Azerbaijan Quick Guide

Azerbaijan is an ancient country and the former Soviet republic, bounded by the Caspian Sea to the west, the CaucAsian Mountains to the east, and the foothills of the Hindu Kush to the north. Its capital, Baku, is famous for its ancient walled city. Within the city itself lies the majestic palace of the Shirvanshid, a regal retreat dating back to the 15th Century, and the ruins of the older Maidan Suvarna, that once served as the royal fortress of Baku. The city also has a large number of manmade beaches that attract hundreds of tourists every year. Some of these beaches are sandy beaches and others are rocky beaches; however, all of them offer a variety of attractions for travelers.

With its ancient civilization and dynamic metropolis, Baku is a cultural haven. However, due to its Muslim population, which constitutes nearly half the population, the country has been somewhat restricted when it comes to religion and other activities. There is, however, no law that prohibits people from practicing their religion or holding activities that promote spiritualism. Consequently, you will find both Islamic and Christian worship services conducted in several places in Baku.

One of the many ways to experience the beauty and culture of this beautiful country is to engage in a trip to Baku and stay in one of its beautiful hotels. Most of the hotels in Baku serve as both accommodation facilities for local residents and visitors. You can either get around on your own or opt to hire a cab or travel package to get around in Baku. cab services are quite affordable and are readily available throughout the city.

A visit to Baku cannot be covered in a single article. That's why you need a travel guide that features all the interesting spots in and around Azerbaijan. This region is home to an ancient city, along with a culture and language so old that it dates back to the 7th century. The Islamic faith is one of the major influences in this ancient city. There are many people of different ethnicities who live in this bustling metropolis, but most of them are Turkmen.

If you are planning to stay in a Baku apartment or villa, it is highly recommended that you consider getting a Baku travel insurance plan before you leave for your trip. It's a good idea to consult your travel insurance provider about what is included in your coverage and to determine which medical treatment facilities are included in your plan. A lot of Aylets (Armenian style hotels) have opened in this region of the country. Many of them are equipped with pools, gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools and restaurants.

In order to save money and stay safe while exploring the region of Aylets, it is advisable to get around the city by car. Driving around the city will allow you to learn about the local culture of this region, since the streets are packed with billboards, advertising shops and minarets. You can also enjoy a good shopping experience at Sharm el Sheikh square. However, if you really want to save money, you can rent a cab and go sightseeing by foot or take the metro to other parts of the city.

Another good way to save money on your trip to Azarbaijan is to consider taking a bus, train or metro. Buses in particular are quite cheap and are available pretty much any time of the day. If you plan on visiting during weekdays, then you should try to get a ticket for the bus that goes to Baba Gagauz, instead of driving yourself. You can even use the same ticket to visit other cities in the area for just a few dollars more.

Travelling by train is a very good idea if you are travelling to Azarbaijan or Georgia on a budget. The scenery in this part of the world is absolutely beautiful. It's a very romantic place to visit, so you don't have to worry about the hotels. You will find that most of them offer discounts for groups travelling together, so you can cut costs if you are traveling in a large group. So get a detailed Azerbaijan travel insurance sim card and start planning on your next holiday today!

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Azerbaijan are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is April to June and September to October, which will let you avoid the 40°C summers and sub zero winters - particularly in the mountains. You can also participate in the Novruz Bayrami celebrations each March, which mark the Persian New Year.

Do I need a Visa?

British nationals travelling to Azerbaijan need to get a visa in advance. The Asan Visa (e-Visa) service is temporarily suspended, no new e-visas are being issued and those issued but not yet used have been annulled. You can still apply for a visa through the Azerbaijan Embassy-affiliated Visa Service Centre in the UK. You should apply for a visa at least one month ahead of your intended travel date.

See which forms you may need for entry into Azerbaijan.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Azerbaijan you can grab amazing Azerbaijani Manat deals via Wise.com (GBP to AZN).

What about the wildlife?

Azerbaijan has the highest number of mammal species in Europe. Some 107 species of mammals have been recorded in Azerbaijan, three of which are unique species. Popular species are Caucasian goats and west-Caucasus mouflons which inhabit Nakhichevan and western slopes of the Greater Caucasus in Balakan, Qabala, Zaqatala and Ismayilli regions.

What is the traditional food?

Azerbaijani food? Azerbaijan's national dish is called yarpaq dolmasi, a savory meal consisting of vine leaves stuffed with chopped meat, onions, rice, salt, pepper, butter, and fresh herbs such as coriander, dill and mint.

What Languages are spoken?

The primary and official language of Azerbaijan is Azerbaijani, Azeri, a Turkic language closely related to and partially mutually intelligible with Modern Turkish. Together with Turkish, Turkmen and Gagauz, Azerbaijani is a member of Oghuz branch of southwestern group Turkic language family. You can learn some basic Azerbaijani before you travel to Azerbaijan and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat (Restaurants: In nicer restaurants a service charge will be added to your bill, otherwise there is no need to tip when eating out! Bars: Tipping in bars isn't common or expected in Azerbaijan. Other: Tipping in Azerbaijan isn't common or expected so don't feel the need to tip!).

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: 102
  • Ambulance: 103
  • Fire: 101
  • UK Embassy: +994 12 437 78 78

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 3 hours

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Learn Azerbaijani

Learn some Azerbaijani before your trip to Azerbaijan


Azerbaijan Guidebook

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