The UNESCO-protected city of Baku is covered with ancient walls belonging to the 12th century and buildings reflecting eastern architecture laced in history. Right from its ancient times, the grandeur of Baku was portrayed by the spectacular palaces and nicely decked bazaars, which are famous for the softest silk, magnificent carpets, glittering jewelry studded with gold, and rare gems and aromatic spices. However, at present, with the palaces transformed into museums, the soul of Baku is still alive through its lively bazaars.
Azerbaijan’s capital city is studded with several bazaars and street markets that sell anything from fresh fruits to beautiful souvenirs for tourists. Forget the flashy malls in the city if you wish to witness the buzzing activity of the street markets that come alive during the day and night. Put your bargaining skills to the test while haggling over the prices of souvenirs like Persian silk carpets, Caspian Sea-derived caviar tins, traditional Armudu pear-shaped teacups, and authentic Kelaghayi headscarves for women, or ceramic oil lamp called Chirag.
Make sure you carry a vast ‘zenbil’ basket to shop like a Baku local. If you are new to the city and have no idea about what and where to buy in the bazaars, we have curated a quick guide on the top street markets of Baku to shop without any hassles.
List of 9 Best Street Markets in Baku, Azerbaijan
Table of Contents
1. Taza Bazar
Taza Bazar is one of the ancient street markets located in Baku of, Azerbaijan. Also known as the New bazaar, this place is popular for its fresh and juicy agricultural produce from the fertile fields in the country. Whether it is Azerbaijani watermelons, strawberries, potatoes, cherries, tomatoes, onions, apples, carrots, pears, pomegranates, fresh meat, nuts, or dry fruits, berries, aromatic spices, Beluga caviar, or fish, you can find them all at this street market.
This bazaar is also famous for buying Azeri black tea, herbal tea, green tea, pickles, juices, syrups, jams, crushes, and marinades. This vibrant market also sells pet food supplies and cute pets. This 70-year-old bazaar has six entrance areas, making it easy for you to enter from any part of the city.
Timings: Taza Bazar in Baku is open on all days of the week between 8 am and 7 pm.
2. Yashil Bazaar
This street market of Baku is popularly known as the Green Bazaar and lies a little away from the city center. Baku’s biggest food bazaar is known for organic herbs, dry fruits, nuts, spices, vegetables, competes, and juices. You can also try tasting their flavorful teas and buy local delicacies like saffron, caviar, marmalades, and desserts.
Freshly plucked fruits like bananas, apples, plums, berries, grapes, and juicy vegetables like cabbage, beans, cucumbers, and carrots placed in heaps are a welcoming sight. The bazaar welcomes you with divine flavors and enchanting aromas, making it the first market for food shopping.
Timings: Green Bazaar or Yashil Bazaar is open on all days from 8 am to 9 pm
3. Nasimi Bazaar
Known as Baku’s prominent shopping place, the Nasimi bazaar is named after Nizami Ganjavi, the famous poet of Azerbaijan. Step inside this bazaar to find a beautiful collection of flowers of different species in vibrant colors, giving you the feeling of visiting a floral garden. Whether it is roses, marigolds, tulips, or orchids, you can find them all at this flower market in Baku. You can buy fresh and sweet-smelling flowers at very low prices compared to florists. Also, don’t forget to buy sweet cherries, as this street market in Baku sells the most delicious ones.
Timings: Nasimi Bazaar is open on all days from 8 am to 9 pm.
4. Old Town Market
The oldest city is popular for passing the century-old legacy of carpet weaving art through generations. Each house and family are busy making exquisite carpets, making the art a vital part of Baku’s history and culture. Visit this ancient town market that sells a vast collection of Azeri carpets with exquisite patterns and colorful designs.
The market area has several carpet-selling kiosks lined up on either side of the street, with colorful, luxurious carpets and handwoven rugs on display. Bargain with the sellers to get the best deal while buying these beautiful souvenirs. This carpet market in Baku has located 7.7 Km from the city center.
Timings: Old Town Market is open on all days of the week
5. Sabunchu Flea Market
Earlier, this Baku street market was called Russian Flea Market, as it was established by a few Russians who began to sell their used things and belongings for money. This Flea market offers you an insight into the daily lives of the city’s inhabitants. This place is famous for selling used electronics, clothes, and Soviet memorabilia. This weekend market is the right place for buying junk items, pottery, household items, and kitchenware. At this market, you have to spend just 0.20 cents for a t-shirt, $1 for a pair of jeans, and 0.50 cents for a pair of shoes.
Timings: Sabunchu Flea Market is open on only two days of the week – Saturdays and Sundays between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm.
6. Icheri Sheher Market
While walking along the city’s old streets, you will be able to feel the life of people in ancient times in this medieval region. Stroll across the lanes of Icheri Shekher and get a glimpse of the products in all categories on display. This place is an apt choice for shopping for traditional souvenirs like carpets, rugs, fridge magnets, pen holders, vases, flowerpots, painted trays, toys, figurines, miniature dolls, and other handicrafts.
Timings: Icheri Sheher Market is open every week between 8.00 am and 10.00 pm.
7. Badamdar Bazaar
Badamdar Bazaar is situated in the Badamdar district of Baku. The busy local market acts as a daily shopping destination for residents.
Primary Highlights
- Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Traditional Azerbaijani spices and herbs
- variety of dairy products, like regional cheeses and yogurts
- Handmade goods and local crafts, local and present Azerbaijani culture.
The opening and closing times for Badamdar Bazaar start at around 8:00 AM and close by evening around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM.
8. 8km Bazaar (Səkkiz Kilometr Bazaar)
8km Bazaar, popularly known as Səkkiz Kilometr Bazaar, is located 8 kilometers from central Baku. One can buy diverse products from this market with the essence of daily Azerbaijani life.
Highlights
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Textiles, clothing, and traditional Azerbaijani fabrics.
- Electronics, appliances, and other household essentials at lower prices.
- Food stalls with local delicacies and snacks.
- One can engage with vendors, taste local foods, and look into local customs and traditions.
- Bargaining is common here. Prices are reasonable, but bargaining and negotiation is both fun and rewarding.
9. Nizami Street or Targoviy Street
Nizami Street was earlier known as Targoviy. It is on a pathway where people can walk without cars or vehicles in Baku’s heart. Historic buildings, monuments, and various shops surround it.
Highlights
- Luxury boutiques, shops from big international brands for fashion items.
- Quaint cafes and eateries. The eateries offer both local Azerbaijani and international cuisines.
- Street musicians and artists add to its lively ambiance. Visit in the evening for a great time.
- Shopping here is a visual treat with a view of historic architecture that takes you on a visual journey of Baku’s history.
Other Street Markets Of Baku
While strolling along the Baku streets, you will find several tiny street markets on either side. You can find a few hawkers selling their products at the back of their vehicles, some mobile vendors selling their goods on carts, and some sitting on the roadside with their wares. You will spot some street markets selling specific goods like metal, flowers, Azeri food, and handicraft items. You can also shop for exquisite metal vessels and artistic metalwork at the iron bazaars in Baku.
We are sure that our list of the best street markets in Baku will be helpful for you while planning a trip to the ancient city. Bring out your shopaholic spirit while heading to these bazaars to shop to your heart’s content.