Azerbaijan is a great choice if you are looking for a new holiday destination. You will find beautiful buildings, old streets, and fresh mountain air. The country has modern cities and quiet villages, so many travelers enjoy how easy it is to move around and how much there is to see.
If you are renting a car in Baku, your trip will be more flexible. You can stop where you like, drive to small towns, and enjoy nature. Our guide will show you the top tourist spots in Azerbaijan, especially if this is your first time.
Azerbaijan is at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. You’ll find mosques next to churches, and castles next to modern buildings. The country uses the Azerbaijani manat, and things here are much cheaper than in the UK. You can eat a full meal in a local restaurant for the price of a takeaway coffee in London.
Driving is Azerbaijan on the right-hand side. Roads in the cities are in good condition, but in mountain areas, they can be narrow or bumpy. That’s why a small SUV is a good rental option. You don’t need an international driving permit if you have a valid UK license. Petrol stations are easy to find near big towns, and many signs are also in English.
Azerbaijan is welcoming to visitors. Many people speak some English, especially in Baku. Locals are curious and enjoy helping tourists. Public transport exists, but if you want to explore smaller places or take scenic routes, it’s better to hire a car.
The Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most impressive modern buildings in the world. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid, it still feels futuristic today. Its wave-like shape stands out in Baku’s skyline, especially when the sun reflects off its smooth white surface. The building looks like it is moving, even though it’s made of steel and concrete.
Inside, the museum keeps changing its exhibitions. You’ll find a section on Azerbaijan’s space research and cultural items from local artists who are gaining international attention. The building often hosts concerts, fashion shows, and workshops. On weekends, families gather on the nearby lawn, and photographers wait for the golden hour to capture the curves of the center.
A small café inside serves tea and pastries, and the gift shop offers books and handmade souvenirs. Entry ranges from AZN 2.00 to 15.00, and the building is open daily except on public holidays. Parking is easy, and taxis can drop you right at the entrance. This is one of the top Azerbaijan tourist spots for British visitors who enjoy modern art, grand architecture, and learning something new in an elegant space.
Icherisheher is one of the most popular places in Baku. The city has taken steps to preserve the area, clean up the streets, restore old homes, and add more signs in English. As you walk through the cobbled lanes, you’ll see both quiet homes and bustling courtyards with tea houses and souvenir shops. The vibe is relaxed, and you can explore without feeling rushed.
The Maiden Tower has interactive displays inside. With touchscreens and sound guides, it's easier to learn the history even if you don’t speak the local language. You can walk up to the top, and there are safety bars to help you go up easily. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs has also improved its lighting and pathways, which makes your visit smoother, especially in the evening.
Cultural nights are common in Icherisheher, where you can watch local music and dance performances. These events often take place in open courtyards during the warmer months. It makes your walk through the old city feel alive and memorable.
Gobustan is one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan, especially with improved road signs and better access roads. It takes about one hour to drive there with usual traffic. If you’re renting a car, a small SUV is the best choice for comfort and safety.
The Gobustan Museum has audio guides in English and more digital exhibits. They explain what the rock carvings mean and how people lived in the area thousands of years ago. These carvings of hunters, animals, and boats give you a rare look at ancient life. They’re not just symbols, but stories that have survived for over 10,000 years.
A few minutes from the museum, you’ll reach the mud volcanoes. They bubble quietly in the open hills, creating small grey craters that release cold mud. It’s free to visit, but there are no toilets or shops nearby, so prepare ahead.
The Flame Towers are the brightest symbols of modern Baku. At night, they shine with LED lights showing fire animations, national symbols, and sometimes special messages during local events. Just a few minutes away is Highland Park. From here, you can see the full city, the curve of the Caspian Sea, and oil platforms far in the distance. The upgraded funicular makes the trip easier, especially for visitors with kids or mobility issues.
The park itself is peaceful, with flowers, fountains, and a memorial to fallen soldiers. It’s a respectful place, but also beautiful and open. Many locals come here for evening walks or to enjoy the breeze. There are now two cafés offering tea, snacks, and fresh juice. For UK visitors, this is one of the Azerbaijan attractions that offer worthwhile views.
Shahdag is one of Azerbaijan’s top mountain resorts. Over the past year, several new cabins and eco-lodges have opened. You will have more choices beyond the usual hotels, whether you prefer luxury rooms or quiet stays in the forest. Roads to Shahdag are better maintained, but still, start the drive early, especially in winter.
The winter season runs from December to March, and it brings in skiing gear, fresh snow machines, and updated trails. Beginners can take lessons in English, and group classes are common and affordable. The resort also offers snow tubing, snowmobiles, and warm outdoor lounges with fireplaces. In summer, the resort becomes a base for guided hikes, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
For those who just want to relax, spa hotels offer body treatments, warm pools, and mountain views from every room. If you enjoy Alpine holidays but want a place with fewer crowds, Shahdag is a top choice.
Sheki is one of the most loved towns in the Caucasus region. Many of the guesthouses have been renovated. Cafés here offer local sweets like halva and fresh pomegranate juice, and they offer views of the hills.
The Sheki Khan’s Palace is the highlight. Its stained glass windows are carefully cleaned every season, and you can now join small group tours in English. Guides will show you the fine details inside, including wooden ceilings without nails and painted walls that tell local stories. It’s only open at set hours, so arrive early for the next available tour. Local craft shops are also expanding. You’ll find handmade silk scarves, ceramics, and snacks made from nuts and honey. In warmer months, music and food festivals take place in the town square.
Fountains Square is one of Baku's most popular places for tourists and locals. Located in the city's center, it has open-air cafés and colorful fountains. The square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and hotels, which is a perfect place to stop after visiting nearby museums.
At night, the fountains light up with soft colors, and local musicians often perform live music in the corners of the square. Food festivals and open-air markets are common, especially during spring and early autumn. Because the square is close to Nizami Street and the Old City, it’s easy to include in your city walk.
The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum is one of the most unique buildings in Baku. It opened in 1972 and moved to its current home on the Baku Seaside Boulevard in 2014. The building looks like a giant rolled carpet, making it easy to spot. It sits near the Caspian Sea, just a short walk from Fountains Square, and is surrounded by parks and public art.
Inside, you’ll see carpets and rugs from many regions of Azerbaijan. Each one has its colours, patterns, and meaning. The museum uses voice guides and short videos in English to explain how carpets are made from dyeing the wool to weaving the final design. These tools help you understand the deep history behind each piece.
You can also join a weaving session. Local artists often work on authentic looms right inside the museum. Visitors can watch them and even try weaving a simple pattern in a special workshop area. Afterward, stop by the gift shop to find handmade cushions or small rugs. There’s a café inside serving tea, cakes, and coffee. Tickets cost around AZN 3.00 to 7.00, and the museum is open every day except Monday.
Azerbaijan offers more than most people expect. For British travelers, it’s a place where ancient sites and modern design sit side by side. You can walk through quiet stone streets one morning and see cutting-edge architecture the next.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental company in Azerbaijan. You can pick up a compact car or a mountain-ready SUV in Baku. Our platform offers online booking, affordable pricing, and customer support in English so you can easily plan your trip confidently.
