A great starting point for getting to know Baku. Located in the very heart of the city, this square is always lively. It’s a pleasant space filled with interesting sculptures and shaded by trees — a perfect place to hide from the intense Baku sun.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend restaurants here: it’s quite crowded and very much a transit area. But as a starting point for a walk, it works perfectly.

The main pedestrian street of Baku, named after the poet Nizami Ganjavi.

The architecture here is an eclectic mix, primarily blending Baroque elements with Eastern motifs. One distinctive feature immediately stands out: everything is kept in a unified brownish-sand color palette — and this applies to much of Baku.

In fact, this visual consistency is one of the city’s strengths. There are no abrupt contrasts between ultra-modern and historical architecture; everything feels visually cohesive.

Almost the entire street is lined with former revenue houses built by Baku’s oil magnates during the oil boom era.

The most authentic part of Baku. Icherisheher is a labyrinth of narrow streets, stone houses, and quiet courtyards. Within its walls you’ll find the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower, and the street where scenes from The Diamond Arm were filmed.

The first thing you’ll likely notice upon entering the Old City is the massive Maiden Tower. There are many legends about the origin of its name. The most popular one tells of a shah’s daughter who refused to marry a man she did not love. She asked her father to build a tower and later threw herself into the sea from its top. Although, to be fair, the sea is not exactly that close to the tower...but let’s leave that detail aside.

There is still no single agreed-upon theory about the tower’s original purpose, though it was most likely not used as a defensive structure — its windows are too small and too few.

The Maiden Tower is part of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace complex, built in the 13th century. The palace includes a mausoleum, a bathhouse, and a mosque.

Surprisingly, there is no lavish decoration you might expect from a palace — everything is rather restrained and austere. The complex was rebuilt several times and partially destroyed during various conquests of Baku, yet it has preserved its architectural integrity.

Personally, I don’t see much point in entering the mausoleum — it’s more interesting to explore the palace grounds from the outside.

A special mention goes to Kichik Qala street, where scenes from The Diamond Arm were filmed and where you’ll find the café “Chyort pobery” (“Damn it”). A perfect spot for Instagram photos.

The main promenade of Baku along the Caspian Sea. A pleasant place for a walk, with views of the Flame Towers in the distance on one side, and on the other — the striking crescent-shaped building of the future "Crescent Hotel".

A logical ending to the day is Highland Park, located on an elevated hill. From here, you get panoramic views of Baku and the Caspian Sea.

The first thing that immediately catches your eye when looking toward the waterfront is the giant flagpole with the national flag — for a long time considered one of the tallest in the world.

From the city side, you’ll see the three skyscrapers of the Flame Towers, designed to resemble flames (hence the name). In the evening, LED lights turn on and simulate moving fire — incredibly beautiful to watch.

Within the park is also the Martyrs’ Alley, where victims of the First Nagorno-Karabakh War are buried.

The calling card of Baku and perhaps the most famous building designed by Zaha Hadid — and, in my opinion, the most beautiful. It is truly a work of art. The flowing, wave-like structure blends so organically into the landscape that it feels as if it has always been there. What’s especially striking is the absence of straight lines. From certain angles, the building even resembles the infinity symbol.

I highly recommend not only walking around the exterior but also stepping inside to visit the automobile museum.

On the first floor of the building, you’ll find the Heydar Aliyev Automobile Museum. The collection features cars that were once used officially by the leadership of Azerbaijan.

The collection is quite impressive. Of course, it can’t compare to the museum in Turin, but there is definitely plenty to see. The Cadillac Series 62 alone is worth the visit!

Even if you’re not particularly interested in cars, you’ll likely still enjoy it.

In just two days, I completely fell in love with Baku — not only because of the city’s beauty, but because of the warmth and hospitality of the locals. They genuinely ask whether you like their city and are always ready to give advice or help.

I guarantee: Baku will not leave you indifferent!