The beautiful European capital where a glass of wine costs only £2.30
- Our Hidden Earth
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
With many of Europe’s top cities becoming more crowded, it might be time to start exploring some of the continent’s lesser-known destinations.
Tucked away on the shores of the Caspian Sea is Baku, the vibrant capital of Azerbaijan and a true hidden gem.
This unique country, sitting at the crossroads of West Asia and Eastern Europe, is famous for its lively festival scene, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Euronews has called Baku the “perfect alternative to a European summer city break,” thanks to its long, sun-soaked days and warm 32°C temperatures.
If you need to cool off, Baku’s stunning coastline is the perfect escape. The Seaside Boulevard stretches along the shore, featuring a Ferris wheel, museums, and even the Crystal Hall arena, which once hosted Eurovision.
Although it takes a little longer to reach than cities like Barcelona—with flights lasting around five hours—you’ll be rewarded with a mix of modern and ancient architecture, a laid-back nightlife with fantastic restaurants and bars, and stunning countryside full of character.
Baku is a hidden treasure and a former Silk Road hub. In the Old City, caravanserais—historic inns where merchants once stayed—are now transformed into hotels and restaurants, complete with grand courtyards and shaded upper rooms.
At the heart of the cobbled streets lies the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, described by UNESCO as an “architectural pearl.” Like much of Baku, it is built from cream-coloured limestone, giving the city a distinctive look.
Surrounded by gardens and cooled by Caspian Sea breezes, the palace is a maze of shady rooms, open courtyards, and fascinating historic sites, including a mausoleum, hammam, tombs, an ancient mosque, and underground prisons that resemble medieval dungeons.
Nearby, the famous Maiden Tower, a symbol of Azerbaijan’s ancient fire-worshipping Zoroastrian culture, is believed to have been built in the 12th century.
If you’re unsure about visiting due to Azerbaijan’s neighbouring countries, you’ll be pleased to know that, unlike Iran, Azerbaijan has a much more liberal culture. People dress in modern (but modest) Western clothing, and English is widely spoken.
Discover more hidden gems with our interactive map!
Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 12,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!
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