Explore the Charm of Old Baku - A Guide to the Historic Old City in Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku – a City that defines beauty! The pace still narrates the true history of the town and can be considered as a speaking booklet. It has been around for over 2000 years and you get that sense when you roam through the narrow winding streets.

This unique city is not only a few historic structures – it is where you’ll see and feel the traditions of the past and the present. Spend some more time in the city and you’ll succumb to its traditions and culture. For instance, seeing the art, crafts and unique items sold in shops gives a very amazing vibe. On the other hand, you can simply sit and sip tea and gander over the jaw-dropping views the city has to offer.

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The Old City Baku is like one big complicated labyrinth, and around each corner lies something new. You will most likely notice the Maiden Tower – a tall, powerful tower that has been guarding the city for ages. And do not forget the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, an ancient building that will let you enjoy the sense of how great Baku was.

Traveling to the Old City is not merely an act of touring. It is an opportunity to embrace and to catch the Baku spirit and to dive into a world that is centuries old.

Azerbaijan is waiting for you but before its visiting do not forget to check the necessity of the visa and to obtain the right Baku visa. You can get one very easily: Visit our website or drop us an email at service@visaforazerbaijan.org.uk and your visa is as good as ready.

Now, let’s dive into the magic of Old Baku!

A Brief Overview: Why You Should Visit the Old City

Icherisheher or the Old City of Baku is like the most beautiful part of the city that has preserved its historical and architectural appearance. It’s walled and enclosed to give the impression of being in a different world compared to the typical contemporary architecture of Baku represented by Flame Towers, for instance.

Once you move inside, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered another era. Walking around you can spot influences of various cultures such as Persian, Ottoman, and Russian in those buildings and streets.

However, there are many other aspects that bring the charm into the Old City. It is really great to be there. You can take a walk across the narrow streets, enjoy the hustle and bustle of the markets; even visit the landmarks that date back to many years ago. It is a combination of the historical and the mundane.

The History: How Old is Baku’s Old City?

Icherisheher is not only a piece of history, but the history itself is a part of Baku. Established somewhere in the 12th century and possibly earlier, this historic core was the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and an exchange of various cultures.

The most familiar and recognizable cultural icon is still the Maiden Tower which has been left to this day. Though it is still unclear when the construction of this monument started – but it’s somewhere in the 12th century. This building has been associated with Baku for many centuries. There is also the Palace of the Shirvanshahs which was one of the most beautiful architectural constructions meant to accommodate Azerbaijani rulers.

In the Middle Ages, and throughout centuries that followed, the Old City was attacked and captured, involved in numerous battles and ruled by a large number of different Empires. Here, every conqueror has imprinted his influence ranging from the Mongols to the Safavids and then to the Russians, making Icherisheher what it is today, a beautiful multi-layered city.

Architectural Highlights: What to See in Old Baku

Maiden Tower

Ironically, the Maiden Tower is perhaps the most recognizable building in Old Baku. Very much looking like an ancient column of sorts, this mysterious tower has been the subject of historical wonder for quite some time now. Was it a fortress? A Zoroastrian temple? A watchtower? As for theories, there are plenty of them, but all that one can say for sure is that it’s beautiful. It is definitely worth climbing to the top in order to view the perspectives of the city and the Caspian Sea.

Palace of the Shirvanshahs

If the Maiden Tower is the symbol of mystery then the Palace of the Shirvanshahs speaks of the opulence. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Azerbaijan built in the 15th century, stunning carved stone, mausoleum and bath. When in the palace, especially if walking through the main doors, there is a feeling that one is in an actual fairy tale palace.

Caravanserais and Hammams

As a Silk Road city, Old Baku was once a haven for traders and travelers. Today, you can still visit ancient caravanserais, such as the Multani Caravanserai and the Bukhara Caravanserai, which once offered rest and refreshment to weary merchants. Nearby, old hammams (traditional bathhouses) evoke the city’s vibrant past.

Mosques and Minarets

The Old City is dotted with stunning mosques, including the Muhammad Mosque, one of the oldest in Baku. Its slender minaret is a striking contrast to the fortress walls, reminding visitors of the city’s spiritual heritage.

Exploring the Streets: Get Lost in the Charm

Strolling around the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital and Old Town is beyond doubt a unique chance. It is really as if the small meandering lanes were alive and each of them was burrowing a path to a secret and a veritable panoramic view.

Hidden Gems to Discover

Artisan Shops: Old City is full of shops offering handmade carpets, local pottery products, and jewelry. These are not only souvenirs but also parts of Azerbaijan culture that you can take with you.
Old City Baku Restaurant: Hiding in a quiet alley, this wonderful place offers truly tasty Azerbaijani food, with plov and kebabs among them. This place may be accurately described with the phrase – ‘eating in somebody’s house’.
Bazaars: Finally, do not leave small markets where you can buy spices, jewelry, ceramics, and even furniture. Bargaining is actually the best part of the whole process.

Pro Tips for Exploring

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The aged design of the buildings that make up Old City Baku is pleasant to the eye, but rather problematic when it comes to walking. A good pair of walking shoes will ensure that your feet remain content while you navigate through these winding streets.
Go Early or Late: Ideally, one should tour before the park opens to visitors or late in the afternoon. Not only will you be able to avoid the midday rush, but golden time is also the best light to photograph the Old City. Photographers, take note!
Bring Cash: Most of the shops and bazaars that are available in the region to sell their goods prefer cash to cards. Having a few manats on you will effectively make shopping easier.
Stay Curious: The attractiveness of Icherisheher is in the fact that one can be in for a surprise. Try to go inside the portrayed open courtyards, try to climb the stairs of the depicted towers, and never hesitate to ask people for the best places to go.
Hydrate: While exploring the labyrinthine streets, make sure to carry a water bottle. Summers in Baku can be hot, and staying hydrated is key to enjoying your adventure.

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Practical Visitor Info: Plan Your Trip

How to Get There

Getting to Old Baku is a breeze. The city’s metro system is efficient and cheap.Simply buy a BakıKART metro card from any station, load it with a few manats, and hop on the Red Line to Icherisheher station. The metro fare is just 0.30 AZN one-way.

Prefer buses? Routes 6, 18, and 65 all stop near the Old City walls. Bonus: You can use your BakıKART on buses, too.

Entry Fees and Hours

While you can wander the streets of Icherisheher for free, some attractions like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs charge an entry fee. It’s usually around 10-15 AZN per site, but combo tickets are often available. Most places are open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Guided Tours Vs. Solo Exploration

When it comes to discovering Old Baku, you have two great options: taking a guided tour or exploring on your own. Each approach has its own charm, and your choice will depend on how you like to travel.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are perfect for those who want to dive deep into the history and culture of Icherisheher. Knowledgeable guides bring the Old City to life with stories that you’d never hear otherwise. They’ll tell you why the Maiden Tower is shrouded in mystery, point out hidden architectural details, and share local legends that give the streets their character. Guides often know the best times to visit each landmark to avoid crowds, making your experience seamless.

With a guided tour, you also gain access to expert tips on the local culture and customs. Guides might take you to off-the-beaten-path spots that aren’t in guidebooks, like hidden courtyards or secret rooftops with jaw-dropping views. These tours are particularly helpful for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time and avoid the stress of navigating the maze-like alleys alone.

Many tours are available, from general walking tours to themed options focusing on architecture, food, or photography. While guided tours do come with a cost, they’re worth it if you want an enriched experience and a deeper understanding of the Old City.

Solo Exploration

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to go with the flow, solo exploration is the way to go. There’s something magical about wandering the streets at your own pace, discovering hidden corners and unexpected treasures. Without the constraints of a schedule, you’re free to linger where you want, be it at a cozy café or a particularly photogenic spot.

Solo exploration allows for a more personal and intimate connection with the Old City. You can take your time admiring intricate details on ancient walls, listening to the sounds of the bazaar, or simply sitting on a bench and soaking in the atmosphere. The flexibility of going solo also lets you adjust your plans on the fly – feel like spending an extra hour in a tea house or chasing the perfect sunset view?

Go for it! One tip for solo explorers: do a bit of research beforehand. Download a map or save offline directions to avoid getting completely turned around. That said, getting a little lost is part of the charm! Just remember to carry water, wear sunscreen, and keep your phone charged – the Old City is a maze, but it’s a maze worth losing yourself in.

Conclusion

Baku’s Old City is like a time machine! From its old walls to its busy streets, it’s a trip to the past. You can see the Maiden Tower, shop for cool handmade things, and eat delicious food at a local restaurant. Every moment there is amazing.

Old Baku is waiting for you! And what are you waiting for? Get your visa to Baku today and start packing your bags! It’s easy and fast. It’s the first step to explore this awesome place. Visit our website or email us at service@visaforazerbaijan.org.uk – we’ll take care of everything.