Baku is both the capital city of Azerbaijan and the largest city in the Caucasus region – making it a major gateway into the area! Kept off most tourist radars until relatively recently, Baku is a city undergoing major development in a bid to become an international hub. This makes it an exciting destination for travellers looking to veer a little bit off the beaten path.

As tourism is quite a new phenomenon, figuring out where to stay can be tricky. Information online is conflicting, making it difficult to pinpoint where is the best area to base yourself in the city.

That is why we’ve created this guide! We’ve done all of the research for you to come up with the seven best neighborhoods in Baku, as well as what they are best for.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Baku

• Where to stay in Baku for your first time? Icheri Sheher
• Where to stay in Baku close to everything? Nasimi
• Where to stay in Baku for nightlife? Torgovaya
• Best neighborhood in Baku for families? Yasamal
• Where to stay in Baku on a budget? Baku White City
• Where to stay in Baku for couples? Sabayil
• Where to stay in Baku for shopping? Neftchilar Avenue

Where to Stay in Baku

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Baku.

Baku 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Baku. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Icheri Sheher

Best neighbourhood in Baku for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Icheri Sheher – wander around the ancient bazaars and pick up some unique souvenirs to take home
• BEST place to visit in Icheri Sheher – head to the Maiden Tower, and important historical attraction that is over 1000 years old

Icheri Sheher is the historic core of the city, making it a great starting point for your first trip to the area! Dating back millennia, Icheri Sheher is packed with historic architecture and great attractions that showcase Azeri culture. The winding streets tell stories of Azerbaijan’s past and reflect their vision for the future.

As the main tourist hub in the city, Icheri Sheher also has plenty of great restaurants and cafes throughout the day and some interesting bars in the evening! It is quite a small area, however well connected with the modern city centre areas – allowing you to easily explore further afield.

• Palace of The Shirvanshahs is another great historic site with a museum attached so you can learn more about Baku’s past
• V. Mustafazadeh House-Museum is an interesting attraction that is dedicated to the life of the famous Azeri jazz composer
• Muhammad Mosque is the largest and oldest mosque in the city – they accept visitors regardless of religion whenever the building is not in use
• For a great meal, head to Karvansaray – surrounded by historic walls, they serve excellent Azeri cuisine
• İçərişəhər Bookhouse & Café is a great spot to relax in after a day of exploring the old town – they have great coffee and a wide selection of books

Best Budget Hotel in Icheri Sheher

Giz Galasi Hotel

This gorgeous hotel is situated right next to the Maiden Tower, taking you right to the heart of Icheri Sheher! Rooms are decorated in a minimalist style, with decor inspired by Azerbaijan’s famous carpets. There is a large spa suite on-site with a sauna and fitness centre, and a breakfast buffet is included.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Icheri Sheher

RAR Group Hotels, Baku

A beautiful 4-star hotel at budget-friendly prices, RAR Group Hotels Baku provides the perfect mixture of modern luxury mixed with traditional decor. At the hotel, you will also find a restaurant serving up a storm of tasty meals, whether you’re looking for Turkish, local, and Asian cuisine! There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans there too.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Icheri Sheher

Promenade Hotel Baku

This five-star boutique hotel is one of the best rated in the city, and is the closest luxury hotel to the Old City! Rooms are well equipped with modern facilities and air conditioning, and a breakfast buffet consisting of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine is included in the rate. They also have a laid-back bar on-site.

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Neighborhood #2 – Nasimi

Where to stay in Baku close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Nasimi – catch a live performance at the Central Concert Hall, right in the heart of Nasimi
• BEST place to visit in Nasimi – visit Baku Zoological Park, the largest zoo in the country with a wide range of animals on display

Nasimi is a huge neighborhood right in the centre of the city, keeping you well connected to all of the main sights in Baku! The railway station is based in the east of the area, giving you easy access to other attractions further afield in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus region.

Nasimi is where old and new blend together, giving you an authentic experience of life in modern Baku! There are plenty of excellent shops and restaurants in the area, offering a variety of goods and cuisines from across the world. The north of the area is more residential, giving you a calmer area to stay in.

• Catch an awe-inspiring performance by the Baku State Circus – their headquarters and main theatre is based in Nasimi
• Shop until you drop at the 28 Mall – located directly opposite the train station, it is filled with international brands
• Enjoy some great gelato and coffee at Mado – it is very family friendly and is also close to the train station
• Relax and enjoy a spot of people watching at Nikola Tesla Park – there is also an interesting monument dedicated to the scientist in the centre
• Entree Bakery Chain have stores all across the city, including one close to the station – they have an excellent range of pastries

Best Budget Hotel in Nasimi

Karat Inn Hotel

The Karat Inn Hotel is a stone’s throw away from the central train station – perfect if you are only in town for a short amount of time! They have a large breakfast buffet selection available every morning, and free high-speed WiFi throughout the property. Luxury toiletries are included in every ensuite.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Nasimi 

Kristal Inn Hotel

A beautifully traditional hotel that has plenty of great facilities on-site, including air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant and bar area along with an outdoor garden and terrace. One of the key draws to this hostel is its beautiful swimming pool and spa area, which has a sleek and modern design! Here is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring in Baku.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Nasimi

Hyatt Regency Baku

Another great five-star hotel, Hyatt Regency Baku is located in the north of Nasimi, giving you some peace and quiet away from the busy centre! There is a huge spa centre on-site offering steam rooms, beauty treatments and sports facilities. The restaurant serves excellent Azerbaijani cuisine and has a covered terrace.

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Neighborhood #3 – Torgovaya

Where to stay in Baku for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Torgovaya – head to Pasifico, the most popular nightclub in town with parties every night of the week
• BEST place to visit in Torgovaya – visit Fəvvarələr Meydanı, a popular meeting point with great shops and restaurants

Though officially part of Nasimi, Torgovaya has a character of its own that contributes to its status as the premier nightlife destination in the city! Also known as Merchant’s Street, or Nizami in Azerbaijani, most of the best-known bars and clubs are located along this pedestrianised avenue in the heart of the city.

Torgovaya starts close to the train station and winds down towards the Old City, keeping you within easy walking distance of both areas. During the day it has some great historic attractions in its own right, as well as locally owned cafés where you can beat the hangover with a hearty breakfast!

• Pick up some luxury goods from international designers, as well as more unique items from local boutiques, at Nargiz Shopping Mall
• Catch a photograph with the iconic Berlin Buddy Bear – a monument commemorating the lasting connections between Berlin and Baku
• Drink at the TIME Sport Lounge – much more casual than the nightclubs of the area, they also serve great Azerbaijani and Turkish cuisine
• Opera Və Balet Teatrı is the premier destination in the city to catch opera, ballet and other classical performances by local acts
• Georgian cuisine is famous the world over, and Azerbaijan’s neighbours have brought their fantastic food to Tsinandali on Torgovaya

Best Budget Hotel in Torgovaya

Boutique Hotel Avenue

Boutique Hotel Avenue has a great location in Torgovaya close by to top landmarks including the Maiden Tower and Freedom Square. Along with this, the property boasts spectacular views of the neighborhood from its beautiful terrace.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Torgovaya

Boulevard Inn

Boulevard Inn has all the things you need for a comfortable stay in Baku, including air-conditioned rooms with comfortable beds along with a 24-hour reception, and a tours desk! Boulevard Inn also has an excellent location in Torgovaya with it being just a stone’s throw away from the famous Freedom Square where you will find an abundance of things to do and tasty restaurants to eat in!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Torgovaya

Mid Way Hotel

This five-star hotel is the only luxury accommodation based right on Nizami Street! There is a large fitness suite within the hotel, as well as a great bar – perfect for kicking off your night out in Baku. They provide both continental and buffet breakfast options for you to choose from, and a 24-hour reception.

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Neighborhood #4 – Yasamal

Best neighbourhood in Baku for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Yasamal – wander around the Outer City area of Yasamal and enjoy the sights and smells of the local stores and restaurants
• BEST place to visit in Yasamal – check out Teze Pir Mosque, a historic building designed with sandstone

Whilst Yasamal is mostly a residential area, its calm atmosphere and friendly locals make it the perfect choice for families visiting Baku! There are some great historic attractions in the southeast of the area, with lower tourists numbers than those in the Old City – giving you a much easier going experience.

Yasamal is quite a wealthy area, which gives it a unique European feel! This has resulted in excellent, locally owned establishments popping up all over the area. If you are seeking some home comforts, Yasamal is a great introduction to Baku.

• Jafar Jabbarli’s Museum, located in the Outer City region, is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Azeri writer and filmmaker
• TES Tour Baku are based in Yasamal and offer some great trips around the city – we recommend their Shamakhi & Lahij Private Tour for families in the area
• Whilst Azerbaijani is not known for its great coffee, Baku Roasting Company is at the forefront of speciality cafes in the city
• ERBI Book&Cafe is another great eatery in the area – their combination of basic meals and well-stocked bookshelves is perfect for families
• For shopping, head north to the Baku Mall which is filled with flea market style stores

Best Budget Hotel in Yasamal

Swan Hotel

Located within walking distance of the Old City, Swan Hotel gives you easy access to the main attractions in Baku whilst still being within a relatively calm area! They provide complimentary bicycle rental, as well as high-speed WiFi in every room. The reception staff can also offer discounted tours and attraction tickets.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Yasamal

Mark City Hotel Baku

This hotel has also the basic necessities you would want from a hotel including clean and bright rooms, air conditioning, private en-suites, and a spacious shared lounge. Along with this, it offers a 24-hour reception and shuttles from the international airport both of which are very handy add-ons!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Yasamal

Qafqaz Point Hotel

For families with bigger budgets, the Qafqaz Point Hotel can’t be beaten! They are located in the heart of Yasamal, giving you some peace and quiet away from the bustling city centre. There is a large health suite on-site, as well as two excellent restaurants. The spa also offers beauty treatments and holistic therapies.

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Neighborhood #5 – Baku White City

Where to stay in Baku on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Baku White City – take a stroll around Luna Park, a recently developed green space with cutting edge park facilities
• BEST place to visit in Baku White City – visit the recently developed AMAY Shopping Centre for up and coming international brands

Baku White City is one of the newest districts in the city, allowing you to experience the major developments in Baku as they happen! Surrounded by Soviet-era buildings, White City is a modern oasis offering calm boulevards, fantastic shopping destinations and easy going bars and cafes.

Whilst it is set to become one of the new hotspots in town, the fact it is currently still in development keeps prices down. This allows you to stay close to the city centre whilst remaining on a strict budget! We recommend checking it out before the prices shoot up and the luxury hotels move in.

• Megafun Entertainment Centre has some great indoor amusements – perfect for families based in the area
• Nobel Oil Club is a museum dedicated to the impact oil production has in Baku and Azerbaijan as a whole
• For a great dining experience, head out to Beh Beh Club – set within a typical Azerbaijani home, they serve up hearty local cuisine
• NZS Pive Zavodu is a local brewery where you can try out some craft beer alongside a large Azeri meal
• Fidan Market is a local shopping destination where you can teleport back in time to Soviet-era Baku

Best Budget Hotel in Baku White City

Alfa Hotel

For a budget-friendly hotel, Alfa Hotel provides some top-class facilities. This includes a shared lounge area, a bustling on-site bar, and a cute garden! Along with this, it has a fantastic location just on the outskirts of Baku White City, meaning you’ll have plenty of cultural attractions along with tasty restaurants on your doorstep.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Baku White City

Sahil Hotel Baku

Located in a skyscraper esc building Sahil Hotel Baku is a great place to stay for those who want modern and sleek facilities. One of the best perks of its location in a high building is that guests can enjoy some of the best views of Seaside Boulevard. This is on the 16th floor in Champion Bar which boasts a range of cocktails and beers which can be sipped on whilst overlooking a magnificent view.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Baku White City

Boulevard Hotel Baku

This five-star hotel is the first luxury offering in White City – though is still considerably cheaper than similar accommodations elsewhere in the city! There is a large spa and wellness centre on-site, offering a variety of beauty treatments and a well-equipped gym. They also provide an American style buffet breakfast.

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Neighborhood #6 – Sabayil

Best neighbourhood in Baku for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in Sabayil – take a ride on the Baku Funicular and take in the spectacular views across the city
• BEST place to visit in Sabayil – no trip to Baku is complete without a visit to the iconic Flame Towers and surrounding entertainment facilities

Just south of the Old City, Sabayil is Baku’s ultra-modern district! Much of the city’s development has been focussed in this area, leaving it as one of the most desirable and luxurious areas in the city. Its location right on the coast provides an exciting and vibrant atmosphere – perfect for discovering modern Baku.

For couples, Sabayil has excellent facilities including high-end restaurants, top-notch shopping destinations and romantic green spaces where you can admire the scenery and watch the sunset. The north of Sabayil still has some historic attractions, giving you the best of both worlds.

• Take a ride on the Baku Eye – a coastal ferris wheel that is the perfect starting point for a date in the city
• Learn about one of the country’s most famous creative exports at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, close to the Baku Eye
• Enjoy a casual brunch at the Serpentine Cafe – they have some of the best coffee in the city and a varied menu
• CHINAR is an excellent cocktail bar close to the waterfront that is at the forefront of Sabayil’s modern bar scene
• Stroll around the Azerbaijan State Museum of Art – the largest art gallery in the country with exhibits from across the world

Best Budget Hotel in Sabayil

My Music Hotel Baku

A uniquely designed hotel with a speak-easy style atmosphere, My Music Hotel Baku is a great place to stay in Sabyil for those wanting something a little bit different for their stay in Baku. On-site at the hotel you will find a bar and casino, along with a spacious terrace area and a restaurant.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Sabyil

Ramada by Wyndham Baku

A grand resort style video with a huge swimming pool and outdoor seating area, Ramada by Wyndham, is perfect for those who want to kick back and relax in Baku’s beaming sun. The rooms here are also pretty epic too, all of which come with air conditioning and deluxe beds and you may even be lucky enough to get a sea view!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Sabayil

Fairmont Baku Flame Towers

An attraction in itself, this hotel is located within the city’s iconic Flame Towers! Facilities are unbeatable, with an excellent fine dining restaurant as well as a popular nightclub all located within the hotel. They also have a large spa centre with a traditional Turkish hammam.

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Neighborhood #7 – Neftchilar Avenue

Best neighbourhood in Baku for shopping!

• COOLEST thing to do in Neftchilar – grab a boat tour of the coastline from the ferry terminal
• BEST place to visit in Neftchilar – shop until you drop at Park Bulvar Mall

Neftchilar Avenue is the street that winds along the coastline of Central Baku. This is the premier shopping street in the city, with plenty of luxury brands and local boutiques running the full length! The large Park Bulvar flanks Neftchilar Avenue, providing a great spot to unwind and admire the coastal scenery.

The street connects the Old City with the Ferry Terminal, giving you easy access to most of the city centre attractions as well as the boat tours that run across Baku! The Old City end of the street also has some excellent museums and cultural venues.

• Dine at the Yacht Club, an excellent restaurant protruding out into the Caspian Sea with unbeatable panoramas of the city
• Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Park Bulvar, which wraps around the city centre portion of the coast
• Catch a unique performance at the Baku Puppet Theatre, located close to the Old City in Park Bulvar
• Most of the international luxury brands are located in the area where Neftchilar Avenue meets with Aziz Aliyev Street
• Sample some typical Azeri treats with a modern twist, as well as great coffee with views across Park Bulvar, at Palma Cafe!

Best Budget Hotel in Neftchilar Avenue

Deluxe City Hotel

Another award-winning hotel, Deluxe City Hotel is one of the best-rated budget options in the entire city! They provide a buffet breakfast every morning, with plenty of local and international options available. There is a private garden on-site, offering you a calm respite from the busy city centre.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Neftchilar Avenue

MidCity Hotel

A traditionally designed hotel just moments away from Neftchilar Avenue, MidCity Hotel is a great place to stay in Baku. The hotel is also within striking distance of both Flame Towers and Upland Park, both of which are just a short walk away.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Neftchilar Avenue

Sheraton Baku Intourist

The Sheraton Baku Intourist has everything you would expect from a luxurious 5-star hotel in Baku. The hotel features a spa and wellness center, a lavish terrace area with beautiful ocean views along with a Micheline-star-worthy restaurant.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Baku?

Baku is an exciting destination where you can discover an eclectic combination of old and new! Soon to become a tourism hotspot, we recommend visiting as soon as possible to ensure you still capture the city’s authentic charm.

For the best area, we have to go with Nasimi! The best nightlife and shopping districts are located nearby, as well as the Old City. This gives you easy access to all the main attractions of Baku.

Nevertheless, each neighborhood mentioned in this guide offers its own charms, and we hope we have helped you to plan your upcoming trip to the capital of the land of fire!

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Baku!

 
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