Azerbaijan has much more to offer than its reputation as an energy powerhouse might suggest. The country brings together centuries of history, an extremely diverse cultural heritage, and natural landscapes ranging from arid desert to the mountains of the Caucasus.
If you're planning to visit Azerbaijan, you'll need an electronic visa. Visagov offers you an easy and fast system to obtain it with our Azerbaijan visa application form, which you can complete in just 5 minutes.
What to See in Azerbaijan
Natural Attractions to See in Azerbaijan
Absheron National Park
One of Azerbaijan's most popular tourist attractions. Absheron National Park offers some of the country's most striking arid landscapes and is home to more than 50 animal species, some of them endangered.
Lake Goygol
This lake is located within Goygol National Park, at 1,500 meters above sea level. Get ready for a fairy-tale landscape, with crystal-clear waters that have inspired Azerbaijani painters and artists for centuries.
Caspian Sea
Considered the largest lake in the world, driving along the Azerbaijani coast of the Caspian Sea is a highly recommended experience for those who enjoy road trips.
The Astara Coast
In the south of the country, near the border with Iran, lies Astara, one of Azerbaijan's oldest cities. It's a beautiful coastal town surrounded by stunning scenery, with the Talysh Mountains and Hirkan National Park among the area's most popular natural destinations.
Azerbaijan Attractions to Discover Its Architecture and History
Ateshgah
Visiting the Ateshgah Fire Temple is an essential stop for discovering the religious architecture of centuries past. Zoroastrians, Sikhs, and Hindus have all made this monument one of the pillars of their traditions. In the same area, you can visit the fire mountain, whose slopes remain constantly ablaze.
Bibi-Heybat Mosque
Although it was built in the late 20th century, it belongs to the Shirvan architectural school and stands out for its distinctive colors.
What to Do in Azerbaijan
Explore Baku
Azerbaijan's capital captures the essence of the country: a blend of 800 years of history and architecture combined with modern skyscrapers and a highly cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Walking through Baku's old town, known as Icheri Sheher, is a true delight. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a maze of narrow stone streets connecting palaces, towers, walls, and mosques from the past three centuries. Among its main attractions are the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, dating back to the 15th century.
Baku's modern center is another of Azerbaijan's most popular tourist attractions. The Flame Towers stand out on the city skyline and have become a national emblem, symbolizing the country's natural gas industry. It's also the go-to area if you're in the mood for shopping, with several shopping malls.
Discover Sheki, the Jewel of the North
Sheki is one of Azerbaijan's most-visited cities and a must-stop if you're interested in the country's traditional architecture. Its historic center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the Khan's Palace, an 18th-century building decorated with stained glass and frescoes whose intricate detail is all the more striking given that not a single nail was used in its structure.
The city is also known for its centuries-old caravanserais, former stops along the Silk Road now converted into charming hotels, and for Sheki halva, a traditional sweet well worth trying during your visit.
Get Lost in the Copper Village of Lahij
Tucked away in the mountains of the Caucasus, Lahij is a village with more than a thousand years of tradition in copperworking craftsmanship. Its cobblestone streets and workshops, where pieces are still hand-forged using centuries-old techniques, make it a highly recommended stop if you're looking for an experience away from mass tourism.
Discover Ganja, the Country's Second City
Ganja combines gardens, historic mosques, and a much more laid-back atmosphere than Baku. The Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum, dedicated to the renowned Persian poet born in the city, and Khan Bagi Park are two must-see stops for those who want to experience a less touristy side of Azerbaijan.
Relax in the Oil Baths of Naftalan
Naftalan is known internationally for its treatments using a type of naphthalan oil believed to have therapeutic properties for skin and joint problems. Its spas welcome visitors from all over the world seeking a different kind of health tourism.
Take a Medicinal Mud Bath at Gobustan National Park
At Gobustan National Park, you can explore the Azerbaijani desert and admire more than 6,000 rock carvings of great artistic value. Its 300 mud volcanoes are also great for giving your body a reset.
Tour the Attractions of Quba
The northeastern region of Azerbaijan is known for its green landscapes and small villages, the perfect place to experience Azerbaijani culture at its fullest.
Here you'll find some of the country's oldest and highest rural villages. Khinalug, at 2,300 meters above sea level, is a settlement more than 5,000 years old, with the best views of the mountain range and its own language: Azerbaijan's most remote destination. Do you dare to learn a word or two to speak with the locals?
A more somber but equally significant attraction in Quba is the Genocide Memorial Complex, which commemorates the tragic events of March 31, 1918.
Food: What to Try on Your Trip to Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani cuisine blends Turkish, Persian, and Caucasian influences. Plov, a rice dish with meat, nuts, and spices, is the national reference point and varies in recipe from region to region. Dolma, grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with meat and rice, and various types of grilled kebab are also common on any Azerbaijani table.
For dessert, local baklava and the previously mentioned Sheki halva are the most popular choices. All of this is usually accompanied by black tea, served in small pear-shaped glasses called armudu, a custom deeply rooted in the country's culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to See in Azerbaijan
What's the Best Time to Travel to Azerbaijan?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the most recommended seasons, with mild temperatures in both Baku and the mountain regions. Summer can get very hot in the capital, while winter is the best time to visit Naftalan and its spas.
How Many Days Do You Need to See Azerbaijan?
With 7-10 days, you can comfortably combine Baku, Sheki, Gobustan, and a mountain region like Quba or Lahij without rushing. If you only have a long weekend, it's best to focus on Baku and a day trip to Gobustan or Sheki.
Is It Safe to Travel to Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan is, in general, a safe country for tourists, with well-developed tourist infrastructure in Baku and the main routes inland. As with any destination, it's a good idea to check updated travel advisories before planning routes near border areas.
