If you have time to spare at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD), the single most rewarding thing to see is the Old City — Icherisheher in Azerbaijani, meaning "the inner city." Ringed by 12th-century walls in the middle of modern Baku, it is where the city began, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a longer layover, or your first or last day, it is well worth the short hop.
What to see
- The Maiden Tower (Qız Qalası): the enigmatic 12th-century stone tower that is the symbol of Baku, with views over the Old City and the Caspian from the top. Also UNESCO-listed.
- The Palace of the Shirvanshahs: a 15th-century royal palace complex — courtyards, a mosque, a mausoleum and a bathhouse — and the finest example of Azerbaijani medieval architecture.
- The walls, lanes and caravanserais: wander the honey-coloured alleys, browse carpet and souvenir shops in restored caravanserais, and spot the film locations of the Soviet classic The Diamond Arm.
Right on the doorstep
The Old City sits at the top of the amphitheatre of central Baku, so a visit pairs naturally with the sights just outside its walls: the Caspian-front Boulevard, buzzing Fountains Square, and — glowing on the ridge above — the Flame Towers. You can happily fill a few hours between the ancient walls and the modern seafront in one compact area.
How to visit from the airport
The Old City is about a 35-minute drive from the terminal. The easiest way is a taxi, a Bolt or Uber ride, or a pre-booked car that waits for you. The 24-hour H1 Airport Express bus also reaches central Baku for a low fare, with the Old City a short walk or metro hop on. If you are on a layover, store your bags first — see our luggage storage guide — and remember most visitors need an ASAN e-visa, arranged online before flying, to leave the airport. Always leave a clear buffer to get back and re-clear security.
Making the most of a short visit
An hour or two is enough for the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs; add the Boulevard and Fountains Square if you have longer. With a full day, the Zaha Hadid–designed Heydar Aliyev Center and the Absheron fire sights are within reach. See our full Baku layover guide, staged by how long you have, and check the seasons in the best time to visit Azerbaijan.
