Azerbaijan, a part of the Caucasus region, offers a mix of culture, history and natural beauty. It is an ideal destination if you are looking for a short trip.
Caucasus is a mountainous region situated at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It comprises Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia and parts of Russia. This region offers a glimpse into unique cultures, scenic landscapes and unlike most of Europe, is untouched by mass tourism. It is also relatively cheaper and lot more affordable than mainland Europe. This was my first trip to the Caucus region, and I loved every bit of it!
If you do have additional time on hand, I recommend clubbing your trip to Azerbaijan with one of its neighboring countries like Georgia or Armenia. Georgia is just a short flight away from Baku. Land travel is also possible for international tourists, but it is a lengthy process so advise taking a flight. You could even visit Armenia, but you will have to travel to Armenia from Georgia due to hostile relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
I visited Azerbaijan along with Georgia in June 2025. For a detailed blog on Georgia, please click here.
This guide covers all practical aspects like best time to visit, visa requirements, sample itinerary, where to exchange USD as well as things to do.
Best Way to Reach
Most likely, the starting and end point of any Azerbaijan itinerary is Baku. You can find direct flights to Baku from most cities.
We flew from Mumbai to Baku via Azal Airways. The flight was short and convenient. The food wasn’t the best but since it was a direct flight, it worked out the best option for us.
Best Time to Visit
June to September are great months to visit. The weather is perfect for exploring. Baku can get very hot in summers, but the mountain areas have pleasant weather.
Did you know you can find Provence-like lavender fields near Gabala? They typically bloom mid-May to end of June. We visited in mid-June and were delighted to see vibrant lavender fields. The weather was perfect too – Gabala and Shahdag were cooler (18-22 degrees C) and Baku was pleasant – not too hot!
If you are looking for winter activities, then plan your trip in winter months. Both Shahdag and Gabala are great winter destinations, where you can indulge in tons of winter activities from December end to mid-April.
For the past few years, Baku has hosted the Grand Prix. In 2025, the race was on September 21st. The race takes place right in the centre of the city, and due to road closures, it can be trickier to get around the city. Also, the city is very busy during this period, and accommodation prices can be high. So unless you want to see the race, don’t visit then.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of most countries need to apply for an E-visa prior to visiting Azerbaijan. Click here to check if you need to apply for a visa.
E-visa costs USD 25 and processing time is 3-4 working days. It is a seamless and straightforward process. Click here to start your application – note that you will need to provide the address of your first accommodation in Azerbaijan.
Itinerary
If you are visiting Azerbaijan for a very short time, then base yourself in Baku and do day trips. At a bare-minimum, spend at least 3 full days to get a glimpse of what this country has to offer.
We visited in mid-June and spent 6 days in this beautiful country. This was our itinerary:
Gabala – 1N
Baku – 1N
Shahdag – 1N
Baku – 2N
We landed in Baku and drove straight to Gabala. Since our flight landed at 6 am, we weren’t going to get a hotel room early without paying extra $$. So, we decided to make the most of our time and drove straight to Gabala.
Since the drive from Gabala to Shahdag takes seven hours, we stopped overnight in Baku before continuing the next day. After spending a day in Shahdag, we came back to Baku and spent 2 full days there before leaving the country.
Where to Stay
In Baku, we stayed at two different hotels:
- Courtyard Marriott
- Maestro Address Hotel
Courtyard Marriott is an excellent hotel with all the amenities of a typical 5-star hotel. We booked a suite which had a beautiful balcony overlooking the city. We loved having our morning chai on this balcony and people-watching. They even have an exchange machine right in the hotel, making it convenient to get local currency right at your doorstep. Overall, we loved our stay here.
Maestro Address Hotel is a boutique hotel and more economical. It is walking distance from Nizami Street and most cafes and restaurants. As a boutique hotel, breakfast was limited, but the stay offered good value for money.
If you would like to splurge, then check our Fairmont Hotel located in the iconic Flame Towers.
In Gabala, we stayed at Qafqaq Tufandang Hotel. It is hands down, the best hotel in the area. Cable car rides depart directly from the hotel, making it a convenient location. With spacious rooms, a lavish breakfast spread (the best we had on this trip) and beautiful surroundings, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Another option in Gabala is Qafqaq Riverside Resort Hotel.
In Shahdag, we stayed at Shahdag Hotel and Spa. The rooms are slightly dated but the location of the hotel is perfect. Pik Palace and Park Chalet are other resorts in this area which you can choose to stay at.
All these three hotels provide a backdrop of snowy mountains. These hotels are ideally located for those looking to ski or engage in other snow activities.
Best Way to Get Around
The central area of Baku is walkable. For longer distances within Baku, download Bolt / Yango (similar to Uber) – taxi rides are very affordable! However, the only issue was that most drivers didn’t speak English, making it hard to give directions. And they often cancelled despite clear instructions😞
For trips to Gabala and Shahdag we hired a private car + driver. Our driver was courteous, spoke fluent English and most importantly, drove safely. Highly recommend him. Please send a message on Instagram @beantowntraveller if you need more details. We paid approximately USD 440 for all the drives including airport pick up and drop off.
Where to Exchange USD
The official currency is Azeri Manat (“AZN”). You can carry Euros/ USD and get them exchanged at banks in the city. When we visited, USD-AZN exchange rate was around 1.68-1.70.
Some hotels may have installed exchange machines on their premises. Both Courtyard Marriott Baku and Qafqaq Tufandang Mountain Resort had these machines.
If you are visiting Gabala/ Shahdag, ensure you carry sufficient AZN since it may be difficult to find banks to exchange your USD in such smaller towns.
Places to Visit/ Things to Do
Baku
Most international flights typically arrive in the capital city of Baku which is the perfect place to start your trip. You can see most of the city in 1.5-2 days. If you plan to do day trips, then factor in additional 1-2 days.
The architecture of Baku rivals that of most Middle East countries and some of the structures are truly jaw dropping!
Here are the places to see in Baku:
Nizami Street
A bustling pedestrian street, known for its vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment. This is the liveliest part of the city and no matter the time of the day, it is always buzzing with people.
Take a stroll along Fountain Square and check out the various stores. Pop into one of the shops and grab a slice of fresh baklava or a whole slab for friends and family😉 Feeling hungry? Check out Dolma Restaurant / Nargiz for a traditional meal. Also, don’t forget to try Qutab from the street vendors. You will also find endless shisha bars here and is the perfect place to end the day.
A few steps away is this lovely bookstore, Baku Book Centre, worth checking out. You can also grab a coffee at the Coffee Mood cafe located inside the bookstore.
One place that truly stands out here is the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature. Statues of historic figures are displayed on the façade, making it an impressive site. Even if you don’t fancy going in, you can stop by to admire the beautiful architecture from outside.
Icheri Sheher
Also known as the Old City, it is at a walking distance from Nizami Street. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historical core of Baku, featuring ancient walls, narrow alleys, and significant landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Walking around these streets will take you back in time.
Entry fee for Shirvanshahs Palace is AZN 10 and you need at least 1.5-2 hours to fully explore the palace and its various mosques, tombs and museum displays.
Maiden Tower is an iconic 12th-century monument and a symbol of the nation. Believed to have pre-Islamic cultic origins, it serves as both a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance fee is AZN 10 and as you are climbing up, you get to see exhibits from ancient times and a great view of the city from the top.
A unique place worth checking out in the old city is the Museum of Miniature Books. What makes it unique? It showcases some of the tiniest books from all over the world. It is amazing to see how much detail can be packed into something so small! Also, entry is free so if you are in the area, do pop in.
As you wander around the ancient heart of Icheri Sheher, you will find a delightful blend of old and new. You will also find artisan shops with handwoven textiles, ceramics, other souvenirs.
Before venturing further, make sure to step inside one of the many traditional tea houses scattered around the Old City. One tea house that stands out is Çay Bağı 145 / Tea Garden 145, a serene tea garden where you can sip on traditional tea and soak in the cultural vibes.
Baku Boulevard
This is a scenic promenade along the Caspian Sea, offering beautiful views, parks and various attractions for kids, making it a popular spot. Simply walk along the boulevard and enjoy beautiful sea views on one side and iconic buildings on the other.
Want a breather? Then, walk into one of the cafes along the boulevard or visit one of the attractions such as the Carpet Museum or Mini Venice. You can even hop on the Baku Eye to enjoy panoramic views of the city from top.
The Carpet Museum building truly stands out given its design – it is actually made to resemble a rolled-up carpet. This museum boasts the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets in the world, showcasing various weaving techniques and materials from different periods.
Mini Venice
Little Venice is a charming canal-side attraction inspired by the famous Italian city of Venice. This place features a series of interconnected waterways and charming bridges, reminiscent of Venice.
Here, visitors can enjoy a relaxing gondola ride, taking in the picturesque scenery. There are several cafes and restaurants, where you can savour delicious meals while enjoying the beautiful waterfront views.
Highland Park
Since this park is perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of Baku, Caspian Sea, Flame Towers and other surrounding buildings. You can either take the funicular or climb the innumerable stairs to Highland Park or take a cab right to the top of the park. Time your visit during the golden hour so you can catch the sunset as well as enjoy the Flame Towers lit up.
You will spot both locals and tourists enjoying the views here in evenings.
Heydar Aliyev Center
This is one of Azerbaijan’s most impressive landmarks in this city. This wave-like structure was built in 2013 and has quickly become one of the most photographed spots in the city.
There is also the iconic I Love Baku sign right in front of it, which makes for that perfect photograph.
Apart from a great photo-opp, this place houses a museum, an exhibition hall, and an auditorium. Inside, you can explore exhibitions on Azerbaijani culture and history, contemporary art displays, and even a classic car collection.
The standard ticket to the Heydar Aliyev Center is AZN 15 per person, which includes all exhibitions except the classic car collection. The classic car exhibition requires an additional fee of AZN 10 or you can buy a combined ticket for AZN 25.
Bibi Heybat Mosque
It is a popular tourist attraction, with its three domes, two minarets, and colorful tiles. The current structure, completed in the 1990s, is a replica of the original 13th-century mosque.
Other Places to Visit
Alpaca Farm
Just 120 km from Baku lies the first alpaca factory and farm in the country specializing in processing alpaca wool and producing high quality alpaca products.
Having seen alpacas on social media, I have always wanted to see them in person. The moment I found out about this farm near Baku, I knew I had to add this to my itinerary. And I am so glad I did!!
On paying an entry fee of AZN 35, you get a brief introduction to these local residents, get to know more about the whole farming process and a bag of carrots, lettuce and other veggies to feed them and simply hang out with these furry animals. It is a fun place for both kids and adults.
We stopped by here on our way from Gabala to Baku. Keep in mind alpacas can get a bit aggressive when they spot food in your hand so be careful while feeding them.
Meysari Winery
This is a picturesque vineyard in Shamakhi, known for its organic wine production. The winery offers guided tours where you can explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process and enjoy wine tastings. It is right next to Alpaca Farm so you can combine your visit.
However, I have heard mixed reviews about this place. Specially if you are visiting Georgia on your trip, I would say keep wine tasting for Georgia since they produce better wines and are more generous with their wine tasting portions 😉
Juma Mosque
Located in Shamakhi, Juma is Azerbaijan’s first mosque. It was built back in 743 AD, which makes it the second oldest mosque in the Caucasus. It features Islamic architecture and has been beautifully restored after several earthquakes and attacks by Armenia.
Ateshgah Fire Temple
This Fire temple’s architecture reflects a blend of Persian and Indian influences. The exhibits include religious artifacts, historical documents, and displays explaining the significance of fire worship.
Yanar Dag
Also known as the “Burning Mountain,” natural gas fire that continuously blazes fire. The flames, which can reach up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) high, are fueled by a steady seep of natural gas from the subsurface.
The site is a protected reserve and popular tourist attraction, offering a unique glimpse into natural phenomena and ancient traditions
Gobustan Mud Volcanoes
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site represents the highest concentration of mud geysers anywhere on earth. Over 300 of the world’s nearly 700 mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan, creating a surreal, moon-like landscape filled with bubbling, cold mud. Visitors can explore the area, often with a guided tour and off-road vehicle due to the rugged terrain, to witness these cold, mineral-rich mud formations.
Ateshgah, Yanar Dag and Gobustan are around 30-45 minutes’ drive from Baku. Since our initial few days in Azerbaijan involved a lot of long car rides, we skipped these places. If you do visit, then you can either buy single or combo tickets.
Gabala
Nestled within lush forests, Gabala offers a refreshing escape, making it an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation as well as adventure. It is perfect for visiting in both summer and winter months. Since it is close to Baku (3.5-4 hour drive), it is a popular weekend getaway for both tourists and locals.
One of the most popular activities is the cable car ride which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. There are two separate cable cars here – I would suggest taking the longer and the higher one for better views (see photos below). A roundtrip ticket costs AZN 19 per person. If you want to take both cable cars, then you can buy a combined ticket for AZN 25 per person.
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Then hop on the Mountain Swing, which is set at an altitude of 1,920 meters. 
You will also find restaurants at the top. Or you can choose to grab a bite at the restaurant located near the cable car ticketing counter like us 🙂
In summer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, paragliding and ATV rides.
The drive to Gabala from Baku is beautiful and picturesque so keep your eyes on the road. While GoogleMaps initially showed 3.5- hour drive from Baku, due to road closures, we had to take alternate route which ended up taking close to 5.5 hours.
Here are some more places of interest near Gabala which you can add to your itinerary:
Nohur Lake (Nohurgol)
This scenic artificial lake, nestled among hills, is ideal for picnicking, boating, or simply enjoying the nature. We didn’t hop on a boat ride here but enjoyed a peaceful walk along the lake. You will also find cafes and food stalls as well as vendors selling local produce and toys for kids.
Yeddi Gozel Waterfall (Seven Beauties Waterfall)
This multi-tiered waterfall is named for its seven stages, which are accessible via stairways. As you make your way to the top, the stairs get slightly uneven and a lot more daunting. Also, due to the gushing waterfall, it can be somewhat slippery so ensure you wear comfortable shoes. We made it till the third/ fourth waterfall before calling it quits. 
There are cafes and restaurants at some of the levels – we didn’t eat anything here since we weren’t hungry but the setting looked very beautiful and peaceful.
Lavender Fields (Essenso Lavender Farm)
Spanning 30 hectares, these vibrant purple fields are a photographer and nature lover’s dream. And they are located just 30 minutes from Gabala so an easy addition to your itinerary.
I have always dreamt of visiting lavender fields of Provence but until that dream comes true, I was happy to visit this smaller one in Azerbaijan. And let me tell you, it truly exceeded my expectations.
The best time to witness them in full bloom is May end to June end.
A few years ago, I had visited the incense stick farm of Vietnam with my family, and we were underwhelmed by our experience. It was small and gimmicky and felt like created just for photos. We were expecting a similar set up here but were happy to be proven wrong! This place is HUGE and picturesque. Yes, there are a few gimmicky photo-ops but even without that, you can have a wonderful experience. Oh, and that smell of fresh lavender is HEAVENLY!
Entry ticket is AZN 13 per person. If you want to take photos near the photo ops like swings, staircase, etc. you need to pay additional AZN 3 per spot.
Once you are done, you can browse thru lavender special products on sale like aromatic oils, lavender honey, etc. We picked up a lavender iced coffee at the café which was delicious!
Other Places
If you are in Gabala for longer, you can check out the below places:
- Gabaland Amusement Park – This large park has rides, games and entertainment and perfect spot for families
- Shooting Club
- Thermal Springs
- Sheki – An important stop on the Silk Route, the Historic Centre of Sheki was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2019. Here, you can visit the Khan Palace, Sheki Castle complex, caravanserai and so on. Sheki is around 1.5 hours drive from Gabala.
Shahdag
You know how they say, the journey is more important than the destination, that is exactly how Shahdag was for us.
As we started our drive to Shahdag, we briefly stopped at Candy Cane Mountains. About 1.5 hours from Baku, you will find these unique mountains, renowned for their striking red, orange, pink, and chalk-colored swirls. The vibrant colors are caused by groundwater altering the oxidation state of iron compounds within the rock. Since they resemble candy canes, hence the name😉 You can spend about 30-40 minutes here climbing these mountains to enjoy unique vantage point views.
View on the other side
Next up was a stop at Qechresh Forest to stretch our legs and fill our bellies. While as vegetarians, the food options were somewhat limited, we absolutely loved the magical setting here. You can dine at the heated, transparent glass domes which offer 360 degrees view of the surroundings (perfect for cooler months) or you can opt to grab a seat at the table offering river views.
We then set on a drive to Xinaliq, a remote village located in the Greater Caucasus Mountain. Located 1.5 hrs from Qechresh Forest, Xinaliq or Khinalug is situated at an elevation of 2,180 metres (7,150 feet). It is not only one of the highest inhabited places in the world but also one of the oldest, with a history that spans over 5,000 years.
This ancient village, with its unique culture, language, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Best way to reach Xinaliq? I wouldn’t advise driving here on your own since the road is steep, narrow and has a lot of hairpin bends. Also, the cellular network is patchy so if you are stranded, then getting help can be difficult. Instead, rent a vehicle with an experienced driver or visit as part of a tour.
After lunch at Qechresh Forest, we switched to a 4×4 and set off for Khinaliq. It is merely a 45-kilometre drive from the forest but it offers remarkable views at every turn. We pulled over quite a few times and were literally captivated by the views. It was cloudy as we started our drive with little rain as well but we were in awe of the views ! I mean, look at this😍
Some of these views truly look like a painting! Thankfully it cleared up as we made our way back so we simply sat back and drooled over the scenic beauty here.
It was 20 degrees Celsius at the forest when we visited in mid-June. As we started climbing up, it got a lot cooler (around 10-12 degrees) so ensure you layer up.
During winter season, this village is covered with snow, resulting in breathtaking landscapes. However, traveling during this season can be quite challenging. Check with locals regarding the current weather conditions if you are planning to visit in winter months.
This place truly was the highlight of our trip to Azerbaijan. The landscape is breathtaking and the scenic beauty reminded me of my drives in New Zealand and Austria. Even though getting here is not the easiest, I highly recommend adding this to your Azerbaijan itinerary.
If you are an adventurous soul, then you can go on some hiking trails too here. If you are planning to stay overnight, note that there are no hotels in Khinaliq, only basic family-run guesthouses.
Once we came back to Qechresh, we changed into our regular vehicle and started our drive towards Shahdag. As we started approaching Shahdag, we were greeted with innumerable daisies and wildflowers, making it such a scenic drive!
With numerous slopes, Shahdag is a must visit for ski enthusiasts. In addition to skiing, you can indulge in snowboarding, snowmobiling and other winter activities. But even in non-winter months, there is enough to keep you entertained. During summer monhts, this area offers a wide range of activities like hiking, horseback riding, quad biking, paragliding. The Shahdag coaster is open all seasons and is one of the most thrilling experiences here!
From Shahdag Mountain Resort there is a shuttle to Zirve Hotel, which is the epicenter of most activities. We started our day with a roller coaster ride. The first leg was pretty slow, and we were wondering what the hype is all about. But as we made our way down, it got faster and with some sharp turns, provided an adrenaline rush! 
A roller coaster ride costs AZN 25 per person. Another person can sit as a pillion rider for merely AZN 15. If you want videos and / or photos or both then expect to pay AZN 40 or AZN 50 respectively.
We then followed it up with a short cable car ride. While the ride was short, what made it spectacular were the views of the mountains and wildflowers. We got complimentary passes from our hotel so didn’t have to shell out extra money. But for those interested, it costs AZN 15-18.
We were also planning to do ziplining but there was a long wait, so had to skip it. For more information on available activities, please click here.
There are plenty of food options here – ranging from proper sit down meals to quick take away food. We had jacket potatoes from one of the food stalls and it was delicious! And grabbed drinks too.
We spent just a day here and felt it was sufficient. But yes, if you are planning to go hiking, then consider spending 2 full days here. If you have additional time on hand, you could also visit Laza Village. Since we had seen similar landscape in Xinaliq, we skipped this one. Instead, we simply relaxed taking in the views of beautiful daisies and snow-capped mountains.
Since Pik Palace is right across Shahdag Mountain Resort, we had a meal here one evening. We ate at their Italian restaurant, and the food was delicious!
On our way back to Baku we briefly stopped by Chanlibel Lake. You can do boating in this lake or simply enjoy a nature walk around it. During winter months, the whole area is full of snow, making it look very pretty & magical.
*All prices as of June 2025