Baku is not yet on the typical travel map for most people. However, those who visit Azerbaijan’s capital often return fascinated by its architecture, atmosphere, and cultural mix. To learn more about the city, we spoke to the travel photographer Norbert Lepsik. He recently spent a week exploring the Azerbaijani capital.
You recently visited Baku. What made you want to travel there?
Actually, I wanted to visit Baku for more than six years now. From Budapest you can fly directly to Baku with a low cost airline, so the city is surprisingly accessible. For me, the main attraction was always the contrast of the skyline. Seeing the futuristic Flame Towers rising behind the historic old town looked very unique in photos. I’d always thought that this combination must look incredible in real life as well. After many years of thinking about it, I finally managed to travel there and I was very glad I did.
As a travel photographer, how did the city feel visually?
Architecturally the city was splendid. It is very easy to get lost in the beauty of Baku searching for perspectives and unique viewpoints. The city constantly changes its character. One moment you are walking through the medieval streets of Icherisheher. A few minutes later, you are standing in front of a very futuristic building. This contrast makes the city extremely interesting for photography.
Which places should visitors definitely not miss?
There are several places in Baku that I think every visitor should see. The Maiden Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. It is especially beautiful around sunset when the golden light touches the stone walls. Then, you can enjoy mesmerizing views over the old town and the Caspian Sea.
Another place I would strongly recommend is Highland Park. The panoramic viewpoint there is spectacular and honestly beautiful at any time of the day. I would even encourage visitors to go there twice, once during the daytime and once again at night. The illuminated skyline looks completely different after sunset.
For architecture lovers, the Heydar Aliyev Center is an absolute highlight. This building was actually one of the main reasons why I wanted to visit Baku in the first place. I had seen many beautiful images of it before my trip. It was very special to finally see it with my own eyes. Unfortunately I could not take the exact photos I wanted. The reason for this are some renovation works were happening around the building. Yet, it was still fascinating to explore the place and discover the interior as well.
Everyone loves to buy a nice souvenir and have a relaxing time on their travels. Where can they do that in Baku?
For a slower moment in the city, the Baku Boulevard is perfect. This long seaside promenade feels very calm and relaxed, offering beautiful views along the Caspian Sea. It is a great place to grab a coffee and simply enjoy the scenery.
And if someone wants to bring home something local, I would suggest visiting Yaşıl Bazar. It is a lively market where you can find many regional products. Pomegranate tea is very popular. There is also excellent quality honey, a huge variety of nuts, and many spices. I personally also liked the many types of baklava available there. One important thing to remember is that you will need cash if you want to shop there.
How easy was it to move around the city?
Usually I don’t find it difficult to navigate transportation systems in big cities. In Baku, however, it was a bit more complicated than expected. Technically you can pay for public transport with your phone or card when entering vehicles. On the other hand, foreign cards are not accepted. There is also an app where you can buy tickets, but you need a local phone number. This is the only way to activate and validate the account.
For these reasons, we mostly used taxis during our stay. We relied on Bolt for all our trips, including airport transfers, and it worked very well. It was reliable and also quite affordable. Traffic can be busy during peak hours though. One should keep that in mind when planning important trips around the city.
How did you find the atmosphere and the people?
People were very welcoming. English was almost never an issue during the trip. Many young people speak English very well, while the older generation still often uses Russian more commonly. In general, locals seemed happy to see tourists visiting their city. Many interactions started with smiles or friendly greetings. People were not pushy, except maybe at bazaars or markets. That is understandable as it is part of their work.
Was there anything that surprised you about the city?
One thing that surprised me a lot was how incredibly clean the city is. We did not see a single piece of trash on the streets. Later we learned that littering can result in very expensive fines. This probably explains why the city is maintained so carefully.
Another surprising thing was the number of security cameras around the city. Almost every area seems to be under surveillance and you can often see police officers around as well. For locals this is completely normal, but for foreigners it can feel a bit unusual at first.
Were there any downsides to visiting Baku?
The only thing that felt slightly difficult was that the city is not always very pedestrian friendly. There are not many crosswalks across the large avenues. In many cases, the only way to cross a road is through underground passages. Sometimes you might need to walk quite a distance before finding a place where you can safely cross the street.
And what about the food scene?
Restaurants in Baku are very affordable and it is easy to try many local dishes. Besides Azerbaijani cuisine, there are also many Turkish restaurants across the city. Several places serving traditional Georgian meals are definitely worth trying too. For brunch lovers there are also quite a few options. During the trip we visited several bakeries and cafés, and we really enjoyed discovering the local coffee culture.
Finally, how would you describe Baku in one sentence?
For me Baku is a destination that feels both surprising and visually unforgettable. It is a perfect mix of traditional heritage and modern lifestyle.
Photos: Norbert Lepsik
Interview by Željka Đaković
All the photos are protected by copyright.