Darija Stojanovic 
Long time no holiday? Well, if the next one is in Baku, then you’ve hit the jackpot because you’re going to have an amazing time! I just came back from Baku, loved it, and I’m here to help you decide where to stay in the city!
I compared Baku’s areas on their attractions, walkability, atmosphere, and which travelers they suit, then handpicked the best-rated hotels in each for every budget.
The Old Town (Icheri Sheher) is the best area to stay in Baku for first-timers, full of historic sights inside its old walls. Choose Nizami Street for shopping, Nasimi for nightlife, and Sabayil for families near the Flame Towers.
I also cherry-picked top-rated hotels for all budgets (including the one I stayed at), so it’ll be even easier to choose the best accommodation for you!
Now, before we start, remember to book your stay in Baku far in advance! The city welcomes tourists from around the world, and everyone wants to grab the best deal.
Quick picks for your stay
Book the best hotels in the Old Town of Baku and get the adventure started:
Contents
- Quick picks for your stay
- 1. Old Town (Icherisheher) – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Nizami Street – where to stay in Baku for shopping
- 3. Nasimi – where to stay in Baku for nightlife
- 4. Sabayil – best area to stay in Baku for families
- How to get around Baku
- FAQs about where to stay in Baku
- Final thoughts on where to stay in Baku, Azerbaijan
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Check out the map below to help you visualize all the areas I’ll talk about in this post:
- Old Town (Icheri Sheher): for first-timers
- NIZAMI STREET: for shopping
- NASIMI: for nightlife
- Sabayil: for families
| Area | Best for | Vibe | Top hotel pick (Booking score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town (Icheri Sheher) | First-timers, history | Historic, cobbled, walled | Four Seasons Hotel Baku (9.5) |
| Nizami Street | Shopping | Pedestrian, lively, central | Sapphire City Hotel (8.5) |
| Nasimi | Nightlife | Modern, central, bars | Midtown Hotel Baku (9.3) |
| Sabayil | Families | Bayside, near the Flame Towers | Sapphire Bayil Hotel (9.3) |
1. Old Town (Icherisheher) – where to stay for the first time
History buffs and culture lovers, you’re going to love this part of Baku! And if you’re traveling here for the first time, this is for sure the best area in town for you! I stayed here for 2 nights and can say that it’s definitely the most convenient location for tourists.
The Old Town (or IcherIsheher), is like a time capsule compared to the rest of the city which is becoming more and more modernized. Once you set foot onto the cobbled streets between the thousand-year-old walls, you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different world.
Packed with so many historical attractions like the Maiden Tower (map) and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (map), the Old Town will definitely win a place in your heart.
I especially loved the rooftop tea houses like Cay Begi (map); it was just what we needed after walking all day. You can relax in a cozy atmosphere, drinking tea and admiring the roofs of Baku!
While exploring Icherisheher, you’ll stumble across buildings that are hundreds of years old, with the urban Baku shining in the backdrop with its skyscrapers known as Flame Towers. Quite a magical sight, especially on the Bazar Square (map)!
FUN FACT: Azerbaijan is known as the land of fire, and the Flame Tower buildings in Baku are a testament to that. So much oil and gas in the region led to the creation of various natural phenomena across the country, like the eternal natural gas fire of Yanar Dag (map) or the mud volcanoes in Gobustan (map). And yes, you can visit both of these amazing places from Baku! Daily tours depart from the Qosa Qala Parking (map) just outside of the Old Town gates!
We took a day tour from the Old Town to see these 2 places, plus the Fire Temple (map, a Zoroastrian temple and holy place for these people) and the Gobustan stone carvings (map), made by our ancestors during the Stone Age. I won’t recommend our tour operator because there were a lot of issues with the organization, but I found this top-rated tour that has it all figured out! The trip is well worth it!
Before I move on to the hotel list, I must warn you: Icherisheher is so heavily touristy that it’s overdoing it. Think people stopping you on the street offering tours, inviting you to check their souvenir shops, sit in their restaurant, basically at every step you take.
If you’re not comfortable with this attention, you’d better stay outside of the Old City walls. Nasimi, Sabayil, and Nizami Street (all the other areas I mention below) are just a short walk from the Old City, so you’ll stay nearby anyway!
This is the best hotel in the Old Town, within walking distance of all the attractions, with super spacious private rooms featuring balconies and modern amenities, including air conditioning. Each morning you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant before you hit the town. Sounds perfect to me!
Other accommodation options in Old Town
We stayed in this hotel in Baku, and I couldn’t recommend it more, it’s perfect for couples
A top-rated budget stay in Baku with fast Wi-Fi, a continental breakfast, and an excellent location
A luxury apartment in the heart of the city, set in a historic building
Since the Old Town (Icherisheher) is such a popular area that all the tourists want to stay in, I’ve decided to add 4 more hotel options here. That way, in case the first 4 are sold out, you have some backup options:
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel– Go all out during this holiday and book a room at this fancy hotel that offers amazing views of the Caspian Sea. Located close to all the attractions, this accommodation features an indoor pool, a spa center, and an on-site restaurant.
- Luxury: Royal Antique Hotel – Loving the vintage furnishings of this boutique Baku hotel that has family rooms with a seating area. Make sure you grab some breakfast and coffee at their restaurant before you leave!
- Mid-Range: Deniz Inn Hotel – Simple rooms but super chic! This hotel offers amazing views of Icheri Sheher from the terrace and has a bar.
- Budget: Sazeli Boutique Hotel – If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, check out this City Center hotel, which is cozy and beautifully decorated! It reminds me of the cave hotels in Cappadocia!
Things to do in Old Town
- See the beautiful Maiden Tower
- Snap a pic of the historic city walls
- Have tea with a view at Cay Bagi 145 (map)
- Visit the Palace of The Shirvanshahs
- Take a day tour to see mud volcanoes, natural gas fire, and the Fire Temple
- Admire the architecture of the Juma Mosque (map)
- Check out the smallest books at the Museum of Miniature Books
2. Nizami Street – where to stay in Baku for shopping
If you’re looking for the best place to empty your credit card on this fabulous holiday in Baku, then follow me! We’ve spent hours on Nizami Street, whether shopping, chilling in its cool cafés, or eating at the surrounding restaurants. I can say this is also one of the best areas to stay in Baku overall!
Nizami Street is a car-free zone just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town, where everyone goes to shop! You can find anything your heart desires here, from international brands to local boutiques, and also plenty of restaurants where you can relax after a long shopping sesh!
The main shopping area begins at Fountain Square (map), and from there you can make your way down the street.
While most people come here to check out the shops, you can also take a moment to admire the architecture. You’ll spot many architectural styles, including Baroque, Renaissance and Neo-Gothic. Walking in this area felt like we were transported to Paris!
Make sure you also come here for a night stroll, as the streets are decorated with lots of lights, which really make the place look even more charming!
Although not technically on Nizami Street (but really close to it), I must recommend a giant bookstore with fabulous decorations called Baku Book Center (map). I’ve never seen a more beautiful place to buy books with lavish décor, so many different corners to sit and read, and books in different languages. Can you tell I’m a bookworm already? If you are one, too, you know where to go!
Also, some of the best traditional restaurants are located just off Nizami Street. A warm recommendation for Firuze Restaurant (map), so authentic, delicious, and affordable! If you like eggplants, you must try their Gunbaz dish with lamb, eggplants, cherries, and rice. It’s an explosion of flavors, I couldn’t get enough of it! By the way, check how creative they are with their 52-page menu!
TRANSPORT TIP: Whether you stay in Old Town, Nizami Street, Sabayil, or the broader Nasimi district, you can easily walk from one place to another. There are public buses and an accessible metro for traveling longer distances. Baku is a very urban city and it’s easy to get from one place to another.
Set in the heart of Baku’s shopping and entertainment district, Sapphire City Hotel also has classy décor, spacious rooms, and a nice breakfast. It lacks the luxury amenities like a pool or spa, but the exceptional service and lovely rooftop restaurant with a view do make up for it!
Other accommodation options in Nizami Street
Decorated with soft colors, this hotel comes with family rooms, a restaurant, and a kitchen
This hotel has all the facilities you need for your stay, including a shuttle service and a shared kitchen
A trendy apartment that comes with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and lots of space
Things to do in Nizami Street
- Shop until you drop at Khaghani Shopping Mall (map)
- Enjoy a yummy meal at Firuze Restaurant (map) nearby
- Get some souvenirs from the boutique shops lining the street
- Admire the architecture around Fountain Square
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3. Nasimi – where to stay in Baku for nightlife
Looking to have some fun during your holiday in Baku? Then check out this huge neighborhood! Nazimi Street is actually part of Nasimi as well, but this area stretches even further South to the beautiful Promenade, encompasses the 28th May central metro station (map), and extends further North into residential Baku.
Located East of the Old City, Nasimi has amazing restaurants, shops, and lots of bars and nightclubs where you can unwind after a day of exploring the town. So drink some coffee and get ready to enjoy the local nightlife!
I LOVED the Friends-themed café (map) in one of the lively streets here! It’s a brand-new place and a must-visit for fans! They have tons of sugar-free desserts, cool merch, and they brew their own coffee!
I wasn’t kidding when I said Nasimi is big! You’ll need lots of days to go through every hidden corner, plus you need to count in all the time you’ll spend visiting the Old Town and other parts of the city. But you can always use public transport or hire a car to explore the area.
By the way, when you’re getting from the airport to the city center, I recommend taking a bus rather than a taxi. The bus will drop you off at the 28th May square, and from there you can walk or take a metro or bus if your hotel is too far. You’ll just have to buy a bus card from the vending machines at the airport (you can use 1 card for 2 people; just top it up with enough money).
Baku will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix event for at least until 2026. The races take place at a different time every year and last up to four days. Unless you plan to visit the Grand Prix, avoid trips to Baku at this time since the whole city will be blocked. Do prior research to check for dates.
Taxi drivers in Baku, especially at the airport, are a total scam, and you want to avoid getting a taxi ride at all costs. For comparison’s sake, a taxi ride cost us 30 manats (US$18), while a bus ride was US$0.80 for almost the same travel time. Or, if your hotel can arrange a free shuttle, then don’t think twice about it!
In Nasimi, you’ll also find the main train station in town, in case you want to take any day trips to other places in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region.
Start your day with some room service after a night of partying at one of the best luxury hotels in Baku. With spacious private rooms and a flat-screen TV, you can continue your day relaxing or with a long spa sesh! There’s nothing like a massage to get you ready for the day.
Other accommodation options in Nasimi
Enjoy your stay in Baku at this hotel that has private rooms with free Wi-Fi and a sauna
One of the very few budget places in the area, this hostel has 8-bed male dorms and 4-bed female dorms
A super colorful loft apartment that has an indoor fireplace, a kitchen, and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Nasimi
- Have fun at the Baku Zoological Park (map)
- Explore the cafés and bars in the area between Nizami Street and Neftchilar Avenue
- Go for a walk in Zabitlər Park (map)
- Visit the National Museum of the History of Azerbaijan
4. Sabayil – best area to stay in Baku for families
When traveling with your family, finding the perfect place to stay that will satisfy everyone is pretty hard! But don’t worry, I’m here to help you with that today!
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Baku with the whole crew, I think Sabayil will really suit you. The area has lots of cool attractions like the famous Flame Towers (map), the Central Botanical Garden (map), and the beautiful Denizkenari Milli Park (map) along the Caspian Sea, where you can walk for hours! This promenade park was my favorite place in town, especially at night when the Flight Towers light up with fire and you can even catch the reflection of the fire in the sea – pretty cool!
Of course, the iconic Carpet Museum is here as well, with its authentic exterior. A Sydney-opera-like building by the sea, you’ll see just below the museum, is actually a huge shopping mall (map)! Can you tell that Baku is already a rich city? If not, check out the looks of the Heydar Aliyev Center across town!
Since we only had 2 days in the city, we didn’t go inside any of the museums or the Heydar Aliyev Center; we just enjoyed the architecture from the outside. We wanted to make the most of our time to see the actual city, and I think we made a great decision. Just walking around the promenade in Sabayil can take hours, and it’s so stunning you won’t even want to go inside the museums unless it’s super hot!
Just like Nasimi, Sabayil is also a pretty big area, which means there are plenty of hotels near the City Center or further away if you don’t want to be in the center of all the action.
Now, a luxury stay in Baku city can hardly be better than inside the very Flame Towers in a 5-star Fairmont hotel! Get lost in their 5 restaurants, 3 swimming pools, spa and wellness center, a special Gold Lounge, and spacious bedrooms!
Other accommodation options in Sabayil
This super stylish hotel has rooms with a balcony and coffee makers, plus a restaurant and a bar
Love the ambiance of this place! The accommodation features family rooms with a kitchen and city views
A spacious apartment perfect for your family that has a waterfront location, plus a kitchen
Things to do in Sabayil
- Take the funicular to the Highland Park (map)
- See the Flame Towers at night from the seaside promenade
- Take a scenic ride on Baku Eye (map)
- Grab a family dinner at Mangal Steak House (map)
- Enjoy the sea views by the Baku Crystal Hall (map)
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$110 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$50 |
| 📍 Best area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Promenade Hotel Baku |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Maajid Hotel & Restaurant |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | KING Hostel in the Center |
How to get around Baku
Getting around Baku is easy and cheap. From Heydar Aliyev International Airport, the H1 Airport Express bus or a quick Bolt gets you into the center in about 30 minutes (I break down the airport options in the FAQ below).
Once you are in town, the Baku Metro is spotless and fast, and a single BakiKart travel card covers the metro and city buses. For short trips, order a Bolt, which is metered and inexpensive, instead of flagging down a street taxi.
Best of all, the whole central core, from the Old Town to the seafront promenade, is flat and genuinely walkable, so you may not need much transport at all.
FAQs about where to stay in Baku
🔝 Is Baku, Azerbaijan, worth visiting?
Yes! Baku is an incredible tourist destination that’s becoming increasingly popular thanks to its blend of old and new architecture, along with great attractions and hotels like the Promenade Hotel Baku.
🤩 Which is the best area to stay in Baku for tourists?
Old Town (Icheri Sheher) is the best neighborhood to stay in Baku. This historic area is home to the capital city’s main attractions and great hotels like the Four Seasons.
🌃 Is it safe to walk in Baku at night?
Yes, but I would recommend staying in the touristy areas that I’ve mentioned in the post and avoiding secluded streets.
💰 Is it expensive in Baku?
Baku has pretty affordable hotel prices, with mid-range accommodation going up to US$60 and luxury hotels around US$150 per night.
3️⃣ How many days are enough for Baku?
3 days is perfect for seeing Baku’s Old City, urban neighborhoods, and points of interest. You can even fit a day trip to the surrounding attractions.
🤳 Which area should I stay in Baku as a tourist?
Old Town and Nizami Street are the best places to stay in Baku for tourists. Both are lively, with the difference that in Old Town, you’ll find only tourists, while Nizami Street is also a hub for locals.
🚶♀️ Is Baku a walkable city?
Yes, very! The city’s layout, geography, and road infrastructure all make Baku walkable. It’s a mostly flat city with wide sidewalks, and many attractions are close together.
🙅♂️ What to avoid in Baku?
Avoid hailing unmetered street taxis, which often overcharge tourists; instead, use the Bolt ride-hailing app, which is cheap and reliable. Haggle for souvenirs in the Old Town, where the most touristy stalls mark prices up. Otherwise, Baku is a safe, welcoming city, especially in the central areas in this guide.
✈️ How do you get from Baku Airport to the city center?
Heydar Aliyev International Airport is about 25 km from central Baku. The cheapest way in is the H1 Airport Express bus to the 28 May metro station (around 30 minutes), which you pay for with a BakiKart travel card bought at the airport. For door-to-door, use the Bolt app or a private transfer, both about 30 minutes.
☀️ What is the best time of year to visit Baku?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit Baku, with warm, pleasant weather. Summers are hot and windy, and winters are cool and breezy. Note that hotel prices spike around the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held each September, so book ahead if your dates overlap.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Baku, Azerbaijan
Beautiful architecture, great shopping, and delicious food! Can this city get any better? I loved my stay in Baku, and I’m sure you’ll love yours too!
But before you go, let’s just have a quick rundown of what we’ve talked about in this post about where to stay in Baku. I handpicked the 4 best neighborhoods and hotels in the city for you, listed from most to least expensive.
I know once you’ve got your favorite area, picking a hotel won’t be hard. But if you’re still feeling indecisive, you can check my 2 favorite hotels in the Old City (the best location to stay in Baku) below:
- Promenade Hotel Baku – One of the best luxury hotels in Baku that is beautifully decorated and has rooms with balconies and a restaurant
- Art Club – I love the soft colors and elegant design of this hotel, which comes with family rooms and a bar
Remember what I said about hotels in a place like Baku! They sell out fast, so if you’ve got your eye on a favorite hotel, make sure to book it early!
If you have any questions about your trip to Baku or Azerbaijan, drop me a comment below any time!
Happy exploring,
Darija
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