Last Updated on September 10, 2026 by Nadia Halfway
📜 Introduction.
Baku, also called the City of Wind and Fire, is a fascinating mix of ancient traditions and futuristic design.
In just two days, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Capital of Azerbaijan, explore its charming Old City, admire the glowing Flame Towers, and taste delicious Azerbaijani cuisine.
Whether you’re planning a short trip or a long layover, with this 2-day itinerary you’ll experience the best of Baku, the City of Wind and Fire.
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Day 1: Arrival at Night.
My adventure begins on Monday, July 21, 2025, with a Turkish Airlines flight from Bari to Baku (via Istanbul).
After landing around 7:50 PM, I quickly passed the security check and went straight to my hostel with a taxi.
My initial plan was having a walk to see the iconic Flame Towers (Alov Qüllələri), but I was a bit tired. However, I could fully enjoy the view from the balcony of my hostel.
Day 2: A Full Intense Day.
I started the morning slowly with breakfast at the hostel and had a coffee by strolling around the city center. At 11 AM, I joined a free city tour via GuruWalk with meeting point in front of KFC at the famous Nizami Street.
During the walking tour, we visited Icherisheher (Old City), Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs Palace, and many other iconic landmarks, discovering stories that blend Persian, Ottoman, and Soviet influences. We also made a stop at Museum of Miniature Books, a unique cultural institution that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest private collection of miniature books. It features over 8,000 tiny printed publications originating from more than 70 different countries.
After lunch, I headed to the futuristic Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of modern Baku. Then I visited the National Carpet Museum, a cultural treasure of Azerbaijan, to learn about one of the country’s oldest crafts.
Around sunset, I strolled around Mini Venice, a charming area with canals and cafes, and had dinner at one of the traditional restaurants before going to the airport. That same night, I had to embark on a flight to Urumqi, first stop of my 1-month solo travel in China.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Baku.
I stayed for only one night in Baku at Sahil Hostel & Hotel in a female-only shared room for just €8. The staff was very nice and kept my belongings for the entire day during my city exploration. However, for this price do not expect anything special. The room and shared bathroom were ok, breakfast was not included and they do not have many options, and finally no towels were provided.
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🔽 If you’d prefer the comfort of a hotel, you can explore plenty of options in Baku using the map below 🔽
🍜 What to Eat in Baku.
The food in Azerbaijan is really interesting and tasty. It’s a mix of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Caucasian influences, with a strong tradition of fresh ingredients, grilled meats, rice, herbs, and desserts.
As I only stayed less than two days, I could only enjoy two proper meals.
- Lunch at Dolma. I had lavangi (aubergine’s rolls similar to Georgian badrijani) as appetizer and then a plate of gyurza, dumplings filled with mutton meat and dipped in sour cream
- Dinner at Nergiz. I had Xırt-xırt badımcan salatı (that literally means crunch-crunch aubergine salad) and qutab with cheese (a sort of pita, typical bread in Azerbaijan).
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets.
I booked a free walking tour via GuruWalk and on my own I visited the exterior of the Heydar Aliyev Center and the National Carpet Museum for only €5.
💡 Travel Tips.
🪪 Do you need a Visa to enter in Azerbaijan?
As an Italian citizen, I did have to apply for a visa to enter the country. Most of the countries are required to request a visa to enter in Azerbaijan which lasts 30 days. Pay attention to not be scammed as there are several websites that seems legit. However, only this eVisa.org is the official website to apply for a Visa and it costs only €25! Other websites, such as this, charged $69 for a standard application.
🚌 Getting Around.
Getting from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to the city centre is straightforward, and there are a couple of options depending on your budget and comfort level.
I was, let’s say, ripped off when I took a taxi, as I was convinced that ride-sharing apps couldn’t pick passengers up at the airport. However, I took a Bolt on my way back and I highly recommend it. However, on my way back to the airport I used Bolt and I highly recommend it. It’s the most reliable and hassle-free option, especially if you’re travelling alone with luggage. Simply download the app before you set off and book a taxi as soon as you get outside the airport. The ride costs around €14 (half the price I paid for an airport taxi!).
Instead, if you are on a tight budget, Bus Line 182 runs between the airport and Koroğlu Metro Station in the city. It is a much cheaper option at around 0.30-0.40 AZN (approx. €0.20) per ride, though it is slower and less practical with large luggage.
If you stay longer, you might consider purchasing the BakiKart, Baku’s reloadable transit card. It works on both the metro and the city buses, and it costs around 2 AZN to purchase at any metro station. The Baku Metro itself is clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
📲 eSim.
Since I had a layover of several hours in Istanbul and was staying in Baku for less than two days, I compared the best eSIM providers and opted for Quibity (formerly eSim.sm). I bought their Middle East data package, which perfectly covers both Turkey and Azerbaijan, costing just €5.70 for 1GB valid for 7 days.
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🛍️ What to Buy in Baku.
Baku is a surprisingly good city for souvenir shopping, and you will find everything from handcrafted traditional goods to local food products. For the best prices on food, skip the tourist shops in the Old City and head instead to the Taza Bazar (Green Bazaar), a colourful covered market where locals actually shop.
Please note that 1 AZN is equivalent to 0.50 EUR. Exchange rates may, however, vary over time.
Azerbaijani carpets and textiles.
These are the most iconic souvenir you can bring home from Azerbaijan. Authentic handwoven carpets are available at the National Carpet Museum shop, at the Old City bazaars, and in specialised shops along Nizami Street. Prices vary enormously depending on size, age, and whether the carpet is machine-made or handwoven, so take your time and do not rush into a purchase. Be aware of the customs duty!
Pomegranate products and traditional sweets.
Azerbaijan is famous for its pomegranates, and you will find them in every possible form: jam, wine, juice, vinegar, and even cosmetics. They make wonderfully compact and lightweight gifts. Don’t forget to pick up a box of shekerbura (crescent-shaped pastries filled with nuts and cardamom), pakhlava (the Azerbaijani version of baklava), and gogal (flaky pastries scented with anise and saffron).
Copper and silver craftsmanship.
Azerbaijani artisans are known for their intricate copperware: trays, bowls, and decorative pieces engraved with traditional geometric motifs. The Old City is the best place to browse, though prices are negotiable.
⛰️ What to See in Azerbaijan Beyond Baku.
If you have more time than my quick layover, I highly recommend exploring outside the capital. Azerbaijan offers incredible landscapes and historical sites.
- Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes. Just an hour’s drive from Baku, this UNESCO site is a fantastic day trip. You can admire ancient rock carvings and watch the bizarre, bubbling mud volcanoes.
- Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag. You cannot visit the City of Wind and Fire without seeing its eternal flames. These sites are incredibly close to the city centre. You can easily book a half-day tour to discover the fascinating Zoroastrian roots of the country.
- Sheki. If you can spare a couple of extra days, travel up to the Caucasus mountains to visit Sheki. This ancient Silk Road city features the breathtaking Palace of Sheki Khans, with wonderful details and stained-glass windows.
If you fancy an easy day trip, I highly recommend checking out GetYourGuide for fantastic tours departing from Baku like these below.
❓ FAQ.
Yes, Baku is generally considered a safe city for solo female travellers. Azerbaijan has relatively low street crime, and locals tend to be curious and welcoming rather than threatening. However, as in many countries, some staring can occur. Dressing modestly and being aware of your surroundings at night is always a good practice.
Most nationalities and other EU citizens, need a visa to enter Azerbaijan. The official e-visa can be obtained via the government website and costs approximately €25 for a 30-day single-entry visa. Beware of unofficial third-party websites that charge significantly more for the same service.
Azerbaijan uses the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) that corresponds approximately €0.51. ATMs are widely available in Baku, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in the city centre.
The most convenient option is the Bolt app, which is widely used in Azerbaijan. A taxi from Heydar Aliyev International Airport to the city centre costs approximately €8-15 depending on your destination and traffic. There is also Bus Line 182, a cheaper alternative, though it is slower and less comfortable with luggage.
The official language is Azerbaijani (also called Azeri), which belongs to the Turkic language family. Russian is also widely spoken, particularly among the older generation. English is understood in tourist areas, hotels, and many restaurants in Baku, though less so outside the capital.
🎈 Conclusion.
Wrapping up, spending two days in Baku gave me the perfect mix of history, culture, and modern design. I was completely amazed by how ancient stone alleys sit right next to glowing skyscrapers.
Every corner truly reveals a story about Azerbaijan’s unique identity. If you are planning a trip to the Caucasus, you simply cannot miss Baku, the City of Wind and Fire.
💬 And you? Would you spend two days in Baku, or would you stay longer to explore Azerbaijan’s countryside? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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