Baku's medieval core is a UNESCO-protected site surrounded by 12th-century walls, brimming with history and Eastern architecture.
It's home to two of Baku's best attractions: the mysterious Maiden Tower – no one knows for certain what it was originally built for – and the Shirvanshahs' Palace, the 15th-century residence of Azerbaijan's medieval rulers which occupies the highest spot in the citadel.
And beyond these main attractions, the 'Inner City,' as it's called by the locals, has plenty more to explore, with a labyrinth of narrow alleyways leading to artists' workshops, souvenir stalls and traditional restaurants serving classic Azerbaijani dishes.