Azerbaijan Budget Travel Guide: Explore the Land of Fire

Azerbaijan is called the Land of Fire-a place where east meets west. It can boast of its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and extremely friendly people-from modernistic Baku through an ancient town like Sheki to much more. Below is a budget-friendly guide on how to tour around Azerbaijan.

Get your Online Azerbaijan Visa today and travel without limitations, explore without restrictions and make the best out of your trip.

Best places to visit in Azerbaijan

Baku

Baku is the capital, located along the Caspian Sea. It combines the old with new: from the very ancient Old Town and most modern skyscrapers, including Flame Towers. You can walk along narrow streets in the Old Town, looking at historic buildings. Do not miss the Maiden Tower and the Palace of Shirvanshahs. For a fun evening, take a walk along Baku Boulevard by the sea.

Sheki

Sheki is a small city surrounded by the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Centuries ago, it was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Here, one can visit the Khan's Palace in Sheki, which has a lot of colored windows and pretty paintings. The city is also famous for its caravanserai, which are old inns where travelers used to rest.

Gobustan National Park

Gobustan is famous for its ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes. The carvings are several thousand years old and depict scenes of people and animals. It's a short drive from Baku and gives a glimpse into the lives of very early humans.

Fire Mountain Yanar Dag

Yanar Dag is a natural gas fire that always burns on the side of a hill. This is a very interesting sight and it shows why Azerbaijan is called the Land of Fire. The fire has been burning for many years and especially impressive it is at night.

Ganja

Ganja is the second largest city in Azerbaijan, also famous for its parks, which include Nizami Ganjavi Park, and Bottle House, an outstanding building because of being built using glass bottles. The city is historically rich and offers a bit more relaxed atmosphere than Baku.

Travel Expenses in Azerbaijan

Accommodation: A hostel in Baku will cost approximately 20 to 30 AZN for a night. For smaller towns, the prices are less.

Food: Meals in restaurants for locals cost around 5-10 AZN. The street food is even cheaper.
Transportation: buses and trains are cheap. A single ticket of public transport in Baku costs 0.30 AZN.
Attractions: Most museums and parks also have relatively-low entry fees, in the range 2-10 AZN.

Money-Saving Tips

Eat Local: Eat local cuisine of plov and dolma from small eateries.
Public Transport: Using buses and the metro is cheaper and easier.
Stay in Guesthouses: In Sheki, guesthouses are cheap, and you also have opportunities to meet people.
Visit Free Attractions: Many parks, markets, and a few museums offer free admission.

Getting Around Azerbaijan

Buses: They connect big cities and towns, are cheaper but may be very crowded.
Trains: These are good for longer distances, like from Baku to Ganja. They offer a comfortable ride at reasonable prices.
Taxis: available in towns. Either agree the price for the fare before you start the journey, or make sure the meter is used.

Best Time to Go

Spring: From April to June, the weather is mild, hence ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Autumn [September to October]: The climate is pleasant with a scanty appearance of tourists.
Summer (July to August): Can be very hot, especially in Baku, but it's a good time for mountain areas.

Safety Tips

Warning: Azerbaijan is safe compared to other countries, but it pays to be aware of one's surroundings.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and places of worship.
Health: Drink bottled water and make sure food is well cooked to avoid stomach problems.

Conclusion

Azerbaijan is a country full of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its mix of modern cities and ancient sites, there's something for everyone. By following this guide, you can explore Azerbaijan's wonders without spending too much.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to go to Azerbaijan?

For many travellers, a visa is necessary; this can be an e-visa and it is fast and simple to apply for online.

What is the currency in Azerbaijan?

The currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). The best way is to change your money at official exchange offices, or banks.

Is English widely spoken?

In Baku, quite a few people speak English, and in the hotels and tourist areas, it's even more than in the countryside, so a few main phrases learned in Azerbaijani or Russian can help.