Best Unique Things to Buy in Baku: Souvenirs You’ll Love

Souvenirs are one of the best parts of any trip, and Baku’s souvenirs are as lively and colourful as the city itself.🎁 They carry memories that last long after your Azerbaijan trip is over, and it is always nice to bring the essence of a foreign home with you. Your Azerbaijan itinerary will be incomplete without buying souvenirs to take home, along with the wonderful memories you’ll make.

In Azerbaijan, if you are thinking, what is famous in Baku for shopping?🛍️ Let me tell you, Baku, Azerbaijan, has many places to visit, where you will find plenty of enchanting items to take back for yourself or your home🏡. Lovers of art and handicrafts often buy jewellery💍 or silk scarves,🧣 while food lovers can enjoy delicious baklava and rich alpine tea🍵. Many tourists who love decorating homes couldn’t resist buying handmade carpets.

From modern shopping malls in Baku to traditional flea markets, Azerbaijan offers its tourists a variety of shopping experiences🛍️. If you’re wondering what are the things to buy in Baku, there is a long list of things to buy in Baku and plenty of varieties to choose from.

For example, you can pick up beautiful ceramics🥣 or some of the finest carpets in Baku. Also, there are antique hidden stores in the winding streets of the Old City, where you can find unique ethnic crafts, decorative weapons⚔️, copper dishes, and beautiful armudi crystal glasses🍸. Whether you’re shopping at big malls for international brands or browsing street markets, Baku has something for everyone.

Before visiting Azerbaijan, check out Dimaak Tours’ guide to make your holiday wonderful-

• Best Time to Visit Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan Visa for Indians
• Azerbaijan Nightlife
• Indian Restaurants in Azerbaijan

List of the Best Things to Buy in Azerbaijan

Carpets and Kilims

Did You know? Azerbaijani carpet is considered as the national pride of Azerbaijan and is one of the most expensive souvenirs you can bring back from Baku. The art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan is so remarkable that it’s been included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.🔥

Carpets and kilims are the national identity of Azerbaijan. It symbolises the country’s rich history and artistry. You can find handwoven masterpieces of carpets with different shapes, sizes, patterns and colours, which are made from high-quality wool, silk, and cotton. The Azerbaijani carpets feature intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs, or stylised representations of animals and nature. So, buy one that suits your taste.

But do you know an interesting fact about Azerbaijani carpets? The craftsmanship of Azerbaijani carpets varies from region to region, with the most famous being the Shirvan, Karabakh, and Tabriz carpets, each with its distinct pattern. Talking about colours, rich colours of red, blue, and gold dominate the designs, with many carpets containing shades of green, beige, and orange as well.

Azerbaijani Carpets are multifunctional. They can be used as floor coverings, wall hangings, or even decorative throws, adding a touch of tradition and classiness to any home. You can find the best carpets in Baku’s Old City (Icheri Sheher), along Torgovaya Street, and near the Maiden Tower.

To make sure you are buying an authentic, high-quality carpet, it’s a good idea to visit the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum first. The museum staff will give you insights into recognising authentic carpets and avoiding buying cheap imitations.

If you want to gift🎁 your loved ones any sort of carpet, consider purchasing a more petite “tea” rug, which is beautiful, compact, and much more affordable. Another fun and unique souvenir is a carpet bag👜, which is made from traditional Azerbaijani carpet designs and serves as a stylish ethnic accessory to complement any outfit.

Kelaghayi

Did You Know? In Azerbaijan, traditionally, these scarves🧣 were a part of a woman’s dowry and were worn to signify various milestones in life.

Made from high-quality silk, Kelaghayi is a traditional Azerbaijani silk scarf that holds a significant place in the country’s cultural heritage. The handwoven scarves have unique, intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations. Creating a Kelaghayi is highly skilled and time-consuming, with some scarves taking days or even weeks to complete.

They are not only worn as fashion accessories but also have cultural and symbolic significance. In Azerbaijan, Kelaghayi scarves are considered a symbol of elegance. Women👩🏻‍🦰 often wear them during special occasions, celebrations, and even daily life to represent their cultural pride and identity.

Kelaghayi scarves are known for their bright colours and beautiful patterns. They often feature floral motifs, geometric designs, and rich, contrasting hues like deep reds,🧣 blues, and yellows. The silk is first dyed using natural methods to achieve striking colours, resulting in richness, durability, and strikingness.

Even the Kelaghayi is multifunctional. You can wear it as a headscarf, a necktie, or even display it as artwork. The Kelaghayi is a timeless piece of Azerbaijani heritage that adds elegance and cultural significance to any collection

Copper Ware and Brass Items

An Interesting Fact and Truth about Copper- Azerbaijanis believe that copperware can boost food’s health benefits.👍🏻 There’s a widespread belief that copper helps to kill harmful microbes in food and even dissolves small stones in water, making it cleaner and safer to drink.🥛 People of Azerbaijan trust these claims and enjoy using copper pots, cups,🍵 and dishes for cooking and serving their meals🍱, thinking that it adds a natural, healthful touch to their food and drink.🫗

In 2015, UNESCO added Lahij’s copper craft to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.🐦‍🔥

Copper Ware in Azerbaijan is a famous thing to buy in Baku, which includes a wide range of household items and appliances, such as churns, trays, carafes, colanders, bowls🥣, and boilers🍜.

There are more than 40 types of handmade copper items, each serving a different purpose in daily life. These items are typically divided into five main categories:

• Copper Ware for Cooking and Serving Food
• Tableware
• Dairy Products
• Carrying Water
• Household Necessities

Whether it’s a beautifully crafted tray for serving tea or a sturdy boiler for cooking, copperware is not only practical but also adds a touch of tradition and craftsmanship to everyday life😊. The copper is polished to a gleaming finish; some items may have a patina for an antique look. These items are used both for practical purposes, such as serving food or tea🍵, and as decorative pieces to add a rustic, cultural touch to your home🏡.

Own copper ware with engraved flowers, geometric shapes, or even depictions of daily life in Azerbaijan. Copperware is a sure souvenir to buy in Azerbaijan because of its unique and lasting quality. Common copper things to buy in Baku or gift include trays, bowls, teapots, and serving dishes.

The warm tones of copper, ranging from bright, shiny orange-gold to deep reddish-brown, make these pieces a beautiful addition to any collection or household.😊

Miniature Musical Instruments

Take home tiny replicas of traditional Azerbaijani instruments🪈🎷, such as the tar (a stringed instrument), kamancha (a type of violin)🎻, and Balaban (a wind instrument). These miniature musical instruments are beautifully crafted from wood🪵 and adorned with intricate details. The colour of these miniature instruments typically reflects the natural shades of the wood, often stained to bring out rich, golden-brown tones or painted with bright, decorative patterns.

Miniature musical instruments🎻 are more than just decorative. They reflect the importance of music in Azerbaijani culture, where traditional instruments play a significant role in folk music🎶. These small musical instruments are ideal for collectors or anyone interested in Azerbaijani art and music, serving as a reminder of the country’s rich musical heritage.🪈🎻🎷

Tea Pot and Sets

Tea culture is prevalent in Azerbaijan, and a traditional teapot🍵 set🫖 makes a great souvenir. You can find a great variety of teapots in Baku made from ceramic, copper, or even glass. They are decorated with intricate patterns and typically feature floral motifs and geometric patterns in vibrant colours such as blue, red, yellow, and green.

The tea sets are an important social ritual in the country. Traditional tea set serves not only as a functional kitchen item but also as a decorative piece that brings Azerbaijani tradition into your home.🏡 If you are someone who enjoys tea🍵, a teapot and set 🫖can also be a practical souvenir.

Some sets🫖🫖 may even feature hand-painted designs or be made by local artisans. So buy any kind of teapot or set, whether you like intricate designs, decorative patterns, metalwork, or porcelain; it makes a beautiful and unique addition to your home decor.🏡

Local Spices

Spices are essential to Azerbaijani cuisine and make excellent souvenirs🎁. They bring the authentic flavours of Azerbaijan into your kitchen. You’ll find them in local markets, bazaars, and spice shops throughout Baku and other cities.

The spices to buy in Azerbaijan include: Saffron, Sumac, Paprika, Caraway Seeds, Lavender, Pomegranate Seeds, Barberries (Zereshk), Khmeli-Suneli, Coriander (Kişniş), Cumin (Zira), Dried Mint Turmeric, Thyme

These spices can be found in local markets like Taza Bazaar and Green Bazaar in Baku. There, you can purchase them in decorative packets or jars as authentic souvenirs from Azerbaijan. Gifting them to someone who loves cooking will make their day!🤤

Ethnic Jewellery

Any woman would love receiving ethnic jewellery as a souvenir🎁. Ethnic jewellery reflects Azerbaijan’s diverse traditions and craftsmanship, as it is rich in culture and history. When shopping for ethnic jewellery in Azerbaijan, you will find these pieces in bazaars, artisan shops, and cultural markets, especially in cities like Baku, Sheki, and Gabala. They are unique and meaningful souvenirs, a piece of Azerbaijani tradition which is perfect for giving women.

The list of must-buy ethnic jewellery from Azerbaijan is as follows-

• Filigree Silver Jewellery: It is made from fine silver wire, which features elaborate floral and geometric patterns and is crafted into rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
• Traditional Silver Necklaces (Kokoshnik): These silver necklaces📿, sometimes worn as part of traditional bridal attire, often feature large, ornate pendants which incorporate enamel and gemstones.
• Tungsten and Silver Belt Buckles: Belt buckles, crafted from silver or tungsten, are a traditional accessory for Azerbaijani men.
• Turquoise Jewellery: Turquoise is a popular gemstone in Azerbaijan, often set in silver jewellery. It is believed to have protective and healing properties. You can buy rings, bracelets, and pendants. 💍📿
• “Gushing” Rings: These traditional Azerbaijani rings💍, often made with gemstones like turquoise, coral, or agate, are worn by women and symbolise status, beauty and tradition in Azerbaijan.
• Copper and Brass Jewellery: Copper and brass jewellery are often used in more rural or traditional Azerbaijani designs and are adorned with stones or enamel.

Art and Antiques

Azerbaijani art includes hand-painted portraits, landscapes, and scenes of daily life, often done in bright, vivid colours.

You can buy antique things in Baku, such as old manuscripts, historical maps, and vintage copperware. These feature themes drawn from Azerbaijani folklore, nature, and Islamic art. The antiques, in particular, can range from rustic furniture pieces🪑to delicate ceramics🥣, each with its own story and history.

Chirag Ceramics

The word “chirag” itself means “lamp” or “light” in Azerbaijani which metaphorically symbolises the country’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, particularly in pottery🥣. Chirag ceramics are part of Azerbaijan’s broader pottery and ceramic traditions. The designs (motifs like geometric patterns, floral elements, and the country’s natural beauty) are sometimes inspired by Azerbaijani architecture, carpets, and other folk art forms.

Chirag ceramics are a symbol of Azerbaijan’s heritage. They are typically hand-crafted and may be embellished with colourful glazes and artistic motifs. To create visually stunning and functional Chirag Ceramics, craftsmen combine traditional pottery-making techniques with artistic expression, so buying these ceramics is an excellent choice for representing the country’s rich cultural heritage. Tourists can buy a variety of Chirag ceramics items, including decorative lamps, teapots, vases, and bowls.

Note: The “chirag” or lamp is a key feature of this ceramic style. These lamps, which may take the form of hanging lights or small decorative lanterns🏮, are designed to provide soft, ambient lighting. 

Traditional Local Sweets

Azerbaijan’s traditional treats make excellent souvenirs for food lovers🤤. The country’s local snacks and sweets are a perfect fusion of the flavours of the East and West.

• Pakhlava (Azerbaijani Baklava): It is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts (often walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts) and garnished with flavoured cardamom, cinnamon, and rose water. It’s typically sweetened with honey or sugar syrup.
• Shekerbura: This is a traditional Azerbaijani crescent or oval-shaped pastry filled with ground nuts (usually walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts), sugar, and spices like cardamom.
• Gogal: It is a crisp, spiral or crescent-shaped buttery pastry with a slight hint of saffron, filled with a blend of spices and sometimes a little sugar.
• Badambura: It is a type of traditional Azerbaijani pastry made with a dough that is rolled out and filled with a mixture of ground almonds, sugar, and butter, then baked until golden.
• Dovga: It is a traditional yoghurt-based light, savoury snack or soup often served with rice and herbs.
• Tendir Bread: It is a round, flat bread traditionally baked in a clay oven (tandoor). It’s soft and slightly chewy and often eaten alongside main dishes or snacks.
• Chak-Chak: It is a popular snack in Central Asia and Azerbaijan. It’s a crunchy, sweet treat made from fried dough pieces soaked in honey and shaped into small clusters.
• Jellied Desserts (Paxlava and Halva Varieties): These are jellied or pudding-like desserts, often made with rose or saffron water, sugar, and starch. They come in various forms, often cut into cubes or served in moulded shapes.
• Fruit Preserves (Marmalade, Jam): Azerbaijan is known for its wide variety of fruits, many of which are preserved in jams, marmalades, and fruit pastes. Pomegranate, apricot, and fig marmalades are especially popular.
• Qazel (Azerbaijani Fruit Jelly): It is a thick, smooth, sweet fruit jelly made from the juice of fruits like pomegranate, apricot, or grape. It’s a jelly that’s both flavourful and refreshing.
• Sujuk (Azerbaijani Sausage with Walnuts): It is a traditional Azerbaijani sausage made with walnuts, sugar, and grape juice. It’s often served as a snack or dessert, with the sweet and nutty filling encased in a chewy, gelatinous exterior.
• Pomegranate and Grape Molasses (Narsharab): These are thick, syrupy condiments made by reducing fruit juices into syrup. They are used in Azerbaijani cooking, especially in salads, meats, and pastries.
• Halva: It’s a sweet, dense treat made from semolina or flour, butter, sugar, and cardamom.

These delicious snacks and sweets are also profoundly connected to Azerbaijani traditions, making them perfect for sharing the country’s rich culture with others.

Souvenir Weapons

Weapon souvenirs⚔️ serve as impressive conversation pieces and provide a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s martial history. These weapons are often beautifully crafted with ornate handles and intricate engravings on the blades. Inspired by traditional Azerbaijani designs, such as the khanjars (a type of curved dagger) and scimitars.

Decorative weapons such as swords, daggers, and knives are popular souvenirs in Baku. They are typically polished steel and detailed brass or copper elements, which are displayed as part of a collection or hung as wall art to add an exotic and historical element to any home.

Note: Check the flying regulations before buying weapon souvenir.

Azerbaijani Wine

Azerbaijan is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, with the Caucasus believed to be the birthplace of wine production. The country’s rich winemaking history dates back thousands of years, and today, it stands as one of the primary wine producers in the Caspian Sea region. 🍷

The combination of fertile lands, the warm sun of the Caucasian slopes, and the refreshing breezes from the Caspian Sea creates an ideal environment for growing grapes. As a result, Azerbaijan produces wines that are beautifully balanced and full of character.

Local winemakers craft wines from both international grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Blanc and indigenous Azerbaijani varieties such as Derbendi, Zeynabi, and Marandi. This mix of global and native influences makes Azerbaijani wines unique and diverse.

In Azerbaijan, wines made from grapes are known as sharab, while those made from fruits like apples, pomegranates, and mulberries are called nabiz. Another local term for wine is chakhyr, which encompasses a variety of traditional wines.

Historically, Azerbaijan has been home to over 450 different types of wild grape varieties, many of which have been used for winemaking for centuries. Some of the historical wine brands in Azerbaijan include Reyhani, Jumhuri, Mishmish, and Valani, each carrying its own legacy and story. Contemporary brands, like Shahdagh, Chinar, and Grante, have built upon this heritage, producing wines that blend tradition with modern techniques.🍷

Miniature Models of Baku Landmarks

Just imagine buying miniature models of Baku’s landmarks, which often capture every fine detail, from the textures of stone and glass to the fine lines of architectural carvings, and gifting your loved ones the exact place you explored. The miniature sculptures use materials like metal, ceramic, glass, or resin to make them look realistic.

Because of their portable nature, miniature models of Baku’s landmarks are often considered cherished souvenirs🎁. Many of these miniatures are painted in vibrant colours or finished with metallic touches to evoke the light and mood of the original landmark.

Visually, these miniature models are a feast for the eyes, with meticulous attention to detail. As a result, they make perfect souvenirs, providing not only a piece of Baku’s architectural beauty but also a reminder of the city’s cultural and historical significance.😊

Armudi Glass

Do you know the speciality of Armudi Glass? The shape of the “armudi” glass ensures that the liquid at the bottom stays hot♨️while the top remains at a comfortable temperature for sipping.

Another iconic souvenir of Azerbaijan is the armudi, a pear-shaped glass used for drinking tea.🍵 These glasses are typically made from thin, transparent glass and are shaped like small, curved tumblers with a flared lip. The more intricate the craftsmanship, the higher the price. Some armudi glasses come in crystal with beautiful cuts or delicate porcelain with hand-painted designs, making them even more special.

They are usually paired with small metal or wooden trays and can be served with sugar cubes, lemon slices🍋, or a sweet treat. Whether used daily or displayed as part of a collection, these glasses bring a touch of elegance and tradition to any home.🫖

Corabb Socks

Do You Know? In Azerbaijani culture, gifting socks,🧦 particularly hand-knitted Corabb, is a common practice. They are often given as a gesture of hospitality or as a gift during significant celebrations, such as weddings, Nowruz (Persian New Year), or family gatherings.🎁 Gifting these socks is seen as a way to show warmth, care, and respect.

Azerbaijan has regions with cold winters, especially in the mountainous areas. The thick, warm, woollen Corabb socks🧦 are practical for keeping feet protected from the cold.

Corabb Socks🧦(pronounced “chorab” or “corabb”) are traditional, hand-knitted socks that have been passed down through generations, making them a symbol of Azerbaijani craftsmanship. They have been handwoven for centuries, typically by women in villages, and were traditionally worn by people of all ages across all seasons.

They are often handmade using local wool and cotton, which gives them a distinct, high-quality feel. The patterns used in their knitting are unique to different regions of Azerbaijan. They can vary from intricate geometric shapes to floral and animal motifs, adding to their cultural and artistic value.

The wool used for knitting Corabb socks comes from local sheep and the process of making them often involves natural dyeing techniques using plants and herbs. This gives the socks🧦a unique look and connects them to Azerbaijan’s natural landscape.

Corabb socks represent a rich cultural tradition, provide comfort and practicality, and symbolise Azerbaijani hospitality. Whether worn as everyday attire or gifted during special occasions, they embody the warmth and craftsmanship of Azerbaijani culture, making them both an important cultural artefact and a popular souvenir.

Conclusion

The capital city of Azerbaijan answers the question of what to buy in Baku. All the authentic souvenirs of Azerbaijan can not be found in Baku, starting from Azerbaijani carpets, handmade carpets, Azerbaijani silk, silk ties and scarves, handcrafted copper items, Azerbaijani spices, Azerbaijani silver jewellery, to sweets. It is a one-stop destination for most of the attractions and shopping. So, spend a day shopping and grabbing food in an Indian restaurant in Baku.

Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Buy in Baku, Azerbaijan

What are the best shopping malls in Baku, Azerbaijan?

Baku has several shopping malls, each offering a range of luxury brands and local products. Some popular malls include the Park Bulvar Mall, Ganjlik Mall, and 28 Mall. These malls feature a mix of international retailers, local boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.

What are traditional desserts in Baku?

Traditional desserts in Baku include baklava, shekerbura, and goygözel. These sweets are often prepared during holidays like Novruz and make great gifts or souvenirs for those who want to experience Azerbaijani culture.

Is shopping expensive in Baku?

Shopping in Baku can vary in price depending on where you shop. High-end shopping malls and luxury stores can be expensive, while local markets and bazaars offer more affordable options. For souvenirs and local products like Azerbaijani carpets and spices, prices are reasonable, especially when bargaining at markets.

What is famous in Baku for shopping?

Baku is known for its vibrant shopping scene, offering a mix of luxury brands and traditional Azerbaijani goods. Famous items to shop for include handcrafted carpets, copperware, jewellery, and local sweets like baklava and shekerbura. The city also boasts high-end shopping malls and bustling markets, such as the Taza Bazaar.

What are some famous things to buy in Baku?

In Baku, you can find beautiful Azerbaijani carpets, silk scarves, traditional tea sets, and colorful ceramics. Local honey, pomegranates, and spices are also popular souvenirs. Jewellery with designs inspired by Azerbaijani culture is another sought-after item.

Where can I find cheap shopping in Baku?

For cheap shopping in Baku, head to local markets like the Taza Bazaar and the Green Bazaar. Here, you can find a variety of fresh produce, local goods, spices, and handmade crafts at lower prices. Street markets and smaller shops also offer budget-friendly options for clothing and souvenirs.

What is the best shopping area in Baku?

Baku has several great shopping areas, but Nizami Street, also known as Torgovaya, is one of the most popular. It features a variety of boutiques, jewellery stores, and international brands. For more budget-friendly options, visit the Taza Bazaar or explore the markets for local goods and souvenirs.

Where can I buy saffron from Azerbaijan?

Saffron from Azerbaijan is widely available in Baku’s spice markets, especially in Taza Bazaar and Green Bazaar. These markets offer fresh, locally sourced saffron, which is considered one of the best in the region for its quality and rich colour.