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Azerbaijan, known as the Land of Fire
thanks to its rich natural gas and oil reserves, is a fascinating blend of East
and West, and in many ways combines the best of both worlds. With hundreds of
mud volcanoes, the breathtaking heights of the Caucasus mountains, and
centuries-old stone cities and towers, there’s no end of things to see and do.
Just a short flight from
Dubai, Azerbaijan is an excellent destination for UAE residents. UAE
citizens don’t need a visa to visit for stays of less than 90 days, and UAE
residents can apply for an easy e-visa ahead of their trip.
Azerbaijan is full of unique cultural
experiences that you won’t find anywhere else, and with tons of distinct
regions to visit, a tour of Azerbaijan makes for a brilliant vacation. Whether
you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or city tripper, we’ve listed what
we think are the best places to visit and things to do in Azerbaijan.
You might choose to immerse yourself in
culture in Baku or tour across smaller cities and towns to see more of the
country - either way, make sure you book your Azerbaijan
holiday package with us. As experts in travel to Azerbaijan, we’ll
ensure that your trip is stress-free and as smooth as can be, so you can focus
on taking in the sights and experiences of this beautiful country.
Baku
No trip to Azerbaijan is complete without
exploring the capital city of Baku. With a skyline mixing both modern
skyscrapers and centuries-old towers, it’s a great place to do some serious
shopping, while learning more about traditional Azerbaijani culture.
Start your journey at the Old City or
Inner City (Icherisheher). This is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site with
narrow, winding alleyways opening up into pretty courtyards, and historical
landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The Old City
dates back to at least the 12th century, and maybe even as far back
as the 7th century!
But it’s not all old-world charm in Baku.
For contrast, go for a walk to admire the Flame Towers, three curving, visually
striking towers (representing the element of fire) that light up the Baku
skyline at night.
Even outside of the sights of the Old
City, there’s tons of modern things to do in Baku. Stroll along the seafront on
the promenade of Baku Boulevard, or enjoy shopping at Nizami Street or Ganjlik
Mall, one of the largest shopping centres in Azerbaijan. If you’re looking for
a cultural fix, make sure you leave time to explore the futuristic Heydar
Aliyev Center, designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid. This swooping
architectural marvel is home to a national museum, a concert hall, and library.
Planning on spending a bit more time in
this fascinating city? Check out our guide on things to do in Baku for a full
deep-dive on the details, including a day-by-day itinerary with tons of sights
to see.
Gobustan National Park
If you're a fan of history and love
discovering natural wonders, Gobustan National Park is a must-visit. Located
just an hour from Baku, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to more than
6,000 prehistoric rock carvings that date back over 40,000 years.
Gobustan’s ancient rock art, or
‘petroglyphs’, illustrate everything from bull fights to ritual dances – you
can hire a local guide to show you some of the more accessible petroglyphs and
explain the fascinating stories behind them.
Beyond its rich history, Gobustan is
perhaps also most famous for its mud volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon
found in only a few places worldwide. The bubbling, clay-filled volcanoes make
for an otherworldly experience – and only about an hour from the capital city!
Sheki
For a step back in time, head to Sheki,
one of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque towns. Much more rustic than high-tech
Baku, Sheki was once a stop on the Silk Road, and boasts hundreds of years of
history.
Surrounded by lush green mountains, Sheki
is a charming place to visit if you’re travelling to Azerbaijan as part of a
tour or just as an overnight visit from Baku. Sheki is well-known for its
traditional caravanserais (old traveller’s inns), quaint cobbled streets with
artisan shops on the way to the Old Town, and plenty of stunning architecture.
As part of the Silk Road, Sheki has always been famous for its silk production,
and you can visit the local bazaar to shop for authentic Azerbaijani crafts and
textiles.
The highlight is the Sheki Khan’s Palace,
a 18th-century masterpiece adorned with intricate stained-glass windows
(shebeke), detailed frescoes, and wooden carvings. Visit in spring to see the
palace gardens blooming on the hilltop, before walking back down into town to
enjoy the views of Sheki nestled in the middle of the mountains.
While you’re there, make sure you try
Sheki’s famous Sheki halva or pakhlava, a delicious local variation of baklava.
Gabala
For those who love outdoor activities and
nature, Gabala is the perfect escape. Located in the Caucasus mountains, the
region and city of Gabala offers everything from hiking and waterfalls to
skiing and snowboarding. There are plenty of world-class hotels and resorts in
Gabala, making the most of both the winter and summer seasons here – make sure
you take the Tufandag Cable Car for breathtaking mountain views.
In winter, the Tufandag Ski Complex is a
great spot for skiing, and our travel experts contend it’s one of the best ski
resorts in the Caucasus. If you’re visiting in summer, then there’s still
plenty to do - summer visitors can enjoy zip-lining, paragliding, and boat
rides at Nohur Lake, or hike to Teddi Gozel waterfall. If you’re traveling with
family, Qabaland Amusement Park provides some great entertainment options.
Ganja
Ganja, one of Azerbaijan’s largest
cities, is the cultural heart of the country. It’s a place rich in history,
art, and spiritual significance – the name ‘Ganja’, even derives from the Persian
word for treasure, and the city more than lives up to its moniker.
Ganja is home to incredible Azerbaijani
and Islamic architecture, buildings, museums, and mosques. Perhaps most notable
is the Imamzadeh complex, with its beautiful blue-domed shrines, and the Nizami
Mausoleum, dedicated to the country’s greatest poet, Nizami Ganjavi.
One of the quirkiest attractions is the
Bottle House, a private residence entirely decorated with glass bottles. Ganja
is also a gateway to Goygol National Park, known for its stunning alpine lake
and scenic hiking trails.
Naftalan
If you’re looking for a unique wellness
experience, Naftalan is a one-of-a-kind destination. About an hour’s drive east
of Ganja, this small town is world-famous for its medicinal oil baths, which
have been used for centuries for their healing and rejuvenating properties.
Many resorts in Naftalan offer luxurious spa treatments, making it an ideal
place to relax and unwind.
You can rejuvenate in any of Naftalan’s
wellness resorts and spas, but it’s the medicinal oil baths or ‘petroleum spas’
that most people come for. Home to the only claimed healing naphthalene oil
bath in the world, the oil may look like any other, but it’s long been claimed
to help with joint pain and skin conditions.
If the oil spas aren’t quite your cup of
tea, then there’s plenty more to explore – including lots of literal tea
houses, in celebration of Azerbaijan’s tea culture. There’s also plenty of
pretty parks, and landmarks like the Red Bridge, marking the natural boundary
between Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Lankaran
Located near the Iranian border, Lankaran
is a beautiful coastal town. Renowned for volcanic beaches and thermal springs,
it’s an ideal place to holiday with a partner or with family, thanks to the unique mix of
experiences available.
Relax on the soft black sand beaches,
enjoy the local Talysh cuisine, and explore some of Lankaran’s famous historic
sites. The Lankaran Fortress is a must-see, alongside the House of Mir Movsum
Agha, and the Gizil-Agaj National Park, home to thousands of migratory birds.
The region is also famous for its
Azerbaijani black tea – why not take a trip to one of the local tea plantations
outside of the city? You can wander through the fragrant, aromatic leaves,
before enjoying a traditional Azerbaijani tea ceremony while admiring the lush
landscapes.
Shahdag
Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains,
Shahdag is a haven for ski enthusiasts, and where locals can be found
practicing their ski skills. The Shahdag Mountain Resort is the centerpiece of
the area, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities across a
variety of slopes for all skill levels. With modern chairlifts and
well-maintained trails, there’s plenty of opportunity to hit the slopes, but
make sure you reserve time for a cable-car ride to see the region’s frozen
lakes and picturesque mountain views.
Once you’ve tired yourself out skiing,
visitors can enjoy après-ski activities, including relaxing spa facilities, and
even child-friendly activities for a family holiday. Whether you're an expert
skier or a first-timer, Shahdag provides an unforgettable winter experience
surrounded by the frosty beauty of the Caucasus.
Azerbaijan is a perfect holiday for
UAE residents, offering easy e-visa access, and a true range of
diverse experiences. Whether you're drawn to the excitement of Baku, the
ancient carvings and natural wonders of Gobustan, or the cultural riches of
Sheki and Ganja, there’s something for every type of traveler.
With direct flights from Dubai to Baku,
getting to Azerbaijan is easier than ever. So book your holiday with DW Travel,
pack your bags, and get ready to explore this incredible hidden gem of the
Caucasus! And for more ideas on where in the world you should visit next, check
out the rest of our ideas and inspiration for UAE travellers.
