Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan beckons with a blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant modernity. Whether exploring UNESCO-listed sites, embarking on outdoor adventures in the Caucasus, or indulging in the country’s famed hospitality and cuisine, Azerbaijan promises an enchanting journey filled with discovery and allure. Join us as we uncover the ten best things to do in this captivating Eurasian nation.
1. Visit Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, designed by Zaha Hadid and completed in 2012, stands out with its wave-like, futuristic architecture amidst Baku’s Soviet-era buildings. It houses a museum, gallery hall, and auditorium, all designed to reflect Azerbaijan’s blend of past and future. However, its construction involved the forced displacement of over 250 locals, a controversial aspect criticised by human rights organisations despite the building’s architectural acclaim.
2. Discover The Fire Temple Of Baku
The Fire Temple (Ateşgah) of Baku, situated on the Abşeron Peninsula, dates to the 10th century and was built above a natural gas vent for fire rituals. Constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries, it blends Zoroastrian and Hindu architectural elements. The temple’s flames ceased in 1969 due to the depletion of natural gas reserves on the peninsula; today, they are artificially fueled by Baku’s gas supply. Converted into a museum in 1975, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
3. Check Out The Carpets At The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum
The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum in Baku, established in 1967, showcases the country’s rich tradition of carpet weaving. Housed in a distinctive building resembling a rolled carpet, designed by Austrian architect Franz Janz, it features the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets, ranging from ancient to modern styles. The museum also exhibits archaeological artefacts and folk crafts and is a centre for studying traditional and contemporary carpet weaving techniques.
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4. A Look Into The Past At The Gobustan Rock Art
The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape in Azerbaijan, near the Caspian Sea, features over 6,000 petroglyphs dating back 40,000 years. Gobustan offers a fascinating window into the history of Eurasia, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages. The site features intricate carvings depicting plants, animals, and diverse human cultures, vividly portraying ancient life. Notably, explorer Thor Heyerdahl visited Gobustan between 1981 and 2000, where he observed intriguing similarities between some of the carvings and those attributed to the Vikings.
5. Shopping In Lahic
Lahıc, nestled in the Great Caucasus mountains, is famous for its artisanal shops filled with masterfully crafted copperware. The village echoes the sounds of coppersmiths at work, shaping and rearranging their wares in photogenic cobblestone alleys. Despite its popularity among tourists from Baku seeking tradition and cooler temperatures in summer, Lahıc offers a quieter experience in winter, revealing its ancient architecture and enduring charm.
6. Observe The Mud Volcanoes
Azerbaijan is home to nearly a third of the world’s mud volcanoes, which erupt cold mud and gas due to underground gas pockets finding weak spots in the earth’s surface. In 2001, an eruption near Baku shot flames and mud hundreds of meters into the air, visible from kilometres away. While generally not hazardous to populated areas, these events occasionally cause local damage.
7. Admire The Candy Cane Mountains
The Candy Cane Mountains in Azerbaijan is located along the highway connecting Baku and Quba. It boast of mesmerising peaks marked by vibrant red-and-white stripes, evoking a strong resemblance to delicious candy canes. Made of layered shale, these rocks exhibit red hues from oxidised iron-rich layers and white or gray from iron-free layers. These formations, shaped by ancient geologic processes and erosion, also contain fossils of belemnites, extinct squid-like creatures from the Cretaceous period.
8. Marvel At The Yanar Dağ
In the 13th century, Marco Polo visited Baku and noted the natural flames across the Abşeron Peninsula, earning Azerbaijan the nickname “Land of Fire.” These flames, linked to the origins of Zoroastrianism, diminished with gas extraction. Yanar Dağ ignited accidentally in the 1950s, remains a notable flame, attracting visitors to its continuous 10-meter wall of fire, particularly striking at night from nearby teahouses.
9. Indulge In The Azerbaijani Cuisine
Azerbaijani cuisine is a flavorful fusion of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Key dishes include saffron-infused “plov,” stuffed grape leaves called “dolma,” and grilled “kebabs.” Known for its generous hospitality and vibrant flavours, it offers a rich taste of its land and traditions.
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10. Explore Old Town Baku
Icherisheher, or the Old City, is the historic heart of Baku, Azerbaijan. Enclosed by walls from the 12th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Its narrow streets and historic buildings offer a glimpse into Baku’s past, blending tradition with modernity. Visitors can explore museums, shops, and cafes in this culturally rich area, making it a popular destination for experiencing Azerbaijan’s heritage.
Azerbaijan boasts a wealth of things to do, from exploring the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center to marvelling at natural wonders like mud volcanoes. Discover the historic Old City of Baku, savour vibrant Azerbaijani cuisine, and admire the striking Candy Cane Mountains. These highlights make Azerbaijan a diverse and captivating destination.
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