Baku

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