Baku, Azerbaijan

I traveled to Baku, Azerbaijan for the F1 race back in April 2019. I flew Azerbaijan Airlines from Dubai when I was living in Abu Dhabi. E-visa is required. Pretty simple process. The capital is awesome with amazing architecture and awesome nightlife. Baku is a walking city. THINGS TO DO: F1 the next time it rolls around. Duh. Lol. Sidenote: Cardi B performed after the race. Visit the Heydar Aliyev building. It is a very unique structure. I did not have time to visit inside. The local populace hang out on the lawn in front of the building, I saw wedding photos taking place, and grab you a cool shot with the I LOVE BAKU sign. Hop a ride in a school English style taxi for the experience. Visit the most iconic landmark in the capital. The FLAME TOWERS-(Cardi B actually stayed at the Hotel Fairmont which is in one of the towers). Do this by catching the funicular. Check out the Carpet museum (the building is shaped like a carpet). They only accept cash-USD, EURO or local. Mini Venice is worth a walk-by since it is adjacent to the carpet museum. The Maiden Tower is in Old Town Baku. It is a must you make time to walk around Old Town with the stone walls and check out the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. I did not visit Gobustan State Reserve but the mud volcanos are awesome. The ground is literally on fire. Baku is named the Land of Fire and City of Winds! TRAVELING WHILE BLACK: Baku was a non-issue when it came to airport security, eating out and the local populace. I gave it 5-stars. I would fly back just for F1, to see the ground on fire, and buy a carpet. Just pick a place for the nightlife. The city is lit, literally! (pun intended)