Old City-Night Baku Tour

Discover the heart of Azerbaijan with our full-day Baku City and Old Town Tour. From the ancient walls of Icherisheher to the futuristic design of the Heydar Aliyev Center, this experience blends history, culture, and modern architecture. Walk through centuries-old streets lined with caravanserais, mosques, and minarets, then enjoy sweeping views of Baku from Upland Park. Explore the scenic Caspian promenade, charming Mini Venice, and the illuminated Government House. With insightful guidance, traditional Azerbaijani lunch, and visits to key landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs, this tour is the perfect way to explore Baku’s past and present.

1. Fire Temple of Baku – A Legacy of Eternal Flame
Begin your evening with a visit to Ateshgah, the Fire Temple of Baku, nestled in Surakhani. Revered by Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs, this ancient sanctuary stands as a symbol of fire worship and spiritual reverence. Explore its pentagonal structure and altar where ancient rituals were once performed, bathed in the glow of eternal flames.

2. Yanardag – The Burning Mountain of Azerbaijan
Head next to Yanardag, a hill where flames burst from the ground due to natural gas. This phenomenon has fascinated travelers for centuries and continues to symbolize Azerbaijan as the "Land of Fire." Watch the unending blaze as it dances across the mountain base.

3. Dinner in the Old City – Flavors in a Timeless Setting
Enjoy a delicious Azerbaijani meal in Icherisheher at the charming Old Garden restaurant. Feast on traditional dishes like green and meat kutab, kebabs, pilaf, choban salad, and tea served in armudu glasses amidst the historic ambiance.

4. Highland Park – A Panoramic Perspective
Visit Baku’s highest viewpoint for breathtaking vistas over the city and Caspian Sea. From this serene park, take in views of the Flame Towers, Parliament, Ferris Wheel, and Crystal Hall. It’s a peaceful escape and one of Baku’s most scenic spots.

5. Baku Boulevard & Mini Venice – Romantic Waterside Walks
Stroll along Baku Boulevard, a seaside promenade lined with greenery, historical buildings, and modern leisure spaces. Visit Mini Venice with its gondolas, canals, and bridges – an enchanting replica of the Italian city.

6. Government House – Soviet Grandeur by Night
Marvel at the Soviet-era Government House of Azerbaijan. This monumental building, constructed over 16 years with the labor of WWII POWs, showcases Stalinist architectural might and remains a prominent city landmark.

7. Heydar Aliyev Center – Icon of Modern Baku
Conclude the tour at the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid. Its flowing curves, illuminated at night, reflect a futuristic vision of architecture and stand as a cultural beacon in the city.

8. Alley of Honor – Memorials of Azerbaijani Icons
Visit the Alley of Honor, where notable artists and public figures are buried. Notably, it’s the resting place of famed singer Muslim Magomayev, celebrated across the Soviet Union.

9. Icherisheher (Old City) – UNESCO Heritage at the Core
Explore the fortified Old City of Baku, with its maze-like alleys and ancient walls. Home to the iconic Maiden Tower and centuries of cultural evolution, it's a journey through Azerbaijan's medieval heart.

10. Maiden Tower – Mystique of Baku
Start the second half of the tour with a visit to the Maiden Tower, an emblem of Baku. Learn its history, legends, and the significance that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

11. Church of Saint Bartholomew – Ruins of Faith
See the ruins of a church built at the site where Saint Bartholomew was martyred. This sacred spot commemorates one of Christ’s apostles who brought Christianity to the region.

12. Haji Baani Bath – Rediscovered Treasure
Uncovered in 1960, this ancient bathhouse had been hidden beneath dwellings for centuries. It stands as the largest surviving bath in the Old City and offers insights into historical communal life.

13. Caravanserais of Multani and Bukhara – Trade and Travel
These 14th and 15th-century inns once hosted merchants from India and Central Asia. Located on a segment of the Silk Road, they reflect Baku’s rich trade history.

14. Sailor’s House & Chained House – Architectural Curiosities
Admire the Sailor’s House, designed like a ship's deck, and the Chained House, once owned by a local merchant. Today, these buildings serve cultural purposes, including housing museums and carpet shops.

15. Residence of Baku Khans – Seat of Power
Visit the 18th-century home of Baku’s rulers. This residence was the political center of the Baku Khanate until its dissolution in the early 1800s.

16. Double Gates – Entry to Ancient Baku
Learn about the historic entrance to Icherisheher, where hygiene rules were enforced. Visitors had to wash themselves, and animals’ hooves were disinfected with oil tar before entering.

17. Fortress Walls – Defenders of the City
Once stretching over 1.5 km, the walls of Baku now span 500 meters. They contain 25 towers and 5 gates, having withstood attacks from Safavid, Russian, and Tatar forces.

18. Quadrangular Tower – Watchtower of the Past
Built in the 15th century, this defensive tower was key to protecting the city from northern invasions and also served as a storage facility for weapons.

19. Palace of Shirvanshahs – Royal Elegance in Stone
Regarded as Baku’s architectural gem, this palace complex offers intricate stonework, domed halls, and a glimpse into royal life during the reign of the Shirvanshahs.

20. Aliaga Vahid Bust – Poetry in Sculpture
Visit the sculpted bust of poet Aliaga Vahid, friend of Sergey Yesenin. His poetic scenes are engraved into his hair, turning the monument into a living story.

21. Movie Scenes – Baku on the Big Screen
Explore filming locations from iconic Soviet and Azerbaijani movies like “The Diamond Arm” and “Tehran-43.” Your guide will even show you the exact spot of Nikulin’s famous fall.

22. Juma Mosque – Layers of Time
End your tour at the Juma Mosque near the Maiden Tower. First established in the 15th century, the mosque has undergone multiple renovations and remains a place of spiritual continuity in the city.