Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, the city of winds and gastronomic tourism, the venue for the Formula 1 series races and an ideal destination for a great holiday. In this article, I will tell you what to do in this unique city, which so successfully combines ancient monuments and modern architecture.
Breakfast in Baku
In the walls of the old city, the colorful part of Icheri Sheherhas been preserved. Here, from 8 in the morning until noon, you can try a real Azerbaijani breakfast. Cafes and restaurants are decorated in a local style, portions are large, and the taste of all dishes cannot be described in words. The most popular choice is, of course, "pomidor chygyrtmassy" - eggs fried with tomatoes and greens. Add to this the delicious cheese, crispy bread from a clay oven, and, of course, tea with pakhlava, nuts, and dried fruits. After such a breakfast, any morning becomes good, and the energy charge will last throughout the day for walks around amazing Baku.
Walk around Icheri Sheher
Icheri Sheher is a unique historical and architectural reserve. Archaeological excavations confirm that people have inhabited this place since the Bronze Age. The fortress walls, the famous Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs have been preserved here. The cobbled streets are daily filled with tourists who come here to get acquainted with the UNESCO heritage sites. Keep up with you and be sure to find the very place where Mironov and Nikulin took turns saying the same “Damn it” from the famous Soviet film “The Diamond Arm”.
Visit to the Heydar Aliyev Center
This modern futuristic building has become a new symbol in Baku. Be sure to set aside a few hours to visit it. Here you can get acquainted with several exhibition expositions, learn more about the history of Azerbaijan and just enjoy the abundance of light and beautiful art objects of the center.
Photo with Flame Towers
The Flame Towers are another modern symbol of Baku. They attract attention with their special architecture, exciting curves, like a flame in the wind. With the advent of night, the illumination of the towers only strengthens this association. Every tourist should have a photo against their background.
Promenade through Upland Park
An ideal place for leisurely walks. There is a lot of greenery in Nagorny Park, there are several scenic cafes and stunning panoramas of the city and the Caspian Sea.
Boat trips on the canals of Little Venice
Back in 1960, a canal system was broken on Primorsky Boulevard, which later received its name “Little Venice” for its resemblance to the famous city. It's nice to sail on a boat in the summer heat. Children are especially delighted with this entertainment.
Join the culture in the museum. Nizami Ganjavi
This building, magnificent in its beauty, contains a rich collection of books of spiritual culture. Here you can find unique samples of their kind. Well, if you are not fond of literature, then you should definitely take a look at the building itself. This is a real masterpiece of architecture.
Taste Shah Pilaf and Kutaby for dinner
Azerbaijan is famous for its cuisine. But at the head of all dishes is the famous Shah Pilaf. Each region of the country has its own special recipe, but the key ingredients are the same: an abundance of dried fruits, crumbly rice and thin crispy lavash in which pilaf is cooked. Pilaf is often cooked with meat, but chestnuts are sometimes added to it. Shah Plov is the main dish at any celebration. Know if you were invited to visit and served Shah Pilaf, you are a dear and respected guest for the host.
Another traditional dish of Azerbaijani cuisine is kutaby. Thin pies made of unleavened dough in the shape of a crescent with a variety of fillings. My favorites are with pumpkin, cheese and herbs.
Well, complement your dinner with a glass of Nar pomegranate wine, it is especially tasty in Baku.
Come to Baku, take a walk, get acquainted with its rich culture and history, and of course, do not forget about the local cuisine. The best time to visit is from April to June and from mid-September to November.
Баку оставил самые тёплые воспоминания о путешествии!