Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan for First-Time Travelers

Azerbaijan could be the pleasant surprise when you are planning your first trip abroad and want something unique, but not very expensive. Hammered between Europe and Asia, this intriguing nation is a combination of the rich history, modern architecture and stupefying natural beauty. Azerbaijan is a land of ancient castles and high-tech cityscapes that makes a journey to this country unparalleled to any other. It is a story of every part of this country whether you are roaming through the colorful streets of Baku or the calmness of the Caucasus mountains. You can easily explore the hidden gems of Azerbaijan with exciting Azerbaijan Tourism Packages without emptying your pockets.

Here are the Best Places to Visit in Azerbaijan for First-Time Travelers

1. Baku - The City of the Past and Future.

The shining capital of the Azerbaijan Baku is the best place to visit on the first visit. It is a city that is easily fusing the old and the new. The Old City (Icherisheher), which is a UNESCO World Heritage site will be where you will love to walk shop in the small streets, old mosques, and quaint court yards. You should not forget the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs that are some of the most popular structures that tell a lot about the history of the Azerbaijan people during the medieval times.

You pass through the old walls and you will find a completely different world. The skyline is overtaken by the Flame Towers, which have glowing LED displays that represent the identity of Azerbaijan as the Land of Fire. The Baku Boulevard is a long street along the Caspian Sea that would be ideal to stroll or have a romantic sunset. To find a hint of modern architecture and design, go to the Heydar Aliyev Center that is a masterpiece created by Zaha Hadid and which is as photogenic as it is inspiring.

And when hunger comes, feast yourself on the Azerbaijani cuisine; rich, delicious, and full. Every bite speaks of its diverse culture whether it is sizzling kebabs or aromatic pilaf.

2. Gobustan national park - Take a Walk down Memory Lane.

Within a short distance to Baku, you have the Gobustan National Park which is a captivating place of prehistoric rock carvings, mud volcanoes and lunar like formations. Suppose you come across petroglyphs as old as 40,000 years old! The scenes of hunting, dancing and everyday life are represented in these carvings which is a great insight to the ancient human civilization.

Another attraction in the park is the Mud Volcanoes. Almost half of all the mud volcanoes in the world are found in Azerbaijan where Gobustan is bubbling on its surface as though it is a different planet. It is an essential destination to nature enthusiasts, photographers and adventure tourists.

This location presents first time visitors with the opportunity to experience the untamed and uncompromising beauty of the country and what history, geography and culture can do to weave together in the Azerbaijani scenery.

3. Qabala Green Heart of Azerbaijan.

Qabala (or Gabala) is an idyllic city as far as those, who want peace, air and magnificent mountain landscapes are concerned. This lovely town is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and gives an opportunity to enjoy nature and leisure. Take hiking tours in the green woods, go to serene waterfalls or visit a cable car at Tufandag Mountain Resort to see spectacular panoramic views.

Qabala is not only about the nature, it also has the cultural sites, such as the Qabala Archaeological Center, Nohur Lake that features boating and peaceful picnic. Other studies include the Gabala International Music Festival that is held in the town and has attracted international performers and tourists.

Indian tourists will enjoy especially the warm hospitality and the diversity of food choices, such as vegetarian food. And to enjoy a smooth adventure, then you can visit the trusted agencies such as Go Kite Tours that is in India to help create the best route to your Azerbaijan adventure.

4. Sheki -A Fairytale Town in the Mountains

In case you would like to get the impression that you have entered the fairytale, it is Sheki. Sheki is one of the oldest Azerbaijan towns that feature beautiful cobblestone pavements, wooden houses, and spectacular mountain landscapes. The best here is the Palace of the Sheki Khan, a masterpiece in the architecture of the 18 th century adorned with a vivid color of the stained glass (shebeke) and elaborate frescos.

The silk industry and traditional sweets are also known to be offered by Sheki, and its most popular pastry is Sheki halva, or the sweets that are layered and melt in your mouth. Do not miss the bazaar that deals with handmade products, spices, and souvenirs that are the best way to capture the town.

Exploring Sheki is like time has been put on hold- this is an ideal destination to visit when one wants to experience culture, peace, and authenticity.

5. Shahdag – A Winter Wonderland

Shahdag Mountain Resort is the best place to be among adventure lovers. You may be a skiing, boarding fan or you may simply be a mountain lover, Shahdag is all you need to have an experience of the year round. It is the first and the largest ski resort of Azerbaijan located in the Gusar region, with the facilities and comfortable mountain lodges belonging to the world standards.

Although summer is often hot, Shahdag is still an adventure destination featuring ziplining, mountain biking and hiking trails at any skill level. The villages around will provide a glimpse of the local mountain life, where one can feast on wholesome meals and experience the true Azerbaijani hospitality.

Shahdag is the ideal substitute of long flights and high prices of visiting Europe so as to have a European style winter escape without being completely costly to Indian travelers.

Conclusion: Have Your Azerbaijan Adventure Now.

Whether it is a cityscape or a pile of ruins, forest valleys and snowy mountains, Azerbaijan certainly has it all when it comes to every type of traveler. It is safe, cheap, and has all the experiences that will leave your first international trip memorable. Its visa-on-arrival facility to its Indian nationals and direct flights to key cities in India have made it easier to visit Azerbaijan than ever before.

Then, in case you have been yearning to travel to a place of new and adventure, then it is high time to Plan Your Azerbaijan Tour today. You should experience the culture, the flavors and the magic of this colorful country that has you spell-bound.