Take Another Look: My 5-Day Journey Through Azerbaijan’s Winter Magic

Thanks to the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, we were hosted on a 5-day familiarisation trip to Baku and Northern Azerbaijan - a journey that blended discovery, culture, food, nature, and meaningful connections. I travelled with four fellow Travel Counsellors from the UAE, joining a 30 - member group with travel experts from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 

What unfolded over the next few days was nothing short of extraordinary. 

Day One: A Winter Welcome to Baku 

A short 3-hour flight from Dubai to Baku on Azerbaijan Airlines - a simple, no-frills carrier - brought us straight into the December sparkle by Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Giant Christmas trees, sparkling decor, and the airport’s stunning architectural facade instantly set the mood for what lay ahead. 

Our guide, Saadath, welcomed us warmly and, on the drive to the city,  began peeling back the layers of Azerbaijan’s story. Baku unfolded before us as a city of contrasts: elegant 19th-century buildings from the oil - boom era standing proudly besides Soviet remnants and futuristic modern structures. 

That evening, after a smooth check - in at the Sheraton Intourist Baku, we stepped into the palatial world of Sirvansah Museuem Restaurant. Dinner felt like travelling back in time - brick walls crafted from local Badamdar limestone, ornate chandeliers, and dishes that celebrated the heart of Azerbaijani cuisine.

Tomato salad, eggplant fritters, melt-in-your-mouth pilaf, sherbets, kebabs, and freshly baked bread - each bite carried centuries of flavour. A live music performance and traditional dance completed the experience. 

It was here that I noticed the buta - a teardrop paisley motif found commonly in India. Later I learned it symbolises fire, fertility and life, with roots tracing back to ancient Persia. Azerbaijan is full of such familiar discoveries - echoes of cultures intertwined. 

Day Two: Into the Mountains of Shahdag 

The next morning, we set off for the mountains. A 4-hour scenic drive bought us into the fog-covered slopes of Shahdag, where we checked into Pik Palace. The mountain mist was thick enough to hide the world, but somehow it added to the mystery. 

After lunch, we explored the Shahdag Tourism Complex, toured nearby hotels, and dared to ride the alpine coaster despite near-zero visibility. Terrifying? Absolutely. But also unforgettable. 

That night, as we settled into our rooms, the season‘s first snowfall began - a gentle reminder of winter’s arrival. 

Day Three: Snow, Sunshine & Back to Baku 

The next mowning brought pure magic. I opened the curtains to blue skies, sunshine, and mountains blanketed in snow - a scene straight from a postcard. 

We took the cable car down the mountain and began our journey back to Baku, stopping at: 

Quba Palace Hotel 

Set amidst nature with a stunning golf course, the property blends luxury and serene mountain views. 

Shabran Wellbeing Resort 

A peaceful wellness retreat surrounded by greenery - perfect for slow travel and relaxation. 

By nightfall, we were back in the capital, Nizami street was buzzing with lights, Christmas markets, music, and crowds. Dinner at Nergiz Restaurant introduced us to Saj, a hearty dish sizzling with meat and vegetables. We ended the evening with local tea and traditional Mugham music, an art form protected under UNESCO‘s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. 

We checked in at the Hilton Baku, perfectly positioned beside the Formula 1 track and across the boulevard facing the Caspian Sea - a view to remember. 

Day  Four : Business, Golf & More Gastronomy

Morning began with a B2B workshop hosted by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board - a productive session connecting us with local suppliers, DMC’s, hoteliers and partners. 

Lunch at Sky Grill, perched on the 24th floor of Hilton Baku, treated us to 360 - degree views of the city. 

The afternoon took us to Dreamland Golf Club, where we attempted a round of golf before capping the night with a traditional dinner at Novbahar Restaurant. 

Day Five : Culture, Cuisine & the Soul of Baku 

Our final day was a deep dive into Azerbaijani’s culture. 

We began at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre - a masterpiece of modern architecture and a must-visit for every traveler. Its fluid curves, exhibitions, and immersive spaces leave a lasting impression. 

Next was a walking tour through the Old City (Icherisheher), followed by lunch at Qala Divari. We even tried our hand at making qutab in a fun cooking masterclass. 

Two standout dishes from lunch: 

Dushbara - tiny handmade dumplings in broth served with garlic-vinegar dressing. 

Jiz-Biz- lamb liver cooked with potatoes, rich and flavorful

No visit to Baku is complete without a visit to the iconic Maiden Tower. Despite the rain, climbing up to the observatory felt like stepping through centuries of Silk Road history. 

Our last dinner was at Baku Sharg Restaurant, after which we made one final stop - Highland Park. Standing above the city, watching the Flame Towers glow against the night sky, gratitude washed over me. 

One Trip Isn’t Enough

As I stood there overlooking Baku, I realised how much of Azerbaijan remains untold - ancient villages, fire temples, vineyards, mud volcanoes, the Caspian coast, mountain hamlets, and countless stories waiting to be heard. 

Azerbaijan‘s tourism slogan says: “Take Another Look.“

And now, having experienced it myself, I understand why. 

Because one visit is never enough. 

If you‘ve been before, go again. 

If you’ve never been - it‘s time. 

Azerbaijan doesn’t just welcome you. 

It stays with you.