{"id":688,"date":"2025-02-25T18:10:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T18:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/justtravellers.com\/?page_id=688"},"modified":"2025-04-02T17:58:17","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T17:58:17","slug":"guideazerbaijan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/guideazerbaijan\/","title":{"rendered":"GuideAzerbaijan"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"688\" class=\"elementor elementor-688\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-14282b5f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"14282b5f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;slideshow&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_gallery&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:157,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/justtravellers.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/1.jpg&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:187,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/justtravellers.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/32.jpg&quot;}],&quot;background_slideshow_loop&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_slide_duration&quot;:5000,&quot;background_slideshow_slide_transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_transition_duration&quot;:500,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-30b8ec84 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"30b8ec84\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Visited December 2024 \/ January 2025<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1c3e0d93 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1c3e0d93\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Azerbaijan<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d82f278 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"d82f278\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- Elfsight Website Translator | Justtravellers.com -->\n<script src=\"https:\/\/static.elfsight.com\/platform\/platform.js\" async><\/script>\n<div class=\"elfsight-app-4b24c9e0-3347-4ef6-92d2-90d0d89c9dea\" data-elfsight-app-lazy><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb63f2d ekit-sticky--top e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fb63f2d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;ekit_sticky_offset&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:0,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;ekit_sticky_offset_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;ekit_sticky_offset_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;ekit_sticky_on_desktop&quot;:&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;ekit_sticky_on_tablet&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;ekit_sticky_on_mobile&quot;:&quot;mobile&quot;,&quot;ekit_sticky_effect_offset&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:0,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;ekit_sticky_effect_offset_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;ekit_sticky_effect_offset_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41a6534 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41a6534\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"#1\"><b>Overall Impression<\/b><\/a><b><\/b><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"#2\"><b>Gastronomy<\/b><\/a><b><\/b><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"#3\"><b>The Capital, Baku<\/b><\/a><b><\/b><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"#4\"><b>Outside the Capital<\/b><\/a><b><\/b><\/li><li class=\"p1\"><a href=\"#5\"><b>Random<\/b><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4d7bc259 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4d7bc259\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-662ced4a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"662ced4a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb9c78c elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"bb9c78c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"1\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-172ac0 animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"172ac0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">1. Overall Impression<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19b54989 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19b54989\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">On our <\/span>journey through the Caucasus<span class=\"s1\">, our <\/span>final stop<span class=\"s1\"> was this country, which we <\/span>knew little about<span class=\"s1\">\u2014apart from its <\/span>colorful TV commercials<span class=\"s1\"> and its role as the <\/span>host of COP29<span class=\"s1\">, <\/span>UEFA Euro 2021<span class=\"s1\">, and the <\/span>Eurovision Song Contest in 2011<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The country remains <\/span>relatively unknown in the West<span class=\"s1\">, and during our <\/span>eight-day stay<span class=\"s1\">, we <\/span>did not encounter a single Westerner<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We carried plenty of <\/span>preconceptions<span class=\"s1\"> with us\u2014<\/span>some turned out to be true, while others were completely off the mark<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\">We <span class=\"s2\">flew in from Tbilisi, Georgia<\/span>, and let\u2019s make one thing clear right away: these are <span class=\"s2\">two very different countries<\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We arrived <\/span>straight from daily protests<span class=\"s1\"> in a capital <\/span>full of life in every sense<span class=\"s1\">, where <\/span>politically engaged citizens fought to preserve democracy<span class=\"s1\">. A city with a <\/span>passionate yet generally modest population<span class=\"s1\">, filled with <\/span>noise, chaos, and an overwhelming amount of traffic\u201424\/7<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51a71b4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"51a71b4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73c33bb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"73c33bb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Facts<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a81ecb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"3a81ecb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Population: Approximately 10 million <BR>\nCapital: Baku, 2 million inhabitants<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-dfea4bd e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"dfea4bd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-495b0a8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"495b0a8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6680b8b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6680b8b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-001-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-505\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-001-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-001-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-001.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b22d73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3b22d73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At <\/span>Baku Airport<span class=\"s1\">, we noticed the difference immediately\u2014<\/span>extremely clean, well-maintained, and no chaos<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <\/span>drive into the city center<span class=\"s1\"> was busy with traffic, but the driving style was <\/span>less aggressive than in Georgia<span class=\"s1\">. Along the way, we saw <\/span>massive buildings on both sides<span class=\"s1\"> and <\/span>virtually no litter<span class=\"s1\"> along the roads.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\">And then, there were <span class=\"s2\">Azerbaijani flags everywhere<\/span>. And we mean <span class=\"s2\">everywhere<\/span>\u2014on <span class=\"s2\">digital displays, balconies, flagpoles, and advertisements<\/span>. There was no chance of forgetting which country we were in.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">On our <\/span>first walk after checking in<span class=\"s1\">, the <\/span>differences from Georgia<span class=\"s1\"> became even more apparent.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6a950db e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6a950db\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5ab42ea elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5ab42ea\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-002-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-506\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-002-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-002-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-002.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1e85e0f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1e85e0f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>How We Traveled:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">In <span class=\"s1\"><b>2024<\/b><\/span>, the <span class=\"s1\"><b>only way<\/b><\/span> for two Western travelers to enter <span class=\"s1\"><b>Azerbaijan<\/b><\/span> was by <span class=\"s1\"><b>plane<\/b><\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">The <span class=\"s1\"><b>border with Armenia<\/b><\/span>\u2014due to the ongoing conflict\u2014was <span class=\"s1\"><b>completely sealed<\/b><\/span>, and the <span class=\"s1\"><b>border with Georgia<\/b><\/span> could no longer be crossed by <span class=\"s1\"><b>train or bus<\/b><\/span>, as it had been in the past.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s2\">For that reason, we <\/span><b>flew directly from Tbilisi<\/b><span class=\"s2\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/evisa.gov.az\/en\/\">You need to apply for a <span class=\"s1\"><b>visa<\/b><\/span>, which can be easily done here:<\/a><\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9032689 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9032689\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d6daef5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d6daef5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">Skyscrapers in <span class=\"s1\">vibrant colors and unique shapes<\/span>, a <span class=\"s1\">several-kilometer-long, well-maintained promenade<\/span> along the <span class=\"s1\">Caspian Sea<\/span>, where not a single piece of litter was left for more than a few minutes before a street sweeper with a broom and dustpan took care of it.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Well-dressed and well-groomed people<\/span> of all ages strolled back and forth, almost as if they were <span class=\"s1\">paid to do so<\/span>\u2014with a <span class=\"s1\">calmness and orderliness<\/span> we hadn\u2019t seen before.<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s2\">Let\u2019s just say it outright: <\/span>central Baku is polished, well-maintained, and wealthy<span class=\"s2\">, but as soon as you venture <\/span>just a little outside<span class=\"s2\">, things <\/span>change dramatically<span class=\"s2\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s2\">The city is surrounded by <\/span>oil fields<span class=\"s2\">, which over the years have made the country rich, but <\/span>the wealth hasn\u2019t reached everyone<span class=\"s2\">. Stepping out of the center feels like <\/span>leaving a theater set<span class=\"s2\">\u2014suddenly, <\/span>large luxury cars and modern public transport<span class=\"s2\"> are replaced by <\/span>old Ladas and dilapidated, ancient buses<span class=\"s2\">. <\/span>Grand buildings and well-dressed citizens<span class=\"s2\"> give way to <\/span>worn-down houses and visible poverty<span class=\"s2\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s2\">Out here, <\/span>huge billboards of the president\u2019s portrait<span class=\"s2\"> appear regularly\u2014as if to <\/span>remind people that he is watching<span class=\"s2\">\u2014though it seems <\/span>he is not prioritizing them<span class=\"s2\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b52cddd e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b52cddd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b04490 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"4b04490\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-507\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5915ea0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"5915ea0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-508\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e1ee9c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2e1ee9c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-005-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-509\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-005-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-005-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-005.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c513f24 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c513f24\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-006-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-510\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-006-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-006-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-006.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fdb08e7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"fdb08e7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c54edff e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c54edff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-75b4f59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"75b4f59\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-008-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-512\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-008-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-008-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-008.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e348b1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4e348b1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">We spent <\/span>eight days in Azerbaijan<span class=\"s1\">, and that was about the time it took to truly <\/span>understand and feel the country<span class=\"s1\">, given the <\/span>many contrasts<span class=\"s1\"> between <\/span>rich and poor, urban and rural life<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <\/span>capital<span class=\"s1\"> is filled with a <\/span>Western-style caf\u00e9, nightlife, and restaurant scene<span class=\"s1\"> and is packed with <\/span>luxury stores and multi-starred hotels<span class=\"s1\">. The <\/span>city center is almost devoid of Western tourists<span class=\"s1\">, yet it feels <\/span>cozy, clean, and well-maintained<span class=\"s1\">. It\u2019s a <\/span>blend of ancient buildings, Soviet-era apartment blocks, and ultra-modern structures<span class=\"s1\"> that resemble <\/span>Dubai<span class=\"s1\">. These <\/span>contrasts and layers of history<span class=\"s1\"> give the city <\/span>a unique soul<span class=\"s1\">, though in some areas, it does feel <\/span>a little too polished<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The <\/span>food scene<span class=\"s1\"> is <\/span>not particularly impressive<span class=\"s1\">\u2014everything is fairly <\/span>average<span class=\"s1\">, even in places that try to <\/span>offer something more refined<span class=\"s1\">. [<\/span>Link to: Where We Ate<span class=\"s1\">]<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Outside the capital, in <\/span>smaller towns and the countryside<span class=\"s1\">, things feel <\/span>more authentic<span class=\"s1\">, and the atmosphere is <\/span>reminiscent of Turkey<span class=\"s1\">. There are <\/span>more visible traces of Islam and Islamic culture<span class=\"s1\">, <\/span>more litter, worn-down roads, and aging houses<span class=\"s1\">\u2014but also <\/span>beautiful landscapes<span class=\"s1\">, <\/span>incredible experiences<span class=\"s1\">, and, most importantly, <\/span>extremely kind people<span class=\"s1\"> and a <\/span>more genuine food culture<span class=\"s1\">. [<\/span>Link to: Outside Baku<span class=\"s1\">]<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Overall, this is a country where <\/span>people do not openly talk about politics<span class=\"s1\">, where <\/span>there is a certain level of suppression<span class=\"s1\">, and where <\/span>Islamic culture shapes daily life<span class=\"s1\">, albeit <\/span>in a moderate way<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">At the same time, it is a country with <\/span>visible economic progress<span class=\"s1\">, <\/span>general happiness<span class=\"s1\">, and <\/span>immense wealth among many<span class=\"s1\">\u2014especially in <\/span>Baku<span class=\"s1\">. A place where people focus on <\/span>everyday life, proper behavior<span class=\"s1\">, and most importantly, on <\/span>welcoming outsiders<span class=\"s1\">\u2014at least, <\/span>our nationality was received with great hospitality<span class=\"s1\">.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-238fea6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"238fea6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">How We Traveled:<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Several reviews and websites (including Trustpilot) warn against using the ride-sharing app <span class=\"s1\">Bolt<\/span> from the airport, citing drivers often demanding more money than stated upfront. We decided to take the risk anyway and experienced <span class=\"s1\">no trouble whatsoever<\/span>. Our driver was friendly, and there was <span class=\"s1\">no hint of dishonesty<\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">However, be aware that <span class=\"s1\">Bolt often sets extremely low prices<\/span>, and we\u2019ve previously experienced drivers requesting a higher fare upfront. We didn\u2019t see this as fraud, but rather as an honest attempt to earn a fair wage.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Overall, we had a positive experience\u2014friendly driver and no issues at all.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e0dacc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2e0dacc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1a20031 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1a20031\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">No matter where we went\u2014whether in the <span class=\"s1\">countryside or the city<\/span>, whether speaking to the <span class=\"s1\">wealthy or the poor<\/span>\u2014we encountered an <span class=\"s1\">extraordinary level of kindness, helpfulness, and hospitality<\/span>, far beyond what we had experienced in the previous countries.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">On several occasions, we even sensed a <span class=\"s1\">genuine gratitude<\/span> that we were there.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The few times we <span class=\"s1\">prejudiciously assumed<\/span> that someone might try to take advantage of us, it turned out to be <span class=\"s1\">nothing but generosity and kindness<\/span>\u2014whether it was showing us the way, explaining how to buy a ticket, or simply wanting to <span class=\"s1\">chat, share some lavash (thin bread), or even pay for our bus fare<\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s2\">Smiles were <\/span>everywhere<span class=\"s2\">\u2014even at <\/span>Rus Market in northern Baku<span class=\"s2\">, where people make a living selling <\/span>all sorts of second-hand goods<span class=\"s2\">, from <\/span>used shoes and toilet bowls to vacuum cleaners, beds, and even live turkeys<span class=\"s2\">.<\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\">We usually <span class=\"s1\">dislike<\/span> markets like this, as they often involve <span class=\"s1\">pushy sellers and shady characters<\/span>, but <span class=\"s1\">not here<\/span>. Just <span class=\"s1\">smiles, curiosity, and appreciation<\/span> that we had even chosen to visit.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-993c018 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"993c018\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-007-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-image-511\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-007-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-007-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-007.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f589c07 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f589c07\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;slideshow&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_gallery&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:513,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/justtravellers.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Azerb-009.jpg&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:514,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/justtravellers.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Azerb-010.jpg&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:515,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/justtravellers.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/Azerb-011.jpg&quot;}],&quot;background_slideshow_loop&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_slide_duration&quot;:5000,&quot;background_slideshow_slide_transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;background_slideshow_transition_duration&quot;:500,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dc751d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3dc751d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a4323e e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8a4323e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-925bf2b e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"925bf2b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-364c483 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"364c483\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-051-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-555\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-051-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-051-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-051.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3201aa7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"3201aa7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"3\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-50d04c3 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"50d04c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44ce4db elementor-widget elementor-widget-menu-anchor\" data-id=\"44ce4db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"menu-anchor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-menu-anchor\" id=\"2\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07d3b2e animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"07d3b2e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">2. Gastronomy<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f744f87 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f744f87\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p3\">Azerbaijani cuisine shares similarities with Turkish and Caucasian cooking, prominently featuring dishes such as <span class=\"s1\">kebabs and shashlik<\/span> made from beef, lamb, or chicken. Additionally, you\u2019ll find <span class=\"s1\">Dolma<\/span> (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat or vegetables and rice), <span class=\"s1\">Lavash<\/span> (thin flatbread), and generous use of <span class=\"s1\">sumac<\/span> spice.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Other popular dishes include <span class=\"s1\">Dushbara<\/span>\u2014tiny dumplings served in broth\u2014or <span class=\"s1\">open dumplings<\/span>, which often resemble slightly overcooked pasta topped with minced meat.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">In the countryside, particularly in <span class=\"s1\">Sheki<\/span>, they have their own signature dish called <span class=\"s1\">Piti<\/span>, which was our culinary highlight.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Despite these highlights, we found Azerbaijani food somewhat lacking in excitement. Although markets offer <span class=\"s1\">high-quality fresh ingredients<\/span>, it felt like restaurants didn\u2019t always utilize these optimally. The abundance of <span class=\"s1\">fresh herbs and local produce<\/span> didn\u2019t seem to fully translate into flavorful dishes, leaving meals a bit bland.<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Overall<\/span>, it was a mixed gastronomic experience\u2014interesting, but with untapped potential in terms of flavor.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">[Read more about dining outside Baku here.]<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fca6c3 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"4fca6c3\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b884206 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"b884206\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-012-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-516\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-012-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-012-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-012.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-89b78e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"89b78e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-052-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-556\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-052-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-052-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-052.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-34a1062 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"34a1062\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2b351ea e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2b351ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3546cfd e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3546cfd\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0e613c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a0e613c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-018-1024x768.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-522\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-018-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-018-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-018-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-018.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-24bb1cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"24bb1cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-053-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-557\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-053-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-053-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-053.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ceb074c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ceb074c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Getting Around:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p2\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Walking<\/b><\/span> is definitely the <span class=\"s1\"><b>best way<\/b><\/span> to explore Baku\u2014especially if you want to see the city and quickly find your bearings.<\/p><p class=\"p2\">\u2022 Alternatively, if your legs start to complain, you can use ride-sharing services such as <span class=\"s1\"><b>Bolt<\/b><\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Be aware: the <span class=\"s1\"><b>cheapest rides<\/b><\/span> are often set too low by the app and aren\u2019t profitable for drivers. Either select one of the slightly more expensive options upfront, or be prepared to accept a higher price if a driver asks for more. We didn\u2019t consider it fraud, just drivers trying to earn a decent living.<\/p><p class=\"p2\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Public transportation:<\/b><\/span> We didn\u2019t extensively use it, but both the <span class=\"s1\"><b>bus and metro systems<\/b><\/span> are efficient, extremely clean, and very cheap. A single transport card works for all options\u2014you just load credit and scan it once per passenger when entering buses or the metro. Public transport in Baku is so affordable that it could teach us a lesson or two back home in Denmark!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a8d829c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a8d829c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Where We Stayed:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">We rented an Airbnb in the <span class=\"s1\"><b>Sabail district<\/b><\/span> near the Caspian Sea. Although <span class=\"s1\"><b>safe and quiet<\/b><\/span>, the area wasn\u2019t particularly exciting, especially after dark.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">For travelers looking for more <span class=\"s1\"><b>action and nightlife<\/b><\/span>, we recommend staying in the more central <span class=\"s1\"><b>Nasimi district<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3dd4523 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3dd4523\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Where We Stayed:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">We rented an Airbnb in the <span class=\"s1\"><b>Sabail district<\/b><\/span> near the Caspian Sea. Although <span class=\"s1\"><b>safe and quiet<\/b><\/span>, the area wasn\u2019t particularly exciting, especially after dark.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">For travelers looking for more <span class=\"s1\"><b>action and nightlife<\/b><\/span>, we recommend staying in the more central <span class=\"s1\"><b>Nasimi district<\/b><\/span>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eeb0e66 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"eeb0e66\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16b9072 animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"16b9072\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3. The Capital, Baku<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-553bf00 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"553bf00\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p3\">Baku (<span class=\"s1\"><b>Baki<\/b><\/span>) has around two million inhabitants\u2014approximately one-fifth of the country\u2019s total population.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">It\u2019s unlike other capitals we\u2019ve visited, and distinctly different from the rest of Azerbaijan. The city center is incredibly clean, polished, and well-maintained, with grand architecture, a beautifully maintained promenade along the Caspian Sea, and an abundance of modern caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and bars, complemented by luxurious hotels.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Although more than 90% of Azerbaijanis are Muslim, the country is officially secular. The influence of Islam is subtle\u2014you\u2019ll occasionally see women wearing headscarves, even niqabs, and prayer rooms are available in some places, but the overall feeling remains moderate and secular. Alcohol is widely served, nightlife is lively, and the call to prayer from minarets is relatively discreet.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Thanks to multiple oil booms, a significant portion of Baku\u2019s population clearly enjoys considerable wealth. Most people\u2014both men and women\u2014are visibly affluent, well-dressed, and well-groomed, driving expensive cars and frequenting modern caf\u00e9s, restaurants, bars, and luxurious hotels along the beautifully maintained promenade by the Caspian Sea.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Wherever we went, we encountered nothing but helpfulness, genuine curiosity, and smiling faces\u2014a stark contrast to many other countries and cities we visited before Azerbaijan.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">There is police and security everywhere (along with just as many street cleaners), and the city feels extremely safe. Although traffic can be heavy, most key sights are within walking distance in the city center.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9c8ce32 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"9c8ce32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-46bd5cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"46bd5cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-507\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-003.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63b8883 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"63b8883\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-009-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-513\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-009-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-009-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-009.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dcc3084 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"1dcc3084\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5af7eed0 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5af7eed0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1385d8c3 animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1385d8c3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3a. Things to See &amp; Do in Baku<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5d46345 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"5d46345\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b9651b2 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"b9651b2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-015-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-015\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Old City\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tUnlike many other historic city centers that have succumbed to overtourism, Baku\u2019s Old City (Icherisheher) has managed to preserve its authentic charm. Surrounded by ancient city walls, it features beautiful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and alleys, and isn\u2019t overwhelmed by cheap tourist restaurants and souvenir shops\u2014although they do exist.\n\nOverall, the Old City remains charming, a haven for history lovers featuring landmarks like the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, but it\u2019s equally delightful just to stroll around and explore.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c84b74d elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"c84b74d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-016-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-016\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Flame Tower\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPerhaps the most famous modern landmark of both Azerbaijan and its capital, Baku. These three iconic skyscrapers come alive at night, illuminating their entire fa\u00e7ades with the waving Azerbaijani flag and flickering flames.\n\nThey\u2019re most impressive when viewed at night and from a distance\u2014visible from numerous spots around the city.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52c0081 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"52c0081\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-017-1024x768.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-017\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHeydar Aliyev Center \t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\ud83d\udccd 1 Heydar Aliyev Ave.\n\nA cultural center known for its spectacular architecture and impressive art exhibitions. It\u2019s an iconic building and well worth a visit\u2014even just to admire the architecture from the outside.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b42a07 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"4b42a07\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-008-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-008\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBazar Rus\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRus Market\n\n\ud83d\udccd CWWW+59C, Baku\n\nA large market offering everything from worn-out shoes, second-hand toilets, and king-size beds, to live animals, fresh vegetables, and all sorts of knick-knacks. Clearly not aimed at tourists, but rather at locals\u2014so there were no pushy salespeople or uncomfortable vibes, quite the opposite. Although the market is located in a poorer part of the city, we felt extremely welcome.\n\nA truly authentic and memorable experience!\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fc5af1c e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fc5af1c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74aacfd elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"74aacfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-026-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-026\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNew Year\u2019s Eve\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe celebrated New Year\u2019s Eve in Baku by first having an ordinary dinner out, then joining what felt like the entire city at Fountain Square near the waterfront to watch the midnight fireworks display. Afterward, we continued the evening at a cocktail bar.\n\nThe city offers countless ways to celebrate the New Year, and it appeared that many locals, as well as Azerbaijanis living abroad, traveled to Baku specifically for the festivities.\n\nInterestingly, unlike in Denmark, the streets of Baku are not empty on January 1st\u2014instead, they\u2019re bustling throughout the day, filled with families strolling and enjoying the holiday together.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-359bb17 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"359bb17\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-027-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-027\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMartyr\u2019s Lane\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMartyrs\u2019 Lane\n\nA memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives during \u201cBlack January\u201d in 1990, when Soviet troops opened fire on civilians in the streets, as well as soldiers killed in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.\n\nWe highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the historical events before your visit\u2014it will make the experience even more meaningful.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de9af7a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"de9af7a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f49f95 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"6f49f95\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9650c4d animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9650c4d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">3b. Where We Ate in Baku<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a55b1b0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a55b1b0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p3\">To keep things fair, we <span class=\"s1\"><b>only name the places we had positive experiences at<\/b><\/span> and avoid calling out any bad ones. Here are some of the spots we personally visited and enjoyed:<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Baku clearly wants to be seen as a <span class=\"s1\"><b>gastronomic hotspot<\/b><\/span>, and many (often sponsored) bloggers rave about <span class=\"s1\"><b>fantastic fine dining experiences<\/b><\/span> and impressive local cuisine. <span class=\"s1\"><b>This wasn\u2019t our experience.<\/b><b><\/b><\/span><\/p><p class=\"p1\">We visited several <span class=\"s1\"><b>decent restaurants<\/b><\/span>, but nothing blew us away. The food was generally fine but not particularly memorable. Several bloggers (often sponsored) praise the local culinary scene as exceptional\u2014something we didn\u2019t quite agree with.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We found the food to be mostly average, lacking real standout flavor experiences. Perhaps we were a bit spoiled after visiting Georgia, where especially the white wines had impressed us repeatedly. In Baku, despite good intentions and friendly service almost everywhere\u2014except for one notably rude restaurateur\u2014the culinary experience was more modest.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b78b584 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b78b584\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6eeaf15 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"6eeaf15\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCoffee Shops\/Caf\u00e9s (laptop-friendly)\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCoffee Moffie, 09 Islam Safarli Street<br>\nBook and Coffee, 8, 10 Q\u00fcll\u0259\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-005fa19 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"005fa19\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-029-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-029\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCocktail\/Wine Bars\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBitter Baku, 12a \u015e\u00f6vk\u0259t \u018fl\u0259kb\u0259rova \u2013 excellent atmosphere, great service, and outstanding cocktails.\n<BR>\nKefli, Tarlan Aliyarbeyov St.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4020c0d elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"4020c0d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-030-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-030\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tFiruze\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t14 Tarlan Aliyarbeyov St. <br>\nExtensive selection of local dishes\u2014try the Chef\u2019s Special for an interesting experience.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7c5aff elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"c7c5aff\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg elementor-bg\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-031-768x1024.jpg);\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Azerb-031\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__bg-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMari Vanna, 93 Z\u0259rif\u0259 \u018fliyeva K\u00fc\u00e7\u0259si \t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRussian restaurant with authentic decor and delicious homemade white wine. We enjoyed beef stroganoff and Russian dumplings.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4e177f elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"e4e177f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tKhingalchi\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t180 Bashir Safaroglu St, Baku 1000 >br>\nA pleasant surprise that we stumbled upon from the street. They offer various types of dumplings\u2014including the local variety, which we weren\u2019t too keen on. However, their Qutabs (thin flatbread, similar to pancakes) were excellent, freshly made with different fillings. The service was exceptionally welcoming\u2014for instance, when we asked if they had any bread, they said \u201cof course,\u201d and promptly fetched fresh bread from a nearby bakery.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db48665 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"db48665\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBenedict Caf\u00e9\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t19 Nizami St, Baku 1005 <BR>\nNot particularly local-inspired, but the place to visit if you have a hangover. They serve all-day breakfast, including American pancakes with bacon and eggs, and delicious freshly squeezed orange juice.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c825e66 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c825e66\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-85adb6a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"85adb6a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd14901 animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"cd14901\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">4. Outside the capital<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f12a4fe e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f12a4fe\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-07176f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"07176f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Nature, Hiking and Historical Sites in Azerbaijan<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">Azerbaijan is full of stunning nature and historic sites to explore, with countless opportunities for hiking. Unfortunately, we were slightly limited by both time and season. If you\u2019re planning a longer trip for hiking and exploration, we highly recommend visiting in spring or autumn.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">That said, there are also winter experiences available, such as snow hikes and skiing.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><b>As a minimum, we recommend visiting the following:<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>Gobustan National Park \u2013 Day Trip from Baku<br \/><\/b>Despite its popularity, Gobustan is definitely worth the visit. It\u2019s a trip most tourists take, so expect some crowds, but if you want to avoid group tours and pre-planned lectures like we did, skip the guided tours. We chose to get there ourselves\u2014it\u2019s not necessarily easier, but definitely more fun, educational, and culturally authentic.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We recommend visiting these three places, in this order:<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>1. Gobustan Museum<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Start here before heading out to the rock carvings. Though it\u2019s quite text-heavy, the museum provides valuable context about the country\u2019s history and gives a better understanding of the petroglyphs.<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><b>2. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape \u2013 Petroglyphs<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">A walk through the landscape to see a small selection of the thousands of prehistoric rock carvings in the area.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><b>3. Mud Volcanoes<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p2\">See the rare mud volcanoes with small eruptions of gas and mud, forming fascinating landscapes. It\u2019s a bumpy ride and wild nature\u2014if you can overlook the litter, that is. (PHOTOS 35, 36)<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Note:<\/b><\/span> Don\u2019t attempt to drive up there yourself \u2013 the road is terrible, and you could face expensive damage fees from the rental company.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f91822 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"6f91822\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-034-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-538\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-034-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-034-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-034.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ae08f05 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ae08f05\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-812fc8c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"812fc8c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-035-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-539\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-035-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-035-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-035.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de8ca8c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"de8ca8c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-036-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-540\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-036-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-036-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-036.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2bd6e1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c2bd6e1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d9b6002 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d9b6002\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4fed549 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4fed549\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"p1\"><b>How we got there:<\/b><\/h5><p class=\"p1\">We took bus <span class=\"s1\"><b>#125<\/b><\/span> south from Baku (e.g., from Azneft Square) to <span class=\"s1\"><b>Karvansaray Shopping Center<\/b><\/span> (~30 minutes). Cross the street and look for a small white bus, <span class=\"s1\"><b>line 195<\/b><\/span> to Gobustan town center \u2013 you pay cash when getting off (around 1 manat per person in 2024).<\/p><p class=\"p1\">From there, we took a taxi to the museum, rock carvings, and mud volcanoes and back again. We paid 50 manat (2024), which may have been a bit steep, but our two elderly drivers were incredibly sweet and argued the whole way about bumps and routes like an old married couple\u2014totally worth it.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Also part of the experience: a swarm of Ladas headed the same way or coming back with tourists on board\u2014such a fun sight!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Tickets for the museum and petroglyphs are bought at the museum.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-438cdaf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"438cdaf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-037-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-541\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-037-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-037-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-037.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9ed8ec4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"9ed8ec4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-038-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-542\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-038-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-038-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-038.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bb6f33d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bb6f33d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ea9bc1e e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"ea9bc1e\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-db9d1dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"db9d1dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">A small mountain town located a couple of hundred kilometers west of Baku. It\u2019s set in a stunning natural landscape and serves as a great base for hiking and other day trips to nearby waterfalls, ski resorts, and a cable car that takes you from the town up into the mountains for breathtaking views.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The town itself doesn\u2019t offer a whole lot in terms of attractions, but it\u2019s a pleasant place for a long walk and to soak in the mountain air.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We only spent half a day here before heading on to Sheki, but there are plenty of accommodation options if you want to stay longer.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3385a70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"3385a70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-042-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-546\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-042-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-042-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-042.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a5db546 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a5db546\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"p1\"><b>How we got there:<\/b><\/h5><p class=\"p1\">We took the train from Baku \u2013 the journey takes around 3 hours (possibly a bit more). There\u2019s only one departure per day from <span class=\"s1\"><b>Baku Central Railway Station<\/b><\/span>. The train is modern and comfortable, but make sure to either buy your tickets in advance or arrive early to get them on-site.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">From the station outside Gabala, there are taxis available to take you into town.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ba14ba2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ba14ba2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd6379c e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fd6379c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-51d8517 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"51d8517\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Sheki (Seki\/Shaki)<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Sheki is an absolute <span class=\"s1\"><b>must-visit<\/b><\/span> \u2013 a beautiful town with a fascinating history.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Spend a few hours walking uphill toward the mountains, where you\u2019ll find a maze of narrow streets and pathways, charming houses (some well-preserved, others crumbling), ornate gates, and everyday local life. This was, in our opinion, the most picturesque and authentic part of the trip.\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Like Gabala, Sheki is also a great base if you\u2019re planning to hike or explore the surrounding nature.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We visited the <span class=\"s1\"><b>Sheki Khans\u2019 Palace<\/b><\/span> \u2013 there\u2019s a small entry fee, and the visit doesn\u2019t take long, but the place is absolutely stunning.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The Sheki Khans were the rulers of the Sheki Khanate \u2013 an independent principality that existed during the 18th and 19th centuries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7750387 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7750387\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-040-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-544\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-040-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-040-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-040.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a7d23e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"a7d23e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-041-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-545\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-041-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-041-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-041.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f57601f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"f57601f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52d3070 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"52d3070\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Where wined and dined<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">We <i>almost<\/i> made the mistake of following other travel bloggers\u2019 restaurant recommendations \u2013 luckily, the place they had suggested was fully booked, packed with tourists, and had live music blaring.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Starving and worn out after walking several kilometers between restaurants, we \u201csettled\u201d for <span class=\"s1\"><b>Sultans House<\/b><\/span>, which we had initially dismissed as too touristy based on how it looked from the outside.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Well\u2026 shame on our prejudices!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It turned out to be a small, cozy, family-run restaurant with the most wonderful and kind older gentleman serving us \u2013 possibly the best person we could\u2019ve asked for to introduce us to the local specialty: <span class=\"s1\"><b>Piti<\/b><\/span>.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Piti is a rich soup made with lamb, chickpeas, chestnuts, potatoes, and saffron. It\u2019s slow-cooked in a special clay pot \u2013 one per person \u2013 and served in two stages:<\/p><p class=\"p1\">First, you crumble some bread into your bowl and pour the broth over it as a starter. Then, the remaining ingredients are mashed together and eaten as a main course. Very flavorful and fun to try!\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p1\">For dessert, we had rose tea and a spread of local sweets including:<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Rahat Lokum<\/b><\/span> (similar to Turkish delight, but even better)<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Peshmak<\/b><\/span> (a bit like cotton candy)<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Baklava<\/b><\/span> (Middle Eastern-style)<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Noghul<\/b><\/span> (caramelized hazelnuts)\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p1\">A truly memorable experience \u2013 and a reminder that sometimes it pays off to ignore first impressions and just go with your gut (especially when it\u2019s hungry!).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8557009 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8557009\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44b6ed7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"44b6ed7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-043-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-547\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-043-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-043-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-043.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ad083cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"ad083cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-044-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-548\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-044-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-044-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-044.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-93ba479 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"93ba479\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-045-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-549\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-045-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-045-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-045.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43d96c7 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"43d96c7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf265b7 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"bf265b7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d798a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d798a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Where We Had a Glass of Wine<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p2\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Khan Wine House<\/b><\/span>, Akhundzade Ave.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">Great service \u2013 the host served us the best Azerbaijani white wine we had on the entire trip: a barrel-aged Chardonnay.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">By European standards, it would probably be considered a slightly above-average mid-range wine \u2013 but in the moment, with the setting and the warmth of the place, it tasted fantastic.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-783b98e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"783b98e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>Where We Stayed<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p2\">\u2022 <span class=\"s1\"><b>Old Town Sheki Hotel<\/b><\/span> \u2013 nicely decorated and overall a good hotel at reasonable prices.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">However, the breakfast wasn\u2019t really worth paying extra for.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fbff772 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fbff772\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><b>How We Got There<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">We took a <span class=\"s1\"><b>Bolt<\/b><\/span> (ride-share) from Gabala to Sheki \u2013 it took just under an hour.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">In hindsight, we probably should\u2019ve taken a <span class=\"s1\"><b>marshrutka<\/b><\/span> (a small, often uncomfortable but cheap minibus) \u2013 it would have been cheaper and not much slower.<\/p><p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Returning to Baku<\/b><\/span>, we took a <span class=\"s1\"><b>marshrutka<\/b><\/span> from Sheki\u2019s main bus station. The journey took around 4 hours.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-abe7709 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"abe7709\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-046-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-550\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-046-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-046-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-046.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8a5889d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8a5889d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eff929b animated-slow elementor-invisible elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"eff929b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;slideInUp&quot;,&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">5. Random<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-739a867 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"739a867\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">This section covers things, experiences, lessons, and moments that were either useful, funny, awkward \u2013 or just a bit random.<br \/>It also includes thoughts, impressions, or casual observations that may not necessarily be fact-checked, but felt true to us in the moment.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Always carry toilet paper<\/b><\/span> in your bag \u2013 especially if you\u2019re not a fan of the wall-mounted bidet hose found in most toilets \u2013 or worse, if it\u2019s missing altogether. Paper is rarely provided. Hand sanitizer is also a good idea. That said, Azerbaijan isn\u2019t the worst we\u2019ve experienced in the region.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 There\u2019s <span class=\"s2\"><b>often a noticeable sewage smell<\/b><\/span> in restaurants, hotels, and apartments \u2013 you get used to it.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s3\">\u2022 <\/span><b>Azerbaijani men almost exclusively wear black.<\/b><b><\/b><\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>A large number of adult women in Baku<\/b><\/span> have had lip fillers. You\u2019ll understand why if you catch a glimpse of the TV ads or soap operas playing in restaurants \u2013 apparently, that\u2019s the current beauty standard.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Appreciate all the Ladas<\/b><\/span> on the streets \u2013 especially outside of central Baku. The classic model is still popular and often used as taxis.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re a young, cool guy in a rural area, it seems almost mandatory to drive a black Lada with loud music blasting through open windows.\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Most restaurants employ a cleaner<\/b><\/span> who works continuously during opening hours.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>In central Baku, there seem to be hundreds of street sweepers<\/b><\/span>, each with their own homemade broom and dustpan. They appear to be just waiting for a dropped popcorn kernel or a cigarette butt.\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Most restaurants have TVs<\/b><\/span>, usually playing soap operas, sports, or commercials.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Azerbaijan is currently, and has been for decades, in conflict with neighboring Armenia.<\/b><\/span> So be careful not to ask for a local \u201cArmenian\u201d wine, like we accidentally did (even though we didn\u2019t mean to). Fortunately, the waiter came back anyway.<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Do yourself a favor and try the local buses or marshrutkas<\/b><\/span> \u2013 they\u2019re a staple of transport across the Caucasus and in many other parts of the world (sometimes under different names).<\/p><p class=\"p1\">These are often old and uncomfortable minibuses that run from A to B but will pick you up or drop you off almost anywhere along the route. It\u2019s cheap \u2013 and a real cultural experience.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Just note: no room for luggage unless you can hold it on your lap.\u00a0<\/p><p class=\"p3\">\u2022 <span class=\"s2\"><b>Islamic culture is more visible outside of Baku,<\/b><\/span> where public spaces are often male-dominated, like gaming caf\u00e9s or street corners. So be mindful of where you go.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">However, there\u2019s no expectation to wear a headscarf or cover up in public spaces (only in mosques).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fb74b18 e-grid e-con-full e-con e-child\" data-id=\"fb74b18\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-684adde elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"684adde\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-048-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-552\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-048-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-048-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-048.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d68cfd elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"2d68cfd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-508\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-004.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-52ac47b elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"52ac47b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-050-768x1024.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-554\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-050-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-050-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Azerb-050.jpg 810w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Visited December 2024 \/ January 2025 Azerbaijan Overall Impression Gastronomy The Capital, Baku Outside the Capital Random 1. Overall Impression On our journey through the Caucasus, our final stop was this country, which we knew little about\u2014apart from its colorful TV commercials and its role as the host of COP29, UEFA Euro 2021, and the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-688","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=688"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1777,"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/688\/revisions\/1777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justtravellers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}