Visa at Baku airport
by MalenaN
I flew in to Baku on the 19th of July 2006 and got the visa quickly (I was one of the first arriving to the counter). With me I had two passport pictures and an application form that I had already filled in (you can get the application form from www.mfa.gov.az/eng/consular/visa.shtml).
Other people didn't have the application form or photos and had to stand to the side to fill in the form and queue for taking photos (and pay for the photos). No letter of invitation is needed.
First you have to show your passport to the passport controller and then you go on to the visa counter for the visa (it cost 40 dollars and it is valid for 30 days) and then back to the passport control to get a stamp. Even as I had a visa for Armenia there was no problems to get the Azeri visa.
Don't expect women to shake hands with you
by Minashka
First of all, bear in mind that this is a Muslim society so if you are familiar with traditions of Islam, you may as well come across them here. However, it is not a fundamentalist or strict society thank god ;-) Things are different in the city and of course people are much more modern, but if you get out of Baku, be especially careful when introducing yourselves to local women. Do not try to shake hands with them as either they or their male relatives may not find that amusing ;-) Although men are quite keen to shake hands and even kiss on the cheeks at some occasions. But do not find it offensive, as it is considered quite normal here. Also you will notice that some women will not look you in the eye during a conversation... that's also normal. What is not normal is blowing your nose in public!
All in all, the society is very tolerant and if you show ill-mannered behaviour, they will forgive you because you are a foreigner :)
The best view of Baku
by Minashka about City Lights Bar / Azza
If you want to have the best view of downtown Baku whether it's daytime or at night, your best bet is the top of the ISR Plaza! Previously called the City Lights Bar, it has now been renamed to Azza bar. Not only does this place have a breath-taking view, it also offers you some great sushi, a big variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and live music in the evenings. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the seats are quite comfortable. Summertime the outdoor seating is available and in winter it is the best place where to escape... if you just go there once, you'll keep going back! There is no dress code for this place although most people going there are usually dressed well. In Baku people like to dress well even if there is no special occasion :)
Atashgah
by Subria
The Fire Worshippers' temple has flames burning from the roof of the temple as well as a main altar inside. Originally the flames were fed by natural gas, but now the pressure is too low and the gas has to be channeled in through pipes. The temple is now converted into a museum, it is located at Surakhani, about half an hour from Baku. The easiest way to get there is by taxi.
Walk around the Fountain Square
by Minashka
Where do you run into people you know? Where can you see the latest fashion? Where do you rest after a hard working day? Well the fountain square has got it all! It's a nice square in downtown Baku, unfortunately with the fountains working only after 5pm ;-) There are many cafes, restaurants with outdoor seating and loads of clothes and souvenir shops all around the fountains. There are, of course, many benches in the park to the other side of the fountains where you can put your feet up and relax... or just sit in one of the outdoor cafes and check out the people walking by - it's a great sight ;-) Fountain square is a pedestrian area and very busy, especially after work hours. Oh and if you see the big McD sign and Ronald sitting on a bench, then you know you're in the right place! For some reason McDonald's always manages to have the best location in the heart of town...
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Twilight mingling
Monument and Philarmonic Hall
Azeri airplane at Heydar Aliyev Airport
beluga caviar
