Baku walking route: Old City to Baku Boulevard

Explore Baku's 65.5 km route connecting the city's most iconic landmarks, from the medieval Maiden Tower and Sherwin Palace in the Old City to modern architectural gems like the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center and Flame Towers. The journey showcases Azerbaijan's capital across 12 key sites, including the scenic Baku Boulevard, Eye of Baku ferris wheel, and the Abseron Peninsula's Caspian Sea coastline.

Distance
65.5 km
Duration
13 h 7 min
Mode
route
Start
Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
End
Flame Towers
Stops
12
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Baku Old City (Icherisheher) — The ancient inner city of Baku, also known as Cherisheher, featuring historic architecture and cultural landmarks.
  2. Abseron Peninsula & Caspian Sea Location — Narrow landmass extending into the Caspian Sea, historically significant for oil extraction and now offering coastal views and industrial heritage sites.
  3. Maiden Tower — A 12th century monument and main attraction of the old city.
  4. Sherwin Palace — A significant 15th century palace in the old city.
  5. Fountain Square — A popular public square hosting festivals and celebrations in downtown Baku.
  6. Nizami Street — A large pedestrian shopping street running through downtown Baku, also known as Targova Street.
  7. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center — A modern museum of modern art designed by Zaha Hadid.
  8. Baku Boulevard — A pedestrian promenade established in 1909 running parallel to the Caspian Sea waterfront.
  9. Eye of Baku — A ferris wheel located on Baku Boulevard offering views of the city.
  10. Mugam Center of Azerbaijan — A cultural venue on Baku Boulevard showcasing the Mugam genre of Azerbaijani music.
  11. Baku White City Modern District — Contemporary architectural complex featuring white limestone buildings that blend Azerbaijani cultural elements with modern European design principles.
  12. Flame Towers — Iconic illuminated towers reachable by funicular, offering panoramic city views.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Metro and bus single ride costs just 18 cents. Subway opened in 1967 with 3 lines and 25 stations.
Save money
Use Bolt app for affordable taxi rides instead of the expensive black and purple cabs introduced in 2011.
Transport
Bakufunicular cable car takes you to Flame Towers and Highland Park for city views.
Tip
Baku is 28 meters below sea level. Be prepared for wind—it's called 'the windy city' and has strong gusts.
Food
Try plov (pilaf), a local favorite available in various sizes. Visit Yashil Bazar (Green Market) for local groceries and desserts like Turkish delight.
Food
Inner city restaurants are expensive but many hidden gems exist off the beaten path. Ask locals for recommendations.
Tip
Gondola rides at Baku Boulevard cost less than $2. Eye of Baku ferris wheel available on the waterfront promenade.
Tip
Official language is Azerbaijani. Russian is widely spoken; younger generation speaks English. Signs in both Russian and modern script.
Avoid
Don't smile at strangers—locals find this unusual behavior. Cultural norm differs from Western practices.
Tip
Baku Airport designed by Turkish firm; features distinctive wooden cocoons on top level. Main routes to Turkey, Moscow, Dubai.
Where to stay
Baku White City (new district) has one-bedroom apartments around $84,000. Popular neighborhoods near Zoo, Bilisi Avenue, State Statistics Committee.
Tip
Azerbaijan offers visa-free stay up to 3 months for many countries. Baku is safe with high police presence and CCTV cameras.

Video on this route

Baku, Capital of Azerbaijan - The Paris of the East

More routes nearby

Map