The Complete Azerbaijan Itinerary Guide

Over the past decade or so, the “Land of Fire” - Azerbaijan - has become a real tourist hotspot (pun intended), thanks in part to its unique blending of Asian and European influences. Its architecture, for example, really deserves to be seen to be believed - it’s futuristic, but in an old-fashioned way!

Beyond that, there are plenty more reasons to visit Azerbaijan, and in this guide, we’ll take you through what we believe should make up the perfect Azerbaijan itinerary. If you’ve already taken a look at our Armenia itinerary, you’ll already know how this works - we’ll show you the best places to visit across Azerbaijan and suggest how you can fit it all into just a few days of travel!

Azerbaijan itinerary overview

A quick bit of advice! You don’t have to follow our itinerary suggestions to the letter. Rather, this guide is just that - a guide - giving you general Azerbaijan travel tips that you can fit into your own adventure.

Before we look at some of the best places to visit as part of an Azerbaijan itinerary, here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when building your own vacation here from scratch:

• Carefully consider when and where you’re traveling to in Azerbaijan. Many people, for example, will come here for mountain trekking, in which case, it’s best to head over in summer so that you can make the most of the continental climate (if you prefer it hot, that is - spring will be nice and mild).
• We’ve set up itineraries below covering a few different trip lengths, but the SIMOVO team generally agrees that you should spend at least a week here to enjoy Azerbaijan’s best bits. You might even want to combine it with a trip to Georgia, if you’re backpacking across Europe.
• Baku works as a nice home base, but several of the best attractions and towns across the country are several hours’ drive away, so be sure to plan ahead.
• Generally, you’ll need a visa to visit and explore Azerbaijan, so make sure to apply online as soon as you can. If you stay here for more than 15 days, you’ll need to register with the State Migration Service.
• Plan carefully when it comes to transport. Azerbaijan is well-linked with coaches and trains, and you can also hire cars here at relatively cheap rates.
• Always make sure you have an eSIM for Azerbaijan loaded up and ready to go before you travel. While you’ll find a few opportunities to grab local SIM cards, SIMOVO’s eSIMs give you immense value for money and none of the hassle of swapping cards out when you’re just trying to enjoy your break!

Top places to see in Azerbaijan

Now you’ve taken some of our sage advice on board, let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan, and add to your own itinerary. The SIMOVO team agrees that your must-see destinations here include Baku (the capital), Gobustan, Sheki, and Gabala. However, there are plenty of other attractions and sites of interest you might want to add to your trip before you travel.

Regardless, here’s what to watch out for in our Azerbaijan top four.

Baku

Baku is a must-see if you’re heading to Azerbaijan for any length of time. The capital saw impressive growth over the 19th century, and nowadays, it’s a curious mix of old influences and Paris-inspired design. In particular, you’ll want to take in the spectacular Old Town, full of curious streets and monuments such as the ancient Maiden Tower, which doubles as a vantage point and as a point of historic intrigue.

Baku was, of course, the host of the Eurovision Song Contest at one point, and that arguably helped to put the city back on the map for a lot of travelers. Regardless, you’ll also want to take in the stunning sea promenade, the flame towers, and the unique nightlife. It’s also here that, many people agree, you’ll be able to dip into the best of Azerbaijani cuisine, which is a fiery blend of European and Asian influences.

Gobustan

Gobustan National Park is a UNESCO-recognized attraction that’s proven pivotal in helping us understand just how far humanity has come. It’s thought that the rock art here dates back at least 40,000 years, with ancient engravings showing hunting, sailing, and celebrations. It’s a real trip back in time that goes further back than many visitors will likely anticipate.

Beyond the carvings, there’s a full, immersive museum here, alongside mud volcanoes, and a vast expanse of desert terrain - it’s a truly unique day out that we recommend fitting into any Azerbaijan itinerary.

Sheki

Sheki, or Shaki, is a town that, again, has been recognized by UNESCO, boasting a history built on the Silk Road, a variety of stone mansions, and the famous Xan Sarayi, or summer palace. It’s absolutely bustling with craft shops and colorful architecture.

Exploring Shaki Khan’s Palace, you’ll also be able to dive into a vast collection of museum fascinations, and even take part in the occasional workshop close by. It’s a fascinating deep dive into Azerbaijani culture and history.

Gabala

Gabala may be around three to four hours of driving away from Baku, high up into the mountains, but it’s worth every second of your time. It’s said to be Azerbaijan’s outdoor adventure playground, boasting cable cars and adrenaline-pumping pursuits. However, there’s even more for history and culture buffs to explore up here, and as you can imagine, it’s great for stretching your legs as you explore the ancient ruins.

Azerbaijan itineraries based on trip length

As mentioned, we generally recommend heading to Azerbaijan for around a week at the very least, as Baku alone is worth exploring for a few days outright! However, as you’ll realise, the main attractions in Azerbaijan are somewhat spread apart - so it’s worth booking a few accommodation spots to save on driving.

Here are a few example itineraries for Azerbaijan that you may wish to edit and add to yourself.

Azerbaijan itinerary for 7 days

• Days 1-3: Arrive in and explore Baku - make the capital your home base
• Days 4-5: Drive out to and enjoy Gabala (stay here for a couple of nights if you can)
• Day 6: Enjoy Sheki’s historic sights (staying close by)
• Day 7: Finish your trip in ancient Gobustan

Azerbaijan itinerary for 10 days

• Days 1-3: Set up your base in Baku, but be prepared to visit Gabala later on in the itinerary
• Days 4-5: Explore Sheki and ideally stay close by
• Days 6-7: Go for a few day trips in Gobustan and enjoy Baku’s nightlife
• Days 8-10: Find new accommodation in Gabala and finish your 10-day trip in the mountains

Azerbaijan itinerary for 14 days

• Days 1-4: Head to Baku and start planning your journeys around the region
• Days 5-7: Enjoy everything Gobustan has to offer (it’s around an hour’s driving from Baku)
• Days 8-10: Plan a few days out to explore Sheki, trying something new each time (staying close by)
• Days 10-14: Enjoy your final few days in Azerbaijan up in Gabala

What is the best time to visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan has a continental climate and is usually fairly mild in the spring months, but tends to get fairly hot in the summer. Therefore, many travelers here recommend heading to enjoy the natural landscapes in either spring or fall, particularly if you intend to do considerable walking or exploring outdoors. What’s more, you’re likely to find that travel may be cheaper at these times!

Regardless of what goes into your Azerbaijan itinerary, always make sure to have an eSIM for Europe that will cover your mobile data while you explore. That way, you can take the costs of roaming off your shoulders while you take in everything that Baku and beyond have to offer!