AZERBAIJAN

Halal-friendly holidays

Azerbaijan is a Muslim-majority country and naturally very Muslim-friendly. While the society is secular, Islam plays a strong cultural role and mosques can be found across the country. Alcohol is available in many places, but Muslim travellers can easily find halal food, family-friendly activities and accommodations that respect their needs.

Halal food is widely available in Azerbaijan. Traditional cuisine includes dishes such as plov (rice pilaf with meat or vegetables), dolma (stuffed vine leaves), kebabs and piti (a lamb stew cooked in clay pots). Fresh bread, herbs and dairy are staples of the Azerbaijani diet. Visitors will also find international halal restaurants in Baku. Vegetarian-friendly options include salads, bean stews and eggplant dishes. Popular sweets are pakhlava, shekerbura and halva.

Many hotels in Azerbaijan, especially in Baku, offer halal food options and can provide alcohol-free rooms on request. Some resorts along the Caspian coast and in the mountains cater to families, with spa facilities and private villas available.

• Baku Old City (Icherisheher) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow alleys, caravanserais, mosques and the iconic Maiden Tower.
• Flame Towers – Modern skyscrapers symbolising Baku, beautifully illuminated at night.
• Baku Boulevard (Seaside Park) – A long promenade along the Caspian Sea with parks, cafés and family attractions.
• Gobustan National Park – Famous for ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
• Sheki Khan’s Palace – A stunning 18th-century palace with colourful stained-glass windows and detailed frescoes.
• Caucasus Mountains – Offering hiking, scenic villages and breathtaking views, including Lahij and Khinalig.
• Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) – A natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries, giving Azerbaijan its nickname “Land of Fire”.

Azerbaijan has many mosques across the country. In Baku, notable ones include the Heydar Mosque, the largest in the Caucasus, the Bibi-Heybat Mosque, and the Taza Pir Mosque. In Shamakhi, the Juma Mosque is one of the oldest in the region, originally built in the 8th century. All are open to worshippers and also attract visitors for their architecture and history.