Me and my husband traveled to Azerbaijan last summer. Through this writing I am going to share our most memorable experiences, things know before your Baku trip and main attractions. I believe this blog will be useful for budget travelers.
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"Azerbaijan the land of fire Azerbaijan"💥😀
Azerbaijan is boarded by the Caspian Sea to the east Russia to the north Georgia to the northwest Armenia to the west and Iran to the South
Why I choose Summer
In summer, the land of Azerbaijan turn to green. So we get the land with greenery and beautiful flowering plants and also we get clear sky with temperatures ranging from 25° to 35° C. It is better time for sight seeing and Photography. During summer, we get day light until 8pm.The days stay long with up to 14-15 hours of sunlight.
.Festivals & Events:
- Baku Jazz Festival (July): Experience international and local jazz performances.
- June and July are ideal for experiencing peak lavender blooms
- Music Festivals: Summer often features concerts in Baku or Gabala.
- Formula 1 Grand Prix is a key event in Baku that draws international attention, especially during late summer or early autumn
Azerbaijan experiences a diverse range of Seasons each offering unique opportunities for travel. You can likely choose.
Autumn (September to November )
Autumn is characterized by mild temperatures ranging from 15 to 25° Mountain In Autumn, color turned to vibrant shades of red orange and yellow. It is a beautiful and culturally significant season. Various cities like Baku host jazz, folk, and classical music festivals, making autumn a lively season for cultural events. Daylight lasts around 12 hours.
Pomegranate Festival: held in November in Goychay, this festival celebrates the abundance of Azerbaijan’s signature fruit.
Winter( December to February )
Winter can be cold especially in the mountains with temperatures ranging from -5 to 10°.Azerbaijan in winter offers a magical blend of snow-capped mountains, cozy urban atmospheres, and thrilling outdoor activities. Winter brings the shortest days, with daylight lasting only about 8-9 hours.
Spring (march to May )
Mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°.it's a great time to explore the natural beauty of Azerbaijan.These months have long days, when daylight can last up to 14 hours. Sunsets are typically between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m..
Novruz Bayram : Celebrated in March, Novruz marks the arrival of spring and is Azerbaijan’s most important cultural festival.
Visa
We can apply Visa in two ways:
1. Electronic Visa
we can apply electronic Visa through website though we have to apply at least three working days before your planned date of arrival
2.On arrival visas are also available though it's time consuming.
Azerbaijan provides visa exemptions to citizens of several countries based on bilateral or multilateral agreements. Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, Turkey, Israel (up to 90 days).
Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and any travel-related issues.
Is Azerbaijan is safe for Tourist
Azerbaijan is safe for Tourist. The country is politically stable, especially in tourist-friendly regions like Baku and the surrounding areas.Azerbaijan is a largely secular society, although most of the population is Muslim. In Baku local and foreign women usually dress in conservative western-style clothing. Azerbaijanis are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards tourists
Azerbaijan is a safe country for solo female travelers. Locals are respectful, but conservative attire is recommended, especially outside major cities, to blend in with local customs.
Advice for Tourists
English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas, however there is language barriers exist so, though learning a few Azerbaijani or Russian phrases can be helpful.
Be alert to possible bag-snatching or mugging, particularly if you are carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. The risk is higher after dark in the centre of town. Avoid displaying large sums of money or expensive-looking valuables and do not walk alone at night.
Avoid Disputed Areas like Nagorno-Karabakh region and areas near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border are politically sensitive. Travel to these areas is strongly discouraged due to ongoing tensions.
Be aware of cultural sensitivities when photographing mosques, churches and other religious sites or sites of commemoration, such as the Alley of Martyrs in Baku.
While rural Azerbaijan is generally safe, infrastructure such as roads and emergency services might be less accessible.
Rules for Driving in Azerbaijan
General Rules
Foreigners must hold a valid international driving permit (IDP) or a driving license from their home country.
In Azerbaijan, vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and overtaking is on the left.
The minimum driving age is 18.
Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 60 km/h (37 mph)
- Open roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Highways: 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Always check local road signs for specific limits.
Most car rentals require:
- An international driving license.
- A passport for identification.
- A valid credit card for the deposit
Documentation
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Ensure that your rental car comes with the required insurance coverage.
- Carry the car’s registration, insurance, and your rental agreement (if applicable) at all times.
Roads can be in poor condition, especially in remote areas. Drive cautiously in mountainous regions like Quba or Sheki.
Emergency Numbers
- Police: 102
- Ambulance: 103
Transportation
Cost
Azerbaijan can be a relatively budget-friendly destination for economic travelers, especially compared to Western Europe or the Gulf countries.
Estimated cost of living is between $500 to $600 for 5 days and Azerbaijan's currency is Manat. Banks will give you good rate which is plenty around the city. shopkeepers also accept dollars but beware of low exchange rate. Alternatively, we can use Visa and master cards most of the hotels, taxi and supermarkets will accept the Cards.
Tips for budget-friendly travel
- Purchasing food from supermarkets or bazaars can cut meal expenses significantly.
- Eating in local or rural restaurants is much cheaper than dining in tourist-centric places like Nizami Street in Baku.
- Guides might take you to expensive restaurants, so keeping some snacks or food with you can help save on costs
- Public buses, metro, or shared rides save considerable money. Use Bolt app instead of taxi that will save your money. Remember all these facilities available only in cities.
- Group tours can often save money, where transportation and guided experiences can be bundled to reduce individual costs. Group tours stick to fixed schedules, which may not suit independent travelers.
- Accommodation in downtown Baku is pricier than in outskirts or smaller towns.
Traditional Food
- Three Sisters dolma
- Azerbaijani kebab
- Pulav
- Piti
Guides
You can choose a fully guided package or an unguided tour. Additionally, you can plan one-day tours that cover several places in a single day. Many local guides are available, and you can find them around the city, especially in the Old City or Icherisheher. Online booking services are also available. Compare the rates of several guides and choose appropriately, as all guides cover similar spots.General recommendations
- For SIM card , go for Azercell and take data package as you need.
- Native speak Azerbaijani, for better communication use Google Translation.
- Create a good itinerary before you go. Use chatGPT for creating a good itinerary
Main Attractions
1)Baku
- Old city
- Maiden Tower
- Shanash Palace
- Narrow streets half day is enough to cover the old
- Highland Park
- Baku Boulevard
- Nizami Street
- Bibi-Heybat Mosque
- Heydar Aliyev Centre
- flame Towers
- Azerbaijan carpet Museum National Museum of Art
- Martyrs' Lane
- Mini-Venice.
You can cover this in one day. you can depend on guided or non-guided tour use bolt app and Google Map for smooth Journey.
2)Kuba and khinaluq
It offer cooler temperatures even in summer and breathtaking taking Mountain views the distance from Baku to Khinaluq is approximately 220 km by Road even though you can cover this in one day you can use rent a car or group tour. Group tour is cost effective compared to the other options. The route includes mountainous terrain with narrow roads. On the way to khinaluq you can see
- Candy cane Mountain
- Qechresh Forest
- Afurdzhi Falls
- Eagle Mountain
- Kuba Canyon.
3)Yanar Dag
4)Gobustan
5)Mysterious mud volcanos
6)Fire Temple
7)Gabala
8) Sheki
Known for its Sheki Khan's Palace, featuring exquisite stained glass windows and beautiful natural surroundings, Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress and Kish Church.Azerbaijan offered us a remarkable journey filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the warm hospitality of its people. As our journey comes to an end, we leave with cherished memories, greater cultural insights, and a longing to return someday.
Thank you😋
If you have any queries, let me know in comments section😍
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