Let’s be real: Azerbaijan isn’t one of those places you hear about every day. It’s not splashed across travel magazines or at the top of most bucket lists. But maybe that’s exactly why it feels so special.
When I booked my ticket to Baku, I didn’t really know what to expect. I read the basics, sure—but the real insights? I learned those on the ground. So if you're planning your first trip to Azerbaijan, here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags.
No need to stress over embassy visits or long paperwork. Azerbaijan offers an e-visa for most nationalities. It usually takes just 3 business days, and you apply online through the official ASAN Visa website.
Pro tip: Apply a week before your trip, just in case. And yes, immigration officers in Baku are very friendly—but don’t forget to print your visa or have it easily accessible on your phone.
The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (₼). It’s surprisingly beautiful—colorful bills, modern design. But while Baku is card-friendly, once you step into smaller towns like Sheki or Lahij, it’s cash all the way.
You’ll find ATMs in most cities, and currency exchange booths are common in Baku’s Old City and at the airport.
I know this surprises people, but Azerbaijan is one of the safest countries I’ve traveled to. I walked alone at night in Baku, took shared taxis between mountain villages, and never once felt uneasy.
Locals are curious, kind, and incredibly respectful. You might get stared at (especially in rural areas), but it’s usually just interest, not hostility.
Depending on when you visit, Azerbaijan’s weather can completely change your experience. Summers in Baku can get hot and windy, while winters in the mountains drop well below freezing.
If you're unsure about timing your trip, this guide breaks down the seasons, festivals, and what to expect:
👉 Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan: Weather, Festivals & Travel Tips
Pack layers, especially if you're going from city to mountains. And don't forget a windbreaker for Baku—locals call it the “city of winds” for a reason.
Azerbaijani food doesn’t get the hype it deserves. Think slow-cooked meats, fluffy rice, grilled veggies, rich soups, and fresh bread with everything. Some dishes are familiar (thanks to Turkish and Persian influence), but many are uniquely local.
Must-try dishes:
Baku has a solid metro system—clean, fast, and dirt cheap. But if you want to explore places like Qabala, Sheki, or the mountain villages, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a driver.
Driving isn’t hard (they drive on the right), but road signs can be inconsistent outside cities. Google Maps works fine, though!
If you're building a week-long trip, this 7-day itinerary might help:
👉 Azerbaijan Itinerary for 7 Days: Explore Baku, Gabala & Beyond
In Baku’s cafes, hotels, and touristy spots, you’ll find decent English. But once you're out in the countryside, Azerbaijani or Russian becomes essential.
Here are a few local phrases that came in handy:
Locals love it when you try to speak their language, even if it’s just a word or two.
Azerbaijan is modern and progressive, especially in the capital, but it’s also rooted in tradition. In smaller towns, you’ll notice more conservative dress and stronger cultural norms.
Azerbaijan isn’t just cities and mountains. It’s deserts, forests, volcanoes, coastlines, and canyons—all packed into one country. One minute you’re watching the Caspian Sea shimmer, and the next you’re driving through a snowy alpine village.
No two regions feel the same, and that’s what makes exploring beyond Baku so rewarding.
This might sound cheesy, but it’s the best advice I can give: talk to people. Ask your cab driver about his favorite local dish. Chat with the woman selling pomegranates at the market. Share a tea with the guesthouse owner in Sheki.
It’s in those small, unplanned moments that Azerbaijan truly comes alive.
Azerbaijan isn’t a checklist country. It’s a place that slowly reveals itself to those who take the time to look a little deeper. So go in with an open mind, a bit of curiosity, and this guide in your pocket—and let the journey surprise you.
And if you're still planning your route or want to know where to start, this blog will help:
👉 10 Must-Visit Places in Azerbaijan for First-Time Travelers
