DestinationsDecember 9, 2018
Land of Fire: things to do in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is renowned for having diverse ecological zones and a nice temperature throughout the year. this, coupled with how affordable the country is, make tourism there a great experience. As the country has recently emerged as a tourist destination, most people are not yet familiar with things to do in Azerbaijan.
At the crossroads of Turkey, Georgia, Russia, and Iran, Azerbaijan combines a picturesque natural beauty with a multicultural community.
If you are interested in exploring new destinations then Azerbaijan should definitely be on your bucket list; the country is utterly beautiful and not yet crowded with tourists.
And if you are wondering about things to do in Azerbaijan we have gathered a nice list here for you.
Take a tour in the charming historic city, then reunite with nature and check the exquisite sights by the lake outside of town.
The lake is currently incorporated into Göygöl National Park; a 127.55 square kilometer natural reserve. The reserve was established to protect the ecosystem and also to protect the lake, which is one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Azerbaijan.
In addition to the striking crystal lake, the national park is also home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
Northwest of Azerbaijan, at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, you can find Sheki, which is a part of the ancient Silk Road. Sheki is a beautiful city surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Moreover, it is still a hub for silk and handicrafts to this day. One of the best things to do in Azerbaijan is to go souvenir shopping in Sheki after you check its historical sites of course.
One of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, Sheki has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years. That is why it is home to many architectural and archaeological sites, including the Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress which dates back to the 8th century.
Looking like a scene from a sci-fi movie, Gobustan National Park is a vast field that hosts several bubbling mud volcanoes, quite a few sizzling lakes, and many anthropological sites.
Azerbaijan is home to 30% of the world’s mud volcanoes, so it makes sense that one of the top things to do in the country is to check some of them.
Furthermore, the reserve is also home to more than 6,000 rock carvings. The well-preserved sketches show the ancient tribal lifestyle in the area, including primitive people, animals, battle pieces, ritual dances, pictures of the sun and stars, and many more drawings. These carvings date back to 5,000-20,000 years.
Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its unique architecture, The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural complex in Baku.
The center lies in a strategic location easily accessed from the city center. It plays a significant role in the intellectual and cultural scene in the city as it hosts numerous events year-round.
The 8-story complex is home to an auditorium, exhibition spaces, a conference center, and a museum.
So if you are in Baku, check their schedule and see what’s going on, or just go admire the building if you are into architecture, it is a thing of beauty.
Visit Goygol
Take a tour in the charming historic city, then reunite with nature and check the exquisite sights by the lake outside of town.
The lake is currently incorporated into Göygöl National Park; a 127.55 square kilometer natural reserve. The reserve was established to protect the ecosystem and also to protect the lake, which is one of the most beautiful and cleanest lakes in Azerbaijan.
In addition to the striking crystal lake, the national park is also home to several endemic species of flora and fauna.
Check the Silk Road
Northwest of Azerbaijan, at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains, you can find Sheki, which is a part of the ancient Silk Road. Sheki is a beautiful city surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Moreover, it is still a hub for silk and handicrafts to this day. One of the best things to do in Azerbaijan is to go souvenir shopping in Sheki after you check its historical sites of course.
One of the oldest cities in the Caucasus, Sheki has been inhabited for more than 2,500 years. That is why it is home to many architectural and archaeological sites, including the Gelersen-Gerersen Fortress which dates back to the 8th century.
Take a trip to Gobustan National Park
Looking like a scene from a sci-fi movie, Gobustan National Park is a vast field that hosts several bubbling mud volcanoes, quite a few sizzling lakes, and many anthropological sites.
Azerbaijan is home to 30% of the world’s mud volcanoes, so it makes sense that one of the top things to do in the country is to check some of them.
Furthermore, the reserve is also home to more than 6,000 rock carvings. The well-preserved sketches show the ancient tribal lifestyle in the area, including primitive people, animals, battle pieces, ritual dances, pictures of the sun and stars, and many more drawings. These carvings date back to 5,000-20,000 years.
Walk through the old city of Baku
Surrounded by high fortress-ed walls and well-preserved, The Old City is the most ancient part of Baku. Established in the 12th century, the inner city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since the year 2000. The city includes some ancient monuments such as The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, which UNESCO has described as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture". The old palace is the largest structure in the old city. It has been restored with the utmost care. Old City is also home to The Maiden Tower, which is one of Azerbaijan's iconic landmarks. Take a walk through the old city and then climb the stairs to the top of Maiden Tower to admire the view of the ancient city from above. And of course, do not leave without having a cup of the local tea in the small cafes of the old city, it tastes different with the ancient buildings as a backdrop.See what’s happening in Heydar Aliyev Center
Designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid and noted for its unique architecture, The Heydar Aliyev Center is a cultural complex in Baku.
The center lies in a strategic location easily accessed from the city center. It plays a significant role in the intellectual and cultural scene in the city as it hosts numerous events year-round.
The 8-story complex is home to an auditorium, exhibition spaces, a conference center, and a museum.
So if you are in Baku, check their schedule and see what’s going on, or just go admire the building if you are into architecture, it is a thing of beauty.
