Baku: Old City Walk, Highland Park & Boulevard Tour with Pickup

Summary

Winding through Baku’s Old City to the Caspian breeze

You’ll wander Baku’s winding Old City streets, catch sweeping Caspian views from Highland Park, stroll along lively Baku Boulevard, and explore Shirvanshah Palace with a local guide. Expect hotel pickup, real stories behind ancient stones, sea breezes on your face — plus small surprises like pomegranate juice stands or hidden museums that linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped out of the car near Highland Park and right away felt that salty Caspian air — it’s different from what I’m used to, kind of sharp but clean. Our guide, Elchin, waved us over with a grin and pointed at the Flame Towers rising behind us. He told us how they light up at night like actual fire (I didn’t believe him until I saw photos). We walked past Martyrs’ Lane — quiet there, just our footsteps and some distant traffic. The city stretched out below in this weird mix of old stone and glassy new buildings. Someone was selling pomegranate juice by the stairs; I almost stopped but didn’t want to lose the group.

Next was Baku Boulevard — honestly, I thought it’d be just another promenade but it’s huge, full of families and teenagers on scooters, couples sharing sunflower seeds on benches. The sea looked almost silver under the sun. Elchin explained how oil barons built their mansions here a century ago; you can still see some faded grandeur if you squint past the modern malls. There was this faint smell of popcorn from a nearby stand mixed with seaweed — odd combo but somehow fitting.

We drove through traffic (Baku drivers are something else) to the Double Gates for our Old City walking tour. The streets inside are tight and twisty; you lose your sense of direction fast but that’s half the fun. We saw caravanserais where traders once slept, and Elchin joked about getting lost in time — he has a dry way of putting things that made me laugh. The Maiden Tower is stranger up close than in pictures; nobody really knows what it was for (Elchin had theories). There’s also this Miniature Book Museum tucked away — tiniest book I’ve ever seen, smaller than my thumbnail. Not sure why that stuck with me.

The Shirvanshah Palace feels heavy with history — stone walls cool even in afternoon heat. We wandered courtyards where cats nap in the shade (there are cats everywhere here). By the time we reached Nizami Street for our last stop, my feet were tired but I didn’t mind. The fountains sparkled and people strolled like they had nowhere else to be. I bought a pastry from a street vendor and ate it leaning against a lamp post while watching kids chase each other around Fountain Square. That moment is still clear in my mind — something about feeling both far away and oddly at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Baku's main city highlights

• Visit Highland Park viewpoint
• Walk Martyrs’ Lane to 40 Stairs
• Stroll along Baku Boulevard
• Drive to Double Gates
• Walk Old City tour
• See Maiden Tower and take photos
• Visit Miniature Book Museum
• Explore Shirvanshah Palace complex
• Walk Nizami Street and Fountain Square

Top questions

How long does the Baku city tour last?

The tour takes about half a day including stops at Highland Park, Baku Boulevard, Old City walk, Shirvanshah Palace, and Nizami Street.

Is hotel pickup included in this Baku city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

What attractions are covered on this city tour?

You visit Highland Park, Martyrs’ Lane, Baku Boulevard, Old City (including Maiden Tower), Miniature Book Museum (if open), Shirvanshah Palace, Nizami Street and Fountain Square.

Is lunch included during the tour?

No lunch is included but there are plenty of cafes and street vendors along the way if you want to grab something local.

Are entry fees included for all attractions?

The tour includes visits to all main sites mentioned; check directly if special entry fees apply for temporary exhibitions or museums.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there is some walking involved in the Old City area.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the city tour.

How do we get around between sites?

You’ll travel by air-conditioned vehicle between major stops; some areas like Old City are explored on foot.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver plus an English-speaking guide leading you through Highland Park panoramas, Baku Boulevard strolls by the Caspian Sea, twisting lanes of the Old City walk (with possible entry to Miniature Book Museum), exploration of Shirvanshah Palace complex and free time at Nizami Street before returning comfortably to your hotel.