The Eurovision spotlight has since left Baku but this spectacular capital has been left with a more than just a bright sparkle. So what can the avid traveller cram into 48 hours in this relatively undiscovered Caucasus gem? The Boyuk Gala Hotel is ideally situated in the side streets of the Baku old city which is hemmed in by a sand-coloured ancient wall.
For business trips or a couples retreat the Boyak Gala is ideal. The rooms are decorated in typical Caucasus style, deep colours adorning the walls with delicate pastel colours all blending together to give a feel of warmth and comfort. The antique furniture, buffed to perfection, helps add to the comfortable feel of the room and support the necessary mod-cons. Free Wi-Fi, plasma television and a marble balcony are all extra luxuries that come as standard in this well priced abode.
On a sunny morning it is a pleasure to walk along the restored cobbled roads and side streets of the Baku old city. The brisk winds blowing in from the Caspian Sea barely effect the old city. The ancient city walls offer a wind break as well as a glorious spectacle to glaze at from the comfort of an Azeri restaurant. Stalls and local shops are well placed in the old city. Tucked into old buildings and around the various historical monuments they offer everything from tourist trinkets to the national speciality — carpets.
Fountain Square in down town Baku was first constructed in Soviet times and has since been developed and remodeled by the Azerbaijanis. To get there it is easiest to walk up Nizami Street past several 19th century buildings that inspire the imagination. The fountains at night are lit up and during the day it is a popular destination. If you are on a budget, there are huge varieties of street food available from stalls and open air markets throughout the city.
As you walk along the Neftciler Prospekti promenade by the sea you come to the Sahil restaurant. The Sahil restaurant serves Azerbaijani and western food with fluent English speaking staff who are warm and welcoming. It is not cheap by Azeri standards but with such a favourable conversion rate it is a shame not to indulge. The Caspian Sea fish arrives fresh off the boat every morning, making the taste as authentic of true Azeri Caspian cuisine as possible. The whites are crisp, flavourful and retain an aroma individual to the locally grown grape.
