Baku tourist information | Holidays to Baku

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Long known as an oil town on the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan's capital lies sandwiched between the Russian, Turkish and Persian worlds and shows characteristics of all three. Cosmopolitan Baku exudes sophistication, with top-class hotels, international restaurants and a thriving cultural scene.

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Currency

Azerbaijani New Manat (AZN)

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Visa Requirements

Visas, available on arrival at Baku airport, are required for EU nationals, Canadians, Americans and Australians.

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Language

Azeri

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Timezone

Azeri

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Weather

Baku is hot and humid in summer with temperatures reaching 35°C. Spring and autumn are pleasantly warm.

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Dialling Code

00 12

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Electricity

220V with European two-pin plugs as standard

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Health and Safety

EU citizens are entitled to free health care under a reciprocal agreement. However, comprehensive travel and medical insurance are strongly advised

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Useful Links

EU citizens are entitled to free health care under a reciprocal agreement. However, comprehensive travel and medical insurance are strongly advised

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Flights to Baku arrive at Heydar Aliyev Airport, situated 16 miles east of the city centre. Taxis run between the city and the airport, costing around AZN20 into town or AZN15 out to the airport. There is no public bus service, nor any minibuses (marshrutkas) that travel directly between the terminal and the city.

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Maiden's Tower

Maiden's Tower (Qiz Qalesi): At almost 30 metres high and with five-metre-thick walls, this ancient stone structure is Baku's best-known and most iconic monument. The original function of this UNESCO World Heritage site is uncertain – it may have been defensive, a Zoroastrian tower of silence or even an astronomical observatory. Best visited late in the day, its rooftop offers excellent sunset views over the walled Old City.

Address: Old Town, Baku
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Shirvanshah's Palace

Shirvanshah's Palace: This stunning 15th-century palace is the other main historical sight within the Old City and another UNESCO World Heritage site. Beautifully restored in 2003, this pink sandstone complex was the seat of the region's ruling Shirvanshah dynasty for many years. The complex includes mosques, mausoleums, an octagonal pavilion and water cistern in addition to the ruins of a bathhouse.

Address: Old Town, Baku
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State Carpet Museum

State Carpet Museum: Housed in an elegant neoclassical building that in Soviet times served as a Lenin museum, this museum has a large number of beautiful carpets from Azerbaijan and the surrounding region. The collection was established by scholar and carpet maker Latif Karimov in 1967 and moved to these premises in 1992 following independence.

Address: 123 Neftchilar Avenue
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Tel No:00 994 12 493 2019

Quick Lunch - Scalini's

Scalini's, opposite the Hyatt hotel, is an efficiently run, Italian bistro-style restaurant with a good choice of starters and pasta dishes.

Address: 2 Bakixanov
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Tel No:00 994 12 598 2850

Top Table - Taboo

Taboo offers fine Eurasian cuisine in elegant surroundings prepared by experienced Chinese and Filipino chefs. Specialities include sushi and teppanyaki, which are served to the strains of a classical music trio in the evenings.

Address: 33 Uzeyir Hacibeyov
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Tel No:00 994 12 598 1761

Cheap Eat - Anadolu 1

Anadolu1 is a good choice for unpretentious and reasonably priced Turkish food. There is another branch, Anadolu 2 (3/5 Rasul Rza, 994 12 498 6804), more conveniently located close to the Old City.

Address: 5 Pushkin
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Tel No:00 994 12 498 1646

On Business - Park Inn

A typical Soviet hotel in a previous life, the Park Inn has been completely refitted to become a comfortable business hotel with facilities that include Wi-Fi access and a business centre.

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Address: Neftchilar Promenade
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Lap Of Luxury - Hotel Boutique Palace

The Hotel Boutique Palace is the city's only 5-star boutique hotel, so close to the Old City that part of the 12th-century city wall passes through it.

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Address: 9 Aziz Aliyev
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Cheap Sleep - Old City Inn

The Old City Inn is not exactly cheap but is, nevertheless, very good value. The inn has a superb location and a rooftop café with panoramic views over the Old City.

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Address: 40.38
Post Code:10 16 Kichik Gala Street
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Coffee And Chat - Café Mozart

Choose either the stylish interior or the street-front terrace at the popular Café Mozart (2 Alizada, 00 994 12 498 1925), for a hearty working breakfast.

Address: 2 Alizada
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Tel No:00 994 12 498 1925

Formal Presentation - Radisson SAS Plaza

The Radisson SAS Plaza (34 Nizami, 00 994 12 498 2402), overlooking Fountain Square, has two fully equipped meeting rooms that seat up to 120 guests.

Address: 34 Nizami
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Tel No:00 994 12 498 2402

Evening Drinks - O'Malley's Irish Pub

At O'Malley's Irish Pub (73 Nizami, 00 994 12 498 4332) you can either enjoy live Premiership coverage inside or relax with a beer on the shady outdoor terrace.

Address: 73 Nizami
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Tel No:00 994 12 498 4332