Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, is located on the Caspian Sea and is a strange blend of the historic walled city of Icheri Seher and a modern building mania that has resulted in a rise in skyscrapers, many of which are adorned with LCD panels. Make sure you don't miss the Flame Buildings, which are three towers designed to look like fire and provide a bronzed glow over the city at night. The city also embraces the modern at the Museum of Contemporary Art, which houses over 900 artworks by regional artists and is well worth a visit for anybody interested in modern culture. You may also sample local fare by paying a visit to Teze Bazaar, a market known for its cheeses and spices, or ordering a kebab from one of the city's several open restaurants.

The medieval centre, Icheri Sheher, features Islamic-style architecture, while the Old City is lined by beautiful European facades. The most attractive sights may be found along Baku Boulevard, a lengthy promenade near the Caspian Sea, and from the hill near Martyrs' Lane, which offers spectacular vistas.

Location: Caspian Sea

This famous location was designated as Azerbaijan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in December of 2000. The famed Old City, which is home to the Palace of the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, is an epicenter of history, culture, and tradition that draws visitors from all over the world. Maiden Tower, which dates from the 12th century and was once part of Baku's ancient walled city, and Shirvanshah Palace, which was built in the 13th century, are two examples. Come for the architecture, but also for the handicrafts, such as ceramics, and textiles, such as rugs and traditional Azerbaijani clothing. In Icheri Seher, there are many shops to choose from if you wish to take a leisurely stroll through the city's historic center and pick up some souvenirs.

The surrounding architecture shows its age—not just in design, but also in the state of disrepair—and the lovely streets of Old City are great for exploration. There's lots to see on these historic paths, whether it's back lanes, souvenir stores, museums, or the palace interior. Visitors can either hire a guide or go it alone. All you'll need is a sense of adventure and some comfy shoes!

Location: 9R8M+GX4, Baku 1000, Azerbaijan

Absheron National Park was established by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on February 8, 2005. It covers an area of 783 hectares (7.83 km2) in Baku's Azizbeyov district's administrative boundaries. The Absheron State Nature Preserve was established in July 1969 to safeguard the area's gazelles, Caspian seals, and water fowl. Absheron National Park is home to around 50 different bird and animal species. The National Park is home to about 25 plant species. The Caspian seal, a rare species, is found in the Absheron National Park's Caspian Sea area and is usually seen at seal cape from May to August. Absheron National Park is the closest natural monument to Baku's capital, the most favorable location for ecotourism, and the location of Absheron Beach's purest water and clearest air.

The topography here is largely arid steppe, which lends itself to lovely undulating sand dunes and swaying reed-like grass. The water is also recognized for being crystal pure and teeming with animals, including the occasional sea snake. If you want to see the famous Caspian seals, you should visit between September and November.

Location: The Caspian region, Bakı, Azerbaijan

The country of Azerbaijan is known as the "World's Mud Volcano Capital." This may not appear to be particularly distinguished at first, but once you see it, you are strangely revered. Visitors seldom regret taking the time to visit the Garasu volcano, which is proudly included on the World List of Natural Tourist Attractions.

Many tourists to Azerbaijan are unaware that the country possesses the world's largest concentration of mud volcanoes. 350, to be precise! The Garasu Volcano, which has been known to spew mud over 1,000 meters into the air, is one of the most well-known. When gases under the earth build up, they push mud high into the air as a release, resulting in volcanoes. The first mud volcanoes are thought to have erupted 25 million years ago in Azerbaijan, and tourists to Garasu frequently comment that it looks like the moon's surface!

Location: Azerbaijan

The Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve is located west of the Gobustan settlement, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) southwest of Baku's city center. It was founded in 1966, when the area was designated as an Azerbaijani national historical site in order to conserve the region's prehistoric rock sculptures, mud volcanoes, and melodic stones. Because it has a prehistoric cromlech, Gobustan is commonly referred to as the Azerbaijani equivalent of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom (a circle of stones that have been positioned vertically). It doesn't stop there, though: Gobustan, an archaeological site south of Baku, provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilizations. Aside from cave and rock carvings, the findings in Gobustan point to signs of habitation reaching back to the Stone Age, including traces of human dwellings and even ancient tombstones.

The archeological monuments in Gobustan State Reserve are many. More than 6,000 rock carvings depict people, animals, battle scenes, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors with lances in their hands, camel caravans, and pictures of the sun and stars, on average dating back 5,000-20,000 years, can be found within the reserve's 537-hectare Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

Location: west of the Gobustan settlement

One of the best sites to visit in Azerbaijan is the Caspian Sea, the world's largest lake. From the southern border with Iran to the northern border with Dagestan, the Azerbaijani coastline runs for more than 500 kilometers (310 miles). The Caspian Sea sits on what appears to be an ocean bed, and the water is salty, but it has a lower saline content than other seas and oceans, making it ideal for swimming because it is less prone to irritate the skin. Bot tours, diving chances, and fishing are all popular activities on the Caspian Sea.

Despite the fact that portions of the shoreline and beaches surrounding Baku are polluted, lovely resorts can be found in Sumgait, in the northern part of the Absheron Peninsula. Lankaran, about four hours south of Baku and close to the Iranian border, also has some lovely resorts.

Location: Azerbaijan

Shirvan National Park, which was legally designated as a protected area in 2003, used to be under the Caspian Sea but has now grown to encompass about 54,000 hectares to the south of Baku. This protected region is mostly made up of semi-desert scenery, which means you'll see ambling sand dunes that are ideal hideaways for the gazelles that live here, as well as a broad range of creatures like turtles, hedgehogs, jungle cats, and jackals. Swans and even flamingos can be found in the park, congregating around the aptly named Flamingo Lake, for those who are more interested in avian life.

Mud volcanoes are also widespread in the park, with Bandovan Mountain being the most famous. It is well worth a visit to see this incredible natural phenomena. Accommodation is offered in the shape of modest bungalows for those who wish to spend time soaking in all of the natural attractions here, while more adventurous tourists can camp on the park's northern beach with a permit.

Location: Salyan Rayon, Azerbaijan

This site, located west of Baku, is reputed to be one of the oldest human settlements in the Caucasus, dating back 2500 years. Sheki City was a Silk Road stopover known for its magnificent silks and other textiles. This culture is still alive and well in Sheki City today, with beautiful embroidery and other local handicrafts available to visitors.

Aside from the arts and crafts, this city boasts castles, mosques, and even historic bathhouses, as well as the Seki Khans Palace, which has been standing since the 18th century. When you realize that the palace was constructed entirely without the use of nails, it becomes even more astounding as an architectural marvel. When you visit, be sure to look at the exquisite wall murals and carved windows.

Baku Seaside Park and Boulevard is a must-see for visitors to the country's capital, with a variety of activities to choose from, including old-fashioned tea shops and cafes ideal for while away the hours or indulging in a typical seaside delicacy like locally produced ice cream. The boulevard runs for 5 kilometers along the coast, from National Flag Square to the International Baku Port, and is a fantastic area to enjoy Azerbaijan's seaside attractions.

There are amusement arcades for the whole family to enjoy, as well as museums such as the Carpet Museum of Azerbaijan for those interested in learning more about Azerbaijan's rich textile history. Baku Crystal Hall, which is famed for hosting the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest and hosts regular concerts, musical programs, and art exhibitions, is also open to visitors.

Location: Baku, ‎Azerbaijan