Why visit
Baku is a Caspian capital of oil-boom architecture, medieval walls, flame-shaped towers, and windswept boulevards. It works well as a city break with day trips to mud volcanoes, petroglyphs, and Absheron fire sites.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Baku is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Azerbaijan. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Baku, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Azerbaijan better matches the trip style.
Baku at a glance
City population
2.4 million
Elevation
-23 m
-75 ft
Time zone
UTC+4
Asia/Baku
Airport
GYD
Heydar Aliyev International Airport
Azerbaijan at a glance
Country center
40.5°, 47.5°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
86,600 km²
33,436 mi²
Country population
10.4 million
120/km²
Subregion
Western Asia
Currency
Azerbaijani manat (₼)
AZN
Dial
+994
Languages
Azerbaijani, Russian
Demonym
Azerbaijani
Internet
.az
UN
Member state
ISO code
AZ / AZE
Where in the world
40.5° - 47.5°
Azerbaijan
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Baku is one of the world's lowest national capitals, sitting below sea level on the Caspian coast.
- The Walled City of Baku, including the Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahs' Palace, is UNESCO-listed.
- Baku's name is commonly traced to a Persian phrase meaning city of winds, and the Caspian gusts live up to it.
- Azerbaijan is home to 7 of the world's 11 climate zones: from desert to alpine tundra.
- The country's name means "land of fire": natural gas vents burn openly on hillsides (Yanar Dag has burned for millennia).
Bordering Azerbaijan
Traveler notes
- The Walled City of Baku is UNESCO-listed
- Flame Towers dominate the modern skyline
- Gobustan and mud volcanoes make the classic day trip
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Baku
What currency is used in Baku?
Baku uses the Azerbaijani manat (₼), ISO code AZN.
What languages are spoken in Azerbaijan?
The primary languages are Azerbaijani and Russian.
What is the international calling code for Azerbaijan?
The calling code is +994.
When is the best time to visit Baku?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Baku?
Heydar Aliyev International Airport (IATA: GYD).
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