Browsing Baku: 5 Things to See in Azerbaijan

While Formula 1's arrival in Azerbaijan in 2016 brought in a whole swathe of motorsport fans to the country, the nation on the banks of the Caspian Sea has plenty more to offer – here are some of the best:

Designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the Heydar Aliyev Centre opened in 2012 and has become a symbol of modern Azerbaijan and its desire to embrace innovative design and architecture.

It's famous for its flowing architecture, free of any straight lines or angles, and serves as a cultural hub with numerous exhibition spaces, galleries and auditoriums.

In keeping with the flowing shapes of the Heydar Aliyev Centre are the Flame Towers, a group of three buildings that each reach 620 feet into the sky, making them the tallest buildings in Azerbaijan.

A nightly light show transforms the towers into quite the spectacle, visible from around the city from their location on a hill near the waterfront.

The museum is dedicated to the rich tradition of carpet weaving, an integral part of Azerbaijani culture and heritage. It was originally opened in 1967 before moving to a purpose-built site in 2014, a building that itself resembles a rolled-up carpet.

The museum houses the world’s largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets, showcasing various styles from across the country’s different regions. The collection spans centuries, and visitors can explore the diversity of weaving techniques, patterns, and materials used in the process of local carpet-making.

The Walled City of Baku – also known as Icherisheher or the Old City – is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Azerbaijan's most treasured cultural sites.

Icherisheher is enclosed by ancient defensive walls, parts of which date back to the 12th century – and serve as a reminder of Baku’s rich history and its position on the ancient Silk Road.

The Maiden Tower (or Qiz Qalasi) is the jewel in the structure, a cylindrical stone structure offering stunning panoramic views of Baku.

How could you be in Baku this weekend and not be going to the Grand Prix?! Formula 1 has been making annual visits to this corner of the Caspian Sea shoreline since 2016, and it's become a regular spectacle.

A lap of this 6-kilometre venue begins in front of Azerbaijan’s House of Government, with Turn 1 providing the best opportunity for overtaking.

The long straight that precedes the opening turn is full throttle for roughly 25 seconds. Braking from around 350km/h into the opening corner, it’s common to see cars three abreast here during the race.

So if you're in town for the race this weekend, make sure to stop by and take in some of these iconic sights!