About this experience
For those visiting Baku for the first time, the original combination of ancient architecture, Soviet heritage, and bold masterpieces of the oil boom era never ceases to amaze. Yes, Baku is diverse - and that's its charm. We will walk through the city center, immersing ourselves layer by layer in its culture and rich history. We will see all the key sights and add many non-obvious ones to them.
What to Expect
I will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the historical center of Baku, where our walking tour will begin. We will admire the buildings from the outside and won't be going inside museums, but the excursion will still be rich in content. You will:
- Learn about Baku's rich history and its significant role in global trade and cultural exchange
- Immerse yourself in the historical atmosphere of the Old City with its narrow streets, grand palaces, and mosques
- Appreciate the unique mix of cultures and traditions in Baku - a special blend of Eastern charm and Western influence
You will see:
- Many monuments from the Soviet era: the residential building of scientists, the "Monolith" building, the Baku funicular, carpet and miniature book museums (we will not visit them), monuments to Bahram Gur, Nizami Ganjavi, and the poet Mirza Alakper Sabir, Primorsky Boulevard, and much more
- Architectural symbols of the capital's prosperity during the oil boom: the de Bour palace, the Sadykhov and Mirzabekov houses, the women's gymnasium building, Lalaev and Tagiyev passages, the puppet theater, the governor's house, and many others
- Historical sites of the Old City: the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Baku Khans, mosques, caravanserais, and baths
- The workshop of Mir-Teymur Mamedov - a renowned sculptor, ceramist, historian, and writer. We will get a closer look at his art
- Locations where famous Soviet movies were filmed: "Tehran-43," "Amphibian Man," "The Diamond Arm"
At the end of the tour, I will present you with a jar of feijoa or mulberry jam - a memento of Baku.
Organizational Details
- The tour does not include visits to museums or interior inspections of buildings
- Transfers from your hotel to the starting point and back are provided in a comfortable SsangYong Korando car (for 4 people) and an additional vehicle for larger groups
- The tour is suitable for children aged 14 and older
- If you are planning an evening tour, I recommend bringing warm clothing
