A hidden gem just 5.5 hours from London
Imagine hopping on a short flight from London and landing in a city that blends futuristic skylines with centuries-old history. Welcome to Baku, the oil-rich capital of Azerbaijan, where gleaming glass towers stand alongside ancient walls and mosques. Known for its secular boom-town energy reminiscent of Dubai two decades ago, Baku offers an easy yet thrilling escape for any traveller seeking both culture and modernity.
Navigating Baku: quick and convenient
Baku is surprisingly compact. The city hugs the western shore of the Caspian Sea, making it straightforward to explore on foot in many districts. For longer journeys, the Soviet-era metro provides an efficient way to zip across town—just remember that photography is not permitted underground. Alternatively, ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber are widely available and shockingly affordable, with a 15-minute trip costing around £2. Taxis are also plentiful, and road signs often feature English translations, easing navigation for first-time visitors.
Accommodation: where to rest your head
For luxury seekers, few options rival The Ritz-Carlton, Baku. Request a room overlooking Zaha Hadid’s iconic Heydar Aliyev Center—a hall of pure white curves that houses art exhibitions, an auditorium and a gallery of modern installations. If you prefer staying nearer to the heart of the action, the Four Seasons is nestled beside the UNESCO-listed Icherisheher (Old City), placing you within steps of narrow alleys and centuries-old caravanserais. And for a taste of the “Little Dubai” experience, opt for one of the sleek hotels within the new Sea Breeze development, about 20 minutes from downtown.
Sea Breeze: Baku’s bold waterfront project
Sea Breeze is unlike anything else in the region. Spanning 500 hectares of reclaimed coastline, this master-planned complex by businessman and singer Emin Agalarov promises a mix of:
- Five-star hotels and luxury villas lining private marinas;
- Manicured beaches with sun loungers and watersports facilities;
- A hotel shaped like an ocean liner for a truly immersive stay;
- A proposed 240-metre residential tower making a bold mark on the skyline;
- Dream Fest—a three-day international music festival (now in its third year) attracting acts and fans from around the globe.
Emin’s vision extends even further, with plans to relocate the Baku Formula 1 circuit to Sea Breeze, making it a hub for both leisure and world-class sporting events.
A culinary journey: Baku Dining & Wine Tasting
Food in Baku reflects its Silk Road heritage blended with Persian, Russian and modern influences. To dive headfirst into local flavours, book the Tripadvisor-hosted “Baku Dining & Wine Tasting Experience” with guide Gani. Over classic dishes like:
- Gutab (stuffed flatbreads filled with herbs or meat);
- Dolma (vine leaves wrapped around rice and spices);
- Plov (saffron-rice pilaf with barberries and lamb);
you’ll learn how generations of nomadic travellers shaped Azerbaijani cuisine. The tour also includes tastings at Boho, a wine bar specializing in indigenous grapes such as Madrasa and Bayan Shira, followed by decadent hazelnut baklava at Badam and a soothing cup of keklikotu (thyme-infused black tea) served with cherry jam at a traditional tea house.
Iconic sights you can’t miss
No trip to Baku is complete without exploring its landmarks:
- Highland Park: Hike up for panoramic views of the city, the Caspian Sea and the world’s largest free-flying flag.
- Flame Towers: Photograph these three curved skyscrapers that light up the night sky in fiery hues.
- Icherisheher (Old City): Wander the walled city’s narrow streets to discover the Maiden Tower, the tiny Book Museum and charming caravanserais now converted into cafés and restaurants.
- Ateshgah Fire Temple: A short drive from downtown, this Zoroastrian temple sits on natural gas vents that once fueled eternal flames.
- “James Bond” oil fields: Film buffs can visit the outskirts of Baku where scenes from 1999’s The World Is Not Enough were shot amid rusting oil derricks and desert highways.
Seasonal highlights: festivals and events
Plan your visit to coincide with Dream Fest if you love music and nightlife—Emin Agalarov’s brainchild draws international DJs and pop stars to Sea Breeze each August. Alternatively, local cultural events in Icherisheher, such as folk dance performances and carpet-weaving demonstrations, are held year-round.
Practical tips for an unforgettable stay
- Currency: The Azerbaijani manat (AZN) is best obtained locally. Credit cards are widely accepted, but small vendors may prefer cash.
- Language: English is commonly spoken in hotels and restaurants, though picking up a few phrases in Azerbaijani (or Russian) is appreciated.
- Safety: Baku is very safe, with low crime rates. Keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas.
- Dress code: As a secular but culturally conservative nation, modest attire is recommended when visiting mosques and historic sites.
- Visa: Many nationalities can obtain a quick e-visa online; check requirements well in advance.
With its blend of ancient charm and ultra-modern luxury, Baku offers a unique travel experience that few other capitals can match. Whether you’re strolling through cobblestone streets, lounging on a Mediterranean-style beach or dancing at a global music festival, this city will leave you with memories of a destination both surprising and unforgettable.