This is where east meets west, given Azerbaijan’s unique geographical location. It is home to glacial peaks, black, volcanic fields, verdant forests, and fields of grapes, cotton, and citrus fruits. This is a land where Western-styled properties stand shoulder to shoulder with Arabian influenced architecture. Azerbaijan is a land waiting to be explored.
Billing itself as the ‘Land of Fire’, Azerbaijan (Azərbaycan) is a tangle of contradictions and contrasts.
Although Azerbaijan identifies itself as a Muslim country, it is a secular country. Thus, you can pack whatever you want and wear dresses while traversing the lanes of this beautiful country. You can pack your shorts and tops for exploring the cosmopolitan city, Baku. There are no strict rules regarding clothes to wear and everyone is free to wear what they like. However, it is advisable to wear appropriate clothes in religious places.
One of the best ways to travel within the Baku city is via metro as it is the cheapest and fastest way to traverse around. But if you look for comfort traveling then you can opt for taxis. But it is vital to learn the skill of bargaining here as the taxis charge around 10 times more than the original amount from travelers.
Due to Muslim culture in Azerbaijan, the variety of local food is galore. From saffron-flavored Pulov to steaming Kebabs, their local food is full of traditional flavors. Some of the other best dishes that you can try at street stalls and restaurants in Azerbaijan are Kufta Bobash, Piti, Dushbara, Dovga, Qutab, and Lavangi.
While exploring the capital city, you will notice that the streets of Baku are spotless. There are rows of dustbins that are used by people regularly. Littering is considered as a taboo in Azerbaijan and if anyone is found littering around then they are charged with hefty fine.
Azerbaijan’s capital Baku (or Bakı in Azeri) is the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai… albeit with plenty of Soviet genes floating half-hidden in the background.