Azerbaijan offers a striking blend of ancient history, modern architecture and extraordinary natural landscapes. Its capital, Baku, sits on the shores of the Caspian Sea, where historic streets and centuries-old landmarks stand alongside cutting-edge architecture.

The country’s rich cultural heritage and unusual natural attractions are highlighted in a new Euronews feature, which explores Azerbaijan’s most remarkable destinations, according to Euronews.

One of Baku’s most popular attractions is the Old City, known locally as Icherisheher. There, Lilly meets Seyid Taghiyev of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve to explore the history hidden behind the medieval walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Old City is a maze of narrow streets, historic landmarks and architectural treasures that offer a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s past.

Among its most famous sights are the Maiden Tower, one of Baku’s most recognizable symbols, and a medieval marketplace that now serves as an open-air museum. The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, once the residence of the region’s rulers, is another major historical attraction.

Traditional caravanserais are also scattered throughout the Old City. These historic inns once provided food and accommodation for merchants and travelers journeying along the Silk Road.

Food plays an important role in Azerbaijani culture, with traditional dishes reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage.

One of the best-known specialties is dolma, made with minced meat, fresh herbs and grape leaves.

During her stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Baku, Lilly joins chef Vusala Isazade in the hotel’s garden to collect ingredients and learn the art of preparing this traditional Azerbaijani dish.

The experience offers a taste of the country’s culinary traditions and highlights the importance of fresh ingredients in local cuisine.

Beyond the capital, Azerbaijan offers a wealth of historical sites and striking natural scenery.

At the Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve, Lilly meets Nurana Hasanova to discover ancient rock carvings that provide insights into how people lived thousands of years ago.

The prehistoric engravings depict animals, hunters and boats, offering a window into the daily lives, beliefs and activities of ancient communities.

Gobustan is one of Azerbaijan’s most significant archaeological destinations, attracting visitors interested in the country’s early history and cultural heritage.

Azerbaijan is often called the Land of Fire because natural gas has seeped to the surface and burned in different parts of the region for centuries.

The country is also renowned for its mud volcanoes, unusual geological formations that create landscapes resembling the surface of the Moon.

Near Gobustan, Lilly explores this distinctive terrain with Sevinj Hajiyeva of the Mud Volcanoes Tourist Complex, learning more about one of Azerbaijan’s most unusual natural attractions.

The mud volcanoes offer a striking contrast to Baku’s historic architecture and the ancient rock art of Gobustan, demonstrating the remarkable diversity of the country’s landscapes.

Azerbaijan welcomed 2.5 million international visitors from 198 countries in 2025, according to the report.

With five UNESCO World Heritage sites, a rich cultural heritage and distinctive natural wonders, the country offers a wide range of experiences for international travelers.

From the medieval streets of Baku’s Old City to prehistoric rock carvings and lunar-like mud volcanoes, Azerbaijan combines history, culture and nature in a destination unlike any other.