Are you planning a trip to Azerbaijan? Here’s everything you need to craft the perfect 1 week Azerbaijan itinerary – including what to do, what not to do, what and where to eat, how to get around, where to stay, day trip suggestions, experience-based practical tips, and handy map.
One Week in Azerbaijan Itinerary: An Introduction
I spent days scrolling through the information about Azerbaijan making notes of the tiniest of details, and interacting with locals in Azerbaijan travel groups on Facebook to plan this Azerbaijan travel itinerary & feel that it’s one of the best on the internet.
When I say the best, it doesn’t mean that this itinerary covers all the best places in Azerbaijan because, of course, 7 days aren’t enough to explore everything that this beautiful country in the Caucasus has to offer, however, it includes the best places one must see to get acquainted with Azerbaijan as a first timer visitor. To become the best of friends, you need to come back!
Azerbaijan: First Impressions
Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, turned out to be a sweet surprise for me, maybe, because I wasn’t expecting much from the country – as it’s less written and talked about. Every place felt so untouched, raw, and intriguing – like a breath of fresh air! By the end of 7 days in Azerbaijan, I found it hard to bid adieu. I wanted to stay. I wanted to know a little more. I wanted to feel its soul. Sigh! I knew I was coming back soon.
Azerbaijan definitely is one of the most charming, vivacious, and rewarding countries I’ve ever visited. From modern architectural wonders, soviet era structures, and historical gems to welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, natural treasures, and cultural encounters – a little country packs a punch.
Azerbaijan 1 week Itinerary Map
Azerbaijan itinerary 7 days: Explore the Best of Azerbaijan in One Week
This Azerbaijan 7 days itinerary starts and ends in Baku and lets you explore the key highlights of Azerbaijan beside the vibrant capital of Baku – Yanar Dag, Ateshgah, Gobustan, Lahic, Sheki, and Shamakhi while combining day tours and a road trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Your Azerbaijan exploration starts in Baku, a vibrant capital city that very well knows how to hold on to its heritage while embracing futuristic trends and continuously reinventing itself.
A maze of cobbled streets peppered with historic architecture sit next to the spacious Parisian-style avenues and boulevards lined with stunning modern architectural wonders – a leisurely walk through the city is all you need to appreciate the intriguing contrasts.
Board a Baku Aero Express or hop on an airport taxi or book a comfortable private transfer from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to your hotel in the city center.
You must book accommodation that’s right in the heart of the city. We stayed at Salam Baku Hotel that’s located on Nizami Street, the main downtown street. The hotel is basic, however, we could catch all the action from our room overlooking the street. Plus, it was easy to get around with the minimal use of public transportation.
You can check in to your hotel, freshen up, have a refreshing cup of coffee, and head out to explore Icherisheher aka Old City aka Inner City, Baku’s historic core – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Strolling the winding streets of the old walled city of Baku feels like walking back in time. You can take a free walking tour or guided walking tour or choose to design your route map and explore on your own.
As you lose yourself in the streets of İçəri Şəhər, you’ll notice the well-preserved old-world structures – beautiful palaces and mosques, caravansaries, traditional souks, and hammams alongside charming coffee shops, famous restaurants, luxiuorous hotels, famed tea houses, swanky boutiques, antique shops, museums, and art galleries punctuated by small shops and street vendors selling Azerbaijani carpets, silverware, and other traditional items – the overwhelming beauty and history swoons you.
If you make an effort to venture a little deeper, you can witness the local life. As per Wikipedia, more than 3000 people live in attractive stone houses and apartments inside the Old City walls.
The notable attractions to check out in the Old City of Baku include Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapisi), Maidan Tower, Fortress Walls, Juma Mosque, Muhammad Mosque, Palace of Shirvanshhahs, Bazar Square, Haci Banu Hammam, Vagif Mustafazadeh House-Museum, and the Museum of Miniature Books.
And don’t forget to capture the stunning views of the iconic Flame Towers rising behind the old city fortress walls.
I’d highly recommend a guided or self-guided panoramic night tour of Baku to get a unique nighttime perspective on the capital city. The Flame Towers illuminate in the colors of the national flag and look like burning flames from a distance. And the night view of the city from Upland Park is breathtaking!
End your day with a traditional dinner at Shah Restaurant & Gallery. You must try their shah pilaf.
Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Feast on Azeri breakfast at Sehrli Təndir, an old caravanserai-turned restaurant.
Now that you’ve seen the historic side of Baku, it’s time to discover the city’s contemporary side. Witness Flame Towers, the iconic flame-shaped trio of skyscrapers up close. Climb the stone steps or take a funicular to the lush Upland Park to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the city and its bay. Take out some time to walk the Martyrs’ Lane or Alley of Honor inside the park.
Head to Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, a cultural center displaying the largest collection of rugs and carpets in the world. A quick stroll through the museum presents insights into the colorful weaving history of Azerbaijan.
Other beautiful attractions close to the museum are Mini-Venice, Denizkenari Milli Park, and Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre.
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the main pedestrian and shopping street, Nizami Street. Action-packed – the street is always full of people – locals and tourists. From small shops, hip boutiques, and charming cafes, to famous food chain outlets, supermarkets, famous restaurants, and bakeries, to the range of hotels – you can find anything and everything here. The famous public square in Baku, Fountain Square is also a part of Nizami Street.
While you are here, relish a traditional lunch at Dolma or Firuze.
After a hearty meal, take a taxi or bus, or metro to the Heydar Aliyev Center. I’d say it’s the high point of Baku. It’s visually, aesthetically, and intellectually compelling – inside out. Designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, you can’t help but fall in love with the unique piece of post-modern architecture as soon as you enter the complex. Walking around the museum, you’ll find out a lot about the history, culture, and art of Azerbaijan.
Spend your evening walking a 4 km (2.5 miles) long Bulvar or Baku Boulevard, a gorgeous promenade along the Caspian Sea. As you walk, the refreshing touch of the cool sea breeze caressing your face takes away the day’s tiredness. There are many benches or cafes along the way to sit and relax and indulge in people-watching. It’s also a great place to capture the best view of the Flame Towers.
There’s no better way to end your Baku exploration than a delicious dinner with a view at Sky Grill.
Day 3: Day Trip to Absheron (Ateshgah & Yanardag) and Gobustan (Mud Volcanoes and Petroglyphs) | Overnight in Baku
The Absheron Peninsula is a promontory in eastern Azerbaijan extending into the Caspian Sea northeast of Baku. From mud volcanoes and lakes to beaches and ancient villages – It’s peppered with unique natural, historical, and cultural wonders.
Some of the most visited attractions on the peninsula include the famous burning mountain, Yanar Dag, and Ateshgah Fire Temple.
Gobustan or Qobustan is home to Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve which beautifully preserves the rock petroglyphs (prehistoric rock carvings) and mud volcanoes. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape within the reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Petroglyph Museum inside the reserve is also worth a visit.
The mud volcanoes are about a 30-minute drive from the museum. You have to leave your car (if you’ve one) at the museum parking and visit the mud volcanoes with a tour guide in their vehicle.
We took this all-inclusive Gobustan & Absheron Tour that makes it easy to explore all these amazing attractions with ease. The tour includes a traditional lunch and the all entrance fees.
If you want to explore independently, I’d suggest you dedicate two days – one day for Ateshgah and Yanar Dag and another for Gobustan as it involves a lot of driving.
Day 4: Day Trip to Quba | Overnight in Baku
Close to the Russian border, the little sleepy city of Quba (Guba) is full of nature, art, history, and culture. Famous for its apple orchards and carpets, Quba is peaceful and charming. The city’s a great base for those who want to explore the ancient mountain villages of Khinaliq (Xinaliq) and Laza.
I mainly visited to get a sneak peek into the ancient art of weaving at a traditional carpet-weaving factory – Qadim Quba. Juma Mosque, Ardabil Mosque, Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, traditional Turkish hammam, and Qirmizi Qasaba(aka Red Village or Caucasian Jerusalem) are some of the attractions worth checking in Quba.
About 168 km (104 miles) away, Quba is easily accessible from Baku by bus, taxi, or rental car.
I’d strongly recommend you join this amazing guided tour that lets you explore Quba along with the beautiful mountain village of Khinalug and the incredible colorful landscape of Khizi.
Day 5: Drive to Sheki | Explore Lahic on the Way | Ovenight in Sheki
About 300 km (187 miles) from Baku, it’s a long way to Sheki. Public transport options like a coach, mini-van, or an overnight train are available. Hiring a taxi, a chauffeur-driven car, or renting a car are great options for those who seek ease and comfort.
We hired a driver with a car for the next 3 days in Azerbaijan to explore Lahic, Sheki, and Shamakhi.
Lahic and Shamakhi are on the way to Sheki from Baku. We discovered Lahic while driving from Baku to Sheki and explored Shamakhi when we were coming back from Sheki to Baku.
Lahic or Lahich or Lahij is a remote lost-in-time mountain village in one of the most beautiful regions of Azerbaijan, Ismailli.
Worlds apart from Baku, Lahic is one of the best places in Azerbaijan to witness rural life and Azeri culture and traditions. Historically, it was an important part of the Great Silk Road.
Well-known for its coppersmiths’ workshops, Lahic is a UNESCO Creative City. The cobblestone streets lined with cute little wooden artisanal shops selling handcrafted copperware attract a wealth of tourists here. Besides, the cool weather and abundant natural beauty are other draws for tourists. It’s one of the best day trip destinations from Baku.
A drive from Ismailli to Lahic is utterly beautiful yet a hair-raising experience with sheer drops and bends.
For those who want to do more in less time with ease, this full-day tour to Shamakhi and Lahij from Baku is also a great option.
Day 6: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki
The ancient Silk Road city of Sheki (Shaki or Şeki) never fails to charm its visitors. Located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is a must-visit when in Azerbaijan.
You can feel the historical and cultural vibe here. There’s a reason, the historic center of Sheki along with the beautiful Sheki Khan’s Palace has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Sheki is also a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network because of its rich art and crafts heritage. Shebeke (wooden framed stained glass), pottery, and silk weaving are some of the most recognized traditional art forms in Sheki.
Getting lost in the narrow lanes, I couldn’t help but fall in love with the historic architecture the city unveils at every step. And how could I not talk about delicious food and lovely locals?
The best things to do in Sheki include visiting the Old Town, Summer Place, Winter Palace, Silk Road Caravanserai, Three Saint’s Church, and Albanian Church of Kish, and relishing the local dishes of Piti and Sheki Halwa.
Day 7: Drive Back from Sheki to Baku | Explore Shamakhi on the Way | Fly Back Home
Today’s your last day in Azerbaijan. Make the most of it. Start your drive back to Baku from Sheki after a fulfilling breakfast. You can time your journey as per the timing of your flight back home from Baku.
We left Sheki at around 8 am so we could explore Shamakhi on the way to Baku Airport. The ancient capital of Shamakhi is one of the oldest cities in Azerbaijan. It’s packed with history and culture and the breathtaking countryside surroundings make it all the more attractive.
The historic Silk Road city is also known as the city of poets because the legendary Azerbaijani poets – Sabir and Nesimi called it home. It also earned a name for its traditional Shamakhi dancers.
The city withstood invaders and earthquakes and strives to preserve its cultural heritage. Juma Mosque, one of the first mosques in the Caucasus, looks stunning. Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum is another landmark here that’s home to the tombs of Shirvanshahs – the last independent rulers of Shamakhi.
If you’ve time, you can add a visit to the Alpaca Farm and Shamakhi Safari Park, especially if you are traveling with kids.
Azerbaijan Trip: How to Plan
Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
The best months to visit Azerbaijan are May, June, September, and October. July and August are the hottest months so it’s best to avoid planning during that time.
October is a perfect time to witness the autumn colors. Music lovers can plan for mid-October when Baku International Jazz Festival takes place.
March is also a good time to visit, especially for culture enthusiasts, as it’s when (the first day of the spring, usually March 20th) the country celebrates one of its biggest traditional festivals – Nowruz, a Persian New Year. Plus, the weather is pleasant.
Winter is again a beautiful time to experience Azerbaijan. The beauty of the Caucasian Mountains covered in a sheet of shimmering white snow is unbeatable. adventure enthusiasts can head to Shahdag Mountain Resort and the Tufandag Mountain Resort to enjoy skiing. Also, it’s a great time for festive vibes – a colorful and flavorful event – Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Christmas, and New Year Fair takes place from December through January.
How to Get to Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku is the major airport. Azerbaijan Airlines operates regular flights to Azerbaijan from most of the famous cities around the world.
If you are coming from Georgia, there’s a daily overnight train from Tbilisi to Baku.
Visa for Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan offers single-entry eVisa to over 95 countries, including the US, European Nations, the UK, Canada, and India. Check this list to see if your country is visa exempt or eligible for applying eVisa.
The application process is quite simple. Visit https://evisa.gov.az/, click on the application tab, fill in the details, and pay the amount ($26). You’ll receive your eVisa in your email in about 3 days. We received ours in less than 48 hours.
The eVisa is valid for up to 90 days and permits a stay of a maximum of 30 days.
How to Get Around Azerbaijan
The public transportation in Azerbaijan isn’t as efficient as other European countries. You can rent a car and self-drive to venture out of Baku, however, the roads are crazy and poorly lit (not to mention the difficult mountain terrain around remote villages) outside the cities.
So, I’d recommend hiring a car with a driver who knows the country well. If he doubles up as a guide, bingo. It’s safe, comfortable, and cheap for families.
We hired a private car and driver and absolutely enjoyed our Azerbaijan road trip.
Alternatively, you can book guided day tours to explore the places on your Azerbaijan itinerary with ease and comfort. The day tours take away the guesswork out of the trip and let you enjoy the places without any stress and anxiety. I completely rely on Get Your Guide and Viator for day tours.
How to Stay Connected in Azerbaijan
The airport, hotels, cafes, and restaurants in Azerbaijan have WiFi connectivity, however, to stay connected while traveling around the country, a local sim card is vital.
Azercell and Bakcell are two of the famous mobile operators in Azerbaijan. Azercell is recommended by locals for its better connectivity. There are different types of tourist plans available depending on the data usage. We were in Azerbaijan for 7 days and purchased a 2 GB tourist plan for 10 manats ($5.88) from an Azercell store on Nizami Street.
If your phone supports eSim, you can buy one from Airalo.
Pro Tips
Based on my personal experience, here are a few things you should take care of while traveling in Azerbaijan.
- Azeris are helpful and friendly, however, language is a huge challenge because English isn’t widely understood. Make sure you download a Google Translate App or Widget on your phone. Also, learning some common phrases in the Azeri language comes in handy.
- Taxi scam is common, especially at the airport. It’s safer to use Uber or Bolt. If at all, you hire a taxi, discuss the distance, time taken, and the approximate charge to the destination beforehand. Check if the taximeter is working properly. Getting from the airport to the center takes around 30 minutes and costs around 40-50 AZN ($24-30). For a hassle-free trip, you can pre-book a private transfer from the airport.
- Always keep exact cash while paying a taxi driver or a street vendor or someone at a shop because there are chances that they hand over a fake currency note to you. It didn’t happen to us in Baku, Azerbaijan but in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Keep sufficient cash in the local currency (AZN). Don’t pay in USD or Euro even if someone asks you, most likely it’s a scam. You tend to overpay without even noticing it.
- Always check the bill before paying in a restaurant or cafe. They sometimes add a food item you never ordered or quote a price for an item higher than mentioned in the menu. Don’t know intentional or accidental, but it happened to us twice. Also, it’s a common practice to serve a water bottle or a platter of mixed food items on your table while you order. You might feel these are complementary but they come with a heavy price. Ask the price of a water bottle (it’s way costlier than in the supermarket) or other specials to save the embarrassment and regret later.
- Beware of over-friendly locals. If someone comes to you and offers help without you asking, it’s a red flag.
Suggested Azerbaijan Itineraries
If you’ve lesser or more days than 7 days, here are suggestions to help you craft an itinerary accordingly:
Azerbaijan Itinerary 4 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku
Day 2: Explore Baku
Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag
Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Fly Back Home
Azerbaijan Itinerary 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag | Overnight in Baku
Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Overnight in Baku
Day 5: Day Trip to Shamakhi | Fly Back Home
Azerbaijan Itinerary 6 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag | Overnight in Baku
Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan | Overnight in Baku
Day 5: Day Trip to Shamakhi | Overnight in Baku
Day 6: Day Trip to Quba and Xinaliq | Overnight in Baku
Azerbaijan Itinerary 10 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag from Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan from Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 5: Drive to Quba | Explore Quba | Overnight in Quba
Day 6: Day Trip to Xinaliq from Quba | Overnight in Quba
Day 7: Day Trip to Laza from Quba | Drive back to Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 8: Drive to Sheki | Explore Shamakhi and Lahic on the Way | Overnight in Sheki
Day 9: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki
Day 10: Drive Back to Sheki | Explore Gabala on the Way | Fly Back Home
Azerbaijan Itinerary 14 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Baku | Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 2: Explore Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 3: Day Trip to Ateshgah and Yanardag from Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 4: Day Trip to Gobustan from Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 5: Drive to Quba | Explore Quba | Overnight in Quba
Day 6: Day Trip to Xinaliq from Quba | Overnight in Quba
Day 7: Day Trip to Laza from Quba | Drive back to Baku | Overnight in Baku
Day 8: Drive to Lahic | Explore Shamakhi on the Way | Overnight in Lahic
Day 9: Explore Lahic | Drive to Sheki | Overnight in Sheki
Day 10: Explore Sheki | Overnight in Sheki
Day 11: Day Trip to Ganja and Lake Goygol | Overnight in Sheki
Day 12: Drive to Gebele from Sheki | Explore Gebele | Overinght in Gebele
Day 13: Drive to Baku from Gebele | Overnight in Baku
Day 14: At Leisure | Go Shopping in Baku | Fly Back Home
Azerbaijan Travel FAQ
Is Azerbaijan Located in Europe or Asia?
Located on the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country and is considered a part of both Europe and Asia or better yet, Eurasia.
What is Azerbaijan Most Famous For?
Azerbaijan is best known for its abundant oil and natural gas resources. It’s nicknamed the Land of Fire, the reasons being – it’s the birthplace of crude oil and the eternal flames (natural phenomenon) dot the country’s landscape. The name of the country literally translates to protector of fire. The capital city of Baku is also known for F1 Race.
How Many Days in Azerbaijan?
7 days in Azerbaijan are enough to explore most of the country’s highlights. If you want to travel a bit deeper, I’d recommend setting aside at least 10 days for a trip to Azerbaijan.
Which Month is the Best for Travel in Azerbaijan?
We visited Azerbaijan in June. It was scorchingly hot, with pleasantly warm evenings. After talking to the locals and fellow travelers who visited the country during different seasons, I can assuredly confirm that overall October is the best month to explore Azerbaijan.
Is it Expensive to Visit Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan isn’t a cheap country for sure, howbeit, it’s quite a competitive and affordable country to travel to, especially for Western travelers. The amount of money you spend depends on your travel style – still, you can expect to spend about $60 to $80 per person per day for an easy and comfortable stay.
Is Azerbaijan an Islamic nation?
Yes, Azerbaijan is an Islamic country, with Shia Muslims forming the majority. Yet, the country is relatively open-minded and follows secularism.
Is Azerbaijan Safe?
Yes, it is! Petty crimes like pickpocketing and tourist scams (mostly related to unofficial taxis) can happen, however, it’s safe, generally. As in any other foreign country, avoid staying out after dark and must exercise caution and common sense all the time. Also, you must know that entry to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is prohibited.
Is Azerbaijan Tourist-Friendly?
Yes, most certainly. Azerbaijan welcomes tourists with an open heart and mind. The infrastructure is super. Locals are warm and welcoming and are keen to help out if and when needed. Unlike other Muslim countries, they have a modern outlook when it comes to the freedom of women, and at the same time, they are respectful towards women. The food options are abundant. And there are endless things to see and do for each kind of traveler – art, culture, history aficionado or architectural enthusiast, nature lover, or shopaholic.
Is Azerbaijan Family-Friendly?
Azerbaijan is a great place to visit with family. It’s safe and secure and offers an intriguing mix of experiences ranging from cultural, and historical to gastronomical for families traveling with kids and teenagers. We enjoyed our time as a family in Azerbaijan.
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