Eid is smack dab in the middle of summer again. You may have already taken your scheduled vacations, however if you are anything like me, it is a little bit hard to not do something about those public holidays we are so generously given. Instead of sharing the usual places, why not try somewhere new?
My first time to Baku was for a friend’s wedding last summer. If it wasn’t for that, I honestly don’t know when I would have gone, because even though it’s very close to Dubai, it just wasn’t on my radar. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Most of the locals credit the popular singing competition Eurovision for putting them on the map, but this oil rich city has a long, interesting history, and it is putting its oil money to use, so the city is changing fast. Some say it is modeling itself on places like Dubai, but it still has a unique character of its own and you can feel the energy and the willingness of the locals to really open their doors to tourism. The city now has imported London black cabs, a free-form cultural center by Zaha Hadid and the Baku Flame Towers that dominate the skyline. And the revamped city center has avenues of impressive restaurants, hotels and shops and a touch of Paris about it.
Speaking of shopping, you will find all your favorite luxury and high street brands and plenty more local and regional brands to try.Oh, and an important fashion tip: Baku is also known as the “windy city” … if you are planning on taking a stroll around town – dress accordingly. Ihad to learn the hard way… let’s just say the locals got more than they bargained for!
Baku, Azerbaijan
Where to Stay
- Four Seasons Baku – This is often the first choice of discerning travellers. Very central, in a classically beautiful building with spacious suites that almost all open onto a balcony with views of the Caspian Sea or the Old City.
- Marriott Absheron – Far more contemporary than the Four Seasons, I can personally vouch for this being a fantastic hotel, right on the Bulvar.
- Park Hyatt Baku – Another popular luxury hotel close to the exclusive entertainment and shopping areas of Neftchiler Avenue, Nizami Street and the scenic boulevard.
- Fairmont Baku – A very impressive new kid on the block. This is another stunning luxury hotel with serviced apartments, and it’s housed in one of the iconic Flame Towers with incredible views over Baku.
- Sea Breeze Residence & Hotel– Situated on the Caspian Riviera, this development is 30 minutes from Baku if you’re looking for a beach holiday. It has luxury homes, an apartment hotel, private beach and sports club.
- Jumeirah Bilgah Beach Hotel – In the same vicinity as Sea Breeze, it is set on the clifftop above the beautiful Caspian Sea and is a luxurious choice for everything from business conferences to family holidays.
SEE & DO
- Old City (Icheri Sheher) The Old City, surrounded by fortress walls, with its maze of narrow streets and ancient buildings, is today a living museum. Within it, Shirvanshah’s Palace was the last residence of the rulers of the powerful Shirvan State and has thousand-year history.
- The Palace of the Shirvanshahs. The medieval palace of the Shirvan Shahs is the highlight of the Old City and a must see for any tourist in Baku.
- Maiden’s Tower (Giz Qalasi). This mysterious and eccentric tower was built somewhere between the 7th and 12th centuries and may have served as a fire beacon, defensive fortification, astronomical observatory, or Zoroastrian temple.
- Nizami (Torgovaya) St and Fountain Square – This is a very pretty pedestrian street running through the center of Baku that has plenty of shopping, dining, and seating areas.
- Baku Boulevard – Running the length of the city, separating the ocean from the streets is an exceptionally well-landscaped beachside promenade called the Bulvar (or boulevard in English).
Where to Eat
- Chinar – A bar, lounge and restaurant. This Baku institution is very elegant and popular with well heeled locals and visitors. The vibe, food and service are all excellent.
- Pasifico – This popular third story restaurant has a lovely terrace that looks out over the Caspian Sea. It is a very stylish and laid back place to while away the afternoon or evening with good food and drinks.
- Evde – The name means home in Azeri and this friendly ‘bar and grill’ offers genuine hospitality, cozy atmosphere, tasty comfort food and funky, eclectic urban vibe.
