Things to Do in Baku
OVERVIEW
Join us on a fascinating walk led by a guide featured on Lonely Planet, CNN Travel & BBC Travel through the Walled City of Baku — Icherisheher, also known as the Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood the test of time.
This living, breathing open-air museum reveals traces of Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman, and Russian cultural influences. As we explore its winding alleyways, you’ll witness how centuries of history and heritage have shaped this remarkable city.
You’ll see ancient defensive walls, the iconic Maiden Tower (Giz Galasy), and many other structures dating as far back as including the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs — a true gem of Azerbaijani architecture.
HIGHLIGHTS
– Explore the UNESCO sites in Old Town
– Understand social dynamics of city life
– Soak up the atmosphere in the oldest part of the city
– Food&drink venue recommendations
– Architecture, History, Politics
– Small group experience
– Led by licensed local expert guide
ATTACTIONS
– UNESCO World heritage sites in Old Town
– Maiden Tower
– Shirvanshahs Palace
– Miniature Book Museum
– Muhammad Mosque
– Caravanserais
– Azerxalcha Showroom
– Underground Bath House
– Nizami Park
and many more
IMPORTANT NOTICE
– At least four (4) people required to run the tour
– The stairs in old town cause obstacles for people with wheelchair users and with walking difficulties.
– Arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to the start time.
– END POINT: FOUNTAINS SQUARE
I’d love to take you on my unique Old and Modern City Tour with an incredible 4.98 rating to show you both its ancient heart and its stunning modern side.
We'll start by diving into the Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We won't just see the famous landmarks; we'll also wander its winding alleys to discover hidden mosques, historic bathhouses, and ancient caravanserais.
After exploring the past, we'll also touch on the city's 20th-century Soviet history as we step into its modern era. We'll walk along the beautiful seaside Boulevard, see the unique Carpet Museum and our "Mini Venice," and then head up to Highland Park. From there, you get the absolute best panoramic view of the city, including the iconic Flame Towers.
We'll finish our walk at Highland Park, where I can give you my personal recommendations for food or anything else you need.
A Glimpse at Our Detailed Route
To show you just how comprehensive this tour is, here’s the full list of our 37 stops:
Part 1: The Old City (Icherisheher)
- White Fountain Park
- Old City Gates
- Baku Khan's Palace
- Underground Bathhouse
- Double Gates
- Statue of Hasan Bey Zerdabi
- Institute of Archaeology & Ethnography
- Cat's House
- Multani Caravanserai
- Buxara Caravanserai
- Arched Religious & Architectural Complex
- Remnants of St. Bartholomew's Church
- Hacı Bani Bathhouse
- Maiden Tower
- Two-Storeyed Caravanserai
- Imam Gulu Religious School
- Ashur Mosque
- Juma (Friday) Mosque
- Small Caravanserai
- Mammadovs Home
- Vaqif Mustafazadeh House Museum
- Muhammad Mosque
- Beyler Mosque
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs
- Museum of Miniature Books
- Statue of Aliaga Vahid
Part 2: Modern Baku & The Boulevard
- Ismailiyya Palace
- Fillarmoniya (Philharmonic) Park
- Azneft Square
- Baku Boulevard
- Mini-Venice
- Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
- Deniz Mall
- Highland Park
- Flame Towers
Special Flexibility for Travelers who want to explore only Old City.
The tour always begins with Old City (part 1) which takes 2 ours ,If your interest is focused only on the Old City, you’re welcome to book my other tour (Main Highlights of Old City of Baku). Simply inform me, and I will finish your tour after we covered Old City, while the full tour continues into the Modern City for the rest of the group.
Bonus:
At the end, I'll give you a special Baku Guidebook I prepared. It’s full of my insider tips on traditional food and other great places to visit, so you can keep exploring the city like a local.
It's a perfect way to see where Baku's ancient history and modern charm meet. I hope you can join me!
If you want to have light urban walking tour, The Oriental Bazaar Shopping Tour is merely for you.
Note: The distance from the meeting point to Bazaar is about 800 m. (two bus stops). It is possible either to walk or to take a bus.
During the easy tour you'll have a chance to make an Oriental shopping of your life. According your taste you can choose souvenirs for you & for your lovely ones, purchase a unique group game, and / or dive into the world of tiny shopping products. The different handcraft shops offering you special products e.g.:
- Silk kəlağayı
- Special table-cloth
- Unique Azerbaijani Game
- Adjusted zodiak jewellery
- Traditional dresses
- Ceramic Shop products
- Organic parfumery & cosmetics
- Organic shafran & products
- Special fruit beveradges
- Organic jams & confitures
- Many many types of souvenirs
etc. etc. etc.
Ultimately, we continue towards Heydər Əliyev Center. The park around the Center is famous with the pictureuos view and I love Baku sign.
There is no entrance fee, you'll just pay what you purchase.
In case if you are interested in other tours of mine:
Inner & Outer Town Baku Essential Walking Tour
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/42540-inner-outer-town-baku-essential-walking-tour-no-01
The Dark & Light Photographic Night Baku Walking Tour
https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/43460-the-dark-light-photographic-night-baku-walking-tour-no-02
Join me on a journey through the ancient soul of Baku, Icherisheher, where every stone has a story to tell.
As a passionate local guide, I will take you off the beaten track and show you the hidden corners, rich history, and vibrant culture of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed gem.
From the legendary Maiden Tower to centuries-old caravanserais and quiet alleys full of charm, experience the real Baku through stories, legends and local life.
Along the way, I'll share personal insights and show you cultural treasures that make this city truly unique.
Whether this is your first time in Baku or you want to see the city from a new perspective, this tour will give you unforgettable memories and maybe even a few words of Azerbaijani!
Don’t just visit Baku — experience it.
Step into the soul of Baku, where wind-carved stone, sea breezes, and centuries of history unfold with every step. This walking tour blends modern city life, scenic viewpoints, and the timeless atmosphere of the Old City. Begin at Molokan Garden, then stroll through Fountains Square and Nizami Street.
Walk along Boulevard past Mini Venice and the Carpet Museum, then take the Funicular to Highland Park for the best city views, the Alley of Martyrs, Eternal Fire, Martyrs’ Mosque, and Flame Towers.
Enter Old City at the Aliagha Vahid Monument, then visit Miniature Book Museum, Shirvanshah Palace, historic caravanserais, Cats’ House, Juma Mosque, and the Maiden Tower.
Along the way, enjoy optional street-food tastings and a short optional wine stop, adding a flavorful local touch to the experience.
What’s Included:
Guided walking tour through central Baku and the Old City
Must-see landmarks paired with hidden gems
Stories and cultural insight from a local guide
Best photo locations and practical photography tips
Comfortable walking pace with short breaks
Optional street-food tasting and optional wine stop
Insider Tips and Recommendations
Explore the modern face of Baku on this walking tour focused on city skylines, new urban districts, and panoramic viewpoints.
This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see how Baku is changing, from futuristic architecture to newly developed neighborhoods by the Caspian Sea.
We start at Crescent Mall, one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of modern Baku. From the balcony viewpoint, you’ll see the Caspian Sea, the city skyline, and some of Baku’s most impressive contemporary architecture.
From here, we walk around the Crescent (Aypara) Building, discussing modern urban design and how this area became one of the city’s newest symbols. We then continue towards the Victory Monument, where we’ll briefly talk about its meaning and importance in modern Azerbaijani history.
Next, we head into White City, one of Baku’s largest urban transformation projects. While walking along the White City Boulevard, you’ll enjoy beautiful viewpoints where parts of the city skyline and the Flame Towers area can be seen from a distance. This area offers a different perspective of Baku — modern, open, and carefully planned.
Our walk continues through the new White City districts and across the White City Bridge, where we finish the walking part of the tour.
🚢 Optional Boat Experience
Near the end of the tour, depending on weather and availability, we may return for an optional short boat ride on the Caspian Sea.
Cost: approx. 5 AZN per person
From the sea, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of modern Baku and its skyline
Participation in the boat ride is completely optional.
The Free Walking Tour of Baku is a great treat for first-time visitors, as it covers significant parts (both Old and New towns) of the city in 2 hours.
It covers both modern and historical areas of Baku. During the guided tour, your local guide will lead you through the jewels of the city, including:
- Baku Old Town
- Istiglaliyyet Street (old Nikolayevskaya)
- Maiden Tower
- Nizami street (old Torgovaya)
- Fountains Square
- Baku Boulevard
What is the real story of Azerbaijan? Where it all started? How Islam and Communism shaped the lives of its people?
Hear the stories of how the discovery and further exploitation of crude oil changed people's lives and the architectural look of the city through the centuries.
Baku Free Walking Tour is a unique introduction to Baku and its heritage. We are the first company that started Free Walking Tours in Baku and our goal is to make your visit inspiring and memorable. We are also recipient of TripAdvisor's 2025 Excellence Award and FreeTour's 2019 Best Tour in Asia award. Don't take us by our word. See us in action and we'll leave you with enriching stories to take back home.
Walk Baku: From the Heart of the City to the Caspian Coast
Baku isn’t just a city — it’s a story written in architecture, sea breeze, and street life. If you’re curious about discovering more than just postcard views, join me for a relaxed walking tour from the center to the seafront, where we’ll uncover layers of local life, culture, and modern charm — all in a few hours on foot.
A small gift for every participant and great tips from a local!
🗺️ What’s on the route?
We’ll start at the Government House, where you’ll get a quick sense of Baku’s Soviet past and urban planning. Then we’ll pass through:
- Park Bulvar Shopping Center
- Baku Boulevard
- Maiden Tower
- Monument to Muslim Magomayev
- Puppet Theatre
- Baku International Mugham Center
- Mini Venice
- Carpet Museum
- Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye)
- Baku Sport Hall
- Dəniz Mall
- National Flag Square
- National Flag Museum
The walk ends at Bayraq Meydanı (Flag Square) — a wide, open space by the sea, perfect for relaxing and wrapping up your experience.
🎯 Why is this tour different?
This isn’t a scripted sightseeing run. I love movies, books, watches, and great conversations — so if you're into any of that, this tour will feel more like walking with a local friend than following a guide. You’ll leave with more than just pictures; you’ll take a story with you.
📢 Join the tour
If you want to explore Baku at your own pace, chat about everyday life, and get a real sense of the city — this walk is for you.
Hi my name is Zaman and I am working since 2018 as licensed tour guide and we will be happy to organise amazing tour for you in our beautiful country
Our tour basically will depend on 3 main highlights and all destinations will share with you to make detailed imagination about our tour for you
Our tour basically will start in Nizami street will be our meeting pint and will head to Old city İçərişəhər to discover main highlights of old city
- Nizami monument
- Double gates Old city İçərişəhər
- Maiden tower
- Cuma mosque
- Miniature book museum
- Cat house
- Sirvansah king palace
- İçərişəhər metro station
- Tağıyev's Girls school
- Happines palace
- Phlarmony park
- Little Venice
- Carpet museum
- Highland park
- Martyrs avenue
16 Tour ends in Nizami street
Tour starts : Nizami street Nizami monument
Tour finishes: Nizami street Nizami monument
Walking :4-5km
Duration:2 hours
Free walking tour based on tips
Entrance fee :
Baku funicular 2 manat
Pls do reservation at least minimum 3 hours before thanks
On this shopping tour in Baku, you'll enjoy a very entertaining day in one of the modern shopping malls in the capital of Azerbaijan!
