Characteristics
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and lies on the Caspian Sea. The city is known for its modern architecture and its historic old town, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is also an important industrial site and an important hub for trade between Europe and Asia.

history
Baku has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. The city was an important trading center on the Silk Road and was influenced by many different cultures. Over the centuries, Baku has been conquered and ruled by various powers, including Persians, Arabs, Mongols and Russians.

Worth seeing
Baku has many attractions to offer, including:

The Old Town of Baku: The Old Town of Baku has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings and fortress walls.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs: The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a historic building from the 15th century. Located in the Old Town of Baku, it is an example of Azerbaijan's medieval architecture.
The Maiden Tower: The Maiden Tower is a landmark of Baku and dates back to the 12th century. It is located in the Old Town of Baku and offers breathtaking views of the city.
The National Museum of Azerbaijani History: The National Museum of Azerbaijani History is located in a historic building in the Old City of Baku. It houses a collection of artifacts from Azerbaijan's history.
Art
Baku has a lively art scene with many galleries and museums. Some of the most famous art galleries are:

YARAT Contemporary Art Space: YARAT Contemporary Art Space is a leading art gallery in Baku. It features contemporary artworks by artists from Azerbaijan and around the world.
Museum of Modern Art: Located in the center of Baku, the Museum of Modern Art showcases contemporary artworks from Azerbaijan and other countries.
Azerbaijan State Museum of Art: The Azerbaijan State Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Azerbaijan. It houses a collection of works of art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Museums
Baku has many museums to offer, including:

The National Museum of Azerbaijani History: The National Museum of Azerbaijani History is located in a historic building in the Old City of Baku. It houses a collection of artifacts from Azerbaijan's history.
The Museum of Miniature Books: The Museum of Miniature Books is located in a historic building in the Old Town of Baku. It houses a collection of miniature books from all over the world.
The Heydar Aliyev Center: The Heydar Aliyev Center is a modern museum in the center of Baku. It shows exhibitions on the history and culture of Azerbaijan.

Specialties
Azerbaijan has a rich culinary tradition with many delicious specialties to offer. Some of the most famous dishes are:

Plov: Plov is a traditional dish made from rice, meat, vegetables and spices.
Dolma: Dolma are stuffed grape leaves or vegetables with a mixture of meat, rice and spices.
Kebab: Kebabs are grilled meat skewers with vegetables.

Hike
Azerbaijan has many beautiful hiking trails to offer, including:

The Shahdag National Park.