Baku

Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan.

Baku at Night

World's first flame shaped towers under construction in Baku

[edit] Understand

Baku, also known as Baky or Bakı, is the largest city in the Caucasus and the capital of Azerbaijan. Baku is on the coast of the Caspian Sea on the southern tip of the Absheron Peninsula. There are three major divisions in Baku: İçəri Şəhər (the ancient city), the Soviet built city, and the newest part of the city. The population as of January 2003 was 2,074,300.

[edit] Climate

A curious fact about Baku is that its average year-round temperature (14.2 °C) matches the average temperature of the entire landmass of the earth to within a tenth of degree. Summers are hot and humid, winters cool, wet and breezy. However, seasonal temperature excursions are less than in many continental regions at this latitude (about 40 degrees north) owing to the presence of the Caspian Sea.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Fortress gate in Baku

Heydar Aliyev International Airport [1] (IATA: GYD) is situated 25km from Baku city center. It is served by major airlines including Aeroflot, BMI, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, and a whole host of smaller airlines. The least expensive way to get between Baku and Europe is via Aeroflot, with inexpensive flights to/from Moscow daily. Air Baltic also offers flights with good prices from/via Riga.
Bus N16 runs between the airport and Samed Vurgun Park, in the heart of Baku. The trip costs 1 AZN and takes over an hour.
Minibus 135 runs between the airport traffic circle (15 minute walk from the airport) and the 28 May Metro Station. The journey takes an hour and costs 0.40 AZN.
Getting a smooth ride from the airport to town can be a hassle. The lowest price you can get for a taxi to the center should be around 15 Manat (old Lada, unmarked taxi). Be aware that there is one single taxi company that is allowed to officially do business at the airport. This monopoly drives up the price to nearly 50 Manat and many times it leaves you with no other options, especially when arriving at late hours. Police occasionally force out all cab drivers trying to do business on the fringes of the airport, leaving you stuck with a high fare. Taxis don't have meters so you must negotiate in advance. If you are not finding a reasonable price, go out of the airport, past the taxi stand, and ask the cabbies in the far end of the parking lot. Be cautious since the majority of Baku cabs are unmarked. Don't let the cab driver renegotiate the price with you. It is a common trick to ask for much more on arrival to your destination. You are not obligated to pay what they demand -- this is Baku!
For 5 Manat you can take a cab from the airport to Metro Azizbeyov. From there it's four to six stations to the city center - but only from 6AM until midnight.

[edit] By train

Overnight trains are avalible from Russia and Ukraine on a regular basis. Moscow (60 h) has departures three times a week, there is also a once-weekly train leaving Saint Petersburg (70 h) on Sundays. Other cities with less frequent connections include Novosibirsk (80 h) and Yekaterinburg (75 h). Kiev (68 h) has a service leaving every Saturday, with carriges added from several other cities. Also, on some occasions there is a direct train from the Belarusian city of Brest (81 h) which also stops in Minsk (76 h). However, it is important to note that the border between Russia and Azerbaijan is closed for non-CIS nationals for the forseeable future. So unless you're a resident of a former Soviet country then this journey is impossible.
Now, there are still ways of getting here by train for a westerner. There is an overnight sleeper from Tbilisi in neighboring Georgia leaving three times a week. Journey times is 17 hours. The train makes stop-overs in Lankaran, Sheki, Xachmaz and Ganja. A journey in second class from Tbilisi will set you back 58 laris.
Domestic trains are very cheap, most journeys cost less then 3 AZN which makes it cheaper then staying in an hostel.

[edit] By bus

Buses run between Baku and Lankaran (departs: 11:50, 16:00, 15:00, 17:00), Sheki (hourly, 4 AZN, 7 hour trip). International buses also operate from destinations in Iran, Turkey and from Tbilisi. A common rule of thumb for bus rates in Azerbaijan seems to be about 1 AZN per hour ride. Example: Agstafa is about 7 or 8 hours away from Baku. This would cost about 8 AZN.

[edit] By minibus

Minbuses operate between Baku and Sheki (6 hours), Lankaran (5 hours), Xachmaz (3 hours), Saatli (5 hours), and Imishli (4 hours).

[edit] By ferry

The phone number of the sea terminal (Daniz Vagzal) is 994 12 447 7314.
Ferries operate between Baku and Russia, Iran, Kazakhstan, (Irregularly, approximately every 7-10 days), and Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan (steerage bed, US$50, 2 day trip, bring food).
Make sure you have appropriate visas before embarking, if necessary.

[edit] Get around

Map of the Baku Metro

[edit] By car

AVIS Rent a Car provides car, SUV and 4WD in Azerbaijan. Airport pick up and delivery service is also available AVIS web site : www.avis.az, Call Center : 00 994 50 2230248

[edit] By taxi

London taxi cabs have been recently introduced in Baku, and travel fees are 0.70azn per km.A taxi costs 4-10 AZN for trips within the center of Baku.

London cab in Baku

• Baku Airport Transfer, (bakutaxi@gmail.com), [2]. 24 hours. Offers online booking and printed receipts/invoices for airport transfers between downtown and Heydar Aliyev International. English is spoken. 33 AZN.  edit

• Royal Taxi, ☎ (012) 418-2049 or (051) 880-2009 (contact@royaltaxi.az), [3]. 24. Airport to city costs 15-25 AZN depending on your destination in the city.  edit

[edit] By bus/minibus

Buses and minibuses cost 0.20 AZN per person and can take you to almost any place within Baku. Destinations are usually posted on the front and the right side of the bus.

[edit] By metro

Baku metro

The metro goes many places throughout Baku and it costs only 0.20 AZN. It is the least expensive way to get around Baku besides walking. Ask a cashier or attendant. You must obtain a Bakı Metropiliten Kart (2 AZN refundable deposit) and load it like a normal metro pass. Alternatively, you can use a Azerbaycan Sosial Kartı like the ones on some Azerbaijani ATM cards. The metro workers will be more than happy to help if spoken to in either Azeri or Russian.
Be careful when transferring trains at the transfer stations (28 May and Jafar Jabbarli) as the signage is not easy to spot.
There have been reports of people being arrested while taking photographs of the metro station.

[edit] By train

The Baku electric train runs through several parts of Baku and the surrounding area including Sumqait. It costs 1 AZN for one person.

[edit] By foot

It is possible to get around Fountain Square, the Boulevard, and the old city by foot, but the entire city cannot be covered on foot.

[edit] Talk

English and Russian are spoken in many places throughout Baku, but it wise to still either bring an Azeri phrase book and/or brush up on your Azeri/Turkish/Russian before arriving. However, about 80% of population at least understands Russian, and about half the people under the age of 35 will speak at least a little English.
English is well catered for in most shops, restaurants and bars as a result of 15+ years of expats from the oil industry. Very easy to make yourself understood with little local language skills.
See also:

• Azerbaijani phrasebook
• Turkish phrasebook
• Russian phrasebook

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Cultural sites

[edit] Old Town (Icheri Sheher)

There are a number of interesting sites within Baku's walled fortress, the Old City (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which can all be seen on foot in one day:

The Divankhana Pishtaq in the Palace of the Shirvan Shahs

Guz Qalasi (The Maiden's Tower) a UNESCO World Heritage site

• The Palace of the Shirvan Shahs. 10AM-5PM daily. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku. 2 AZN.  edit

• Maiden's Tower (Giz Qalasi). 10AM–7PM daily. This mysterious and eccentric tower was built somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries and may have served as a fire beacon, defensive fortification, astronomical observatory, or Zoroastrian temple. .5 AZN.  edit

[edit] Absheron Peninsula

Outside the city, on the Absheron Peninsula, there are several interesting sites that are easy to reach via taxi or public transportation. Moreover, the scenery along your route is itself a fascinatingly ugly sight to be seen, a desert wasteland with white salt flats and natural oil pools seeping up to the surface.

• Atashgah Fire Temple. You can take the Baku Electric train from the Baku train station to Suraxani station for 10 qapik. (No train service any longer.) Simply walk through the station to the outdoor platforms where a schedule is posted. You can also take Marshrutka 213 from Qara Qarayev metro station or Marshrutka number 84 from Azizbeyov metro station. You can pay on board or buy a ticket from a kiosk on the platform. From Suraxani station walk about 100 meters and 'you can arrive at the temple Admission is as follows: children's 0.20 AZN, student's 0.40 AZN, adult's 2 AZN. If you want to take pictures it costs 2 AZN in addition to admission.  edit'

• Yanar Dagh, (Take bus 47 from metro station Azadliq Prospekti to its final destination Digeh. The bus takes approximately 20 minutes. From there it is 1km along the paved road to Yanar Dagh.). Yanar Dagh is a mountain that has been continuously on fire for one thousand years. The natural gas vents ensure that hot flames roar out of the sides of this hill even when it rains. 2 AZN per person.  edit

[edit] Museums and galleries

• The Azeri National Costume Museum (Doll Museum), ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 66 85 (+994 (12)/ 493 05 01).  edit

• Taghiyev History Museum, Tagiyev Street, 4, ☎ +994 (12)/ 493 36 48 (+994 (12)/ 498 52 11).  edit

• Latif Karimov Carpet and Applied Arts Museum, Neftchiler Avenue, 123 A.  edit

• Home of Jafar Jabbarli, 44, S.Gutgashinli Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 43 84 350, [4].  edit

[edit] Other sites

• The Baku Boulevard.  edit

• Nizami (Torgovaya) Street and Fountain Square, (Near the Old City). This is a pedestrian street along the center of Baku that has many shopping, dining, and sitting places.  edit

• Dendro Park.  edit

• Oil Rocks. Tourist wanting to see the oil rock complex need to get previous authorization from the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan.  edit

• Magomayev Azerbaijan State Philharmonic Hall, 2, Istiglaliyyat Street, ☎ +994 (12)/ 497 29 05 (+994 (12)/ 497 29 01). Built in 1912 and inspired by the Monte Carlo Casino. Houses the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra amongst others.  edit

• AF MALL, is located in the heart of the city just off the Torgovaya on Samed Vurgun str. 34., ☎ (+99412) 5965506. This brand new mall has many trendy shops, summer lounge with tropic garden and pool on rooftop opening by the end of 2011.  edit

• Park Bulvar Shopping Mall, Along the boulevard, right across Park Inn Hotel. This brand new mall has many trendy shops, a cinema, a planetarium, a bowling alley and many cozy cafes. There are many famous fast food chains located there, such as KFC and Baskin Robbins.  edit

[edit] Itineraries

• A weekend in Baku

[edit][add listing] Do

• Boat tours of Baku. Offered from the Baku Boluvar. Lasts 40 minutes. 6 AZN.  edit

• Go to Pantomima theatre. Offered from the Baku Boluvar. Lasts 40 minutes. 6 AZN.  edit

• National Opera and Ballet, Nizami street.  edit

• Aqua Park Baku,, Rashid Behbudov, 59, ☎ (+99412) 447-03-03.  edit

• Baku Entertainment Center (Bakı Əyləncə Mərkəzi), Khatai District, F. Bayramov Street, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 490-22-22 (office@bem.az, vip@bem.az, fax: 994 012 490-22-05). Baku Entertainment center has been around for more than half a decade. It has a shopping center, bowling alley certified by AMF, health club, conference venue with a capacity of 350 people, and various restaurants and clubs.  edit

• Hamam Mehellesi. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This is the oldest public bath in Baku located near the Icharishahar metro station, inside the walls of the old city. There are men's and women's days at this public bath, Mondays and Fridays are for women, the rest of the days are for men. Hamam Mehellesi is in the Old Town. From the station, enter the gate to the old city, turn right and go down the street. The hamam will be a few blocks down, on the left side of the street, you will see a note on one of the walls "hamam mehellesi" and a little further - the bath's domes - this will be the place. Entrace costs 1 AZN and they offer two types of service, ''hise'' (skin peel) for 2 AZN and massage for 4 AZN..  edit

• Luna Amusement Park, ☎ 994 012 496-48-48. This is a small amusement park for kids and adults.  edit

• Baku Funucilar Railroad. You can take this funiclar train up to the Alley of the Marytrs. It costs about 0.2 AZN per person.  edit

• Teze Bey Hamami. Public Baths (Hamamlar). This public bath is in the old town and is a male only hamam. They have different types of baths (Finnish, Turkish, etc), so it may be a bit pricier than the other public baths in Baku.  edit

• The Spa at Park Hyatt Baku, Park Hyatt Baku Hotel, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ +994 12 490 1234 (baku@hyattintl.com), [5].  edit

Ancient Market in Old City (Icheri Sheher)

[edit] Beaches

• AF Beach Club, Novkhani, ☎ 994 12 448-30-30, [6]. This complex has 5 swimming pools, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team . 80-600.  edit

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [7]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

There are a couple of beaches including Shikhov Beach, but they are polluted by sewage and industrial waste. Outside the city, however, there are a few very nice sandy beaches on the Caspian. In particular Bilgəh and Amburan beaches, on the north coast of the Absheron Peninsula are great spots to cool off from heat.

[edit] Festivals

• Baku Jazz Festival, ☎ 994 012 437-55-33 (infofestival@jazz.az), [8]. Organised by famous saxophonist and Baku resident Rain Sultanov to showcase Azerbaijan's love of Jazz which grew during the Soviet era when it was banned by the authorities. Features acts from around the world, the annual festival lasts for a week, and will run from 7th to 14th June in 2007. Tickets can be purchased from Baku Jazz Center, 19 Rashid Behbudov Street, AZ1001 or by phone.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Antiques from Old City (İçəri Şəhər)
• Rugs
• Apples from Quba
• Tea and Talish Stockings from Lankaran
• Halva from Sheki
• Traditional dolls created by ladies' groups in Barda

[edit] ATMs

• Bankomats (ATMs) are available all around the city, mainly in downtown and metro stations exits. If you have a cell phone with either a Bakcell or Azercell sim card, you can recharge your account balance using various ATMs. The International Bank of Azerbaijan has a list [9] of their ATMs in Baku. Some of them have Euros and US Dollars available.

[edit][add listing] Eat

There are a great deal of restaurants in Baku.

[edit] Budget

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	up to 10 AZN
Mid-range	10 - 20 AZN
Splurge	20 AZN or more

• Half Way Inn, 6, 28 May Street, ☎ 994 012 598-09-05. International Cuisine 5-10 AZN.  edit

• L’aparte, 51, Istigaliyyet Street, ☎ 994 012 497-77-79. European and Azeri Cuisine 6-10 AZN.  edit

• Lebanese, 12, Z. Taguyev Street, ☎ 994 012 493-78-49. Lebanese Cuisine located on fountain square 4-8 AZN.  edit

• Onassis, 3, Inshaatchilar Avenue, ☎ 994 012 439-17-34. Greek and International Cuisine 2-7 AZN.  edit

• U Dali, 5, M. Ibragimov Street, ☎ 994 012 494-93-56. Georgian Cuisine 3-6 AZN.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Azerbaijani/Turkish

• Anadolu, Pushkin Street 5 & Rasul Rza Street 3/5, ☎ +994 012 498-87-58 & +994 012 498-804. Turkish/European Restaurant/Catering. 8-15 AZN.  edit

• Bəh Bəh, 20, Shihaliyev Street, ☎ +994 012 496-18-10.  edit

• Izmir Garden Restaurant, 5 Izmir Street, ☎ +994 012 436-93-73 (izmir@azdata.net).  edit

• Jennet Baghi, 82, Acad, Hasan Aliyeve Street, ☎ +994 012 449-91-98.  edit

• Karvansara, 1 Gala Street, Ichiri Sheher, ☎ +994 012 456-62-33.  edit

• Lido, Corner of Nkhchivani Street, ☎ +994 012 462-94-49. European and Azeri Cuisine.  edit

• Masal, Khagani Street.  edit

• Mugam Club, 9 A. Rzayeva Street, ☎ +994 012 492-40-85. European and Azeri Cuisine 10-15 AZN.  edit

• Namli Kebab, ☎ +994 50 201-44-45. European and Azeri Cuisine 10-15 AZN.  edit

• Respublika Luks, 24 Khagani Street, ☎ +994 012 598-10-56. European and Azeri Cuisine 2-15 AZN.  edit

• XVII esr, 215 B. Safaroglu Street, ☎ +994 012 598-17-00. Club-Restaurant. 8-15 AZN.  edit

[edit] Former USSR

• Dukhan, 81/13 Nizami Street, ☎ +994 012 598-22-29. Georgian Cuisine.  edit

• Georgian Home, 215 Bashir Safaroglu Street & 18 Mirza Irahimov Street, ☎ +994 012 493-85-36 & +994 012 493-43-85 (georgian_home_g@mail.ru). Georgian Cuisine.  edit

• Khutor, 9 M. Mukhtarov Street, ☎ +994 012 437-22-23. Ukrainian Cuisine 8-15 AZN.  edit

• Maksim, 4/3 Gala Street (Old City), ☎ +994 012 492-20-45. Georgian Cuisine. 5-20 AZN.  edit

• Rasputin, 9 A. Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 050-355-57-71. Russian Cuisine. 5-20 AZN.  edit

[edit] Western

• Caviar, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, ☎ +994 012 490-70-90. International Cuisine.  edit

• Corleone, 40 Khagani Street, ☎ +994 012 498-82-46. Italian Cuisine.  edit

• Ego’s, 19/13 Khagani Street, ☎ +994 012 493-11-01. European Cuisine. 8-15 AZN.  edit

• Gazelli Evi, 93 Nizami Street, ☎ +994 012 493-96-88. International Cuisine. 5-16 AZN.  edit

• Dolce Vita, 9 Aziz Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 012 492-75-72.. Italian Restaurant.  edit

• Grand Hotel Europe, 1025/30 Tbilisi Avenue, ☎ +994 012 490-70-90 (business.hotel_europe@azdata.net). International Cuisine.  edit

• Greasy Barney’s, G. Abbasov 72, apartment 1 A, ☎ +994 012 491-23-63. Sandwich Shop.  edit

• Le Mirage, 34 Nizami Street, ☎ +994 050-622-05-90. European Cuisine. Nightclub.  edit

• Cafe City, Rashid Behbudov street, the street closest to the left side of Park Bulvar, close to Sahil Bagi and Central Public Library. Mixed Cuisine Cafe.  edit

• Le R Restaurant, 123/6 Remontov Street, ☎ +994 012-437-21-80. European Cuisine.  edit

• Mexicana, 17 Z. Tagiyev Street, ☎ +994 012 498-90-96. Mexican Cuisine. 6-14 AZN.  edit

• München, 125 Nizami Street, ☎ +994 012 493-76-00. European Cuisine. Large selection of draft beer.  edit

• Nara, 4 Aziz Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 012 497-12-55. French Cuisine.  edit

• Park Inn's Glory, 1 Azadlig Avenue, ☎ +994 012 490-00-01. European Cuisine. 8-18 AZN.  edit

• Pauza, 28 May Street, ☎ +994 012 493-70-03. International Cuisine. 5-15 AZN.  edit

• Pizza Holiday, 119 Lermontov Kuchasi (Near Baku Soviet), ☎ +994 012 497-37-72. Pizza and Italian Cuisine. 5-15 AZN.  edit

• Soho, 6 R. Aliyarbekov Street, ☎ +994 050-319-38-19. International Cuisine.  edit

• The Red Lion Inn, 7 Mammadaliyev Street, ☎ +994 012 493-03-54. English Cuisine. 6-16 AZN.  edit

• Universal Club, 16 Z. Tagiyev Street, ☎ +994 012 493-29-12. International Cuisine.  edit

[edit] Asian

• Buddha, 2 A.Z. Tagiyev Street, ☎ +994 012 493-10-05. Fusion Cuisine. 6-12 AZN.  edit

• Maharaja, 131 Akivsat Gykuyev Street, ☎ +994 012 494-63-00. Indian Cuisine. 8-15 AZN.  edit

• Taj Mahal, 18 Khagani Street, ☎ +994 012 498-03-62. Indian Cuisine. 3-14 AZN.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Chinar, 1 Shovket Alekperova Street, ☎ +994 012 492-08-88, [10]. Pan-Asian cuisine, modern tea house and late night cocktail bar. 20-70 AZN.  edit

• House of Sultans, Icheri Sheher Boyuk Gala #20, ☎ +994 012 437-23-06. International and Azeri Cuisine. Expensive.  edit

• Mezzo, Bakikhanov Street (in Hyatt Hotel), ☎ +994 012 496-12-34. Mediterranean Cuisine. 20-70 AZN.  edit

• Shaghai, 31 Rasul Rza Street, ☎ +994 012 495-45-10. Chinese Cuisine. 3-25 AZN.  edit

• Terrace Garden, 20 Boyuk Gala (Icheri Sheher (Old Town)), ☎ +994 012 437-23-05(ex. 10). European and Azeri Cuisine. 7-26 AZN.  edit

• The Brewery, 28 Istiglaliyyet Street, ☎ +994 012 497-14-00. European Restaurant. 8-20 AZN.  edit

• Toscana, 12 Basti Bagirova Street, Kermur Plaza, ☎ +994 012 436-80-47. Italian Cuisine. 4-20 AZN.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

A Cultural Note Although tea houses (çay xanalar) in Baku usually allow Western women to enter, in the regions, it is often forbidden for females to enter such establishments. Women drinking in Baku is a la mode, but it is taboo for women in the regions of Azerbaijan to consume alcohol.

[edit] Tea Houses (Çayxanalar)

There are many outdoor tea houses (çayxanalar) that serve tea and sweets to people in their own individual nooks. Going to them can be a great way to get a sense of the local culture. If you are adventurous, try challenging a local Bakuvian to a game of backgammon (nard) or dominoes.

[edit] Cafés

There is a good selection of cafés dispersed throughout Baku. Expect to pay Western prices for your coffee.

• Aroma Café, 18, U. Hajibayov Street, ☎ +994 012-598-07-07.  edit

• Azza Café, 1, I. Safarli Street/Fountains Square, ☎ +994 12 437 0111 (kafe@azza.az), [11]. 12-23.  edit

• Baku Roasting Company, Near Ramstore in Elmlar. 9-9, except on Mondays. 2.5-7 AZN.  edit

• Cafe Caramel, 7, Alizade Street, ☎ +994 012-498-93-53 (cafecaramel@office.az), [12]. 11-23. 4-10 AZN.  edit

• Chocolate, 21, Boyukgala Street/4 Mamedaliyev Street, ☎ +994 012-492-35-26.  edit

• Cottage Café, Opposite Villa Petrolea, ☎ +994 012-497-48-30.  edit

• Gourmet Shop, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ +994 012-49-12-34.  edit

[edit] Bars and pubs

Although tea houses (çay xanalar) (found throughout Azerbaijan) serve local beer (piva) - draft at 50 qapick/glass or bottles at 70 qapick/bottle or vodka (araq) at 2 AZN/bottle, for anything exotic (e.g. tequila, gin, or rum), you will have to go to a normal bar or hotel and pay Western prices there.

• Adam's Sports Bar, 6 Alizade Street, Baku, Azerbaijan AZ, ☎ Bonny: +994 50-346-0433.  edit

• Beluga Bar, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ +994 012-496-12-34.  edit

• Britannia Pub, Bakikhanov Street, located in the Hyatt Hotel, ☎ +994 012-496-12-34.  edit

• Caspian Bar, 1025/30, Tbilisi Avenue, ☎ +994 012-490-70-90.  edit

• The Corner Bar, 77, Nizami Street, the corner of the R. Rza and Tolstoy Streets.  edit

• Finnegan’s, 4, A. Aliyev street, ☎ +994 012-498-98-57.  edit

• Golden Ridges Pub, 5, Mardanov Gardashlari Street, ☎ +994 012-493-17-72.  edit

• Hampstead, 12, Basti Bagirova Street, ☎ +994 012-436-79-81.  edit

• O’Mally’s, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ +994 012-498-43-32.  edit

• Park Inn's Victor’s Bar, 1, Azadlig Street, ☎ +994 012-490-60-00.  edit

• Pub Viking, 49, Bul-bul Street, ☎ +994 012-499-18-86.  edit

• Queen’s Head, 95, Neftchilar Street, ☎ +994 050-368-77-33.  edit

• Tequila Junction, Next to ISR Plaza, ☎ +994 012-498-43-32.  edit

• Tiger Bar, 19, Mamed Aliyv Street, ☎ +994 012-598-41-21.  edit

• The Phoenix Bar, 10, Mammadaliyev Street, ☎ +994 012-305-90-90.  edit

• Tj’s Pub, 9, Aliyarbekov Street, ☎ +994 012-498-46-21.  edit

• Caledonia Bar, 38, Rasul Rza, ☎ +994 012-494-28-53 (dave@Caledoniabar.Com), [13]. 09:30 till late. Opened in June 2002 and offers a familiar pub atmosphere with photos and memorabilia from Scotland. Screens for watching sporting events.  edit

[edit] Nightclubs

• Caravan Jazz Club, 4 Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 012 97-11-39. You might not expect it, but Baku has a great jazz tradition of its own and this is the place to go. No entrance fee and has a free, westetn-style toilet.  edit

• Room 103, 103 Neftiçilər prospekti, ☎ +994 012 92-65-03. An upscale cocktail bar with nightly live jazz.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Baku Station Hotel, 28 May Station. Under renovation as of October 2009. Dorm bed: 2.4 AZN; Single: 6 AZN; Twin: 3 AZN.  edit

• Caspian Hostel, Asef Zeynalli 29 (Old Town, around the corner from Meridian Hotel, above Thousand Camels Hostel), ☎ +994503778444. Great location in the Old Town. 2 dorm rooms and 1 private room. Dorm bed: 16 AZN.  edit

• Hotel Velotrek, 20 January Metro Station, slightly hidden behind the Respublica Velotrek bicycle race course through a tall iron gate on the left hand side. A few kilometers north of the centre, this budget hotel has clean rooms with TV, private bath and hot water in the mornings. Single: 15 AZN; Double: 30 AZN.  edit

• Thousand Camels Hostel Baku, Asef Zeynalli 29, Apt-3 (Old Town, around the corner from Meridian Hotel, below Caspian Hostel), ☎ +994556778175 (hostel@thousandcamels-az.com), [14]. checkin: any time; checkout: 12PM. Great location in the Old Town. It's also the only place where you'll find any sort of atmosphere (during summer). Reportedly closed as of December 2009, although bookings can still be made online. Dorm bed: 16 AZN.  edit

• Guest House Inn, Harbi Street 17, Icheri Sheher, Baki Soveti metro station, ☎ (+99412)4371262, (+99455)6827714 (guesthouseinn@mail.ru, fax: (+99412)4371263). checkin: any time; checkout: at 12 p.m. This hotel is situated in the center of Old Town in calm area, 10 minutes on foot to the nearest metro station, very friendly staff. Big room with TV, fridge, private bathroom, hot water: 50 AZN per night per person.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Araz Hotel, Y səfərov küç 30, Xatai/montino , Baku (baki) , Azerbaijan, ☎ +994 12 490 5063. About a kilometer from the ferry port. Double: US$60.  edit

• Delfin Hotel, 9th km of Sumgait Highway, ☎ 994 012 406-64-00 (info@delfinhotel.az, fax: +994 012 406-60-09), [15]. Situated 9km out of town. Opportunity to play paintball (50 bullets for 10 AZN).  edit

• Consul Hotel, 92c Hasan Aliyev Street, ☎ +994 12 498 6095; +994 12 465 1282 (consulhotel@ultel.net). This is a hotel option in the Genclik district. Twin: 50 AZN.  edit

• Days Hotel Baku, Babek Prospect, 21/99 Baku, Azerbaijan 10001, ☎ +994 12 4967400 (info@dayshotelbaku.az, fax: +994 12 4967500), [16]. 15 minutes’ drive from the Heydar Aliyev International Airport and 10 minutes from the city center. 102 rooms with WIFI internet access, one international restaurant, one lounge-bar and two conference rooms. AZN.  edit

• Diplomat Hotel, Suleyman Rahimov Street, 185, ☎ 994 012 596-11-27 (sales@diplomathotelbaku.com, fax: 994 012 596-11-28), [17]. Located centrally. Credit cards accepted. Double: 90 AZN.  edit

• Elite Hotel, Darnagul Settl., Neft avenue., 30/68, [18]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12AM. 4 star business class hotel. Double: 85 AZN.  edit

• Empire Hotel, Xaqani str. 49, ☎ 994 12 598 21 23 (info@empirehotelbaku.com, fax: +994 125 98 21 29), [19].  edit

• Guesthouse Inn, Azadlig Pros. 16/21, ☎ 994 50 626 2173 (info@guesthousebaku.com, fax: +994 125 98 21 29), [20]. Located between the Oil Academy and the Landmark, the Guesthouse Inn should not be confused with the Guest House Inn in the old town. 4 Single and 5 Double rooms, all ensuite with air conditioning, fridge, satellite TV, internet access.  edit

• Happy Inn Hotel, Abbas Sahhat 3, ☎ 994 50 245 6490 (info@happyinn.az, fax: +994 12 596 68 20), [21]. Located in the centre of Baku near the Medical University and the H. Aliyev Sport Center. 42 rooms.  edit

• High Park Hotel, 10 B Babek ave, ☎ 994 12 480 1215 (info@highpark.az, fax: +994 12 480 1216), [22]. 100 USD.  edit

• Holiday Inn Baku Airport, Heydar Aliyev International Airport (A 25 minute drive from the city centre), ☎ 994 12 437 4949 (info.bakap@ihg.com), [23]. Facilities include a kids stay and eat free program, internet access in all rooms, various restaurants, complimentary shuttle to downtown and a spa.  edit

• Hotel Hale Kai, 18 Mirza Ibrahimov Str, ☎ 994 12 596 50 56 (reservation@hotelhalekai.com), [24]. American boutique hotel, 24 all-suite rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout hotel, breakfast included. 130 AZN.  edit

• Park Inn, Azadlig Ave 1, ☎ 994 12 490 6000 (fax: 994 12 496 8900), [25]. Fully-equipped business centre, restaurant, bar and coffee shop, five modern conference rooms and an elegant ballroom with a large foyer. Also offers Wi-Fi in all guest rooms, gift shop, free airport shuttle, 24 hour room service, workout room, open parking facilities, 24 hour concierge. 169 AZN.  edit

• Rigs Hotel, 27 Gadjibekov Str, ☎ 994 12 493 92 41 (info@rigshotel.com, fax: 994 493 85 28), [26]. 24 rooms  edit

[edit] Splurge

• 12 Bulvar Inn Baku.  edit

• Excelsior Hotel Baku, 2 Heydar Aliyev Avenue, ☎ 994 12 496-8000 (info@excelsiorhotelbaku.az, fax: 994 12 496-8008), [27]. With a 5 star rating, the Excelsior Hotel is one of the nicest hotels in Baku. The rate per night range from 250-2,450 USD, but will be converted to AZN at the hotel's rate.  edit

• Hyatt Regency Baku, 1 Bakikhanov, AZ1065, ☎ 994 12-496-1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com, fax: 994 12-496-1235), [28]. Services include: high-speed internet access, chauffeur-driven limousine rental, hotel shops, Wi-Fi, business center, The Grill, Gourmet Shop, Beluga Bar, Club Oasis Fitness Center, swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, ballroom, 10 meeting rooms, 2 boardrooms, and pre-function and social function space. 270-405 AZN..  edit

• Park Hyatt Baku, 1033 Izmir Street, ☎ 994 12 490 1234 (baku.hotels@hyatt.com), [29]. 5-star hotel adjacent to a comprehensive Meeting & Conference Centre. Club lounge for free continental breakfast, evening cocktails and boardroom access.  edit

• Radisson SAS Plaza Hotel, 340 Nizami Street, ☎ 994 12 498-2402 (sales.radissonsas@isrplaza.com, fax: 994 12 497-2451), [30]. An all-suite hotel located on the top floor of the ISR Plaza Business Centre with views over the old and new cities. Has a gym, sauna, indoor pool, lounge and business centre.  edit

[edit] Resorts

• AF Hotel Aqua Park, , Novkhana, 1130/33, ☎ 994 012 448-30-30 (office@afhotel.info), [31]. checkin: 12PM; checkout: 12PM. AF Hotel is officially the largest hotel and resort in the Caucasus. This complex houses pools, saunas, salons, water slides, entertainment center, and hotel facilities.  edit

• Olimpik Hotel, Absheron d, Novxani Settlement, ☎ 99450 380 9999 (reception@olimpikhotel.com, fax: +99412 348 0175), [32]. a 4 star resort 20 km from Baku city centre and 2 km from the northern coast on the Caspian Sea at Absheron peninsula.  edit

• Amburan Beach Club, Bilgah, ☎ 994 12 453-86-85 (info@amburan.com, fax: 994 12 453-86-84), [33]. This complex has a 3 swimming pool, fasfood outlets, restaurant with cooks from Azerbaijan and Europe, Disco, Game Hall, Wi-Fi Internet, Water Sports, Beach Volley, Beach Football, Entertainments, Professional Animation Team .  edit

• Crescent Beach Hotel, Salyan Highway, Shikhov, ☎ +994 012 497-47-77 (ebh@azeronline.com, fax: 994 012 497-47-80). This complex has an indoor and outdoor pool, beach front, bar, and tourism services. High-speed Wi-Fi zone covering 10 hotel buildings, Hotel yard, restaurant, bars and beach. Please contact Hotel reception.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Internet

Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found throughout Baku. Some coffee houses provide wireless internet, but they are quite rare in Baku. Recently public wi-fi service was implented the central areas. One "klub" with fast internet downtown is VIP, U.Bunyadzade 3. They also have a lot of games you can play.

[edit] Post office

Azerpost Office

Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout Baku. Mailing an international letter generally costs 0.8 AZN.

[edit] AZAL

As Azal seems to be in a permanent state of flux as to where their offices are located, pop into a travel agent and ask about tickets very carefully before buying anything. In some cases, like Naxcevan or last-minute flights, you WILL ABSOLUTELY have to go this every-moving central office during a few random opening times in order to get your tickets processed. One travel agent who can guide you buy phone is reachable at +99455 4201220 or +99412 5551320 or 5981619.

[edit] Stay safe

Baku is considered a safe city, nevertheless common sense is useful as in all other big cities. Homeless people do not harass or attack people and are very safe to be around. The biggest problem in Baku is driving. Many drivers do not obey rules and speed.

[edit] Emergency contact numbers

• Ambulance: 103
• Fire: 101
• Gas Emergency 104
• Speaking Clock 106
• Police: 102

You must speak in Azeri, Turkish or Russian to communicate your needs. It would be a good idea to memorize key phrases before coming to Azerbaijan - see the Talk section for phrasebooks.

[edit] Safety tips

Travel outside the city only during the day time, unless taking a night train. The roads can be treacherous at night due to unseen potholes and dimly lit cars.

[edit] Cope

[edit] Embassies

• China, 67 Khagani St, ☎ +994 12-4936933 (24-hr +994 12-4936587, chinaemb@azeurotel.com, fax: +994 12-4980010), [34].  edit

• Greece, Kichic Gala 86-88, AZ 1004, ☎ +994 12 492-01-19 (gremb.bak@mfa.gr, fax: +994 12 492-48-35), [35].  edit

• United States, Azadlig Prospekt 83, ☎ +994 12 498-03-35, 36, or 37 (ConsularBaku@state.gov, fax: +994 12 498-37-55), [36].  edit

[edit] Get out

• The Petroglyphs of Gobustan are nearby to the South, and date back as far as the 12th century BCE. The invading armies of Alexander the Great and Trajan also left some interesting grafitti.

• A ferry departs daily from Baku across the Caspian Sea to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan. This ferry has become somewhat of a sleeper hit with backpackers on the Silk Road, but is very uncomfortable and should only be taken by adventure-seekers.

• A ferry depart irregularly to Aktau in Kazakhstan (every 7-10 days maybe). Docks are located 2 km to the west of the old town. It is difficult to get tickets!

• Sheki, which is a 7 hour bus ride to the north, is a beautiful city in the Caucasus mountains with lots to see and do.

• Buses take international travelers onwards from Baku to Iran and Georgia.

• The Baku Airport is one of the few in the world offering flights to Nakhchivan and travelers heading that way should book a flight from here.

• Go and enjoy the oil baths of Naftalan.

• Relax by the Caspian in Nabran, Azerbaijan's biggest tourist destination for international travelers and a coastal city close to Xachmaz.