Top Things to Do and See in Absheron District, Azerbaijan

Absheron District or Absheron Rayon or Apsheron is a district in the eponymous region of Azerbaijan. The foundation of the district was laid in 1963 under the Soviet rule. The urban region of the district is squeezed between Baku and Sumqayit. It then expands towards south-west side encompassing Gobustan, which is also the most popular place to visit in Absheron.

The Gobustan or Qobustan National State Reserve is one of the most important historical tourist attractions in Absheron. The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape Reserve has been included in UNESCO world heritage sites. The rock carvings in the reserve are the most popular things to see in Absheron. The petroglyphs in the region tell the story of pre-historic civilizations of the Caucasus Mountains. There are depictions of various activities of these civilizations like hunting, dancing, travelling and so on. It is one of the most interesting places to visit in Absheron, especially if history fascinates you.

Another major tourist attraction in Absheron is the mud volcanoes. There are mud volcanoes near the urban regions of the district as well, but the majority of them are located in Gobustan. The mud volcanoes are a major sightseeing attraction in Absheron. There are several hiking trails in Qobustan leading to the mud volcanoes. Some hiking trails cover multiple mud volcanoes as well. People having certain expertise collect the cooled mud from near these volcanoes owing to their medicinal properties. There are several mud volcano products sold in the cities of Azerbaijan, especially in Absheron region. These also make great souvenirs to take home from Azerbaijan.

Gobustan also attracts several explorers and trekkers. Hiking and nature exploration are popular things to do in Absheron. There are hiking trails both starting from and ending at the Rock Art Cultural Landscape Reserve. These hiking trails cover several interesting things to see in Absheron. Sundu trail, Qobustan trail, Ismaili trail, and Qobustan cay trail are some of the hiking routes you can take for exploratory and adventurous things to do in Absheron. Just keep a safe distance from the mud volcanoes along the way. They may interesting things to see, but they are still volcanoes.

While hiking through Qobustan do make sure to touch upon the musical stone known as Gaval Dash. This naturally formed stone makes a sound similar to a tambourine. It is an offbeat tourist attraction in Absheron.

Coming towards the eastern and urban side of Absheron travel, there are still several major attractions to visit in these regions. One of the most striking places to visit in Absheron is the eternal flames of Yanar Dag. These flames are said to be the origin of Zoroastrianism. Yanar Dag means burning mountain. The flames burn consistently owing to the reserves of natural gas under them. It is a primary Absheron sightseeing spot.

Another major attraction is the blood-red lake of Masazir. The lake has a high concentration of chloride and sulphate resulting in a pinkish and often blood-red colour. The lake has a high concentration of salt. There are brands of Azeri salt which are cultivated form Masazir Lake. This salt form this lake has its own distinct taste. It is also a great souvenir to take home from Absheron travel.

You will need 2 days to explore the places to visit in Absheron. This can include hiking, trekking and other adventurous things to do in Absheron as well. You can dedicate an entire day to Gobustan and one day to the urban side of the district. You can also cover the urban side first if you are coming in from Baku.

Things to do in Absheron, Azerbaijan

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Absheron, Azerbaijan

1. Yanar Dag
2. Aliagah Vahid Monument

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Absheron, Azerbaijan

1. Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape
2. Mud Volcanoes
3. Lake Masazir / Masazirgol
4. Gaval Dash Musical Stone
5. Gobustan Mud Volcano
6. Gobustan National Historical & Cultural Reserve
7. Lake Mirzaladi
8. Jeyranbatan Reservoir

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Absheron, Azerbaijan

1. AF Hotel Aqua Park Novkhani
2. AAAF Park

Shopping in Absheron, Azerbaijan

1. Orange Baku
2. Paris Boutique
3. Azer City Mall
4. Zeyneb Ticaret Mall
5. Yerazlar Mehellesi Mall
6. Xirdalan Tort Mall
7. Xirdalan Kohne Bazaar
8. Azeri Stil Xirdalan

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Absheron, Azerbaijan

1. Palma
2. Ugur Palace
3. Liman Ailevi
4. Xezine Palace
5. Baki Praqa
6. Emil Restoran
7. Vedi Pub Restaurant
8. Absheron Restaurant & Lounge
9. Regnum Restaurant

How to Reach Absheron, Azerbaijan?

By Air

The nearest airport for Absheron travel is the Heydar Aliyev International Airport located in Baku. The airport is not too far from Absheron. You will easily get numerous travel options for the airport itself. You can either choose public transport options or hire a mode of private transport. If you are cleared to drive in Azerbaijan, you can even rent a car to go for Absheron sightseeing by yourself. There are also several guide cab services, where the driver acts as your guide for places to visit in Absheron. This service is valid both for Baku and Absheron. You can find similar services in the city as well. There will be a cost difference between the services procured from the city and those procured from the airport. The airport charges are usually much higher.

To make things easier as well as pocket friendly, you can take one of the public transport to get to Baku city first, then acquire services to visit Absheron tourist attractions from there.

By Road

The nearest train station you can use for Absheron travel is Khirdalan train station, located just south of the district. Once you reach there, you have to rely on road transport options. You take the buses to go for Absheron sightseeing or hire a car or rent a car. Though buses are fine to visit things to see in Absheron, they don’t provide freedom and convenience. The best way to travel across Absheron is at your own will with a vehicle at your command. There are several tourist attractions in Absheron where you would want to spend more time than bus timings would allow. The district holds a wide natural landscape with several adventures and exploratory things to do in Absheron. You would want the freedom of time and movement to thoroughly enjoy these thrills of nature.

Routes M1, M3, and M4 will take you in and around the district. You will have to use the minor roads for some offbeat places to visit in Absheron. Route E60 connects with Absheron at the southern end.

By Water

Though the Absheron region has several coasts and ports, the eponymous district is landlocked. If you are looking for a water route for Absheron travel, you will be disappointed. You can reach Baku or Sumqayit via the ocean and carry on your journey by road to enjoy the things to see in Absheron. That’s about as close as you can get to a water route to the district.