Azerbaijani Cooking Class + Old City Tour + Lunch
Description
Experience the best of Baku in one unforgettable half-day. Begin with a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old City, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Then, step into a traditional Old City restaurant for a hands-on Azerbaijani cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, prepare and enjoy three beloved dishes: dolma (vine leaf), qutab (stuffed flatbread), and ayran (refreshing yogurt drink with mint). Conclude with samovar-brewed tea served alongside local sweets and jams. This halal-friendly tour blends history, culture, and cuisine, offering authentic tastes and unforgettable memories in the heart of Baku. Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive, small-group experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We check-in the tour and start from our office in Old City Baku - Icherisheher.
The Double Gates (Gosha Gala Gapysy, in Aze: Qoşa Qala Qapısı) are the main entrance to Icherisheher, the historic Old City of Baku. Built in the 12th century, these fortified gates stand approximately 8 meters tall and 20 meters wide, serving as a vital part of the city's ancient defense system. The Double Gates have long been a symbol of Baku's rich cultural heritage, connecting the old walled city with the modern urban landscape.
The Maiden Tower is a 12th-century monument in the Old City, Baku, Azerbaijan. Along with the Shirvanshahs' Palace, dated to the 15th century, it forms a group of historic monuments listed in 2001 under the UNESCO World Heritage List of Historical Monuments as cultural property.
Juma Mosque or Friday Mosque is a mosque in Icherisheher, functioning since the 12th century.
The Palace of the Shirvanshahs is a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described by UNESCO as "one of the pearls of Azerbaijan's architecture".
Workshop of Ali Shamsi in Old City
Cooking masterclass in a national restaurant. You’ll prepare and taste some of the country’s most beloved dishes: Dolma, Qutab and Ayran. After the class, enjoy the dishes you’ve made together in a relaxed, communal setting. The experience ends with the quintessential Azerbaijani tea ritual — fragrant samovar tea accompanied by local sweets and homemade jams, a tradition deeply tied to hospitality.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We pick up from all hotels in Baku city.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dress code is smart casual
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Reviews(57)
I had a wonderful time with my guide Ayshen, who really made my experience of Baku come alive. The cooking class was with Shirin, who was truly delightful. We laughed, we cooked, we drank tea, I was made to feel like a welcome guest, not just a customer. I highly recommend this tour...it's great value for money and well worth doing.
The tour guide was knowledgeable about the history of Baku and provided some insight into the city and culture of Azerbaijan. I would recommend Terlan as your guide if possible, I am sure the other guides are knowledgeable too. The cooking class was fun with a lot of information about each dish, I really enjoyed it.
Excellent day, the guide was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. We visited the old city first then went on to the cooking class, the chef was very good and very patient with me. Very good experience I highly recommend it.
I absolutely loved my experience, the old city walking tour is very informative and I was able to see a lot of new things. I was able to taste test some local delicacies before the cooking class in the cooking class. I was able to cook authentic dishes and also see how they’re made. My favourite part was being able to put the bread in the traditional oven similar to a tandoori oven. My guide was lovely and I would definitely do this again in Baku.
Informative tour of the Old City. Have fun in the cooking class and at the same time a great lunch. Highly recommended!
This was such a great experience for me and my husband. I would recommend anyone visiting Baku to get a chance to experience how the delicious local food is made from start to finish. Our teacher was so great and patient despite the language barrier and had such a vested interest in making sure that we get it right. We enjoyed it so much and wow when we having ate the meals and they tasted delicious, we were so proud. Our tour guide Leman was so so so amazing, she gave us plenty tips also on navigating the city and we can’t wait to host her one day in South Africa for Safari 🙂 this was truly special thanks to her
Good tour, different things to see, what you alone not see. Pink lake, 5 fingers mountain,… Good and friendly guide who explains everything very good.
We visited the most important spots in Baku. Our guide Tarlan was very nice, helpful and professional. We didn't suffer the typical hassling in this kind of visits. Really recommend tour. Thank you Tarlan and team
All trip was good. Well organised after the booking. Ali was brilliant shared souch with us about history etc. We never felt rushed!! I can highly recommend this company and Ali! Well done to all involved!! If all tour companies would like you do guys..... :)
Charming walkabout of the Old City seeped in History through the ages and evolution of Azarbhaijan through various regimes …we were ably guided by Terlan , who walked us through each era .… He was a knowledgeable , patient and attentive young man . overall a 5 star experience by Old City Tours .
