Baku

Baku is a city that surprises you with its polish. It feels like a mix of Dubai’s ambition, Paris’s architecture, and Moscow’s history. Most travelers spend 3-4 days here, which allows for two days in the city and two days for trips to the Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan and the burning mountain of Yanar Dag. The city is remarkably safe, and the infrastructure is built for large international events like the Eurovision and the F1 Grand Prix.

The culinary scene is a meat-lover's paradise. You must try the 'Shah Plov' (king of rices), the juicy 'Lula Kebab', and the sweet 'Pahlava'. For shoppers, Nizami Street (Torgovaya) is a pedestrian paradise for European brands, while the Old City is where you find silk and spices. Whether you are drinking tea in a traditional Armudu glass or watching the sunrise over the Caspian, Baku offers a sophisticated luxury that is surprisingly affordable.