Icherisheher City Walls
Step into Baku's ancient heart, Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries-old walls, winding alleys, and iconic landmarks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Icherisheher City Walls
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into Baku's ancient heart, Icherisheher, a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries-old walls, winding alleys, and iconic landmarks.
"The old walled city of Baku is a must visit beautiful houses restaurants and sights."
🗺️ Download an Offline Map
Navigate the maze-like streets easily. Essential for exploring without getting lost!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Your feet will thank you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Maiden Tower (Giz Galasi)
Icherisheher
A mysterious, ancient tower shrouded in legend, offering panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and the old city.
Palace of the Shirvanshahs
Icherisheher
A stunning 15th-century palace complex showcasing exquisite medieval Azerbaijani architecture and historical artifacts.
Ancient Fortress Walls
Icherisheher
Walk along the imposing, centuries-old walls that encircle the historic heart of Baku, feeling the weight of history.
Artistic Street Murals
Various walls within Icherisheher
Discover vibrant and culturally rich graffiti art by local artists, adding a modern twist to the ancient surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Labyrinth
Timing is Key for Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download an Offline Map
Navigate the maze-like streets easily. Essential for exploring without getting lost!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Your feet will thank you.
📱 Consider a Mobile App
Enhance your visit with historical info if not using a tour guide.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download an Offline Map
Navigate the maze-like streets easily. Essential for exploring without getting lost!
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and lots of walking! Your feet will thank you.
📱 Consider a Mobile App
Enhance your visit with historical info if not using a tour guide.
📸 Capture the Golden Hour
Mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for stunning photos.
💰 Souvenir Shopping
Plenty of unique finds, but be prepared to haggle politely.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Icherisheher for its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and atmospheric charm. The ancient walls and winding streets transport you back in time, offering a captivating glimpse into Baku's past. Some note that a guided tour or app enhances the experience, and while generally clean, the sheer volume of visitors can sometimes detract from the tranquility.
"Beautiful historical place. Would suggest you enter the museum first to see what the wall was surrounding and the history behind the wall. Inside the old city there are a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants and small carts that sell ice cream and drinks. Suggest to do it through a tour operator to explain every point you visit there. There is also a mobile app that you can download if you do not want to use a tour operator that explains every point of interest"
Alaa Al-Alawi
"This’s the gate to the old city Baku, very well maintained & beautiful place👍"
Zeeshan Ghaffar Khan
"Amazing great very neat and clean but smells history"
Ahmed El-Naggar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Icherisheher is easily accessible from Baku's city center. You can take a taxi, which is relatively inexpensive, or use public transport like the metro to Icherisheher station. Many visitors also enjoy walking from nearby areas, as it's a central landmark.
Yes, Icherisheher is highly walkable. The best way to experience its charm is on foot, exploring its narrow alleys and hidden courtyards. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven.
Vehicle access within the core of Icherisheher is restricted to preserve its historical character. There are parking areas available just outside the walls, from where you can enter on foot.
Many visitors recommend exploring Icherisheher on foot to truly appreciate its atmosphere. For deeper historical insights, consider joining a guided tour or using a dedicated mobile app.
While the main paths are generally accessible, the ancient cobblestone streets and narrow alleys can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Some areas might be difficult to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry into the Icherisheher Old City itself is free. However, you will need to purchase tickets to enter specific attractions within the Old City, such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.
The Old City is always accessible, but the museums and attractions within it have specific opening hours, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM or 7 PM. It's advisable to check the individual attraction hours before your visit.
The entrance fee for the Maiden Tower is typically around 10 AZN (Azerbaijani Manat). Prices can vary slightly, so it's good to confirm on-site.
While not always advertised, sometimes tour operators or ticket offices might offer packages. It's worth inquiring on-site or with your tour provider about potential discounts for visiting multiple sites.
Tickets for major attractions like the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs can usually be purchased on-site. Online booking options might be limited, but it's worth checking official tourism websites closer to your travel date.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Old City is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the Maiden Tower, the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, the narrow winding streets, and the ancient fortress walls. Don't miss the unique street art.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Icherisheher, including the courtyards of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. However, flash photography might be restricted inside certain museum exhibits.
Early mornings and late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' offer the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the ancient stones and creating dramatic shadows.
Locals often recommend capturing the contrast between the ancient architecture and the modern skyline visible from certain viewpoints within the Old City. The street art is also a unique local feature to photograph.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both street scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the narrow streets, and a tripod can help with low-light shots in the evenings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Icherisheher boasts numerous restaurants and cafes offering traditional Azerbaijani cuisine. You can find everything from cozy spots for tea to more formal dining experiences.
Don't miss trying Plov (rice pilaf), Dolma (stuffed grape leaves), Kebabs, and local pastries. Many restaurants offer set menus that are a great way to sample various dishes.
Yes, besides restaurants, you can find smaller cafes, street food vendors selling snacks like ice cream and drinks, which can be more budget-friendly options.
While Azerbaijani cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are accommodating and can prepare vegetarian dishes like vegetable dolma, salads, and lentil soups. It's always best to ask your server.
Prices can vary. Casual cafes might offer meals for 10-20 AZN, while more upscale restaurants could range from 30-50 AZN or more per person for a full meal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might be complex, focusing on the visual aspects – the ancient walls, the unique architecture, and the street art – can keep children engaged. Opting for a shorter, more focused tour or using a mobile app with engaging content can also enhance the experience for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Walking is the best and cheapest way to explore. Instead of hiring a private guide, consider joining a free walking tour (tip-based) if available, or utilize free online resources and mobile apps for historical information. Many of the most memorable experiences, like simply wandering the charming streets and admiring the architecture, cost nothing at all.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs for iconic shots. Also, seek out the vibrant street art for a contemporary contrast to the historical backdrop. Experiment with different angles in the narrow streets and look for unique details like ornate doorways and hidden courtyards. A versatile lens and comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Icherisheher
Within these walls lies a rich tapestry of history, evident in landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a magnificent 15th-century royal complex, and the enigmatic Maiden Tower, whose exact purpose and age remain subjects of debate. The city's layout, with its narrow, winding streets and interconnected courtyards, reflects a medieval urban planning style that has been remarkably preserved.
Over the centuries, Icherisheher has been a center of trade, culture, and religion. Mosques, caravanserais, and bathhouses dot the landscape, each telling a story of its past inhabitants and their way of life. Today, it continues to be a vibrant part of Baku, blending its ancient heritage with modern life, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Azerbaijan's rich past.
Navigating the Labyrinth: Tips for Exploring
Comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. The ancient cobblestone paths are beautiful but can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain. Prioritize shoes that offer good grip and support for extensive walking. For those who want to delve deeper into the history and significance of the sites, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour. These tours often provide fascinating insights and stories that you might miss on your own.
Don't be afraid to wander off the main paths. Some of the most enchanting discoveries are made in the quieter, less-traveled alleys. Look out for hidden courtyards, intricate doorways, and the vibrant street art that adds a contemporary layer to the ancient setting. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and take breaks at the numerous cafes and tea houses scattered throughout the Old City.
Artistic Expressions: The Graffiti of Icherisheher
These murals often incorporate elements of Azerbaijani culture and history, creating a unique dialogue between the past and the present. One notable example features striking portraits of women and animals, blending realism with symbolic imagery. Discovering these artworks adds an unexpected layer of visual interest to your exploration, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate contemporary Azerbaijani art in an ancient setting.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit