About this experience
If you are in Baku for the first time, then I must admit - I am truly envious! You will have the opportunity to discover this extraordinary city with a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. I will gladly tell you its story in the Old City: you will learn all the legends of the Maiden Tower and find the most interesting corners of the capital. The second part of the tour is the modern Baku, whose stories will definitely surprise you. You will also have the chance to experience Azerbaijani culture, fairy tales, and even taste some national cuisine!
What to expect
Legends of the Old City
Behind the ancient fortress walls, numerous narrow streets loop around, familiar to you from the beloved Soviet comedy 'Diamond Arm'. These picturesque places intrigue with their legends and centuries-old stories, which I will tell you about. Strolling through the stone streets, you will glimpse hidden courtyard wells and see famous 'postcard' views from a new perspective. You will explore the most famous symbol of Baku - the Maiden Tower - and discover why it is always considered mysterious and even mystical. You will uncover secrets of architects who built and adorned mosques and palaces, and learn to read Eastern ornaments.
Stories of modern Baku
Modern Baku is a district that began to be developed at the end of the 18th century: here you will see the first covered market, the first hotel, and the first public fountain. Enjoy a stroll along the Caspian waterfront, passing trendy cafes and elite boutiques, and, of course, discover the most unexpected urban narratives. Learn about the history of the first Azerbaijani feminist and the oil magnate who fell in love with a Parisian opera singer. Get acquainted with the works of the most famous Azerbaijani writers and understand where the 17th-century Italian palaces in Baku came from.
Eastern Delights
During the tour, you will immerse yourself in the world of shahs, whose destinies not only spawned many legends but also inspired authors of Eastern tales. I will tell you about the art of calligraphy and the differences between education in the Baku madrasa and European monasteries of the 15th century. You will learn about the peculiarities of hammams and peek inside a unique 19th-century Shia mosque. You will also find out how locals choose the best black caviar, saffron, tea, baklava, and negotiate at the Eastern bazaar.
Organizational details
- Please note: the walking tour is very informative and focuses on history with an Eastern cultural emphasis. I provide a lot of information about Eastern culture, architecture, traditions, and religion - both Azerbaijani and Eastern in general. Please book the tour only if you are genuinely interested in these topics.
- The tour program does not include shopping and tastings of local dishes and wines.
- This is a sightseeing tour that does not include visits inside the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace (but I will show you photos on a tablet).
- Children aged 10 and above are allowed on the tour. The Old City is built in a way that is not convenient for strollers (stairs, transitions from hill to hill, lack of ramps, etc.), and children under 10 simply cannot handle the physical and informational load.
- Two days before the tour, I will send you reminders via WhatsApp, including the meeting place, answers to many of your questions, including which currency to use after the tour, and what clothes to bring with you.
- I recommend planning this tour for the first days of your trip to Baku - after the tour, my guests receive a guide to the capital with a selection of restaurants, places with souvenirs/gifts of excellent quality at the lowest prices, routes for independent walks, and tips on how to make the following days more interesting and vibrant.
