Azerbaijan Unveiled: Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Insider Tips

Prepare to be captivated by Azerbaijan, a land where ancient tales whisper through modern skylines and the warmth of its people embraces you at every turn. So, you’re planning a trip to the “Land of Fire”? Get ready for an incredible journey where ancient history meets stunning modernity, and warm hospitality welcomes you at every turn. From the futuristic skyline of Baku to the timeless mountain villages, Azerbaijan offers a unique blend of East and West. As an increasingly popular yet still wonderfully authentic destination, Azerbaijan offers incredible value and experiences that stand apart. We recently explored this fascinating country and gathered a wealth of information to help you plan your adventure. Here’s everything you need to know, including our personal tips and tricks, to make your Azerbaijani experience unforgettable!

Essential Quick Facts

Capital: Baku
Official Language: Azerbaijani (Russian widely spoken, English in tourist areas)
Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Calling Code: +994
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (Type C and Type F sockets – bring a universal adapter!)

Before You Go: Planning Your Azerbaijani Adventure

1. Visa Requirements for UAE Residents

If you hold a valid UAE residence permit, you can typically obtain a visa on arrival in Azerbaijan. However, to potentially save time and avoid queues at the airport (which can be a bit warm and slow), we highly recommend applying for an e-visa in advance through the ASAN system. The visa on arrival process involves using machines at the airport to input your information and receive a printed paper visa – a thin piece of paper you must keep until the end of your trip.

Our Personal Experience: At the airport, we encountered a lengthy delay. A tour guide from a recently landed flight cut in line, pretending to assist an elderly person, and then proceeded to process visas for a large group of about 20 people right before us at the machines, which were operating slowly that day. Planning ahead with an e-visa can definitely save you this hassle!

2. Best Time to Visit & A Note for Dubai Residents

• Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October): These seasons offer mild, pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and exploring both cities and nature.
• Summer (July-August): Baku can get quite hot in the afternoons. Sunscreen is a must! Evenings can be humid but are often breezy and pleasant for walks.
• Our August Experience: While Baku was warm, regions outside the city were perfect. Gabala enjoyed daytime temperatures around 24°C, and the mountain village of Khinaliq was a crisp 6°C!
• A Perspective for Dubai Residents: If you’re accustomed to Dubai’s cityscape, Baku, while beautiful and charming, might not offer the same futuristic dazzle or sheer scale of urban attractions you might be accustomed to. However, Azerbaijan is a fantastic getaway for its delicious food, rich culture, and especially its breathtaking mountain scenery. We personally found the mountain getaways far more captivating. For a city-focused trip from Dubai, visiting during Azerbaijan’s cooler months (spring, autumn, or even winter for a different ambiance) would likely be more enjoyable. And if you are choosing between Georgia and Azerbaijan in terms of nature, we would pick Georgia any day – that was more our vibe.
  

3. Currency & Payment

• Local Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN).
• Credit Cards: Widely accepted in Baku’s hotels, restaurants, and larger shops.
• Cash: Essential when traveling to rural areas, smaller towns, and for local markets.
• ATMs: Plentiful in Baku. In other cities and remote areas, they can be limited or non-existent.
• Currency Exchange: Available at airports, banks, and hotels.
• General Cash Tip: If you’re heading outside Baku, carry enough cash, preferably in smaller denominations. Other towns and cities don’t always have easy currency exchange options.
  
  

4. Language & Local Interactions

• Official Language: Azerbaijani.
• Widely Spoken: Russian, especially among the older generation.
• English: Understood in tourist hotspots in Baku, but less so in rural areas.
• Local Appreciation: Learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated!
  • Hello: Salam
  • Thank you: Sağ ol!
• Bollywood Connection: Be prepared for a fun surprise! Azerbaijanis absolutely love Bollywood. Don’t be surprised if locals enthusiastically greet you with shouts of “Shahrukh Khan,” “Raj Kapoor,” or “Disco Dancer” – it’s a testament to their love for Indian cinema!
• Google Translate: Incredibly handy for menus and communicating with locals.
  
  

5. Connectivity

• SIM Cards: Affordable and widely available. Main providers are Bakcell, Azercell, and Nar.
• Airport vs. City: We had international data upon arrival, so we simply booked a cab using Yango/Bolt to avoid expensive airport taxis. Once we got to the city, we then purchased a local SIM card for better prices.
• Wi-Fi: Common in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Baku.
  
  

6. Packing Essentials

Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
Universal Travel Adapter
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Modest Clothing: (A scarf for women, and long sleeves/trousers for religious sites)
Layers: For varying temperatures

Getting Around Azerbaijan

1. Transportation in Baku

Baku: Perfect for a Spontaneous City Escape! If you’re a city person looking for a spontaneous getaway, Baku is ideal for a 3-4 day trip without extensive planning. The city center is incredibly compact, allowing you to easily explore its charming streets on foot and discover its hidden gems at your own pace. You truly don’t need a rigid itinerary to fall in love with Baku.

• Public Transport: Efficient metro and bus systems.
• BakuCard: For public transport and some discounts.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Bolt is highly recommended.
• Walking: Baku’s center is very walkable.
• Avoid Renting a Car to travel within Baku: Seriously, don’t bother driving within Baku. Parking is a nightmare, traffic can be heavy, and public transport/Bolt are excellent, hassle-free alternatives. In fact, it’s more of a hassle due to the parking situation, police presence, and an abundance of speed cameras – even more than you’re used to in Dubai!
  

2. Intercity Travel

• Trains and Buses: Connect major cities.
• Marshrutkas (Minibuses): Ideal for shorter routes.
• Private Transfers/Taxis: Always negotiate the price beforehand.
  

3. Renting a Car & Driving (For Travel Outside Baku)

Renting a car is best for exploring regions outside Baku like Gabala, Sheki, or Khinaliq.

Azerbaijan has an incredible number of speed cameras – even more than we’re used to in Dubai! Waze is absolutely essential to navigate these and avoid fines. We drove 1300km in 3 days, and Waze helped us avoid any tickets.

UAE Driver’s License: Good news – your valid UAE driver’s license is accepted for driving in Azerbaijan.

Road Conditions & Scenery: Main intercity roads are generally wide and well-maintained.

Our Driving Experience: While the roads are good, if you’ve experienced the dramatic scenic drives of nearby countries like Georgia, some routes in Azerbaijan might feel less visually stunning by comparison. For example, the main highway drive to Gabala, which our rental agency advised us to take (instead of a potentially more scenic but less maintained alternative road), felt more functional than breathtaking – “driving for the sake of driving” to reach the destination. The highlights were the destinations themselves rather than every part of the journey.

Police Stops & Speed Cameras: Be prepared for frequent police stops, especially in a rental car. While often routine, there’s a known tendency for some officers to expect a “bakshish” (a small tip). Our rental agency even suggested calling them if we faced communication issues with non-English speaking police.
Azerbaijan has an incredible number of speed cameras – even more than we’re used to in Dubai! Waze is absolutely essential to navigate these and avoid fines. We drove 1300km in 3 days, and Waze helped us avoid any tickets.

Azerbaijani cuisine is a highlight! Don’t miss these incredible dishes:

• Plov: A fragrant rice dish often prepared with meat, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Dolma: Delicious stuffed grape leaves, or sometimes vegetables, with a savory filling.
• Kebabs: Skewered and grilled meats – a staple of Azerbaijani dining.
• Qutab: Thin, savory pancakes typically filled with meat or greens.
• Traditional Tea Ceremony: More than just a drink, it’s a social ritual often accompanied by sweets and jams.

And for those who love a good brew, Baku boasts plenty of cozy coffee shops where you can relax and recharge.

Food & Drink: A Culinary Journey

Azerbaijani cuisine is a highlight! Don’t miss these incredible dishes:

• Plov: A fragrant rice dish often prepared with meat, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Dolma: Delicious stuffed grape leaves, or sometimes vegetables, with a savory filling.
• Kebabs: Skewered and grilled meats – a staple of Azerbaijani dining.
• Qutab: Thin, savory pancakes typically filled with meat or greens.
• Traditional Tea Ceremony: More than just a drink, it’s a social ritual often accompanied by sweets and jams.

And for those who love a good brew, Baku boasts plenty of cozy coffee shops where you can relax and recharge.

Must-See Attractions & Experiences

1. Baku Highlights

• Icherisheher (Old City): A UNESCO World Heritage site, this walled city is home to iconic landmarks like the majestic Maiden Tower and the grand Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
• Flame Towers: Dominating the city skyline, these iconic illuminated skyscrapers are a sight to behold, especially at night.
• Heydar Aliyev Center: A masterpiece of modern architecture, this cultural center designed by Zaha Hadid is an absolute must-see for its stunning curves and innovative design.
• Baku Boulevard: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this scenic promenade stretching along the Caspian Sea, offering beautiful views and a lively atmosphere.
• Carpet Museum: Discover the intricate art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
  
  
  

2. Beyond Baku

• Khinaliq (Xınalıq): Discover this ancient high-altitude village, a true hidden gem nestled in the Greater Caucasus mountains, offering a glimpse into a unique way of life.
• Gobustan National Park: Explore ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) and witness the unique geological phenomenon of mud volcanoes.
• Ateshgah Fire Temple & Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): Delve into Azerbaijan’s Zoroastrian past at these fascinating fire-related sites. Don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing ‘burning mountain’ of Yanar Dag at night – a truly ethereal experience!
• Sheki: This historic city in the Caucasus foothills is renowned for its magnificent Sheki Khan’s Palace, adorned with exquisite stained glass.
• Lahij: Step back in time in this charming coppersmith village, famous for its traditional crafts.
• Gabala (Qabala): A popular mountain resort offering stunning scenery and outdoor activities.