Baku in 3 Days: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Three days is the sweet spot for Baku. You can see the city thoroughly and take a day trip to the desert.
Day 1: The City Icons (Old & New) 🏙️
Focus: History and Architecture
- Morning: Explore Icherisheher (Old City). Visit Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace.
- Lunch: Traditional meal in the Old City.
- Afternoon: Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center. Spend 1-2 hours inside the exhibitions.
- Sunset: Highland Park for the panoramic view of the Flame Towers.
- Dinner: Fountain Square area.
Day 2: Fire & Mud (Day Trip) 🌋
Focus: Nature and Ancient History
- Morning: Hire a driver or take a tour to Gobustan National Park (60km south). See the petroglyphs.
- Late Morning: Visit the Mud Volcanoes nearby.
- Lunch: Stop for fish by the seaside in Bibi-Heybat area.
- Afternoon: Visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque on the way back.
- Late Afternoon: Head to the Ateshgah Fire Temple (Surakhani) and Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain).
- Evening: Relax at a traditional Tea House in Baku.
Day 3: Culture & Relaxation 🎨
Focus: Museums, Shopping, and Food
- Morning: Walk the Seaside Boulevard. Visit the Carpet Museum.
- Lunch: Try "Qutab" and tea at a cafe.
- Afternoon: Shopping at Yasil Bazaar (Green Market) for spices and sweets. Or stroll down Nizami Street.
- Late Afternoon: Take a boat ride on Little Venice.
- Evening: Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant (e.g., Hilton 360 or Telequlle).
Transport Tips
- Day 1 & 3: Walk + Metro/Bolt.
- Day 2: You need a car/tour. Public transport to Mud Volcanoes is difficult.
Enjoy your weekend!