Baku is one of the world's most surprising cities — a place where medieval fortress walls stand in the shadow of flame-shaped skyscrapers, and where the Caspian Sea meets a skyline that feels equal parts ancient and futuristic. If you only have 48 hours, here is how to spend every one of them well.

In Azerbaijan, welcoming a guest is not a courtesy — it is a sacred calling, captured in the ancient proverb 'Qonaq Allah qonağıdır': 'A guest is a gift from God.' From mountain villages to the winding lanes of Baku's Old City, this philosophy of qonaqpərvərlik — boundless, unconditional hospitality — shapes every encounter, every table, every cup of tea. Come to Azerbaijan, and you will not merely be a visitor; you will be received as a blessing.

From the ancient fire temples of the Absheron Peninsula to the powder slopes of Shahdag, Azerbaijan is redefining itself as one of 2026's most exciting travel destinations. Here are the five experiences every traveller is talking about.

Nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Shaki stands as one of Azerbaijan's most enchanting cultural gems. This ancient Silk Road city, with its UNESCO-listed palace, centuries-old caravanserais, and legendary culinary traditions, offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani heritage. From the mesmerizing stained glass windows of the Khan's Palace to the aromatic clay pots of traditional piti, Shaki invites you to step back in time and experience the warmth of true Caucasian hospitality.

Explore the ancient Caravanserais of Azerbaijan, where Silk Road travelers once rested. Discover Baku, Sheki, and Shamakhi’s historic inns with Trip8 — your guide to cultural travel and heritage tours across the Caucasus. For centuries, Azerbaijan stood at the crossroads of great civilizations, linking the East and West through the legendary Silk Road. Merchants, scholars, and explorers once traveled across its diverse landscapes — from the Caspian Sea coast to the Caucasus Mountains — bringing goods, ideas, and traditions that shaped global trade and culture. This vibrant exchange gave rise to the construction of magnificent caravanserais, the roadside inns that welcomed traders and travelers along these routes.

Discover Gobustan National Park in Azerbaijan — ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and fire mountains await. Book your unforgettable adventure with Trip8 today! Located just 60 kilometers southwest of Baku, Gobustan National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s most extraordinary treasures — a landscape where prehistoric art, geological phenomena, and ancient myths converge. This UNESCO World Heritage Site invites travelers to step into a world that has preserved traces of human life for over 40,000 years. From the mesmerizing petroglyphs carved into limestone rocks to the mysterious mud volcanoes that bubble beneath the earth’s surface, Gobustan offers an adventure that is both spiritual and scientific.

Nestled in the scenic town of Sheki, the Sheki Khan Palace is one of Azerbaijan’s most iconic historic landmarks. Spending a night in this castle offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in centuries of history, royal architecture, and cultural heritage. A historic castle stay in ...