Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, which immersed me in the atmosphere of a rapidly developing east. Not so long ago, it was an ancient fortress with winding streets, now it is a real industrial and dynamic city with skyscrapers and office buildings. This place surprises me every time with a combination of tradition and modernity. While in Baku, it is impossible not to feel the hospitality of the Caucasus and the scorching summer sun, which cannot be hidden. The capital truly disposes to itself the traveler, offering many variations for spending the leisure. These are beaches and mountains, as well as numerous ancient monuments, such as fortresses, mosques and palaces. The official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani. It is spoken by 98% of the population. It is used in all areas of the country's life.

Despite this, while in Baku, I did not experience communication problems in Russian. They understood me everywhere.

Short video about Baku

How to get there

You can get to Baku by almost any means of transport. Airplanes fly there, ferries sail, trains and buses go. It can also be reached by car. So if you, for example, are afraid to fly, then a bunch of options.

By plane

Airplane is my favorite most convenient and fast transport in order to be in Baku. There are several direct flights daily from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Flights are operated by the following airlines: Aeroflot, Ikar Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, UTair, S7 Airlines. The price for a direct route starts at 10 thousand rubles (round trip). Travel time takes 3 hours.

Also in Baku there are flights with transfers. They are usually cheaper and the cost for them starts from 6-7 thousand rubles. Airlines: Pobeda, Belavia, AirBaltic and others. Travel time may vary.

Ticket price options can be found here.

Airplanes in Baku arrive at the International Airport. Heydar Aliyev. It is 25 km from the city (20 minutes drive) and is connected to Baku by the motorway. Inside the airport there is everything necessary for passengers: duty-free, cafes and shops, free Wi-fi, a prayer room, an airport hotel, a tax-free, as well as a medical center, a storage room, and an information desk. Learn more about the airport here.

How to get from the airport to the center of Baku

By bus

You can get to the city center by express bus Baku Bus H1. He drives right up to the airport building and makes several stops along the route. The final stop of the bus is May 28 square, where the metro and railway station are located. Buses depart from the parking lots near terminals 1 and 2. Fare: 0.50 USD when paid with a BakiKart transport card and 0, 60 USD with a one-time ticket. Express buses run at intervals of 30 minutes. Additional information and schedules are available on the official website.

Buses are good and comfortable, honestly :).

By taxi

You can get a taxi in three ways: on an official taxi from the airport, using the services of local taxi drivers or calling Uber taxi through the application. A taxi rank is located at the exit of Terminals 1 and 2.

The Baku Taxi official taxi is equipped with meters, the base price is 1.7 USD. You can pay with cash or credit cards. This taxi company is the most expensive and the minimum trip can cost 20 USD.
Local taxi drivers. With individual taxi drivers, usually everything is much more interesting, because usually they greatly increase the price. Let's just say, for 28 USD for a trip to the old city. On average, such a trip costs 11 USD. Be sure to try to bargain with taxi drivers and do not let them re-discuss the price with you. You are not required to pay as much as they require.
Uber works in Baku, so if someone doesn’t want to get in touch with taxi services, you can call Uber. I recommend this option. He is the safest. The average price is the same, about 11-14 USD.

Car rent

There are two car rental desks in Terminal 1 building. Services are provided by Aznur and Hertz. Cars can be booked by writing them to the post office or by calling or directly at the airport.

By train

Despite the fact that I prefer to fly to Baku, many get there by train. Although it is long, it is beautiful, because the path runs through forests, rivers and mountains.

Yes, the train journey to Baku is not fast. Travel time from Moscow is about 60 hours - almost 3 days. If you still haven't changed your mind, then read on.

Trains from Moscow to Baku run several times a week; their schedule can be found on the Russian Railways website. The train leaves from the Kursk station and the route runs through Tula, Lipetsk, Makhachkala and Derbent. Usually the train leaves at night, and arrives in Baku in the early morning. The cost of such a one-way route is: 6200 rubles for a reserved seat, 8300 rubles for a compartment and about 15 thousand rubles for a luxury.

From St. Petersburg, the train leaves once a week on Saturdays. Travel time is about 70 hours. The cost starts from 8,200 rubles.

Also, trains from Tyumen run in Baku. The train makes stops in such large cities as Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk and Makhachkala. Total travel time is about 78 hours. The price of such a trip starts from 10 thousand rubles.

Another city from which direct trains can be reached to Baku is Rostov-on-Don. The total route time is 32 hours. The train runs 2 times a week. The price is 6500 rubles for a reserved seat.

Railway Station itself is located almost in the central part of Baku near the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center. Nearby is the metro, public transportation and taxi stops.

By bus

From Moscow, buses to Baku depart from Lyublino station. The fare is 4 thousand rubles. per person and takes an average of about 2 days. In fact, this is a rather fascinating, but not the safest route. Suitable for adventurers, since the contingent in such a bus is not very pleasant, and if you go there in the summer, you can be exhausted from the heat, since such buses are not equipped with a normal air conditioning system.

By car

From Moscow to Baku can be reached by car in 28 hours. The main part of the route runs through the e119 road, which connects Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, as well as via the p22 (Caspian direction) and p216 routes. This route is free, and the road is quite long, so I advise you to spend the night in one of the cities, and watch it for one, because the route runs through Volgograd, Elista, Makhachkala and Derbent.

By ferry

Baku is also a port. Residents of the city are proud of their coastal location, and tourists, including myself, often use the services of sea transport. Ferry from Russia to Baku can not be reached. But you can get from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan. The Kazakhstan port, from where you can reach Baku, is located in the city of Aktau. And in Turkmenistan there is a Caspian port of Turkmenbashi. The duration of the trip is from 12 to 18 hours. The cost starts from 4,500 rubles one way.

Telephone number of the seaport (Daniz Vagzal): 994 12 447 7314.

hint: Baku - time now 17: 06 October October Time difference: Moscow - 1 Kazan - 1 Samara & plus; 0 Yekaterinburg & plus; 1 Novosibirsk & plus; 3Vladivostok & plus; 6

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

For me, the ideal season for Baku is spring. In spring, it is still not as hot as in summer, because the temperature in July-August can reach +40 ° С. But the locals have long been accustomed and calm about this. Thanks to the Caspian Sea, you can feel great here and spend the whole day on the beach.

Winter in Baku, of course, is warmer than in Moscow, but this is not a suitable season.

As for prices in season / off season, they practically do not differ for flights and are in the region of 6-10 thousand rubles in both directions both in summer and winter. A little lower in winter, prices are for accommodation.

Baku in the summer

Baku in the summer is a real hot city of the East. Tourists from many countries come here, especially from the former Soviet Union, to relax on the Caspian Sea.

For me, the most ideal month for visiting Baku in the summer is June. I do not really like the heat, and in June the thermometer is held at +20 ° C. Naturally, in the summer, tourists expect an abundance of fruits and various celebrations. Every day on the coast there are many parties and noisy entertainment.

Baku in the fall

In Baku, the velvet season continues in the fall. From September to October, you can safely go here and feel absolutely comfortable. The sea is still warm, and the air is not autumn at all. The average air temperature is about +25 ° C in September, and +18 ° C in October. In October and November there are, of course, fewer tourists. I would advise you to go to Baku in September.

Baku in the spring

Spring is my favorite season for a trip to Baku. Maybe the sea has not warmed up yet, so as to swim (if it is March, April), but everything around is already blooming.

The main flow of tourists comes here in May, when the beach season is already open and the thermometer shows +20 ° С. It is very comfortable to walk along the old streets and not to be closed from the scorching sun.

Baku in winter

Winter is not a season for Baku. Almost nothing happens here. Excursions and tourist activities are almost not in demand. The street is humid and windy.

Baku - weather for months

hint: Baku - weather for the months of January January + 3.9 February ± 3.5 March ± 6.5 April ± 12.5 May ± 17.8 June ± 22.8 July ± 25.9 August ± 25.5 September ± 21.8 October ± 15.7 November ± 15.7 11.0 December & plus; 6.1

Areas. Where is better to live

I would suggest choosing housing in one of these areas of the city:

City center. Usually, the central part of the city is the most popular when choosing accommodation from tourists. Baku is no exception. Staying in the center of Baku, travelers have a lot of pluses. From here it is not far to historical monuments, as well as to the sea. I think that anyone can find a suitable housing option. Here are the top hotels with a cost of 4-6 thousand rubles per day, as well as hostels with a cost of 800 rubles per night.
Sabail district. This area is quite large and includes a lot of popular attractions. Moreover, it houses the famous fiery towers and the Old City of Icheri Sheher. There is also a beach area. In this area it will be good to stop for those who want to look at the contrasting Baku. At prices, it is suitable for both tourists with a limited budget and with a free one. However, in the old town there are many small hotels with a rather high price, since the old town is the most popular place for tourists. Also, it is quite noisy here, because the place is quite crowded. There are many cafes in the streets. The price per night can be 6-15 thousand rubles in a high-class hotel, or 2-3 thousand middle-class rubles, as well as a thousand rubles per night for a hostel. The price for a room in flaming towers can be 60 thousand rubles per night.
Yasamal district. Yasamal is a student district. There are many universities and colleges here, so mostly young people live here. Here you can safely rent an apartment. The price for a room is about 30 thousand rubles a month. For an entire apartment, the price starts from 50 thousand rubles a month.

You can look at the prices for hotel rooms here, compare the cost of apartments via the link, and book conveniently at Booking.

What are the prices for vacation

Housing prices in Baku are high. They may well compete with Moscow and European. However, the service, respectively, is also on top here. Hotel service at a very good level. Accommodation at night will cost 4 thousand rubles. You can save by living in hostels or renting an apartment.

As for food, it is important to divide it into two types. The first is food in cafes and restaurants. The second is the purchase of products. At the first, for example, lunch in a middle-class restaurant will cost about 1.5 thousand per person. Fast food, of course, is cheaper, about 400-500 rubles. In the second case, the products here are inexpensive. Especially fruits and vegetables. This way you can save a lot by buying products in the markets and grocery stores in the summer.

Taxi prices are also high. Especially if you use an official taxi. A trip around the city in 20 minutes will cost about 1000 rubles.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Azerbaijani manat, manat Prices in restaurants and cafes

Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant	384 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant	1538 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch	308 rub

More details

The main attractions. What to watch

Baku is a very colorful and beautiful city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. It is also a place where you can spend several days watching the sights and still have something to see. The main tourist spots are located in the center or on the promenade. Centuries-old buildings here coexist quietly with modern glass skyscrapers. And around the city there are majestic mountains that only add a picturesque setting to this Caucasian city. Walking along the streets of the old city, I really wanted to touch every building, because they look incredibly attractive.

Top 5

Palace of the Shirvanshahs. This palace complex, it seems to me, is the true heritage of medieval Azerbaijan, but in fact the former residence of the rulers of Shirvan. The attraction is located in the old part of the city, at the top of the Baku hill and includes the Palace, a bathhouse, a tomb, etc.
Maiden's Tower. It is believed that this tower appeared in Baku before the arrival of Islam. In the 12th century, it became part of the old city.
Icheri Sheher (Old Town). The Icheri Sheher fortress is a real guide to the old world. Walking along the streets of the ancient city, you feel that you are in a fairy tale. It seemed to me that a gin lamp would fall out from somewhere and begin to fulfill my wishes. By the way, many people know this place because of the "Diamond Arm", since the shooting of the film took place here. Icheri Sheher is the heart of the city, because it was from here that Baku began its origin.
The fiery towers symbolized the new city. From the moment of their appearance, Baku began to be associated with the European East: dynamic and modern.
Heydar Aliyev Center. This cultural center is also a new project and was built in 2012, designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid. Inside are conference rooms, offices, restaurants and expositions.

Beaches. Which are better

AF Beach Club, Novkhany. This complex has 5 swimming pools, snack bars, restaurants with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, a night club, a games room, Wi-Fi, water sports, beach volleyball, beach soccer, entertainment, a professional animation team.

Khazar Golden Beach, Mardakan. These beaches are some of the cleanest, including the purity of the water. There are quite a lot of people on the beach, and the entrance costs 10 manat. I don’t advise the rest of the beaches, because in two (Sahil and Shikhovo) they found Escherichia coli for several years in a row, while others are still very poorly equipped.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Mohammed Mosque. The mosque is located in Icheri Sheher. It is considered the first Islamic building in Azerbaijan.
Bibi Heybat Mosque is a stunningly beautiful building. It was built in the 13th century, but in 1936 it was blown up by the Bolsheviks. The mosque was rebuilt in 90 years. The restoration took place on old photographs and manuscripts.
Tezepir Mosque is relatively new, built in the early 20th century. In the early Soviet period, it served as a barn and cinema. In 1940, it resumed work, and now on its territory is the Office of the Muslims of the Caucasus.

Museums Which are worth a visit

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. It is impossible to pass by this museum while in Azerbaijan. Especially with the advent of all the jokes and memes that are now at the expense of carpets. Here you officially feel in the carpet house. As if he invited you to visit. The exposition is often updated, and the collection travels to various countries. Address: Baku, 28 Mikail Useinova Ave. Hours: 09:00 - 21:00. Non-working days: Monday. Tel .: +994 12 497-20-57. Excursion with an audio guide costs 5 USD.

The Museum of Azerbaijani Literature is located in the city center close to the fountain square. The museum exhibits are old manuscripts, diaries, newspapers, autographs of writers, as well as illustrations. Address: st. Istiglaliyyat, 53. Hours: daily, from 11:00 to 17:00, Sunday - a day off. Entrance: 5 USD. Other information can be found here.
Museum of Modern Art of Baku. Why do I recommend visiting this museum? Yes, because it reflects the art of new Baku. Everyone is accustomed to believing that Baku is an ancient eastern city with a rich Islamic history. This is certainly true, but the most important thing is that the city is developing and now and more and more traditions are fading into the background, and new trends are coming to the fore. The museum presents both paintings and sculptures. I really liked that the exhibition essentially goes beyond the boundaries of the exhibition halls and goes with us to the cafe, library and store. Address: st. Yusif Safarov, 5. Opening hours: from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 - 20:00. Entrance: 2.5 USD for adults, 2 USD for students and schoolchildren, for preschoolers - free admission. Detailed information can be found here.

Parks

Heydar Aliyev Square. One of the main parks in the country. At the end of the square is a statue of Heydar Aliyev.
Sahil Park. Probably one of the oldest in Baku. Inside are benches, around flowers, trees and fountains. Located in the center of the city.
Hussein Javid Park is located near the Academy of Sciences. This is my favorite of the oases that are in Baku, since I really love the work of Javid. The park has many fountains, trees, as well as a monument to Huseyn Javid.

Tourist streets

Seaside Boulevard is a promenade and one of the most beloved places of both Baku People and tourists. The boulevard has existed for several centuries and every year it only gets bigger. Now its length is 25 km. There are many cafes, restaurants, attractions, as well as a fountain that has no analogues in the world. Salutes and fireworks are often watched from the Boulevard.

What to see in 1 day

If you have a day in Baku, then you can start exploring its sights with a visit to the Bibi Heybat mosque. The mosque is made in the best traditions of Islam, and is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Very beautiful.
Next we go to the carpet museum of Azerbaijan. We get there by taxi in 10 minutes or by bus number 6 in half an hour.
Then at 12 o'clock we are going to Icheri Sheher. You can walk from the carpet museum to it in literally 10-15 minutes. Inspection of the old city will take about 3 hours. Inside, you must definitely climb the Maiden’s Tower, walk along the winding streets and visit the majestic Shirvanshah Palace.
Further, at 15 o’clock, it is better to break off for lunch and taste Azerbaijani dolma or pilaf in one of the restaurants of the old city.
Then, at 4 pm, we set off for the center of Heydar Aliyev. You can get there by taxi in 15 minutes, or by bus number 5 in 25-30 minutes. Be sure to walk around the building from all sides, since in addition to internal exhibitions, the center has a very interesting shape.
At 18 o’clock, when the sun is not so scorching, we go for a walk along the seaside boulevard. Here you can also have dinner in one of the cafes on the waterfront, dance with street musicians and just have a good time.
Closer to sunset we get to the fiery towers. To them from the seaside boulevard we reach bus number 18 in 20 minutes. The sunset is very beautifully reflected in the glass of the towers and the business center looks amazing in the light of the lights.

What to see in the surroundings

Gobustan reserve. Gobustan Nature Reserve is located in the south, 50 km from Baku. In it you can see cave paintings and mud volcanoes, which are included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.

40 kilometers from Baku is the historical and ethnographic museum-reserve "Gala". The complex was created in 2008, at the excavation site. Here you can see how Azerbaijanis lived 5 centuries ago.

hint: Routes to neighboring cities Baku - Badamdar 5 km Baku - Sumgait 28 km Baku - Nardaran 25 km Baku - Mardakan 28 km Baku - Gobustan 49 km

Nearby islands

Boyuk-Zira is an island in the Caspian Sea near Baku. Ferry excursions often go to him. There is a historic lighthouse on the island. The Azerbaijani government is going to arrange a modern recreation center here in the next 10 years.

Food. What to try

Being in Azerbaijan, and especially in Baku, it is impossible to resist the national cuisine. Dolma from grape leaves, pilaf, lamb kebab from lamb, baklava and much more. Already when I write about this, drooling.

All national dishes can be enjoyed at local cafes and restaurants, as well as at street summer markets. There are both expensive and budget places in Baku. Usually, the most expensive and famous restaurants are located either in the old city or in the business district (where there are flame towers). Also, many travelers prefer to cook for themselves. Products in Baku stores are cheaper than in Moscow, and there is a variety of choices. From spring to autumn, street markets with fresh vegetables and fruits work in Baku, and if this is not enough, national sweets such as baklava, shakerbour and kutaby, etc., can be bought in the store.

Recommended Places

Baku is a real expanse for food connoisseurs. There are restaurants and cafes for every taste.

Budgetary

Araz Cafe. Nice cafe with low prices and dishes from different cultures.
AzCake is a candy store. Very tasty baklava is sold here.
Museum Inn Restaurant. Just the perfect place to try national cuisine, and even with an excellent location right in the heart of the old city and a view of the Maiden Tower. The prices are low and the service is good.
Coffe go Baku. One of the local "Starbucks", which for me personally stands out for its friendly attitude and lack of fussiness.

Mid level

Mayak Restaurant. The restaurant is not only notable for its interesting location next to the lighthouse, but also for the dishes that are served there and how delicious it is! The restaurant specializes in seafood.
Darya Fish House. Another good fish restaurant by the sea.
Qazmaq Cafe & Restaurant. Very hearty restaurant with national cuisine in the old town.
Firuza. There are dishes from around the world, and the service is very good.

Expensive

Restaurant Shah. One of the most popular and best restaurants in Baku. I especially recommend pilaf and wine.
Mugam Club. One of the most colorful restaurants in Baku.
Sumakh. A popular restaurant with a good interior and amazingly delicious food.
Restaurant Telequlle. The restaurant is located in the Baku TV tower and revolves around its axis.

Holidays

Since Azerbaijan is a former republic of the USSR, many holidays coincide with the Russian ones. The New Year, March 8 and Victory Day are widely celebrated here. Islamic holidays are also celebrated.

Novruz. Norvuz Bayram is a holiday of spring and nature. This day is considered a new year according to the Iranian calendar, so do not be surprised if you are congratulated on a happy new year in mid-spring. Celebrated for 5 days from March 20. In Azerbaijan, this is perhaps one of the most popular and beloved holidays among the people. Many, many sweets and treats are traditionally prepared on the table. Thanks to this holiday, I tried a very tasty shekerbourg, which I had not even heard of before. Festivals take place on the streets throughout the whole time, local performers sing national songs, and the fakirs begin to make bonfires, dance and dance.
Flower festival. Created in memory of Heydar Aliyev and is celebrated on May 10. For this day, florists begin to prepare in advance and come up with new figures of flowers. Already during the celebration, the parks of the capital are decorated with all kinds of arches, sculptures and other floral arrangements, musicians play, and colorful exhibitions are held in museums. At the end of the day, tourists and locals usually expect a salute.
Republic Day Celebrated on May 28. It is one of the most important holidays of the country and is celebrated in every corner of Azerbaijan. Baku is no exception, and therefore concerts, festivities and various marches are held in the capital of Azerbaijan on this day.

Security. What to watch out for

Baku is a safe city for tourists. They are used to them and are cordial. Life goes on here day and night, and therefore it is not scary to move around the city in the dark. However, this is more true of the city center or promenade. On the outskirts there are many villages and there you already need to be careful and it is better not to travel unaccompanied. Especially the above applies to girls, including in the daytime. Caucasian blood makes itself felt and ladies even in ordinary clothes attract the attention of men. But I say right away that this does not mean that it is dangerous to be a woman in Baku. You just have to be careful, nobody is going to steal you.

Now a little about theft. The old city in Baku is one of the most popular attractions of the East, and just like in any tourist place, you need to be careful with pickpockets. Thefts did happen to me, it’s not uncommon. You need to keep your wallet and devices with you.

Things to do

Something is constantly happening in Baku. These can be events of an international level, or they can be completely local, almost underground. For example, in 2016, I got to the stage of Formula 1 here.

In addition, in the palace to them. Heydar Aliyev often hosts concerts by famous singers, both Azerbaijani, Russian and foreign. Very soon Vera Brezhneva should speak.

As for more ordinary activities, I advise you to go to the bathhouse. There are both mixed and male and female separate baths. You can also swim in a boat that departs from the pier on the embankment of the Caspian Sea. For tourists with children there is also expanse: amusement parks and water parks are open for entry all year round.

Shopping and shops

Since the moment when Baku was associated with the black Soviet city due to the large number of coal and oil processing plants and factories, many years have passed. Baku completely changed its appearance, and at the same time began to attract tourists-shoppers. The capital of Azerbaijan now boasts the presence of large shopping centers, a developed fashion industry and the emergence of designers of the highest class. In the city you can see both mass markets and branded stores.

The most famous shopping center of the city is Park Bulvar. It is located on the seaside boulevard and is difficult to pass by. This is such a typical large shopping and entertainment center, where there are many different stores, ranging from United Colors of Beneton, and ending with Tommy Hilfiger. There is also a food court and movie theater.
Nizami street. Locals call this shopping street. It is located in the center and is one of the most popular city streets. There are shops, workshops, workshops, showrooms and galleries for every taste and color. Everyone who got on this street will not leave without a purchase.
Port Baku Mall. The shopping center is located in the Baku-White City. This store is the embodiment of new Baku, as the capital of Caucasian fashion. There are mainly luxury stores here: Valentino, Rolex, Fendi, Armani, etc. Also in Baku there are two outlets:
- Premium Outlet. It is an outlet of branded stores. Here are the old collections of Marc Jacobs, Kenzo, Max Mara and much more.
- Baku Outlet Park is the first outlet in Azerbaijan. It looks like a shopping center with many brands. Here you can find clothes and accessories of foreign designers, as well as Azerbaijani brands.

Bars Where to go

Baku has a very diverse nightlife and most often all the bars work until the morning, and they can be divided into two main parts: famous places where they go because of the brand, and bars on the promenade, which most often work in the summer and simply serve as an object of fun . Accordingly, the first category is more often visited by locals themselves, and the second by tourists. Here are some popular and good bars:

Razzamatazz Cocktail Bar & Lounge. Perhaps one of the most famous bars in Baku. It has excellent service, a relaxed atmosphere and a very beautiful interior. Prices are high. The bar is open from 6pm to 3-4am.
Sky Bar & Lounge Baku. The bar is located on the 19th floor of the Landmark Hotel. I love this place because of the amazing view of the Caspian Sea and live music. In the morning the bar works like a cafe, and the cost of cocktails and snacks is quite acceptable. Doors open at 7 in the morning and until 12 at night.
Harbor Tap. An unusual pub in the Port of Baku, because in addition to a varied number of beers, an Indian menu is served here. On weekdays it is open from 12 to 23, and from Friday to Sunday until one in the morning.
Le Chateau Music Bar. One of my favorite bars. The interior here is very interesting, and the atmosphere is in the style of English pubs. Every weekend, local rock bands play here. The prices are low. Of the visitors, most often young people.

Clubs and nightlife

Baku nightlife is the best in Azerbaijan. She is bright, lively and modern. During high season, many clubs work every day. Almost every institution can stand on a par with European and American. At the door, very often there is face control and monitors the contingent, some also have dress control. This helps both visitors and owners. Increasingly speaking DJs are eminent foreigners. Usually the entrance is free, but if it is a certain event, you will need to pay an entrance fee. What I can say for sure is that over the past years, Baku’s nightlife has diverged into various musical trends. The clubs can play electro, trance, techno, progressive, pop and rock.

Well, here I want to talk about the coolest nightclubs, in my opinion:

Hiss Night Club. Swallows from 2 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day. Popular music plays inside the club, you can order a hookah, there are a lot of seats. Prices are average.

Otto Club. This club is one of the oldest in Baku, but still very popular. Live music is often played here on weekdays, and on weekends the club opens its dance floor to DJs and electronic music. There is a very sincere staff and good drinks. At 11 a.m., the club opens as a cafe-pub and is open until the last client. The average bill is about 40-50 USD.

Sound Factory Club. The establishment is located on the fifth floor of the Elite shopping center and is known among locals for its large venue and fun parties with local and foreign stars, as well as for themed parties. In addition to dancing to the music of DJs, you can also sit here at tables or at the bar. You can follow all club events on his Facebook page. The club has dress control, so you have to think through the clothes in advance.

Elektra Events Hall is the so-called art space, with many bars, lounge areas, a club, a platform for live concerts and workshops. It is most often used either for large-scale events, or for underground parties with experimental music.

Switch Club. This club is quite expensive and not very famous for tourists, but it has a good location close to the promenade and a pleasant atmosphere inside.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Whoever said that, but I think that the main souvenir to be taken from Baku is food! Baku baklava, Shaker Bura, white cherry jam, Shor Gogal - just the food of the gods and you need to show it to your friends.

The next souvenir after a meal is a carpet! Azerbaijan is famous for its carpets, on which plots, stories of life and the formation of the world are woven. Carpet in Azerbaijan is a special piece of furniture. Accordingly, the cost of a carpet depends on its old age and on the store. The older, the more valuable. You can’t just buy an old carpet on the streets. In souvenir shops, new carpets with a completely different cost are most often sold. It can be bought for both 10 USD and 5000 USD.

Another souvenir that I advise you to bring is suitable for tea fans - these are national glasses of Armuda. These glasses for tea drinking look very stylish and colorful, and tea in them does not cool down for a long time. The cost of their glasses starts from 5 USD.

In general, a lot of souvenirs here are made in the manner of oriental and Islamic themes. Therefore, in principle, the same coffee set or sculptures and balls of luck will look very organic among other gifts.

How to get around the city

You can get around the tank by bus, car, taxi or metro. Now I will tell the details of these options.

Taxi. What features exist

An interesting fact about the Baku taxi: they are called eggplants, because by Eurovision all the cars were replaced and painted purple. In general, taxi is a fairly common transport in Baku. Many carrier companies have provided their cars with meters and the base price for 1 km is about 0.5 USD, and the waiting hour is 2 USD. And, for example, the normal cost to get from the airport to the city center is 10-15 USD. You can call a taxi by phone, or through mobile applications. You can pay in such taxis both in cash and by credit cards. Taxi stands are usually located in crowded places, for example, at a train station, in the city center, etc. In Baku, it’s also very easy to catch a private trader, but you have to be prepared that such a trip can be more expensive than, for example, if you call Uber.

These taxi companies are the most popular in Baku:

Baku City Taxi,
KiwiTaxi,
Taxi 24,
Uber.

Underground

Metro in Baku has existed for a long time, since the 60s of the 20th century. During this time, it managed to develop and become a full-fledged part of the Baku transport system. The subway consists of 2 lines: red and green. Opens at 6 am and closes at 12 nights. The fare is 0.3 USD. You need to pay for travel through a plastic card (an analogue of our "troika"). This can be done either through the cashier, or through vending machines next to the cashier. The subway cars themselves are exactly the same as in Moscow.

Buses

Buses and minibuses are the main ground transportation in Baku. It connects the suburbs of the capital with the center, and you can get into any area of the city. At stops, the schedule and driving routes usually hang. The first buses start at about 6 a.m., and the last ones finish their route at 12 a.m. Directions are cheap - 0.2 USD. Pay the driver when boarding.
Of the minuses: you need to be prepared that there are a lot of people inside, and air conditioners are unlikely to work.

Vehicle rental

In Baku, you can rent a car without any problems. The main documents are rights, insurance, and also take a deposit. It is better to rent a car from local companies. Price options can be found here.

Baku - holidays with children

The capital of Azerbaijan rightfully deserves the title of one of the ideal places for families with children. Here the climate is mild, the sea, and the sun practically does not leave the sky. Most importantly, there is a lot of entertainment for children. These are water parks, amusement parks, sanatoriums for the treatment and prevention of diseases and much more. Also here you can always find sports and entertainment centers for children, where they can engage in dancing or swimming. In shopping centers, most often there are children's rooms with animators, so that while adults are engaged in shopping, they will not let the little ones get bored. Another plus for children's holidays in Baku is the availability of thematic children's cafes and theaters, where the child can always find something to do.

Ski vacation

There are no ski slopes directly in Baku itself. But this does not mean that having arrived here you will not be able to ski or snowboard, because only 2 hours by car from the capital there is the Shahdag ski resort. It is located in the north-east of the country near Mount Shahdag. Despite the fact that this is the first ski in Azerbaijan, it fully meets all the requirements as a real modern tourist complex. There are ski lifts, equipment rental, a ski school, medical assistance, cafes and locker rooms. As in any good resort, there are hotels and spas where you can also stay and spend time in addition to the slopes. Moreover, in addition to skiing and snowboarding, the center offers excursions on snowmobiles, ATVs (including in winter), as well as zip-line and sledding for children.

Ski passes

A one-day ski pass in Shahdag costs $ 9 for an adult beginner, which doesn’t mean skiing on all tracks, $ 12 for skiing on all tracks and $ 5 for children from 6 years old. Up to 6 years old accompanied by adults - free of charge. For the season, a ski pass will cost 200 USD.

You can buy a ski pass at the official cash desks of the resort, and book on the official website

Trails

The complex offers 13 ski slopes of various levels. There are separate slopes for beginners, as well as the most difficult for virtuosos. Modern lifts and gondola cars are lifted to the top of the slope.