Baku

Rising from the shores of the Caspian Sea, Baku is a city of stunning contrasts — where medieval walls meet futuristic towers, and ancient fire temples glow beneath glass skyscrapers. As the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku stands as both a crossroads of civilizations and a symbol of the country’s bold transformation from Silk Road outpost to modern energy hub. It’s a city that never stops evolving, yet never forgets its roots.

Discover Baku with us and walk through centuries of history woven into its streets. Begin in the Old City (Icherisheher), a UNESCO World Heritage Site enclosed within sturdy medieval walls. Lose yourself among narrow alleys, sandstone caravanserais, and hidden courtyards. Here stands the Maiden Tower, a mysterious 12th-century monument overlooking the Caspian, and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture from the 15th century. Each stone tells a story of merchants, conquerors, and poets who once passed through this coastal stronghold.

Step outside the ancient walls, and Baku reveals a different face — sleek, confident, and modern. The Flame Towers, the city’s most iconic skyline feature, blaze with LED fire patterns each night, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s ancient connection to fire and natural gas. Along the Baku Boulevard, one of the longest waterfront promenades in the world, cafés, gardens, and art installations create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere that rivals the great European capitals.

Art and innovation thrive here too. The Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid, embodies Baku’s modern vision — a fluid, futuristic structure that seems to defy gravity. Inside, exhibitions showcase Azerbaijani culture and creativity in all its diversity. Nearby, museums, galleries, and performance halls celebrate everything from Mugham music to modern art, proving that Baku is as much about inspiration as it is about energy.

But Baku’s magic extends beyond the city limits. On the Absheron Peninsula, travelers can explore Ateshgah, the Fire Temple of Surakhani, where natural gas flames once guided Zoroastrian pilgrims centuries ago. Not far away lies Yanar Dag, the “Burning Mountain,” where fire still rises naturally from the earth — a reminder of the eternal flame that gave Azerbaijan its ancient name, The Land of Fire.

Culinary traditions complete the experience. Baku’s restaurants and teahouses blend flavors from the Caucasus, Persia, and Central Asia: saffron-scented pilaf, kebabs grilled over coals, dolma wrapped in tender grape leaves, and sweet pakhlava layered with honey and nuts. Every meal here is a feast — best enjoyed with Azerbaijani tea and the hospitality of locals who treat every visitor as a friend.

Join our journey and explore Baku, the glittering heart of the Caspian. Wander its ancient streets, marvel at its modern skyline, and feel the pulse of a city that bridges East and West with effortless grace.

In Baku, fire is more than an element — it’s a spirit that burns in the heart of the city, illuminating both its past and its dazzling future.