Baku City Guide

Local dishes like Plov, Dolma, Kebabs, and Qutab are must-tries. There’s also Turkish, Russian, Italian, and Asian food. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Many places stay open late.

Nightlife centers around Fountain Square and Old City with bars, pubs, and clubs.

Coffee scene mixes traditional and specialty cafes. Turkish coffee is common.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10% service charge common in restaurants; if not, 5-10% is nice. Taxi tips are small or rounding up.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport or mobile stores. Main providers are Azercell, Bakcell, and Nar with Azercell having the best coverage. Passport is needed for registration. eSIM support is limited.

Central areas are clean and well kept. Waste collection is regular; recycling is limited.

Some late or 24/7 pharmacies and minimarts exist. Limited night clinics. Fast food and some restaurants open late.

Supermarkets like Bravo, Araz, and Fresco stock international goods. Local bazaars offer fresh produce. Shops usually open 9 AM to 10 PM. Most stay open on Sundays. Bargaining is common in markets but not in supermarkets.

Card payments are common in big shops and restaurants, but cash is needed for small vendors and some taxis.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, malls, and the airport. Banks like Kapital and Pasha are common. Foreign card fees vary, so check with your bank.

International schools include European Azerbaijan School, Baku Oxford School, and British School. Teaching is mainly in English for internationals, Azerbaijani or Russian locally. Admission opens in spring.

Small but growing digital nomad scene with meetups via social media and many cafes with good Wi-Fi.

Large parks like Baku Boulevard and Central Park offer shady walking paths and green areas.

Baku Boulevard and city parks offer safe running routes, though air quality can vary due to traffic.

Several modern gyms and fitness centers available.

Tennis courts available at clubs like Baku Tennis Academy, with rentals and bookings.

Padel courts are less common but growing in popularity.

Several yoga studios with some English-speaking teachers; spas and hammams are popular.

Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, Boxing, and growing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. English instruction varies.

Shahdag and Tufandag resorts are 3-4 hours away, with slopes for all levels and equipment rentals.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing available on Caspian Sea at some beaches and clubs.

Caspian Sea isn't suitable for surfing.

Caspian Sea lacks clear waters and marine life for diving.

Private hospitals like Medistyle and Central Clinical have English-speaking staff and better quality. Public hospitals are less modern. Pharmacies are widespread and OTC meds common. Emergency number is 112. Healthcare scores 7/10.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water.

Parks like Boulevard and Central Park have playgrounds. Kid-friendly cafes are common in malls. Attractions include Baku Zoo and Mini-Venice. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Azerbaijan is conservative. Few safe LGBTQ+ spaces exist, and discrimination risks remain.

Pet policies vary. Veterinary care is good. Limited dog parks. Import rules are strict.