Azerbaijan Travel Guide: Explore the Land of Fire

Why Visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is a unique destination where the cultures of East and West collide. Known as the Land of Fire, this beautiful country stretches between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, offering travelers a fascinating mix of natural beauty, rich history, modern cities, and deeply rooted traditions.

Whether you’re drawn to its medieval palaces, mud volcanoes, ancient mountain villages, or futuristic architecture in Baku, Azerbaijan, it rewards curious travelers. It’s a country where tea is offered freely, hospitality is heartfelt, and landscapes change dramatically from one region to the next.

This guide is designed to help you explore Azerbaijan’s top destinations, understand its culture, and travel smartly with tools like Voye Global’s eSIM for instant data access wherever you go.

Best Cities and Regions to Visit in Azerbaijan

Baku

As the capital and cultural heart of Azerbaijan, Baku is a vibrant city that mixes old-world charm with ultramodern architecture. It sits on the western shore of the Caspian Sea and is one of the most visually striking cities in the region.

Things to do in Baku:

• Visit the Old City (Icherisheher) with its cobbled streets, medieval walls, and iconic Maiden Tower.
  
• Explore the Flame Towers, which light up the night with digital fire displays.
  
• Stroll along the Caspian Sea Boulevard, lined with cafés, parks, and art installations.
  
• Discover contemporary exhibits at the Heydar Aliyev Center, a futuristic building designed by Zaha Hadid.
  
• Try local Azerbaijani food at restaurants like Firuza, Nergiz, and Şirvanşah.
  

Local tip: Use Voye Global’s eSIM for Azerbaijan to book taxis through Bolt, translate signs in the Old City, and find hidden rooftop restaurants.

Sheki

Sheki is a mountain town that offers a peaceful escape into traditional Azerbaijani life. Located in the northwest, it was once a Silk Road trading post and is now known for its well-preserved historic architecture and laid-back charm.

Highlights of Sheki:

• Tour the stunning Sheki Khan’s Palace, known for its stained glass windows and wooden carvings.
  
• Stay at the Caravanserai Hotel, a restored Silk Road inn.
  
• Sample Piti, a slow-cooked lamb stew served in clay pots.
  
• Shop for Kelaghayi silk scarves and local sweets at the Sheki Bazaar.
  

Sheki is best explored slowly, so plan at least two nights here. You can reach it by bus from Baku or include it in a private car tour of northern Azerbaijan.

Ganja

Azerbaijan’s second-largest city is full of character. Ganja blends Soviet history with Islamic architecture, and it’s home to a young population that keeps its food and art scene dynamic.

What to see in Ganja:

• Visit the Shah Abbas Mosque and Imamzadeh Complex.
  
• Discover local history at the Ganja State History-Ethnography Museum.
  
• Walk through Khan Baghi Park or sip tea near the central square.
  
• Try hearty regional dishes like Tandir bread and Govurma meat stews.
  

Though it’s not a typical tourist city, Ganja offers a more authentic glimpse of local life.

Quba and Khinalug

For mountain views and remote village life, head north to Quba and the ancient village of Khinalug.

In Quba:

• Visit the Quba Mosque, built in 1802.
  
• See the Jewish Red Settlement in Krasnaya Sloboda.
  
• Buy fresh apples from roadside markets in autumn.
  

In Khinalug:

• Hike among stone houses perched on cliffs.
  
• Learn about the ancient Caucasian Albanians who lived here.
  
• Stay overnight in a family-run guesthouse.
  

Roads to Khinalug can be rough, so a 4×4 is recommended. A local driver can be arranged through travel apps or agencies.

Lankaran

This southern coastal city near the Iranian border offers a different side of Azerbaijan with its subtropical climate, tea plantations, and thermal springs.

Things to enjoy in Lankaran:

• Tour a tea factory and sample fresh brews.
  
• Relax at Istisu Springs, known for their healing properties.
  
• Explore Hirkan National Park, home to rare plants and animals.
  

Lankaran is a great stop for nature lovers and those looking to slow down their travel pace.

When to Visit Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has four distinct seasons, and the best time to visit depends on what you plan to do.

• Spring (April to June): Lush greenery, perfect for hiking and sightseeing.
  
• Summer (July to August): Hot and dry in Baku, but great for escaping to the mountains.
  
• Autumn (September to October): Harvest season, cool weather, and fewer tourists.
  
• Winter (November to March): Ideal for winter sports in Shahdag or cozy city stays.
  

For a well-balanced trip with both nature and culture, September is often considered the best month to visit.

Culture and Local Etiquette

Language

The official language is Azerbaijani, but many locals also speak Russian. Younger people in cities may speak some English, but outside urban areas, it’s limited.

Use Voye Global’s eSIM with a translation app to bridge the language gap while ordering food, navigating bus stops, or chatting with locals.

Religion

Azerbaijan is a secular Muslim-majority country, and religion is practiced in a relaxed, tolerant way.

• Modesty is appreciated, especially in rural areas.
  
• Women are not required to wear headscarves, except in mosques.
  
• Alcohol is widely available and consumed.
  

Traditions

• Guests are treated with high respect.
  
• You’ll often be offered tea (çay), especially in the late afternoon.
  
• Toasting at meals is a sign of hospitality.

What to Eat in Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijani cuisine reflects influences from Persia, Turkey, and Central Asia. It’s rich in spices, meats, and herbs, with an emphasis on slow-cooked meals and fresh vegetables.

Must-Try Dishes

• Plov: Saffron rice is often served with dried fruits, chestnuts, and lamb.
  
• Dolma: Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with minced meat and rice.
  
• Dushbara: Tiny dumplings floating in clear broth, served with vinegar and garlic.
  
• Kebabs: Grilled meats skewered and seasoned to perfection.
  
• Qutab: Thin savory pancakes filled with greens, meat, or pumpkin.
  
• Pakhlava: Azerbaijani-style baklava made with nuts, syrup, and spices.
  

Street Foods and Snacks

• Simit-like bread rings are sold by street vendors in Baku.
  
• Sweet corn and roasted chestnuts during cooler months.
  
• Local pomegranate juice from roadside cafés and fruit stalls.
  

Best Cities for Food

• Baku – Trendy and traditional restaurants mix easily.
  
• Sheki – Famous for sweet treats like Sheki halva and piti.
  
• Ganja – Known for rich, home-style meat dishes.
  
• Lankaran – Tea, fish, and Talysh cuisine dominate.
  

If you’re looking to eat like a local and avoid tourist traps, try browsing food blogs or booking a meal via local experience platforms, all made easier when connected via Voye Global’s eSIM.

Getting Around Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s public transportation network is improving, but still limited in rural areas. Plan smart and combine local options with private transport for the best results.

Intercity Travel

• Trains: Baku to Ganja, Baku to Sheki (via Yevlakh), and Baku to Tbilisi (Georgia) routes are available.
  
• Marshrutkas: Shared minibuses that serve towns and villages, usually departing when full.
  
• Buses: Long-distance buses leave from the Baku International Bus Terminal.
  

Within Cities

• Baku Metro: Efficient, cheap, and safe. Tickets cost about 0.30 AZN.
  
• Taxis: Use Bolt or Yandex Go rather than hailing on the street.
  
• Walking: Old Town areas in Sheki, Ganja, and Baku are best explored on foot.
  

Driving

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore remote areas like Khinalug or Shahdag. Road conditions can vary, so drive cautiously. A valid international license is required.

Use your eSIM data to download offline maps or stay connected while navigating unfamiliar routes.

Internet and Mobile Access

Public Wi-Fi is available in major hotels and malls, but it is often slow or insecure.

Best option: Use an eSIM from Voye Global for reliable, high-speed data without needing to find local SIM vendors. With instant activation and flexible plans, it’s the top choice for digital nomads, remote workers, and everyday travelers in Azerbaijan.

eSIM benefits:

• No physical card swapping
  
• Compatible with most modern smartphones
  
• Works immediately upon arrival
  
• Ideal for using ride-hailing apps, translations, online bookings, and maps
  

10-Day Azerbaijan Itinerary

Here’s a sample itinerary to help you see the best of Azerbaijan in 10 days.

Day 1–2: Baku

• Explore Icherisheher
  
• Visit Flame Towers and the Caspian waterfront
  
• Have dinner at a traditional Azerbaijani restaurant
  

Day 3: Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes

• Half-day trip to the UNESCO rock carvings
  
• Visit bubbling mud volcanoes nearby
  

Day 4–5: Sheki

• Visit Sheki Khan’s Palace
  
• Sample local dishes and explore craft shops
  

Day 6: Quba

• Visit the Red Village
  
• Explore apple orchards and local bakeries
  

Day 7: Khinalug

• Drive to the remote mountain village
  
• Hike scenic trails and stay with a local family
  

Day 8: Ganja

• Tour Soviet architecture and local bazaars
  
• Visit Imamzadeh Mausoleum
  

Day 9–10: Lankaran

• Tea tasting and national parks
  
• Thermal springs and quiet beaches before flying out

What Locals Wish You’d Ask

Most travel guides tell you what to see. This section flips that.

Instead of focusing on “What to do?”, explore the questions that locals wish tourists asked:

• “What’s your favorite folk story from this village?”
  
• “Why do you put jam in your tea?”
  
• “What changed after the Soviet era?”
  
• “Do people still believe in fire spirits?”
  

These aren’t just cultural trivia; they open real conversations. Travelers who ask better questions experience deeper stories. Use this section to encourage curiosity-driven travel.

Between Empires: Layers Beneath the Land

Azerbaijan has been Persian, Russian, Ottoman, Arab, Mongol, and more. Most visitors don’t realize that every city has buried strata of culture.

This section explores:

• How Zoroastrian fire worship predated Islam by centuries
  
• Why Baku has Parisian balconies, Soviet blocks, and Middle Eastern arches
  
• What’s still visible in Ganja’s mosques, built from red Soviet bricks
  

Introduce readers to the idea that Azerbaijan isn’t one identity, it’s a dialogue of civilizations layered under your feet.

The Unwritten Map: What Locals Don’t Put Online

The best places in Azerbaijan aren’t listed on Google Maps. This section introduces:

• Unofficial picnic spots with views locals keep to themselves
  
• Hidden village bakeries with no name, only a smell trail
  
• Fishermen’s docks, where families gather on Sundays
  
• Word-of-mouth hot springs that never made it into brochures
  

Show travelers how to tap into this network using Voye Global’s eSIM to message local hosts, find offline spots, and follow whispers instead of itineraries.

Modern Faces of a Traditional Land

Many guides focus only on Azerbaijan’s history. This section introduces:

• Young musicians fusing mugham and hip hop
  
• Female entrepreneurs reviving the kelaghayi art
  
• LGBTQ+ youth carving safer cultural spaces in Baku
  
• Climate activists in Guba are promoting sustainable tourism
  

It’s a portrait of modern Azerbaijan through its next generation. For travelers who want to understand now, not just then, staying connected with Voye Global’s Azerbaijan eSIM makes the journey even more seamless.

If You Only Had One Day.

Rather than a full itinerary, this section is poetic and personal. What would you do if you only had one day in Azerbaijan?

• Catch the sunrise in Khinalug
  
• Sip tea with a carpet seller in Sheki
  
• Stand in silence at Yanar Dag
  
• Eat your way through Baku’s old town food stalls
  

This section is introspective; it invites the reader to choose meaning over checklists.

Safety and Travel Tips

Is Azerbaijan Safe?

Yes. Azerbaijan is considered safe for travelers. Petty crime is low, even in big cities. Violent crime is rare, and locals are generally welcoming to tourists.

Still, follow these basic precautions:

• Don’t leave valuables unattended
  
• Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps
  
• Be cautious with money exchanges (only use licensed bureaus)
  

Female Travelers

Solo women are safe in most areas but may get stares in conservative regions. Dressing modestly in rural zones is appreciated.

Health and Insurance

• Tap water in Baku is technically drinkable, but filtered water is recommended.
  
• Carry travel insurance that covers both health and theft.
  
• Pharmacies are easy to find in cities, but bring essentials if going to remote areas.
  

Budget Guide

Traveling in Azerbaijan is relatively affordable.

Daily budget estimates:

• Budget: $30–$50 (hostels, street food, buses)
  
• Mid-range: $60–$120 (boutique hotels, guided tours)
  
• Luxury: $150+ (private drivers, upscale stays)
  

Currency: Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Payment: Cash is most widely accepted. Cards are accepted in Baku and major towns.

Use Voye Global’s data connection to find currency converters, compare taxi rates, and access restaurant reviews in real-time.

Unique Experiences to Try

• Take a mud bath at Naftalan’s oil resorts
  
• Hike to Khinalug and sleep in a stone village house
  
• Visit Yanar Dag, a natural gas fire that has been burning for decades
  
• Book a traditional tea tasting ceremony in Lankaran
  
• Ride the Baku funicular for city views at night
  

These experiences can often be arranged on short notice, another reason to have reliable mobile data through Voye Global to message hosts, navigate maps, and share live updates with friends back home.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Towns You Shouldn’t Miss

Lahij: The Mountain Crafts Village

Perched along the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, Lahij is a cobblestone village known for copper-smithing and carpet weaving. Explore narrow lanes where artisans still hammer intricate designs by hand, and visit the local History Museum housed in a restored hammam.

Basqal: Where Time Moves Slowly

A quiet village in the Ismailli region, Basqal is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest textile centers. Come here for serene hikes, friendly families offering homemade jams, and traditional kelaghayi scarf dyeing workshops.

Tufandag and Gabala: Mountain Adventure Hubs

For skiing in winter or cable-car views in summer, these two towns offer adrenaline-packed getaways. Gabala also boasts a shooting club, a karting circuit, and a man-made lake great for family travelers.

Azerbaijan for Nature Lovers: National Parks and Landscapes

Hirkan National Park

This subtropical rainforest near Lankaran is one of the most biodiverse spots in Azerbaijan. It’s home to rare species like the Persian leopard and ironwood trees that don’t grow anywhere else in the world.

Shahdag National Park

Located in the far northeast, Shahdag offers both ski resorts and high-altitude hiking trails. The scenery ranges from alpine meadows to rocky plateaus.

Absheron Peninsula Nature Reserve

Just 60 minutes from Baku, this arid coastal region has rare Caspian seals, birdwatching points, and untouched beaches. It’s a peaceful contrast to Baku’s energy.

Discover Azerbaijan Through Its Handicrafts

Copper and Metalwork

From Lahij’s hand-beaten copper trays to Ganja’s vintage Soviet tools still in use, Azerbaijani metalwork is both functional and artistic. Markets and museums are full of pieces that reflect centuries-old techniques.

Carpet Weaving

Azerbaijan’s carpets are listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Different regions have distinct styles. Quba carpets are colorful and geometric, while Sheki ones feature subtle natural dyes.

Silk and Kelaghayi

The kelaghayi scarf is both a fashion item and a cultural symbol. Visit silk workshops in Sheki and Basqal to watch how these scarves are made using ancient resist-dye techniques.

Day Trips You Can Take from Baku

Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes

UNESCO-listed rock carvings, moonlike terrain, and bubbling mud volcanoes make this a must-see, just a 1-hour drive from the capital.

Yanar Dag: The Burning Mountain

This natural gas fire has been burning continuously for decades. Especially magical at night, it’s a short drive from Baku and makes for a quick yet unforgettable excursion.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

A Zoroastrian-Hindu temple complex was built on natural gas vents. Once a pilgrimage site for Indian traders, it now houses a museum on the region’s fiery religious past.

Tea Culture in Azerbaijan: More Than a Drink

Tea (çay) isn’t just a beverage; it’s a cultural ritual in Azerbaijan.

• Served in pear-shaped glasses with lemon and sugar cubes
  
• Often paired with homemade jam or dried fruit
  
• Offered before, during, and after meals as a sign of hospitality
  

You’ll find teahouses (çayxana) in every city and village. Some are grand, with ornate ceilings; others are simple roadside stops, but all come with stories. Sharing tea is one of the easiest ways to connect with locals.

Digital Nomad Life in Azerbaijan: Is It Viable?

Azerbaijan is quietly becoming a budget-friendly base for remote workers.

• Coworking spaces in Baku: SUP VC, Barama, and SABAH.lab are popular
  
• Affordable monthly rentals: A furnished flat in Baku can cost $300–500
  
• Good cafés with Wi-Fi: Coffeemania, United Coffee Beans, and Passage 145
  

Having a reliable eSIM like Voye Global is critical many coworking spaces have inconsistent internet during peak hours. With Voye, you’ll always have a personal data hotspot on your phone.

Stay Connected the Smart Way: Why Travelers Trust Voye Global

Traveling across Azerbaijan means moving between high-speed city life and quiet, off-the-grid villages. Whether you’re in a historic caravanserai in Sheki or watching the sunset from Baku’s Flame Towers, one thing remains essential: staying connected. That’s where Voye Global comes in.

Voye Global is a trusted eSIM provider offering seamless, instant data access across 150+ countries, including Azerbaijan. It eliminates the need to hunt down physical SIM cards or rely on patchy hotel Wi-Fi.

Why Voye Global Makes Sense for Azerbaijan

• Quick setup — Activate your plan in minutes with no physical SIM swap
  
• Reliable coverage — Strong signals across cities, villages, and mountain routes
  
• Fair pricing — Flexible data plans with no roaming surprises
  
• Freedom to explore — Stay online in marshrutkas, bazaars, and back alleys
  

With a Voye Global eSIM, you can:

• Translate signs and menus on the go
  
• Navigate to remote locations without losing GPS
  
• Instantly book Bolt taxis or day tours
  
• Share your adventures in real time, no Wi-Fi needed
  

Whether you’re a digital nomad working remotely from Lankaran or a traveler sharing your mud volcano videos, Voye Global keeps you connected when it matters most.

To set up your plan, just visit Voye Global, select your destination, and activate your eSIM in minutes. No delays, no queues, just uninterrupted data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for Azerbaijan?
Yes, most travelers need an e-visa, available online at evisa.gov.az.

Is Azerbaijan safe for tourists?
Yes, it’s generally very safe. Just use common sense and avoid unregistered taxis.

What’s the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October offer ideal weather for travel.

Is English spoken widely?
In Baku, yes. In rural areas, Azerbaijani and Russian are more common.

What’s the best way to stay connected?
Use a Voye Global eSIM for instant internet access across cities and villages.

Can I use Bolt or Uber in Azerbaijan?
Bolt is available in major cities. An eSIM helps you access it on the go.

What currency is used?
Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). Cash is preferred outside cities.