Before You Go: Visas, Flights, and Money
Getting to Baku is simpler than you might think. Indian passport holders can apply for an e-Visa online through the official ASAN visa portal. The standard visa costs around $25-$30 USD (approx. ₹2,100-₹2,500) and usually takes about three working days
to process. There's also an urgent option if you're short on time. Direct flights to Baku's Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) are available from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with round-trip fares starting from around ₹30,000-₹35,000 if booked in advance. The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). As of late 2026, 1 AZN is roughly equal to ₹56. It's best to carry some USD and exchange it for Manat upon arrival at the airport for initial expenses.
Day 1: Arrival and Old City Charm
Welcome to Baku! From the airport, skip the expensive taxis and take the Aero Express bus, which is a very affordable way to get to the city centre. Check into a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse near the Old City (Icherisheher), where dorm beds can be found for as little as 15 AZN (around ₹850). Spend your afternoon getting lost in the cobblestone alleys of Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the iconic Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Entry fees are minimal. For dinner, find a local eatery outside the main tourist square for an authentic and cheap meal like a doner kebab or a traditional plov (pilaf).
Day 2: Modern Marvels and a Seaside Stroll
Today, explore Baku's futuristic side. Start your morning at the Heydar Aliyev Center, an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. While entry to the exhibits has a fee, the building's stunning exterior is a sight to behold and completely free to enjoy. In the afternoon, head to the Flame Towers, the trio of skyscrapers that dominate the city's skyline. For the best views, take the funicular up to Upland Park. As evening approaches, make your way to Baku Boulevard, a long promenade along the Caspian Sea. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing walk, people-watching, and enjoying the sea breeze.
Day 3: Day Trip to Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes
No trip to Azerbaijan is complete without visiting the Gobustan National Park and the nearby mud volcanoes. You can book an affordable group tour or team up with other travellers to hire a taxi for the day. Gobustan is home to thousands of ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings) that offer a glimpse into prehistoric life. Afterwards, head to the bizarre and fascinating landscape of the mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes, and it's a unique natural wonder you won't want to miss. Pack your own snacks and water to keep costs down during this full-day excursion.
Day 4: The Land of Fire
Discover why Azerbaijan is called the 'Land of Fire'. Today's journey takes you to the Ateshgah Fire Temple on the Absheron Peninsula. This ancient temple was a place of worship for Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs over the centuries. A short distance away is Yanar Dag, the 'Burning Mountain'. It's a natural gas fire that has been blazing continuously on a hillside for decades. The sight is most impressive at dusk. You can reach these sites using a combination of metro and local buses, which is far cheaper than a guided tour. For an Indian food fix, there are pure vegetarian restaurants in Baku like De Rama that you can visit upon your return.
Day 5: Markets, Museums, and Carpets
Immerse yourself in local culture today. Start at a local market like Taza Bazaar to see the vibrant array of fresh produce, nuts, and spices. It's a great place to pick up some edible souvenirs like local jams or tea. Next, visit the quirky and free Museum of Miniature Books, which holds thousands of tiny literary works. In the afternoon, marvel at the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, housed in a building shaped like a rolled-up carpet. Even if you don't pay to enter, the building itself is an architectural highlight. For your final evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on Nizami Street, the city's main shopping and dining hub, where you can find plenty of budget-friendly options.
Day 6: Departure
Enjoy a final Azerbaijani breakfast, perhaps with a cup of their famous thyme tea. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping. Take the express bus back to Heydar Aliyev International Airport for your flight home, filled with memories of a fantastic and affordable adventure. Using public transport is a key to saving money; a single ride on the clean and efficient Baku Metro costs only 0.40 AZN (about ₹23).
