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Visa Requirements

UK citizens require an ASAN e-Visa to enter Azerbaijan for the Baku Old City Highlights Walking Tour. This can be easily obtained online before you travel; it is typically valid for 30 days and takes about 3 business days to process. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date to ensure a smooth entry.

Key Airports

• Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) – The primary gateway to Azerbaijan and the closest airport to the Old City, located approximately 25–30 minutes from the city centre.

• Gyandzha Airport (KVD) – Located about 4.5 hours away by car or train; occasionally used for domestic connections or regional flights from neighboring countries.

• Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) – Situated in neighboring Georgia, roughly 8–9 hours away by land; sometimes used by travelers combining Caucasus tours, though it requires a cross-border journey.

Spoken Languages

Azerbaijani (Azeri) is the official language. English and Russian are widely spoken in the Old City and tourist hubs, but a few words in Azerbaijani will go a long way with the local shopkeepers and artisans.

Useful expressions:

• Salam! – Hello
• Sağ ol – Thank you (informal)
• Təşəkkür edirəm – Thank you (formal)
• Bəli / Xeyr – Yes / No
• İngiliscə danışırsınız? – Do you speak English?
• Çox gözəldir! – It is very beautiful!

Azerbaijani is a Turkic language that uses the Latin alphabet, making it relatively easy to read for English speakers, and your attempts to use it will be met with legendary Caucasian hospitality.

Holidays to Baku Old City

During the Summer

From June to August, Baku experiences hot, dry weather (around 28–35°C), often tempered by the famous Caspian breeze—perfect for early morning strolls through the Old City, shaded tea garden breaks, and sunset walks along the Baku Boulevard.

During the Winter

From December to February, Baku experiences crisp, cool weather (around 4–9°C)—ideal for brisk walks through the stone streets, cozying up in a traditional tea house, and visiting the vibrant winter markets.

Top Baku Old City Hot Spots

Stepping into Baku’s Old City, or Icherisheher, feels like entering a living museum where every limestone crevice has a story to tell. You can start your exploration at the formidable Double Gates before winding your way toward the Maiden Tower, an enigmatic stone structure that offers sweeping views of the Caspian Sea. Nearby, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs stands as a majestic example of 15th-century craftsmanship, complete with royal chambers and ornate mosques. For a touch of the unusual, the Museum of Miniature Books showcases thousands of tiny volumes, while the nearby Workshop of Ali Shamsi draws you in with its vibrant, surrealist street art. As you navigate the labyrinthine alleys, you’ll pass ancient Caravanserais once used by Silk Road traders and the soulful Muhammad Mosque, all while being shadowed by the ultra-modern Flame Towers that flicker on the horizon.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old City

Baku’s UNESCO-listed Old City is a walled labyrinth of limestone streets and Silk Road history. It’s the city’s ancient heart, home to the iconic Maiden Tower and the majestic Shirvanshahs' Palace.

Learn about medieval Azerbaijani history

Delve into the 12th-century heart of Baku, where the Shirvanshah dynasty once ruled. This walled fortress reveals centuries of Islamic architecture, Silk Road commerce, and the strategic evolution of the Caucasus.

Walk through historic caravanserais and ancient streets

Step back in time through Icherisheher’s limestone alleys, where medieval caravanserais once sheltered Silk Road traders. These atmospheric stone courtyards now house traditional tea houses and rug weavers amidst ancient history.

See the iconic Maiden Tower

Gaze upon the Maiden Tower, Baku’s most mysterious landmark. This ancient stone bastion offers panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and stands as a legendary symbol of the city's UNESCO-listed heritage.

Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Holiday

1. Get Lost in the Alleys - Put the map away and let the limestone corridors lead you. Some of the best artisan workshops and hidden tea gardens are tucked away in the narrowest lanes where GPS often fails.
2. Sip Tea the Local Way - Visit a traditional caravanserai for a pot of Azerbaijani black tea. It’s always served with lemon and various fruit jams (mürəbbə). For the full experience, take a small bite of sugar or jam before sipping your tea through it.
3. Dress Comfortably for Cobblestones - The Old City is a historical maze of uneven, century-old stones. Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the climbs, and carry a light scarf if you plan to enter the serene, active mosques like the Muhammad Mosque.
4. Timing is Everything - Visit the Maiden Tower early in the morning to beat the crowds, but stay for the evening. Seeing the ancient city walls illuminated while the modern Flame Towers light up the background is the ultimate Baku contrast.
   

Tour Information

Why You Should Go (And Go with Marhaban Travel)

Baku’s Old City is a masterclass in contrast—a place where medieval stone walls guard centuries of secrets while the modern world glitters just overhead. It is a sanctuary for history buffs, photographers, and curious souls who want to wander through Silk Road legends, breathe in the salt air of the Caspian, and feel the pulse of a city that never stands still.



With Marhaban Travel, you won’t just walk through history; you’ll live it. We navigate the labyrinth for you, unlocking hidden courtyards, connecting you with local artisans, and sharing the myths behind the Maiden Tower that the guidebooks miss. We handle the details so you can immerse yourself in the soul of Azerbaijan with ease, authenticity, and a touch of local magic.

Ancient, soulful, and strikingly timeless—Baku’s Old City is calling.

Let Marhaban Travel lead the way.