Azerbaijan — a country where the East meets the West — blends medieval Silk Road history with futuristic skylines and Caspian-coast calm. From UNESCO-listed old towns to alpine resorts and artisanal villages, this 2026 guide explores the most famous cities in Azerbaijan and shows you how to obtain your ASAN e-Visa effortlessly for a smooth and memorable journey.

Why Azerbaijan Should Be on Your 2026 Itinerary

Azerbaijan stands as a cultural bridge between Europe and Asia — a land where Paris-style boulevards coexist with ancient caravanserais and Zoroastrian fire temples sit near glass towers. Compact yet diverse, Azerbaijan lets travelers experience deserts, mountains, mud volcanoes, and lush forests — all within a few hours’ drive.

From the high Caucasus Mountains to the Caspian coast, Azerbaijan’s cities offer a glimpse into its vibrant history, architecture, and warm hospitality — making it a must-visit destination for 2026.

Quick Snapshot: How the ASAN E-Visa Helps You Explore Azerbaijan

For Indian travelers, the Azerbaijan ASAN e-Visa streamlines the process — it’s a fully online, single-entry visa valid for 30 days (within a 90-day window). This means less paperwork and more time exploring Baku, Sheki, Ganja, Quba, Shamakhi, Gabala, Lahij, Nakhchivan, and Lankaran.

Baku – Capital of Contrasts & Culture

Highlights & Best Things to Do in Baku

Icherisheher (Old City): A UNESCO World Heritage area surrounded by ancient walls, home to the Maiden Tower and Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

Flame Towers & Seaside Boulevard: Watch the towers glow after dark, then stroll along the Caspian at Milli Park.

Heydar Aliyev Center: A masterpiece of modern architecture and cultural exhibits.

Azerbaijan Carpet Museum & Tea Houses: Discover carpet-weaving traditions and enjoy black tea with pakhlava.

Fountain Square & Nizami Street: The heart of shopping, dining, and nightlife in Baku.

Sheki (Şəki) – Silk Road Charm & UNESCO Heritage

Top Things to Do in Sheki

Sheki Khan’s Palace: 18th-century stained-glass wonder built without a single nail.

Caravanserais: Historic inns where Silk Road merchants once stayed.

Kish Church: An ancient Caucasus-era site steeped in history.

Halva Workshops & Cobblestone Alleys: Sample Sheki halva and admire local craftsmanship.

Ganja (Gəncə) – Poetry, Parks & Heritage

Top Things to Do in Ganja

Nizami Ganjavi Mausoleum: Dedicated to Azerbaijan’s great 12th-century poet.

Imamzadeh Complex: Stunning blue-tiled domes and peaceful courtyards.

Shah Abbas Mosque & Caravanserai: Fine examples of Safavid architecture.

Bottle House: A quirky landmark built entirely of glass bottles.

Quba & Shahdag – Mountains, Heritage & Skiing

Top Things to Do in Quba & Shahdag

Qırmızı Qəsəbə (Red Town): One of the world’s last Mountain Jewish settlements.

Quba Genocide Memorial Complex: A moving site commemorating victims of the 1918 tragedy.

Shahdag Mountain Resort: Ski in winter; hike and zipline in summer.

Nizami Park & Quba Sweets: Relax under chestnut trees and taste the famous Quba baklava.

Shamakhi (Şamaxı) – Ancient Capital & Starry Skies

Top Things to Do in Shamakhi

Juma Mosque: Among the oldest mosques in the Caucasus.

Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleums: Hilltop tombs with panoramic views of the valley.

Gulustan Fortress: Romantic ruins overlooking the landscape.

Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory: Perfect for stargazing under clear skies.

Gabala (Qəbələ) – Resorts, Lakes & Adventure

Top Things to Do in Gabala

Tufandag Mountain Resort: Cable car rides with breathtaking alpine views.

Nohur Lake: Serene setting ideal for picnics and photos.

Shooting Club & Adventure Parks: Fun for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Lahij (Lahıc) – Cobblestones, Copper Craft & Mountain Views

Top Things to Do in Lahij

Coppersmith Workshops: Watch local artisans hammer intricate copper designs.

Stone Streets & Hiking Trails: Wander charming lanes and explore nearby waterfalls.

Local Guesthouses: Experience authentic mountain hospitality and local cuisine.

Nakhchivan – Sacred Tombs & Surreal Landscapes

Top Things to Do in Nakhchivan

Mausoleum of Momine Khatun: A symbol of medieval Azerbaijani architecture.

Alinja Castle: Often called “Azerbaijan’s Machu Picchu.”

Ashabi-Kahf: Sacred pilgrimage site in stunning mountain scenery.

Lankaran – Tea Gardens, Citrus Groves & Caspian Breezes

Top Things to Do in Lankaran

Tea Plantations: Visit local farms and enjoy freshly brewed Lankaran tea.

Hirkan National Park: Home to rare plants and subtropical forests.

Lankaran Fortress & Lighthouse: Historic maritime structures along the coast.

Bonus: Easy Day Trips from Baku (Gobustan, Absheron, Ateshgah)

Gobustan Rock Art Reserve: Prehistoric petroglyphs and mud volcanoes.

Ateshgah Fire Temple & Yanar Dağ: Eternal flames linked to ancient Zoroastrian worship.

Absheron Peninsula: Castles, beaches, and surreal volcanic landscapes.

Practical Travel Tips for 2026

Currency: Azerbaijani manat (AZN); cards work widely in cities, but carry cash in rural areas.

Connectivity: Get a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Transport: Buses, trains, and taxis are reliable; private transfers are ideal for city-to-city travel.

Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October for pleasant weather; December–March for skiing.

Etiquette: Dress modestly in religious areas, tip 5–10%, and always ask before taking local photos.

How to Apply for an Azerbaijan Visa (ASAN E-Visa) – Step by Step for Indians (2026)

Documents Required

Indian passport valid for at least 6 months
Scanned passport bio page and a recent photo
Confirmed flight and hotel booking
Valid email address and payment card

Application Steps

Visit the ASAN Visa portal and select nationality (India) and visa purpose (tourism/business).
Fill in passport details, dates, and contact information accurately.
Upload clear document scans to prevent processing delays.
Make a secure online payment.
Receive your approved e-Visa by email and print a copy for border control.

Processing Time, Validity & Fees

Standard: 3 working days (72 hours).
Urgent: Express service available within a few hours.
Validity: 90 days (30 days stay, single entry).

👉 Tip: Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your trip to ensure timely processing.

Risks of DIY Applications & Why Our Service Is Safer

Common mistakes include incorrect dates, blurry scans, or passports valid for less than six months — all of which can lead to rejection or delays.

Our expert team ensures:

Pre-submission verification of all details
Priority handling and tracking updates
Secure data protection and 24×7 assistance

👉 Apply for your Azerbaijan Visa through our professional service and travel with complete confidence.

Suggested 7-Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1–2: Baku – Old City, Maiden Tower, Shirvanshahs, Flame Towers, Heydar Aliyev Center.
Day 3: Gobustan & Absheron – Mud volcanoes, Ateshgah, and Yanar Dağ.
Day 4: Sheki – Palace of the Khans, Caravanserai, and Kish Church.
Day 5: Gabala – Tufandag cable car, Nohur Lake, adventure park.
Day 6: Quba/Shahdag – Mountain views, skiing, and Red Town.
Day 7: Shamakhi & Lahij – Juma Mosque, Yeddi Gumbaz, Lahij copper markets; return to Baku.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

From Baku’s futuristic skyline to Sheki’s Silk Road charm and Gabala’s alpine serenity, Azerbaijan’s cities offer a dynamic blend of history and modern adventure.

👉 Apply your Azerbaijan Visa today with our expert team to make your 2026 journey smooth, fast, and unforgettable.