Visiting
How to get there, what to see and what to look out for in the Old City.
İçərişəhər itself is an open city district, with free, round-the-clock access. The paid attractions are the individual monument-museums: the Maiden Tower and the palace complex of the Shirvanshahs. Their tickets and opening hours are their own and change over time — it is best to confirm exact prices and schedules on site or on official resources before your visit.
Three ways
By metro
The "İçərişəhər" station of the Baku metro sits right by the fortress gates — the quickest way from the centre.
On foot
From the Seaside Boulevard and Fountains Square it is a few minutes' walk to the walls; the fortress stands at the very heart of the city.
A pedestrian quarter
Inside, it is easiest to move around on foot: the streets are narrow and paved, and many are closed to through traffic.
A half-day walk
- Enter through the Pair Gates (Qosha Qala Qapisi) and walk along the fortress wall.
- Descend to the Maiden Tower — climb to the viewing platform at the top.
- Climb up to the Palace of the Shirvanshahs: the Divankhana, the mausoleum, the mausoleum of Seyid Yahya Bakuvi.
- Look into the Multani and Bukhara caravanserais and the alleys with their workshops.
- Head out to the Juma mosque and the old hammams, and then to the Seaside Boulevard.
Good to know
Comfortable shoes — the streets are paved and sloping.
Remember this is a residential quarter: respect private courtyards and quiet.
The best light for photos is early morning and sunset on the warm stone.
Confirm monument prices and hours in advance — they change.
Information on transport, tickets and hours is approximate and may be out of date — check before you travel.