Baku is a city of sharp contrasts. The skyline alone makes you stop and gaze, with the renowned Flame Towers illuminating the night in all of their grandeur. But, as futuristic as Baku appears, you simply have to go a few blocks to travel back in time. The Old City, also known as Icherisheher, is replete with winding stone streets, ancient mosques, and medieval fortifications. It resembles an ancient region buried amid a modern-style capital. You'll walk through twisting passageways, wonder at the Maiden Tower (a 12th-century mystery in and of itself), and feel transported to another universe.
Collecting top spots to visit and experiences not to miss.
A tour guide by Alla Garagashli
With an Economics degree, she quit her 9-to-5 job to roam the streets with tourists, making them fall in love with her favorite city. Her main tour focuses on Baku's oil boom buildings, but she offers a few other options, such as the one on the street doors, that you won't want to miss. This trip with Alla is on our list since she never does a standard city tour. No lengthy citations from textbooks with countless dates, no microphones (her tours are typically small and intimate). The most intriguing parts concerning the creators of houses, which account for nearly all of the city's splendor, can only be found in the most conspicuous stories.
Baristica Coffee Roastery
There's nothing quite like grabbing a steaming cappuccino and simply spending some alone time. Baristica is a popular location for coffee enthusiasts, noted for its commitment to producing high-quality specialty coffee. You will find a selection of expertly made coffees. They also roast their beans in-house to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. This establishment offers more than simply a caffeine fix; it offers an experience that honors the diversity of coffee culture.
A visit to Barza Art Bureau
Barza Collection is a thoughtfully curated art gallery featuring works from contemporary, highly regarded artists. They believe art is for everyone and aim to assist individuals in starting their own collections. The Barza team offers distinctive products and services to foster a meaningful connection between the collector and the artist, bringing art into personal spaces. They will assist you in selecting the most appropriate artwork that will become a souvenir and complement your home.
Bitter Cocktail Bar
A fan of a proper cocktail? If bars had mission statements, Bitter's would be to make Baku and its visitors adore Campari. A brand new bar, which took two years to create, opened its doors in September with a bright and slightly rebellious jewel that has mastered the art of cocktail crafting. With its seductive ambiance and beautiful decor, this place feels like a polished homage to Italy's golden period of cocktail culture. Bitter, dimly lit and throbbing with vitality, is a gathering place for both locals and visitors to taste the finest of the city's offerings.