If you're planning a trip to Ganja, you're about to discover a place full of deep history, warm people, and beautiful red-brick architecture. This city is the second largest in Azerbaijan and sits in the west. Ganja is split by the Ganja River and is located near the border with Georgia.
In our Ganja travel guide, we will show you the famous places and the hidden details that make this city alive. To explore it all at your own pace, renting a car in Azerbaijan is a smart choice. With a car, you can move freely between attractions, enjoy nearby sights, and take in the changing views of the region.
Ganja has lived many lives under many rulers. The city was once known as Elizavetpol under the Russian Empire and later renamed Kirovabad during Soviet times. It returned to its historical name, Ganja, after Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991. The city’s name means "treasure." Ganja has seen Persian, Arab, Mongol, Ottoman, and Russian influence. You can feel this rich past in the streets and buildings.
In 1918, Ganja was briefly the capital of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic before Baku took that role. Writers like Nizami Ganjavi made the city famous centuries earlier. His poems are still loved across the Persian-speaking world. The city also played an important role during the Soviet era, with industries, schools, and even a German settlement nearby adding new layers to its cultural mix. The history here is long, complex, and always interesting.
You can rent a car in Gabala before starting your road trip to Ganja. The most convenient option is to pick up the vehicle at Gabala International Airport. Rental services at the airport are easy to access. Book online in advance, especially in high travel seasons. Always check your confirmation email for pick-up instructions and contact numbers.
To rent a car in Azerbaijan, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driving license. Most companies also ask for your passport and a credit card for the deposit. If your license is not in English or Latin script, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Check the rental policy for insurance coverage and fuel rules, as they may differ depending on the company.
For the 162 km drive to Ganja, a compact or mid-size sedan is fine if you're staying on the main highway, which is the Bakı-Ələt-Qazax-Gürcüstan/M2. But if you plan to explore off-road villages or mountain routes near Ganja, an SUV gives you better comfort and control. The journey takes around 2 hours. Keep your navigation app updated, and make sure your car has a full tank, as gas stations are not frequent in rural areas.
Eating in Ganja is a good way to get closer to local life. The food mixes Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Iranian tastes. You’ll find dishes made with saffron rice, herbs, and meats like beef and lamb. One of the most well-known dishes is Dovga, a yogurt soup with herbs and rice. People also love Gurze, meat dumplings, and Shashlik kebab, often cooked over open flames.
When you’re craving something sweet, try Sheki halva or Ganja-stle baklava. Local restaurants serve fish kebabs, stuffed peppers, and broad bean rice. If you like street food, look out for Qutab, a thin bread filled with greens or meat. You can enjoy meals in local cafes or bigger restaurants with live music.
Ganja’s best attractions include historic sites, public spaces, and quirky landmarks that tell the story of the city’s past and present. It is where architecture, literature, and local traditions unite. Here’s what to see in Ganja:
The Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum is one of Ganja’s most important landmarks. It honors the 12th-century poet, Nizami Ganjavi, whose work shaped Persian and Azerbaijani literature. The monument stands just outside the city, surrounded by gardens, statues, and pathways. You can walk the grounds, admire the design, and connect with the legacy of one of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated cultural figures.
Shah Abbas Square is a key place to visit in central Ganja. The red-brick Juma Mosque, built in 1606, stands proudly in the square, with two minarets and a large dome. Nearby is the Chokak Turkish Bath, featuring classic domed rooftops, and the Tomb of Javad Khan, found during Soviet construction. This square clearly shows the city's history. You can relax in the garden and see Ganja’s most iconic architecture in one place.
The Ganja State Philharmonic Hall sits across from Shah Abbas Square. This elegant building has arches, domes, and fountains in front. It was built in 1991 where a Soviet-era cinema once stood. Today, it hosts concerts and public events. It’s named after composer Fikret Amirov, who was born in Ganja. The building symbolizes cultural life in the city. Many people gather here for music, performances, and community celebrations.
Javad Khan Street is a popular pedestrian area in Ganja. It’s a nice place for a walk, especially during the evening when the lights come on. The street has many cafes, souvenir shops, and historic buildings from the Russian Empire period. Some nights, you might hear street musicians or see small performances. The street feels like an open-air museum. Its winding path gives it a unique look, different from but still somewhat like Fountains Square in Baku. It’s worth taking your time to explore this lively and historic part of Ganja.
The Bottle House is one of Ganja’s most unique landmarks. It was built using over 50,000 glass bottles by a local man who wanted to honor his brother, a soldier who never returned from World War II. The house glows under sunlight, and its design draws many visitors. Although it’s a private home, you can admire the exterior and take pictures. It reflects the creativity and emotion that shape Ganja’s personality.
Heydar Aliyev Park is the largest public park in the Caucasus. A replica of a triumphal arch frames its wide entrance. Inside the park, there are flower beds, trees, lakes, and walkways where people gather to relax. There’s an amusement area and spots to rent bikes. Located on the city’s edge, the park gives you space to breathe and explore.
The Ganja Gate is a piece of the city’s medieval past. It once stood as part of the defensive walls that protected Ganja. Now, it acts as a symbolic welcome for people entering the city. Its stone design and strong structure make it great for photos. Though it’s no longer part of the original wall system, it reminds travelers of Ganja’s historic strength and strategic importance in past centuries.
The Ganja Regional History Museum gives a full view of the city’s timeline, from ancient times to the Soviet period. The museum is located near the city center and includes tools, photos, documents, and cultural displays. One highlight is the black-and-white photo collection showing daily life in the USSR. It’s a good place to learn about how Ganja has changed.
Ganja offers a mix of old-stle markets and modern shops. For handmade gifts, walk along Ataturk Street or Nizami Ganjavi Street, where you’ll find silk scarves, jewelry, and colorful carpets. Local markets sell honey, dried fruits, and spices. If you prefer new brands, visit Ganja Mall. Whether you want traditional crafts or modern clothes, Ganja has a shopping stle to match every budget.
Just 10 kilometers from Ganja is Goygol, once known as Helenendorf. This town was built by German settlers in 1819. These settlers came from the Duchy of Württemberg and built a town with alpine-stle houses, wine cellars, and straight streets. You can still see the old Lutheran church, now a museum.
Local places still serve German food. Some homes keep their original look. Goygol has a peaceful vibe, with mountain air, trees, and small restaurants. You’ll learn about how the Germans and Assyrians built a life here. Though many were deported during Soviet times, their buildings and influence remain. It’s a special stop on your road trip from Ganja.
If you drive higher into the mountains past Goygol, you’ll reach Hajikand. Forests, tea houses, and mountain views surround this small town. It’s cooler than the city and perfect in summer or winter. Even in February, snow makes it look like a fairy-tale place.
The road to Hajikand is winding but beautiful. Locals visit to enjoy quiet weekends, tea by the fire, and fresh air. Though small, the area is full of charm. There’s even a local story that Soviet spy Richard Sorge’s family came from Hajikand. Whether or not it’s true, it adds a bit of mystery to your visit.
Ganja is a family-friendly city with many places where kids can have fun and learn. Khan Bagi Park is perfect for walking and playing, with lots of green space and shaded areas. Families often picnic here or enjoy small outdoor shows. Kids can run around while adults relax. Another good stop is the Ganja Regional History Museum, where children can see artifacts and learn about the city’s past. Some displays are interactive and easy to understand.
Ganja has a continental climate, which means hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn. These seasons have the most comfortable weather, making walking around or driving to nearby places easy. If you visit in summer, bring light clothes and sunscreen. In winter, you’ll need warm layers and maybe snow boots. The weather can change fast, especially in the mountains. Always bring a jacket, even if it looks sunny.
Ganja is where stories, flavors, and old buildings come alive. You can explore ancient mosques, peaceful parks, and mountain roads that lead to quiet lakes and villages. Each turn shows you something new, from bottle-covered houses to music halls. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Azerbaijan. We offer a wide choice of vehicles for pick-up in Ganja and Baku. Whether you want a small car for exploring towns or an SUV for mountain roads, you can choose what fits your trip.
