Author, 7 January 2026
Azerbaijan 7-day itinerary for music-drive travel isn’t just a schedule - it’s a week of sound you move through. Days split between classical halls, jazz basements, seaside electronic nights, and folk music in mountain villages. You’re not only visiting a country, but you’re also following rhythm across it, venue to venue, coast to city, night to sunrise.

Azerbaijan has evolved into a unique and exciting travel destination. Azerbaijan is a place where the East meets the West, and it is a mix of Asian and European cultures and traditions. Historical architecture in the old city of Baku clashes with the modern design of the Flame Towers. Creating a stunning city landscape adjunct to the Pacific coastline. From lush valleys, deserts, and wetlands to the northeastern Caucasus mountain range, Azerbaijan is a treasure trove of natural wonders. With so many sites to discover, visitors should set aside at least 7 days to explore this destination to its fullest. We have created for you an Azerbaijan itinerary, 7 days in this cultural and historical wonder. 

Why Seven Days Works Perfect

Planning a week in Azerbaijan? Most people don’t know what to expect until they get there. This guide answers exactly what to do in Azerbaijan for a week. It includes a day-by-day breakdown of Baku, mountain towns, and natural wonders. You’ll see ancient history, modern cities, and crazy mud volcanoes. Real prices, actual tips that work, and why this route beats just wandering around randomly hoping to stumble on good stuff.

A week in Azerbaijan gives you breathing room. You’re not sprinting and two days in Baku, soaking up the capital. One day on insane trips - mud volcanoes, burning mountains, ancient temples. Three days heading north through historic towns and mountain villages, and one day, relaxing before flying home. It flows naturally without backtracking or wasting hours on bad roads.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather’s perfect. Summer’s hot but doable. Winter’s cold, but cheaper, and ski resorts open if you want that.

Day 1: Landing & Your First Baku Evening

You land at Heydar Aliyev Airport. Take the Airport Express bus instead of a random taxi - it costs 1.30 AZN and is super easy - drop bags at the hotel. Grab lunch somewhere.

Afternoon means Old City (Icherisheher). Medieval streets that haven’t changed much since medieval times. Walk Maiden Tower - climb it for views. Visit the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Wander through confusing, narrow alleys intentionally. Get lost. That’s the point.

Evening - walk on Baku Boulevard along the Caspian Sea. Watch the sunset. Have dinner at a traditional restaurant. Try plov (rice with meat and dried fruits). Sit, people-watch, breathe.

 

Day 2: Museums, Mountains & Fire

Start the Heydar Aliyev Center - a modern building that looks like someone melted it. Afternoon goes to Gobustan National Park - ancient rock carvings, thousands of petroglyphs carved into cliffs, before cities existed. Mud volcanoes bubble next door. Groos and beautiful. Evening visit Yanar Dag (burning mountain) - natural gas fires blazing on the hillside for centuries. Sunset here is actually breathtaking. Dinner back in Baku.

For those wishing to extend their trip to a Baku itinerary of 7 days, consider the sites coming up that you wouldn’t want to miss. 

Day 3: Starting Your Mountain Journey

Take an early drive north - about four or five hours - up toward Sheki. Stop in Shamakhi to check out the Juma Mosque. They built it in 734 - one of the oldest in the country. Then head to Lahij. Small village famous for copper work. People still bang metal by hand the old way. Cobblestone streets, old buildings. Feels real, not like some tourist setup. Arrive in Sheki in the evening. Explore Old Town and have dinner. Try piti (lamb stew in a clay pot). Sheki sweets are famous - over 30 varieties with nuts and pastry.

On the Drive Back: While on the way back to Baku, don’t miss these key attractions in the Absheron Peninsula. 

Ateshgah Fire Temple: In Baku’s suburbs in a town called Surakhany, this religious temple has been dubbed the “Fire Temple of Baku”. Various religious groups have utilized the temple over the centuries including Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian. 

Baku Local Markets: Local markets, modern shopping centers, and walking streets can be found throughout the city, providing locals and visitors with a variety of produce, products, and services to choose from. Spend your evening exploring local markets or wander into one of the many popular modern shopping hubs, including Ganjlik Mall and Nizami St. 

Day 4: Sheki’s Historic Treasures

Full day in Sheki exploring Khan’s Palace (built 1797 without a single nail). Stained-glass windows scatter light in crazy patterns. Hand-painted ceilings everywhere. Photography is forbidden, but worth seeing. Visit Caravanserai, a historic inn where Silk Road merchants stopped. Now it’s a teahouse and restaurant. Eat there. Explore the bazaar. Buy handicrafts, rugs, and dried fruit. Watch artisans work. This is where real tourism happens.

Caravanserai: Caravanserai is a historical monument and present-day hotel in Sheki. A local teahouse and restaurant are currently open inside, and guests can enjoy local traditional Sheki cuisine. 

Local handicraft Shops: Near the Caravanserai, local shops selling handicrafts, rugs, dried fruit, spices, beadwork, jewelry, traditional art & clothing, and souvenirs can be found along the side streets.

Optional Lunch Recommendation: Visit the Sultan House, serving a variety of local Sheiki cuisine, including piti, a soup consisting of lamb, chickpeas, chestnuts, and fat. 

Tips for Transportation: The distance from Baku to Sheki is anywhere from 300 - 400 KM, depending on the route taken. Keep in mind that some routes may be a further distance, but due to road conditions may take less time to cross.   

Private Car: Although renting a private car allows for flexibility and is a great option for families, it is the most expensive option and less eco-friendly. A car rental costs approximately $85 to $370 USD. 

Group Tours: A group tour is preferable for solo travelers, couples, and families. Tours typically include transportation, a professional guide, site entry tickets (if specified), translation assistance, and food recommendations. The average price for a full-day tour in Sheiki (12 hours) is $95 USD per person. 

Public Transportation: Keep in mind that train service from Baku to Sheki has not resumed since COVID. This means that public transportation options are limited. The most economical option is to take a coach bus or Marshrutka van from Baku’s International Bus Terminal. The cost of tickets for either service is only $6.25 USD one way, and it takes 4 ½ to 5 ½ hours to arrive in Sheki.  

Day 5: Mountain Adventure in Gabala

Drive to Gabala (1.5-2 hours). Stop at Nohur Lake - crystal mountain water, peaceful, rent a paddleboat. Visit the Tufandag Resort cable car. Ride to the peak for Caucasus views. Summer means hiking alpine meadows. See Seven Beauties Waterfall. Dinner at the resort restaurant overlooking the mountains. Gabala’s quieter than Baku. Perfect for recovering.  

What to do in Gabala, Azerbaijan?

Cable Car Ride: At the Tufandang Mountain Resort, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains and lush natural landscapes. During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, cycling, paragliding, and outdoor activities. In the winter, the resort offers exceptional ski slopes and amenities.

Nohur Lake: Lake Nohur is in the center of Gabala. This stunning natural lake is surrounded by lush forests, a cascading mountain range, and fresh mountain air. Nearby restaurants offer local and international fare, but visitors are welcome to enjoy a picnic and bring their food if they prefer. Ducks are often seen nearby, and paddle boats are available for rent for those who are a bit more adventurous. 

Gabala Shooting Club: Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a day at the shooting center and refine their aim. This world-class facility offers an unparalleled shooting experience with expert instructors and a gorgeous backdrop of the Caucasus mountains. A wide variety of equipment is available, allowing for a personalized and safe experience. 

Return to Baku or Stay Overnight?

After a long day exploring Gabala, the 4-hour drive to Baku is doable, but for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Gabala offers stellar accommodations for every budget. This does mean an early start the following morning, so the real question is, are you a night owl or a morning person? For those looking to reduce from 7 days to an Azerbaijan itinerary of 5 days, stop your itinerary here.  

Day 6: Back to Baku’s Final Spots

Drive back to Baku (3-4 hours). Afternoon visit missed attractions. Take the funicular up Highland Park - overlooks the entire city. Explore Little Venice (a fake Italian city with gondolas). Ride the Baku Eye Ferris wheel. Shop on Nizami Street for souvenirs. Browse markets. Try street food you haven’t eaten yet. 

Visit Baku Beaches: Due to Baku’s location along the Caspian Sea, Baku is famous for its stunning white sand beaches and pristine coastline. For a luxurious experience, the Bilgah Beach Hotel offers 5-star amenities, private beach access, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa center, and more. Relax by the pool, grab a drink, and soak in the sun at Bilgah. For those looking for only a day escape, check out Amburan Beach Club. Located 45 minutes from Baku center, Amburan Beach Club offers prime access to the Bilgah coastline. An outdoor pool, beach loungers, a restaurant, and seasonal activities are available to entertain you and your loved ones.  

Bathhouse (Hamam): Experience the tradition of Hamam’s, Azerbaijan centuries old bathhouses. Hamam’s was the original spa, a location for relaxation, socialization, and rest. Most bathhouses offer additional services, such as steam rooms, body scrubs, and massages, to relax not only your mind but your spirit. 

Cultural Escape: For those who would prefer a relaxing stroll through an art gallery, local artists, museums, and street art are a great way to relax and enjoy Azerbaijan's local art scene. The Museum of Modern Art in Baku displays over 800 pieces of work by famous Azerbaijan artists. Sculptures, paintings, drawings, and more can be experienced through open passageways. In contrast, the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art offers international fine art displays. From ancient to more modern pieces, visitors can enjoy the beauty and complexity of their artistic collection. 

Day 7: Departure

Leisurely breakfast. Final stroll in the Old City if time allows. Head to the airport. Bring back carpets, tea glasses, and spices. Tell everyone about mud volcanoes for the next three years.

Souvenir Shopping: Before jetting off, many tourists enjoy purchasing a souvenir or two to commemorate their travels or bring them back home to loved ones. Traditionally, woven carpets, crude oil paintings, handmade bracelets, Armudu glass tea sets, silk scarves, and ceramics (Chirag) are a few of the most popular souvenirs purchased by tourists. For those looking for a unique gift, antique shops are a great place to find one-of-a-kind items. 

Stroll through the Old City: If you have time, a relaxing stroll through the Old City can be a great way to end your time in Baku. Enjoy a traditional cup of tea at a cafe, pursue the stalls, and catch up on any sites you may have missed.  

Tips for a Smooth Airport Departure:

• Before leaving your hotel, confirm you have your passport, Azerbaijan visa (if applicable), wallet, medication, luggage, and any other important items or documents. 
• Pre-booking transportation with your hotel or a taxi service can be beneficial if you have a tight turnaround time. If your pick-up time occurs during rush hour, a national holiday, or other major events, you may want to allow more time for transportation.
• Uber, taxi services, private cars, car rentals, and public transportation are all viable options for transportation. If you are booking a car rental service, confirm whether you can return the vehicle to the airport terminal.

Day-by-Day Attractions Checklist

Baku and beyond travel plan gives you both the city pulse and the mountain quiet. These stops make the trip feel like you’re actually seeing something real. History mixed with nature mixed with how people live now. You don’t need to hit 20 different places. Just pick the right ones, and you’ll get way more out of it than checking boxes on some massive list.

What you’re actually seeing during a 1-week travel in Azerbaijan:

• Icherisheher & Maiden Tower;
• Heydar Aliyev Center;
• Gobustan + mud volcanoes;
• Yanar Dag - burning mountain;
• Sheki Khan’s Palace & Caravanserai;
• Tufandag cable car;
• Highland Park panoramic viewpoint.

This list hits the essentials without rushing. Enough variety for a whole week, enough pace to enjoy every stop. You see Baku’s modern glow, then move into mountains and old trade towns - balanced, memorable, doable.

Budget Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Spend

Planning your week in Azerbaijan? Here’s what you’ll actually spend on flights, hotels, food, transport, and attractions, broken down by travel style:

Item	Budget, AZN	Mid-range, AZN	Comfotrable, AZN
Flights roundtrip	510-850	680-1,190	1,020-1,700
Hotel 7 nights	200-340	595-935	1,190-2,040
Food daily	25-42	50-85	105-170
Transports & taxis	50-85	105-170	205-340
Attractions entry	70-105	135-205	255-425
Weekly total	910–1,505	1,516-2585	2,771-4,505

This breakdown makes it easy to see where your money goes and plan a trip that fits your budget without missing out on experiences.

Best Time to Visit

April-June and September-October are perfect for sightseeing. Winter is ideal for skiing in Shahdag & Tufandag.

Practical Stuff That Saves Your Week

Book hotels 1-2 months ahead for spring/fall. Visa takes 3 days standard, 3 hours urgent (35-45 AZN). Apply online at the official site. Get trains where possible - more comfortable than buses. Rent a car with a driver if splitting the cost. Use Baki Kart for Baku metro and buses - cheap and everywhere. Download Bolt or Uber for taxi, never random street cabs.

ATMs are everywhere in Baku, but less common in rural areas. Withdraw cash in cities. Restaurants take cards mostly. Markets need cash only. Bring a headscarf for mosques. Dress modestly outside Baku nightlife. Pack layers - Baku’s hot, mountains are incredible. Comfortable shoes essential - sidewalks uneven, Old City steep. Sunscreen for summer. Rain jacket for spring/fall. Learn five phrases in Azerbaijani - locals love it. Eat everything offered. Food is cheap and incredible.

Transportation Tips - Getting Around Baku and Azerbaijan 

Bus Transport: The Baku International Bus Terminal offers domestic inter-city and international bus services. Travelers can easily book their tickets and check the schedule online via the Baku International Bus Terminal website. For local transportation in Baku city, BakuBus offers various routes throughout the city. Users must purchase a Baki Kart (bus card), which can be purchased at Baku Card terminals, metro stations, and the airport. Cash will not be accepted. An average bus ticket costs only 60 cents (USD). 

Trains & Metro: The metro is only available in Baku city and has two lines, red and green. To obtain access, travelers must purchase a Bakucard. Rides cost as little as 17 cents (USD), and the vast majority of the meteor is located underground. The Azerbaijan Railway, on the other hand, has major hubs in Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Khirdalan, and Shirvan. The rail service has 176 stations, with tickets averaging $10 USD. 

Driving Apps & Taxis: Driving apps, such as Bolt, Uber, InDriver, and Yandex, are popular and available in Baku and specific Azerbaijan cities. For riders who prefer old-fashioned taxi services, 189 TAXI and AZ-Tur. are excellent options. 

What to Pack for Your Travel

Pack this stuff, and you won’t regret it later. Weather changes, you visit a mosque, something random pops up - you’re ready. Means you can enjoy the trip instead of scrambling for things you forgot.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan is a great destination year-round. What time of year you would prefer to visit Azerbaijan will depend on the activities you plan to participate in and your personal preferences. Azerbaijan winters are great for outdoor winter sports activities, such as skiing, and snowboarding. While the summer months are popular with beachgoers, paragliders, and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Read also: What is the Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan?

Expert Perspective: Why This Route Works

Travelers who’ve been to Azerbaijan say this seven-day route hits everything without killing you. In two days, Baku gives the city energy and museums. Day trips cover natural wonders and ancient history. Three days north hits Silk Road towns and mountain culture. The pacing works because you’re not flying between cities constantly.

Hotels are of solid quality and budget-friendly. Food’s incredible everywhere. Locals are genuinely helpful when you try their language. By day seven, you’ve experienced old Azerbaijan, the new one, nature, food, history, and actual village life. That’s complete.

Conclusion

Get excited and ready for your 7-day Azerbaijan vacation! Explore the historic Old City in Baku and marvel at the modernity of the Flame Towers while munching on juicy lamb kebabs and delicious rice pilaf. Take an excursion through Sheki and explore the natural wonders in Gabala. Your Azerbaijan itinerary is complete; you just need to get prepared.

To learn about the necessity of getting a visa to Azerbaijan for your country, you can contact us at service@azerbaijanevisaonline.com or check this information in the list of eligible countries.