Free Walking Tours in Baku

Once an important stop on the famed Silk Route, Baku sits at the crossroads between East and West — amalgamating a mesmerizing fusion of tastes, colors and cultures. Today, more and more travelers are discovering the delights of this millennia-old city — and one of the best ways to do this is during a free walking tour in Baku.

Discover how a city founded over 5,000 years ago has withstood the tests of time to transform into a vibrant regional capital — where the old and the new mesh into a vivid kaleidoscope to create something truly unforgettable.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging options for sightseeing tours in Baku.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Baku have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.
These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.
Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Baku?

There are a number of free walking tours in Baku, making it easy to find one that fits your specific interests.

Baku Old Town free walking tour

Baku was already a 2,800-year-old city back when Rome was founded — just to put this ancient city’s age into perspective. So when you sign up for a free walking tour in Baku’s Old Town, you’d be right to expect many fascinating tales and bits of history.

True, a lot of the city’s 5500 years of existence lies buried, but that’s where your knowledgeable guide comes in — digging into the hidden layers of this storied city, while leading you through Istiglaliyyat Street, the Shirvanshahs Palace and the Maiden Tower. The latter predates the influences of Islam and once served as a Zoroastrianism temple.

Your passionate local guide will help you demystify this intricate city, helping you understand the social dynamics of city life — while explaining Baku’s cosmopolitan character to you. At the end of your tour, you’ll head back to your hotel with a more comprehensive understanding of the Azaerbajaini way of life.

Baku at night free walking tour

Baku at night is a sight to behold with its eclectic mix of ancient buildings and futuristic skyscrapers — and that’s exactly what this free walking tour aims to explore. The tour is perfectly orchestrated to leave you enchanted, as you stroll through the parks, avenues and gardens of this ancient capital.

During your 2.5-hour stroll, you’ll amble your way past the flickering lights of the Flame Towers and the elaborate water shows of Fountains Square.

The ever-mingling display of light and shadow makes the tour perfect for photographers who want to immortalize these storied streets — and your experienced guide will help bring the city’s entire story into focus.

If your group is large enough, you may even request a private free walking tour with a specific focus — like a wine-tasting tour in Baku.

Free walking and food tour in Baku

Baku straddles the worlds of both the East and the West, and as such it’s developed a rich and delicious culinary tradition. This part of Azaerbaijan’s culture is best explored during a free walking food tour in Baku — a delectable evening where your guide will lead you from one scrumptious specialty to the other.

Explore the city’s ancient streets while your guide explains how Azerbaijan’s unique climate contributes to fresh produce that tastes distinctly Azerbaijani. Add to this the tradition of mainly cooking in copper dishes and you have the makings of a mouthwatering outing.

During this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to taste everything from humble lamb meatballs to the extravagant world of Caspian caviar and saffron-specked rice. And because the tour is free, the food is not — meaning the only real limit for the excursion is the complexity of your palate and how much you are willing to fork out.

Baku Soviet and Pop Culture Tour

Soviet forces occupied Azerbaijan for 70 years, severely impacting the local culture until liberation in 1991. Since then, Azerbaijan, and Baku specifically, has blossomed into a modern metropolis that is constantly reevaluating what it is to be Azerbaijani.

This free walking tour explores the outflowings from these social currents while helping guests come to grips with the country’s complex history.

But far from constantly looking backward, this tour will also help you make sense of the vibrant city Baku is becoming — visiting local joints and pubs where young people gather to express themselves.

In which languages is it operated?

You’ll mostly find free English walking tours in Baku, with a couple of free German walking tours in Baku thrown in. Free Russian walking tours in Baku are also available, but these outings are quite rare.

Unfortunately, there are no free French walking tours in Baku, nor are there free Spanish walking tours.

Where does it start?

The departure point of your Baku free walking tour depends on the type of tour you choose. Certain tours will depart from a local public transportation point like the İçərişəhər subway station, while others will depart from a landmark like Fountains Square.

Some of the nightly free walking tours will usually depart from Sabir Gardens — as is the case for free walking tours with a culinary focus. You should always consider confirming the starting point of your tour when booking your expedition.

How long does last?

A free walking tour in Baku typically lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours — making it the perfect activity to be combined with something like a Baku city tour. There are a number of tours that are 3 hours or longer, but these do not always translate into better experiences.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Whether or not a free walking tour in Baku is wheelchair accessible will depend on the tour in question. While most tours are not suitable for people with impaired mobility, some of the tours focusing on the old town are wheelchair friendly. You should consider confirming this information when booking your tour.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Baku?

The best time to participate in a free walking tour in Baku is during the spring from April to June and, early autumn from September to October. With the pleasant weather you'll be able for exploring the city's attractions on foot while avoiding the extremes of summer and winter.

Should you book tickets online?

Absolutely. By booking in advance you’ll be sure to confirm your spot, and this will come in very handy for the more popular tours — like the Baku by night free walking tour and those tours featuring an exploration of Azerbaijani food.

Booking in advance will also allow your guide to plan ahead — and many tour guides enjoy tailoring a tour to fit some of the guests’ preferences. Finally, booking your free walking tour online will allow you to plan your own journey — ensuring that you’ll have the best possible time in Azerbaijan’s capital.