The most extensive collection of art in Baku is on display in the State Museum of Art. First opening in 1936, the collection today includes more than 3000 items across 60 rooms inside two buildings. Exhibits include paintings and sculptures from Azerbaijani, Russian and European artists. A section on Eastern Art displays work from Persia and Turkey too.

9/11 Niyazi, Səbail Bakı, Azerbaijan

+994 12 492 07 07

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm. Admission fee: AZN5 ($3).

The Shirvanshahs ruled parts of Azerbaijan for centuries in Shemakhi. An earthquake forced the Persianised Arab rulers to move their capital 123 kilometres (76 miles) southeast to Baku where they built the Palace. The main palace, a mausoleum, two mosques and a bathhouse are inside the 15th-century UNESCO-listed complex. Most people spend between one and two hours.

Sirvansahlar Sarayı, Baku, Azerbaijan

+994 12 492 10 73

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Admission is AZN 10 ($5.90)

Carpet weaving in Azerbaijan dates back more than 3000 years and plays a huge part in the local identity. Each region produces their own patterns and designs in a tradition once passed down generations. The Azerbaijan Carpet Museum along Baku Boulevard has two claims to fame: the architecture and the displays. From the outside, the building looks like a rolled up carpet, something unique in the world of architecture. Exhibits teach visitors the importance of carpet weaving and display more than 10,000 items including medieval ceramics and jewellery.

28 Mikayıl Hüseynov Prospekti, Səbail Bakı, 1000, Azerbaijan

+994 12 497 20 57

Opening hours: From 10:00am to 6:00pm Tuesday to Sunday.

Admission: AZN 7 ($4.10).

Icheri Sheher’s symbol evokes mystery and intrigue. The 29 metres (95 feet) cylindrical tower might date back more than one millennia. But no one knows for sure. Visit the museum to learn Baku’s medieval story and how the city transformed through two oil booms to a modern capital.

Sabayil Baku, Azerbaijan

+994 12 492 32 61

Opening hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm.

Admission: AZN 10 ($5.90) ($4.10).

The final museum in Baku is the most special. Approximately 20 kilometres (12.2 miles) east of Baku sits Ateshgah, a fire temple. An eternal flame once burned here for centuries from underground gas reserves. The modern temple, consisting of a large and four smaller flames, is more than 300 years old. But people have worshipped here for millennia. Walk through the rooms surrounding the temple to learn the story of Zoroastrianism in Azerbaijan and Iran along with the origins of Azerbaijan’s relationship with fire. Visit independently by taking bus 184 from Koroglu Metro Station, or join a tour.

Ateshgah, Baku, Azerbaijan,

994 70 981 68 88

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Admission: AZN2 ($1.20).