At the end of May 2018, a group of nine people (8 women and one man) challenged themselves: can they drive around three countries and one republic without going crazy? For 17 days they visited Dagestan, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. This story is about the Republic of Azerbaijan.

More than 9 million people live in Azerbaijan. This is a secular state, most of whose inhabitants profess Islam. Today, thousands of tourists flock there to see the place where East meets West. In addition, Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is included in the list of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Baku is called the city of lights and the city of winds. I called it the white city. Look how white everything around is like a stone desert.

We spent three days in Azerbaijan at the end of May. We were looking for a booked hostel on Babek Avenue, but did not find it. But they found a prince on a white horse, a friend and son-in-law. But let's not get too far ahead - first things first.

Suitcase, money, passport, key. What unites these words? That's right, travel! The journey begins with preparation.

We prepared for the trip for two months: we gathered a group, laid routes, studied sights - none of our company had been to Azerbaijan before.

A group of tourists leaving Nizhny Novgorod. To Baku 2213 km or about 5 days, 5 hours and 5 minutes.

Making a plan

Going on a long road trip, it is important to plan everything to the smallest detail. How to get there, where to sleep, what to eat, what to take, where to go? We have tried to answer these and other questions in advance.

1. How to get there? We studied maps and reviews from other travelers to plan our itinerary. For example, Azerbaijan will not be allowed in after Armenia. Because there is conflict between countries. Would we have known about this if we had not read a good hundred reviews a couple of months before the trip? Is not a fact! Read reviews from previous travelers ahead of time.
2. How much to take? We decided to collect 20 thousand rubles per person - this is money for gasoline, lodging for the night, a common table and unforeseen expenses. It turned out 180,000. We divided the amount by four, since this is the budget of 4 countries, as a result, 45,000 fell on Azerbaijan. This amount was quite enough for our group: they did not show off, but they did not deny themselves excursions and wine.
3. Where to sleep? We booked the hostel in advance, but we could not get there. We'll talk more about this later. However, our case is rather an exception, so we recommend everyone else to book beds in advance. Moreover, the money was returned to us.
4. What is? We made a decision that twice a day we cook on our own and once we visit a cafe - we try local food, and we don’t go bankrupt at the same time. Who is responsible for cooking, and who is responsible for washing dishes, was also discussed in advance.
5. What to take? Our holiday was more sports than beach or recreational. And the things in the suitcase were chosen based on this remark: sneakers, shorts, comfortable clothes.
6. Where to go? We looked at the sights of Baku in advance and decided that for the first trip it would be enough for us to see the city center - Baku is on the list of the ten most beautiful cities in the world - the old city and the Caspian Sea. We do not spend money on a guide - we google and read.

Light snack at a gas station on the way to Azerbaijan. Still on the Russian side.

Note: The Republic of Azerbaijan is a Muslim country. They look bad at open ankles and cleavage. If you want to avoid sidelong glances, choose your wardrobe carefully.

We were in Azerbaijan at the end of May. The thermometer had not yet had time to gain its maximum height, and we were not hot in trousers and knee-length sundresses. However, in the city center there are many locals who, for the sake of world fashion, allow themselves shorts and other open bows.

Useful Applications

Today, the Internet is replete with an abundance of applications for travelers: from Google maps to virtual guides. We have compiled the top 10 most useful in our opinion:

1. Diary. You can write everything down here so you don't forget anything.
2. Calculator (the one in the mobile will do). Helping you budget for your trip.
3. Translator . When translation difficulties arise.
4. Calculation of fuel consumption. When traveling on your own, it is very important to know how much money you will spend on gas. We know in advance how much a plane or train ticket costs. You can also calculate the cost of a car ticket.
5. Google Maps . Moreover, our experience shows that it is better to download them, rather than use them online. Situations on the road may be different, it is better if there is a compass in the sleeve.
6. Currency Converter . Convert manats to rubles, rubles to manats, dollars to rubles, manats to dollars - in order not to get confused with all this, you need a currency converter.
7. - on aggregators you can find housing affordable and to your taste.
8. Audiotour. The guide in your pocket starts automatically talking about objects as you approach them.
9. audio guides, sightseeing routes have also been selected, and the service also connects strangers for joint trips so that you can save money.
10. Couchsurfing - people are invited to stay for free.

Azerbaijanis use the Latin alphabet, and in the Soviet years they wrote in Cyrillic.

In addition to services, you can look at the websites of local museums, cinemas, shops in advance in order to understand the average cost of services in the country, book tickets and, based on reviews, figure out in advance whether it is worth going there.

• Azerbaijan State Museum of Musical Culture

How to prepare a car for a trip?

When traveling independently, it is very important to check your motor and wheels in advance. This will be done most qualitatively in special diagnostic centers. We would not recommend relying on chance. On the way to Azerbaijan they will meet mountain roads, serpentines and horsemen. Do you want to take risks?

In general, speaking about the preparation of the car for the trip, we would divide it into three points.

1. Car health check.
2. Checking documents: passport, driver's license, title to property - everything should be at hand. It is also worth making sure that you have paid the car tax and that there are no unpaid fines. Otherwise, the border may not be opened for you.
3. First aid kit. A first aid kit should always be in the car - this is a priori, a fact!

We had two Nissan cars and three drivers for nine. When traveling around the city, a private car is more of a plus than a minus. But getting to the resort is more convenient by plane or a smaller number of passengers. We drove pretty hard. But, as they say, in tight quarters, but not offended. To warm up, they made green parking lots.

Green parking lot in an almost lavender field.

Salam Azerbaijan [Hello, Azerbaijan]!

Border crossing

Azerbaijan has five land borders: with Russia, Armenia, Turkey, Georgia, Iran and Armenia. The border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is closed - a conflict.

From three borders that we passed during our trip, the Azerbaijani customs officers are the most fierce. At first, they asked us for a long time whether we were Russians for sure - each of the nine, as if you couldn’t see it on our faces! Then they clarified whether we maintain relations with Armenia, why we are going to Baku, etc.

At the end of customs control, they asked to release the entire trunk! And we were driving from the Izberbash Brandy Factory and were already quite loaded. It was not easy for us to empty the trunk. Only the compliment made by the customs officer somehow brightened up the impressions of the border.

Long, hard, hard! We didn't like the border!

We meet the dawn in the car

Search for a hostel, or a sightseeing tour of Baku

As soon as we entered Azerbaijan, the adventure began. The Internet there, in general, is expensive, and even in roaming mode, it’s a direct path to ruin. Our money on the mobile account was immediately eaten by Google maps working online. In a foreign country, we were left without maps and without the Internet. They reached Baku blindly.

Note: Internet in Azerbaijan is expensive, but almost every establishment has free Wi-Fi.

On the site where we booked the hostel from home, it was said that Babek Avenue is located a few kilometers from the city center. We drove into the center and began to look for Babek on the signs. The signs indicated to go straight. We went straight - we came to the wrong place. We went back - again we came to the wrong place. As a result, we traveled around half of Baku - there is no Babek Avenue!

Azerbaijani streets. Center

We stopped at the store. Those who smoke smoked, calmed down and began to ask passers-by: “Excuse me, how can we get to Babek?”. It turned out that passers-by did not understand Russian. Someone nervously smoked, someone read indifferently (this is the author), and someone looked out for passers-by who could help us. He came out to help.

- Excuse me, you look at me like that, do you want to know something?

- Yes. But we will speak in Russian.

- No problem.

We explained the situation. A handsome young man... Do you remember that there were eight of us? And the six older ones began vying to talk about it to the two younger ones, so that the latter would come out and show themselves. But we didn't want to get out of the car. Fortunately, the young man did not refuse to help us anyway. And the fact that he found his wife in this way is a completely different story.

Streets, houses - everything is beautiful.

There is a very aggressive movement in Azerbaijan. Cars fly like lightning flashes. That is why, just starting to follow our new acquaintance, the third car quickly fell behind the first two. At one of the turns, other cars simply did not let us through, and when we did, our trail was gone.

We returned to the store's parking lot to find a new guide. This time he was found quickly - he was a middle-aged Azerbaijani, who, in fact, was in a hurry to work, but could not refuse us. He rode ahead, splitting the road, we tried our best to keep up with him. But Babek is still missing.

It turned out that it is quite difficult for an Azerbaijani to find our address. The driver-escort stopped every few kilometers to clarify the way. We drove for another half an hour through traffic jams and thorns and were already somewhere very close when an SMS from an unfamiliar number came to the phone:

"Go to the Botanical Garden"

We signaled to our guide to stop. He got out of the car, listened to us, sighed heavily, but did not stop halfway. Just said the legendary phrase:

Oleg, I noticed that you are driving a little slowly.

From the Botanical Garden

When we got to the Botanical Garden, part of our group was there, making an order for lunch in a cafe on the territory of the Botanical Garden. We thanked the person who took us around the city free of charge and said goodbye to him with a box of chocolates WITH LIQUOR!

It was later that we learned that more than half of Azerbaijanis obediently follow the Koran and do not drink wine. That is, sweets with liquor are generally not a suitable option here to thank someone.

Note: Most Azerbaijanis do not drink, do not eat pork, and pray five times a day.

While half of the group was looking for Babek, the other was investigating. It turns out that the address we need on the avenue is not 10 minutes from the center, but in the middle of nowhere. That is, it really begins near the center, and ends no one knows where. But this is not the worst: for a month and a half they have not been providing housing for tourists! And there was either a glitch on the site, or some other misunderstanding ...

National character

Our new young acquaintance, whose name is Samir, left us for dinner, and he returned to work. He promised to come in a couple of hours and during this time to find for us a suitable inexpensive option for housing for three days.

The café was a long, narrow street with separate guest rooms to the right and left. Azerbaijanis are generally lovers of seclusion.

Cafe at the Botanical Garden

We ordered some of the local dishes. At dinner, we discussed the Baku style of driving, locals who are so ready to help if they understand Russian, plans for the remaining two days, because half past one was already coming to an end, and we still had not unloaded our suitcases.

There are many European-style establishments in Baku, but it is much more interesting to visit those that are filled with oriental flavor: with carpets, armuds and oriental sweets.

Then we spent two hours in the Botanical Garden, walking along the paths, looking at an exhibition of roses and other plants, taking pictures, reading ... In other words, whoever could, whiled away the time. They even began to worry, maybe we should not wait for Samir, but go in search of housing ourselves?

Flowering water lilies

Rose Exhibition

However, exactly two hours later the phone rang. Samir said that he found an apartment for us, now it is being prepared, and he is already coming for us.

This is where the story with Babeko ends, and the love story begins, oh, holidays, of course.

We wait a couple of hours and have already climbed every tree in the Botanical Garden.

On the way to the rented apartment, we stopped at Icheri Sheher - the old city. But we decided to explore its sights another time. We just went to the store, bought a magnet, and went to see the apartment.

Carpets are the property of the republic, each one is like a work of art.

We wanted to take a shower, change clothes and feel human. It was the second day we were on the road.

An excellent apartment was found for us. Three rooms almost in the central part of the city on the 19th floor. There is a stunning view from the window: the famous Baku flame towers are at arm's length from us. There was one thing: there were not enough beds for everyone in our new apartment. Someone had to sleep on the floor.

Flame towers are included in the list of attractions for which thousands of tourists from all over the world travel to Baku.

Our new acquaintance, already almost a friend, left us to settle down, and he went to work again. Yes, yes, Azerbaijanis are not in vain considered one of the most hardworking peoples. It concerns only men, women usually do not work there at all.

We were left alone: ​​washed, shared rooms, went to the store. From local products we bought a bottle of pomegranate wine, cheese (be sure to try Azerbaijani cheeses!), Fruits.

Oriental sweets for tea

We started preparing dinner. An hour later, Samir came to us with rice and chicken for Kurdish pilaf.

Azerbaijan has a rich ethnic composition. Our new acquaintance is a Kurd.

This is interesting: In different regions of Azerbaijan, cheese is prepared according to different recipes. Here you can try the whole variety of Caucasian cheeses. Hard and like eating butter. Motal became my favorite - the most delicious and most expensive cheese in the country.

We persuaded Samir's plov to cook next time. In the meantime, they sat down at the table, put pasta in front of him in a naval way, poured Russian cognac. Samir writhed, but he drank. We asked him about the sights of Baku, about Azerbaijani traditions, about whether they still have patriarchy. The first evening in Baku was coming to an end. In the morning we had a big city tour, and it turns out that our new friend has a birthday tomorrow.

Icheri Sheher and other reasons to come to Baku

The morning was unhurried. From 9 o'clock everyone began to wake up, prepare breakfast, prepare themselves for the exit. Baku is a modern city with a developed infrastructure. And since we made a sightseeing car tour yesterday, today we decided to go for a walk. Our house was 10 minutes from the subway.

Our friendly company is going to Icheri Sheher

Please note: d traffic in the Baku metro is circular. Before the arrival of the train, a board lights up, on which it is written in which direction the train is going.

Icheri Sheher metro station. Very soon we will see the old city

We got out of the subway and almost immediately the wall began. Once behind this wall was the city itself, even earlier - the whole state.

Historical reference: Icheri Sheher, or "fortress", or "old city" of Baku. Here is the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, here is the Maiden's Tower, here Nikulin said "damn it." A large fortress wall, behind which the whole city is located, or, as it is also called, the inner city.
The first mention of Icheri Sheher dates back to the 5th century. Today Old city is a unique historical ensemble, where tourists from all over the world come and where real residents live. They are also called serfs by the locals. Their total number is about 1300. And they have their own measures.

At first it seems that Icheri Sheher is very small, but in reality it turns out that even a whole day is not enough to see it.

Scheme of Icheri Sheher

5 sights of Icheri Sheher that you must see

1.Maiden's Tower. 28 meters of a huge stone cylinder on a ledge of a coastal cliff. In the old days, the city ended here and the sea began. The purpose of the tower is unknown.

There are many legends about its construction. According to one of them, the Shah decided to marry his own daughter. Then the girl, hoping to dissuade her father, asked to build his tower and wait for the completion of construction. Shah complied with the request. Then the girl went upstairs and threw herself from there into the sea.

There are always crowds of tourists near the Maiden Tower, and the entrance to it is paid - about 4 manats.

We didn’t go to the Maiden Tower: it’s a pity for the money, and the queue is too long.

2."Damn it." Many famous Soviet films were filmed in Icheri Sheher, among them "The Diamond Arm". In the Old Town there is a cafe "Damn it", and at the place where Yuri Nikulin said the legendary phrase, hundreds of tourists wipe their pants daily.

A sign is attached to the place where the movie was filmed, so you can’t confuse it with anything.

Local residents show photos of frames from films and offer to swipe through them.

3. Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The complex, which includes the Divan Khane, the tomb of the Shirvanshahs and the palace mosque, built from the 13th to the 16th century. The construction is connected with the transfer of the capital of the Shirvanshahs from Shamakhi to Baku. Shirvan - historical area in Transcaucasia from Derbent to the delta of the Kura River. At present, it is part of the territory of Azerbaijan.

You can enter the territory of the palace, but we chose a different course - we went to the bazaar.

Street trade - you don’t even need tables, all goods are on carpets.

I remember the stories of Sinbad the Sailor, here they are - the colors of the east.

4. Shops and street trade Icheri-Sheher. We got the impression that all 1,300 inhabitants of the fortress city were exclusively merchants. So many of them on the streets! They offer everything: from oriental sweets to carpets. We liked one lamp, but it was very expensive, having decided that the Genie, who fulfills three wishes, would certainly not fly out of it, we put the lamp in place and began to measure national hats.

Papakha. How do you like the new hairstyle?

5. Baths of Icheri-Sheher. Oriental baths resemble oriental mosques - they are just as round and beautiful. Not like our baths in black. Deepened into the ground, only the entrance halls are visible from the outside.

Is it possible to say that this is a bath?

We liked Icheri Sheher, every street and every house there is a World Heritage Site: the streets are narrow, the people are friendly, the locals not only want to sell something, but are also ready to talk about their city for hours for free. So you can save on a guide and shamelessly ask passers-by and merchants about their national heritage. Be sure to try oriental sweets at the market.

On the red carpet - this is actually the entrance to the carpet museum.

A beautiful panorama, on the left is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.

There are 6 embassies in Icheri Sheher.

After walking around for several kilometers and having erased our legs, we sat down on a bench and watched. Opposite, men were playing street chess. This is generally accepted among Azerbaijanis, here on every lane you can meet men playing cards or backgammon at a table. And the women are at home.

On the streets of Baku, you can meet companies of men playing chess, backgammon or cards.

The representatives of the fair sex passing through the streets were divided into three categories:

1. Completely naked - it's mostly young people. Tops with open navels and shorts on the fifth point.
2. Moderately naked - most of them are. Girls in knee-length dresses look like they are going to the theater.
3. Completely closed. Yes, you can still meet women in the veil on the streets of Baku.

Baku Sydney

Baku street sculptures

After a short rest and waiting for our Azerbaijani friend Samir, we set off again. This time we passed the Baku Boulevard, the fiery towers, the Philharmonic (do you know that Muslim Magomayev was an Azerbaijani?), past the section where the Rally took place, past Torgovaya Street.

Baku is considered one of the most beautiful cities not only because the East meets the West here, but also because historical Center built at about the same time. The city represents architectural ensemble, every building is worthy of praise!

We climbed on the funicular to Nagorno-Karabakh - the best observation deck, from where you can see the whole of Baku.

We walked along the Alley of Martyrs, or Alley of Glory in Russian. Finally tired. The day slowly turned into evening. Samir offered to give us a ride, and - attention! - nine people and one driver got into a white Toyota and drove home.

Samir is a traffic cop, so we could afford it. He was the only traffic police officer with whom we managed to “make friends”. It is clear that after meeting with him there were no unpleasant situations on the road to Baku.

We started preparing dinner, someone was gathering, because Samir, with the permission of adults, invited two young girls to a restaurant for his birthday. When he arrived again, we congratulated him by giving him a Russian souvenir - a bottle of vodka hidden in a matryoshka doll - and left for Hollywood, one of the coolest club-restaurants in Baku.

In "Hollywood" everything is expensive and rich: golden toilets and sinks, a lot of red, luxuriously dressed and carefully made up women. We rented a separate room with karaoke, and our knowledge of Hollywood ended there.

In the restroom of one of the restaurants in Baku

Remember, I have already said that Azerbaijanis like to sit in rooms? It's the same as sitting in the kitchen in Russia. It's just that in Baku guests are taken not to the house, but to the restaurant.

Interestingly, the prices for "sit in a restaurant" do not bite them. For 30 manats, which is about 1200 rubles for our money, they are ready to close the room. And, what we didn’t know about before, and this will come in handy, in Baku there is not much difference on the menu between chic establishments and shacks. Is that the cost of tea will be different. In elite establishments, just drinking tea costs 30 manats.

Miami Beach on the Caspian Sea

Caspian Sea turquoise green

Azerbaijan has the Caspian Sea. It differs from Black by its characteristic turquoise-green color. The coolest beach in Baku is Miami Beach. We went there on the third day of our journey. By bus, because there are racers around and because we drove around Baku a year ahead on the first day. In addition, public transport in Baku runs well and in all directions.

We liked the beach. They say it's very expensive there in the season. But they were at the end of May, when it was not the season: the entrance, the sunbeds, and the houses are still free.

The coolest beach in Baku Miami Beach

If you dream up a little, you can imagine that we are in Bali.

We spent the whole day on the beach, relaxing, sunbathing and running for beer.

This is the most delicious beer in Baku - you must try it.

In the evening, someone was packing their bags - in the morning we were leaving for Georgia, and someone again went for a night walk. This time in karaoke: sing Emin, dance "Jeyrani" - the folk dance of Azerbaijan, drink pomegranate wine.

Stop time - I don't want to leave Baku

The results of the trip

A few words as a summary about holidays in Azerbaijan:

1. People benevolent. Most profess Islam, and according to Islam, helping for free is considered a good thing.
2. Money- Azerbaijani manat is equal to approximately 40 rubles. It is very profitable to buy fruits, they are sold there in gapiks, kopecks in our opinion, and usually cost less than 1 manat.
3. Entertainment- carousels, cinemas, and in Russian, theaters, excursions, cafes - there is everything!
4. Language- Azeri. The percentage of Russian speakers is 50/50, decreasing as you move away from the center. Russian, English and Azerbaijani languages ​​are taught in all schools.
5. Movement - very aggressive move. It is more convenient to get to Baku by car, it will be good to go out of town or visit other big cities, but in Baku itself, if you are not a jigit and do not go for thrills, it is better to travel by public transport or taxi. The price for a taxi is from 2 manats, that is, from 80 rubles. The metro costs 30 gapiks, less than 20 rubles, the same amount of travel by bus.

If you have not yet chosen where you will live and want to save money when booking, we recommend using the RoomGuru service. First, there are collected hotels, apartments and guest houses from many different booking systems, and you will not miss a worthwhile option. Secondly, you can immediately compare prices for one place in different services and book where it is cheaper (not always this is Booking!).

The good thing about the traveler's life is that you don't know what to expect from the next day and the new place. I did not expect much from Azerbaijan, it became the first country in my journey through the countries of Transcaucasia. And therein lies another secret of the wise universe. Don't expect too much and you will be rewarded. The country has surpassed all my most optimistic expectations. I absolutely didn’t want to leave, because how to leave a country where people treat you with incredible respect and participation, they always try to help, creating a cozy home environment on the way, where food hits all taste buds with an orgasmic wave at once, where mountains are adjacent to the sea, and forests with cities.

space scenery, mud volcanoes, juicy fruits and vegetables, eclectic, melting fat tail, carved caravanserais, fervent songs - that's what accompanied me on this wonderful trip. And, of course, I can’t help but mention the magical event, because where, if not in an oriental fairy tale, miracles happen. In a small Azerbaijani village, where, due to the lack of attractions, I got to know the local culture in the market, absolutely unexpectedly we came face to face with Gerard Depardieu himself, and, remembering my French school lessons, I explained to him on my fingers what I was doing in this not the most popular among tourists place. Gerard starred in a film about the travels of Alexandre Dumas Sr. in the East (and Dumas knew a lot about interesting places).

Azerbaijan is a country whose emotions I could measure in laugh hours or tons of positive.

So, if you value the warmth of human hearts more than stars in a hotel, if nature is closer to you than shopping centers, if you are open to new experiences and consider travel as an adventure, if you love emotional outbursts and laughter, then you are in Azerbaijan.

Visa and border crossing

Russian citizens can enter Azerbaijan without a visa By valid international passport and stay in the country up to 90 days. If for some reason you want to stay in the country longer than the allowed three months, then the visa issue can be resolved at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Moscow, at: Leontievsky lane, 16.

What to look for:

Import and export rules

How to get there

You can get to Azerbaijan by land, by water or by air, depending on the complexity of your route and the starting point of your journey.

By plane

The simplest and fast way to get to Azerbaijan - by plane.

To Baku from Moscow

The flight from the capital of the Russian Federation to Baku lasts about 3 hours, here are the airlines that fly on this route:

• from Domodedovo ( 216USD- round-trip price);
• Ural Airlines from Domodedovo ( 180USD);
• Pegas fly from Zhukovsky airport ( 180USD);
• Azerbaijan Airlines from Vnukovo ( 190 USD);
• Utair from Vnukovo ( 160 USD);
• AEROFLOT from Sheremetyevo ( 190 USD).

To Baku from St. Petersburg:

To Baku from other Russian cities:

• from Novosibirsk the airline's planes fly to Baku on Sundays and Wednesdays. Travel time - 4.5 hours, ticket price - 340 USD.
• from Kazan Azerbaijan Airlines planes fly to Baku on Sundays and return on Mondays. Travel time - 2.5 hours, round trip ticket price - 210 USD.
• Azerbaijan Airlines also operates flights to Baku from Yekaterinburg on Thursdays and Sundays. Travel time - 3 hours, ticket price - 310 USD. The airline "Uralair" flies on the same route on the same days. The flight lasts 3 hours and costs 300 USD.
• from Mineralnye Vody A flight to Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport by Azerbaijan Airlines lasts only 1.5 hours and is carried out on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays ( 160 USD).

All current prices of different airlines can be found on the websites of the carriers themselves or, for example,.

Azerbaijan airports

There are 6 working in the country international airports:

The second most important airport in Azerbaijan Ganja receives flights from Moscow on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (4 hours, 215 USD).

By train

A train in the post-Soviet space is already an adventure, so if you have time left and you are inclined to leisurely contemplate the landscapes outside the window, read books under the sound of wheels or savor tea in the famous faceted glasses in a metal cup holder, then do not deny yourself pleasure and set aside a few days of your own life on the road from Moscow to Baku.

From Moscow to Baku

Train No. 55 departs from the Kursk railway station to Baku on Saturdays. Travel time is 2 days and 4 hours, and ticket prices vary from 100 USD V reserved seat car before 140 USD in the compartment If you want luxury, then buy a ticket for the SV carriage: 260 USD and a comfortable trip is guaranteed!

From St. Petersburg to Baku

If you are traveling from St. Petersburg and dream of conquering Azerbaijan by rail, then you can get to Moscow in any convenient way and from there start making your dream come true. About how and on what to get from the northern capital to Moscow, it is interesting and detailed here.

How to get from the station to the center of Baku

The Baku railway station is conveniently located in the center of the capital, so if you choose to travel by train rather than by plane, then your acquaintance with Azerbaijan will begin in the very heart of this beautiful city.

By bus

From Moscow

You can come from Moscow to Baku by bus, the average price of a one-way ticket is about 60 USD. But keep in mind that most carriers are private and you can find out information at the bus stations. A bus covers a distance of 2,200 kilometers in 31 hours.

You can clarify the information at the South Gate bus station or at the Sadovod market, from where international buses and minibuses. But be prepared for the fact that you will be traveling with migrants who move only in this way from the capital of Russia to their homeland in Azerbaijan.

Due to the difficulties with the exact schedule and the purchase of tickets in advance, as well as due to the length of the journey, lovers of traveling by land are better off considering the old good train.

From other cities of Russia

Of some Russian cities, for example, Kazan, Samara, Naberezhnye Chelny, Krasnodar, Rostov, Nizhny Novgorod, buses go to the Azerbaijani capital. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to find information on flights in online booking systems, so you should contact the bus station in your city directly for information.

Baku bus station

Buses come to Central Bus Station in Baku, from which you can reach the city center in 20 minutes by bus and metro or 10-15 minutes by taxi. I will tell you more about this type of transport below in the “Moving around the country” section.

By car

For lovers of adventurous deeds, there is an option - to get to Baku by car.

From Moscow to Baku

Travel distance will be approx. 2,300 km. The most convenient way passes through Makhachkala.

Gasoline costs will be 150–200 USD, and travel time is unlikely to be less 28 hours. Time at the border is unpredictable, you can slip in a couple of hours, or you can get stuck for half a day. This is due to both objective factors (the number of cars) and subjective ones (the mood and performance of employees). state border).

As in almost the entire post-Soviet space, crossing the borders is accompanied by requisitions, especially motorists mention them, recalling the territory of the Republic of Dagestan. They can ask for a bribe for something, or they can simply “as a gift to an employee.” You can refuse, but then, at best, the car can be sent for additional inspection, and at worst, you can find something that you didn’t put there.

Therefore, the path by car is for the most daring.

From Makhachkala to Baku

As an alternative, minibuses and buses run from Makhachkala, in which the border crossing is more understandable and simple. Travel time from Makhachkala to Baku - about 5 hours.

From St. Petersburg to Baku

If you decide to travel from St. Petersburg, then add 800 kilometers and 8-10 hours of travel to the total distance.

Tourist regions

Let's talk about where a traveler in Azerbaijan should head first.

On the map, I showed what the regions of the country will be of interest to, and then I will tell you more about this.

Apsheron region

The main region of the country, since it is here that the capital of Azerbaijan is located - a modern, futuristic, vibrant, historical, incredible metropolis and cultural stronghold of the country.

I find it difficult to single out any one specificity in the region, probably, like Baku, the region is too eclectic.

Here on the coast of the Caspian Sea stretch sandy beaches operating during the season, the most famous of which are Mardakan and Shikhovo.

Shikhovo is a zone of more representative resorts, where, in addition to hotels, tourists are offered the whole range of water activities, water parks and an equipped beach area. Best Resorts: Aqua Park Shikhov and Crescent Beach.

The Mardakan area is a little more mundane, although there is everything you need for a beach holiday. Popular resorts: Khazar Golden Beach and Fras Beach.

Apsheron region is famous mud volcanoes , the most famous of which are located in the Martian Gobustan. All the time I remember with what concentration I stood in the middle of the desert by the mud pool, waiting for a new “boule”.

Except mud splashes Gobustan I remember the cosmic desert landscape. It was like I was on another planet. If you are lucky, you can stumble upon rock paintings and try to imagine what the inhabitants of the region looked like thousands of years ago.

Here on the Absheron Peninsula is located reserve .

Connoisseurs of antiquity will be interested watchtowers of Mardakan who have seen a lot in their lifetime. With the approach of the enemy, oil was set on fire in the tower, thereby notifying the inhabitants of the danger.

35 kilometers from Baku is located fire temple ateshgah . As you know, the region is rich in mineral deposits, and here in ancient times natural gas came to the surface. And since in that era not all phenomena could be explained by facts, the area quickly became famous and acquired a religious interpretation.

Guba-Khachmaz region

The district is located in the north-east of the country and is the closest mountainous region to the capital.

Most of all here I remember the town of Guba. On the one hand, there is nothing remarkable here except for the curious Krasnaya Sloboda : an area originally called "Jewish settlement", where Jews still live. The place is considered the only compact region of residence of Mountain Jews in the entire space former USSR.

On the other hand, despite the fact that Sloboda is practically the only attraction of Guba, it is here that you can see the real Azerbaijani life: get to know real people and see the village Caucasian routine in all its beauty.

But the real treasure of the region can be safely called located high in the mountains Khinalig village . You can get there by a special car and be surprised at how the small Khinalyg people (about 3,000 people in the world) managed to preserve their language and their customs.

In addition to people with big bright eyes, the mountain landscape itself is striking, into which old men in jackets and geese in love organically fit in.

After visiting a remote Khinalyg village, it will certainly be nice to soak up the beach resort Dial , where there is the sea, and forests, and night life.

Ganjabasar region

This is a region for nature lovers, which I consider myself to be. Of course, Baku is also interesting, but mountain lakes, stormy rivers, life-giving air, meadows and snow-capped peaks are dearer to my heart.

At an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level are resort areas Goygol and Ajikend where they come to treat the respiratory system and just relax.

blue Lake Goygol appeared here more than 1,000 years ago and has been pleasing to the eye of local residents and stray travelers ever since.

Not far from Ganja is Khanlar town , famous for the production of delicious wines and cognacs. And before tasting, I recommend wandering around the surroundings with beautiful forests, parks and lakes.

Astara region of Lankaran

This area surprises with a combination of very different natural resources. It has access to the sea, which is now atmospherically overgrown with reeds.

The region of the mouth of the Kura River is a favorite place for migratory birds and an oasis of joy for an amateur ornithologist. And most importantly, there are two significant natural park: Hyrcanian national park And Gyzylagach Reserve .

Hirkan National Park just 5 hours drive from Baku is a place where there are no bars, no shopping malls, there are no discos, but there is only a forest. Beautiful and virgin forest. It is good not only for guests, but also for the indigenous inhabitants - plants and animals.

Nature lovers arrange a real photo hunt for animals, the apotheosis of which can be the happiness of seeing deer swimming in a mountain lake at dawn.

The Gyzylagach reserve is a paradise for ornithologists; almost all types of birds that are in Azerbaijan are represented here.

Nakhichevan region

This is an isolated region of Azerbaijan. Due to the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, which cuts Azerbaijan into two parts, the way to the region is difficult and possible only by air.

However, this is interesting. Beautiful landscapes, ancient settlements where little has changed over the past hundred years, hospitable people, rock paintings, the old Yezdagerd fortress, sacred mountain Gamigaya is what awaits those who dare to fly over the disputed territory and find themselves in an enclave on the other side of the country.

Sheki-Zagatala region

The region not only has many natural beauties and amazing landscapes, but also the brightest city of Azerbaijan Sheki .

In the very center of Sheki, there is a magnificent old caravanserai, converted into a quite affordable hotel. Living there, it is impossible not to feel a slight taste of antiquity in every detail. By the way, the word "barn" is translated as "palace", but not at all in the way we thought.

Sheki is a magical city, especially in the evening sunset light. I strongly recommend not to miss!

Shirvan region

Mountain climbing, easy walks, visiting waterfalls - there is everything for lovers active rest.

Shirvan Valley incredibly picturesque. I present my personal recipe for a reboot: a leisurely walk through the most beautiful Shirvan valleys with rivers, peaks, meadows and giant boulders that have found their eternal home here.

Top cities

Baku

A city of unimaginable contrasts, where incredible futuristic buildings and cozy quarters of Old Baku coexist hand in hand.

While walking, the contrast is striking. Right now, I wandered into the old entrance, where the names of the former residents embossed forever on the mailboxes have not yet been erased, and after a few steps I find myself in the city of skyscrapers, reminiscent of the fact that there is oil here.

The beautiful embankment is especially beautiful in the evening, when the high-rise buildings are painted in the colors of the Azerbaijani flag, and the water breaks against battered stones with a pleasant noise.

According to my observations, the embankment looks like during the day, and in the evening like.

There are many in the city interesting sculptures well integrated into its architecture.

A girl talking on the phone, a pile of books, a sad violinist - these statues seem as real as the shoe shiners, reminding us that cleanliness is held in high esteem in the Caucasus.

Surprisingly, silk carpets in old shops, a monument to tea, mosques, birdhouses and cats of all stripes coexist together very organically. Probably one of the few cities I have visited that is so eclectic.

It is worth allocating a few days to get to know the city so that you can take your time, feel free to get lost in the narrow streets of the Old Town, look at the doors made in the form of backgammon and other cute details and enjoy gastronomic tourism to your heart's content.

And, of course, don’t forget to take a “damn it” memorable shot on Kichik-Gala Street near the very house where the episode of the film “The Diamond Arm” was filmed.

Sheki

Unlike Baku, this city is small but very atmospheric: terracotta houses with carved balconies surrounded by picturesque green mountains, cars from the 80s and warm tones of the setting sun could not but please me.

The most famous landmark of the city is the Palace of Sheki Khans.
From here you can also go to Kish, a small village with an Albanian church, in half a day.

A minibus ride in Azerbaijan is already an adventure. All the passengers got to know me, and during these 40 minutes on the road, everyone shared their story. Undoubtedly, the most valuable thing on the road is the people we meet.

It is they who form the impressions of the country, only they can make an unforgettable trip on a broken-down minibus, or they can spoil the feeling of a hotel with stars.

And I remind you that in Sheki you need to stop only in the caravanserai - the oldest and most beautiful hotel cities!

Lip

This is the village in which I ended up on the way to the Khinalyg village. A place with a single hotel, old dilapidated baths and the remnants of former luxury in the form of a grand staircase in the middle of an empty park. Well, this is what real local life looks like far from oil money.

However, I felt great here. Because the elderly residents of the city speak Russian well, because they treat you with respect, because they strive to feed you.

The part of the city behind the bridge is called Krasnaya Sloboda. If you cross the bridge and walk along this very Sloboda, it will seem that you have been transported into happiness, because on every corner there is nothing less than a real “Palace of Happiness”. However, the truth turned out to be more prosaic.

Registry offices are called houses of happiness here.

The history of the freedom is interesting. Mountain Jews live here, and the settlement itself is divided into quarters with synagogue centers. Initially, representatives of this rare nation spoke their own language, reminiscent of Farsi, but now it is not difficult to meet bilingual Jews who understand and speak Azerbaijani, and trilingual residents who speak Russian well, too.

Even in Guba, as in any place where there are few sights, or rather, in places that in themselves are one big attraction, you cannot miss the bazaar. I remember I bought figs, and they gave me a kilogram of pears as a gift, and this is not uncommon here!

In my case, the market was marked by an event that, according to my estimates, could not have happened in Guba. Anywhere but not there. While tasting grapes at the market, I noticed a movement, and a local boy said: "Depardieu will come now." “Of course, of course,” I thought skeptically. But he really came and was no less surprised than we were to see fair girls at the market in Guba. The conversation was brief but memorable.

Here is such a town Guba - a city of surprises and unexpected meetings.

Minibuses leave for Guba from the Baku bus station every half an hour at a price of 2–3 USD, the journey time is 3 hours.

Nakhichevan

This is an enclave city, so if you decide to include it in the itinerary, you will have to fly from Baku by Azerbaijan Airlines for 40 minutes and 40 USD(tickets for this flight cannot be bought online, but only at the box office). The city itself is located on the border with Iran, so the capital's residents often go to Nakhichevan in a detour: by car through Iran. If you have a visa, this way is overcome in 10-12 hours.

There are many ancient monuments in the city, and if you get here, be sure to visit: the mausoleum of Kuseyir of the XI century, the fortress of Gyaur-kala, the mausoleum of Noah, the caravanserai in Julfa and the mausoleum of Momine Khatun. And, probably, the most incredible construction of the city is the Khudaferin bridges over the Araks River.

It is interesting to look at the monument to Bebek, the Azerbaijani-Iranian analogue of Stepan Razin, who became famous for his unsuccessful uprising against the Iranian Caliphate.

Ganja

This is the second largest city in Azerbaijan, formerly known as Kirovobad. In the planning of the urban structure, various national characteristics. Ethnic Germans, who left the city only in the 90s, played a significant role in the design and creation of houses and parks.

Naturally, there are buildings in the city that have survived to this day from the Soviet era. Such an eclectic mix is ​​very characteristic of Azerbaijan.

I was struck by the plane trees in Ganja - 500 slender green trees that adorn the city and are considered its symbol. The oldest tree named Dyul-Dyul is 1,500 years old.

Ganja as a museum open sky: if you just wander through its streets and districts, you will definitely stumble upon something interesting. I accidentally came across a strange building decorated with bottles, and the locals immediately told me that the building is called the “bottle house”.

The building was built by a man who lost his son in the war, and it was in memory of him that he decorated the building with portraits of the hero, as well as stones and 50,000 glass bottles brought from different parts of the USSR. Sad and touching story.

Mingachevir

vintage and interesting city on the banks of the Kura River. There is architectural monuments, historical evidence, parks, the ancient settlement of Sudagylan and the reservoir, which the locals call the Mingachevir Sea. Still: there is even fish here! And the pond itself is used by artists for inspiration.

For me, the most pleasant place was a cozy embankment with shady alleys and almost a sea panorama.

Top attractions

1. Xinaliq (Xınalıq)
   A small village far in the mountains could be one of thousands of similar villages, but still it is special. A small nationality lives here, the Khinalygs, who have preserved their unique language.
   There are a lot of amazing things in Khinalyg, children have huge eyes, cows have long eyelashes, and life here is its own, measured ...
   Children blow bubbles, women do laundry, men in identical suits walk slowly through the village. And it is surprising that, despite such a remote location, the Internet has been here for 7 years.
   
2. "Gobustan" (Qobustan) - Azerbaijani "cosmos"
   The Gobustan National Park is located 30 kilometers from Baku. And it is triple surprising that, having overcome such a short distance from cosmopolitan Baku, you find yourself in a different world. On another planet. In a parallel universe.
   The national park is a large desert area with petroglyphs scattered over it, about 5,000 years old. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of petroglyphs, but the shades of red-brown stones struck me.
   There are also famous mud volcanoes. Around the mountains, stones of strange colors and cracked earth. In the distance, the sun is shining over the mountains and stones, there are no people.
   Unusual landscape, as in "The Secret of the Third Planet". Volcanoes make strange noises. So you sit on the ground, waiting for a splash, and around: gurgling, gurgling, gurgling. Curious.
   For an excursion from Baku, travel agencies ask for about 150 USD for the whole day. I went on my own by public transport: buses No. 120, then No. 195 will be taken to a place on the highway where taxi drivers stand and offer a ride through the park. The price for this trip is 15–20 USD.
3. Maiden Tower in Baku (Qız Qalası)
   Walking around Baku, it is impossible to miss this massive building in the Old City. Scientists are still arguing about the purpose of the tower and its age, but this name interested me. A local resident, an elderly Tural, told me a legend about how the tower appeared. And, frankly, legends are much more interesting than boring facts.
   The word "maiden" is used here in the sense of "impregnable, uncaptured", because at one time the tower was part of the defensive structures of the Baku fortress. The legend says: the local shah fell in love with his daughter and forced her to marry. She, of course, resisted and, in order to somehow cool the ardor of the lustful father, she asked him to build a tower, in the hope that during the construction of a high structure, her father would change his mind. But the shah stood his ground, then the beauty climbed the tower and threw herself into the sea.
   I climbed the tower 1.5 USD) and enjoy the views of the Old Town, looking at the authentic balconies and mourning the fate of the unfortunate girl.
4. Palace of Sheki Khans (Şəki xan sarayı)
   Sheki itself is a pleasant city, but the Palace of Khans is a real treasure. Having crossed the threshold of the ancient palace, I seemed to have fallen into a treasure chest (entrance - 1.5 USD). Still, imagine stained glass windows made of 14,000 multi-colored pieces of Venetian glass.
   The palace is more of a living quarters than a museum, and this is especially interesting. While walking among the interior items of women's and men's rooms, the imagination involuntarily draws pictures from the past, where a richly dressed khan eats a handful of grapes on a sunlit terrace.
   Guests are greeted by two spreading plane trees, plane trees, well sheltered from the midday heat. The palace is very interesting excursions (3USD).
5. Square state flag in Baku (Dovlət BayrağI Meydanı)
   "Square" is a conventional name, in fact, the territory of the place is 60 hectares.
   The height of the flag placed here is more than 160 meters, and the size of the banner itself is 35 by 79 meters.
   It is here, when the sea wind is waving a giant flag, that the respectful attitude of Azerbaijanis towards their country and its main symbol is very much felt. This is worth learning.
   Nearby there is a Ferris wheel, several galleries, a beautiful embankment with sculptures, a cozy promenade, cafes, restaurants and even a small one where you can ride along the milky rivers on your own gondola. And from all these places you can see the flag!
   
6. Goygol Lake (Göygöl)
   Azerbaijan is associated more with oil than with a beach holiday. But nevertheless, in addition to the coast of the Caspian Sea, you can swim here in fresh water. Lake Goygol is located 45 kilometers from Ganja, quite close to the border with the unrecognized republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
   The lake has clear water that you can drink, and if you can drink, then the fish are comfortable here. In a lake surrounded the most beautiful places, there is trout.
   It will not work to plunge into the lake, the approach to the water is prohibited, moreover, the water temperature in the hottest time does not rise above +17 °C. I would not call it a problem, because in good weather here, in the green forests, it is great to walk around the neighborhood and breathe clean air.
7. Absheron National Park (Abşeron Milli Parkı)
   An excellent natural park just an hour's drive from Baku. 700 hectares of the reserve are located in a picturesque place on the Absheron Peninsula. Here, if you're lucky, you can see many species of birds, animals and plants. And in the waters of the Caspian, starting from September, you can meet a sea snake or even a Caspian fur seal.
   Entrance to the park costs about 1 USD, you can get by taxi from Baku (about 40 USD).
   Don't forget a cap and sunscreen, the sun can be very hot. It is possible to hire a guide in the park, but I preferred to walk on my own. The place is conducive to reflection on the eternal and the essential. Tickets can be bought.
8. Beshbarmag (Beşbarmaq)
   The name is surprisingly consonant with the popular oriental dish beshbarmak, but the meaning is very far from it. Beshbarmag is a mountain 40 kilometers from Baku.
   In fact, the answer is simple: beshbarmak means “5 fingers” in translation - a meat dish is eaten in this way, and the mountain resembles fingers with its shape.
   The mountain is not just beautiful, it knows how to fulfill desires, but only those who will spare no effort and climb it. There are cases when climbing the mountain helped the suffering to be healed of ailments, and those who dreamed of children to become parents. The views from the mountain are magnificent, and water drips from the source, healing any ailment.
   According to legend, the immortal sage Khyzr prayed here, dreaming of knowing the secrets of life. And until now, people go and go to the mountain to feel their involvement with higher powers, to ask to fulfill a desire or to part with their own sins.
9. Icheri Sheher (İçəri şəhər)
   This is the Old City in Baku, bounded by fortress walls. Here you feel strange, because being in a place with such a pronounced historical and cultural flavor, reminders of modernity come across to the eye every now and then.
   Either a huge flag develops in the distance, or skyscrapers divide the horizon line into several parts. But in Icheri Sheher one must concentrate on the old.
   There is no need to plan a route, you just need to wander through the narrow streets with balconies, look into courtyards, greet people, idly admire old souvenirs, effortlessly ask the price of carpets.
   Everything is interesting here, and I really fell in love with the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, where I had to pay for the entrance 1 USD, and the market square, which is 6 meters below ground level.
   Until now, Kasum-bek's bathhouse, ancient mosques, the Maiden's Tower stir the soul and evoke memories of the amazing atmosphere of the Old City.
10. Craftsman Village Lahij (Lahıc)
    Lagich is a small but very interesting village near the city of Ismayilli. If in the city of Ismayilli the only entertainment for tourists is a cafe with delicious food and beautiful name"Dostluk" (friendship), then in Lahij, there is something to see.
    This is probably one of the most famous eastern centers of handicrafts. Here you can watch how copper and leather goods are made in numerous workshops, how carpets are woven, traditional oriental ornaments are applied, and even weapons are made by the hands of masters of their craft.
    The secrets of the craft have been passed down from generation to generation and, judging by the works, have been perfectly preserved. As, however, is the sewerage of the city, which, according to the stories of a local old woman, is 1,000 years old! You can get to Lagich from Ismayilli for 1 USD and 50 minutes. Minibuses go to Ismayilli from Baku, you will have to pay for the 5-hour journey 3–4 USD.

Weather

Azerbaijan is interesting at any time, but of course best time to visit from spring to autumn.

Summer

This is the time of year for those who love the heat and want to include in the travel program beach holiday. During the day, the air temperature in Baku can reach +30 °C. A sea ​​water warms up to + 25–26 ° С.

The heat and drought can be hard to bear, especially if you like long walks and hikes. Therefore, summer is here for the persistent.

Spring

Great time for nature lovers. This season is not hot here, the time of flowering begins, and the stay will be comfortable. The temperature in April-May reaches +20–25 °C, but we must remember that the higher the mountains, the colder.

The swimming season begins in mid-June, until this time the sea can only be enjoyed visually.

Autumn

This period of the year is suitable for those like me, for those who like to combine a hundred in one. In autumn it is still warm, you can swim, and, depending on the month, you can catch the harvest of fruits and vegetables.

In autumn it is about +25 °С in Baku, the water in the Caspian Sea is about +22 °С, which is quite suitable for swimming.

Azerbaijan is a very sunny country, but it can rain in autumn and spring, they paint natural landscapes and urban landscapes in completely different colors, and this is wonderful. But they can also make it difficult to visit the sights.

For example, in October it was raining in Ismayilli, and it was difficult to get to the handicraft Lagich because of the erosion of the road, which the locals playfully called "mountain drain" in their own way.

Winter

It can snow in Baku in winter, at this time there are quite a few tourists. Such weather for an amateur makes a walk along the embankment and especially in the Old Town incredibly atmospheric.

You can not expect special cold weather, in winter the thermometer rarely drops below -2 ° C.

Nature has no bad weather, so choose a convenient time and go to get acquainted with beautiful Azerbaijan!

Moving around the country

Traveling around Azerbaijan is quite easy, especially for us who speak Russian. You can use a plane, train, bus, minibus or even a taxi.

By taxi

Taxi service is developed in Baku. You can use the international Uber system, you can order a taxi through applications, then the price will be fixed, or you can catch private traders on the street, then the cost of the trip can be absolutely any, besides, the street bomber may simply not want to go where you need.

A couple of years ago, London cabs began to operate in Baku, which have perfectly taken root in the city. In the people, however, they are often called "eggplant" because of the characteristic color, but they drive strictly according to the meter.

Probably this is what vehicle dedicated to a funny song about "Lada sedan eggplant".

Long-distance taxi rides are possible, their price directly depends on your ability to bargain.

By plane

Airplane - convenient way moving around the country and, I must say, quite affordable. The Azerbaijan Lines airline operates regular flights to Ganja, Gabala and Nakhichevan:

• planes from Baku to Ganja fly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (1 hour on the way and 31USD).
• Planes fly to Gabala from Baku on Fridays and Sundays (one hour and 28 USD).
• there are also flights to Nakhichevan, but they can only be purchased at the box office (40 minutes and 40 USD).

By bus

Historically, the most popular transport in the post-Soviet space is land transport. Many minibuses and buses go to all corners of the country.

Here are the most popular routes that depart from the main bus station in Baku:

• Baku - Gabala (5.5 hours, 5 USD);
• Baku - Guba (3.5 hours, 3USD);
• Baku - Ganja (7 hours, 4 USD);
• Baku - Ismayilli (5.5 hours, 3–4 USD);
• Baku - Lankaran (6.5 hours, 3USD);
• Baku - Sheki (7 hours, 4 USD).

The bus station is located at the metro station "January 20th" from where you need to pass a couple of stops on the city bus.

By train

The train is a great alternative to the bus. In almost all countries of the former USSR where there is such an option, I choose the railway. Firstly, the train is much safer than buses and minibuses with impudent and impetuous drivers. Secondly, trains arrive on schedule, and thirdly, you can enjoy the view from the window in a comfortable horizontal position.

Azerbaijani railways offer routes to most places that may be of interest to the traveler. Ticket prices are quite low, and therefore they sell out pretty quickly.

• Mingachevir,
• Zagatala,
• Shirvan,
• Astara,
• Balakan.

• Hertz;
• Aznur (there is a counter at Baku airport);
• Nascar rent;
• caravan;
• Cermington.

Rent price:

• car category "mini" - 10–15 USD per day;
• car "standard" - approx. 15–35 USD per day, depending on the total number of days (on weekends, the tariff doubles);
• SUV - 40–60 USD.

Many companies require a security deposit of 180–200 USD for a car and 250 USD for an SUV.

The requirements for the tenant are easy to meet: you must have more than 2 years of experience, international driving license and a credit card or cash for collateral.

A liter of quality gasoline in Azerbaijan costs $0.7.

Connection

In Azerbaijan, a foreigner can easily purchase a SIM card with the Internet, for this it is necessary to present international passport. The peculiarity of the region is that the cost of a SIM card and a package often depends on the “beauty” of the number.

Some cards may cost 10 USD if the number is easy to remember and consists of repeated digits. If this moment is not important for you, then for 2–4 USD you can easily connect to a mobile network.

There are three operators in Azerbaijan: Azersel, Baksel and Nar-Azerfon. Their prices for services are about the same, but local residents said that Azersel's connection was a little better.

I used the rate Gənc Ol: 2 GB of traffic, 200 minutes of on-net calls and 200 SMS cost me 3 USD (5 AZN).

Common in hotels and restaurants WiFi so you'll always be connected. Even in the remote village of Khinalig, people have known what the Internet is for many years and actively use it.

Language and communication

Azerbaijani is spoken in Azerbaijan. Now the written language is based on the Latin alphabet, but some letters, with all our desire, we will not be able to read. However, there is also good news. Almost all young people in the capital speak English and Russian, while older people speak Russian practically at our level.

There are also funny incidents, for example, in the distant village of Khinalyg, where, as I said, there is a language, one stern man pointed to his wife with a question:

-How old do you think he is?
-To whom "him?
- To him, my wife.

Another nuance is the false friends of the translator, on the very first day I was embarrassed by the inscription "sexy", found on many signs.

"Sexy ceramics", "sexy motors", "sexy halva". Fortunately, "sexy" is not what you and I thought, "sexy" means "shop"!

The phrase “1,001 trifles” sounds a little different here.

As elsewhere, if people want to understand each other, they will understand. The main thing is to be open and be a person, then it will be intuitively clear that “liquid lamb” is “soup with meat”, and that it is better to refuse the offer of hot young men to “make friends” in the evening just in case.

1. The most important word among the Eastern peoples is "friend" ( dost). Use it as often as possible, like a derivative of it dostluk which means "friendship".
2. salam- "Good afternoon", halalik- "Goodbye".
3. Word " Azadlig” - “freedom” is very common: freedom avenue, freedom street, freedom radio and so on.
4. Choh sagol- "Thank you".
5. Menim khoshuma galir…- "I like…".
6. Pshchik- "cat".
7. Bahadir- "very expensive".
8. Lazet- "pleasure", for example, cutlet lazet- "cutlets are just a buzz."
9. Menim adyn… - "My name is...".
10. Duddle- "tasty".

Treat people well, try to say at least a few words in their language, and the result will surprise you, and the trip will turn out to be special and very personal!

Features of the mentality

Azerbaijanis are very pleasant people. Personally, I remember most of all two of their features: incredible hospitality And respect for elders. As one respectable old man in Baku told me, his son, who turned 50 this year, still does not smoke in his presence.

The elderly will always be helped; to imagine an aged father or mother who will be given to a nursing home is impossible here.

It is curious that until now, in many families of Azerbaijan, parents recommend a marriage partner to their daughter and son. And many do follow this advice, but not always out of respect for their parents, and sometimes because they prefer to take the path of least resistance. Nevertheless, there is always a choice, especially in cosmopolitan Baku, and if a girl wants to make a career and not get married at 25, then she will do it, although not without pressure from the outside.

Relations with girls are a sore subject for young Azerbaijanis: dating for a long time without getting married is not encouraged, civil marriage is very rare and condemned. As a French tourist I met told me, one day they went to a club to dance, thinking that, like in any European club, you can have fun and meet girls, and were very surprised that only men were dancing in the club. "Why do you come here?" - the guys asked in bewilderment. "Dance," was the answer.

But do not forget that Azerbaijan is a Muslim country, and the men here are "hot", so if you are a girl, then avoid very revealing clothes and inappropriate coquetry.

In general, the attitude towards girls is respectful, but since the world is eastern, even in restaurants we were offered a separate room, which here is called an “office”. Not because it's dangerous, but because it's more comfortable.

I have the best memories of the people of Azerbaijan, and especially about their amazing tact, when, unlike annoying merchants, as often shown in the movies, people respectfully and with an open heart strive to help, but if you show that everything is fine and help is not needed, no one will bother, and you will be left in peace.

Food and drink

Azerbaijan is a country that combines historical, natural and gastronomic tourism. I have not seen such an abundance of delicious food for a long time: a variety of snacks, pickles, meat and fish delicacies, soups, sweets and fruit and vegetable dishes.

Beverages

As in any oriental cuisine, drinks are popular here. from dairy products.

By the way, the locals advise eating a lot of fried fat tail with heavy libations, as it is not only tasty, but also envelops the stomach and intoxication is not felt.

And, of course, without tea not a single meal is spared.

The tradition of eating

Equally tasty and satisfying you can have lunch or dinner in expensive restaurants and small eateries.

I was amazed by the breakfast. Usually, a morning meal involves something light and rather small, but here on the table at such an early hour there are cheese, fresh bread, thick jam, homemade cream, eggs and even cabbage rolls!

If you are lucky enough to be invited to visit, then delicious dishes will be generously flavored with incredible Azerbaijani hospitality.

5 dishes worth trying

shopping

Azerbaijan is a very original country, which means that in the pursuit of souvenirs, you can stumble upon very interesting things here. Of course, Baku also has modern shopping centers and giant malls, but, like everywhere in the East, real treasures lurk in the shadows of narrow streets: in workshops, shops and small markets.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

As in any eastern country, the purchase of goods is a game, and without bargaining, the game is not interesting to either the buyer or the seller. A foreigner may be told a deliberately high price, but if you have learned a few words from my list and are familiar with the culture of the East, then bargaining will help you drop the price, and sometimes even several times.

In local small shops, guests are offered tea and sweets absolutely free of charge, and during the selection process, you can hear interesting stories from seasoned dealers in antique treasures.

The range of souvenirs worth bringing from Azerbaijan is very wide: from crumbly fragrant spices to national slippers, from tea bowls to carpets, from ceramics and leather goods to real black caviar. More about them below.

The best cities for shopping

The best cities for shopping are Baku, Sheki and Lahij.

I tend to buy few souvenirs and usually choose inexpensive and memorable crafts that do not take up much space, can be used in everyday life and, of course, the choice falls only on those things that are filled with memories of this country. But there are also such travelers for whom shopping is boutiques.

The infrastructure of Baku will also please parents:

• it is a pleasure to walk along the long embankment with a stroller,
• shopping centers have children's entertainment centers,
• and on the streets of the city there are playgrounds for the smallest.

As always, if you are traveling with children, be sure to take what you are used to with you, especially medicines.

You can easily find diapers and baby food in Azerbaijani stores.

Safety

Azerbaijan in general and Baku in particular are quite safe. The capital is well patrolled and well lit. The crime rate in the country is very low. Of course, you should not lose your head and forget about all the existing precautions. Behave with restraint and respect, do not be afraid of the locals, and almost 100% that nothing will happen to you.

Girls can also easily travel around Azerbaijan, but sometimes they may feel a slight discomfort because, in principle, this is not accepted in this part of the world, and therefore it is surprising.

Remember that what is normal behavior for us can be perceived as coquetry in the conservative East. I have only encountered respectful attitude, and although sometimes you can get a cryptic offer, it all depends on you: if you behave with dignity, then Azerbaijanis will never take violent actions.

at (1 hour 10 minutes and 80 USD);

V Tehran(1.5 hours and 60 USD).

Money

National currency of Azerbaijan - manat (AZN).

For 1 AZN they give about 0.6 USD.

The largest bill is 100 AZN, which is approximately 60 USD or 50 EUR.

Cash euros, dollars and rubles can be exchanged at numerous currency exchange offices. Of course, as elsewhere, we must remember that the most unfavorable exchange rate is found at airports, train stations and tourist places.

Exchange offices offer a higher rate for dollars and euros, the direct exchange rate of the ruble is slightly lower.

• October 26, 2017

The thirst for travel is like an appetite - it always comes with food, and in our case - during the journey itself. No matter how it sounds, albeit a tautology, but it is completely about me and Seryozha.

It all started with the fact that we went to a long-planned Honeymoon to Georgia, having previously considered the desired and dreamy photo shoot in a white dress and suit against the backdrop of mountain landscapes. By the way, our gorgeous photos are already ready, you can see them and read the background - in.

Literally on the third day of our stay in Georgia, something got into my head not to go home, but to continue our journey in the Azerbaijani capital, in the city of Baku. The countries are neighbors, so we, without thinking for a long time, bought tickets from Tbilisi to Baku. Just an hour and a half and we are in the richest and most luxurious city in the Caucasus.

The architecture of Baku amazes from the moment you arrive at the Heydar Aliyev Airport, which, although small in size, has been ranked first as the most comfortable airport in the world for several years in a row. In the city itself, regardless of whether it is the center or the outskirts, good and wide roads, a lot of expensive cars and fashion boutiques and restored facades of buildings.

Maiden's Tower



Fountain in the Philharmonic Garden

Starting to explore the city, remember that Azerbaijanis are very sociable and sociable, do not mind and even love being photographed. Just please don't be like the Indians or the Chinese - don't take photos of people on the sly and don't stoop to stupid selfies, especially without permission.

Baku people for backgammon

Where is the best place to stay in Baku:

• best hostel in Baku: Freedom Hostel;
• Baku hotels through the Edem-v-gosti.ru service;
• best budget hotel: Akvilon Hotel;
• best mid-range hotel: Seven Rooms Boutique Hotel;
• Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel.

Do you want to choose another hotel in Baku? Click on the link to see the whole list

Also check the listing of Baku apartments on Airbnb. Click here for a €34 discount on your first Airbnb booking.

It is impossible to get bored in Baku, but there is a certain, my personal hit parade of things that must be done in the capital of Azerbaijan. I hope you appreciate it ;)

1. Drink a million liters of tea

In any cafe, under any circumstances, and in general - there is no time to explain - drink tea! Good Azerbaijani leaf tea is called "black gold" in the country. By the way, you can buy a good one at. Azerbaijanis brew tea in teapots with a capacity of at least 500 ml and pour it into crystal curved glasses called armuds. Everything is quite prosaic, except for a special presentation. Be sure to order a couple of small bowls with different jams for tea: from white cherries to figs. They also serve interesting pastries as a snack, for example, shekerbura, baklava or mutaki. In all these products, the filling is a walnut, from the principle "the rich, the happy." While drinking tea, do not rush and do not forget to thank life for being so beautiful with you!

It is best to drink tea with a view of the sea and the city, for example, in the Çay Bağı 145 teahouse, which is located next to the Maiden's Tower.

Sea view from the tea room
In the photo shekerbura in a plate

2. Meet the locals

That point, which is simply impossible not to implement in Baku. As I wrote above, Azerbaijanis are very sociable. Only upon arrival in the capital, a woman (!) wrote to me on Facebook, who offered to show us Baku free of charge at any time of the day. Whether from boredom, or from pride in their native country, or simply - to communicate and meet new people. I love this! No need to look for a guide in Baku - he will find you himself! I am already silent about our housemate, but we settled right in the heart of the old city of Icheri Sheher - he, as the owner of a travel agency, did not let us pass: he offered wine, and tea, and to talk: D

By the way, cats in Baku are also local residents, if you are the same “cats” as we are, do not pass by - cuddle the fluffy beauties. Well, nobody forbids taking a trillion photos.

Baku cats

3. Love carpets

I read somewhere that if you didn’t fall in love with Azerbaijani carpets and didn’t want to buy one for yourself, consider that you haven’t been to Azerbaijan! A joke that's all true. I had to cry for a long time over one brand new carpet from a souvenir shop, but Seryozha was adamant and kept asking where we would put it. They never brought the carpet home. Don't repeat our mistakes. The fashion for everything authentic is back, and your brand new renovation definitely lacks a small carpet near the sofa.

Here's one of those little rugs that would do.

In another souvenir shop, I was even offered to feel the energy of old antique and very expensive carpets, just by putting my hands between them. But besides the awkwardness and the strange smell of stale carpets, of course, I didn’t feel anything.

Azerbaijani carpets

4. Find locations from the movie "The Diamond Hand"

Quests have already been prepared for tourists in Baku, having previously marked the locations from the film on the map. Such an entertaining and very addictive program. It was in Baku that foreign scenes from the "Diamond Hand" were filmed. If you go to the right, you will see tourists on Kichik Gala street, falling on the fifth point and shouting "Damn it!" in such a spirit.

The same pharmacy

5. Try Azerbaijani plov

Azerbaijani pilaf in its variations is cooked with lamb and with the addition of dried fruits, nuts and chestnuts. The aromatic spices are saffron and turmeric. Ideally, you can only get to the most delicious pilaf at a party. As one local resident told me, Azerbaijanis go out to the restaurant only to eat barbecue (kebab), and they cook the rest at home. Arrange yourself a quest to find the best national pilaf in Baku. Most of the restaurants national cuisine located within Icheri Sheher, but I was recommended one outside the city - with a special design, a huge territory, live music, which is called Gala Bazaar (here restaurant page on Facebook).

6. See the famous Flame Towers

The calling card of evening Baku is the Flame Towers or Flame Towers. The towers and their light animation can be seen from almost every point of the old city and throughout the Neftchilar Avenue and Primorsky Boulevard of Baku. Buildings resemble three flames and are illuminated by fire or water animations that fill the towers. After a couple of minutes, the picture changes and now a man with the flag of Azerbaijan goes around each tower in a circle. The spectacle is worth all the attempts to photograph it at night with shutter speed.

Flame Towers in all its glory

7. Go to the local market

Visiting local markets is a must have a good travel, in my humble opinion. Absolutely never miss this tourist attraction. For new impressions, go to Yashyl ​​Bazaar, where you can buy vitamin bombs and sweets to take home for your family and friends. Recently a whole article with an assortment. Do not forget to visit the souvenir market in the center of Icheri Sheher.

Souvenir shops in the Old Town

8. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center

This masterpiece of architecture, which was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, once won the first place in the ranking of the most beautiful buildings in the world in the recent 2014 and is named after the third President of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev. The former ruler is a key figure in Azerbaijani history. You can learn about the historical details of the country inside the building, where the museum and numerous exhibitions are located: from folk musical instruments and clothes, to Aliyev's personal collection of cars.

Space!

9. Ride in an eggplant taxi

It is these cars that carry the British in the capital of Great Britain, only the cabs are black. And in Baku the eggplant-colored cabs. These photogenic cars catch on themselves not the first click of shutters of tourist photo guns.

Well, stylist!

10. Swim in the Caspian Sea

If you have gathered for a short time in Baku, then this may be a ready-made program for at least a weekend. Therefore, I wish you easy travels and pleasant memories!

If you want to add to the list, don't be afraid to write your options in the comments;) In the meantime, I'll show you our final video from Azerbaijan:

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Trend Life/ - Within the framework of the "Journey through Azerbaijan" project, we present to Trend Life readers a material about the ancient Albanian church in the village of Kish, which is located in the Sheki region of Azerbaijan.

This Albanian shrine keeps many secrets, legends and beliefs, for many centuries it amazes with its majesty and attracts people with its understatement and the fact that it carries a certain part of the world that no longer exists. Perhaps, after some time, scientists will be able to find the secrets that the monument left to us by the ancient Albanians still keeps in itself. From the mountain village of Kish, the shrine got its name - Kish Church - one of the first temples in the Christian world. Currently, this historical and architectural monument operates as a museum. And 26 nationalities live in the village, among them are those who consider Albanians their forefathers.

The history of the church begins in Jerusalem. Anthropometric excellence

Caucasian Albania is an ancient state that arose at the end of the 2nd to the middle of the 1st centuries BC. The population - Albanians (not related to the Balkan Albanians and representatives of the Kazakh kind of Albanians) was a union of 26 tribes. Numerous tribes of the Albanian tribal union inhabited the territories between Iberia and the Caspian Sea, from the Caucasus Range to the Kura River, although the territory of residence of the Albanian-speaking tribes extended further south, to the Araz River. Christianity began to spread in Caucasian Albania as early as the 1st century, and in the 4th century it became the state religion. Despite the fact that Islam was spread in Azerbaijan at the end of the 7th century, Christianity also continued to exist in some places. The territory formerly occupied by Caucasian Albania was known under the Persian name Arran until the 13th century. Capitals of Caucasian Albania in different time there were the cities of Gabala (until the 6th century) and Barda.

Archaeological excavations carried out by Azerbaijani and Norwegian researchers led by Thor Heyerdahl showed that the church in Kish is the same “Mother of all churches in the East”, about which the Albanian historian of the 7th century Moses Kalankatuysky wrote in his work “History of Albania”.

According to the historian, in the 1st century AD. The first patriarch of Jerusalem, Saint James, sent missionaries to different parts of the world to propagate the teachings of Jesus Christ. One of them, Elisha, a disciple of the Apostle Thaddeus, having preached throughout the territory of ancient Azerbaijan, settled in the village of Kish, gaining many followers here. Then, in the 1st century, Elisha, as well as the holy apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew, created the oldest Albanian apostolic church, which existed until early XIX century.

It was confirmed that the church in Kish is the oldest Christian building in the Caucasus, which was founded on the site of a pagan temple that once stood there. During the excavations, Azerbaijani and Norwegian scientists discovered details of pottery and household items, gold and bronze jewelry, and several burials that shocked the imagination with their mysteries. These were the skeletons of ancient people over two meters tall! Burials are massive - the bodies were 5-6 people on top of each other and 20-25 next to each other. Clergymen, people who lived and served in this church, were buried on the territory of the temple. Ancient Albanian writings were also found here, and although they could not be deciphered, nevertheless, the images of the candlestick and the tree of life were subsequently restored. And in a grave dating back to the 2nd-4th centuries, where a woman was buried, whose height reached almost two meters, her jewelry made of copper, inlaid with precious stones - pearls and turquoise, was found belonging to her. Heyerdahl believed that the first Albanians had individual genetic characteristics that were not transmitted to other, "ordinary" people. Studies have shown that Albanians were tall, blond with blue eyes with enviable growth - 2 meters 20 centimeters. Such anthropometric perfection!

After the studies carried out here and on the territory of ancient Gobustan, the famous scientist Thor Heyerdahl revised the established hypothesis about the migration of ancient people and suggested that the migration was not from north to south - "from the Varangians to the Greeks" - as previously thought, but vice versa - from Absheron to Varangians. Heyerdahl claimed that Azer Odin, the king of the Vikings and one of the ancestors of the Scandinavians, and his family came from the Caucasus, and that next to the name “Odin” (with emphasis on the first syllable) is the name of his tribe – “Azer” (Azerbaijan).

Architecture

Historical research and archaeological excavations have shown that the religious temple was founded in the 1st century AD. during the time of Caucasian Albania, most of which was located on the territory of modern Azerbaijan. In the 5th century AD, a dome was built and the church took the form that has survived to this day. By the way, according to archaeologists, the church was founded on the site even more ancient temple. Radiocarbon analysis of various objects found at the work site showed that the cult site found under the altar of the church dates back to approximately 3000 BC. e., while the existing church building was erected in 990-1160 AD. e. Previously, there was an inscription on the wall of the temple, which indicated that "this is the church of St. Elisha, and in 1244 it was rebuilt." The construction of the temple continued until the 4th century. In the 5th century, its rounded part was completed, and after the arrival of the Arabs in Azerbaijan in the 7th-8th centuries, its upper part was erected (XII century). As a result of the research, it became clear that the monument went through several stages of construction. It has reached our days in an updated form. The monument, built of limestone, is the first domed temple with a large hall erected in the Caucasus. The foundation of the monument is cup-shaped. It's interesting that Egyptian pyramids also built on a similar foundation. The masonry building is lined with carefully crafted slabs. The church has an elegant hipped dome and narrow windows. The internal architecture of the relatively small hall (for 50 people) and the courtyard, where the ancient burial is located, are also impressive. Above the burial, restorers installed transparent fiberglass, which allows you to see the skeleton of an unusually tall (at least two meters) person.

Miracles

On the right side of the entrance there is a grave, on it is a huge stone, along which imperceptible white strips of rock pass. It is assumed that saints and ministers of the Albanian church are buried here. It is claimed that the stone slab over the grave has miraculous powers. Sick children who could not find a cure for ailments used to be brought to him. The petitioners turned to the stone with the words: "I give you my child for good, and in return you heal him." There is a quince tree in the yard. It is said to be very old, and people believe that it also has healing and miraculous powers. Usually the tree is tied with pieces of matter. True, the administration does not allow this to be done, but nevertheless, faith in miracles is strong, and shreds appear every now and then. It is believed that you can not touch a tree, cut off or cut branches from it - the miraculous power may disappear. Inside the church there is a simple altar made of the same stone as the temple itself. Metal lamps hang along the edges of the walls. The base is a flower, along the edges of which two peacocks are installed. Among the ancient Albanians, peacocks symbolized the male and female principles, and the flower symbolized life. Right in the middle of the altar there is a grave in which the totem of ancient Albanians rests - a mountain goat. Albanians revered it as a sacred animal. In the room there was a place for exhibits found here near the skeletons - earrings, money, bracelets, silver jewelry, rings. One of the wonders of Albanian basilica is the wall located at the base of the altar. As a rule, those who come here make a wish and attach a coin to the wall. According to legend, if she clung, then the desire will certainly come true.

ABOUT COUNTRY

Being a cradle ancient civilization, as well as being at the crossroads of geopolitical, economic, cultural interests of many tribes and peoples, Azerbaijan has a rich cultural heritage. The country is located in the South Caucasus, on the western coast of the Caspian Sea. The republic borders with Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Turkey and Russia, by sea - with Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. total area Azerbaijan is 86,600 sq. km, and the population is more than 9 million people.

The capital of Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, located at the junction of Europe and Asia, the port city of Baku. Baku is the cultural, industrial, political capital of Azerbaijan, located on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, on the shores of the bay of the same name in the southern part of the Absheron Peninsula, rich in its oil fields. This is one of the most charming cities in the East, whose architectural sights and oriental charm attract tourists from all over the world.

How to get to Baku?

We will tell you how you can get to the “city of winds” Baku from Moscow and do it as cheaply as possible.

Select travel dates, number of passengers and click " Find tickets«

To begin with, we note that citizens of the CIS (except for Turkmenistan and Armenia) do not need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. For citizens of other countries, a visa is issued on the basis of an invitation from a private or legal person or a travel agency.

The easiest and fastest way to get to Baku is to take a direct flight. Dozens of planes fly out of Baku every day, so it’s not difficult to choose the option that suits the departure time and cost. There are both direct flights and routes with transfers. Flights are organized by Russian and foreign companies - Aeroflot, Azerbaijan Airlines, S7 Airlines, Belavia, Air Astana and others. The duration of a non-stop flight usually takes about 3 hours. You can select travel dates and buy plane tickets to Baku (or to another destination) at a low price through the "air tickets" section of our service.

Our site provides you with a convenient search engine, allowing you to sort and thereby find the most the best option flight for you.

To do this, you need to go to our website with a simple and easy-to-use interface, enter the city of arrival and click on the "find tickets" section. Then you will need to wait a bit until a tab opens with a list of offers from airlines from which you can choose.

Note that the information on the site is updated periodically and by leaving your e-mail, you can subscribe to our updates, which will help you not to miss the chance to purchase tickets at competitive prices.

Where to stay in Baku?

After the issue with the air ticket is resolved, you can start searching and booking accommodation. There are not just a lot of places where a tired traveler can make a halt in Baku, but a lot. Moreover, the rooms and service of many hotels are surprisingly High Quality. Apart from quite budget options, in the capital you can find a comfortable hotel for a very reasonable price.

We also recommend choosing hotels for the duration of your trip through our service, which allows you to compare room prices for most booking systems, which often leads to good savings. In the section of the site "" except for detailed information and characteristics, you can also see photos of hotels, which will greatly facilitate your choice.

Booking hotels with discounts up to 60%

Book a room at a bargain price!

What to try in Baku?

The next important step in planning a trip is food. It is impossible to leave Baku without trying the famous Azerbaijani dishes, the recipes of which are passed down from generation to generation. Throughout the city, there are a lot of inexpensive cafes offering their guests all kinds of kebabs, shish kebabs and the famous “kutab” (lavash with various fillings). You can have a bite to eat in such establishments for 5-10 local manats. You can find out the ruble exchange rate and calculate how much it does by going to the following link. or on the website of the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

There are several small restaurants in the old town, interesting not only for the local traditional cuisine, but also for the authentic atmosphere. It can be traced in the interiors and the attitude of the staff towards visitors - true oriental hospitality. If you need a snack on the run, then you can safely go to the stalls with shawarma, donuts and other pastries. They cook here quickly, tasty and at the same time keep the workplace clean.

In restaurants of national cuisine, you can taste unusual dishes and plunge into the atmosphere of oriental hospitality.

The city has several respectable bars, restaurants and nightclubs. The average price tag in them is much higher than in other institutions of the city, however, you can pay for a luxurious interior, European service, skillful presentation of dishes and an excellent view of the city and the sea.

What to see in Baku? What sights?

After the choice of housing has been made and the issue of food has been resolved, you can make a walking route in Baku. Conventionally, all the sights of the city can be divided into three parts: the Old Town, buildings built in Soviet period, and modern Baku. You can find a lot of useful information about Azerbaijan and Baku on the Internet. With the help of certain key search terms such as "10 the best places Azerbaijan”, “Sights of Baku”, etc. you will be able to get initial information about the country, its culture, customs. We decided to offer you our list of places that you must visit upon arrival in Azerbaijan:

"Icheri Sheher", i.e. Old city

The old city of Icheri Sheher is located in the center of modern Baku. The place is unique, saturated with history, unusual architecture, and is also full of souvenirs, small restaurants and traces of the Silk Road trade. This is a monument of eastern medieval architecture, preserved in Baku, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The “visiting cards” of the Old City are the ancient fortification Maiden’s Tower, a treasure of Azerbaijani architecture, the Palace Ensemble of the Shirvanshah rulers, erected here in the 15th century, and the Shemakhan Gate leading to the city. In addition, you will be interested to know that in this part of the city the filming of the movie "The Diamond Arm" was carried out.

Baku is especially luxurious at night. In the evening, as soon as the sun goes below the horizon, the golden lights of the city light up before the eyes of the townspeople and numerous tourists. The Baku Bay of the Absheron Peninsula resembles a chic necklace made of gold and precious stones. This is a very romantic city, walking around which you will get a lot of emotions and positive impressions.

Baku Seaside Boulevard is one of the sights of Baku, a favorite vacation spot for Baku residents and guests of the city. In 2009 he celebrated his 100th anniversary. The length of the park is 25 km. Here you can find a solid amount of entertainment for both children and adults, including many attractions, a string of cultural sites and much more. It also houses the world's first specialized museum for the collection, preservation and study of carpets, the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Shopping mall, many restaurants, as well as Baku "Venice" - a town on the water, which is one of the features of the Azerbaijani capital, one of the most beautiful and favorite places for recreation of residents and guests of the capital.

The upland park named after Sergei Kirov, located in the very center of Baku, is considered one of the most beautiful parks in the capital, as well as a favorite vacation spot for local residents. The park is unique in that from its territory you can see the panorama of the city, which explains the name of the park - Nagorny. Another name for the park, which has taken root among the people, is Observation deck. The park was built of limestone from Baku quarries of various colors on the site of an old Muslim cemetery. In Nagorny Park there is also an alley of Martyrs, where the victims of the "Black January" who died in the Karabakh war are buried, an open theater, a reading room, a cafe and other architectural monuments.

(literally “burning mountain”) is one of the most famous and popular among tourists places of “eternal flame” in Azerbaijan. This is a natural eternal fire that has been burning since ancient times on a hillside in Azerbaijan. Today, there are a small number of such natural gas flaring sources in the world, most of them are located in Azerbaijan. The natural eternal fire of Yanardag is caused by the leakage of combustible natural gas from a large field near the Absheron Peninsula.

If you are going to travel, if you want to get a bunch of positive emotions, to see how one country can combine two different cultures of the West and the East, to try the unique taste of oriental cuisine, to get acquainted with ancient sights and monuments of modern culture, to touch the national color, then you must come visit us!

When leaving the city, do not forget to buy souvenirs that reflect the national character and local flavor in which they were produced and purchased. These can be key chains, figurines, magnets, backgammon, which will be a pleasant reminder of your stay in Azerbaijan, visiting old Baku, holy places, museums, cultural objects, architecture, etc.

In conclusion, we note that our service site is a metasearch engine that, depending on your request, sorts information provided by 728 airlines, 40 agencies and 5 booking services, and gives you the opportunity to make a choice at the best prices .

The site has everything you need to independent traveler services: purchase of air tickets, hotel reservations, insurance, etc. Also, in addition to the listed services, on the site you can get information about excursions, sea cruises, tours and many others important to the traveler moments.