Cheap flights to Baku from FT19,890*

 

Baku is a puzzle that’s not easy to crack but certainly a joy to try. Stroll along the most lavish Art Nouveau mansions oil money could buy in the late 19th century, when tycoons were busy outspending each other – and surprising their wives with Gothic palaces for Valentine’s Day. Watch from Baku Boulevard as the soaring Flame Towers put on a fiery light show that wouldn't look out of place in Dubai. Stand in awe in front of the robust House of Government, a Stalinist memento of Baku’s years as the fourth biggest Soviet capital. Discover the Azeri capital’s Islamic roots in the 15th-century Shirvanshah palace and marvel at the symbol of modern Baku, the impossibly stylish, award-winning Heydar Aliyev Centre. Spend more than a day here and you'll see that what appears like a mismatch of shapes and cultures at first comes together in perfect harmony – of old and new, East and West, serene and spirited.

 

Where old meets new and East meets West

The history of the “City of Winds” (Baku’s nickname refers to the harsh winds that sweep through it, no matter the season) dates back to 100,000 years ago, when the first Stone Age settlements popped up on its territory. Yet, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Baku first rose to prominence, thanks to the Shirvanshahs dynasty, who made it their capital. The Shirvan period left a permanent mark on Baku's cityscape as a result of the dynasty’s large-scale fortification efforts. Between 1872 and World War I, Baku saw the world’s first oil rush that changed the city’s skyline once again. Local oil fields produced more than half of the world's petroleum at the time, making rising oil tycoons, like the Nobels and the Rothschilds, rich and the city packed with mansions beyond belief. Having become the Azeri capital in 1920, today Baku is the largest metropolis in Azerbaijan, as well as the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus region, and proudly showcases the evidence of the glory days and darker times of its varied past.

 

Oil tycoons, sultans and fire-worshippers

Kick off your Baku adventure in its UNESCO-protected Old Town, Icheri Sheher, which still carries traces of its former Zoroastrian, Sasanian, Arabic, Persian, Shirvani, Ottoman and Russian inhabitants. Pass by 12th-century fortified walls and make the iconic Maiden Tower your first stop. Baku’s bona fide symbol is also one of its biggest mysteries: no one exactly knows who built it,why or when. Most historians agree that mainly it dates back to the 12th century, but whether it served as a Zoroastrian temple, a Bakhan watch tower or an astronomical observatory is still a subject of much debate. It’s a must-see in any case, along with the 15th-century Palace of the Shirvanshahs at the highest point of Baku’s Old Town. Don’t miss the Murad's Gate, built under Ottoman rule in the 16th century to honour Turkish sultan Murad III.

At the height of the oil rush, new money was flowing into 19th-century Baku, allowing freshly-minted oil barons to build Art Nouveau mansions that could only be rivalled by those in Paris (and each other). Visit the Mukhtarov Palace, a true gem of the “Paris of the Caucasus” on Istiglaliyyat Street. Self-made oilman Murtuza Mukhtarov famously built the lavish Venetian-style residence for his beloved wife as a Valentine’s Day gift – just because she admired a similar one during a trip they took to Venice together. For 21st-century marvels, head to the Flame Towers, a trio of ultra-modern skyscrapers that symbolise Azerbaijan’s strong connections to Zoroastrianism. At night, the towers turn into giant LED displays, lighting up the skyline in the colours of the Azeri flag.

 

Azerbaijan on a platter

Azeri cuisine is just as varied as Azeri culture, blending Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Eastern European cooking traditions with an incredible variety of produce. The latter being the result of Azerbaijan’s incredibly varied terrain: out of the eleven climates of the world, the country has nine (!). Trying plov (or pilaf), Azerbaijan’s signature dish, is an absolute must. A mouthwatering combo of saffron-flavoured rice, meat, onions, dried fruit and fresh herbs comes in some forty different forms, each one more delish than the other. Leave some room for dolma, another meat-and-rice staple, this time seasoned with mint and cinnamon and stuffed into cabbage, vine leaves, aubergines or peppers (depending on the season). Taste the best – and most innovative – in Azeri and Capsian cuisine at Sahil Bar & Restaurant on Baku’s romantic promenade or at Sumakh on Khojali Avenue.

 

Shop and relax in style

Baku’s main shopping artery, Nizami Street, makes for a stylish stroll whether or not you’re actually looking to spend some hard-earned cash. But if you are, you’ve come to the right place. Running from Fountain Square, the pedestrian street is dotted with high-end boutiques, souvenir shops, supermarkets, cafés and restaurants, all housed in stunning Neoclassicist and Neo-Moorish buildings. Descend into the soul of the city at Taza Bazaar. Stock up on fresh fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts, pickles, jams, spices, syrups and tea and enjoy the inimitable atmosphere of Baku’s oldest street market. Baku’s after-dark action also centres around Nizami Street and Fountain Square. Grab a cocktail at uber-stylish People Livebar, sip wine in laid-back Room Baku, catch a jazz session at ETUD Cafe & Bar or relax with a view of the Caspian Sea at Hilton Baku’s rotating 360 Bar.

 

Cross the mud volcano tour off your bucket list

Looking for exciting day trip options? We have two words for you: mud volcanoes. Here’s a little-known fact: Azerbaijan is home to some 400 of just over a thousand mud volcanoes in the world. An even lesser-known fact is that although they do erupt, mud volcanoes spew freezing mud instead of hot lava. Book a guided tour to visit Gobustan National Park less than 70 kilometres south of Baku, and prepare for moon-like landscapes and bubbling yanardaghs (natural gas fires). The UNESCO-listed state reserve also has an immense archaeological importance. The 537-hectare area is home to more than 6,000 rock carvings, paintings and petroglyphs, depicting prehistoric life in the Caucasus, including animals and humans, battles and ritual dances, hunts and bullfights, dating back to 50,000 years. Or hop on bus no. 184 to reach Baku Ateshgah ("Fire Temple of Baku"), a former place of worship and pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians.

 

Baku weather

Baku is called the City of Winds for a reason: expect harsh winds in any season but especially in winter. The city’s climate is temperate semi-arid, meaning cool, slightly wet winters and hot and sunny summers. The best times for a Baku city break are spring and autumn, especially May, September and October.

 

Baku Airport

Heydar Aliyev International Airport, located 20 km northeast of Baku, Azerbaijan. The airport is the busiest and largest airport in the country. It is one of the biggest hubs in the Caucasus region. The airport offers a number of facilities, including two passenger terminals, numerous shops, dining options, duty-free stores, and lounges with spa services. Well-connected to the city by a modern highway, it provides good transport options to central Baku. The various ways of reaching Baku city centre from Baku Heydar Aliyev Airport are: by bus, subway, taxi, car, or town car. The recommended option is taking the bus and subway because it takes only 44 minutes. The cheapest option would be to take the bus and travel for 57 minutes. Other options include taxi, driving, or using a town car, which all take 22 minutes.

 

FAQs for booking flights to Baku

How to get cheap flights to to Baku?

Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Baku flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.

When is the best time to visit Baku?

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, bears the name of the City of Winds because of its harsh winds throughout the year, mainly during wintertime. The city has a temperate semi-arid climate with cool, a little wet winters and hot, sunny summers. The ideal time to visit Baku for a pleasant city break would be during spring or autumn. Recommended months include May, September, and October. The weather is moderate during this period. The weather allows visitors to spend their time admiring the beautiful architecture, unique natural attractions, and a vivid culinary scene.

While summer is the peak tourist season, from June to September, very hot and humid, winter is milder and cheaper to travel, appealing to those interested in outdoor winter sports and budget-friendly travels. Whether it be the pursuit of culture, history, or just a lazy promenade along the Caspian Sea, the mix of Eastern and Western elements of Baku makes it an interesting destination during the year.

How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Baku flight?

As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Baku flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.