Azerbaijan’s blend of cultural influences makes it a great place to find unique souvenirs from antiques to the traditional Azerbaijani bestsellers such as rugs and carpets. Start at bazaars and markets if you are looking for bargains, produce, handicrafts, and other local products. Apples from Quba are a must-try. Lankaran’s talish stockings, tea and traditional dolls made by women from Barda are also popular. Qadim Quba houses a boutique selling paxlava and handicrafts, plus a venue where visitors can watch carpets being made. Teze Bazaar is the place to go for rugs and a range of local produce, metalwork and pottery. Specialty stores like the Book Shop of the Presidential Administration have a wide selection of hagiographic literature and souvenirs.
There are also modern malls throughout Baku. Park Bulvar is across from the Park Inn Hotel, while AF Mall is right in the center of downtown. Park Bulvar has a movie theater, trendy boutiques, shops, western fast food chains, cafés, and even a bowling alley. AF Mall features its own rooftop swimming pool and tropic garden in a summer lounge.
Spas in Azerbaijan
Western hotels like the Holiday Inn Baku Airport have a spa where guests can indulge in relaxing and luxurious treatments to unwind after a busy day. If you want to experience a more traditional treatment in Azerbaijan, visit the town of Naftalan where you can bathe in special petroleum oils which are said to be effective in treating rheumatism, arthritis and psoriasis. Naftalan Therapeutic Center is one of the most distinctive spas in town.