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Start in Icherisheher
The Old City is Baku's historic heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the walls are the Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs' Palace, galleries, cafés and winding lanes. Give this area its own walk: details are easier to appreciate on foot than through a car window.
If you plan to enter museums, check current hours and tickets first. A relaxed visit to a few places is more rewarding than a rushed stop at every landmark.
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Continue to the Caspian
After the historic core, head toward Baku Boulevard. The open waterfront provides a contrast to the Old City's narrow streets, with bay views and a different pace. Add the Carpet Museum or another nearby venue if it fits your interests.
Azerbaijan's visitor map marks Highland Park and the Flame Towers area for city panoramas. Choose a clear day and remember that the seafront can feel windier than sheltered streets.
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Day two: contemporary architecture
The Heydar Aliyev Centre and its surroundings show another side of Baku. Leave time for the architecture, a walk around the site and an exhibition if one interests you.
For a longer journey, see the Absheron and Gobustan routes. A car is especially useful there, while the Old City itself works best as a walking stop.
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A first-day walking loop
Begin by Icherisheher's walls, visit the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace, then leave room to wander its lanes. Homes, workshops, galleries and cafés make the Old City a living neighbourhood.
Continue to the Boulevard. The Carpet Museum sits beside the waterfront in a building shaped like a rolled carpet. Check exhibitions and tickets in advance if you want to go inside.
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Boulevard, art and bay views
Baku Boulevard links green spaces and cultural venues along the Caspian. Azerbaijan's tourism board highlights the Carpet Museum, YARAT and the Surakhani Ship Museum along the wider waterfront.
Give Highland Park its own stop for a city panorama. If driving into the centre, plan parking first and explore the core on foot.
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From the oil boom to contemporary design
The late nineteenth and early twentieth-century oil boom shaped many central façades. Compare them with the flowing form of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid.
The medieval core, oil-boom city and modern Baku read as chapters of one story. Check the centre's current exhibitions and opening hours before visiting.
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Build a day around your interests
Families can alternate a short history walk with the open space of the Boulevard. Museum lovers may want more time at the palace, Carpet Museum or Heydar Aliyev Centre.
The official tourism board lists visitor information points near Nizami Street and in the Old City, where you can ask for maps and current visiting advice.
A simple 1–2 day plan
- Day 1: Old City → seafront walk → city panorama.
- Day 2: contemporary architecture → a chosen museum or café → plan a trip beyond the city.
- Wear comfortable shoes and separate your Old City walk from the driving part.
- Check venue hours and parking before setting out.