Stay…
Budget
The Metropol: Budget can mean very budget in Baku so it’s best to spend a little extra. The Metropol offers 16 bright, modern, well-designed rooms that house all the mod-cons you could need.
www.metropolbaku.com
Expensive
The Excelsior: The Excelsior is a grand, old-style, five-star hotel, which you can find at the heart of Baku, with pools, gym, spa, a sun terrace and summer garden.
www.excelsiorhotelbaku.az
Eat…
Budget
Yolki Palki: If you fancy lively gypsy music, log cabin-style interiors and rather excitable locals, then look no further than Yolki Palki. A great, low-key place to pick up the Azeri vibe. Qoqol küç 15.
Expensive
Georgian Home: An exercise in rustic charm, this is one of the best places to try Azeri food, served on homemade pottery plates – the restaurant has real personality. Mirzə brahimov [Qorki] küç 18.
Must see…
Maiden’s Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Baku – the 29-metre stone tower dates back to at least the 12th century, although no one is sure of its exact date.
Must do…
Go dancing! Baku has some trendy clubs such as Le Chevalier and the Key Club. Try them out after an evening of micro-brewed hops at Brewery or people watching at Aroma cafe.
Flight time
Two hours, 10 minutes.
Getting there
Flydubai flies from Dubai. A return flight will cost around Dhs1,100.
www.flydubai.com
Exchange rate*
Dhs1 = 0.22 AZN (Azerbaijani New Manat)
* Approx exchange rate
Time Out recommends
Take the overnight train down to Istanbul in Turkey to carry on the East meets West theme, via Tbilisi.
www.seat61.com
