In December of 2000, this popular destination became the first ever UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in Azerbaijan. Home to the Palace of the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the famous Old City is an epicenter of history, culture and tradition that attracts travelers from across the globe. Age is evident in the surrounding architecture—not just in design, but because many of the buildings are in disrepair—and the picturesque streets of Old City are ideal for exploring. Whether it’s the back alleyways, souvenir shops, museums or the palace interior, there’s plenty to see on these ancient walkways. Visitors can hire a guide or strike out on their own. All that’s required is a sense of adventure and some comfortable shoes!

The popular Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, located in the heart of Azerbaijan, is hometo one of the most extensive rug and carpet collections in the world. Travelers can wander the well-currated halls lined with colorful tapestries that showcase various weaving techniques and materials collected throughout the nation’s history. Since 2014 this incredible destination has been operating out of its newly renovated home, where some 10,000 items - including more than just carpets - are proudly displayed. But it’s the collection from the Shusha Museum of History, which includes some 600 carpets from a city that was crushed by Armenian troops in the early 1990s, which really steals the show. A well-stocked bookstore and occasional public lectures bring this unique attraction and its colorful history to life.

The Maiden Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, is located inside the walled-city of Baku and known by locals as Giz Galasi. Built in the 12th century, this iconic structure, which rises up into the otherwise empty skyline, is one of the city’s most distinctive buildings. Travelers who head to the Maiden Tower can visit the museum that’s housed inside and learn about the walled city’s history, culture and revolution. Ambitious adventurers can climb the stairs to the top of the tower where they’ll be met with incredible views of the Caspian Sea .

Relatively new to the skyline—they were only completed in 2012 the three glass skyscrapers that comprise the Flame Towers have already become iconic. The three towers sit atop a hill overlooking the old city center and Baku Bay and were inspired by the ancient practice of fire worship in Azerbaijan. By day, the blue-tinted reflective towers are impressive, but they’re truly spectacular after dark, when their surfaces become a giant display for more than 10,000 LED lights that paint the towers with colors of fire, water or the national flag. The buildings’ interiors house mostly offices and residences, but also notably the Fairmont Baku Hotel.

This famous palace, which dates back to the 1400s, is comprised of five distinct sections. Its complex is an ideal place for travelers who want to learn more about the area’s culture, architecture and traditions to visit. Construction on the palace’s main building began in 1411. Visitors can enter through its portal and make their way to the Divankhana—a stone pavilion inside the courtyard. The towering mausoleum serves as a burial space and was designed by the architect Memar Ali. Travelers can also make their way to the Palace Mosque, which is part of the palace that was later built in the 1430s, as well as the bath house, which is complete with 26 unique rooms.

Boasting a prime location on a boulevard overlooking the Caspian Sea, the Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye) offers panoramic views of the city and its coastal surroundings. The wheel was originally built for the Eurovision Song Contest, which Azerbaijan hosted in 2012, and has since become one of the city’s most visible attractions

In the early days of 1990 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Baku was the site of a violent crackdown on the Azerbaijani independence movement, leaving hundreds of civilians dead. Built atop a former cemetery destroyed after the Bolsheviks came into power, Martyrs’ Lane is a memorial to some 15,000 Azerbaijani heroes, including those who lost their lives during the Black January massacre. Rising from the center of the memorial is the Eternal Flame; it’s common to see fresh wreaths here left by Azerbaijani citizens who’ve come to honor the dead. The main “lane” of the memorial has marble walls to either side bearing the names of the martyrs buried there. Also of interest is the British memorial stone honoring British servicemen who died there toward the end of World War I.

The Baku Museum of Miniature Books is the only museum of miniature books in the world, settled in the old part of Baku, called Inner City. The museum started its operation on April 2, 2002. In 2015 the Museum of Miniature Books was presented the Certificate of the Guinness Book of Records as the largest private museum of miniature books.

Highland Park is one of the most famous and interesting sights of Baku. The green zone is located above Baku Bay. The park in its original form, which has been preserved today, with spacious stairs, shady alleys and cosy terraces, was created by the famous architect Lev Ilyin. During the construction of the Park, Baku limestone was used as the main material.