A Surprising mix of old and new in Baku, Azerbaijan
If you think Baku is just another oil-rich city, think again.
We kicked off our adventure in serious style, staying in the massive Ambassador Suite at the JW Marriott Baku. We’re talking double soaking tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, wraparound views of the city, and enough space to make a New York apartment jealous. Honestly, we could’ve stayed in the room all day—but Baku was calling.
First impressions? Super clean, surprisingly modern, and buzzing with energy. The skyline feels part Dubai, part Mediterranean, and part “wait, what?” thanks to scooters whizzing by and the faint smell of oil in the air. There’s a reason for that, Azerbaijan sits on a wealth of natural gas and crude oil. In fact, Baku is one of the only places where you can literally bathe in crude oil (no, we didn’t try it—but it’s a thing).
Cash is essential here. A lot of restaurants, attractions, and even cabs are cash-only, and many places don’t take American credit cards. ATMs are easy to find, but we recommend coming prepared with some local currency before you hit the streets.
Our exploration started in the Old City, where cobblestone streets wind between ancient walls and beautifully restored buildings. The Maiden Tower—a mystery from the 12th century—offered incredible views, even if the inside had been turned into a bit of a museum. Next up was Fountain Square, a bustling hub full of shops, fountains, and yes, a McDonald’s (plus Starbucks for those who need their fix).
We couldn’t skip the Carpet Museum, especially since it’s literally shaped like a rolled-up carpet. Inside, we found handwoven masterpieces from across Azerbaijan, along with displays explaining patterns, meanings, and techniques. Bonus: excellent air conditioning.
Mini Venice was another surprise—a canalside area near the Caspian Sea built to mimic, well, Venice. You can ride a gondola past a café named Venezia and pretend you’re in Italy. It’s quirky but charming.
Later, we took a short ride out of town to visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, where flames once erupted from the ground due to natural gas pockets. The site has deep ties to Zoroastrian and Hindu traditions, but the experience today feels more like a modern museum than an ancient place of worship. Still, for just a few bucks, it’s worth the trip.
Back in town, we made our way to Shivan Shah’s Palace, perched on a hill in the Old City. Rebuilt and restored over centuries, this palace gives a much richer historical experience. It’s worth the walk up, especially on a breezy day.
At Dolma, an underground local favorite we discovered through travel vloggers Kara and Nate, we tried Azerbaijan’s national dish. Served in a flaky pastry crust, filled with lamb, rice, and cherries, it’s traditionally made for weddings and special occasions. We split one—and honestly, we could’ve eaten two.
After dinner, we rode the funicular up to the Flame Towers, Baku’s most iconic structures. The views from the top were beautiful, and the vibe was mellow—perfect for wrapping up a long day of exploring.
We packed a lot into two days, but it still wasn’t enough. There’s so much more to see in and around Baku—like mud volcanoes, day trips to Gobustan, and maybe even a proper oil bath (just kidding… maybe). Next time we’re hoping to stay even longer—especially if that Ritz-Carlton finally opens.
Thanks for following along on our Baku adventure! Watch the full video!
