Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

This summer thousands of foreign tourists will be flocking to a wintry Baku, since the speediest race of the Grand Prix of Formula 1 will be taking place in Baku between June 17-19.

Now foreigners are intrigued of what this sunny country or as it called here the Land of Fire can offer them for having unforgettable experience alongside the exciting “royal race”.

Baku, is a city of contrasts, which changes with cosmic speed, but still does not lose its face. Probably, nowhere else in the world modern architecture and heritage of the Middle Ages do not mix so harmoniously as here.

Located on the crossroad of Europe and Asia, the city collected the best of Western and Eastern cultures.

One feel so safe walking in the old city and along the wide Bulvar both day and night and with an increased focus on tourism the city will become ever-more friendly to visitors.

Here are some 5 adventure destinations and activities, which travelers can visit to explore more about this ancient and mystic country.

Torgovaya

Nizami Street is home to various outlets, from banks to fashion stores and is one one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. Its many boutiques are definitely worth a visit between races, whether looking to splash out or just window-shopping.

Being one of the central streets of Baku, closed to public traffic, Nizami Street or Torgovaya is the most popular place for many Bakunians.

Boulevard

Baku’s pearl and hallmark is its Boulevard. What attracts guests here is gorgeous landscaping, shady alleys, cozy cafes serving delicious ice cream, desserts and snacks of any kind, and numerous attractions for children and adults. Moreover, the Park Bulvar mall and a contemporary style International Mugham Center, as well as the new building of the Azerbaijani Carpet Museum are also located here.

Boulevard also has a mini Venice, since there is a small area on the Boulevard crowded with waterways, small bridges and Venetian style arcades. Even taking a ride in gondola is an option in this romantic area of Azerbaijan.

Icherishher (Old City)

This unique historical ensemble, located right in the heart of Baku, is the pride of the capital, and the first place where foreign tourists keep the way.

Exactly, here -- on a hill near the sea- ancient Baku was born. Here you will be amazed by vineyards, mosques with proud minarets, caravanserais with a unique atmosphere, little artists' studios and buildings, each of which has its own history.

The most majestic and the most mysterious monument of Baku -- Maiden Tower, as it’s called here Giz Galasi, stands in the south-eastern part of the Old City. It is considered a symbol of the city. For many centuries, this unique construction not only perfectly preserved its appearance, but was subject of many legends, which make the construction even more attractive and charming.

Atashgah

Atashgah Fire Temple is a real Azerbaijani exotic, known almost all over the world. Located 30 km away from the capital, on the Absheron Peninsula, the place has mesmerizing power.

Built in the 17-18th centuries, the temple is located on a place well known for its natural burning-gas phenomenon.

Included in the UNESCO’s preliminary World Heritage list, it’s considered as one of the most interesting monuments due to its historical value. The temple is also an ancient Hindu castle-like religious edifice in a suburb of greater Baku, which was initially recognized as a Zoroastrian fire worship place.

National cuisine

Azerbaijani cuisine is another reason to pay a visit to the Land of Fire. "Nush Olsun!" ("Bon Appetite!") begins every meal time in Azerbaijan with rich and delicious national cuisine, delighting both soul and flesh.

The Azerbaijani cuisine it is one of the most varied and tastiest cuisines with an abundance of different types of meat, fish and vegetables, served with herbs and spices.

Famous Azerbaijani pilaf, soup with small dumplings dushbara, kababs, pakhlava, stewed quince, qutabs with local yogurt are an incomplete list of things that you can taste in Baku.

A variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as spices could make the Azerbaijani cuisine distinguished, making it unforgettable. There is a lot to say about Azerbaijani cuisine. The best thing is to try the taste and aroma of this rich cuisine.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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