Curious about the best places to visit in Azerbaijan? Although it’s not a top destination for holidaymakers yet, Azerbaijan has incredible potential and offers a lot to its visitors.
In this fascinating country, you’ll find craggy Caucasian peaks, lovely Caspian beaches, ancient forests, high-altitude villages, and desert badlands. Azerbaijan is truly a land of contrasts, straddling the line between Europe and Asia.
Baku, often called “the next Dubai,” showcases this blend of modernity and tradition. The wealth brought by oil and gas has transformed Baku into a glitzy metropolis. The capital’s 21st-century skyscrapers stand in stark contrast to its Soviet-era buildings and the UNESCO-listed walled Inner City, the oldest part of Baku. Flame Towers, with their nearly 190-meter height, dominate the skyline. This trio of flame-shaped skyscrapers includes serviced apartments, offices, and a hotel, making it a must-see.
Azerbaijan is also renowned for its carpets. To delve into this tradition, visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. Here, you can see Azerbaijani carpets from different periods, crafted using various weaving techniques and materials.
If a beach day in Baku is on your list, be aware that oil pollution affects the beaches, limiting the number of scenic spots. However, the city has much more to offer.
Another unique experience in Azerbaijan is visiting Khinaliq, one of Europe’s highest and oldest permanent villages. This Caucasian village, dating back thousands of years to the Caucasian Albanian period, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and traditional way of life. The green rolling hills here are considered some of the most stunning in the country.
Sheki, with a history going back 2,500 years, is among the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus. This former Silk Road city is now a picturesque town and a World Heritage site. Its lush mountain surroundings frame the 18th-century Palace of Shaki Khans and the Historic Centre of Sheki, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2019. The palace is famous for its ornate wall paintings and stained-glass windows, while the historic center, with cobbled streets and medieval architecture, offers a peaceful retreat from larger cities.
Azerbaijan has more mud volcanoes than any other country, boasting 350 out of the world’s 800. These fascinating natural phenomena are small, messy, bubbling hills that sometimes even erupt explosively. Instead of magma, they spew mud and, occasionally, fire up to 1,000 meters high.
Shahdag National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s ten national parks and among its most beautiful. Home to spectacular peaks and scenic mountain trails, it’s a paradise for hikers. The Mt. Shahdag trek is particularly well-known, and the best way to experience it is with an organized group that handles all logistics, including permits. Be sure to book your spot at least three weeks in advance.
Swimming in the Caspian Sea, which is actually the world’s largest lake, is another must-do in Azerbaijan. The water is salty, but less so than other seas and oceans. Several resorts line the Caspian coast, with Nabran being one of the most famous. This spot is known for its water park and relatively clean beaches, though the water isn’t as clear as in some tropical destinations. Consequently, it’s not ideal for diving and snorkeling, two popular water sports.
Goygol National Park, spanning 127.55 square kilometers, is home to Lake Göygöl, one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Azerbaijan. This park, almost entirely covered in forests with rich flora, has become a popular tourist destination. It’s an incredibly scenic place where you can enjoy fresh air and peaceful walks.