As an exotic nation at the intersection point between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan is fast becoming one of the best places in the world that a tourist will find interesting sights, history, and nature at a pocket friendly price. With the colorful streets of the capital Baku to the quiet Caucasus mountain, Azerbaijan can provide a lot to the low-budget travelers. It is either you are attracted by its ancient buildings, lively markets, or tasty food, and you are not lack of low-cost adventures to be experienced. Through proper planning, the traveler can have a great trip with a spot of fun without spending too much money and Azerbaijan will make a perfect destination.
The visa is an important aspect to learn by the budget travelers in order to have an uncomplicated trip. "https://www.gokite.travel/visa/apply-for-an-azerbaijan-tourist-visa-from-dubai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Azerbaijan visit visa can be easily acquired by many UAE visitors and Sharjah is not an exception as they can visit this rich country without any complications. However, whether it is cheap places to stay or local places to eat, local transportation or similar services, this Azerbaijan budget travel guide will help you have the best experience on your trip and at the same time ensure your budget does not go up. You are a backpacker, a lone tourist or even traveling as a family, this guide will offer some tips, some insider information and a detailed plan to see the best of Azerbaijan without necessarily breaking your wallet. Allow GoKite Travel take care of you in discovering the unexplored secrets of this amazing nation, and make you organize a trip full of experience and minimal expenditure.
How to go to Azerbaijan with a Budget.
Knowledge about Visa Requirements.
You must get a visa before you book your flights. A visit visa to Azerbaijan can be easily and quickly applied online by the citizens of many countries. As a UAE traveler, you can easily use Sharjah portals to apply to visit Azerbaijan by using travel agencies that are authorized or government portals. E-visas are also normally processed online and in few business days thus making last minute traveling easy to low-end travellers. Never forget to check the validity and duration of your visa to prevent the possibility of paying fees and fines that you are not even aware of.
Best Time to Visit
Timing is important to travelers who want to have their spending as much as possible. The cheapest periods to travel to Azerbaijan are the shoulder seasons spring (March- May) and the autumn season (September- November). At such times, there are low flight tickets as well as accommodation rates as compared to the season when there is the peak summer, but the weather is pleasant and good to sightsee. Moreover, off-season touring can be associated with a reduction in the number of tourists visiting the major attractions and you will have an experience with them without high ticket charges.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
Azerbaijan has a great selection of cheap accommodation places that can accommodate low-end travelers. Cities such as Baku, sheki and Gabala have hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels. Hostels have prices as low as $1020 per night, and small boutique hotels have prices as low as 2540 per night. In case of a longer visit, it is better to book apartments or homestays, and they not only save money but also have a more authentic local experience. Such websites as GoKite Travel provide a list of recommendations of low-cost hotels around Azerbaijan.
Getting Around on a Budget
Public Transportation
The Azerbaijan transport system is also dependable and affordable. Most of the major attractions in Baku are on the metro and bus systems, and the prices are as low as 0.20 AZN (approximately 0.12 USD). Cabs are not very expensive, particularly when one is covering the shortest route, but they will never charge more without prior agreement or employ ride-hailing applications not to pay a lot. The minibuses (marshrutkas) are a cheaper substitute of the trains and buses; they serve the connecting towns and cities at a fraction of the cost of the personal mode of transport.
Renting a Car versus Public Transport.
Though by renting a car, you are free to visit remote areas like Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape or the Caspian coastline, it is usually more costly. The public buses and shared taxis can serve the budget travelers in exploring beyond Baku. Public transport with occasional personal transportation (using trains or buses) is the solution that will provide you with the right amount of cost-saving and convenience to visit the attractions you need without having to spend heavily.
Affordable Dining Options
The food in Azerbaijan is a wonderful mix of cuisines and one does not necessarily need to spend a lot when having local food. The local food and street food, called çayxana, offers substantial food at highly affordable costs. Common dishes that are cheap are plov (rice with meat or vegetables), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and kebabs. An average food in a local cafe is approximately between 3 6 USD. In case of the people who are staying in self-catering, it is a great idea to visit the local markets in order to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and bread and save money, at the same time they will be able to taste the real ingredients that make Azerbaijan.
Best Low-price Attractions.
Baku Old City (Icherisheher)
Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage site that should not be left out of the list. Visit the narrow streets, visit ancient mosques and caravanserais; have a free sightseeing opportunity. Admission to the attractions within the Old City is cheap and it is ideal to the low-end traveller.
Flame Towers
Baku is characterized by the famous Flame Towers. Although there are no charges for visiting the towers, budget travelers can have access to panorama view of the towers by visiting the adjacent parks at no cost. The towers are lit at night in evening lights and the towers provide a spectacular view to watch which is ideal in photography.
Gobustan National Park
The Gobustan National Park which features ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes is a low-cost excursion out of Baku. The fee to enter is cheap and group tours can be taken at affordable prices by local tour operators. Travels to Gobustan are further low-cost because of the connectivity of Baku by public buses.
Sheki
Sheki is an old town in North Azerbaijan, which is known by its old buildings and the Palace of the Sheki Khan. The walker tours, the local markets and cheap guesthouses can be enjoyed by the low end travelers. The town is also a peep into the rich heritage of Azerbaijan and does not need to spend much money on having guided tours.
Budget Activities in Nature
Outdoor Adventures and Hiking.
Azerbaijan boasts of varying landscapes that will be used in low-cost outdoor activities. Caucasus mountains and national parks in the country such as Shahdag and Guba have free hiking trails. It could also be a cheap method to stay at the natural beauty of the country camping in the specified regions.
Beaches and Lakes
The coast and lakes of the Caspian Sea and lakes like Lake Goygol are cheap recreation sites. A lot of the beaches are publicly available and have little or no charges, which is a good choice in the budget-friendly traveler that wants to rest and enjoy the natural beauty.
Shopping on a Budget
Azerbaijan has bazaars such as Taza Bazaar and Yashil Bazaar in Baku which is ideal when travelling in a budget as it houses all the souvenirs, spices and local handicrafts. There is a lot of bargaining around and therefore there is no reason why you should not bargain prices. Purchasing directly at the local sellers would guarantee local products at a lower price than in the tourist stores.
Budget Travel Tips
Book and Plan Ahead- Reserve flights, hotels and tours in advance to get the most competitive deals.
Travel Light – This will help you save or at least, reduce the costs of baggage by traveling lightly.
Hitchhike- Spend less on cabs and car hire.
Eat Local -Do not go to international chain restaurants so as to spend less on meals.
Take Advantage of Online Offers – Online sites such as GoKite Travel offer packages and discounts of cheaper prices.
Travel in Groups: This will save a lot of money given that transportation and accommodation are shared.
Conclusion:
Azerbaijan is a rising destination with a great cultural experience, beautiful sceneries, and a friendly environment to those who do not have to spend heavily exploring the destination. One can afford to have a memorable vacation without emptying their pockets because of the emphasis on affordable accommodation, local food, cheaper transportation, and cheaper recreational places. This Azerbaijan travel guide to budget travelers is a detailed roadmap in exploring the country in an efficient manner to enable you plan your itinerary and to ensure you maximize on your time in the country.
Since it is possible to purchase an Azerbaijan visit visa in Sharjah and afford a ride on the buses, as well as enjoy the traditional local cuisine, budget traveling in Azerbaijan is not only possible, but also very promising. In wandering through the Old City of Baku, hiking the Caucasus Mountains, or visiting some of the ancient towns such as Sheki, this guide will make this a satisfying experience and adventurous at the same time, without being too expensive. To plan hassle-free and have the best travel packages, trust reputable websites such as GoKite Travel to make your ultimate Azerbaijan trip filled with cultural, historical, and picturesque attractions and locations that do not leave your wallet feeling too ripped.
