Baku is a city where modernity meets tradition, but the best way to understand its charm is through its diverse tours and experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning mountain landscapes, eager to dive into local cuisine, or want a taste of history, Baku offers options for every traveler. We especially like the From Baku: Guba-Khinalig group day trip for its combination of breathtaking scenery and authentic cultural encounters—you’ll hike through lush valleys and enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani meal amid mountain vistas. This trip exemplifies how Azerbaijan’s natural beauty and heritage are best appreciated outside the city limits.
For those with a shorter time frame, the Baku: Guided City Highlights Tour with Scenic River Cruise offers a perfect mix of history, architecture, and a relaxing boat ride along Baku’s scenic river. And if you’re interested in combining adventure with local culture, the Baku to Gabala: Nij Village Guided Tour, Udi Church Visit takes you into the heart of the Udi heritage and the beautiful Caucasus Mountains. No matter your interests, these experiences show how Azerbaijan’s landscapes and traditions are best explored with a guided hand.
1. From Baku: Guba-Khinalig group day trip
At number 1 on our list, this day trip to Guba and Khinalig manages to combine stunning mountain vistas, culture, and outdoor activity in one full day. Starting with a pickup from one of four locations in Baku, you’ll embark on a scenic 80-minute drive into Azerbaijan’s lush Absheron region. The tour then hits a series of highlights, including a stop at the Candy Cane Mountains, famous for their unique striped rock formations, and Besh Barmag Mountain, where a guided tour offers insights into the area’s geological history.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic experiences—visiting Khinalig, one of the highest and most isolated villages in the Caucasus, gives a glimpse into traditional Azerbaijani mountain life. Here, you’ll explore Khinalug Mosque and Museum, connecting with the local people and their ancient traditions. The itinerary also includes a walk through Gachrash Forest, which offers a peaceful break among towering trees, and a visit to the historic MestDergah site. The trip concludes with a traditional Azerbaijani meal at a local restaurant, offering local flavors that are hard to beat.
This tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy hiking and exploring nature without sacrificing cultural depth. If you’re after a full, immersive day outside Baku, this trip packs a lot of value into 12 hours.
Bottom Line: Combining mountain scenery, local culture, and outdoor activity, this day trip is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Azerbaijan’s natural and cultural wealth.
2. Baku: Guba, Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountain Lunch included
For around $33 per person, this full-day scenic adventure takes you into the mountains to explore the Five Finger Mountains and the Candy Cane Hills. It’s an affordable way to witness some of the most remarkable geological features of Azerbaijan. The highlight is a visit to the Shahdag Mountain Resort, where you can take a cable car ride and enjoy panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains—an experience that appeals to anyone who likes a bit of altitude and adventure.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of nature and thrill. You can opt to take a cable car or feel the rush on an included rollercoaster ride, adding a dash of adrenaline to your day. The vibrant colors and unusual shapes of the Candy Cane Hills create perfect photo opportunities, and the relaxed pace makes it suitable for families or travelers looking for a laid-back mountain excursion. Plus, the visit to Shahdag Resort offers optional activities like hiking or simply soaking in the scenery.
This tour is best suited for those wanting a cost-effective day of mountain scenery and light adventure. It’s not overly strenuous but still offers excellent views and a taste of Azerbaijan’s rugged beauty.
Bottom Line: An accessible, fun mountain tour with options for excitement and relaxation, perfect for travelers on a budget or with limited time.
3. A Culinary Journey Through History and Nature
Spending six days exploring Azerbaijani cuisine, this culinary tour offers a deep dive into local flavors, cooking traditions, and wine culture. Starting with a traditional Azerbaijani welcome dinner, you’ll taste dishes like plov (rice pilaf) and kebabs, and visit a restaurant in Gobustan renowned for its fresh local fish.
A distinctive feature of this trip is the opportunity to participate in a hands-on cooking class, where you learn to prepare some of Azerbaijan’s best-loved dishes. Over the course of six days, you’ll also visit vineyards for wine tastings, explore local markets, and learn about the culinary customs passed down through generations. This experience is ideal for food lovers who want more than just a meal — they want a full culture.
While the price point ($900 per person) reflects the extensive nature of the experience, it offers tremendous value for those seeking a long, in-depth exploration of Azerbaijan’s gastronomy. The tour is best suited for travelers with time, a curiosity for food, and a desire to connect with local traditions.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for gourmets and culture seekers willing to invest in a comprehensive, multi-day taste of Azerbaijan.
4. Baku: Guided City Highlights Tour with Scenic River Cruise
At number 4, this city and river cruise tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Baku’s most iconic sights in about 4-5 hours. The tour includes visits to the Old Town, where you can wander cobblestone streets and see landmarks like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
The highlight is a scenic cruise along the Caspian Sea’s river, providing a relaxing perspective on the city’s skyline and modern architecture. Along the way, you’ll enjoy informative commentary that makes the city’s history and development accessible and engaging. Visiting a local street food market adds a culinary dimension, allowing you to taste authentic Azerbaijani snacks.
This tour is perfect for those short on time but eager to get a broad overview of Baku’s culture, history, and modern vibe. The combination of walking and boat riding makes it appealing to travelers wanting variety in their sightseeing without an all-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Short, engaging, and well-paced, ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Baku’s highlights with a scenic twist.
5. Baku to Gabala: Nij Village Guided Tour, Udi Church Visit
For those interested in Azerbaijan’s lesser-known cultures, this tour takes you into Udi country—specifically, Nij Village. For $202 per person, you’ll explore the history and traditions of the Udi people, one of the region’s oldest Christian communities. The tour includes a visit to the ancient Udi Church and a chance to meet locals, giving a personal touch to the experience.
The scenic drive through the Caucasus Mountains offers breathtaking views, and the guided explanation provides context about Udi customs and the significance of the church. Meeting local residents and seeing traditional Udi dress and crafts makes this a meaningful cultural journey. The route also includes a walk around Nohur Lake, where the peaceful setting enhances the experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers interested in ethnic cultures, religious history, and scenic mountain landscapes. It offers a deeper understanding of Azerbaijan’s diverse cultural fabric beyond the more typical sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culturally curious travelers wanting a meaningful, scenic day with local interaction.
6. Tufan-Dag Skiing & Cable Cars Adventure Tour in Azerbaijan
If winter sports appeal to you, this skiing and cable car tour offers a full-day of mountain action. Starting from Baku, you’ll travel to Mount Tufan-Dag, where the slopes cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, the variety of pistes will keep you busy.
What makes this tour special is the breathtaking cable car ride up the mountain, providing panoramic views of the Caucasus Range. You’ll have the chance to ski down carefully prepared slopes and enjoy the fresh mountain air. There’s also an option for those who prefer a less active experience to simply take in the scenery from the cable cars.
Designed for adventure lovers, this tour is best suited for active travelers with some skiing experience or those excited to try it for the first time. It offers a full day of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and mountain fun—an excellent escape from city life.
Bottom Line: A great choice for winter sports enthusiasts who want to combine mountain scenery with skiing or snowboarding.
7. Baku: 2-Day Azerbaijan Tour with Option to Cross to Georgia
Our top multi-day pick, this two-day adventure offers a comprehensive look at Azerbaijan’s cultural and natural highlights. Starting with visits to Shamakhi and Lahij, you’ll see ancient mosques, mausoleums, and handicraft workshops.
The trip continues with a peaceful walk around Nohur Lake and explorations of Gabala and Sheki, including the Sheki Khan’s Palace and Caravanserai—places that showcase the region’s architectural and artistic heritage. The option to cross into Georgia adds a logistical adventure, expanding your travel experience.
This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a deep dive into Azerbaijan’s diverse sights over two days, with enough time to appreciate both historical sites and scenic landscapes. It offers excellent value given the multiple destinations covered.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a thorough, organized overview of Azerbaijan’s culture and scenery, with a flexible option to extend into Georgia.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Baku
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick city overview, the guided city tour with river cruise is ideal. If mountain landscapes and outdoor activities excite you, the Guba-Khinalig day trip or Shahdag Mountain Tour might be better suited.
For food lovers, the Culinary Journey offers a memorable, immersive experience. Those interested in cultural depth can opt for the Nij Village Tour, which combines scenic beauty with ethnic heritage. Finally, winter sport enthusiasts should consider the Tufan-Dag Skiing Adventure.
Booking early is recommended, especially for multi-day or popular mountain tours, to secure your spot and get the best times. Think about what excites you most—mountains, history, food, or city life—and choose accordingly. Each tour offers a unique way to get beneath the surface of Azerbaijan’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
Baku’s tours cover everything from mountain peaks and historic villages to city streets and culinary delights. For a well-rounded experience, consider mixing a city tour with an outdoor adventure or cultural excursion. No matter which you pick, these trips will deepen your understanding of Azerbaijan and leave you with memorable stories to tell.