Living in Baku
August 31, 2021 2025-02-28 7:23Living in Baku
Azerbaijan British College
Living in Baku
Living in Baku
Baku City Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan, a dynamic city where East meets west. This bustling metropolis, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea, is known for its unique fusion of traditional culture and modern innovation. Known for its striking mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient architecture. As an increasingly popular international destination, Baku offers a vibrant atmosphere for professionals, tourists, and expatriates alike. This section will provide useful information to help you understand and navigate life in Baku as a member of our international school community.
Living in Baku Baku is a growing, multicultural city with an expanding expatriate community. The cost of living in Baku can vary significantly depending on lifestyle, location, and individual preferences. In comparison to many Western European or North American cities, Baku tends to be more affordable, particularly in terms of rent, dining out, and transportation. Baku offers a range of options when it comes to food, from high-end international restaurants to affordable local markets. Eating out is generally inexpensive, with Azerbaijani cuisine being particularly budget-friendly. The transportation system is convenient, with an extensive metro network, buses, and taxis. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially in the downtown area and along the beautiful Caspian Sea coastline. Baku Metro is particularly convenient and inexpensive, while taxis are widely available at reasonable rates. Baku has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Expatriates typically prefer private hospitals and clinics due to the higher standard of care and shorter waiting times. School private health insurance covers a significant portion of costs. Baku offers a variety of entertainment options, from modern shopping malls and cinemas to cultural experiences like concerts, museums, and theater performances. The city offers plenty of international restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as traditional Azerbaijani markets. Prices for clothing can vary greatly depending on whether you shop in local markets, international retail chains, or designer boutiques. The transportation system is convenient, with an extensive metro network, buses, and taxis. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially in the downtown area and along the beautiful Caspian Sea coastline.
Interesting Places to Visit in Baku
Baku is home to numerous fascinating attractions that offer insight into the city’s rich history, culture, and modern development. Some of the must-visit places include:
Old City (Icherisheher): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic district features narrow alleys, ancient mosques, caravanserais, and the iconic Maiden Tower.
Flame Towers: These modern skyscrapers dominate Baku’s skyline and are beautifully illuminated at night, making them a symbol of the city.
Heydar Aliyev Centre: Designed by Zaha Hadid, this architectural masterpiece is a cultural center hosting exhibitions, concerts, and events.
Baku Boulevard: A scenic promenade along the Caspian Sea, perfect for a leisurely walk, offering parks, cafes, and amusement rides.
Ateshgah Fire Temple: A historical temple located just outside Baku, once used by Zoroastrian fire worshippers.
Gobustan National Park: Famous for its ancient petroglyphs and mud volcanoes, this UNESCO-listed site offers a glimpse into prehistoric human life.
Baku Ferris Wheel (Baku Eye): A giant observation wheel providing stunning panoramic views of the city and the Caspian Sea.
Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain): A natural gas fire that has been burning continuously for centuries, showcasing Azerbaijan’s rich natural gas reserves.
Nizami Street: A bustling shopping street with a mix of luxury boutiques, restaurants, and traditional Azerbaijani stores.
Museum of Modern Art: Showcasing contemporary Azerbaijani and international artworks in a unique open-space design.
These attractions make Baku an exciting city for tourists, offering a blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Climate Baku has a semi-arid climate, characterized by distinct seasons with generally mild but windy winters and hot, dry summers. The city’s geographical location on the Caspian Sea, combined with its low elevation and open landscape, contributes to its unique weather patterns. The summer months (June to September) can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Winters are generally mild and sometimes sunny, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C. The city is known for its strong winds, particularly in winter, earning it the nickname “City of Winds.” Rainfall is minimal, making Baku a relatively dry city year-round.
Baku is one of the cheapest capital cities to live in having an advanced city infrastructure and high quality of life with relatively low cost of living. The average prices in Baku are approximately 50%-70% cheaper than London. This means that wages go much further.
In Azerbaijan, the national currency Azerbaijani Manat (AZN) and is used IN almost all transactions. Although the daily exchange rate may vary, the average price of Azerbaijani Manat is approximately 1 AZN= 0.56 EUR/ 0.59 USD/ 0.46 GBP.
