The Nizami Station is a beautiful place which looks more like an art gallery than a transport center. Named after the 12th Century master of Persian literature, this underground palace is decorated with a mosaic portrait of Nizami and artistic panels based on motifs from his poems. Opened in 1985, the station is a great example of Azerbaijani architecture.

The Azerbaijan Academic Drama Theatre was founded in 1873, opening with Akhundov’s comedy “Vizier of Lenkorans Khanate”. Since then scores of Azerbaijani and international works have been performed here, including Shakespeare and Tolstoy. One of the most popular culture venues in Baku, it routinely sells out for almost every performance and has won many national awards.

While most of Baku’s mosques were built in medieval or pre-medieval times, others were erected at the turn of the 19th Century, including the Qasim Bey Mosque. Financed by a private citizen, this large mosque boasts a beautiful blue dome among many interesting architectural features. It’s one of the most frequented mosques in the city, especially among young Muslims.

Located in the heart of Baku, Mum is the oldest department store in the city. Spread across three floors, it offers national crafts, carpets and souvenirs are selling out. Look out for the beautiful selection of Kelagai, a woman’s scarf made of silk in various designs that is a national symbol of Azerbaijan.

Founded in 1998, this movie theatre is the most popular in all of Baku. Conveniently located in the centre of the city, this cinema shows the latest major world movies on the big screen in top quality Dolby Digital sound.

Café Arabesque is one of the best places in the city to come and relax over a cup of tea. Locals listen to soothing Eastern music here as they forget the hassles of daily life. Visitors to the café can enjoy rich cuisine and exotic hookah flavors along with the wide range of teas and coffees. The café’s splendid interior is decorated with eastern ornaments, with comfortable sofas and luxurious tables covered with hand-made Persian tablecloths.

As well as magnificent architecture and numerous parks, Baku is home to some fantastic fountains. Created in 1984, the Fountain Square is the perfect place for rest and relaxation. “Seven Beauties”, perhaps the most magnificent fountain in the city, is located here. This five-metre long pool features eight bronze panels that depict subjects from Nizami’s famous poem of the same name. Located near the Nizami Museum, a monument to the great poet is also located here.

Long Island is an exclusive club that specializes in lounge and chill-out music. On Saturdays the club turns up the heat, with the best DJs in the city spinning top house tunes. This fully-featured venue has a good range of drinks and meals, and even free-wifi access.