Things to Do in Azerbaijan

About Azerbaijan

Where ancient Silk Road heritage meets flames that have burned for millennia and ultra-modern architecture rises from Caspian shores, Azerbaijan defies simple categorization. This land of fire and contrasts bridges two continents, weaving Persian, Turkish, and Russian influences into a tapestry entirely its own. From wind-swept mountains to mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan rewards travelers who venture beyond the expected with experiences found nowhere else on Earth.

Travel Tips

• Currency and Cash: While Baku has ATMs and card acceptance, exchange US dollars or euros to Azerbaijani manat (AZN) before traveling outside the capital, as smaller towns and rural areas operate primarily on cash and ATMs can be scarce.

• Transport Between Regions: Book domestic flights or use the comfortable overnight trains to reach distant regions like Ganja or Sheki, as intercity buses can be slow and roads in mountainous areas are often winding and poorly maintained.

• Visa Registration: If staying longer than 15 days, you must register with the State Migration Service—most hotels do this automatically, but if staying with friends or in apartments, you're responsible for registering yourself to avoid fines upon departure.

• Tea Culture Etiquette: Azerbaijanis take their tea culture seriously and offer it constantly as a sign of hospitality; accept at least one glass of black tea (served in pear-shaped glasses called armudu) and wait for your host to drink first as a sign of respect.

When to Visit

Azerbaijan is best visited during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October, when Baku and the lowlands enjoy comfortable 15-25°C temperatures and the Caucasus Mountains are accessible without extreme heat or cold. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat to Baku and the Caspian coast with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C and high humidity, though this is when beach resorts like Nabran are buzzing and mountain villages such as Lahij and Khinalug offer cool respites at 20-25°C—just note that Novruz Bayram (Persian New Year around March 20-21) creates massive domestic travel and fully booked hotels, while winter (December-February) drops Baku to 3-8°C with biting Caspian winds and closes mountain roads entirely, making it ideal only for budget travelers seeking off-season deals and the Shahdag ski resort. The Gabala Music Festival in July-August and Baku Jazz Festival in October draw international crowds, while September's perfect weather (18-24°C, minimal rain) coincides with the pomegranate harvest season in Goychay, offering authentic agritourism experiences without the oppressive summer heat or the mud season of late autumn when November rains turn rural roads treacherous.