BAKU – K.S WORLD TRAVELER

A Long Layover in Baku, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿✨

On my way to China, I had a long layover in Baku, and instead of spending the day at the airport, I decided to make the most of it and explore the city.

It turned out to be a wonderful mini-adventure that left me wanting to come back for a longer visit. 😁

Visa on Arrival

Getting into Azerbaijan was surprisingly easy.

We obtained our visa upon arrival using the self-service kiosks at the airport. The process involved filling in a few details and paying a fee of approximately $30 USD.

The entire process was quick and straightforward.

Getting Around

We left the airport early in the morning and used the Bolt app to book our transportation throughout the day.

The rides were inexpensive, convenient, and easy to arrange.

First Stop: Heydar Aliyev Center

Our first destination was the stunning Heydar Aliyev Center, one of Baku’s most iconic landmarks.

Its flowing curves and futuristic design make it look almost unreal.

We spent some time walking around the surrounding gardens, photographing the building from different angles, and admiring the impressive sculptures and open spaces nearby.

It was the perfect introduction to the city. 🤩

Exploring Baku’s Old City

From the Heydar Aliyev Center, we took another Bolt ride to Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher).

The contrast between the ultra-modern architecture and the ancient stone streets was fascinating.

We wandered through the narrow, picturesque alleyways, explored hidden corners, and enjoyed the atmosphere of this historic UNESCO-listed district.

Throughout our walk, we repeatedly caught beautiful views of the city’s famous Flame Towers, rising dramatically above the old city skyline.

The combination of ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers gives Baku a very unique character.

Breakfast at Qaynana Restaurant 😋

For breakfast, we stopped at Qaynana Restaurant, located within the Old City.

Everything was delicious. 🤤🤤🤤

We enjoyed:

Fresh salads
Traditional pastries
Tea

The restaurant’s interior was charming, authentic, and full of local character.

A great place to experience Azerbaijani hospitality and cuisine.

Highly recommended. 👌🏻

Dessert at Mari Vanna 🍰

Later in the day, we visited Mari Vanna, a restaurant that felt like stepping into a fairytale.

The décor was absolutely beautiful, with cozy vintage details and a warm atmosphere.

We stopped there for dessert and ordered several cakes.

They were incredibly delicious. 😋🤤

Definitely one of the highlights of our short visit.

Back to the Airport

After dessert, we took a taxi back to the airport.

Even during the drive, Baku continued to impress us with its interesting architecture and modern skyline.

The city feels like a fascinating blend of East and West, old and new.

Final Thoughts

Although our visit lasted only a few hours, Baku exceeded expectations.

Between the remarkable architecture, charming Old City, delicious food, and surprisingly affordable transportation, it offered a perfect introduction to Azerbaijan.

It was a short visit, but a memorable one and it definitely left me wanting to return for a longer stay someday.

If you ever find yourself with a long layover in Baku, don’t hesitate to leave the airport and explore the city. It’s absolutely worth it.

Enjoy your trip! 😁

For more photos, locations, and travel inspiration, feel free to follow along on Instagram. 📸✨

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