11 places in Azerbaijan that CNN advises to visit

Azerbaijan is a country of mountains and mud volcanoes, multiculturalism and mugham.

Located at the crossroads of east and west, this country combines dramatic landscapes and unique culture, writes CNNby compiling a list of several places that are definitely worth a visit in this state.

Stroll through the old town

Фото: Depositphotos

Until the oil boom, which turned Baku into the industrial center of the Russian Empire, the city’s borders were limited to the so-called Old City (Icheri Sheher), surrounded by a fortified wall. Today this place is still the cultural center of Baku.

In Icheri Sheher you should go through the cobbled streets, go to art workshops, museums and cafes, see historical architectural sights: the Maiden's Tower, the Palace of Shirvan Shahs, ancient mosques and baths. Do not miss the opportunity to dine in one of the many authentic restaurants located here.

Visit museums in Baku

Azerbaijan is steeped in history and culture, and many of the museums and museum centers located in Baku are worthy of attention. Among them, the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. The building, which itself is a work of art, also regularly offers world-class exhibitions.

Another noteworthy museum is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, where 6 thousands of carpets are kept, which reflect all seven schools of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan. Also worth a look is the Museum of History of Azerbaijan, where the main historical stages of development of this ancient land are clearly presented.

Spend the day in Gobustan

At a distance of about 40 km from the center of Baku there is the Gobustan National Park, where there are more than 6 thousands of rock paintings that are included in the UNESCO list and give a unique insight into the origin of life in the Caspian-Caucasus region.
Mud volcanoes are also located nearby. According to various sources, in Azerbaijan are concentrated from 30% to 50% of the total number of mud volcanoes in the world.

Get to know Absheron beaches

Considering that the summer in Baku is hot, many Baku residents are moving to summer cottages from the end of May, closer to the sea.

The beach culture in Baku is a unique phenomenon: the usual picture is a series of old Soviet cars parked near the shore, and whole families rest by a picnic by the sea, bringing samovars and watermelons with them.

Try honey and wine from Ismailly

The village of Ivanovka is a unique settlement of Russian Christians who were expelled from the central regions of Russia in tsarist times.

In this village, you can see rows of neat houses built like a Russian hut, and here you can find the best honey in the Caucasus and the last collective farm preserved in Azerbaijan, which produces the popular wine brand “Ivanovka”.

Discover the heritage of the Silk Road in Sheki

Фото: Depositphotos

Sheki is located at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains in the north-west of Azerbaijan, before this town was located on the Silk Road - the caravan route from Asia to Europe. Sheki and today remains the center of production of silk products and crafts.

Here, tourists should pay attention to the traditional hats, hats, halvah, the famous Shekinskaya embroidery of towels, Shebeke-style windows with multi-colored glass, made of small wooden parts without glue and nails.

Stroll between the remote villages of Guba

Azerbaijan can surprise any tourist with its picturesque views, and the mountain Guba region in this regard is one of the most impressive places.

It is also interesting because representatives of many ethnic minorities live here, who have preserved their language and culture while living in remote mountain villages. Two villages - Khinalig and Gyryz - are becoming increasingly popular eco-tourism destinations.

Soak up the emotions of Formula 1

Formula 1 racing for Baku is an innovation, as they began to take place in the city only recently. As in Monaco and Singapore, the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan is a race within the city, and the Baku racing route is the fastest of all.

The time of the race varies every year, so if you want to get to this event, specify its schedule before the trip.

Take a weekend trip to Nakhchivan

Legend has it that the fang-like peak of the Nakhchivan mountain Ilan-Dag (Snake Mountain) was created as a result of a collision with Noah's Ark.

You can get to Nakhchivan only by plane. This place will impress guests with its ancient mountains, delicious lemons and spectacular views across the Araz River towards the northern part of Iran.

Visit the wonderful lake Goigol

Фото: Depositphotos

Lake Goigol, located in the Goygel National Park, is the most impressive place in the western part of Azerbaijan. Do not miss the opportunity to look at the lake Maral-gel, which, although smaller in size, is no less impressive.

The places here are untouched, and because the forests are full of wild animals - wolves, jackals, bears. Along with this, along your route you can find many traditional tea cafes and rural houses.

Meet the snowy slopes of Azerbaijan

There are two small ski resorts in Azerbaijan - Shahdag and Tufandag, which were opened several years ago and offer new routes in the Caucasus mountains to lovers of skiing.

The ski season in the country is quite short - from mid-December to late February. However, both resorts also offer summer vacation options.

Immerse yourself in the hospitality and culture of tea drinking

Фото: Depositphotos

Azerbaijanis are such hospitable people, especially in rural regions, that you will not notice how you will be invited into the house, fed with homemade dolma, khingal or pilaf, followed by endless glasses of tea.

Tea is a national drink in Azerbaijan and is an integral part of the culture, regardless of where you are - in the high mountains, on the Caspian coast, or in a small cafe by the road. Tea is served in small glasses of armoudes, as a rule, along with fruit jam or national pastries.

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