Baku
Everything you need for your Baku trip: where to stay, landmarks, weather, currency, and a ready-to-follow daily plan.
TerhalBaku
https://trhal.app/en/baku.html
Quick facts
CurrencyAzerbaijani Manat (₼)
Best monthsMay, June, September
Suggested trip length3-5 days
Quick conversion
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Power plug
Type Type C
Coming from Saudi Arabia: Needs a shape adapter (from Saudi type G to Type C)
Most modern chargers (phone/laptop) automatically support 220-240V — check the label on the back of the charger before use.
Type Type F
Coming from Saudi Arabia: Needs a shape adapter (from Saudi type G to Type F)
Same note as Type C — check that the charger supports 220-240V before use.
Airports & getting there
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD)
The only airport serving Baku internationally, about 20-25km northeast of central Baku; there is no metro station at the airport itself — it connects to the metro network via the Aero Express (H1) bus to 28 May Station.
Aero Express bus (line H1) — the cheapest option, to 28 May Station (the entry point to Baku's metro network), runs 24 hours (every 20 minutes by day, every 45 minutes at night), needs a BakuKart
Official Baku Taxi booth inside Terminal 1 — metered fare, the most direct option but pricier than the bus
Bolt/Yango apps — often cheaper than a traditional taxi with an upfront fare
Pre-booked private transfer — fixed price with a driver waiting on arrival
Transit & the transit card
BakuKart cardThe unified transit card required for the metro and buses in Baku; sold at kiosks at the airport or metro stations (the card itself costs about 2 manat, then topped up with ride credit).
Baku Metro3 lines and about 27 stations covering most of the city center and surrounding areas; Icherisheher station sits right at the Old City walls.
Public busesAn extensive network complementing the metro, also paid with the BakuKart card; no cash accepted on board.
Taxi and Bolt/Yango appsWidely available around the clock; look for an official meter or use the apps to avoid fare negotiation.
WalkingCentral Baku (Old City, Fountains Square, the Boulevard) is relatively compact and walkable, especially along the Baku Boulevard seafront.
Connectivity & eSIM
⚠ Important notice
Azerbaijan sometimes sees intermittent restrictions or slowdowns on voice/video calls through apps like WhatsApp and Skype (often tied to specific political or security periods), not a permanent block like in some Gulf countries; text messaging usually works fine. A trusted VPN before travel is a reasonable precaution.
Azercell (tourist SIMs)
Bakcell / Nar Mobile (alternatives)
Practical recommendation
Cheapest for a short tripA basic tourist SIM from any of the three operators for a few days
Best for heavy dataA 60-120GB plan instead of relying on an unverified label
Best for a family (hotspot)Needs individual confirmation from each operator at purchase time
Activate before travelAn eSIM from Azercell or Bakcell is convenient before travel; Nar still relies mainly on a physical SIM
Recommendation by trip length
3-5 daysA small fixed plan (5-10GB)
7 daysA medium plan (30GB)
10-14 daysA larger plan (60GB)
More than two weeksA local monthly SIM instead of a short-term tourist plan
Baku weather month by month, and the best time to travel
January
High/Low7.8° / 1.9°
Rainy days6
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
February
High/Low8.0° / 2.3°
Rainy days6
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
March
High/Low11.3° / 4.3°
Rainy days5
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
April
High/Low16.1° / 7.8°
Rainy days4
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
May
High/Low23.4° / 13.7°
Rainy days3
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
June
High/Low28.7° / 18.8°
Rainy days2
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
July
High/Low31.4° / 21.9°
Rainy days1
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
August
High/Low31.7° / 21.6°
Rainy days2
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
September
High/Low26.9° / 18.0°
Rainy days2
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
October
High/Low20.4° / 12.9°
Rainy days6
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
November
High/Low14.0° / 7.6°
Rainy days6
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
December
High/Low9.7° / 3.9°
Rainy days6
Walkability—
Crowds—
Seasonal price level—
Best months
For familiesMay, June, and September — warm, stable weather with almost no rain, just before or after the July-August heat peak
For budgetOutside the summer peak (July-August) and major festival periods — relatively lower hotel prices and demand
For the mildest weatherMay and September specifically — a good balance of moderate heat, low rainfall, and calmer winds than mid-summer
Approximate daily budget
BudgetAbout $30-55/day per person — hostel/budget hotel, public transit (BakuKart), affordable local food
Mid-rangeAbout $75-150/day per person — 3-4 star hotel, mid-range restaurants, a mix of public transit and taxi/Bolt, paid attractions
LuxuryStarting around $185+/day per person — 5-star hotels (like the Fairmont Flame Towers), upscale dining, a private driver
Religious landmarks
Historic & cultural landmarks
Markets & public places
Shopping
Restaurants & cafes
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Other
Ready-made Baku itineraries
Hotels in Baku by area and budget
Flame Towers & Highland Park
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers — 5★Luxury ›
Icherisheher (Old City) & Baku Boulevard
Four Seasons Hotel Baku — 5★Luxury ›
Hilton Baku — 5★Luxury ›
Shah Palace Luxury Museum Hotel — 4★High ›
Fountains Square & Nizami Street (Downtown)
JW Marriott Absheron Baku — 5★Luxury ›
Nizami Central Park Hotel — 3★Mid-range ›