Our Azerbaijan Travel Experience – May 2019

From exploring Baku and the historic Old City to discovering waterfalls, mountain views, local food, and a mysterious street fruit, here’s a look back at our Azerbaijan adventure in May 2019.

Discovering Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a fascinating country located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia and Georgia to the north, Armenia and Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south.

The country’s official language is Azerbaijani, a Turkic language spoken by the majority of the population.

Azerbaijan is also a predominantly Muslim country. However, its religious and cultural landscape is quite diverse, and the country is often described as relatively secular compared with many other Muslim-majority nations.

For travelers, this combination of history, culture, beautiful landscapes, modern cities, and unique natural attractions makes Azerbaijan an interesting destination to explore.

And one of the reasons Azerbaijan became one of our travel choices was its accessibility from Dubai.

A direct flight from the United Arab Emirates to Baku takes only a few hours, making it a convenient destination for people living in the UAE who are looking for a quick international getaway.

Aside from neighboring Armenia and Georgia, Azerbaijan has plenty to offer… from its modern capital and historic old city to ancient temples, mud volcanoes, natural flames, mountains, and the beautiful Caspian Sea.

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Our Azerbaijan Travel Adventure

In May 2019, my husband and I decided to travel to Azerbaijan.

Traveling to places we had never visited before was already one of the things on our personal to-do list.

We always tried our best to work hard, save money, and set aside time for travel whenever possible.

For us, traveling wasn’t simply about taking a vacation.

It was about experiencing new places, learning about different cultures, creating memories, and seeing the world beyond the place where we lived.

So when we had the opportunity to visit Azerbaijan, we didn’t hesitate for long.

We started planning our trip.

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Booking Our Azerbaijan Tour Package

For this trip, we booked a tour package through HolidayMe, as there was a special holiday promotion available at the time.

The timing was also perfect because it was around the end of Ramadan, when employees in the UAE had a few days of holiday. It gave us a great opportunity to take a short break from work and travel.

Our tour package cost approximately AED 2,100 (around USD 570) for the two of us.

The package included:

• Return economy-class flights from Sharjah, UAE to Baku, Azerbaijan with Air Arabia
• Airport transfers by coach
• Four nights’ accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• A guided tour of some of Azerbaijan’s attractions

We stayed at a three-star hotel called The Opera Hotel.

At the time, the package seemed like a good deal for us because it allowed us to organize most of the important parts of the trip in advance.

And honestly, having the transportation and accommodation arranged made things much easier.

All we had to do was pack our bags, get on the plane, and enjoy the adventure!

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Our Azerbaijan Itinerary

During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit several interesting places and experience some of the unique attractions that Azerbaijan is known for.

Among the places and attractions included in our trip were:

1. Baku
2. Icheri Sheher (Old City)
3. Baku Boulevard
4. Caspian Sea
5. Ateshgah Fire Temple
6. Yanar Dag – The Burning Mountain
7. Gobustan National Park
8. Mud Volcanoes
9. Absheron Peninsula
10. Sheki City
11. Nabran
12. Astara
13. Naftalan Oil Resort
14. Yanar Bulag
15. Absheron National Park
16. Shirvan National Park

Each destination offered something different.

Some introduced us to Azerbaijan’s history and culture, while others showed us its unusual natural landscapes.

And some places were simply beautiful enough to make us stop, look around, and appreciate how different the world can be from what we are used to seeing.

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What Can You Expect From Azerbaijan?

If you’re planning to visit Azerbaijan, expect a mixture of old and new.

In Baku, you’ll find modern buildings, shopping areas, restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.

But just outside the city, you can discover ancient settlements, historic religious sites, unusual geological formations, and landscapes that look completely different from the modern capital.

That contrast was one of the things we enjoyed most about our trip.

You can spend part of the day walking through an ancient area and then find yourself surrounded by modern architecture only a short distance away.

And, of course, there are the attractions that make Azerbaijan particularly memorable, flames rising from the ground, bubbling mud volcanoes, historic temples, and the vast Caspian Sea.

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A Little Note Before We Continue

This trip happened in May 2019, so this is a personal travel journal based on our experience at that time. Some prices, tour packages, transportation arrangements, hotel information, and travel requirements may have changed since then.

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Visiting Azerbaijan? Here Are Some Things You Should Definitely Do

If you’re planning a trip to Azerbaijan, here are some of the places and experiences we had during our visit that you may want to include in your itinerary.

1. Explore the City of Baku

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan and serves as the country’s major scientific, cultural, and industrial center. It is also one of the most interesting cities we visited because of its combination of modern architecture, historical landmarks, and lively city life.

Baku was our first destination since our hotel was located near the city.

Our driver picked us up and dropped us off at the different destinations, and surprisingly, we didn’t have a tour guide with us!

We were actually a little shocked because we were used to having a guide during organized tours, someone who would explain the history of each attraction and provide information about the places we were visiting.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t a major problem. We simply explored the city on our own and enjoyed the experience.

Sometimes, traveling without a guide gives you a little more freedom to look around, take photos, and simply enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.

And Baku definitely gave us plenty to see!

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2. Take a Photo With the Famous Flame Towers

Our exploration of Baku eventually brought us to one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, the Flame Towers.

You can’t really talk about Baku without mentioning these three distinctive flame-shaped buildings.

Azerbaijan is often associated with the nickname “Land of Fire,” and the design of the Flame Towers was inspired by the country’s long history and cultural association with fire, including its Zoroastrian heritage.

The three towers are designed to resemble flames rising toward the sky, creating one of the most recognizable skylines in Baku.

Each tower serves a different purpose, including residential, hotel, and office spaces.

The tallest of the three towers reaches approximately 190 meters and serves as a residential building. Another tower houses a hotel, while the third is used as office space.

For tourists, however, one of the most important things to do is simple:

Take a photo with them!

The Flame Towers have become one of the symbols of modern Baku, so of course, we couldn’t leave without taking pictures.

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3. Visit Fountains Square

Another interesting place to explore in Baku is Fountains Square, a public square located in the heart of downtown Baku.

As its name suggests, the square is known for its numerous fountains and is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists.

The area becomes especially lively after working hours and during weekends.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, boutiques, hotels, cafés, and pedestrian areas surrounding the square, making it a great place to walk around and experience the atmosphere of the city.

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And, of course, after walking around and sightseeing for hours, you’re bound to get hungry!

Fountains Square is a great place to stop for lunch, do a little shopping, and observe the local way of life.

One thing we learned during our trip, though, was that having Google Translate on your phone can be very helpful.

Can You Get Around Baku Using English?

Generally, we found that many young people in Baku, especially those working in tourist-oriented businesses, could communicate in English.

You are more likely to encounter English speakers in hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and other tourist areas.

However, English wasn’t necessarily spoken everywhere.

So, if you’re visiting Azerbaijan, I would recommend having Google Translate ready on your phone. You can also bring an Azerbaijani phrasebook if you prefer something more traditional.

A little preparation can make communication much easier, especially when you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or dealing with transportation.

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4. Be Amazed by Yanar Dag – The Flaming Hillside

If you want to understand why Azerbaijan is known as the “Land of Fire,” then Yanar Dag is definitely a place worth visiting.

Yanar Dag, which means “Burning Mountain,” is a natural gas fire that burns continuously on a hillside.

The flames emerge directly from the ground, creating a fascinating natural phenomenon.

As you get closer, you’ll notice the smell of natural gas in the surrounding area while flames rise from the sandstone hillside.

It is definitely not something you see every day!

The entrance ticket during our visit cost approximately AZN 3 (around USD 2).

After getting our tickets, we walked toward the area where the flames could be seen at the base of the hill.

There are stairs and seating areas where visitors can get a closer look and enjoy the view.

The flames may look relatively small, especially during the daytime, but seeing fire naturally coming out of the ground is still quite remarkable.

For us, Yanar Dag was one of those places that made us think:

“Wow, nature really has its own way of surprising us.”

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5. Discover the History of Ateshgah Fire Temple

Our next stop was the Ateshgah Fire Temple, another fascinating destination connected to Azerbaijan’s history and its association with fire.

Located in the outskirts of Baku, this castle-like temple complex has a long and interesting religious history. It was associated with Zoroastrian and Hindu communities, among others, and was historically used as a place of worship.

The temple’s central courtyard features an altar that was associated with fire rituals and is one of the main attractions of the complex.

The temple complex also contains several chambers around the courtyard. Inside, you’ll find displays, statues, and information explaining the history of the site, its religious associations, and the people who once visited or lived there.

The temple eventually ceased functioning as a place of worship and was later preserved as a historical site and museum.

A Different Kind of Temple Experience

For us, visiting Ateshgah was particularly interesting because it was very different from the temples we had previously visited in Hong Kong and Singapore.

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Every country has its own religious history and traditions, and visiting places like this gives you an opportunity to understand a little more about the culture and beliefs that shaped a particular society.

We enjoyed walking around the courtyard, looking at the displays, and learning about the history behind the temple.

During our visit, the entrance ticket cost approximately AZN 5 (around USD 3), and for us, it was definitely worth it.

It wasn’t simply another tourist attraction.

It was a place where we could step back in time and learn more about Azerbaijan’s fascinating religious and cultural history.

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6. Explore Azerbaijan’s Old City — Icheri Sheher

One of the places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Baku is Icheri Sheher, also known as the Old City.

Located in the heart of modern Baku, Icheri Sheher feels like stepping into a time machine and traveling back several centuries.

From the outside, its ancient stone buildings and walls give you a glimpse of what Baku may have looked like hundreds of years ago. As you walk through its narrow, winding streets, you’ll discover historic palaces, mosques, old hammams, caravanserais, and beautifully preserved ruins.

The atmosphere is completely different from the modern side of Baku.

Along the streets, you’ll also find local shops and vendors selling carpets, souvenirs, jewelry, handicrafts, and other traditional Azerbaijani products.

For us, walking around the Old City was one of the most memorable parts of exploring Baku. It was fascinating to see how the old and new sides of the city exist side by side.

Don’t forget to bring your camera because almost every corner looks like a perfect travel photo!

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7. Visit the Incredible Yeddi Gozel Waterfalls in Qabala

After exploring Baku, we traveled to Qabala, which took approximately three hours by shared coach.

Our journey continued toward the Yeddi Gozel Waterfalls, but getting there required another short ride in a smaller vehicle. Local drivers were available to take visitors directly to the waterfalls for around AZN 20 (approximately USD 11).

It was such an incredible experience.

Living and working in Dubai had made us appreciate natural surroundings even more. We were used to the city, buildings, roads, and busy urban life, so being surrounded by greenery, mountains, and flowing water felt like a breath of fresh air.

During our visit, the waterfalls had a good amount of water flowing down the rocks, and the temperature was pleasantly cold.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful and perfect for taking pictures.

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There was also a small café nearby where visitors could enjoy local tea and sweets.

For a while, we simply sat down, relaxed, and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

Sometimes, traveling isn’t about rushing from one attraction to another.

Sometimes, it’s simply about stopping for a moment and appreciating where you are.

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8. Take a Boat Ride at Nohur Lake

Another beautiful destination we visited in Qabala was Nohur Lake (Nohur Gul).

Nohur Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by beautiful landscapes and greenery. There aren’t necessarily a lot of activities to do here, but that’s actually part of its charm.

You can simply relax, enjoy the scenery, take photographs, or go for a boat ride while admiring the peaceful surroundings.

There were also souvenir shops and fruit stalls around the area where tourists could browse and purchase local products.

After spending time in busy cities, being beside the calm waters of Nohur Lake was a welcome change.

It was another opportunity for us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature.

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9. Ride the Cable Car in Qabala

If you’re visiting Qabala, don’t miss the Qabala Cable Car!

The area is primarily known for its ski resort, but it is also a beautiful destination during the warmer months because of the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and greenery.

This was actually our first time riding a cable car, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous!

I’m not particularly comfortable with heights, but I decided to overcome my fear and enjoy the experience.

And I’m glad I did.

The ride offered breathtaking views of the Tufandag Mountains, surrounding greenery, and the villages below.

During our visit, the ticket cost approximately AZN 10 (around USD 6), and for us, it was absolutely worth it.

There were also cafés and restaurants at the different stations where visitors could grab something to eat or simply enjoy the view.

If you’re afraid of heights like me, don’t worry.

Take a deep breath, look around, and enjoy the scenery.

You might surprise yourself! 😊

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10. Grab a Bite of Their Doner Kebab

Of course, no trip is complete without trying the local food!

One of the things we enjoyed during our Azerbaijan trip was doner kebab.

If you’re from Dubai, you’ll probably find it familiar because it is very similar to the shawarma that is popular throughout the Middle East.

The basic idea is similar: seasoned meat is cooked on a vertical spit, sliced thinly, and served in bread or a wrap with different toppings and sauces.

You may know similar versions by different names depending on the country. In Greece, it’s commonly known as gyro, while in the Middle East, it’s widely known as shawarma.

Whatever you call it, it’s delicious!

The meat was flavorful and juicy, with enough fat to keep it tender.

For a Filipino living in Dubai, it was also fun to experience a familiar type of food in a different country.

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11. Check Out the McDonald’s Menu in Baku

Who doesn’t like McDonald’s? 😄

If you’re curious about how international fast-food chains adapt their menus to different countries, why not visit a McDonald’s branch in Baku?

We were curious to see what was different about their menu compared with what we’re used to in Dubai and the Philippines.

I didn’t get the chance to write down the names of all the items we tried, so I’ll leave that part for you to discover!

One thing I remember, though, was seeing a doner-kebab-inspired option on the menu.

It’s always interesting to see how the same international brand incorporates local tastes into its food.

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12. Try Other Fast-Food Chains

And while you’re at it, why not try some of the other fast-food restaurants you come across?

Sometimes, the most unexpected food discoveries happen when you simply decide to try something you’ve never had before.

You might discover a new favorite, or at least have a funny food story to tell when you get home!

When traveling, don’t be afraid to experiment.

Food is also part of the culture.

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13. Try Some of Their Local Drinks

Another way to experience a country’s culture is through its local beverages.

During our trip, we had the opportunity to try some of the drinks available in Azerbaijan.

Depending on your preference, you can find different beverages in restaurants, cafés, pubs, and local shops.

Although Azerbaijan has a Muslim-majority population, alcoholic beverages are also available in many establishments and shops.

If you’re interested in trying local alcoholic drinks, you can explore what’s available responsibly and according to local laws and customs.

And if you’re not a drinker, don’t worry, there are plenty of other local beverages to try!

For us, trying different food and drinks was simply another way of experiencing the country beyond the usual tourist attractions.

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14. Try Their Mystery Street Fruit!

And finally, here’s one of the most unexpected discoveries from our Azerbaijan trip!

We came across a fruit that we had never seen before.

We noticed several trees growing along the roads and sidewalks, with the fruit naturally falling onto the ground.

Then we saw a local man picking some of the fruit and eating it.

Of course, curiosity got the better of us.

So we decided to try it too!

At first, it tasted slightly sour, but then it became sweet. The texture was soft and, as we remember it, seedless.

Its appearance reminded us somewhat of a blackberry, while the taste reminded us of the Filipino fruit aratiles.

But here’s the funny part:

We never found out what the fruit actually was! 😂

Even after our trip, it remained one of our little Azerbaijan mysteries.

So, if anyone reading this knows what fruit we were eating, please let us know!

You can leave a comment below or send us a message. We’d genuinely love to solve this mystery after all these years. 😊

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Our Azerbaijan Adventure Comes to an End

And there you have it! 14 things we experienced during our trip to Azerbaijan!

From exploring the modern streets of Baku and stepping back in time in Icheri Sheher, to seeing natural flames at Yanar Dag, learning about history at Ateshgah Fire Temple, and enjoying the mountains and waterfalls of Qabala, our trip gave us so many wonderful memories.

We also discovered something important about traveling:

You don’t always have to visit the most famous places or have a perfectly planned itinerary to have a memorable adventure.

Sometimes, the best memories come from the unexpected moments… the food you randomly try, the people you meet, the place you discover by chance, or even a mysterious fruit that you still can’t identify years later. 😂

There are certainly many other places to visit and activities to experience in Azerbaijan, especially if you have more time to spend there.

So if Azerbaijan is on your travel bucket list, plan your trip well, keep an open mind, and be ready for a completely different kind of adventure.

For us, Azerbaijan was more than just another country checked off our travel list.

It became another chapter in our journey together… one filled with new places, new experiences, beautiful scenery, good food, unexpected discoveries, and memories that we can look back on years later.

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A Little Travel Reflection

Travel reminds us that the world is much bigger than the little corner we are familiar with.

Sometimes, we become so busy with work, responsibilities, and everyday routines that we forget there is an entire world waiting to be explored.

Our Azerbaijan trip reminded us to pause, step outside our comfort zone, and appreciate the opportunity to see something new.

Every journey doesn’t have to be perfect.

What matters is that we go, experience, learn, and create memories along the way.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
— Psalm 24:1 (NIV)

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Final Thoughts

Traveling allows us to see just a small portion of the incredible world God created. Every mountain, lake, waterfall, city, and culture we encounter can remind us of His creativity and greatness.

May our journeys not only give us beautiful memories but also teach us to become more grateful—to appreciate where we are, the people we share our lives with, and the opportunities God gives us to experience something new.

Wherever life takes us next, may we continue to explore with grateful hearts, learn from every journey, and trust God with every destination.

Until our next adventure… keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep making memories!

Thanks for traveling with us!

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