Tour guides Azerbaijan

5 ideas for guided tours in Azerbaijan

• Baku

  

  In Baku, every street has a story to tell. Tradition weaves its way through the lines of a modern city. Begin with Icherisheher, the old town still wrapped in its ancient walls. The stones are weathered, the alleys narrow, and landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs or the Maiden Tower seem to hold centuries of silence.

  Climb to the top of the tower for a sweeping view of the Caspian Sea. If contemporary architecture draws you in, walk along Martyrs’ Alley. This place of remembrance, overlooking the city, also offers one of the finest panoramas of Baku.

  When night falls, head to Fountain Square. Cafés, laughter, and the aromas of Azerbaijani cooking fill the air. Try a plate of plov, or give in to the temptation of a fragrant pastry.

• Gobustan Reserve

  

  Just a few kilometers from Baku, the Gobustan Reserve takes you back to the dawn of humanity. This mineral desert holds a treasure: thousands of carvings etched directly into the rock.

  The landscape feels raw, almost lunar. Between barren hills and upright stones, the trails lead you to the rocks of Boyukdash, where animals, hunters, and ancient symbols emerge from the past. Some of these petroglyphs, over 12,000 years old, tell the story of early life without a single word.

  Beyond the engravings, Gobustan also preserves remnants of tombs and dwellings. Walking here is like stepping into an open book on prehistory.

• Astara

  

  On the southern border, between Azerbaijan and Iran, Astara welcomes you with both sea and mountains. It is a peaceful land, sheltered from the noise, where forests meet the calm waters of the Caspian.

  Set out to explore the Khazar Reserve, a green haven alive with migratory birds, quiet marshes, and winding rivers. Not far away, Astara’s natural park blends dunes, wetlands, and shaded trails.

  With one of our local guides, you’ll see this region in a different light—in the detail of a bird, the curve of a stream, or the way sunlight slips through the leaves.

• Shaki City

  

  Shaki is an ancient gem tucked into the mountains. The Palace of the Shaki Khans, an 18th-century masterpiece, stands as its symbol. Stained glass windows, hand-painted walls, quiet gardens—everything here recalls a refined past.

  Not far away, the fortress of Shaki still stretches its walls near the village of Nukha. These solid ramparts tell of another time, more defensive yet just as captivating.

  Take a stroll through the local market: colors, scents, fabrics everywhere. You’ll find everything from honey to spices to handmade crafts. And when you need a breath of fresh air, head to the Maraza Park, a green haven at the foot of the mountains.

• Quba

  

  In the north of the country, Quba opens its doors to you. Crossed by the Qudyalçay River, the town is a meeting point of cultures. Its architecture blends colorful houses, simple mosques, and buildings that reflect a rich past.

  Visit the mausoleum of Mirza Fatali Akhundov, wander through the palace complex of the Khans, and above all, don’t miss Krasnaya Sloboda, a unique village where a Mountain Jewish community has lived since the 18th century—one of the last in the Muslim world.

  All around, nature takes over. The Tenghi Canyon offers superb hikes, Altyagach National Park unfolds its dense forests, and in winter, the Shahdag ski resort draws powder seekers and mountain lovers alike.