Baku: Old City Walking Tour & Flame Towers Night Lights

Summary

Medieval walls to modern towers on Baku’s shifting skyline

You’ll wander Baku’s ancient lanes with a local guide, touch centuries-old walls near Maiden Tower, ride the funicular for sweeping views at Upland Park, and watch as Flame Towers light up against the night sky. Taste fresh bread in hidden corners and catch snippets of real life along Baku Boulevard—this tour lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this echo when you step through the Double Gates of Baku Old City — not loud, but a kind of hush that made me pause. Our guide, Elchin, waved us over with a grin and started telling stories about these stones dating back to the 12th century. I kept running my fingers along the walls; they’re cool and rough, bits of history under your palm. We wandered narrow lanes where cats darted past doorways, and honestly, the smell of fresh bread from some little bakery almost distracted me from Elchin’s story about Maiden Tower. He said it’s on Azeri money — I checked later, he was right.

We ducked into Juma Mosque just as the call to prayer drifted through the air — soft but insistent. There were old men chatting outside in bursts of Azerbaijani I couldn’t follow (Elchin translated some jokes for us). The miniature book museum was next; it’s tiny and kind of odd in the best way, shelves packed with books smaller than my palm. My favorite moment might’ve been at Upland Park though. We took the funicular up just before sunset — wind off the Caspian was salty and sharp — and there’s this wide view over Baku that made everyone go quiet for a second. The city feels endless from up there.

After dark, we strolled along Baku Boulevard with families out walking and teenagers blasting music from their phones. The Flame Towers flickered on one by one — blue, then red — and someone behind us actually gasped (I didn’t expect to be so impressed by LED lights but here we are). If you book the private option, you get picked up at Upland Park for a drive out to Heydar Aliyev Center — it looks like something from the future, all curves and light. I tried to take a photo but none really did it justice.

I still think about how old meets new here — mosques next to glass towers, carpets drying on stone balconies while neon signs blink below. It’s not always tidy or easy to explain. But walking those streets with a local guide who loves every corner makes you feel like you belong for a little while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old City and Panoramic Views

• Start at Double Gates entrance
• Receive historical city introduction
• Walk through Old City streets
• View Maiden Tower from outside
• Visit Juma mosque
• See Muhammad mosque of Siniq Qala
• Visit miniature books museum
• See Palace of the Shirvanshahs
• Visit Ismailiyya Palace
• Pass by Fountain Square
• Pass by Filarmoniya Bağı park
• Visit Upland Park for city views
• Pass by Azerbaijan Carpet Museum
• Visit Highland Park for panoramic views
• See Flame Towers at night
• Pass by Baku Boulevard promenade

Top questions

How long is the Old & Modern Baku tour?

The tour typically lasts several hours as you walk through Old City landmarks before heading to modern sites like Upland Park and Flame Towers.

Is pickup included in this Baku city tour?

Pickup is included only with the private option; otherwise, you meet at Double Gates in Old City.

Does this day trip cover both old and modern parts of Baku?

Yes, it covers medieval Old City sites plus modern highlights like Flame Towers and Heydar Aliyev Center (private option).

Are entry fees or tickets included?

The tour includes entry fees where needed plus tickets for the funicular ride up to Upland Park.

What language does the guide speak?

Your professional guide speaks English fluently; other languages may be available upon request.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No formal meal is included; however, you’ll pass bakeries and cafes where you can buy snacks during breaks.

How much walking is involved on this day trip in Baku?

You’ll walk through Old City streets; moderate fitness is recommended but most people find it manageable.

Can I visit Heydar Aliyev Center on this tour?

The Heydar Aliyev Center visit is only included if you book the private option with car pickup from Upland Park.

What’s included

Your day includes a professional local guide leading you through medieval streets, entry tickets for key monuments like Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs’ Palace (where required), plus a funicular ride up to Upland Park for panoramic views. If you choose the private option, car pickup from Upland Park is provided so you can also see Heydar Aliyev Center before returning in the evening.