Explore the Best of Azerbaijan: 15 Things to Do in 2026
Introduction
Have you ever heard of the Greek Titan god of fire, Prometheus?
This Greek god stole the eternal fire from Mount Olympus and gave it to humanity. A myth claims that they chained him to the mountains of Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan sits between East and West. It's a place where fire blends with culture, nature, and modern life.
And today, we will give you a full Fun & Sun guide to the best things you can do in Azerbaijan.
1- Things to do in Baku's Flame Towers
If you’re looking for things to do in Baku, the Flame Towers should top your list.
The towers represent Azerbaijan's eternal fires. They made Baku a historic center for fire worship. At night, the towers glow, bringing the flames to life.
Things you can do around the Flame Towers in Azerbaijan.
A - Watch the charming towers' light shows
B - Fairmont Baku Hotel
Other amenities are a cinema, spa, and residential apartments. There's also a hotel with serviced apartments and office spaces in the other towers.
It also offers a five-star stay, as well as restaurants and bars.
2 - Things to do in Highland Park, Azrbaijan
It was first the British military cemetery after 1918. Later, it became the burial site for those killed in the “Black January” riots of 1990.
One of the best viewpoints in Baku, it offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Caspian Sea. Sunset and early evening are especially atmospheric as the city lights begin to glow.
Things you can do there:
1 - Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Flame Towers, and Baku Bay.
2 - Visit Martyrs’ Lane: Pay respects at this memorial located within the park. The focal point of the whole complex is the main memorial with the eternal flame at the end of the central avenue.
3- Nizami Street, Baku
They named Nizami Street after the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. It has a vibe like that of a European boulevard.
This vibrant boulevard is a must for visitors wondering where to go in Baku for shopping and culture.
1- Shop:
1 - Luxury designer brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada.
2 - Traditional shopping: Azerbaijani carpets, silk scarves, and ceramics.
3 - Bookstores: Rare and antique books, including works by Nizami Ganjavi.
Browse a variety of items. Find high-end fashion, shoe stores, and souvenir shops.
Side streets hide artisan workshops and dessert cafés if you want a quieter pause from the crowd.
B - Dine:
You can take a break at one of the many cafés or restaurants on the street. You might also try the upscale Lebanese chocolate shop, Patchi.
C - Explore architecture:
After recharging, you can enjoy the different styles of architecture. These include Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, and Neoclassicism.
4 - Visit the Carpet Museum in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani applied arts, especially carpet weaving, are key in the nation's pop culture.
The Carpet Museum is one of Baku’s modern architectural icons. The striking building looks like a rolled-up carpet. Austrian architect Franz Janz designed it.
The museum has more than 10,000 objects, including ceramics and jewelry from the Bronze Age.
5 - Things to Do in the Old City, Azerbaijan
A long, curved wall detaches the Old City in Azerbaijan from the rest of Baku. In the past, there were two main gates. Now, several openings let tourists and cars pass through.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the attractions in Azerbaijan.
Things you can do in the Old City, Azerbaijan:
1 - You can visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is Baku’s most important historic landmark.
During the medieval era, it served as the seat of power and the house of Azerbaijan’s ruling family.
2 - Climb the Maiden Tower
The famous Maiden Tower in Baku has a sad story behind its name. A princess refused to marry when her father insisted. She demanded that he build a tower first.
After the construction finished, she climbed to the top of the tower and jumped into the Caspian Sea. She chose defiance over dishonor.
People consider this tower one of Baku’s most recognizable landmarks.
3 - Have a meal inside one of Baku’s old inns.
When Azerbaijan was a center of the Silk Road, traders used to refer to the Old City as “the Citadel of Baku.”
They are impressive stone inns with stables, storage rooms, and sleeping areas. Traders built these in Baku for their long journey from the East to the West.
So can you, my fellow traveler, recharge at one of the Old City inns? For a deeper sense of place, try local tea with jam and halva after your meal.
6 - Things to Do in Gobustan, Azerbaijan
Travel back 40,000 years to Gobustan, Azerbaijan. Here, ancient petroglyphs share stories of humanity. The land also bubbles with mysterious energy from its unique mud volcanoes.
Time-honored is the only way to describe the landscape in Gobustan National Park.
Things you can do in Gobustan (Qobustan), Azerbaijan:
1 - Exploring the Gobustan mud volcanoes.
It’s not oil or tar bubbling up underground; it’s thick mud.
Gobustan, Azerbaijan, hosts more than half of the world’s mud volcanoes, totaling about 300.
2- Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs are symbolic drawings made by the first people. Petroglyphic rock art shows how symbolic thinking developed. This makes it one of humanity's most important artifacts.
3- The Gobustan National Park Museum
The Gobustan National Park Museum is near the petroglyphs. It is the first stop for visitors.
The museum has interactive displays that explain the carvings. It also features a general exhibition.
Gobustan is one of the top day trips from Baku, famous for its mud volcanoes and ancient petroglyphs. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a scarf; the wind can be strong in Gobustan.
7 - Yanardag
Yanardag, meaning "burning mountain," is a hillside fire in Azerbaijan. It burns without ceasing and sits near Baku, the capital.
The flames can reach up to 3 meters high. It is a popular tourist attraction in Azerbaijan.
Visiting Yanardag is one of the most iconic Azerbaijan travel experiences. Evenings are the most dramatic. The darkness makes the flames glow even brighter.
8 - Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple in Baku
The Ateshgah of Baku is a true Azerbaijani exotic site. This ancient complex looks like a castle. Built in the 17th century, it was a special place for pilgrims.
It served Zoroastrian fire-worshippers. It also welcomed Hindu and Sikh travelers on the Silk Road. People from around the world came to see its sacred, mystical flames.
9 - Things to Do in Tufandag, Gabala
Tufandag Gabala is a leading resort in Azerbaijan. It’s great for summer and winter fun, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers. At Tufandag Mountain, visitors can enjoy year-round activities like
Skiing and snowboarding: Discover slopes and four rope lines for every skill level.
Hiking: Take a relaxed hike through the scenic mountains.
Quad biking: Explore the mountain terrain on a quad bike.
Archery: Practice your aim with an archery session.
Mountain swing: Try an adrenaline swing with panoramic views.
Cable car rides: Take the cable car for stunning views of the landscape around you.
Rafting: Experience river rafting, a popular activity in the region.
10 - Things to do in Sheki, Azerbaijan
1 - Delve into the Dungeons of the Palace of Shaki Khans.
Builders constructed this authentic palace in the 18th century.
The windows showcase "shebeke," a top Azerbaijani method for making stained glass.
Join a guided tour with a local expert. They will bring the era of the Azerbaijani khans to life for you.
Fun fact: They constructed it without a single nail or glue.
2 - Explore the Sheki Fortress
UNESCO inscribed the fortress as a World Heritage Site in 2019.
The old town center has it at the top. It includes many museums, but the fortress walls are particularly striking.
You can check out the local exhibition for free. There are craft shops and a shebeke exhibition room in the craft center. Check out the food museum and the photo studio. You can wear traditional clothes there for a great picture!
Check out our Sheki tour from Baku for a full-day itinerary.
3 - Church of Kish
Kish, a village near Sheki, Azerbaijan, is home to the ancient Georgian Orthodox Church. Many see it as one of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus.
The builders built the church in the 1st century AD. This makes it the first Christian temple in the world.
4 - Sheki Karvansaray
The Sheki Karvansaray Hotel offers a distinct experience in Azerbaijan.
Builders built caravanserais in the 18th and 19th centuries. These provided shelter for travelers on the Silk Road.
The Karvansaray Hotel has 14 updated guest rooms. It also features a traditional tea house and restaurant.
11 - Things to do in Guba, Azerbaijan
Guba (Quba) is a charming city that serves as the gateway to the mountain villages. Shahdag Mountain's lush green slopes and rich history draw attention.
It’s one of the most peaceful weekend getaways from Baku, especially in the summer.
1 - Qechresh Forest
A lovely, thick forest filled with natural springs and cozy roadside diners. It's a fun place to walk, have a picnic, or enjoy a meal at a cozy restaurant among the trees.
2- Red Settlement (Qırmızı):
Often called the “Caucasian Jerusalem.” Visitors can explore stunning synagogues. They can also learn about local history and culture.
3- Juma Mosque:
Guba City features an Islamic architectural monument known for its historical charm.
4- Waterfalls and Gorges:
Check out the Afurdzhi Falls and Tengya Alty Gorge. They have amazing views and great spots for photos.
Spring and early autumn bring the best colors; in summer, the forests offer cool shade away from the city.
12 - Things to Do in the Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural hub in Baku, Azerbaijan. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, it features smooth, wave-like architecture. This design incorporates smooth curves rather than sharp angles for a deliberate effect.
Discover Azerbaijan's history and Heydar Aliyev's life in this three-story museum. The designers created it to blend seamlessly with the city center.
The best things you can do at the Heydar Aliyev Center are:
1 - Explore the iconic building.
Admire the unique, flowing architecture both inside and out, which is a photographer’s dream.
2 - Take photos:
Capture memorable images of the building, including photos with the famous “I Love Baku” sign set against its backdrop.
3 - See rotating exhibitions:
Check the schedule for a variety of temporary and permanent exhibitions on art, design, history, and innovation.
4 - Watch cultural performances:
Attend concerts, operas, ballets, and other theatrical productions.
Consider a guided tour:
Learn more about the center with a guided tour, which may also be offered as part of broader city tours.
13 - Things to Do in Shahdag, Azerbaijan
Shahdag Mountain Resort is one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan in winter, especially for skiers. In Shahdag, Azerbaijan, you can enjoy both winter and summer activities.
Winter Activities
Skiing and snowboarding: Hit the slopes at the Shahdag Mountain Resort.
Snowshoeing: Go for a winter hike on marked trails.
Snow tubing: Enjoy a fun activity for all ages.
Winter paintball: A unique winter version of the game.
Summer Activities
Hiking: Explore marked trails in Shahdag National Park.
Mountain biking: Take on mountain trails or rent a scooter.
Horseback riding: Go on a guided horse tour.
Quad and buggy tours: Explore the off-road terrain with a quad or buggy.
Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying with a paragliding session.
Shahdag Coaster: Ride this popular, year-round thrill ride.
Zip-lining: Soar through the air on the zip line.
14 - Things to Do in Khinaliq Village and Forests
Khinaliq is one of the oldest villages in the world, a hidden gem for ecotourism in Azerbaijan.
1 - Ancient Village Architecture:
Wander through the ancient stone houses from 300 years old, which form a stunning architectural view.
2 - Cultural Immersion:
Visit a local shepherd's home to enjoy their unique lifestyle and warm hospitality. You'll experience a traditional homemade lunch and learn about their language, "Ketsch."
3 - Hiking and Trekking:
The Greater Caucasus mountains provide stunning views and many hiking trails. You can take day trips to nearby places like Griz or Laza villages, or go on multi-day treks.
4 - Museums:
Visit the local Khinaliq museum to learn about the village’s rich history and ethnographic reserve status.
15 - Recommended Food to Eat in Azerbaijan
Trying local dishes is one of the most authentic things to do in Azerbaijan for food lovers.
The cuisine is very like Turkish food. If you have ever been to Turkey, you will know that this is delicious and delightful food—lots of kebab, stews, pilafs, and hearty foods.
1 - Toyuq levəngi
A traditional dish in Azerbaijani cuisine, consisting of a whole chicken stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground walnuts, fried onions, and various dried fruits.
2- Plov
Alexander the Great might take the credit for inventing plov.
Legend says that the military leader counted on it to feed his hungry soldiers.
But Azerbaijanis have well embraced this rice-based dish and made it their own.
3 - Dushbara
The Azerbaijani dumplings have Turkic origins and are like tortellini. They’re devoured all over the country but are particularly popular in the capital, Baku.
Want to know the best time to visit Azerbaijan? Check out the Azerbaijani Full Seasonal Guide!
Wrapping Up the Land of Fire:
From the modern skyline of Baku to the ancient charm of Sheki and the natural wonders of Gobustan, Azerbaijan is a country where every traveler finds magic.
Whether you love history, food, or adventure, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Azerbaijan.
(link: if you want to read the full Azerbaijan guide, click here)