Important: The license upgrade to CC by-sa 3.0 has been approved.
Please consider all contributions from this point forward to be made under that license.

From Wikitravel

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.

[edit] Understand

Baku, also known as Baky or Bakı, is the largest city in the Caucasus and the capital of Azerbaijan. Baku is on the coast of the Caspian Sea on the southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula. There are three major divisions in Baku: İçəri Şəhər (the ancient city), the Soviet built city, and the newest part of the city. The population as of January, 2003 reached 2,074,300 people.

A curious fact about Baku is that its average year-round temperature (14.2 Centigrade) matches the average temperature of the entire landmass of the earth to within a tenth of degree. Summers are hot and humid, winters cool, wet and breezy. However, seasonal temperature excursions are less than in many continental regions at this latitude (about 40 degrees north) owing to the presence of the Caspian Sea. One of Baku's sister cities is Houston Texas, in the United States. Baku bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics but was eliminated on June 4th 2008.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Heydar Aliyev International Airport [1] (IATA: GYD) is situated 25km from Baku city center. It is served by major airlines including BMI, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, and a whole host of smaller airlines. The least expensive way to get to Baku from Europe is via Air Baltic, with inexpensive flights several times a week.

To get to Baku from the airport cheaply, walk to the traffic circle from the airport (about 15 minutes) and ride the minibus from there. It is a 1 hour trip. Otherwise pay a taxi driver 12 AZN ride the taxi to your destination in Baku. Every price above 15 AZN is rip-off, but foreigners frequently believe the fairy tale stories and pay 30, 40, ... AZN. Be tough!

If you are flying out of the airport and you want to save a few AZN it is possible to take the number 135 minibus from near the 28 May train/metro station. It costs 40 qapik, but it is 7-9 AZN cheaper than a taxi. After getting to the traffic circle near the airport, join disembarking passengers in their taxi and give the driver 1 AZN once arriving at the airport.

Starting from October 2009 a new bus line N 16 opened from Airport to downtown . The line is served by new and comfortable buses and costs 1 AZN. The bus arrives to Samed Vurgun park in very heart of Baku.

[edit] By train

• Russia
• Georgia
• Iran
• Baku-Sheki:Overnight train 2.4 AZN for 3rd class, 3.6 AZN for coupe, 5 AZN for first class
• Baku-Lankaran: Day train - 2.5 AZN for economy; 4.1 AZN for first class, overnight train
• Baku-Xachmaz: Day train
• Baku-Ganja: Day train, overnight train
• Baku-Tbilisi: Overnight train, AZN 29 first class

[edit] By bus

• Lankaran-Baku: arrives: 7:00, 7.30, 9:00, departs: 11:50, 16:00, 15:00
• Lankaran-Baku-Baku's Airport: arrives: 21:00, departs: 17:00
• Sheki-Baku: Every hour/4 AZN (7 hour trip)

There are buses that run from Georgia, Russia, and Iran.

[edit] By minibus

• Baku-Sheki: 6 hours
• Baku-Lankaran: 5 hours
• Baku-Xachmaz: 3 hours
• Baku-Saatli: 3 hours
• Baku-Imishli: 4 hours

[edit] By taxi

There are taxis that run from Georgia, Russia, and Iran.

• Baku-Sheki:5 hours by taxi
• Baku-Lankaran: 4 hours by taxi

[edit] By ferry

The phone number of the sea terminal (Daniz Vagzal) is 994 12 447 7314. People can gather more information on the various routes at the station.

• Russia
• Iran
• Kazakhstan - Irregular services (maybe every 7-10 days). Get your visa before you travel.
• Turkmenistan - From Turkmenistan, the costs, at the cheapest, is around $50 for a steerage bed and it takes two days to reach from Turkmenbashi to Baku. It is better to bring your own food, instead of buying it on the ship because food can be quite pricey. Make sure to get a visa in Tashkent before entering, because it is impossible to obtain one in Turkmenbashi.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By taxi

Taxi costs about 4-10 manats (5-13$) for trips within the center of Baku. There are no counters, and it is recommended to negotiate the cost in advance.

• Professional taxi services in Baku [2]

[edit] By bus/minibus

Buses and minibuses cost 20 qapik (25 cent)per person and can take you to almost any place within Baku. Destinations are usually posted on the front and the right side of the bus so that people can know where they are going.

[edit] By metro

The metro goes many places throughout Baku and it costs only 15 qapik (18 cent). It is the least expensive way to get around Baku besides walking. Be careful when transferring on the only transfer (28 May and 20 January) as there is no signage. Ask a cashier or attendant. Also, the newly implemented Bakı Metropiliten Kart requries people to purchase a 2 AZN (2,5 Dollar)card and load it like a normal metro pass. In case of no need card can be returned to cashier and 2 AZN can be received back. It is possible to use a Azerbaycan Sosial Kartı like the ones on some Azerbaijani ATM cards instead of having to buy a Bakı Metropiliten Kart. The metro workers will be more than happy to help if spoken to in either Azeri or Russian.

[edit] By train

The Baku electric train runs through several parts of Baku and the surrounding area including Sumqait. It costs 1 AZN (1,20 Dollar) for one person.

[edit] On foot

It is possible to get around Fountain Square, the Boulevard, and the old city by foot, but otherwise it would be better to use a different mode of transportation.

[edit] Talk

English and Russian are spoken in many places throughout Baku, but it wise to still either bring an Azeri phrase book and/or brush up on your Azeri/Turkish/Russian before arriving. However, everyone over the age of 35 will speak excellent Russian, and about half the people under the age of 35 will speak a little English.

• Azerbaijani phrasebook
• Turkish phrasebook
• Russian phrasebook

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Itineraries

• A weekend in Baku
• A week in Baku

[edit] Cultural sites

There are a number of interesting sites within Baku's walled fortress, the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which can all be seen on foot in one day:

• The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. 10AM–5PM daily. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku. 2 AZN.  edit
• Maiden's Tower (Giz Qalasi). 10AM–7PM daily. This mysterious and eccentric tower was built somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries and may have served as a fire beacon, defensive fortification, astronomical observatory, or Zoroastrian temple. .5 AZN.  edit

Outside the city, on the Absheron Peninsula, there are several interesting sites that are easy to reach via taxi or public transportation. Moreover, the scenery along your route is itself a fascinatingly ugly sight to be seen, a desert wasteland with white salt flats and natural oil pools seeping up to the surface.

• Atashgah Fire Temple. You can take the Baku Electric train from the Baku train station to Suraxani station for 10 qapik. Simply walk through the station to the outdoor platforms where a schedule is posted. You can pay on board or buy a ticket from a kiosk on the platform. From Suraxani station walk about 100 meters and 'you can arrive at the temple Admission is as follows: children's 0.20 AZN, student's 0.40 AZN, adult's 2 AZN. If you want to take pictures it costs 2 AZN in addition to admission. (40.415485,50.008504) edit'

• Yanar Dagh. Yanar Dagh is a mountain that has been continuously on fire for one thousand years. The natural gas vents ensure that hot flames roar out of the sides of this hill even when it rains. There is a small cafe next to the natural wonder that serves tea and snacks. It is best to take a cab as Yanar Dagh is remote and difficult to find. As of Mar 08 the small cafe was just a shell of a building and no longer there.  edit

• The Baku Boluvar

• Boat tours of Baku. This service is offered from the Baku Boluvar and costs .6 AZN (7,50 Dollar)and lasts 40 minutes.

[edit] Museums and galleries

• The Azeri National Costume Museum (Doll Museum), ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 66 85 (+994 (12)/ 493 05 01).  edit

• Taghiyev History Museum, Tagiyev Street, 4, ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 36 48 (+994 (12)/ 498 52 11).  edit

• Latif Karimov Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, Neftchiler Avenue, 123 A.  edit

• Home of Jafar Jabbarli, 44, S.Gutgashinli Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 43 84 350, [3].  edit

[edit] Miscellaneous

• Dendro Park.  edit

• Oil Rocks. Tourist wanting to see the oil rock complex need to get previous authorization from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.  edit

• Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, 2, Istiglaliyyat Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 497 29 05 (+994 (12)/ 497 29 01). Built in 1912 and inspired by the Monte Carlo Casino. Houses the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra amongst others.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• National Opera and Ballet- on Nizami street.

• Targova Street and Fountain Square: This is a pedestrian street along the center of Baku that has many shopping, dining, and sitting places. Targova and Fountain Square are quite near the old city.

• Baku Entertainment Center (Bakı Ləncə Mərkəzi), Khatai District, F. Bayramov Street, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 490-22-22 (office@bem.az, vip@bem.az, fax: 994 012 490-22-05). Baku Entertainment center has been around for more than half a decade. It has a shopping center, bowling alley certified by AMF, health club, conference venue with a capacity of 350 people, and various restaurants and clubs.  edit

• Hamam Mehellesi. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This is the oldest public bath in Baku located near the Baki Soviet metro station, inside the walls of the old city. There are men's and women's days at this public bath, Mondays and Fridays are for women, the rest of the days are for men. Hamam Mehellesi is in the Old Town. From the station, enter the gate to the old city, turn right and go down the street. The hamam will be a few blocks down, on the left side of the street, you will see a note on one of the walls "hamam mehellesi" and a little further - the bath's domes - this will be the place. Entrace costs 1 AZN and they offer two types of service, ''hise'' (skin peel) for 2 AZN and massage for 4 AZN..  edit

• Luna Park, ☎ 994 012 496-48-48. This is a small amusement park for kids and adults.  edit

• Baku Funucilar Railroad. You can take this funiclar train up to the Alley of the Marytrs. It costs about .2 AZN per person.  edit

• Teze Bey Hamami. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This public bath is in the old town and is a male only hamam. They have different types of baths (Finnish, Turkish, etc), so it may be a bit pricier than the other public baths in Baku.  edit

• Baku Jazz Festival, ☎ 994 012 437-55-33 (infofestival@jazz.az), [4]. Organised by famous saxophonist and Baku resident Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's love of Jazz which grew during the Soviet era when it was banned by the authorities. Features acts from around the world, the annual festival lasts for a week, and will run from 7th to 14th June in 2007. Tickets can be purchased from Baku Jazz Center, 19 Rashid Behbudov Street, AZ1001 or by phone.  edit

• The Spa at Park Hyatt Baku, Park Hyatt Baku Hotel, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ +994 12 490 1234 (baku@hyattintl.com), [5].  edit

[edit] Beaches

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [6]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

There are a couple of beaches including Shikhov Beach, but they are polluted by sewage and industrial waste. Outside the city, however, there are a few very nice sandy beaches on the Caspian. In particular Bilgəh and Amburan beaches, on the north coast of the Absheron Peninsula are great spots to cool off from heat.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Antiques from Old City (İçəri Şəhər)
• Rugs
• Apples from Quba
• Tea and Talish Stockings from Lankaran
• Halva from Sheki
• Traditional dolls created by ladies' groups in Barda

[edit] ATMs

• Bankomats (ATMs) are available all around the city, mainly in downtown and metro stations exits. If you have a cell phone with either a Bakcell or Azercell sim card, you can recharge your account balance using various ATMs. The International Bank of Azerbaijan has a list [7] of their ATMs in Baku. Some of them have Euros and US Dollars available.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a great deal of restaurants in Baku.

[edit] Budget

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	up to 10 AZN
Mid-range	10 - 20 AZN
Splurge	20 AZN or more

• Lebanese, 12, Z. Taguyev Street, ☎ 994 012 493-78-49. Lebanese Cuisine located on fountain square 4-8 AZN.  edit
• Half Way Inn, 6, 28 May Street, ☎ 994 012 598-09-05. International Cuisine 5-10 AZN.  edit
• L’aparte, 51, Istigaliyyet Street, ☎ 994 012 497-77-79. European and Azeri Cuisine 6-10 AZN.  edit
• Onassis, 3, Inshaatchilar Avenue, ☎ 994 012 439-17-34. Greek and International Cuisine 2-7 AZN.  edit
• U Dali, 5, M. Ibragimov Street, ☎ 994 012 494-93-56. Georgian Cuisine 3-6 AZN.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Azerbaijani/Turkish

• Respublika Luks, 24 Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 598-10-56; European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 2-15 AZN.
• XVII esr, 215 B. Safaroglu Street, tel: 994 012 598-17-00. Club-Restaurant. prices 8-15 AZN
• Anadolu, Pushkin Street 5 and Rasul Rza Street 3/5, tel: 994 012 498-87-58; tel: 994 012 498-804. Turkish/European Restaurant/Catering. prices 8-15 AZN
• Masal, Khagani Street
• Mugam Club, 9 A. Rzayeva Street, tel: 994 012 492-40-85. European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 10-15 AZN.
• Bəh Bəh, Azerbaijani Restaurant 20, Shihaliyev Street, tel: 994 012 496-18-10.
• Izmir Garden Restaurant, 5 Izmir Street, tel: 994 012 436-93-73; e-mail: izmir@azdata.net. Azerbaijani Restaurant.
• Jennet Baghi, 82, Acad, Hasan Aliyeve Street, tel: 994 012 449-91-98. Azerbaijani Restaurant.
• Karvansara, 1 Gala Street, Ichiri Sheher, tel: 994 012 456-62-33. Azeri Cuisine.
• Lido, Corner of Nkhchivani Street, tel: 994 012 462-94-49. European and Azeri Cuisine.

[edit] Former USSR

• Khutor, 9 M. Mukhtarov Street, tel: 994 012 437-22-23. Ukrainian Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Rasputin, 9 A. Aliyev Street, tel: 050-355-57-71. Russian Cuisine. prices 5-20 AZN
• Maksim, 4/3, Gala Street (Old City), tel: 994 012 492-20-45. Georgian Cuisine. prices 5-20 AZN
• Georgian Home, 215, Bashir Safaroglu Street, tel: 994 012 493-85-36, e-mail: georgian_home_g@mail.ru. Georgian Cuisine.
• Dukhan, 81/13, Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 598-22-29. Georgian Cuisine.
• Georgian Home, 18, Mirza Irahimov Street, tel: 994 012 493-43-85. Georgian Cuisine.

[edit] Western

• Mexicana, 17, Z.Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 498-90-96. Mexican Cuisine. prices 6-14 AZN
• Pizza Holiday, 119, Lermontov Kuchasi Near Baku Soviet, tel: 994 012 497-37-72. Pizza and Italian Cuisine. prices 5-15 AZN
• Pauza, 28 May Street, tel: 994 012 493-70-03. International Cuisine. prices 5-15 AZN
• Gazelli Evi, 93, Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 493-96-88. International Cuisine. prices 5-16 AZN
• The Red Lion Inn, 7 Mammadaliyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-03-54. English Cuisine . prices 6-16 AZN
• Ego’s, 19/13, Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 493-11-01. European Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Park Inn's Glory, 1 Azadlig Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-00-01. European Cuisine. prices 8-18 AZN
• Caviar, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-70-90. International Cuisine.
• Corleone, 40 Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 498-82-46. Italian Cuisine.
• Dolce Vita, 9, Aziz Aliyev Street, tel: 994 012 492-75-72. Italian Restaurant.
• Grand Hotel Europe, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, tel: 994 012 490-70-90; e-mail: business.hotel_europe@azdata.net.International Cuisine.
• Greasy Barney’s, G. Abbasov 72, apartment 1 A, tel: 994 012 491-23-63. Sandwich Shop.
• Le Mirage, 34, Nizami Street, tel: 050-622-05-90. European Cuisine and Discotheque.
• Le R Restaurant, 123/6, Remontov Street, tel: 994 012-437-21-80. European Cuisine.
• München, 125 Nizami Street, tel: 994 012 493-76-00.German Cuisine.
• Nara, 4 Aziz Aliyev Street, tel: 994 012 497-12-55. French Cuisine.
• Soho, 6 R. Aliyarbekov Street, tel: 050-319-38-19. International Cuisine.
• Universal Club, 16 Z. Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-29-12. International Cuisine.

[edit] Asian

• Buddha, 2 A.Z., Tagiyev Street, tel: 994 012 493-10-05. Fusion Cuisine. prices 6-12 AZN
• Lai Thai, 21 Samed Vurgun Street, tel: 050-578-53-94. Thai Cuisine. prices 6-15 AZN - this restaurant has closed.
• Maharaja, 131, Akivsat Gykuyev Street, tel: 994 012 494-63-00. Indian Cuisine. prices 8-15 AZN
• Taj Mahal, 18, Khagani Street, tel: 994 012 498-03-62. Indian Cuisine. prices 3-14 AZN

[edit] Splurge

• The Brewery, 28, Istiglaliyyet Street, tel: 994 012 497-14-00. European Restaurant. prices 8-20 AZN

• Mezzo, Bakikhanov Street in Hyatt Hotel, tel: 994 012 496-12-34. Mediterranean Cuisine. prices 20-70 AZN

• House of Sultans, Icheri Sheher Boyuk Gala Number 20, tel: 994 012 437-23-06. International and Azeri Cuisine. prices expensive

• Shaghai, 31 Rasul Rza Street, tel: 994 012 495-45-10. Chinese Cuisine. prices 3-25 AZN

• Terrace Garden, 20, Boyuk Gala, Icheri Sheher, tel: 994 012 437-23-05(ex. 10). European and Azeri Cuisine. prices 7-26 AZN

• Toscana, 12 Basti Bagirova Street, Kermur Plaza, tel: 994 012 436-80-47. Italian Cuisine. prices 4-20 AZN

[edit][add listing] Drink

A Cultural Note Although tea houses (çay xanalar) in Baku usually allow western women to enter, in the regions, it is often forbidden for females to enter such establishments. Women drinking in Baku is a la mode, but it is taboo for women in the regions of Azerbaijan to consume alcohol.

[edit] Tea Houses (Çay Xanalar)

There are many outdoor tea houses (çay xanalar) that serves tea and sweets to people in their own individual nooks. It can be a great way to get a sense of the local culture. If you are adventurous, try challenging a local Bakuvian to a game of backgammon (nard) or dominoes.

[edit] Cafés

There is a good selection of cafés dispersed throughout Baku. Expect to pay Western prices for your coffee.

• Aroma Café, 18, U. Hajibayov Street, ☎ 012-598-07-07.  edit
• Azza Café, 1, I. Safarli Street/Fountains Square, ☎ (+994 12) 437 0111 (kafe@azza.az), [8]. 12-23.  edit
• Baku Roasting Company, Near Ramstore in Elmlar. 9-9, except on Mondays. 2.5-7 AZN.  edit
• Cafe Caramel, 7, Alizade Street, ☎ 012-498-93-53 (cafecaramel@office.az), [9]. 11-23. 4-10 AZN.  edit
• Chocolate, 21, Boyukgala Street/4 Mamedaliyev Street, ☎ 012-492-35-26.  edit
• Cottage Café, Opposite Villa Petrolea, ☎ 012-497-48-30.  edit
• Gourmet Shop, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ 012-49-12-34.  edit

[edit] Bars and pubs

Although tea houses (çay xanalar) (found throughout Azerbaijan) serve local beer (piva) - draft at 50 qapick/glass or bottles at 70 qapick/bottle or vodka (araq) at 2 AZN/bottle, for anything exotic (e.g. tequila, gin, or rum), you will have to go to a normal bar or hotel and pay Western prices there.

• Beluga Bar, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ 012-496-12-34.  edit
• Britannia Pub, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ 012-496-12-34.  edit
• Caspian Bar, 1025/30, Tbilisi Avenue, ☎ 012-490-70-90.  edit
• The Corner Bar, 77, Nizami Street, the corner of the R. Rza and Tolstoy Streets.  edit
• Finnegan’s, 4, A. Aliyev street, ☎ 012-498-98-57.  edit
• Golden Ridges Pub, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ 012-493-17-72.  edit
• Hampstead, 12, Basti Bagirova Street, ☎ 012-436-79-81.  edit
• O’Mally’s, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ 012-498-43-32.  edit
• Park Inn's Victor’s Bar, 1, Azadlig Street, ☎ 012-490-60-00.  edit
• Pub Viking, 49, Bul-bul Street, ☎ 012-499-18-86.  edit
• Queen’s Head, 95, Neftchilar Street, ☎ 050-368-77-33.  edit
• Tequila Junction, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ 012-498-43-32.  edit
• Tiger Bar, 19, Mamed Aliyv Street, ☎ 012-598-41-21.  edit
• The Phoenix Bar, 10, Mammadaliyev Street, ☎ 012-305-90-90.  edit
• Tj’s Pub, 9, Aliyarbekov Street, ☎ 012-498-46-21.  edit
• Caledonia Bar, 38, Rasul Rza, ☎ 012-494-28-53 (dave@Caledoniabar.Com), [10]. 09:30 till late. Owned by Dave from Montrose, The Caledonia opened in June 2002 and has become one of Baku's most popular bars. The Caledonia bar offers a familiar and friendly pub atmosphere for all to enjoy. The Caledonia bar features photos and memorabilia from the home country and ensures that all visitors to the bar are reminded of Scotland's favourite sons and daughters, places and traditions. As well as a warm welcome and good service the bar offers excellent facilities for watching all your favourite sporting events.  edit

[edit] Clubs

• Caravan Jazz Club, 4 Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 12 97-11-39. You might not expect it, but Baku has a great jazz tradition of its own and this is the place to go. No cover and has a free western toilet.  edit
• Room 103, 103 Neftiçilər prospekti, ☎ +994 12 92-65-03. An upscale cocktail bar with nightly live jazz.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Thousand Camels Hostel Baku, Asef Zeynalli 29, Apt-3, (Near Meredian Hotel), Icheri Sheher, ☎ +994556778175 (hostel@thousandcamels-az.com), [11]. checkin: any time; checkout: 12PM. This is the best located of all budget options, being in the old city, inside the old city walls, and close to all the sights and shoreline. It's also the only place where you'll find any sort of atmosphere (during summer) (DEC09 Closed, however there is Caspian Hostel above it +994503778444.) The price is 20 USD or 16 AZN for a dorm bed..  edit

• Araz Hotel, About a kilometer from the ferry port. This used to be a cheap option, but after renovation of 2009 the prices rose to mid-price level. Around 50$ for a double, no dorm bed available.  edit

• Baku Station Hotel, 28 May Station. 2.4 AZN per person for a 5 person room/per person; 6 AZN for a single room; 3 AZN for a twin room. This hotel was under total renovation in October 2009 and will most likely rise the prices when finished..  edit

• Hotel Velotrek, 20 January Metro Station, slightly hidden behind the Respublica Velotrek bicycle race course through a tall iron gate on the left hand side. A few kilometers north of the centre, this budget hotel has clean rooms with TV, private bath and hot water in the mornings. 15 AZN for a single room and 30 AZN for a double..  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Consul, 92c Hasan Aliyev Street, ☎ 994 12 498 6095;994 12 465 1282. This is a hotel option in the Genclik district.  edit

• Delfin Hotel, 9th km of Sumgait Highway, ☎ 994 012 406-64-00 (info@delfinhotel.az, fax: 994 012 406-60-09), [12]. Situated 9km out of town. Opportunity to play paintball (50 bullets - 12 AZN).  edit

• Diplomat Hotel, Suleyman Rahimov Street, 185, ☎ 994 012 596-11-27 (sales@diplomathotelbaku.com, fax: 994 012 596-11-28), [13]. Located centrally. 90 AZN for a double. Major credit cards accepted..  edit

• Elite Hotel, Darnagul Settl., Neft avenue., 30/68, [14]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12AM. 4 star business class hotel. 85 AZN for a double..  edit

• Park Inn, Azadlig Ave 1, ☎ 994 12 490 6000 (fax: 994 12 496 8900), [15]. Fully-equipped business centre, restaurant, bar and coffee shop, five modern conference rooms and an elegant ballroom with a large foyer. Also offers Wi-Fi in all guest rooms, gift shop, free airport shuttle, 24 hour room service, workout room, open parking facilities, 24 hour concierge. 169 AZN.  edit

• Holiday Inn Baku Airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport, ☎ 994 12 437 4949 (info.bakap@ihg.com), [16]. The newly built Holiday Inn Baku Airport hotel enjoys an excellent location at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. This new Baku hotel, and the first hotel from InterContinental Hotels Group in Azerbaijan is only a 25 minutes drive from the city centre of Baku. The hotel combines an excellent range of facilities for both business and leisure travellers including Kids Stay and Eat Free*, High Speed Internet Access in all guest rooms. The lobby area and meeting rooms are also equipped with Wi-Fi. The Holiday Inn Baku Airport hotel, offers a choice of fine international cuisine, with the largest & most unique variety of restaurants & lounges within the city of Baku. Complimentary shuttle is offered downtown for all guests. The Gazelli Health Spa offers indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the latest state-of-the-art fitness facilities and provides a range of beauty services from massages to facials.  edit

• Empire Hotel, Xaqani str. 49., ☎ 994 12 598 21 23 (info@empirehotel.az, fax: 994 125 98 21 29), [17]. The Empire Hotel has all advantages of a city-center location and is a perfect place to stay for business and leisure travellers. The Hotel is surrounded by embassies, government and business offices, and has a good position to the popular entertainment center of Baku city. The Empire hotel offers 7 single, 21 twins, 14 triple and one deluxe room with comfortable accommodation, individual temperature control, mini bar, direct dialing system and satellite T.V. channels.  edit

• Rigs Hotel, 27 Gadjibekov Str, ☎ 994 12 493 92 41 (info@rigshotel.az, fax: 994 493 85 28), [18]. The “Rigs” hotel offers 13 singles, 9 double/twin and 2 luxe rooms with comfortable accommodation, minibar, individual temperature control, direct dialing phone and satellite TV channels. We are honored to provide our guests with airport pick-up and taxi services, 24 hour security service and reception open round the clock. Without using transport you can visit historical open museum “Icheri Sheher” (Old city). The hotel is also neighboring the National Seaside Park (Boulevard) with gorgeous view of the Caspian Sea .  edit

• Guesthouse Inn, Azadlig Avenue 16/21, ☎ 994 12 493 41 67 (request@guesthouse-inn.az, fax: 994 493 59 12), [19]. Guesthouse Inn is conveniently located on Azadlig Avenue between the Oil Academy and the Landmark. The 9 rooms (4 single and 5 double rooms) are tastefully furnished in modern style. All have ensuite bathroom, fridge with mini bar service, satellite TV, telephone, and air conditioning  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Excelsior Hotel Baku, 2 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, ☎ 994 12 496-8000 (info@excelsiorhotelbaku.az, fax: 994 12 496-8008), [20]. With a 5 star rating, the Excelsior Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Baku. The rate per night range from 250-2,450 USD, but will be converted to AZN at the hotel's rate.  edit

• Hyatt Regency Baku, 1 Bakikhanov, AZ1065, ☎ 994 12-496-1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com, fax: 994 12-496-1235), [21]. Services include: high-speed internet access, chauffeur-driven limousine rental, hotel shops, Wi-Fi, business center, The Grill, Gourmet Shop, Beluga Bar, Club Oasis Fitness Center, swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, ballroom, 10 meeting rooms, 2 boardrooms, and pre-function and social function space. The rate per night range from 270-405 AZN..  edit

• Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, 340 Nizami Street, ☎ 994 12 498-2402 (sales.radissonsas@isrplaza.com, fax: 994 12 497-2451), [22]. The Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, Baku is an all-suite hotel. Located on the top floor of the ISR Plaza Business Centre, a prominent 17 story building, the hotel offers decorated suites enhanced by views over the old and new cities of Baku and the Caspian Sea. The hotel is on Fountain Square within walking distance of the Old City, national park boulevard and other city sights Free Broadband including Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, Plaza Health and Fitness Club has a gym, sauna and indoor pool, The Lounge and Business Centre on the 17th floor caters for business needs. Both meeting rooms can accommodate up to 120 guests.  edit

• Park Hyatt Baku, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ 994 12 490 1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com), [23]. 5 star hotel adjacent to a comprehensive Meeting & Conference Centre. Club lounge for free continental breakfast, evening cocktails and boardroom access.  edit

• 12 Bulvar Inn Baku. Situated in the heart of the business- entertainment and historical centre of Baku- the newly constructed- traditionally styled HOTEL will offer you Azerbaijans famous hospitality. A 3-storey- 12-room boutique property. Situated on the pedestrian mall- and only 5 minutes away from the historic Old City as well as all the major culture- art- business centers and embassies.  edit

[edit] Resorts & Beachs

• AF Hotel Aqua Park, , Novkhana, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 448-30-30 (office@afhotel.info), [24]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. This complex houses pools, saunas, salons, water slides, entertainment center, and hotel facilities. From 70AZN for a standard double room..  edit

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [25]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

• Crescent Beach Hotel, Salyan Highway, Shikhov, ☎ 994 012 497-47-77 (ebh@azeronline.com, fax: 994 012 497-47-80). This complex has an indoor and outdoor pool, beach front, bar, and tourism services. High-speed Wi-Fi is available for guests. Wi-Fi zone is covering 10 hotel buildings, Hotel yard, restaurant, bars and beach. Please contact Hotel reception.  edit

[edit] Contact

• Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found throughout Baku. Some coffee houses provide wireless internet, but they are quite rare in Baku.

Recently public wi-fi service was implented the central areas.

• Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout Baku. A typical international letter/stamp combination costs .8 AZN.

[edit] Stay safe

Baku is considered safe city, nevertheless common sense is useful enough as in all other big cities.

[edit] Emergency contact numbers

• Ambulance: 103
• Fire: 101
• Gas Emergency 104
• Speaking Clock 106
• Police: 102

You must speak in Azeri, Turkish or Russian to communicate your needs. It would be a good idea to memorize key phrases before coming to Azerbaijan - see the Talk section for phrasebooks.

[edit] Safety tips

• Pack a flashlight (especially in fall-spring) as the streets are not always well lit.

• Travel outside the city only during the day time, unless taking a night train. The roads can be treacherous at night due to unseen potholes and dimly lit cars.

[edit] Get out

• The Petroglyphs of Gobustan are nearby to the South, and date back as far as the 12th century BCE. The invading armies of Alexander the Great and Trajan also left some interesting grafitti.
• A ferry departs daily from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. This ferry has become somewhat of a sleeper hit with backpackers on the Silk Road, but is very uncomfortable and should only be taken by adventure-seekers.
• A ferry depart irregularly to Aktau in Kazakhstan (every 7-10 days maybe). Docks are located 2 km to the west of the old town. It is difficult to get tickets!
• Sheki, which is a 7 hour bus ride to the north, is a beautiful city in the Caucasus mountains with lots to see and do.
• Buses take international travelers onwards from Baku to Iran and Georgia.
• The Baku Airport is one of the few in the world offering flights to Nakhchivan and travelers heading that way should book a flight from here.
• Go and enjoy the oil baths of Naftalan.
• Relax by the Caspian in Nabran, Azerbaijan's biggest tourist destination for international travelers and a coastal city close to Xachmaz.

This is a guide article. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions, arrival and departure info. Plunge forward and help us make it a star!