Discover Baku with GuidedAzerbaijan: From Ancient Walls to Seaside Wonders

Discover Baku with GuidedAzerbaijan: From Ancient Walls to Seaside Wonders

Welcome to Baku, the heart of Azerbaijan, where every stone tells a story. Join GuidedAzerbaijan for a curated city tour that takes you through centuries of culture, architecture, and coastal beauty.

The tour begins in Icheri Sheher — Baku’s Old City — the historical core protected by ancient walls. Entry is through the Double Gates, also known as the Shamakhi Gate, named for its orientation toward the once-capital city of Shamakhi, 122 kilometers away. In the 13th century, after a devastating earthquake in Shamakhi, the Shirvanshah dynasty moved the capital to Baku, giving rise to the city’s prominence.

Within the Old City, we explore a network of Caravanserais, inns where merchants from the East once found rest. Among the most notable are the Multani Caravanserai, welcoming traders from India and Pakistan, and the Bukhara Caravanserai, which hosted visitors from Central Asia. If accessible, guests will have the opportunity to enter these unique, centuries-old structures.

Near the gate, we pass the former Customs Office, where traders once paid taxes and observed hygiene practices by visiting traditional Hamams before entering the city. These customs reflect Baku’s longstanding commitment to cleanliness and organization.

As the tour continues, you’ll see the Building of Baku Khans, the Chain House, the Sailors House, and even the charming Cat Home — each landmark offering a glimpse into Baku’s layered past.

One of the highlights of the Old City is the Maiden Tower. First built in the 6th century BC as a Zoroastrian fire temple and reconstructed in the 12th century by the Shirvanshahs, the tower is an architectural enigma and an emblem of the city. In 2001, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex.

Next, we arrive at the magnificent Shirvanshahs’ Palace, featuring the Main Palace Building, the Palace Mosque, Divankhana, the Mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi, Murad Gate, and more. This sacred complex was commissioned after the capital’s move to Baku and honors the renowned Sufi scholar Seyid Yahya Bakuvi.

The tour then continues to Ismailiyya Palace, a stunning Gothic-style building located on Istiglaliyyat Street. Designed by architect Josef Ploska and commissioned by philanthropist Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son, this structure now serves as the Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

From history to modern life, the tour transitions to Fountain Square and Nizami Street, two of the city’s liveliest areas. This vibrant pedestrian zone is ideal for shopping, dining, and experiencing contemporary Azerbaijani culture.

As the perfect ending, we arrive at the serene Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea. Established in 1909, this seaside promenade offers stunning views, a peaceful atmosphere, and options for a boat tour, especially enchanting at night. Nearby, modern landmarks like Daniz Mall and Park Boulevard Mall provide excellent shopping and entertainment options.

Let GuidedAzerbaijan be your companion as you experience Baku — a city that connects ancient empires with a dynamic, modern pulse.