Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2027: things to do between sessions in Baku

24 to 26 September 2027 · ConfirmedBaku, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Grand Prix fills Baku with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.

Tours in Baku Hotels for these dates Official site

Know before you go

Many nationalities can get an e-visa online in a few days. Apply before you book flights.
The circuit splits the city, so check which bridges and underpasses are open before walking anywhere.

Airport to Baku City Circuit

Heydar Aliyev airport (GYD) is 25 minutes by taxi or the Aero Express bus to the centre.

The street circuit runs through the centre and the old city walls. Most hotels are inside or walking distance from the circuit; roads close for sessions.

Public transport directions to Baku City Circuit

Where to stay by budget

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

Links search the nights from 23 September to 27 September. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual Grand Prix weekend schedule for 24 to 26 September 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Arrival day

Thursday 23 September

Nothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.

Half-dayGobustan and mud volcanoes Half day · Family
Rock art and bubbling mud.
EatFiruze Azerbaijani dishes in the old town

Practice day

Friday 24 September

First practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.

Half-dayOld City walking tour Half day · Family
Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah palace.
EatShirvanshah Museum Restaurant Traditional setting

Qualifying day

Saturday 25 September

Support races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.

Easy outingFire Temple and burning mountain Half day
Ateshgah and Yanar Dag at dusk.
FreeBaku Boulevard seafront.

Race day

Sunday 26 September

Go to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.

After darkFountain Square bars.

The day after

Monday 27 September

A full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.

Full dayGabala and Shamakhi day trip Full day
Mountains and wine.
EatFiruze Azerbaijani dishes in the old town

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family

Gobustan and mud volcanoes

Rock art and bubbling mud.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Old City walking tour

Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshah palace.

See times and prices

Baku Boulevard rides.

Evening and day-trip tours

Full day

Gabala and Shamakhi day trip

Mountains and wine.

See times and prices

After dark

Fountain Square bars.

4 tours worth booking for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Tour	Length	Good for
Gobustan and mud volcanoes	Half day	Families
Old City walking tour	Half day	Families
Fire Temple and burning mountain	Half day	Everyone
Gabala and Shamakhi day trip	Full day	Everyone

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Firuze Azerbaijani dishes in the old town
Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant Traditional setting

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Heydar Aliyev Center.
Carpet Museum.

Getting around on event days

Metro and Bolt; much of the centre closes for the race.

Day trips from Baku

Gobustan: 1 hour
Sheki: 5 hours

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2027?

The next edition is 24 to 26 September 2027.

How do I get from the airport to Baku City Circuit?

Heydar Aliyev airport (GYD) is 25 minutes by taxi or the Aero Express bus to the centre. The street circuit runs through the centre and the old city walls. Most hotels are inside or walking distance from the circuit; roads close for sessions.

Where should I stay for Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

For most visitors the best base is Old City (Icheri Sheher): Boutique hotels inside the walls.

What can we do between sessions at Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Good short outings in Baku include Gobustan and mud volcanoes, Old City walking tour, Fire Temple and burning mountain. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near Azerbaijan Grand Prix?

Family-friendly picks: Gobustan and mud volcanoes, Old City walking tour. Baku Boulevard rides.

How far is Baku City Circuit from Baku centre?

About 4 km in a straight line. The street circuit runs through the centre and the old city walls. Most hotels are inside or walking distance from the circuit; roads close for sessions.

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