Baku Old City: Walking Tour with History & Local Stories

Summary

Winding alleys, ancient towers, and palace secrets in Baku

You’ll walk Baku’s winding old streets with a local guide sharing family stories and hidden details most travelers miss. Climb (or just admire) the Maiden Tower, stand where sultans once ruled at Shirvanshahs Palace, and pause for tea or laughter with locals along the way. It’s not just sightseeing — it’s feeling part of something living.

What’s the experience like?

You just sort of step through the old city gates in Baku and everything changes — the air feels heavier, almost dusty-sweet, and there’s this low hum from shopkeepers chatting in Azerbaijani somewhere behind the stone walls. Our guide, Elchin, waved us over right away (I was running late, of course) and started off with a story about his grandmother sneaking sweets past the guards when he was little. That made me laugh — I didn’t expect such personal stories on a history tour. The group was only six people so it felt less like a tour, more like being shown around by a friend who knows every shortcut.

We wound through narrow lanes that twisted so much I lost my sense of direction after five minutes. There were flashes of blue tiles above doorways, and sometimes you’d catch the smell of baking bread from somewhere you couldn’t quite find. Elchin pointed out tiny details — an old bathhouse here, carvings on a caravanserai wall there — and I kept thinking how easy it would be to miss all this if you wandered alone. When we reached the Maiden Tower (you pay extra if you want to climb up), he told us about its mysterious origins; honestly, I still don’t get why they built it that way but standing at its base you feel how old it is. There’s something grounding about touching those stones.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs was next — you can pay to go inside or just linger in the courtyard. The sun hit the sandstone just right and for a second everything looked golden. Elchin explained how the sultans used to meet in the Divankhana; he even tried to show us how they’d sit cross-legged during council meetings (he nearly toppled over). We passed mosques with quiet courtyards where older men nodded at us as we went by — one even offered me some tea from his thermos, which honestly made my day.

I still think about that moment: just sitting on a low wall near the poet Aliaga Vahid’s monument while our group tried to pronounce his name (badly). It’s not just history here — it’s layers of lives stacked up in these stones and alleyways. The tour ended before I was ready for it to end; I almost stayed behind to wander more but I guess that’s what makes Baku Old City stick with you after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Baku Old City landmarks

• Visit Maiden Tower
• Tour Palace of Shirvanshahs
• See Divankhana courtyard
• Explore mosques and minarets
• Walk through caravansaries and baths
• Visit Museum of Miniature Books
• View Juma Mosque
• See Bukhara Caravanserai
• Visit Monument to Aliaga Vahid
• Explore Quadrangular Tower
• Visit Muhammad Mosque
• See Azerbaijani artist workshop
• Enter Main gate of Baku Old City
• Visit Aga Mikayil Public Bath House
• See Azerbaijan Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
• Explore Multani Caravansarai
• Visit House of Baku Khans
• See Baku Marionette Theatre
• View Azerbaijani jazz musician site
• Walk Khanagah Complex and old Market square
• Visit Baylar Mosque

Top questions

How long does the Baku Old City walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is entry to Maiden Tower included in the tour price?

No, entrance fees for Maiden Tower are separate (about 15 AZN).

How many people are in each group?

The group size is up to 12 people per tour.

Is lunch included on this Baku Old Town walking tour?

No meals are included; however, there are local cafes nearby if you'd like to eat before or after.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; you'll meet your guide at Baku Old City gates.

Are there any physical requirements for this walking tour?

The route is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

Can I join if I'm traveling solo?

Yes—solo travelers are welcome but should book at least one hour before start time.

What monuments will we see on this tour?

You’ll visit sites like Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs Palace (outside), mosques, caravanserais, bathhouses, and more within Baku Old City.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes two hours exploring Baku Old City on foot with a local guide who shares stories and answers questions along the way. You’ll get information about monuments like Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs Palace (entry fees not included), plus plenty of conversation as you wander historic courtyards and winding alleys together.