Azerbaijan Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Baku – Flame Towers, Old City (Icherisheher), and Caspian Sea Boulevard
- Sheki – Sheki Khan’s Palace and charming mountain town atmosphere
- Gabala – Nature, Tufandag Mountain Resort, and Nohur Lake
- Naftalan – Unique oil spa treatments
- Quba – Apple orchards, mountain hiking, and traditional villages
- Ganja – Nizami Mausoleum and Javad Khan Street
- Lankaran – Caspian coastline and Lankaran Fortress
- Gobustan – UNESCO rock carvings and mud volcanoes
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Azerbaijani is the official language and widely spoken across the country. Russian and English are also spoken, especially in Baku and tourist areas. The culture of Azerbaijan is a unique blend of Turkic, Persian, Russian, and Islamic influences. Traditional music like mugham, carpet weaving, and tea culture are important aspects of daily life. Family is highly valued, and hospitality is deeply rooted—guests are treated with warmth and generosity. Respect for elders and modest dress in rural areas is appreciated. Cultural etiquette includes removing shoes when entering homes and using both hands when receiving gifts.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transport: Metro (in Baku), buses, taxis, domestic flights, marshrutkas (minibuses)
- Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
- Food: Plov, dolma, kebabs, piti soup, qutab, baklava, and Azerbaijani tea with jam
Best Season & Entry Points
| Region | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baku & Caspian Coast | April–June, Sept–Oct | Mild weather and festivals |
| Mountains (Gabala, Guba, Sheki) | June–Sept | Ideal for hiking and resorts |
| Lowlands & Interior | March–May | Pleasant for sightseeing |
Major airports: Baku (GYD), Ganja (GNJ), Nakhchivan (NAJ)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $800 – $1,200 | Round trip from Europe/Asia |
| Accommodation | $50 – $150/night | Mid-range to high-end hotels |
| Dining | $25 – $60/day | Local and restaurant meals |
| Transport | $10 – $25/day | Metro, taxi, bus |
| Activities | $20 – $100 | Tours, museum entries |
Cost of Living
| Item | Average Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment in Baku) | $300 – $600 |
| Utilities | $50 – $100 |
| Groceries | $150 – $250 |
| Transport (public) | $15 – $30 |
| Internet | $15 – $25 |
Housing & Real Estate
| Type | Rent (USD/month) | Buy (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (city center) | $400 – $900 | $80,000 – $250,000 |
| Apartment (suburbs) | $250 – $600 | $50,000 – $150,000 |
| Condominium | $500 – $1,000 | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| High-end home (expat zones) | $1,200 – $2,500 | $300,000+ |
| Middle-class house | $600 – $1,200 | $150,000 – $250,000 |
Car Prices & Options
| Type | Price Range (USD) | Popular Models |
|---|---|---|
| New Economy | $10,000 – $18,000 | Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto |
| New Mid-range | $20,000 – $35,000 | Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 |
| Used Cars | $5,000 – $15,000 | Lada, Opel Astra, older BMWs |
| SUVs / 4×4 | $25,000 – $60,000 | Toyota Prado, Nissan Patrol |
| Luxury | $60,000+ | Mercedes-Benz, Lexus RX |
Packing List Suggestions
- Passport & visa (if required)
- Seasonal clothing (light clothes for summer, warm layers for mountains)
- Travel adapter (Type C and F)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Reusable water bottle, medications, travel insurance
20 Basic Phrases
| Azerbaijani | English |
|---|---|
| Salam | Hello |
| Təşəkkür edirəm | Thank you |
| Zəhmət olmasa | Please |
| Bəli / Xeyr | Yes / No |
| Bu neçəyədir? | How much is this? |
| Haradadır tualet? | Where is the toilet? |
| Mən başa düşmürəm | I don’t understand |
| İngiliscə danışırsınız? | Do you speak English? |
| Kömək edin | Help me |
| Mən itmişəm | I’m lost |
| Adım… | My name is… |
| Sabahınız xeyir | Good morning |
| Gecəniz xeyrə qalsın | Good night |
| Mən … gəlmişəm | I’m from … |
| Şəkil çəkə bilərəm? | Can I take a photo? |
| Menyuya baxa bilərəm? | Can I see the menu? |
| Sağ olun | Goodbye |
| Bağışlayın | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Bu çox bahadır | That’s too expensive |
| Endirim var? | Any discount? |
Health & Safety
- Tap water is generally safe in Baku but use bottled water in rural areas
- Emergency numbers: 102 (police), 103 (ambulance)
- Be cautious with traffic when walking in busy areas
- Eat at well-reviewed or busy restaurants for food hygiene
- Travel insurance is recommended
Festivals & Holidays
- Novruz Bayram – March 20–21
- Republic Day – May 28
- Victory Day – May 9
- Constitution Day – November 12
- Qurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha) – Islamic calendar date
- Ramazan Bayram (Eid al-Fitr) – End of Ramadan
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Azerbaijan?
Most nationalities can obtain an e-visa online valid for 30 days. Check your country eligibility on the official ASAN Visa website.
Is Azerbaijan safe for tourists?
Yes, Azerbaijan is generally safe. Petty crime is rare, and locals are welcoming. Be cautious in traffic and avoid border zones near conflict areas.
Is English widely spoken?
English is common in Baku and tourist areas, but less spoken in rural regions. Knowing basic phrases or having translation apps helps.
What is the internet speed like?
Urban areas have good 4G and fiber connections. Speeds average 20–60 Mbps in Baku.
Can I use credit cards?
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but cash is still king in markets and villages. Always carry some manat.
What’s the tipping culture?
Tips of 5–10% in restaurants are appreciated but not mandatory. Round up for taxis and small services.
Is public transport reliable?
Baku’s metro and bus system is reliable and affordable. Taxis and Bolt ride-hailing are common.
Are there ATMs everywhere?
Yes, ATMs are widespread in cities. Inform your bank before travel for card use.
Is alcohol available?
Yes. Alcohol is legal and widely available, including local wines and vodka.
Can I drink tap water?
It’s safer to drink bottled or filtered water, especially outside major cities.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Many nationalities are eligible for an e-visa via the ASAN Visa system, valid for 30 days. Processing takes 3 working days or less. Visa on arrival is available at select ports for GCC countries and some other nationalities. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from entry.
Travel Tips
- Carry some USD or EUR for exchange upon arrival
- Download Bolt app for safe rides in cities
- Use Google Maps offline mode in rural areas
- Dress modestly in rural and religious areas
- Haggle politely in local markets