line opened in 1960 and renewed in 2012. It is 455 meters long and has 2 stations. Baku Funicular offers easy access of the city’s hilly streets and affords panoramic views of the surrounding area. Baku Funicular connecting Neftchilar Avenue and Martyrs’ Lane.

At night, the funicular’s main station, situated inside a modern glass structure, is illuminated in a striking fashion, adding to the cityscape and making riding after dark even more rewarding.

Heydar Aliyev Center

The Heydar Aliyev Center hosting cultural events and promoting the Azerbaijani language, history, and culture. The Center was conceived as a symbol of the process of the Azerbaijan nation-building and the country’s recent economic development and modernization. The Heydar Aliyev Center is a 57,500 m2 (619,000 sq ft). It is an important cultural center in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, housed in an iconic building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. It is located in a 10-hectare public park close to the Baku Convention Center.

The center takes its name from Heydar Aliyev (1923 – 2003), the national leader of Azerbaijan who led the country – from 1969 to 1987, when it was part of the Soviet Union and from 1993 to 2003 as an independent nation – and is considered the founder of modern Azerbaijan. The Heydar Aliyev Center is a multi-functional venue that accommodates a 1000-seat auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, a conference center, workshops, and a museum.

Nizami Street

Nizami Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Baku. It is a pedestrianized avenue with not only a rich variety of shops, but also small outlets, souvenir stores and supermarkets. The main shopping area begins at Fountain Square, and it is a hotspot for clothes, especially in the high-end shops. This part of the city is also notable for its expensive and stylish restaurants and hotels. One of the most popular shopping destinations is the TSUM Shopping Store (MUM), the largest departmental store in Baku. There are several floors filled with stalls that sell just about everything you can imagine, and probably some things that you can’t. The variety and range of goods are outstanding.

Nizami Street is famous not only for shopping but also for the architecture. There you can also find Many European embassies and the buildings feature a number of different architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. Nizami Street fascinates and excites not only by day but also by night – The area is brilliantly illuminated by lights and decorations

Fire Temple

The Baku Ateshgah, often called the “Fire Temple of Baku” is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town, a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan. Based on Persian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. “Atash” is the Persian word for fire. The place is well familiar across the different countries of the world. Originally it is located 30 KM from the center of City Baku. It is well familiar due to the unique phenomenon of nature, which is actually the burning of the natural gas.

This temple consists of many natural gas burning outlets. In this phenomenon, the gas from the earth crust comes out of the surface of the earth and when it contacts with the oxygen it lights up. The present look of the temple was constructed back in the 17th and 18th century. Originally built by the Hindu community related to the Baku Sikhs. The history of the Fire Temple Baku is very interesting and even longer. In the ancient time, that place was the Holy Place of Zoroastrians which use to worship the fire. This inextinguishable fire holds a mystical significance for them and that’s why they came here to worship fire.

The Government House of Baku

The Government House of Baku is a government building housing various state ministries of Azerbaijan. It is located on Neftchiler Avenue and faces the Baku Boulevard. The rear side of the building faces busy Uzeyir Hajibeyov Street of central Baku.

Government House was designed for 5,500 people. In 1934, the Soviet authorities announced a tender for construction of Baku Soviet Palace (later renamed to Government House). T he building of the Government House was built in 1936 — 1952. The building housed many organizations and business firms after restoration of Azerbaijani independence in 1991. In 2006, the government of Azerbaijan started renovation works of the building and completed the project in 2010.

Gabala City

Gabala, also known as Qabala, is a thriving city in northern Azerbaijan. Gabala city located about 225 km from Baku. To the southwest, Chukhur Gabala village has ancient ruins, including imposing gate towers, from the city’s time as capital of Caucasian Albania. On the city’s northeaster outskirts, the Tufandag Winter–Summer Mountain Resort offers ski runs. An ancient Albanian church is in Boyuk Amili, nearby. To the west, Nij is home to the native Udi people. Gabala, with a rich history, is a beautiful region in Azerbaijan.

It is home to multiple museums, music festivals, and numerous monuments of historical importance. Gabala surrounded by the beautiful Caucasian mountains, has a couple of interesting activities for all such as a shooting club and a spectacular photo-spot, Nohur lake.

Freedom Square

Freedom Square also known as Azadliq Square in Baku. It is the biggest city-centre square in Azerbaijan. It lies next to Baku Boulevard. The square, then named after Vladimir Lenin, was laid in 1960–70s, after construction of the Government House of Baku was finished in 1952 and monument to Lenin was erected in front of it in 1955. Along with the square, Baku authorities constructed several buildings including “Azerbaijan” and “Absheron” hotels encircling the square.

The Lenin monument sculpted by D.M. Garyaghdi was demounted in early 1990s after the beginning of Azerbaijani independence movement and Black January tragedy. The square was then also renamed in 1991 to Azadliq Square (Freedom Square) after collapse of Soviet Union. In 2006, the government sponsored project oversaw renovation works at the Government House and its vicinity including Azadliq Square. Works lasted until 2010.

Old City

Old City or Inner City is the historical core of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku, which is surrounded by walls, which were easily defended. In 2007, the Old City had a population of about 3000 people. In December 2000, the Old City of Baku, including the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, became the first location in Azerbaijan to be classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. A nice walking tour to a history of Baku.

This tour of old city expected to last approx. 3 hours. During the tour our guide will give you information about Icheri Sheher’s history, people, architecture etc. Most famous attraction of Old city are: I. Shirvanshah’s Palace Complex (15th century). The complex consists of various buildings, such as main building (palace), mosques, bathhouses, divan (court house) etc. II. The Museum of Miniatures (near to Palace). There you will see collection of miniature books. III. Maiden Tower with unique architecture. From top of the tower one can get excellent view of Baku & good chance to make nice pictures

Activities in Baku

ATV Tour

ATV Tours activity available at Tufandag Mountain resort. Resort located 222 km away from Baku (Appx.3 hour’s journey by car).

ATV tours for adults: Age category: +18

Activity Area : 4 km,

Activity Type : outdoor

Activity Duration : 15-20 min ride
Activity Available : summer and winter

Take an outdoor adventure on one of Azerbaijan’s best ATV tours. Tufandag’s adult ATV tour takes guests through a scenic valley to Duruja Village.

ATV tours for kids: Age category: 7 – 14
Activity Type : outdoor

Activity Duration : 10 min ride
Activity Available : summer and winter

Off-Road Adventure especially designed for Kids!! Kids have the opportunity to drive their own Suzuki LTZs 90 in the kids track.

Boat Trip on the Caspian Sea

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, as well as the largest city on the Caspian Sea. Baku is located 28 metres (92 ft) below sea level, which makes it the lowest lying national capital in the world and also the largest city in the world located below sea level.

Baku boat tour in the Caspian Sea is an amazing experience. You can make your trip very enjoyable taking a boat tour and seeing beauties of the city and its marvellous lights from the Legendary Caspian Sea.

Baku boat tour will start by taking you from your hotel or any desired place. During the Baku boat tour, your guide will give you a lot of information about Baku city, its rich and luxury history and culture as well as will explain to you the story of Caspian Sea – The Biggest Lake on Earth.

The Boat Tour will take around 25-40 minutes. Our goals are to provide you with the best service. And to give you a few more unforgettable memories of Azerbaijan

Funicular Ride

Baku funicular line opened in 1960 and renewed in 2012. It is 455 meters long and has 2 stations.

Baku Funicular offers easy access of the city’s hilly streets and affords panoramic views of the surrounding area. Baku Funicular connecting Neftchilar Avenue and Martyrs’ Lane.

At night, the funicular’s main station, situated inside a modern glass structure, is illuminated in a striking fashion, adding to the cityscape and making riding after dark even more rewarding.

Segway tours

Segway tour activity available at Tufandag Mountain resort. Resort located 222 km away from Baku (Appx.3 hour’s journey by car).

Age Category : 13 +
Activity Type : outdoor
Activity Duration : 10 min ride
Activity Available : summer and winter

Riding a Segway is intuitive and easy to learn. Everyone can join and have a blast on our Segway tour. After instruction and training you will make your way through the charming forest of Gabala. Riders are equipped with stylish helmets and knee / elbow pads. You will have a lot of fun with riding Segway’s in the forest.

Hotels in Baku

Star Category:

 5/5

Four Seasons Hotel

1 Neftchilar Ave, Baku 1095, Azerbaijan

Four Seasons Hotel Baku located about 30 km from Heydar Alyev Airport. Park Bulvar Shopping Centre is 2 minutes’ drive from Hotel; Port Baku Shopping Centre is a 6-minute drive away.

Hotel features a restaurant and lounge, bar, indoor swimming pool, swimming pool, fitness center, spa centre, including a hammam, sauna and massages.

Rooms having air conditioning, unique interior, a flat-screen TV and a view of the city or sea, bathrooms are fitted with marble panels and a shower.

Guest can enjoy Italian dishes in Zafferano Restaurant and drinks in Piazza lounge or at Bentley’s Whiskey Bar.

Star Category:

 5/5

Holiday Inn Baku

5 Keykab Khanim Safaraliyeva St, Baku 1010, Azerbaijan

Holiday Inn Baku hotel located 1 km from Baku Train Station, 23 km from Heydar Aliyev International Airport and 1.5 km from the Maiden Tower.

Hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites in the heart of Baku, near the picturesque sea port and seafront Baku Boulevard. There’s a restaurant onsite, and the state-of-the-art gym, heated indoor pool, spa and sauna are included in the room rate.

Hotel Holiday Inn Baku offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. The rooms offer air conditioning, WIFI, flat-screen TV, minibar, slippers, hairdryer. Guests can dine in Marina 18 Restaurant with the panoramic views of the Caspian Sea, or order room service and breakfasts in the room. Guests can relax with a drink at Sagi Bar & Lounge.

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center is within a 10-minute drive, while Old City and Shirvanshahs Palace is within an 8-minute drive. Baku Olympic Stadium is within a 12-minute drive away. The rooms offer air conditioning, WIFI, flat-screen TV, minibar, slippers, and hairdryer.

Star Category:

 5/5

JW Marriott Absheron

674 Azadliq Square, Baku 1000, Azerbaijan

JW Marriott Absheron Baku located in the city center, on the Freedom Square and It takes only about 7 minutes to walk to Baku Central Station, and Baku International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. City’s main shopping, entertainment and business area are within a 5-minute walk of the Hotel.

Hotel is the premier choice for both business travellers and those visiting Azerbaijan for vacation. Explore Port Baku Mall, Fountain Square, Shirvanshakh Palace and the Central Botanical Garden, all nearby. Hotel rooms offer air condition, flat-screen TV, iPod dock, work desk , laptop safe, bath, shower, bathrobe, slippers and WiFi at surcharge.

Hotel’s ZEST Lifestyle Café is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks at the Razzmatazz bar or in the Zest coffee house. Hotel includes a sauna area, 24-hour gym. The hotel also has a magnificent indoor pool with panoramic views of the Caspian Sea.

BAKU

Destination Overview

Attractions in Baku

Highland Park

The Maiden Tower

Funicular line

Heydar Aliyev Center

Nizami Street

Fire Temple

The Government House of Baku

Gabala City

Freedom Square

Old City

Activities in Baku

ATV Tour

Boat Trip on the Caspian Sea

Funicular Ride

Segway tours

Hotels in Baku

Four Seasons Hotel

Holiday Inn Baku

JW Marriott Absheron

Inquiry for Hotel

Destinations

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