Back in Baku Azerbaijan for the second time. Well it was just an overnight flight layover. The plan was actually to visit Kiev, Ukraine first with a short layover at Dubai. However, due to the blockade of Qatar, I was forced to cancel the flight and looked for an alternate route to Kiev.
The best option was to fly to Baku, then to Kiev. So here I am back in Baku. The plan was to rest at the Sheraton Airport Hotel before flying to Kiev early in the morning. Upon checking in at the hotel at noon, the hotel reception suggested a tour of Baku at a very low price of only 50 euro for 5 hours including all transportation. Well, why not? So off we went to the city center of Baku which is 25km away from the airport.
The tour started off with a visit to the Great Mardakan Fortress. This is my first time here.
The fortress is located in Mardakan, a suburban of Baku.
This 14th century medieval fortress has a high watch tower. The watch tower is actually part of a general chain of towers around the area whereby when enemies attacked, the top of the towers were lit up with oil to warn approaching danger.
Climbing up the fortress walls.
There are no railings on the fortress wall. So watch your step.
Looking down from the fortress wall. There is actually nothing much to see inside except for some holes in the ground where the inhabitants stored their food. While walking around the fort, be careful not to fall into the holes.
A selfie before continuing on with our journey.
A photo stop here at the Heydar Aliyev Center. I am pretty sure this “I Love Baku” sign wasn’t here the last time I was here.
An interesting sculpture. Wings of Mexico by Jorge Marin. I believe I can fly!
The inside of the Heydar Aliyev Center.
Coincidently, the F1 race was being held here at Baku when I was there. It was a city circuit and not on the race track.
Streets in downtown Baku were closed to host the F1.
My beau was really excited by the sound of the car, but my son was covering his ear, complaining about the noise. Yeah, the car was fast as you actually see the cars zipping away.
Since most of the streets were closed, the guide had to park his car near the Fountain Square and it was just a short walk to the Old City.
Old City Of Baku.
This photo was taken 3 years ago at the Old City with my eldest son.
After 3 years, my eldest son is all grown up.
Just came to the Old City area for a meal. Opt for the Karvansara restaurant that we missed last time.
The ambience of the place is good as the restaurant is actually located in a 15th century caravanserai (inn) catering to merchants of Central Asia.
The food is however mediocre and expensive compared to restaurants at the Fountain Square in downtown Baku
After the hearty meal, I head back to the hotel at the Airport. Would I recommend this tour offered by the hotel? Well, the guide can only speak very limited English and 5 hours is definitely not enough to see Baku! I’ve been to Baku before and I just consider him to be my driver so it’s really value for money for me at 10 Euro per hour which includes all transportation.
With the depreciation of the Manat currency in 2016, now it is really a good time to visit Azerbaijan. When I was there 3 years ago, it was 1 Euro = 1 Manat. Now is 1 Euro = 1.90 Manat, dropped almost half its value!
The Sheraton Baku Airport Hotel has all the necessary amenities you need. There is a swimming poll and a 24 hours restaurant at the lobby area.
Even though the hotel is just maybe 5 minutes walk to the airport, the Sheraton Airport Hotel provides a 24 hours free shuttle service from and to the airport.
The next morning I checked out of the hotel and departed from Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport to Kiev, Ukraine.
You can read my previous blog on Baku, Baku Old City Tour and Baku Downtown City Tour. Of course, there are also other places to visit in Azerbaijan which can also be read in my previous blog, Azerbaijan.
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