Azerbaijan is a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures, offering ancient historical sites, modern architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. Its capital, Baku, is a vibrant city with a beautiful Old City and a futuristic skyline, while the countryside offers diverse experiences from mountains to mud volcanoes.
Quick Facts
Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$50/day
Luxury$300/day
Known For
AzerbaijanBakuCaucasusEurasiaTranscaucasiaAsia Minor
🇦🇿 Country Information: Azerbaijan
CapitalBaku
CurrencyAzerbaijani manat (m)
LanguageAzerbaijani , Russian, English (especially among younger generations and in tourist areas)
Phone Code+994
Electricity220V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended
Tipping
- Tipping is becoming more common, especially in tourist
- oriented restaurants and hotels (5
- 10% is standard)
- For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is sufficient
Money & Payments
- ATMs are available, especially in larger cities
- Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and in rural areas
- It's advisable to carry a mix of cash and cards
- There is no known black market for cash
Cultural Norms
- Dress modestly, especially in religious sites
- Hospitality is highly valued; it's common to be offered tea or food
- Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
- Removing shoes when entering someone's home is customary
LGBTQ+ Information
Exercise caution. Homosexuality is legal in Azerbaijan, but there is limited social acceptance and no legal recognition for same-sex unions or protections against discrimination.
Alcohol & Drug Laws
- The legal drinking age is 18
- Drug laws are strict, and possession of even small amounts of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties
Special Laws
- Photography of military installations or police is prohibited
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Be aware of local sensitivities, particularly regarding the Nagorno
- Karabakh conflict
Common Phrases
NoXeyr (KHEYR) Хейр
YesBəli (bah-LEE) Бәли
HelloSalam (sah-LAHM) Салам
PleaseZəhmət olmasa (zah-MƏT ol-MAH-sah) Зәхмәт олмаса
Thank youSağ olun (sah-OL-oon) Сағ олун
Climate
Azerbaijan has a highly varied climate, ranging from humid subtropical to alpine tundra, due to its diverse topography and position between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains.
Climate Zone: Semi Arid Steppe Hot
Best Time to Visit
- Hot Season: Jun
- Aug
- Cold Season: Dec
- Feb
Getting There
- Fly to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, direct flights from major European and Middle Eastern cities (costs and times vary by origin)
Getting Around
- Baku Metro for efficient city travel
- Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) widely available
- Taxis and ride
- sharing apps like Bolt and Uber are common and affordable
Health & Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, DTP, Polio)
- Hepatitis A and B recommended
- Typhoid vaccine may be considered
- No specific altitude sickness concerns for most areas
- No malaria risk
- Probiotics not generally required
- Motion sickness remedies if prone to it during mountain travel
Staying Connected
- eSIMs available
- Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar networks are the main providers
- Airalo and Nomad eSIMs work well for Azerbaijan
Local Cuisine
Plov (Shah Pilaf)
must_try
One of the most widespread and celebrated dishes in Azerbaijan, often considered the national dish. It consists of saffron-infused rice accompanied by
Qutab
street_food
Thin crescent-shaped pancakes or flatbreads cooked on a sadj (a convex griddle). They are typically stuffed with various fillings such as spiced meat,
Dovga
must_try
A traditional yogurt-based soup made with a variety of herbs (like coriander, dill, and mint), rice, and sometimes small meatballs. It can be served e
Dolma
must_try
Vegetables like grape leaves, cabbage leaves, eggplant, tomato, or sweet pepper stuffed with a filling of minced lamb or beef mixed with rice and herb
Lule Kebab
must_try
A popular grilled meat dish made from spiced, minced lamb that is pressed onto skewers before being cooked over an open flame. It is frequently served
Book in Advance
Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:
🔴 Must Book in Advance
Apply at least 1 week in advance, preferably 1 month
Many nationalities require an e-visa to enter Azerbaijan, and while a standard e-visa is processed quickly, applying in advance prevents delays in travel plans.
🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead
Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance
Accommodation, especially boutique hotels or guesthouses in the highly popular Old City (Icherisheher) area of Baku, can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (Spring/Autumn) and major events.
Book 1-4 weeks in advance
This is one of Azerbaijan's most popular day trips from Baku, and booking in advance ensures availability with preferred reputable tour operators, especially for small-group or private tours.
Fun Facts
- 1. Azerbaijan granted women the right to vote in 1918, making it the first country in the Muslim East and earlier than many Western nations, including the United States.
- 2. The capital city of Baku is situated 28 meters below sea level on the western coast of the Caspian Sea, making it the world's lowest-lying national capital.
- 3. Azerbaijan is known as the "mud volcano capital of the world," as it is home to more than half of the world's mud volcanoes, with around 350 located in the Gobustan region alone.
- 4. The Baku Museum of Miniature Books holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of miniature books, boasting over 5,500 items on display.
