Azerbaijan is located in the fascinating Caucasus region, a historical and geographical crossing point boasting an impressive array of landscapes and cultures for a relatively small area. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply keen to know more about it, this list of 22 unique things to do in Azerbaijan should have you covered. 

The list is based on my experiences living and working in the ‘Land of Fire’ for 8 years, including 3 years spent working in the tourism sector. So, without further ado:

1. Hike along the Transcaucasian Trail

Azerbaijan is crisscrossed by not one but two ranges of the Caucasus Mountains, the Lesser and the Greater, the former stretching all the way between the Black and Caspian seas. Hiking is a wonderful thing to do – and still quite undiscovered – in Azerbaijan. Plus a day or weekend trip is easy to arrange through local tour companies, such as the ever-popular among expats Camping Azerbaijan, but there are certainly others. They will whisk you off to remote mountainous parts of Gusar, Guba or Ismayilli, for example, where you’ll amble happily along old shepherd trails with stunning views at every turn, pausing for tea or lunch in quaint little mountain villages. 

Even better, in 2022 the Transcaucasian Trail, an official network of walking routes through the three South Caucasus countries, was extended to Azerbaijan. This has opened up new routes and makes exploring independently much easier. 

For more on hiking in Azerbaijan, check out my CNN Travel article.

2. Try an oil bath

Are you suffering from arthritis, rheumatism, a back or leg issue, or anything else that you can’t find a solution to? Well perhaps you should head to a little town in the shadow of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains named Naftalan. Azerbaijan is well known for its huge oil industry, which fuels the local economy. But Naftalan is known for an altogether different type of oil which is high in naphthalene. This is a hydrocarbon with purported medicinal benefits that has spurred Naftalan’s growth as a bustling health resort. While oil was discovered by Silk Road camel traders, the town really took off in the Soviet era. Then, crippled workers from across the USSR would come to stay in sanatoriums and take regular short oil baths.

But even if you’re in rude health, Naftalan is still a quirky, off-the-radar place to visit. There’s a small local museum where you can learn about the oil and its historic uses, and even purchase soaps and scrubs containing the naphthalene hydrocarbon. Plus, you can stay overnight in one of the grand new hotels.

3. Enjoy the food, particularly Slow Food

Azerbaijani cuisine is an intriguing fusion brought about both by its location at a geographical crossroads and its multitude of microclimates. The latter allows the cultivation of an impressive range of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Among the best-loved dishes are dolma, plov and kebabs of countless varieties. Every region has its own variations, as well as some unique local ones. 

Another aspect is the local obsession with tea drinking. The tea is traditionally brewed from leaves grown in the subtropical south or from medicinal plants foraged in the mountains. And over a pear-shaped armudu glass, stories are shared, deals are done, and new adventures begin. Black tea of a deep red colouration, without milk, is how it’s typically drunk, with cubes of sugar placed in the mouth to sip the tea through. 

Even more interesting is the recent introduction of the slow food concept in Azerbaijan, creating a host of new travel experiences. For example, you can now head to rural villages to learn how the likes of local Caucasian honey, wine or cheese are produced using centuries-old methods. The local wines and wineries are also something to look forward to. 

4. Feel the Silk Road ambiance of Sheki

Beyond Baku, visiting Sheki is another of the best things to do in Azerbaijan. And, it’s conveniently located along one of the main routes between Baku and Georgia. Head first for the Historic Centre, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, at the heart of which is an 18th-century fortress with its enchanting 18th-century Palace of Sheki Khans. The fortress is picturesquely set beneath the tree-covered slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, and fanning out from it are cobbled roads lined with handsome old merchant houses harking back to Sheki’s heyday as a centre of the Caucasian silk trade. 

Sheki is also famous for its traditional local crafts such as shebeke (coloured windows), tekelduz (embroidery), kelaghayi (silk headscarves), and more. Other things to enjoy include hiking in the surrounding mountains, staying in cosy local guest houses, and browsing the colourful sweet shops selling Sheki-style halva.

5. Explore the world’s largest exclave

Nakhchivan is a geographical oddity, cut off from mainland Azerbaijan by a slither of Armenia. Due to the tension between the two countries, to get there you either have to fly, most commonly from Baku, or go overland via Iran or Turkiye. However, it’s worth making the effort because here the landscape and atmosphere are markedly different from anywhere else in Azerbaijan. There are rolling, red-hued lowlands, rocky mountains – Mount Ilandag (Snake Mountain) being the most iconic – and lush valleys fed by gurgling rivers.

What’s more, there are quite a few historical curiosities to peruse, such as the purported Noah’s Tomb – Noah having settled here after the Great Flood, according to a local legend. Also Alinja Castle, the reconstructed ruins of a mountaintop fortress which you can climb to. However, my favourite is the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, honouring the legacy of a powerful 12th century female ruler and leaning somewhat like the Tower of Pisa. Outdoor activities hiking and birdwatching are also becoming increasingly available.  

6. Stay in a mountain village with its own language

It’s called Khinalig and it’s far from the only linguistically distinct village in Azerbaijan. However, it’s the best known and really a wonderful spot to visit. Only about 20 years ago few outsiders, and perhaps even Azerbaijanis, had even heard of Khinalig because its location, on a remote hilltop amid the mighty Greater Caucasus Mountains, was completely inaccessible for much of the year. Residents had to trek on horseback for days just to get anywhere. But then a new road was built and as of 2023 Khinalig is a World Heritage site – so get there now before it’s overcrowded! The village is a sight to behold, with its stunning mountain setting and centuries-old stone houses seemingly stacked upon one another. 

There’s a local museum, the ruins of a 1,000-year-old mosque, and up in the mountains – a reconstructed Zoroastrian fire temple. Meanwhile, the environs are perfect for hiking and birdwatching. 

7. Trek through the Talysh Mountains

As you can tell, Azerbaijan is a very mountainous country. Mountains cover well over 50% of its territory. And it’s not just the Caucasus Mountains that are worth exploring. In the southeast the Talysh Mountains rise rapidly from the Caspian seashore and sweep dramatically across this tip of the country, and over the Iranian border, The subtropical climate creates a sharp contrast with the north, the scenery being more steamy and lush. The lower parts of the Talysh Mountains are covered by the very ancient Hirkan Forest, which has been growing undisturbed since before the last Ice Age. It’s now a repository for relict trees, such as the Persian ironwood tree, Caucasian Persimmon, Caucasian zelkova, and many others. 

Hiking is a wonderful way to experience this festival of flora. And it’s quite different here to hiking in the Caucasus Mountains. You’ll come across delightful villages with meandering dirt tracks and pristine white cottages with beehives and lemon orchards, and populated by ethnic Talysh people. You may also hear tales of the elusive, almost mythical Caucasian leopard. 

8. Peruse thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs

Along the main highway south of Baku, about 60km to be exact, is a turning point to a World Heritage site called Gobustan. More precisely it’s the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, a protected area featuring several rocky mountain plateaus peppered with prehistoric rock art chiselled at different times between the Neolithic and the Middle Ages. These mountains long served as a natural shelter, attracting animals and therefore hunter-gatherers. Many of the depicted scenes show ancient hunters, rowers, rituals and animals. There are over 6,000 in total and they are fascinating to wander and ponder, as they reveal the lifestyle and beliefs of prehistoric people. There’s also a Roman inscription left by a Roman legionary in the 1st century AD – the furthest east one’s ever been found. 

Moreover, an excellent on-site museum helps you decipher all the rock art, uncovering their fascinating history and symbolism. And narrating how the landscape and human habitation around Gobustan have changed dramatically over millennia. 

9. Recharge in an Azerbaijani hammam

Hammams are public baths found common across the Islamic world. Steamy and historic, the Azerbaijani variant has much in common with the better-known Turkish one. However, they also have their own story and rituals; historically they were places to socialise and seek brides as well as to wash. Hammam culture has dwindled in Azerbaijan over the last century as homes have all gained baths and showers. But in the past every neighbourhood of every town or city in the country had their own hammams – located close to mosques to allow residents to maintain both their spiritual and bodily cleanliness. Nowadays, they’ve all but disappeared throughout most of the country. But in Baku you can still find a few to test out this centuries-old washing ritual. 

Particularly in the Old City where places such as Agha Mikhayil Hamami still adhere to the old traditions. Here, men and women are permitted on separate days, the architecture is eye-catching and Oriental, and the main treatment involves something called kise. That’s an all-over body scrub performed by the kisechi, who dons a specially designed abrasive glove and rubs you over thoroughly and vigorously. You’ll feel like you’ve been reborn. 

For more on Azerbaijani hammams, check out my CNN Travel article.

10. See the world’s best carpet collection

Ever since Turkic nomads wandered the steppes of the Caucasus and Central Asia, carpets have been at the heart of Azerbaijani life and culture. Along with tea and mugham music they’re another ever-present aspect of the country. And in fact often, particularly in mountain villages, you’ll find yourself sipping tea while seated on a beautifully decorated carpet. In mountainous regions such as Guba, weaving carpets is still a part of everyday life, with some villages being renowned for particular styles and patterns. However, the best place to dive into the intricate art of Azerbaijani carpet weaving, which features on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, is the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum. 

This museum is housed in a strikingly shaped building like a semi-rolled-up rug, on the long Baku Seaside Boulevard. It presents a broad selection of Azerbaijani carpets over its three floors. You can dive into the history and methods of local carpet weaving, and admire the multitude of different styles practised across Azerbaijan’s 7 regional carpet-weaving schools. In all, the museum has about 6,000 carpets, of the pile and flat-woven varieties, which is the largest collection in the world. 

11. Experience the Novruz festival

Azerbaijan’s most important national holiday is Novruz, ushering in the Persian New Year and coming of spring. It’s celebrated in countries throughout the former Persian cultural space, however in Azerbaijan it’s particularly special. The celebration itself lasts a full week, beginning on 20th March, the spring equinox. But the build-up begins over a month in advance with mini celebrations on each of the four Tuesdays leading up to Novruz, each symbolising one of the elements: water, fire, earth and wind. Indeed, the festival and its many rituals are of very ancient origin, harking back to the region’s prominence as a centre of Zoroastrianism. 

Fire, deemed sacred by Zoroastrians, is still the principle symbol and one of the main rituals involves jumping across a bonfire to cleanse oneself of negative influences. However, Novruz is purely cultural nowadays. And it’s an interesting time to visit Azerbaijan due to the general cheer and festivities everywhere. Plus, you can gorge on Azerbaijani sweets like pakhlava and shekerbura. 

12. Unearth the mystery of mud volcanoes

A bizarre but beguiling geological phenomenon, mud volcanoes are caused by pressurised fluids seeping through cracks and fissures in the earth, and generally occur in areas with large amounts of oil and gas and tectonic activity. Azerbaijan has been called the world capital of mud volcanoes, as it’s home to between 300 and 400 of them (estimates vary), or about 30% of the world’s total. These are mostly located near Baku along the Caspian coastline, and in the sea itself; there are even some islands off Baku that are mud volcanoes. They come in all shapes and sizes, from all-out mountains to tiny mud cones. And rather than hot lava, they gurgle and eject a mix of water, gas and mud. Therefore, they’re mostly harmless. However, when a large one erupts they can rain down mud and be accompanied by blasts of flame. Scientists love them because they offer clues regarding complex subterranean processes.

Many of Azerbaijan’s mud volcanoes are off-limits in protected or remote areas of the country. But you can easily visit one of the largest collections near the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Most tour companies offer combined rock art and mud volcano trips. Or, you can go independently by taxi, though be sure to fix a price beforehand.

13. Walk all around the Old City

The Old City, aka Icherisheher (‘Inner City’ in Azerbaijani) is the historic core of Baku, surrounded by medieval crenellated walls. Until the late 19th century this was the entirety of Baku. And fortunately its UNESCO World Heritage status has helped it to be well-preserved, making getting lost in its maze of narrow alleys one of the best things to do in Baku. 

As you go you can admire an abundance of old architectural details, stumble upon medieval mosques, hammams and caravanserais, and browse two of the country’s top historical attractions: the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, home of Baku’s long-ruling dynasty, and the mysterious Maiden Tower. There’s also a world’s-only Museum of Miniature Books, as well as trendy cafes, rooftop bars, stylish hotels and art galleries hidden among all the old stuff.

14. Participate in the Pomegranate Festival

Few places in the world are so passionate about pomegranates as Azerbaijan. Here, it’s the “king of fruit” and as much a cultural as a culinary symbol; an ever-present ingredient in national dishes, as well as a ubiquitous motif in Azerbaijani art, symbolising fertility, energy and abundance. Such is the reverence of the pomegranate in Azerbaijan that the country puts on an annual Pomegranate Festival, large and unique enough to feature on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.

The festival takes place in Goychay, a fecund region in the foothills of Caucasus Mountains, since this is the ‘Land of Fire’s’ pomegranate-growing capital. Over 60 different varieties are believed to be grown nationwide and you’ll find many on show across the countless farmers’ stalls at the festival. There’s also a variety of competitions, from the largest pomegranate to the quickest juice squeezer, in addition to national music, dances, and all manner of pomegranate-based products for sale. 

For more on Azerbaijan’s love of pomegranates, check out my CNN Travel article.

16. Visit the world’s only Mountain Jews Museum

The Caucasus region as a whole is famously home to a plethora of different peoples, and Azerbaijan is no exception. About a dozen main ethnic minorities inhabit the country, including Lezgis, Talysh, Avars and Jews. Ashkenazi Jews predominate in Baku, while the Guba region in the north is home to the largest community of Mountain Jews in the Caucasus. The mysterious Mountain Jews speak a unique Judeo-Tat language and are believed to have migrated north from Persia many centuries ago.

Many Mountain Jews have since migrated on to other parts of the world. But today in Azerbaijan they still live compactly in a suburban district of Guba city, called Red Village. And there, a couple of years ago, a fantastic little museum opened dedicated to Mountain Jewish culture and history. Housed in a former synagogue, it’s extremely well-organised and enlightening. And nearby there’s an info-centre where you can also arrange walking tours. 

15. Ski in the Caucasus Mountains

Azerbaijan isn’t often associated with skiing, not even in the South Caucasus where Georgia is a more established winter sports destination. But, believe it or not, the country has three small resorts. The smallest, in Nakhchivan, boasted only two slopes when I visited in 2020. However, the other two, Shahdag and Tufandag, both in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, are wonderful weekend escapes in winter. Besides the novelty of sliding and gliding down the Azerbaijani section of the Caucasus Mountains, the prices are very good value and the resorts are genuinely good. 

Regarding Tufandag, I’m relying on word of mouth, but I have skied a couple of times at Shahdag, and I really enjoyed it. With skiing yet to really catch on in Azerbaijan, I revelled in all the room I had on the mostly blue and red slopes, and in not having to queue for lifts. Despite the smallish ski area, there’s ample to keep you entertained for a couple of days at least. 

17. Immerse yourself in local music

When travelling in Azerbaijan you can expect a lively soundtrack to your adventures. There are intriguing local twists on classical, folk, jazz and even rap. The national music of Azerbaijan is mugham, a UNESCO-listed oral traditional music based on local folklore and melodies. Highly spiritual and improvisational, it’s performed by a khanende (singer) accompanied by a trio of national instruments (the tar, kamancha and daf), creating a melancholic, yearning sound. 

More uplifting is ashig music, another oral traditional genre involving a travelling bard strumming a long necked lute called a saz. Historically he would wander from village to village serenading weddings and festivities with songs of love and nature. 

Another distinctly local phenomenon is meykhana, a national type of rap or hip hop in which performers recite poetry spontaneously to an improvised rhythm. It evolved in Baku’s suburbs and was banned in the Soviet period. Jazz was also officially banned in Soviet times but that didn’t stop Baku from becoming famous for it. Musicians such as Vagif Mustafazade mixed in Azerbaijani elements to create a new style known as jazz-mugham. 

18. Browse Baku’s oil-boom architecture

Baku’s architecture is a melange of contrasting layers reflecting the diverse influences and powers to have held sway in the city. There’s the medieval, Oriental-style Old City, all the styles of the Soviet era, and some very striking modern buildings. Iconic among those is the Heydar Aliyev centre designed by the late Zaha Hadid. But for me much more interesting are the many buildings left over from the oil-boom period. That era came in the late 19th century when Baku’s oil industry developed rapidly and the fortunes it generated spurred the construction of extravagant architecture in and around the city centre. 

Over a century later, these Art Nouveau mansions displaying an eclectic variety of styles are a visual treat. But what makes them particularly special is all the amazing stories attached to them. Stories of ridiculously luxurious lifestyles, but also of great tragedy in many cases. Taking a walking tour of them will reveal a completely different and utterly compelling side of Baku. 

For more on the oil-boom architecture, check out my CNN Travel article.

19. Meet the Molokans of Ivanovka

Ivanovka is a large rural village in the north-central Ismayilli region which differs from pretty much any other village in Azerbaijan. That’s because it was founded by Russian Molokans, a strand of spiritual Christians banished by the tsar from central Russia for their non-adherence to Russian Orthodox church rituals. They founded many villages in Azerbaijan, but their descendants mostly left in the post-Soviet period. The exception is Ivanovka which still feels like a slice of rural Russia. Moreover, its still-functioning collective farm adds a sense of time-travelling back to the Soviet era. 

The village’s produce is highly regarded throughout Azerbaijan and if you visit you can buy delicious honey, homemade wine and dairy produce at entrepreneurial village houses. There’s also a small museum on village history and a couple of cosy guesthouses.

20. Uncover crazy stories of long living

Tucked away in the Talysh Mountains is a hilltop town called Lerik, which from a tourism point of view is famous for one thing: its Museum of Long Livers. Indeed, the Talysh Mountains and the Lerik region in particular are famed for their abundance of centenarians, who’ve benefited from the lush nature, laid-back lifestyle and pure produce to reach in some cases mind-boggling (even if somewhat exaggerated) ages. 

For example, the star of the Lerik museum collection is a shepherd named Shirali Muslimov. He is claimed to be the oldest person to have ever lived, eventually expiring at the age of 168. Whether you believe it or not, the museum is a small place full of fascinating tales. Muslimov was far from the only ridiculously long-lived resident of Lerik. And apart from anything else, its positive aura will inspire you to want to live better and longer.

21. Hire a car and take a road trip

Having your own wheels gives you the ultimate freedom to venture off the beaten track and explore Azerbaijan’s most picturesque parts. This was my favourite way of getting to know the countryside. Regularly, I’d hire a car for the weekend via a rental company in Baku and motor off with no more than a map, a camera and a rucksack. 

For example, with a bit of research and planning, you could simply select one or two regions and spend a few days visiting its most scenic and storied villages and beauty spots that only the locals know about. Such as waterfalls, riverside picnic spots, ancient church ruins, pilgrimage sites, and panoramic viewpoints. Along the way you’ll find rustic restaurants to refuel at, and you can stay overnight at village guesthouses or quiet hotels with scenic surrounds.

22. Get back to nature in Gakh

One area I particularly enjoyed road-tripping to was Gakh, which I was tempted to miss out. But on reflection it has to make the list. Rather than the town, which is tidy and peaceful and has a certain charm, I really mean this northwestern region in general. Primarily because it’s so naturally beautiful, particularly as you head north from Gakh town to the village of Ilisu along the Kurmukh river. 

Historic Ilisu has fetching stone houses and the ruins of fortress towers are scattered around it. The village lies at the foot of forested mountains, where there’s a waterfall and hot springs you can hike to. Or you can hop in a 4×4 taxi to the semi-abandoned mountain village of Saribash. 

Another lovely walk in the Gakh region awaits on the edge of Lekit village, meandering through forest to a mossy waterfall called Mamirli. And, there’s a more serious hiking route passing through Gakh’s mountains between the neighbouring regions of Sheki and Zagatala, which is part of the Transcaucasian Trail.

Last word…

So there they are, 22 of my favourite things to do in Azerbaijan. Of course you could also watch Formula One (the Azerbaijan Grand Prix) or visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple, for centuries a retreat for Zoroastrian and Indian fire-worshippers. But these are fairly obvious and touristy things to do. 

On the other hand, I’ve tried to include what will help you dive deeper into the country and its culture, while also benefiting local communities. It’s worth noting too that Baku has a particularly buzzy and constantly evolving selection of restaurants and nightlife. 

All that remains to be said is Yaxshi yol! (Have a good trip), as they say in Azerbaijan.