Walking Tour of the Old City: A Journey Through the Centuries of Old Baku

₼30

₼20

Duration: 2 hours Group Size: 1-18 5.0/5 (203 reviews) 2,145 views

Step beyond the ancient fortress walls and explore the place where the story of Baku first began. This Guided Walking Tour Baku takes you through the heart of Icherisheher, where palaces, mosques, caravanserais and historic homes have preserved the city's rich heritage for centuries. As you walk along its narrow stone streets, you will see how medieval architecture blends naturally with everyday life, giving the Old City its unique atmosphere.
Among the many Guided Tours Baku has to offer, this route reveals the city's past from a different perspective. Every street, courtyard and historic building reflects a chapter of Baku's development, allowing visitors to understand how the capital grew from a fortified settlement into one of the most important cultural centres on the Caspian coast.
Walking through Icherisheher at a relaxed pace makes it possible to notice details that are often missed during panoramic sightseeing. Along the way, your professional guide shares stories about local traditions, merchants, rulers and everyday life, turning centuries of history into an engaging journey through Azerbaijan's oldest district.

Tour Itinerary

Your journey through Icherisheher begins at the Maiden Tower, one of Baku's most recognisable landmarks. Rising above the Old City for centuries, this remarkable monument continues to attract historians, archaeologists and travellers from around the world. Although it was built in the 12th century, its original purpose remains a mystery, giving rise to many fascinating legends.
During the tour, your guide will introduce the most popular theories surrounding the tower's construction, explain its role throughout different historical periods and share stories that have become part of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage. From this point, visitors can also enjoy impressive views over the Old City, the modern skyline of Baku and the Caspian Sea, where centuries of history meet the city's contemporary landscape.

Just a short walk away are the ruins of St. Bartholomew's Chapel, a site closely connected with the early history of Christianity in Azerbaijan. According to tradition, the Apostle Bartholomew was martyred here, making this place an important destination for pilgrims and those interested in the region's religious heritage.
Today, the remains of the chapel offer a quiet contrast to the lively streets of Icherisheher. The peaceful surroundings provide an opportunity to reflect on the city's multicultural past, while your guide explains how different religions and civilisations coexisted here for centuries, shaping the historical identity of Baku.

Hidden beneath the ground for many years, Haji Baani Hammam was discovered by archaeologists only in the 20th century. Careful restoration preserved the building's original architectural character, allowing visitors to appreciate an important example of medieval urban design in Baku.
Today, the hammam serves a completely different purpose. It is home to a government-supported centre that promotes traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship. Visitors can explore beautifully handcrafted souvenirs created by local artisans, discover decorative arts that have been passed down through generations and learn how historic buildings continue to play an active role in preserving the country's cultural traditions.

The Multani and Bukhara Caravanserais date back to the period when Baku was an important stop along the Great Silk Road. Merchants from India, Central Asia and other eastern regions stayed here while transporting textiles, spices, jewellery and many other valuable goods. Over time, this constant flow of trade helped Baku develop into a vibrant commercial centre where different cultures and traditions met.
Walking through the stone courtyards and elegant arcades, it is easy to imagine the lively atmosphere that once filled these buildings. Travellers rested after long journeys, negotiated business deals and exchanged news from distant lands. The caravanserais remain a lasting reminder of the city's rich trading history and its role in connecting East and West.

The House of the Sailor reflects Baku's long-standing connection with the Caspian Sea. Its distinctive decorative details were inspired by maritime themes, reminding visitors that the city's history has always been closely linked with trade, navigation and seafaring traditions.
Nearby stands the House with Chains, an elegant merchant's mansion built before the Soviet period. Today, the building houses the Museum of Archaeology, where the history of Azerbaijan is presented through artefacts discovered across different regions of the country. Together, these two buildings illustrate how the appearance of Baku evolved over time while preserving its historical character.

The Residence of the Baku Khans takes visitors back to the 18th century, when the city served as the centre of the Baku Khanate. This historic complex preserves the memory of a period when political decisions, diplomatic meetings and the administration of the khanate shaped the future of the region.
Many travellers choosing a Coach Tour Baku are surprised to discover this important chapter of the city's history while exploring Icherisheher. The guide explains how the khans governed the city, describes the structure of the residence and shares stories that reveal everyday life within the ruling court.
The Residence of the Baku Khans also plays an important role in every Old City Baku Tour, helping visitors understand how Baku developed not only as a trading centre but also as the political heart of an independent khanate whose influence extended across the Absheron Peninsula.

The Double Gates have welcomed travellers into Icherisheher for centuries and remain one of the most recognisable entrances to the Old City. Until the end of the 19th century, this was the only official gateway through the fortress walls, making it one of the most strategically important points in medieval Baku.
Today, the gates symbolise the city's remarkable ability to preserve its historical identity while continuing to welcome visitors from around the world. Their impressive stone architecture has also made this location one of the most photographed landmarks in Icherisheher.

Stretching for almost one and a half kilometres, the Fortress Walls once protected the entire settlement from external attacks. Their powerful defensive design, reinforced by towers and carefully positioned gates, reflects the military engineering skills of the medieval period.
Walking alongside these ancient walls offers a deeper understanding of how the city defended itself for hundreds of years. Every section of the fortifications tells a different story, revealing the strategic importance of Baku and the role Icherisheher played in safeguarding one of the region's most valuable trading centres.

The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is recognised as one of Azerbaijan's finest examples of medieval architecture. Built in the 15th century, the complex includes the royal palace, a mosque, a mausoleum, the royal tomb and ceremonial courtyards, reflecting the artistic and architectural achievements of the Shirvanshah dynasty.
As the route passes this remarkable landmark, the guide shares the story of the rulers who governed the Shirvan State, explains the significance of the palace within the history of medieval Azerbaijan and points out the architectural details that make the complex one of the country's most treasured historical monuments.

Hidden among the charming streets of Icherisheher stands the monument to Aliaga Vahid, one of Azerbaijan's most celebrated poets. His works continue to hold a special place in the country's literary heritage, while his poetry remains closely connected with the spirit and everyday life of old Baku.
During the walk, visitors learn about Vahid's contribution to Azerbaijani literature and discover why his name is still remembered by generations of readers. This peaceful corner of the Old City adds a cultural dimension to the tour, showing that Icherisheher is known not only for its architecture but also for its artistic legacy.

One of the narrow streets of Icherisheher became famous after appearing in the classic Soviet comedy The Diamond Arm. Fans of the film quickly recognise the location, while others enjoy discovering an unexpected connection between the Old City and one of the most beloved movies in Soviet cinema.
The guide explains how this memorable scene was filmed and shares interesting behind-the-scenes facts, adding a light-hearted chapter to a journey filled with history, architecture and local traditions.

For centuries, Juma Mosque has remained one of the spiritual landmarks of Icherisheher. Its elegant minaret and peaceful courtyard create a quiet atmosphere in the heart of the Old City, while the mosque continues to serve as an active place of worship, preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Many visitors choose Baku Guided Tours to gain a deeper understanding of the city's cultural and religious heritage. The story of Juma Mosque reveals another side of Baku, where history is not limited to monuments but continues through living traditions that remain an important part of everyday life.
An Old City Walking Tour offers the opportunity to discover the most significant landmarks of Icherisheher within a single route, connecting centuries of history through its ancient streets, architectural treasures and remarkable stories. By the end of the walk, visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of Baku's origins and a lasting impression of Azerbaijan's oldest historic quarter.

Tour Category: Day Trips

Group Size: 1-18

Start Time: 11:00, 14:00, 17:00

Duration: 2 hours

Pickup Location: In front of the stairs at the entrance to the Maiden Tower.

What's Included

Services of a English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Walking tour through the historic streets of Icherisheher
Interesting stories about the history, culture, and architecture of Baku
Guidance and assistance from the guide along the route, including help with directions and photos
Opportunity to ask personal questions and receive individual attention during the group or private tour

What's Not Included

Personal expenses.
Transfer.
Entrance tickets to museums.

Note

The walking tour through the Old City takes place on cobblestone streets and historic stairways, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
Remember to bring water and sun protection on hot days.
If you book a private tour, you can choose the most convenient start time for your excursion.

Select Date

Adults 12+ yrs

Children 3-11 yrs

Infants 0-2 yrs

Tour format:

Group ₼20 per person

Private See Details

Adults (1 Ã— ₼20) ₼20

Children (0 Ã— ₼10)

Infants (0 Ã— Free)

Total Amount ₼20

Secure booking with SSL encryption

Frequently Asked Questions

The guide for the Old City tour is assigned in advance and already has your contact details. Before the tour starts, they will reach out to you directly. You'll easily recognize them at the meeting point by a badge showing the logo and name of the company "Azerbaijan Travel International." Even if you don't have internet access, there's no need to worry — the square by the Maiden Tower is small, and our experienced guides will have no trouble finding you among the crowd.

For the Old City walk, comfortable flat shoes are the best choice. The streets of Icherisheher are paved with stone, and the route includes small slopes, steps, and historic staircases. Comfortable footwear will help you avoid unnecessary fatigue and fully enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city.

In a group format, the tour usually takes about 2–2.5 hours, depending on the group's pace. For a private tour, the duration can be adjusted to your preferences and is agreed upon at the time of booking.

For the group tour — yes, the whole route runs through the historic streets of Icherisheher entirely on foot. For a private tour, an electric vehicle can be added to the program for an extra fee, which is also arranged at the booking stage.

Yes, the tour is available both in a group and in a private format. To choose the private option, click the "Private Tour" button on the tour page — the price will appear below. After that, you can complete your booking by clicking "Book Now."

In the group format, museum tickets are not included. For a private tour, this can be discussed and added to the program during booking.

Unfortunately, museum visits are not included in the group format — participants often have different interests, and not everyone wants to wait while others explore an exhibition. That said, anyone interested can visit a museum on their own after the tour ends, since all of them are located close to the final point of the route. In the private format, this is possible: the program can be adjusted to your interests, allowing you to visit museums at your own pace without rushing.

The group tour usually begins at the entrance to the Maiden Tower. For a private tour, the meeting point can be arranged anywhere in the Old City by agreement.

No, the Old City is an open historical area, and entry on foot is free. Only vehicle entry, including taxis, is subject to a fee.

Yes, there are plenty of options. In the private format, a stop for a rest or a meal can be added to the program, arranged in advance during booking. In the group format, guests usually visit cafes before or after the tour.

Due to the historic terrain and cobblestone streets, some sections may be a bit challenging to navigate. However, our guides are always ready to help, so the tour remains accessible.

The price includes meeting you at the designated gathering point. If you'd like, a transfer from your hotel and back can be arranged for an additional fee.

In winter, the sky does start to darken after 6:00 PM, but that's exactly what gives the walk its special charm. Soft evening light highlights the silhouettes of old streets, courtyards, and the grandeur of the Shirvanshahs' Palace, while the glowing lights of cafes and lanterns make the Old City feel truly magical. This kind of evening walk often becomes even more memorable than a daytime one, revealing the city in a completely different light.

Of course. The Old City walk is often paired with other locations in the capital. One popular option is the "Old City and Evening Baku" program, which combines the historic center with the city's modern skyline views. For those looking for a fuller experience, other combined tours are also available, joining the Old City with other notable sites in Baku and its surroundings. You can find more options in the "Similar Tours" section on the tour page and choose the route that best fits your trip.