Baku Old City Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 331 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Baku Old City Tour worth booking?
Baku Old City Tour is a 2-hour experience in Baku, Azerbaijan, from $19 per person. It scores 89 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 331 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 89 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (331)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $19 per person
Step beyond Baku’s modern skyline and discover the heart of the city in its UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher). Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this small-group walking tour offers a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s rich history, culture, and architecture. Explore iconic landmarks including the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, ancient caravanserais, mosques, bathhouses, and hidden courtyards often missed by visitors. Hear fascinating stories, local legends, and historical facts that bring centuries of history to life. With a small-group setting, you'll enjoy a more personal experience, ask questions freely, and gain authentic local insights. Your guide will also share trusted local recommendations for traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, sweets, souvenirs, and places worth visiting after the tour. Perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers, this tour reveals the cultural and historical soul of Baku beyond the guidebooks.
What you get
About this experience
Step beyond Baku’s modern skyline and discover the heart of the city in its UNESCO-listed Old City (Icherisheher). Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this small-group walking tour offers a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s rich history, culture, and architecture. Explore iconic landmarks including the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, ancient caravanserais, mosques, bathhouses, and hidden courtyards often missed by visitors. Hear fascinating stories, local legends, and historical facts that bring centuries of history to life. With a small-group setting, you'll enjoy a more personal experience, ask questions freely, and gain authentic local insights. Your guide will also share trusted local recommendations for traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, sweets, souvenirs, and places worth visiting after the tour. Perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers, this tour reveals the cultural and historical soul of Baku beyond the guidebooks.
What's included
Included
- information about the monuments
- conversation
- local tour guide
Not included
- Tea and coffee
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Maiden Tower
Baku old city tour for a small group up to 8 people.it is 2 hours tour.Entrance price to buildings Maiden tower and Shirvanshahs palace is seperated and not depends on tour price.(About 15 AZN for each of them)Enjoy personal and professional attention from your local tour guide during this tour where you will discover top attractions of Baku Old Town. You will learn about the main and unique monuments of Baku. Those include the Maiden Tower, the Palace of Shirvanshahs, the courtyard known as “Divankhana”, mosques and minarets, caravansaries and bathes. Old Baku has lots of treasures that will leave you with memories for many years. Baku Old Town Walking Tour will give you an insight about the rich history of oriental side of Baku.İf you are the only registered to the tour please book at least 60 minutes before starting the tour. You can aslo try our other tours like:
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Shirvanshah Palace was built in Baku in the 15th century for the rulers of Shirvan in connection with transferring the nation's capital from Shemakha to Baku. The complex includes the two-story building of the palace, the tomb, the mosque, the divanhane, the mausoleum of Sayyid Yahya Bakuvi, the bath, the eastern portal and the gate of Murad (16th cent.). The main building of the complex is the palace, which was started in 1411 by Shirvanshah Sheikh Ibrahim I. After his death the construction was continued by his son - Shirvanshah Khalilullah I. The laconic design, sunny tone of smooth surfaces of the walls, terrazzo lattice - shebeke of the upper windows and window slits of the lower floors of the building give it a unique expressiveness. The two-story building of the palace consists of about fifty different rooms of various sizes and shapes connected by three narrow spiral staircases. Of the 25 rooms on the second floor only 16 have survived. The ground floor of the building (27 rooms), which was used by servants and for the storage of domestic supplies, has been preserved exactly as it was built in the 15th century. The severity of the facade facing the front yard is different from the richer interpretation of other households’ buildings. Near the palace there is a mosque. Under the stalactite belt of the minaret is the inscription which reads: “...the greatest Sultan Khalil-Ullah I ordered the construction of this minaret. May Allah exalt the days of his rule and reign. The year of eight hundred and forty-five (1441-1442). Almost all the palaces of the Middle East had special facilities for the reception of ambassadors and the meetings, which were called “Divan-Khane” (State Council). Divan-Khane of the Shirvanshah palace complex is one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of Azerbaijan. The slender portal, which served as the main entrance to the Divan-khane is decorated with stalactite semi-dome richly ornamented and inscribed. This portal is considered the most beautiful not only among the monuments of Baku but also among similar monuments of Iran and Asia Minor. In 1964 the complex was declared a museum and taken under state protection. Since then this unique monument of Azerbaijani architecture is one of the most popular tourist sites.
2 minutes here · Admission not included
Baku Museum of Miniature Books
The Museum of Miniature Books, located within the old city - Icheri Sheher, is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the museum with the largest number of miniature books. The creator of the museum, Zarifa Salahova has amassed this unique collection over the past 30 years. The only museum of miniature books in the world opened its doors on April 2, 2002. Today, the museum holds a unique collection of over 5,600 books published in 66 countries around the world.Entrance to Miniature books museum is free.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Juma Mosque
Many of the architectural monuments of Baku were built on the ruins of very old buildings belonging to the pagan period in the history of Azerbaijan. Thus, according to archaeologists, the Maiden Tower is built on the site of a pagan temple. The basement of Sabail castle also contains some fragments of the older buildings. Juma mosque in the Icheri-sheher can also be listed among such monuments.Juma mosque or mosque in the Icheri-sheher has been functioning since the 12th century. This mosque was built in 1899 at the funds of Baku philanthropist Khadja Shikhali Dadashev. In 1888 the Russian academician A.Pavlinov took measurements of the Juma Mosque. The mosque was built on the site of the temple of fire worshipers. Only four uncoated arches remained from the old building, they allegedly belonged to the temple. According to many modern archaeologists, there was a pagan sacred center on the site of Juma Mosque, where the fire worshipers gathered. In the 14th century pagan temple was converted into a mosque. According to the inscription on the Mosque, "in the month of Rajab in the year 709 Hijri (1309) Amir Sharaf al-Din Mahmud ordered to update this mosque." In the 15th century, minaret was attached to the north side of the Mosque. By the end of the 19th century the old mosque came into disrepair and was replaced by a new one - Juma Mosque. Juma mosque itself is small. There is little hall for men, women's prayer rooms. The conical dome of the building, which rests on four pillars located in the center of the Juma Mosque ,is of special interest.
2 minutes here
Baku Old City
Old city area
1 minutes here
Vahid Monument
Monument to Azerbaijani satiric poet Aliaga Vahid
1 minutes here
Bukhara Caravanserai
Bukhara Caravanserai
1 minutes here
St. Bartholomew Church
Remainings of St.Bartholomew church in Baku
1 minutes here
Quadrangular Tower
Quadrangular Tower
1 minutes here
Muhammad Mosque
Muhammad mosque was built in 1078-1079 years .
1 minutes here
Workshop Ali Shamsi
Azerbaijani famous artist workshop
1 minutes here · Admission included
Gosha Gala Tower
The Main gate of Baku Old City
1 minutes here · Admission included
Aga Mikayil Bath House
Aga Mikayil Public Bath House
1 minutes here · Admission not included
Museum of Ethnography and Archeology
Azerbaijan Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
1 minutes here · Admission not included
Multani Caravansarai
Multani Caravansarai
1 minutes here
House of Baku Khans
House of Baku Khans
1 minutes here · Admission not included
Baku Marionette Theatre
Baku Marionette Theatre
1 minutes here · Admission not included
House Museum of Vagif Mustafazadeh
Azerbaijani jazz musician
1 minutes here
Khanagah Cmplex or old Market square
2 minutes here
Beyler Mosque
Baylar Mosque Old City, Baku
1 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Baku
İn front of the Sabir's monument at Mirza Alakbar Sabir Garden. Garden locates in front of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan Republic.İf you have any difficulties about the meeting point you can write from Whatsapp to us or call
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
İn front of the Sabir's monument at Mirza Alakbar Sabir Garden. Garden locates in front of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan Republic.İf you have any difficulties about the meeting point you can write from Whatsapp to us or call
Options you can book
2026 Formula 1 Racing Dates
Additional Group Tour Start time
Russian group
Russian language
Private Tour
English or Russian language
English group
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- “Travelway Azerbaijan”
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 331 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
331 verified traveler reviews for Baku Old City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great review of sites in Old City
Emin did a great job of showing us around Old City. We enjoyed all the stops he took us on and it helped us decide which things we might like to go back and see. He also took great pictures of us along the way. Thank you Emin!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent orientation tour for the old city
Emin was our guide and he is a credit to the company. He is very knowledgeable and also friendly and helpful. We learnt so much during our time with him. The tour was well placed and included a surprise stop at a local tea and sweet shop where we were treated to many samples.
via Viator
Fascinating old city of Baku
Superb excursion in Old City of Baku. It was interesting, Emin told a lot of stories and explained every detail. Highly recommended
via Tripadvisor
A good tour
The tour provided a good overview of the Old City and UNESCO sites, with some helpful history and info about the country and city. Our guide was knowledgeable - we would have understood more if he had slowed his commentary down a little. The pace of the walking tour was quite fast, not a problem other than we were often racing to catch him up after taking photos. The tour ended with visits to 2 stores where our guide clearly takes all of his tour customers. The Nut Bazaaar was good, really nice staff allowing us lots of tastings.
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed the overview of the Old City, the UNESCO sites, and the historical information provided during the tour. Regarding the pace of the commentary, our guide speaks English at a C1 level and naturally communicates at a pace that is comfortable for most English-speaking guests, including many visitors from the United States. If at any point you felt the speed was too fast, we would have been happy to slow down had you mentioned it during the tour. Our guides always adapt to guests' needs when they are informed. As for the walking pace, we make regular stops at all major landmarks and allow sufficient time for photos. In fact, our guide also took photos for guests free of charge whenever requested. While we do our best to accommodate everyone, it is also important to keep the group together and follow the tour schedule. Finally, the shops visited at the end of the tour are never mandatory. Guests frequently ask for recommendations on where to buy authentic local products, and we only recommend businesses that we personally trust for their quality, fair pricing, and good service. The positive experience you mentioned at the Nut Bazaar is exactly why we continue recommending it to interested visitors. Thank you once again for your feedback, and we wish you all the best in your future travels.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Baku Experience
Excellent and well informed guide with great insights
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $19 to $50
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 116
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by “Travelway Azerbaijan”, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.1 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything “Travelway Azerbaijan” runsWhy this scores 89
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Baku Old City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Baku.
How much does Baku Old City Tour cost?
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Prices start at $19 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Baku usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Baku Old City Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Baku is not rushed.
Is Baku Old City Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 89 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 331 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Baku, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Baku Old City Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Baku Old City Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Baku Old City Tour?
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Around 116 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Baku can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Baku and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Baku Old City Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Baku within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Baku?
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On Outty we rank every Baku experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Gobustan and Absheron tour, BEST Gobustan, Volcanoes & Absheron Fire Tour (Group or Private), Shahdag, Quba, Candy Cane - Azerbaijan's Alpine Odyssey Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Baku?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Baku?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Baku Old City Tour?
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Included: information about the monuments; conversation; and local tour guide. Not included: Tea and coffee; Dinner; Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Baku Old City Tour?
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İn front of the Sabir's monument at Mirza Alakbar Sabir Garden. Garden locates in front of the Constitutional Court of A. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Baku Old City Tour offered in?
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It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Baku Old City Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Baku Old City Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Baku Old City Tour?
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Across 331 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Baku Old City Tour?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including 2026 Formula 1 Racing Dates, Russian group, Private Tour, English group. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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