If you are planning to spend a day in Baku, it’s important to have a clear idea of the cost of the trip. How much money do you need for a day in this beautiful and dynamic city? Let’s figure it out!

Accommodation: From budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Accommodation is one of the largest expenses, but in Baku, there are options for every budget. Budget options include hostels and cheap hotels offering rooms from 30 to 50 AZN (18-30$) per night. A place like Sahil Hostel is a convenient choice if you don’t plan to spend much time in the hotel. Mid-range options are three-star hotels or comfortable apartments, with an average price of 100 AZN (59$)—a great option for those who value comfort but don’t want to overpay for luxuries. If you want to fully immerse yourself in luxury, Baku will not disappoint. A stay in a five-star hotel, for example, will cost you 300 AZN (177$) or more per night.

Transportation: Convenient and affordable.

Baku’s transportation system is efficient and affordable. From Heydar Aliyev International Airport, you can reach the city center by bus. The Airport Express H1 bus runs between the airport and the city center, with a stop right across from the arrivals hall. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes, and the bus drops passengers at May 28 Square, where the train station is located. The ticket costs 1.3 AZN (0.80$). To pay for the trip, you need to buy a "BakiKart" transport card from a vending machine located at the airport exit. You can also use this card for travel by metro or bus, which costs 0.50 AZN (0.30$). This is the most economical way to get around the city. Please note that the vending machine accepts only cash and does not give change.

Baku’s metro system is not only a convenient way to get around the capital of Azerbaijan, but also an important part of the city’s infrastructure, with three lines and 27 stations. If you want to immerse yourself in Baku’s history and culture, you should definitely visit the “Icheri Sheher” station. This area is the heart of the old part of the city, where you can find ancient architectural monuments and cultural landmarks. Here, you can experience the spirit of centuries-old traditions as you walk through streets that preserve the history of Baku and Azerbaijan as a whole.

Food: From street food to fine dining.

Baku is a paradise for food lovers! You will find everything here—national and international cuisine, from budget eateries to fine dining restaurants. For breakfast, you can try a simple local dish like bread with cheese and herbs or tea with baklava, which will cost you around 5-7 AZN (3-4$). There is no better place for this than Sheker Bura, where you can not only taste Azerbaijani sweets and tea but also enjoy live music played on traditional instruments! For street food, you can try shawarma, pilaf, kutabs (which are also a national dish), khachapuri, and fresh fruits for 3-5 AZN (2-3$). Street cafes and markets offer a variety of dishes that won’t break the bank. Lunch or dinner at a mid-range cafe or restaurant will cost around 25-30 AZN (15-18$) per person. Be sure to try Azerbaijani dishes such as dolma, kebab, or piti. While tea remains the symbol of the country, there are more and more coffee shops opening in Baku and other cities in Azerbaijan every year, reflecting the growing popularity of coffee. You can visit a café like Second Cup, or if you want to experience traditional tea-drinking culture, you should visit Chaihana. Baku also has international chain coffee shops. If you want to indulge in gastronomic masterpieces, dinner in restaurants with live music or on outdoor terraces in the evening will cost around 50 AZN (30$) per person.

You can also join other tourists for free to explore the capital and enjoy the scenic views of Baku at night and the old city!

Total: How much money do you need for a day?

• Budget day: Around 70-100 AZN (41-59$). This option is for those on a tight budget but who still want to enjoy the main sights and delicious food.
• Mid-range day: 150-300 AZN (89-177$). This budget will allow you to travel comfortably around the city, try local dishes, and visit cultural events.
• Luxury day: 400-500 AZN (235-295$). If you want to stay in a comfortable hotel, dine in more expensive restaurants, and visit exclusive places, this budget will be optimal.