Capital city, Azerbaijan
Baku
The Caspian capital mixes a walled old city, Flame Towers and oil-money boulevards. Safe, clean and modern, with fast transit and fine food; costs are higher than Georgia or Armenia and the scene is formal.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,180–1,940Comfortable, one person · ₼2,000–3,300Details
- Value for money58/100Better value than 57% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Internet93 MbpsFixed broadband, Azerbaijan medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$24–59Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards and contactless work in hotels, malls and most restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Baku
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Icheri Sheher (Old City) and Fountain Square | First-timers: sights, restaurants, walkable, central hotels |
| Nasimi and 28 May | Central apartments, metro hub, cafés and shops |
| Yasamal | Residential, good value, quieter than the center |
| Seaside Boulevard | Parks, promenade, malls and long walks along the Caspian |
Apps that work in Baku
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Use an app; street taxis often quote high flat fares to foreigners. Cash is widely accepted in Bolt.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Azerbaijan.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards and contactless work in hotels, malls and most restaurants. Carry manat for bazaars, taxis, small shops and regional trips.
- Currency: Manat (AZN). US$1 ≈ ₼1.70 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs are common in Baku and accept foreign cards; use ones inside banks because skimming is reported.
- Tipping: Many restaurants add a 5–10% service charge; if not, tip about 10%. Round up taxi fares.
- Paying by phone: Contactless foreign cards and Apple Pay or Google Pay work widely in Baku; the metro needs a BakuKart.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Most visitors need a visa: apply for the ASAN e-visa at least three days ahead; an urgent three-hour option costs more.
- Land borders with Georgia, Iran and Russia are closed to most travellers; arrive by air. Leaving by road needs permission.
- Register with the State Migration Service within 15 days unless your hotel does it.
Emergency numbers
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101
Plugs
Type C, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Azercell, Bakcell and Nar sell SIMs at Baku airport and shops with a passport. Over 30 days, register your phone's IMEI and pay a fee. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Azerbaijan
Going to Baku solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.