Baku has been one of the top destinations for travellers for years. It has a unique blend of ancient history with futuristic modernity. It is the city that surprises you every time with its ultra-modern buildings, quaint cafes, and wide seaside promenades.
If you are traveling to Baku for the very first time, the balance is essential, and you need to understand a few basic things before you start packing your bag. Here is what you need to understand first:
1- Where is Baku, Why It is Unique
Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan, and it is located near the area where Asia and Europe meet. There are plenty of reasons why it is unique, the architecture, Medieval walls in one area, and Glass towers in another.
While roaming around the city, you will also see the wide Soviet-era roads, which are now considered the remaining ones when the country used to be part of the Soviet Union before independence.
Today, Baku is modern, and it welcomes tourists all around the globe, but one thing you should keep in mind is that apart from modernity, it is not Western.
2- Visa Requirements
Most travellers need a visa to enter Baku, but the good news is that it is not complicated at all. The E-visa process is simple, and it can be processed in no time. After the processing, you need to keep the digital copy of your E-visa inside your phone. The immigration process is smooth, and they rarely ask complicated questions.
But you need to be fully aware of the hotel details where you are going stay. The visa process is just like Cheap Airport Parking services in the United Kingdom, where you get the best services from Ezybook.
3- Best Time to Visit Baku
There is no constraint; you can visit Baku anytime. It’s a tourist hub, and you will see visitors all year round. But in this section, I am going to cover the best time for you to visit Baku. Usually, spring is ideal, and it starts from April and lasts until June.
This is the best time because the weather is mild and you see that the city feels alive. I also feel that you should avoid visiting Baku in the summer. Winter is quite cold and uncomfortable, which many people feel. If it’s your first ever visit, then Spring and Autumn are the safest choices.
4- Getting Around the City
There are no complex pathways, and this is an easy-to-navigate city. The metro is clean, cheap, and reliable, and it’s the best way to move around the city. And if you think that there is a language barrier, then this is not an issue.
All the stations are clearly marked. Taxis are affordable, but you should use ride-sharing apps. Install the apps before leaving your hotel rooms, and it would be great if you compare the rates before.
Prefer walking on the Baku Boulevard. But keep this in mind that distances can be deceiving. They look shorter on the map but take longer on foot.
5- Where do I stay?
If it's your first ever trip, then don’t forget that location matters where you are going to stay. Even if it's not your first trip, wherever you are going, the place you are booking for your short stay matters, just like we used to book Short stay parking at Heathrow by Ezybook. Coming back to the point, in Baku you should stay near:
- Icherisheher (Old City)
- Nizami Street
- Baku Boulevard
These areas will keep you close to the nearby locations, especially the nearest tourist spots. If you choose an apartment, check reviews carefully. Central locations are worth the extra cost.
6- Understanding Local Culture
Azerbaijanis are polite and reserved. Greetings matter. A simple hello goes a long way.
Dress modestly in traditional areas. You don’t need to be overly conservative, but avoid extremes. Public behaviour is calm. Loud conversations and aggressive gestures stand out.
Respect earns respect here. And once people warm up, they’re genuinely welcoming.
7- Daily Costs
Local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat. Like many other travellers, you feel that Credit and debit cards would be enough, and you don’t need anything at all. However, keep in mind that cash is still important, especially when using taxis and purchasing items from shops.
I have no problem with cards; you can use them, and they are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. While ATMs are easy to find in central areas. Baku is an affordable choice when it comes to travelling; it is neither cheap nor expensive.
Conclusion
Don’t compare Baku to other cities. That’s the fastest way to miss what makes it special. Baku doesn’t shout for attention. It grows on you quietly. And that’s exactly why first-time visitors often leave wanting to return.
