Baku, Azerbaijan

Sitting at the crossroad of Europe and Asia, Baku is the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan. The ancient city offers a perfect blend of the East and West, and the past and present. From the UNESCO-listed Old City with its grand fortress to graceful mansions standing along tree-lined streets dotted with high-end boutiques, and from the lively Caspian Sea promenade to the best of modern architectural experimentations, Baku offers a variety of mesmerising experiences. The Old City with walls is a time capsule and one of the oldest inhabited settlements in the region. Built on a site inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, the Walled City reveals evidence of Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman and Russian presence. Explore the 12th-century Maiden Tower and the 15th-century Shirvanshahs' Palace, one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture. The palace is a grand structure with stone walls and domes, and was the seat of Azerbaijan’s ruling dynasty. Walk along the winding streets of the Old City to discover hidden mosques, charming tea houses and traditional carpet shops.

Another iconic landmark is the Flame Towers. Rising majestically above the skyline, the trio of glass skyscrapers stand as an emblem of modern Baku. Their sinuous form looks stunning at night with a light show. For more architectural wonders, head to Heydar Aliyev Center. A vast and jaw-droopingly beautiful building, this Zaha Hadid masterpiece is a majestic statement of contemporary architecture. Curvaceous and ethereal, this iconic building hosts concerts and exhibitions. Spend some time at Fountain Square, a bustling pedestrian plaza. At sundown, stroll along the popular seafront park Bulvar. A must-visit is the Ateshgah Fire Temple on the outskirts of Baku. You can head to Ganja, an ancient city with a vibrant culture; explore Nakhchivan, an autonomous Azerbaijani republic, with breathtaking landscapes; and beaches like Bilgah, Absheron Peninsula and Nabran.

Taste traditional Azerbaijani kebabs, fragrant rice pilaf and delectable pastries. Be sure to try the aromatic tea and the sweet baklava. Also, pomegranate is used extensively in local cuisine.

When to visit:

To experience Baku at its best, plan your visit between April and October.