Begin with a glimpse of Azerbaijan
Baku & Azerbaijan on film
Begin with a short film from the tourism authority, then explore the destination in more detail below.
Explore Baku →Where to stayAzerbaijan tourism authority
Old city lanes, mountain villages and tea by the Caspian
Welcome to
Azerbaijan
Baku’s stone lanes are only the beginning. Follow the Silk Road towards Sheki, make room for mountain villages around Quba, or turn south for tea country and the Caspian coast. Azerbaijan rewards a journey with a few well-chosen stops, and time between them.
Nizinuri · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
On this page
First time highlights
02FIRST-TIME FAVOURITE
Sheki
Caravanserais, sweet shops and craftsmanship in a historic Silk Road town.
Explore Sheki →Allow two nights, with time for local outings.
Where to stayDirect accommodation contacts
03FIRST-TIME FAVOURITE
Gabala
A foothill base for scenery, a lake outing and time away from the capital.
Explore Gabala →Allow two nights, with time for local outings.
Where to stayDirect accommodation contacts
Beyond the beaten path
Three more places worth giving time to. Choose the ones that fit your interests and route.
04BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH
Ganja
Red-brick architecture, literary heritage and a city with its own everyday energy.
Explore Ganja →Allow two nights, with time for local outings.
Where to stayDirect accommodation contacts
05BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH
Quba
A northern base for carpet traditions, local heritage and a carefully planned mountain journey.
Explore Quba →Allow two nights, with time for local outings.
Where to stayDirect accommodation contacts
06BEYOND THE BEATEN PATH
Lankaran
Tea, regional food and a greener landscape between the Caspian and the Talysh Mountains.
Explore Lankaran →Allow two nights, with time for local outings.
Where to stayDirect accommodation contacts
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER · Azerbaijan
Unique attractions not to be missed
South of Baku
Gobustan rock art
Ancient figures carved into stone give a different perspective on the landscape south of Baku.
Explore this discovery →Radosław Botev · Attribution 3.0 Poland · Display cropped/resized.
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Greater Caucasus · from Quba
Khinalig mountain village
A high village with its own language, living traditions and a dramatic mountain setting.
Explore this discovery →Nizinuri · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Historic Sheki
Sheki Khan’s Palace
Coloured glass, painted walls and fine craftsmanship reward a close look.
Explore this discovery →Rüfət Həsənli · Attribution 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
SEE HOW THE PLACES FIT TOGETHER
Find your way around.
Select a pin or place name to open its guide directly. Gold marks the first-time highlights, teal the places beyond the beaten path.
Outline: Natural Earth, public domain · Approximate place markers; callouts separate nearby places. Orientation only, not navigation.
Build your own journey
Places to combine in one trip.
The capital and the Silk Road
Begin in Baku, then travel west for Gabala’s scenery and Sheki’s historic streets. Allow overnight stops instead of a rushed return drive.
Choose a northern or southern extension
Add Quba for the mountain villages, or Lankaran for tea country. These are different directions from Baku, not a single short excursion.
A western city break
Give Ganja its own city stay. Check actual transport connections before linking it with your wider journey.
Suggested combinations, not transport schedules. Check current connections and allow time between bases.
More local planning & practical information →
Tea, crafts and the time to talk →
Good neighbours for your itinerary
Georgia can complement a wider Caucasus journey, but do not assume an overland crossing is available. Confirm permitted routes and entry requirements before buying separate journeys.
A few useful essentials
Before you travel.
Entry & current advice
Check the rules for your passport, current regional advice and insurance before booking.
Official travel advice →Choose your route
Build your trip around a few bases rather than trying to see everything in one visit.
Plan your journey →A place to stay
Each destination page includes a public accommodation contact. Ask directly about rates, access and room arrangements.
Browse destinations →Meet the place
Leave time for local food, everyday streets and conversations as well as the headline sights.
People & culture →Current official travel advice ↗Ask ATA about your itinerary →
Photograph credits & sources
Baku: Gulustan · Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported · Display cropped/resized.
Sheki: Rüfət Həsənli · Attribution 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Gabala: Fredlyfish4 · Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported · Display cropped/resized.
Ganja: Huseyn200021 · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Quba: Xoncha · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Lankaran: KeuleKeulmann · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Gobustan: Radosław Botev · Attribution 3.0 Poland · Display cropped/resized.
Khinalig: Nizinuri · Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International · Display cropped/resized.
Film: Azerbaijan tourism authority. Sources reviewed 28 October 2026.