Before You Go: Visas, Flights & Currency
Getting to Baku is simpler than you think. Indian passport holders can apply for an ASAN e-Visa online, which typically costs around ₹2,500-₹3,000 and is processed in about three working days. It's a hassle-free process without any embassy visits. For
flights, look for direct or one-stop options from Delhi and Mumbai on airlines like IndiGo or Azerbaijan Airlines. A round trip can cost between ₹28,000 and ₹35,000 if you book a month or two in advance. The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). As of late 2026, 1 AZN is roughly equal to ₹50, making conversions easy to calculate. While cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in Baku, it's wise to carry some cash for local markets and smaller towns.
Budget Stays & Smart Transport
Baku offers a wide range of accommodation. For the ultimate budget experience, hostels are your best bet, with dorm beds available for as low as ₹1,000–₹2,000 per night. Many are centrally located, clean, and offer a great way to meet other travellers. If you prefer more privacy, budget-friendly guesthouses and 3-star hotels can be found for ₹2,500–₹4,000 per night. Getting around the city is cheap and efficient. Purchase a BakıKART for about 2 AZN (₹100) from a metro station or airport terminal. This rechargeable card gives you access to the metro and city buses, with each ride costing as little as 0.40 AZN (₹20). For trips from the airport, the H1 Airport Express bus is a steal at just 1.30 AZN (₹65).
Day 1-2: Old City Charm & Modern Marvels
After arriving and checking into your accommodation, dedicate your first afternoon to Icherisheher, Baku's UNESCO-listed Old City. Entry to the walled city is free, allowing you to wander its cobblestone alleys for hours. Key sights here include the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs; a combo ticket can save money on entry fees. On day two, explore Baku's modern side. Start with the iconic Heydar Aliyev Center, a masterpiece of fluid architecture (admiring it from the outside is free). Then, head to the Flame Towers, the trio of skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. For the best views, take the funicular up to Highland Park in the evening to watch the towers light up. Finish your day with a stroll along Baku Boulevard, a beautiful promenade on the Caspian Sea.
Day 3-4: Fire, Mud & Ancient Art
Dedicate day three to Azerbaijan's fiery attractions. Take a local bus to the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a historic religious site for Zoroastrians. Later, visit Yanar Dag, the famous “Burning Mountain,” a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside. These sites are easily reachable via public transport, avoiding costly tours. On day four, venture out to Gobustan National Park, another UNESCO site known for its prehistoric rock carvings and unique mud volcanoes. While organised tours can cost ₹2,000-₹4,500, a more adventurous and cheaper option is to use a combination of public buses and a shared local taxi to explore the area. The entrance fee to the park is around 10 AZN (₹500).
Day 5-6: Local Flavours & Last-Minute Souvenirs
Spend your fifth day diving into local life. Head to Nizami Street, Baku’s main shopping artery, perfect for window shopping and people-watching. For a more authentic experience, visit Teze Bazaar, a bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and affordable snacks. This is the perfect place to try local favourites like qutab (stuffed flatbread) or a doner kebab for just a few Manat. On your final day, enjoy a final Azerbaijani breakfast, perhaps featuring 'chighirtma' (eggs with herbs). Depending on your flight time, you could visit the quirky Museum of Miniature Books (entry is free) or do some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to the airport.
