3 Days in Baku and Gabala is the perfect introduction to Azerbaijan. If you are looking for a city break in the UNESCO heritage town of Baku or Icheri Sheher with some time in the mountains of Gabala Azerbaijan then this is the perfect itinerary for you.
We will cover the journey from Baku to Gabala as well as top Azerbaijan tourist stops to check out.
How to spend your time in Baku and Gabala
There are so many things to do in Azerbaijan it is difficult to cram it all into 3 days. We wanted to combine the city of Baku with the mountains in Azerbaijan. Baku and Gabala seemed like the perfect choice as we didn’t want to spend half our time in the car travelling to further places!
How to get from Baku to Gabala
Baku to Gabala distance is around 214km which takes about 3hours to drive. You can easily hire a car in Baku airport arrivals and drive yourself, the roads are not too bad. However, as it was such a short trip for us we chose to book a driver and found the amazing Elman (you can contact him via Instagram). He has been a driver and tour guide in Azerbaijan for many years, has great English and local knowledge. He drives a spacious van and was decently priced, happy to recommend.
Are Baku and Gabala the Best Azerbaijan Tourist Spots?
Baku is the capital city of Azerbaijan so it will of course be a tourist spot. It is a busy city, traffic can be a lot however, we never felt crowded. Baku is a UNESCO Heritage City and the old town is STUNNING so will always attract tourists.
Gabala has the biggest ski resort and winter is popular. However, there is another popular ski resort at Shahdag, Azerbaijan which evens out the busy tourist numbers. Gabala is well worth the drive to the Caucasus Mountains and see the beauty of Azerbaijan. It was our highlight during the 3 days in Baku and Gabala.
How to Get to Azerbaijan?
Before we start on the itinerary you will need to work out how you are going to get to Azerbaijan. The easiest route is by plane to Baku airport arrivals. If you are flying from the UAE it is only a 3.5 hour journey and Fly Dubai, Emirates and Azerbaijan air fly from Dubai. Alternatively, you can fly with Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi. The cheapest option!
For all the information you need to know about travelling to Azerbaijan check out our post.
Day 1 – Arriving in Baku Azerbaijan
Upon arriving in Baku airport head straight to your hotel, leave the luggage and get out to explore!
As we do in most new cities we arrive in, we book onto a Free Walking Tour and Baku Free Tour didn’t disappoint. They offer 2 free walking tours per day – please give cash for a tip, it’s a long, informative tour and these guys deserve to be paid! One is at 11am and another at 4pm – email them! The start of the tour is at Fountain Square which is just outside the Old City Walls.
Take a stroll around Baku Old Town, check out:
- Maiden Tower – an iconic building in the middle of the Old Town, great views from the top. Entry costs 10AZ / 20dhs / £5 for foreigners
- Palace of the Shirvanshahs – an old palace that you can wander round and explore in the Old Town. Entry costs 10AZ / 20dhs / £5 for foreigners.
- Baku Promenade – exit the Old City Walls and cross the main road, under the underpass, to Baku Promenade. It is a 4km stretch along the coast admiring the Flame Towers and other Azerbaijan points of interest. Look out for old men playing chess, classical music playing and street art.
During the walking tour they will explain the history and architecture and tell you some really interesting stories. Entrance to the museums will not be included so check these out before or after your tour.
For more detailed information on the best places to visit and where to eat in Baku check out our post Baku Old Town.
Best hotels in Baku Old Town
Baku city is full of hotels, however during a short trip to the city we would recommend staying in or near the old town. It is definitely the most beautiful and charismatic part of the city. Here are our recommendations:
- Art Club Baku – this is where we stayed. It is a cheap hotel in Baku, they offer a range of different rooms. It is worth paying extra for the balcony and view over the narrow streets of Baku Old Town. The location is ideal, decor is unique, coffee shop and restaurant is great and staff are very helpful. Definitely recommend The Art Club Baku
- If you’re looking for a Baku cheap hotel then check out Maajid Hotel and Restaurant it is located near to Shirvanshahs Palace. They have basic rooms but at cheap prices.
- Hilton Baku is just outside the old city walls and is a good option if you are looking for a familiar hotel brand. It has a great revolving 360degree bar on the roof too.
- Four Seasons Baku is the most luxurious hotel in Baku, close to Baku old town and is simply beautiful. Everything you would come to expect from The Four Seasons.
Day 2 – Travel from Baku to Gabala
The traffic in Baku in the morning can be heavy so either get out of the city early, around 7am or wait until 10am after rush hour. The journey to Gabala is around 3 hours, the landscape is green and it’s interesting to see the soviet buildings and old cars. The best places to stop are nearer to Gabala.
Nohur Lake Gabala Azerbaijan
A beautiful lake outside of Gabala surrounded by mountains makes a popular stop. There are a few stalls and little pods to sit in around the lake incase of bad weather. It rained continuously when we were there so we didn’t get to experience the true beauty unfortunately. However, we did sit in a cute pod and attempt to gaze through the fog! On a clear day it would make for a beautiful coffee stop.
Xanlar Restaurant in Gabala Azerbaijan
If you’re looking to experience true Azerbaijan food when in Baku and Gabala then try this restaurant. It is situated on a river and has numerous cabins around. It feels like you are hidden away in a forest. Choose a cabin and find inside a big table and chairs for lots of private dining options. I still think about the tomatoes from the lunch we ate there, one of the freshest I have ever tasted.
During a rainy October lunch time it was very quiet, however, during ski season it gets packed so it might be advisable to book ahead. This restaurant has been running since 1991 and is well established and reputed in the area. It is well worth a visit during your time in Gabala.
Gabala Cable Car
The Cable Car in Gabala is open all year round, not just in ski season. However it will only go to the first station off season.
To get on the cable car you will need to go to Qafqaz Tufandag Resort. This is a big ski resort hotel just outside Gabala centre. It was around 15AZ / 30dhs / £7 for foreigners. The prices will vary during ski season.
It’s a short ride to the top with scenes over the slopes. The views from the top are incredible, we were above the clouds! There are a few places to get refreshments and somewhere to use the toilet. Definitely plan to a trip on the Gabala Cable Car during your time in Gabala.
Best Hotels in Gabala, Azerbaijan
As went in October, before the ski season started, the prices were very low so we managed to get a great deal. The best time for snow in Gabala is from late Nov-March so expect accommodation prices to be higher during this time. QafQaz Hotels are an Azerbaijani Hotel Group and have 8 3*, 4* and 5* hotels. They have the big ski resort hotels and QafQaz Hotels are a popular choice in Gabala.
- QafQaz Riverside Hotel – this is where we stayed for 1 night in Gabala. It has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, spa, restaurant and bar. We had a twin room with a balcony offering stunning views over the Caucasus Mountains. Would recommend using the spa and having a massage when here.
- QafQaz Tufandag Resort – this is the hotel you will need to get to when going on the cable car. It is the best located hotel for skiing. Another large, resort hotel with everything you could need.
- There are many holiday homes, villas and apartments up for rental in the area worth checking out.
Day 3 – Drive from Gabala to Baku
After a good breakfast it is time to get back on the road and drive from Gabala to Baku. It is a good idea to save some Gabala activities til this morning before heading back to the city.
Yeddi Gozel Waterfall in Gabala
This stop was not far from the QafQaz Riverside Hotel at all, just a short 15-20minute drive. Close to the village of Ruskan. These Gabala waterfalls are a lovely outdoor activity; birds tweeting, greenery everywhere and the sound of running water.
These Gabala waterfalls are known as the Seven Beauties or Seven Step Waterfalls as there are 7 platforms to walk up. You will need to be active to be able to climb up the stairs, it is not recommended for anyone with mobility issues. It is accessible for those travelling with kids, just take it slow! The largest part of the waterfall is at the top and it is worth the trek up.
The area is dark and cold as the Gabala waterfalls are located in a thick forest which doesn’t see natural light. During October there were vendors selling fruit, food and souvenirs as we entered. Along the path there are tea stops too. Apparently the tea stalls use water from the waterfall to enhance the taste of the tea!
Do not plan a trip here during winter months / ski season as the waterfall will be frozen and not accessible.
Gabala Forest – Ismayilli Forest
When driving from Baku to Gabala or in the other direction you will pass through lots of trees and a small forest. Talk to your driver and ask him to stop in one of the small roadside restaurants or pull in to the side of the road. The tall trees make for a beautiful stroll and photo opportunity. Also good to stretch the legs before the drive back to Baku.
Day 3 – Finish Exploring the Baku Azerbaijan Points of Interest
The rest of your time before your departure will be spent back in Baku. On this afternoon we chose to spend time discovering the museums and the modern parts of the city that we hadn’t yet explored.
Booking.comHeydar Aliyev Center
A very modern building that stands out when driving around Baku. It is an architectural delight designed by Zaha Hadid an Iraqi-British architect who has won awards for its composure. A nod to the old/modern element that Baku city does well. It is a stark contrast to the grey, soviet style buildings that dominate the city.
You will find permanent collections as well as many temporary curations. It is worth spending an hour or so here to learn about Azerbaijan history. The main historical part upstairs tells the story of Azerbaijan’s history, oil discovery and independence since 1991. It is interactive with videos to watch.
An additional exhibition delves into Azerbaijani culture with rugs, music, clothes, food and family life. It is a great introduction to life in Azerbaijan.
If you don’t have a driver to take you here the easiest way to get to the museum is on the Metro stopping at Nariman Narimanov. Exit onto Tabriz Avenue and you will see Heydar Aliyev Centre after a few minutes.
The museum is closed on Mondays. It is open from 11am-7pm and til 6pm on weekends. It costs 15AZ / 30dhs / £7 for foreigners with children under 6 free. The Classic Car exhibition downstairs is an additional 10AZ.
Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
This is another one of the most popular places to visit in Baku. The building is designed to look like a rolled up carpet. It houses many examples of beautiful, traditional carpets as well as explaining some Azerbaijan history. It is easy to walk around and only costs 7AZ.
Flame Towers Baku
Three iconic buildings seen all over the city of Baku. They look especially pretty when lit up at night. The flame towers are actually office blocks and the Fairmont Baku Hotel. Best viewed at night when they light up from Highland Park or Hilton 360 Bar.
Hilton 360 Bar
The Hilton 360 Bar, as the name suggests, is a rotating bar situated at the top of the Hilton Hotel Baku. You can sit down, order a 2 for 1 cocktail at Happy Hour and admire the city views as you slowly rotate.
As you can see, there is plenty to do in Baku and Gabala to keep you busy for 3 days. We saw a lot and were endlessly busy but would like to go back and see a few things that we didn’t get round to like the Mud Volcanoes, Sheki and a few of the museums.
It is a wonderfully cheap, welcoming country and makes for the perfect short city-break from the UAE.
We hope you enjoyed reading this post 3 Nights in Baku and Gabala make sure to check out our Travelling to Azerbaijan post. As well as, Baku Old City.
If you are looking for other travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page for information on Albania, Oman, Thailand, UAE and Corfu to name a few.
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