CHARMING BAKU
City on the Caspian Sea
Bloggers often refer to this port city as one of the most beautiful in the world. Don’t blame yourself if you hadn’t heard of it before since it’s been a well-kept secret for many decades after the Soviet era ended. Just like its walled old city once kept intruders away, medieval Baku has successfully maintained a low profile to protect its culture and heritage.
The world’s lowest lying capital city sits pretty on the Caspian Sea; and because Azerbaijan shares land borders with Georgia, Russia, Armenia, Turkey and Iran, its society is a mingling of traditional Turkic, Imperial Russian, Soviet and Persian cultures that beckons discovery. It was in Baku that the first oil well in the world was drilled at sea – and it’s this oil wealth that makes it a flourishing city today.
Relaxed visa policies, easy accessibility at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and a temperate climate make Baku not so much a bucket list destination as one that definitely deserves a visit.
BAKU BOULEVARD Also known as Milli Park, Baku Boulevard runs parallel to the Caspian seafront. This place lets you marvel at views, enjoy a rock concert, ride a bicycle, play a game of giant chess, ride a gondola in a Venetian styled canal or simply watch the magical carousel spin.
BURNING HILL Yanar Dag is a natural gas fire, which has been blazing continuously for 65 years at the base of a hill on the outskirts of Baku. If a fire over a natural gas pocket is set, it will burn regardless of the weather... until it runs out of fuel, which explains this phenomenon.
CARPET MUSEUM With architecture that resembles a rolled up carpet, this museum houses a rich collection of traditional carpets, rugs and artefacts. You can also watch carpet weaving in one of the many exhibition areas. It costs only seven manat to enter.
MINIATURE BOOKS The museum that houses miniature books is one of a kind. It has over 5,600 pocket and micro-size books, and book lovers should make sure they don’t miss this thrilling place. Entrance is free.
MEDIEVAL CITY Baku’s inner city is the most ancient part of town, dating back to the 12th century. It is replete with winding cobblestone alleys, dungeons and towers. It’s also the quaintest – being dotted with cafes, restaurants, boutique hotels and artsy local souvenir stores.
CAPITAL PALACE This 15th century palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural gem. Shirvan was the first capital of Azerbaijan when the eponymous dynasty ruled over the kingdom. The palatial complex consists of a courtyard, courthouse, burial vault, mosque and minaret, a bathhouse or hammam and the mausoleum of the court scholar.
CLASSY ADDRESS At the end of a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a drink at the Fairmount Hotel, which has an astounding tower shaped like a flame. Make it a tall one – and don’t forget to soak in the vistas as you indulge in the lap of luxury!