Information for: Baku
This ancient silk route trading city is now integral to the World’s oil and gas industry. Since the early 90′s it has filled up with Western expats and has all the standard hallmarks, such as International hotels and British themed bars.
Due to Baku’s sex industry, it is not advisable for ladies to walk anywhere on their own in the evenings. Also, being a Muslim country, ladies should respect the culture here, and not show too much flesh when visiting the main tourist sites. Showing too much cleveage or thigh would offend the locals, not the expats!
Hotels located in: Baku
Aldino Hotel
The Aldino Hotel is located in the most elite and central area of Ankara. The Aldino Bar is the perfect place to catch-up over a drink. A must is to relax with a Sauna/Turkish bath. International cuisine Internet services and top-class service are all here.
Tunali Hilmi CaddesiBultan Sokak no 22
KavaklidereTel No: +90 312 468 6510
Park Hyatt Baku
An impressive Hyatt hotel located between the Hyatt Regency Baku Hotel and the Hyatt International Centre. This upmarket and expensive top-end option is just one part of a set up that features offices apartments restaurants and an entertainment complex. The hotel enjoys an excellent location situated only a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
1033 Izmir StreetTel No: +994 12 490 1234
Boutique Palace Hotel
Boutique offering in the Old City Perfect central location – everything you’ ll want is within walking distance from here. A smaller alternative to the big chains – only 10 rooms. An attractive little number that’s genuinely a bit different from the rest.
9 Aziz AliyevTel No: +994 12 492 2288
Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel
Upmarket boutique offering that s high on luxury. Surprisingly good in-house drinking & dining bearing in mind there are only 11 rooms. This may only be a 3-star on paper but it stands out a mile. A popular and unique option if you prefer small to big.
20 Boyuk GalaTel No: +994 12 437 2305
Excelsior Hotel Baku
Luxurious 5-star in the city centre. A medium-sized privately-owned boutique option. In-house partying may be quite low but the facilities are modelled on the big chains. Good combination of tradition and innovation with modern luxury and a touch of antiquity.
97/3 Neftchilar AvenueTel No: +994 12 492 5577
The Crown Hotel
Luxury 5-star with top sea views. Perfect central location – you can be in amongst things within minutes. In-house dining & drinking are good too though including international restaurants. Another good mid-size alternative to the pricier alternatives.
7 Neftchi Gurban Abbasov StTel No: +994 12 491 0227
Culture & Entertainment Located in: Baku
Finnegan’s Irish Pub
One of the city s most popular bars. Does a good job of the traditional Irish pub abroad. Perfect central Fountain Square location – so many other bars & restaurants are nearby. Can get pretty lively in here later on a good drinking den.
2 Injesenet StreetTel No: +994 12 498 9857
Caledonia Bar
Highly-popular Scottish bar that opened in 2002. Large screens make this a well-known haunt for sporting events. Food is traditional Scottish favourites plus a few international dishes. Big range of western pub drinks, pool table etc.
36 Rasul RzaTel No: +994 12 494 2853
Tiger Bar
Well-established English-style pub in the environs of Baku’ s Fountain Square. A big hit with expats especially. Menu is western with all the best-known favourites. Friendly relaxed place that can get pretty lively later on.
19 Mamed Aliyv StreetTel No: +994 12 598 4121
X-site
One of the most popular nightclubs in the city with a younger clientele and a mix of expats and locals. With a large capacity this club islocated on the seafront and surrounded by many other options nearby. You can end up with a real mix of people making it a great meeting place.
Neftchilar AveTel No: +994 12 497 1331
Beluga Bar
Classic bar within this upmarket hotel as well as a place where you can dine at any time of the day. It is a popular post-work business stop with a relaxed and classy feel to it. Beluga is just one of loads of options within the two Hyatt Hotels and the Hyatt International Centre in Baku.
Hyatt Regency Baku1 Bakikhanov
Tel No: +994 12 496 1234
Corner Bar
Popular western-style city bar that caters to a predominantly expat crowd along with a good mix of different nationalities. A traditional pub which is perfect for a more relaxed evening. Serving a traditional pub-grub style menu, the Corner Bar also offers a selection of live entertainment in here most nights – some planned, some impromptu!
77 Nizami StreetTel No: +994 12 494 0187
Restaurants Located in: Baku
Toscana
Popular restaurant serving upmarket Italian cuisine. Also one of only a few Italian options in the city. Offering a full range of all the Italian favourites makes this a busy expat haunt which is a little on the expensive side – but only by normal Baku standards.
12 Basti Bagirova StreetKermur Plaza
Tel No: +994 12 436 8047
House of Sultans
Upmarket restaurant at the impressive Sultan Inn Boutique Hotel. It is opulentin design and decor heavily featuring an oriental luxury theme. The cuisine here is international and varied including traditional Mediterranean to Azerbaijani dishes. Be warned this is one of three expensive-ish dining options here but is an unforgettable experience for those who want to [...]
20 Boyuik Gala StIcheri Sheher
Tel No: +994 12 437 2305
Universal Club
Resto-bar with good European cuisine. It offers nothing too fancy but is cut slightly above typical British pub grub in Baku. With live music most nights. This is far from expensive and is a popular eating and drinking hangout.
16 Z. Tagiyev StreetTel No: +994 12 493 2912
Panchos Mexicana
Panchos Mexicana is the in-house restaurant at the Ramada Baku. It is only one of a couple of Mexican options in the city. Mexican food is a favourite here and it’s not too expensive. Unfortunately it’s not in the best of locations in the city but for the ultimate in Mexican fare in Baku it’s [...]
Ramada BakuSalyan Hwy
Shikhov BeachTel No: +994 12 491 7303
Maharaja
Maharaja is seen by many as the best of several appealing and upmarket Indian restaurants. Offering fantastic food in the prime location of Fountain Square this restaurant is good for a lunch deal but even better in the evenings. The prices are far from steep in relation to the quality of the food!
131 Akivsat Gykuyev StTel No: +994 12 494 6300
Yin Yang
Baku’s first Chinese restaurant established in 1995. Offers a large menu based around Shanghai, Szechwan, Cantonese, Zhejiang and Peking dishes. There is also a great sushi menu available. Set in a great down town location – you’ll not have to go far for some good after dinner drinking spots.
5 Azuz Akuyev StreetTel No: +994 12 492 6709
Sporting/Leisure/Beauty Located in: Baku
Shopping in Fountain Square
Baku’s most relaxing area Fountain Square has got it all! It’s a nice square in down town Baku with many cafes restaurants outdoor seating and loads of clothes and souvenir shops all around the fountains. Unfortunately the fountains work only after 5pm providing a very pretty backdrop at this time.
Fountain SquareOld Town
The Spa at Park Hyatt Baku
Some of the International Hotels in Baku have lovely spas and the Park Hyatt is definitely amongst them. This upmarket hotel provides a number of treatment rooms a good range of services and attentive staff. One of the more glamorous spots in Baku!
1033 Izmir StreetTel No: +994 12 490 1234
Nizami Street
After walking on Fountain Square you pass the little alley and find a long street of shops. Known locally as Torgovaya Nizami Street is lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to expensive clothes. Even if you’re not planning to do any shopping, stop at one of the many shops, restaurants or outdoor cafes. There is [...]
Nizami Street
Hyatt Regency Baku Casino
The only physical casino in Azerbaijan located within one of the three Hyatt offerings in the city. Due to the predominantly Muslim following in the city gambling has had a chequered history in Baku – hence the lack of options – but it’s a worthy option if you fancy taking a gamble on your luck.
1 BakikhanovTel No: +994 12 496 1234
Asia Spa
Set in a relaxing atmosphere you will be able to experience different elements of Asian culture and are guaranteed to unwind chill out and forget about the stresses of modern life. The Asia Spa is an exotic, wellness-island aimed at your well-being and pleasure and offers the ultimate Sauna experience and beauty treatments including: Asian [...]
Kalandergasse 1Zurich
Tel No: +41 44 454 2040
Tazabey Hamami Turkish Bath
Long established Turkish Baths in the city. As well as the baths there are also saunas, a pool and a choice of massage available. Also includes a small bar and diner on-site. Clean and very well maintained.
14 S. Samil Kuc 2Tel No: +994 12 492 6440
Entertainment located in: Baku
Baku Opera & Ballet Theatre
Baku is the largest cultural centre of Azerbaijan and it is here that the first national theatre of Muslim East was opened and the first opera was staged. Today Baku has 30 museums, 7 theatres, a philharmonic society, an opera theatre, a film studio and cinema theatres – perfect for that cultural escape.
28th of May St. 8(formerly Telegraph St)
Cultural Highlights
For a real culture hit don’t forget to visit the charming Carpet and Applied Arts Museum. Other attractions include: the Shirvan-Shah’s Palace the Academy of Sciences the Weddings’ Palace (also known as ‘Palace of Happiness’) the 26 Commissars Square and the Government House.
Old TownBaku
Amburan Beach Club
Perfect for beach bunnies and sun worshippers this beach front complex is Baku’s attempt to become a tourist beach resort. Offering three swimming pools and also features some watersports, beach, volleyball and beach football. Plenty of entertainment in the area which offers many restaurants bars and nightclubs – ideal to while away a whole day – [...]
Bilgah SettlementTel No: +994 12 453 8685
Maiden’s Tower
Azerbaijan’s best known landmark and the beautiful symbol of Baku. Climb its 8 floors and be rewarded with an impressive view of Baku Bay and the old town.
Baku
Caravan Jazz Club
Surprisingly Baku has a strong Jazz scene and this is one of several decent options. Atmospheric and earthy this basement club is an intimate wine bar offering daily jazz concerts. It is open from midday to midnight all week.
4 Aziz AliyevTel No: +994 12 971 329