Picture a city where skyscrapers reflect in the Caspian Sea and around the corner there is always a cozy café with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and hot churek bread. That is Baku, a city where Eastern hospitality meets European comfort.

But before you stroll through Icheri Sheher or ride up to Highland Park for views of the Flame Towers, you will probably ask: how much does a trip to Baku cost? Below are approximate prices for accommodation, food, transport, museums and souvenirs. Amounts are given in Azerbaijani manats (AZN) and in US dollars at the official rate of about 1.70 AZN per dollar.

Accommodation prices in Baku

There is plenty of choice, from inexpensive hostels in the center to boutique hotels with views of the Caspian.

Type

Price per night

Hostel (dorm bed)

10–20 AZN (≈ $6–12)

3–4★ hotel60–120 AZN (≈ $35–70)
5★ hotelfrom 150 AZN, about 230 AZN on average (≈ $88–135)

Prices depend on the season, district and date: the Old City and Fountain Square are more expensive.

Food: how much do meals cost in Baku?

Azerbaijani cuisine lets you eat well without big spending, from street food to restaurants.

ItemPrice
Street food2–3.5 AZN (≈ $1.20–2)
Breakfast at a café5–10 AZN (≈ $3–6)
Lunch at an inexpensive café or restaurant8–17 AZN (≈ $5–10)
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant15–30 AZN per person (≈ $9–18)
Cappuccino

4–5 AZN (≈ $2.40–3)

In tourist areas such as Nizami Street and the Seaside Boulevard, prices are higher.

Transport: metro, buses and taxis

Getting around Baku is easy and inexpensive. For payment methods and the current metro repairs, see our article on transport in Baku.

TypePrice
Metro and bus

0.60 AZN (≈ $0.35)

Taxi within the city

3–7 AZN (≈ $1.80–4.10)

Taxi from the airport to the center

15–25 AZN (≈ $9–15)

Bolt e-scooters

unlock fee plus a per-minute rate, shown in the app

Funicular to Highland Park

1 AZN (≈ $0.60)

On the metro and buses you can pay with an NFC bank card or a BakıKart. Riding e-scooters on pavements is not allowed in most Azerbaijani cities.

Entertainment and attractions

Place

Price for foreign visitors

Carpet Museum10 AZN (≈ $6)
Maiden Tower15 AZN (≈ $9)
Palace of the Shirvanshahs15 AZN (≈ $9)
Combo ticket: palace, tower, underground bath and Tahir Salahov House Museum36 AZN (≈ $21)
Highland Park

free

Two museums, such as the Carpet Museum and the Maiden Tower, cost about 25 AZN (≈ $15). If you plan to visit several Old City sights, the combo ticket is better value.

Souvenirs and shopping

Visitors take home pakhlava, sweets, tea, spices and handmade souvenirs. Prices vary widely: markets and shops outside tourist zones are usually cheaper than the Old City. To compare, visit a market such as Yashil Bazaar first.

How much money do you need in Baku?

Based on reference guides and our calculation from the prices above:

Budget: about 50–85 AZN a day (≈ $30–50): hostel, street food and inexpensive cafés, public transport.

Mid-range: about 140–260 AZN a day (≈ $80–150): 3–4★ hotel, restaurant dinners, taxis and paid museums.

For a week, that is roughly 350–600 AZN (≈ $210–350) on a budget and 1,000–1,800 AZN (≈ $590–1,060) mid-range.

FAQ

Is Baku expensive? By European standards prices are moderate, especially for food and transport, but the Old City and the Seaside Boulevard cost more.

How much is the metro in Baku? 0.60 AZN per ride.

How much is a taxi in Baku? 3–7 AZN within the city and 15–25 AZN from the airport.

How much do the museums cost? The Carpet Museum is 10 AZN, the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs' Palace are 15 AZN each, and the combo ticket for four Old City sites is 36 AZN.

Which currency should I pay in? The manat (AZN). The rate is about 1.70 AZN to the dollar.


Baku will surprise even an experienced traveler: you can eat well, see the main sights and walk by the sea without spending a lot. Add Baku to your itinerary and get the most from your trip at a reasonable price.

Information current as of October 2026.

Categories: Travel Tips, Accommodation in Azerbaijan