The Old City (Icherisheher)
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Old City and its walls | A walled city of stone lanes, mosques and old caravanserais, on the World Heritage list. | Central Baku |
| The Maiden Tower | A round stone tower about 29 metres tall, with views over the sea and the city from the top. | Inside the Old City |
| The Palace of the Shirvanshahs | The 15th-century palace of the rulers of Shirvan, with its courtyards and stone halls. | Upper Old City |
Modern Baku
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Flame Towers | Three towers shaped like tongues of fire, lit up at night with moving flames. | Seen from all over the city, best at night |
| Highland Park | A hill above the city with views over the bay, the Old City and the Flame Towers. | Reached by the funicular from the Boulevard |
| The Heydar Aliyev Center | A flowing white building by Zaha Hadid, with museums and exhibitions. | North of central Baku |
| The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum | A building shaped like a rolled carpet by the sea, with the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets. | Seaside National Park |
| The Boulevard and Nizami Street | A long Caspian promenade of gardens and cafés, and Nizami Street for walking and shopping. | Central Baku |
| Baku's malls | Ganjlik Mall, 28 Mall and Port Baku Mall for international brands and restaurants. | Central Baku |
Around Baku
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) | A natural fire that never goes out, fed by gas seeping from the hillside. | About 30 minutes from Baku; best after sunset |
| Gobustan and the mud volcanoes | Rock carvings thousands of years old on the World Heritage list, with bubbling mud volcanoes nearby. | About an hour south of Baku; the volcanoes by organised tour |
| The Fire Temple (Ateshgah) | An old temple with a natural fire in its courtyard, built by traders on the Silk Road. | About 30 minutes from Baku |
Tips before you go
- Saudi passport holders enter Azerbaijan visa-free for up to 30 days, under a temporary waiver until February 2027.
- Baku is the city of winds, so bring a light jacket even in spring and autumn.
- Combine Baku with Gabala and Shamakhi for mountains and greenery in one trip.
Hotels in Baku
Flights to Baku
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Baku?
The Old City and Maiden Tower, the Flame Towers, Highland Park, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Carpet Museum, the Boulevard, Yanar Dag and Gobustan.
Do Saudis need a visa for Azerbaijan?
No, visa-free for up to 30 days under a temporary waiver until February 2027.
How far is Yanar Dag from Baku?
About 30 minutes by car.
Are there direct flights to Baku?
Yes, flynas year-round and Azerbaijan Airlines in summer.
Planning your trip to Azerbaijan? Read Travel to Azerbaijan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.