About this experience
Baku has ancient history, bright modernity, and inspiring colors waiting for you. To get to know the city of winds and fire, choose one of two educational routes or both. On the red route, you will explore the mysterious Old City. The blue route will show you the modern Baku - Paris, Venice, and Dubai in one.
What to expect
Red Route: labyrinths and mysteries of the Old City
This walk will take you to the inner city of Icheri Sheher and to the origins of Baku. You will stroll through narrow stone streets and peek into courtyards to feel the local color - here you can smell freshly baked lavash bread and kebabs, it's so interesting to observe the life of Baku residents. Dozens of attractions fit in 22 hectares of the Old City: you'll guess why the Maiden Tower was built; see caravanserais, guesthouses from the Middle Ages, and the palace of the ancient Shirvan rulers. Visit Uncle Ali, the barefoot Baku artist, and find the 'damn it' street from 'Diamond Arm'.
Blue Route: Baku during the oil boom and today
How did the city's history turn and how did Baku change when Azerbaijan started extracting oil? On this walk, you will delve into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as not miss the modern attractions. You will see the best views of the Flame Towers, the beautiful Ismailiyya building in Venetian Gothic style, the unusual Carpet Museum, and the canals of Baku's Venice. You will hear an amazing love story, learn about national art, inhale the salty air of the Caspian Sea, and understand why fire became a symbol of Azerbaijan.
Organizational Details
- The tour is entirely on foot. Convenient stops and photo breaks with a great view of the attractions are provided along the way.
- The tour follows two alternating routes daily. The route map and schedule can be found in the 'Photos' section.
- The tour is conducted without headphones.
- At the end of the tour, there will be a question and answer session: you can ask the guide any questions about Baku, discuss the tour, and share impressions!
