2–3 days: Baku plus one excursion
A short visit can cover Baku’s Old City, modern skyline and Caspian Boulevard, with a day for Gobustan and the Absheron Peninsula. It is a good city break, but it does not show the full range of the country.
5 days: start moving into the regions
Add Lahic or Gabala and the trip changes character quickly. You move from Baku’s modern architecture into mountain roads, craft traditions and greener landscapes.
7 days: the best first overview
A seven-day route can connect Baku, Gobustan, Lahic, Gabala and Shaki without turning every day into a long transfer. Azerbaijan Tourism describes the north-western route as a Silk Road corridor through Shamakhi, Ismayilli, Gabala and Shaki.
Why Shaki matters
Shaki brings architecture, caravanserai history, crafts and food into the trip. It is one of the strongest reasons to go beyond Baku if you are interested in the Silk Road story.
Our planning rule
Use Baku as the introduction, not the entire itinerary. If you have a week, let the journey gradually move from the Caspian into the Caucasus.
What to do after you land
Baku is straightforward if you use the official airport services. Get connected, take only the cash you need, then use Baku Taxi or a recognized ride app from the signed pickup area.
SIM / eSIM
If you need help on arrival, the Airport Tourist Information Point is in Terminal 1, Zone B, 1F. Mobile service options are available at the airport; an eSIM set up before flying is also a simple option.
Money & cards
Currency exchange is available from Premium Bank, International Bank of Azerbaijan and Kapital Bank inside the airport. Use airport exchange/ATM services for initial Azerbaijani manat, then compare bank rates in Baku if you need more.
Airport taxi / transfer
From Terminal 1 or 2, official options include Baku Taxi plus Uber, Bolt and Yango. Airport pickup points are kerbside outside the terminal exits; follow the outdoor signs rather than accepting an unsolicited ride.
Your first 15 minutes
Connect, get a small amount of AZN, open Bolt/Uber/Yango or follow signs for Baku Taxi, and keep your hotel address saved offline.
Travel information can change. We review practical details regularly and recommend checking official sources again before departure.