Find out all the information you need to know about travelling to Azerbaijan. From travelling to Baku Azerbaijan to Azerbaijani weather and currency. Including all our recommendations from 3 days in Azerbaijan.
How to get to Azerbaijan
Travelling to Azerbaijan is easy. Most airlines fly into Baku. From Dubai you can fly with Emirates, Fly Dubai or Azerbaijan Airlines. Alternatively, for a budget option Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi.
If you are travelling from other parts of the world most airports will have flights to Baku, Heydar Aliyev. From Georgia there is an overnight train that is popular with travelers in this area.
Where is Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan borders Iran, Armenia, Georgia and Russia on the Caspian Sea. It is a Caucasus country between Asia and Europe although it considers itself Middle Eastern, according to the locals we met. Baku is an ancient city that dates back to the 12th century.
Azerbaijan has both oil and gas which means there is a lot of wealth in the country. In the capital city of Baku the wealth is obvious with the exclusive high-end shops like Armani and Prada etc alongside 5* hotels like the Four Seasons Baku.
Booking.comWhat is the weather like in Azerbaijan?
Expect hot summers with temperatures up to 40 degrees and cold winters that are popular for skiing. The optimum time to visit is between April to June and September to October. We visited in October and the weather was perfect, especially for escaping Dubai! Temperatures were around 20degrees with some rain.
Although we haven’t been during ski season Azerbaijan is a great, affordable destination for a ski/snow holiday. Check out Shahdag area and the Pik Palace Hotel and Gabala area and the QafQaz Tufandag Mountain Resort which we did spend a few hours in.
What is the Azerbaijan currency?
The currency in Azerbaijan is the Azerbaijani Manat. Although you will see prices in Euros and USD as well, it is always advisable to use local currency for the best prices. It is a cash country so make sure to use the ATM in the airport when you arrive as lots of restaurants and bars don’t accept card.
Travelling to Azerbaijan is very affordable, it is a cheap country. Perfect for a few days away!
- A pint costs around 5AED or £1
- A coffee is around 5AED or £1
- A meal in a restaurant is around 25AED or £6
- A night in a mid-range hotel is around 200dhs or £40
- Entry to a museum around 20dhs or £5
- 1 way trip on the Metro 2dhs or 50p
What is the food like in Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has everything from chain fast food restaurants and coffee shops to traditional cafes. You will not go hungry! There are bakeries and convenience stores everywhere in Baku which is handy for picking up snacks and eating on the go.
Traditional food in restaurants is a lot of lamb, rice, vegetables, cheese and salad. There is no spicy food. Try the Plov which is meat and rice or the Shah Plov which has fried dough. We enjoyed the qutab which is like Indian naan bread and can be stuffed. Also make sure to try the baklava!
Things to do in Azerbaijan?
The capital city of Baku has both an old and new side. It is full of character with lots to do and see during a few days city break. Check out our guides:
- A guide to Baku Old Town
- 3 days in Azerbaijan
- Overnight trip to Gabala
Travelling around Azerbaijan
When in Baku the Metro is cheap, fast and easy for travelling around the city. However, if you want to go further afield to other destinations in Azerbaijan then bus or private transfer are the best options.
We found that a driver was a better option for us as we could travel on our own time and in our own comfort stopping at places we wanted to see on the way. The cost is around 200Manat or 400dhs or around £90 for a return trip from Baku to Gabala. Elman, is a great driver, who has a comfortable van and will take you to many great spots. You can find his information on Instagram here.
Is Azerbaijan Safe?
Azerbaijan is a perfectly safe country. Baku is a popular tourist destination and you will come across many tourists from around the world. During my trip with a friend we were 2 females and we felt perfectly comfortable at all times. It really helped having a driver with us who could speak the local language to help with any barriers.
We hope you have enjoyed reading this post Travelling to Azerbaijan make sure to check out our Baku Old Town post.
If you are looking for a similar off-the-beaten-track country then check out our Albania Guide and What to do in Gjirokaster. If you are looking for other travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page.
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