Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a city where modern architecture meets ancient history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. If you want to experience Baku like a local, ditch the typical tourist spots and follow this itinerary filled with hidden gems, local eateries, and authentic experiences.
Day 1: Old City Charm & Modern Marvels
Morning: Exploring Icherisheher (Old City)
Start your day with a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast at Çay Bagi 145, a cozy teahouse inside the Old City (Icherisheher). Enjoy hot tandir bread, local cheeses, honey, and a cup of saffron-infused tea.
Next, stroll through the narrow streets of the UNESCO-listed Old City, where you’ll discover:
✅ Maiden Tower – A mysterious 12th-century structure with a panoramic rooftop view.
✅ Shirvanshahs’ Palace – A 15th-century royal complex with stunning Islamic architecture.
✅ Miniature Book Museum – A quirky spot housing the world’s smallest books.
✅ Hidden Caravanserais – Historic inns once used by Silk Road traders.
💡 Local Tip: Grab a cup of strong Azerbaijani Armudu tea from a local café and sip it while people-watching in the Old City.
Afternoon: Boulevard Walk & Local Lunch
After exploring Icherisheher, walk to the Baku Boulevard, a scenic waterfront promenade stretching along the Caspian Sea.
🚤 Things to Do at the Boulevard:
- Take a short boat ride in the bay for amazing city views.
- Check out the quirky Mini Venice, a canal system with gondola-style boats.
- Visit the Carpet Museum, shaped like a rolled-up rug.
For lunch, skip the touristy spots and eat like a local at Nargiz Restaurant, where you can try:
🥩 Sadj (sizzling meat dish)
🍆 Badimjan dolmasi (stuffed eggplant)
🥗 Shakarbura (sweet pastry dessert)
Evening: Baku’s Modern Side
As the sun sets, head to Flame Towers, Baku’s iconic skyscrapers. Watch them light up in colorful patterns from Highland Park, which offers the best panoramic city views.
End the night at Room Bar & Lounge, a trendy spot where locals gather for live music, shisha, and cocktails. If you prefer something quieter, head to ETUD Café & Bar for a relaxed jazz evening.
Day 2: Hidden Gems & Local Experiences
Morning: Brunch & Local Markets
Start your second day with brunch at Port Baku Baku Café, a trendy local favorite serving delicious Azerbaijani and European fusion dishes.
Then, visit Teze Bazaar, Baku’s historic marketplace, where locals shop for:
🍇 Fresh fruits & nuts
🫒 Local cheeses & olives
🌿 Dried herbs & spices
💡 Local Tip: Buy some black caviar—Azerbaijan’s specialty—for a taste of local luxury!
Afternoon: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Explore Baku’s Soviet past by visiting:
🏛 Museum of Modern Art – Showcasing avant-garde Azerbaijani artists.
🚃 Abandoned Soviet Metro Entrances – Hidden relics of Baku’s underground transit history.
🕍 Juma Mosque – A quiet 12th-century mosque in the heart of the Old City.
For lunch, eat at Sehrli Tendir, a no-frills local spot famous for its gutab (stuffed flatbread) and tandir kebabs.
Evening: Sunset & Socializing Like a Local
In the evening, take a drive to Yanar Dag, the “Burning Mountain,” a natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries. This less-touristy attraction is a favorite among locals.
Finish your weekend in Baku at Enerji Club, a beachfront restaurant and bar where locals gather for late-night drinks, dancing, and Caspian Sea views.
Final Thoughts
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, modernity, and local experiences, making you feel like a true Baku resident. Whether you’re sipping tea in a historic caravanserai, exploring hidden metro tunnels, or enjoying a sunset at Yanar Dag, this weekend will leave you with unforgettable memories of Baku.
