Tourism in Azerbaijan is a growing trade, and the influx of foreign business people is seeing attentions turn to the country as a viable getaway for all types of traveller. Whilst facilities are not as high a standard as would be expected in Western European regions, there are a number of high class hotels and restaurants available, with the numbers of these increasing all the time. There are many sights to see through the country with Bronze Age relics, many castles and mosques and all manner of more modern pursuits available for the explorer.

The capital Baku is said to be a boomtown, with investment coming in from all areas. It is known to house a great deal of wealthy foreign businesspeople and is the focal point of the country for most who visit. Icheri Sheher is a medieval walled city within the capital itself, and has been restored to past glories to the great pleasure of many. The area is littered with tea houses and markets for all to peruse, and the busy, winding streets are as enthralling as they are easy to get lost in! Elsewhere in the city is the Synyk Kalah Minaret – built in 1093 it is the oldest building in the city. Those interested in the wonderful carpets that Azerbaijan offers may wish to visit the Museum of Carpets and Applied Arts, where there are many fine examples of these beautiful crafts on display. Those not wishing to visit palaces, mosques or museums may wish to partake of the local theatre, opera or ballet along with the ever increasing number of bars, restaurants and nightclubs out to cater for foreigners.

Elsewhere in the country are attractions such as the Ateєgah Fire Temple, where fires constantly erupt from the ground in the ‘Land of Fires’ in this Indian-influenced temple area. Several castles are up for perusal on the Apsheron Peninsula, as well as an ancient oil field, amongst other things. The village of Gobustan is home to rock paintings up to 10,000 years old, stretching through miles and miles of rock. There are countless other regions to visit and things to see in the country, showing that the growing popularity of the capital isn’t unfounded, but also showing that there is certainly more to Azerbaijan than just Baku.