13 Instagrammable Places in Azerbaijan: Photo Spots You Can’t Miss

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Last Updated on: 21st June 2019, 08:29 am

Azerbaijan is a stunning country. From Baku’s funky modern architecture to the pristine mountains of Nakhchivan, here are the best Azerbaijan photography locations and the thirteen spots that get my vote for the most Instagrammable places in Azerbaijan.

 

The Most Instagrammable Places in Azerbaijan & Best Azerbaijan Photography Spots

In no particular order…

 

 

Baku’s Modern Architecture

 

Baku’s UNESCO site might be hundreds of years old, but my favorite places to photograph in Baku are its modern architecture. From the Heydar Aliev center to the Flame Towers to Baku’s Instagrammable Hotels, there’s so much to see here! Give yourself lots of extra time to get these marvels from many different angles and locations.  They also change significantly with the light.

 

 

Imamzadeh

 

This important Shiah pilgrimage location outside of Ganja is a marvel of Islamic architecture. Dress modestly, and ladies should wear a headscarf (given out at the door).

 

Take your time to explore the collonade and the many different views and angles inside. You may want to have a wide angle lens with you if your goal is to get it all in a vertical shot from inside the walls.

 

 

Mount Ararat

 

While most people think that the Biblical Mount Ararat is in Turkey, Azeris believe this important religious site is in Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan. This mountain is a gorgeous site standing straight up from the Nakhchivan landscape. Surrounded by green fields and red poppies, this is a part of Azerbaijan that few outsiders come to visit.

 

 

The Church of Kish

 

Claiming to be the oldest Christian church in the world, the Church of Kish is located in its namesake village just a few minutes outside of Sheki. Inside is a museum, and this place is very popular with tourists. For the best photos, go around the back to escape the tourists.

See also
How to Get an Azerbaijan Sim Card in Baku without Losing Your Effing Mind

 

 

Lake Göygöl

 

This beautiful mountain lake’s name translates as “the Blue Lake.” One of eight large mountain lakes in the area, Göygöl is the region’s most popular relaxation destination. You can visit as a day trip from Ganja.

 

 

Palace of the Sheki Khans

 

This highly popular tourist destination is a little hard to photograph (especially when there are crowds), and you can’t photograph inside. So if getting a shot of the entire building with no people in it is important to you, go early! My favorite shots are the details of the exterior, which are easier to get even when it is crowded.

 

 

Ateşgah (Ateshgah) of Baku

 

This Zoroastrian fire temple is an easy day trip from Baku. Come to learn about this ancient and often misunderstood religion, and stay for the beautiful architecture and flame photography.

 

 

Forest Picnics

 

One of the things I love about Azerbaijan is all of the opportunities to eat outside in nature. This is a restaurant by Lake Batabat, but there are many beautiful outdoor restaurants to enjoy your Azercay in the middle of a beautiful, leafy green setting.

 

 

Lake Batabat

 

Nicknamed “the Eye of God,” this beautiful lake in Nakhchivan has an island in the middle that floats and moves! You’ll find locals picnicking on the shores and in the surrounding fields, and miles of pristine, unadulterated nature to enjoy. Give yourself extra time on the journey to stop and photograph the lake from many different angles.

 

 

Vintage (and Modern) Ladas

 

For those traveling to Azerbaijan looking for Soviet history, you’ll be overjoyed at the sheer volume of Ladas driving the streets. While most are modern (Ladas continued to be built until 2012), you can also find vintage Soviet ones if you look hard enough. Nearly every taxi you hail outside of Baku will be in one, so buckle up!

See also
How to Get from Sheki to Tbilisi and Vice Versa: Well that was Terrifying

 

 

Azerbaijan’s Beautiful Mosques

 

I love visiting beautiful mosques, and the mosques in Azerbaijan have beauty in abundance. This is from the Bibi-Heybat mosque in Baku, but there are also lovely ones all over the country.

 

 

Gobustan

 

Whether you travel to Gobustan for the UNESCO protected Petroglyphs or the enigmatic mud volcanoes, make sure you have your camera ready! To visit Gobustan, we rented a car in Baku, but you can also visit on a guided tour.

 

Heydar Aliev Boulevard

 

This beautiful boulevard is reminiscent of Paris or Bucharest, but, since its located on the outskirts of Ganja, it gets only a fraction of the tourists. Bring cash. If it’s a hot day, you’ll want to buy a refreshing drink from one of the many food stands here.

 

 

Headed to Azerbaijan? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Make sure you have an updated Travel Insurance Policy because things happen on the road. I pay for World Nomads, and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’re going to be doing any hiking or outdoor activities in Azerbaijan.

 

I have been a paying customer of World Nomads for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  It’s especially important to get travel insurance when participating in outdoor activities. Even in the cities, though, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen.

 

 

More Azerbaijan Travel Resources

See also
Azerbaijan Packing List: What to Pack for Azerbaijan for Women and Men

 

 

More about Traveling the Caucasus

Many people who travel Azerbaijan combine it with a trip to Armenia and Georgia:

 

Armenia Travel Resources

 

Georgia Travel Resources

 

 

Pin The Most Instagrammable Places in Azerbaijan for Your Trip

 

13 Instagrammable Places in Azerbaijan_ Photo Spots You Can't Miss

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