Baku event weekends: what to do between sessions
A walled old city beside the Caspian, futuristic Flame Towers and mud volcanoes in the desert outside town.
Events we cover in Baku
Arriving
Heydar Aliyev airport (GYD) is 25 minutes by taxi or the Aero Express bus to the centre.
Where to stay
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Nizami Street area | Central and walkable. |
| Mid-range | Old City (Icheri Sheher) | Boutique hotels inside the walls. |
| Splurge | Flame Towers and the Boulevard | Luxury towers. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Sapphire City Hotel
- Mid-range: Shah Palace Hotel
- Splurge: Fairmont Baku Flame Towers
Tours
Where to eat
With kids
- Baku Boulevard rides.
Rainy-day backups
- Heydar Aliyev Center.
- Carpet Museum.
Free things to do
- Baku Boulevard seafront.
- Highland Park view.
Getting around
- Metro and Bolt; much of the centre closes for the race.