In December of 2000, this popular destination became the first ever UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in Azerbaijan. Home to the Palace of the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the famous Old City is an epicenter of history, culture and tradition that attracts travelers from across the globe. Age is evident in the surrounding architecture—not just in design, but because many of the buildings are in disrepair—and the picturesque streets of Old City are ideal for exploring. Whether it’s the back alleyways, souvenir shops, museums or the palace interior, there’s plenty to see on these ancient walkways. Visitors can hire a guide or strike out on their own. All that’s required is a sense of adventure and some comfortable shoes!

Le célèbre Musée du Tapis d'Azerbaïdjan, situé au cœur de l'Azerbaïdjan, abrite l'une des plus vastes collections de tapis au monde. Les visiteurs peuvent flâner dans les salles soigneusement aménagées, bordées de tapisseries colorées, qui mettent en valeur diverses techniques de tissage et matériaux collectés tout au long de l'histoire du pays. Depuis 2014, cette destination exceptionnelle est installée dans ses locaux récemment rénovés, où quelque 10 000 pièces, dont bien plus que de simples tapis, sont fièrement exposées. Mais c'est la collection du Musée d'Histoire de Choucha, qui comprend quelque 600 tapis provenant d'une ville écrasée par les troupes arméniennes au début des années 1990, qui vole la vedette. Une librairie bien fournie et des conférences publiques occasionnelles font revivre cette attraction unique et son histoire mouvementée.

oasting a prime location on a boulevard overlooking the Caspian Sea, the Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye) offers panoramic views of the city and its coastal surroundings. The wheel was originally built for the Eurovision Song Contest, which Azerbaijan hosted in 2012, and has since become one of the city’s most visible attractions

The Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is located inside the walled-city of Baku and known by locals as Giz Galasi. Built in the 12th century, this iconic structure, which rises up into the otherwise empty skyline, is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. Travelers who head to the Maiden Tower can visit the museum that’s housed inside and learn about the walled city’s history, culture and revolution. Ambitious adventurers can climb the stairs to the top of the tower where they’ll be met with incredible views of the Caspian Sea .

Relatively new to the skyline—they were only completed in 2012 the three glass skyscrapers that comprise the Flame Towers have already become iconic. The three towers sit atop a hill overlooking the old city center and Baku Bay and were inspired by the ancient practice of fire worship in Azerbaijan. By day, the blue-tinted reflective towers are impressive, but they’re truly spectacular after dark, when their surfaces become a giant display for more than 10,000 LED lights that paint the towers with colors of fire, water or the national flag. The buildings’ interiors house mostly offices and residences, but also notably the Fairmont Baku Hotel.