Baku of Millionaires: Oil, Money and Love

$29

Duration: 2.5 -3 hours Group Size: 1-17 5.0/5 (141 reviews) 2,145 views

In the late 19th century, Baku rose to become one of the wealthiest cities on earth. The oil boom transformed it into a place where extraordinary fortunes were made, magnificent palaces were built, and entire generations were shaped by the ambition and generosity of a handful of remarkable men. This tour is not simply a walk through the streets of the capital — it is a journey into an era that defined Azerbaijan forever. Tours in Azerbaijan rarely go this deep: into the personal, the human, the stories worthy of great novels.
The route takes you through the most iconic landmarks of oil-era Baku, tracing the lives of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, Agha Musa Naghiyev, Murtuz Mukhtarov, and other legendary figures of the city. Every stop on this tour is more than architecture — it is the story of a real person, their ambitions, their love, their losses, and the legacy they left behind. This is why walking tours in Baku along this route consistently leave the deepest impression on those who take them.

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins at the monument to a man widely regarded as the symbol of Azerbaijani philanthropy. Installed near the historic centre of the city, this is where the story of oil-boom Baku truly begins — and where the guide introduces you to the extraordinary life of a man who started with nothing and ended up changing everything. Taghiyev's journey from a simple stonemason to one of the most influential figures of the Russian Empire reads like a compelling screenplay.
Your guide will walk you through his charitable initiatives, his investments in education, and his social projects that were decades ahead of their time. Taghiyev did not just build structures — he built the conditions for a society to grow. This stop sets the tone for the entire tour and helps you understand just how much one person's determination can drive an entire era forward.

This stop is dedicated to what was perhaps the most revolutionary decision of any Baku oil baron. In the early 20th century, against the backdrop of deeply conservative social norms, Taghiyev founded the first secular school for Muslim girls across the entire East — an act that required no less courage than any business venture. The building still stands today as a quiet reminder of how far one man was willing to go for the future of his people.
Guests will learn about the resistance this initiative faced and the powerful social impact it created. Azerbaijan tours rarely place women's education at the centre of the narrative as a genuine historical breakthrough — here, it takes exactly that role, giving the tour a depth and relevance that stays with you long after the walk is over.

One of Baku's most recognisable facades, the Ismaliyya Palace in Venetian Gothic style was built by Agha Musa Naghiyev in memory of his son Ismail, who died young. Behind its delicate stone lacework and pointed arches lies a father's grief, immortalised in marble and limestone. The building is a striking fusion of European elegance and Eastern grandeur — a combination that feels entirely natural in this city.
During the stop, your guide will draw your attention to decorative details that are easy to miss at first glance: the ornaments, balustrades, and proportions of the facade — each element carrying its own meaning. Ismaliyya Palace remains one of the most emotionally powerful stops on the route — a place where a story of personal loss is written directly into stone.

The Mukhtarov mansion is one of the rare cases where love becomes an architectural statement. Oil magnate Murtuz Mukhtarov built this palace as a gift for his wife Liza, and its European features — towers, decorative gables, refined stonework — turned it into one of the city's most enduring romantic symbols. Against the surrounding cityscape, the Palace of Happiness still looks like something from a different world entirely.
Your guide will share the story of the Mukhtarov family, the lifestyle of Baku's aristocracy, and how the personal lives of these oil barons intertwined with the broader history of the country. This episode transforms a walking tour through Baku from an architectural overview into a journey through human lives — and that is precisely why it stays with you.

The final stop on the route is the former palace of Taghiyev himself, now home to the National History Museum of Azerbaijan. The original interiors have been preserved: private rooms, personal belongings, grand hall furnishings — all giving a vivid sense of stepping directly into the era. Visiting the museum brings the tour full circle, from the monument to the legacy.
The collection spans centuries of the country's history, but it is the oil-boom period that resonates most powerfully here. For travellers who want more than a checklist of sights — those who come for genuine immersion — tours in Azerbaijan along this route will stand out as one of the most memorable experiences of their entire trip.

Tour Category: Day Trips

Group Size: 1-17

Start Time: 10:00

Duration: 2.5 -3 hours

Pickup Location: At the monument to Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, next to the main entrance of Icherisheher Metro Station.

What's Included

Professional English-speaking guide throughout the entire route
Walking tour through the historic centre of Baku with an author-led narrative
Vivid stories about Baku's oil millionaires, their palaces and personal destinies
Navigation support, photo tips, and personalised recommendations from your guide

What's Not Included

Transfer to and from the meeting point
Entrance ticket to the National History Museum of Azerbaijan — 10 AZN per person
Personal expenses

Note

The route takes place on open city streets — no special clothing is required, though comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. In summer, bring water and a hat. Photography is welcome throughout the entire tour — the views are well worth it. The tour runs in all weather conditions; cancellations are only made in cases of extreme weather, with full advance notice to all participants.

Select Date

Adults 12+ yrs

Children 3-11 yrs

Infants 0-2 yrs

Tour format:

Group $29 per person

Private See Details

Adults (1 × $29) $29

Children (0 × $17)

Infants (0 × Free)

Total Amount $29

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Frequently Asked Questions

The tour runs for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours — enough time to visit every stop at a relaxed pace, hear the stories behind each location, and take photos along the way. The walking pace is comfortable throughout, with no rushing.

No special fitness level is required. The route covers the historic centre of Baku with a moderate amount of walking — suitable for most ages, including older participants and families with children. All you need is comfortable shoes and curiosity.

Group tours are conducted in English and Russian. For private bookings, other languages may be available upon request — simply let us know when booking and we will arrange a suitable guide for you.

Absolutely, and it is one of the tour's strengths. The stories of Baku's millionaires are vivid, human, and easy to connect with at any age. A stonemason who became one of the empire's wealthiest men, a father who built a palace out of grief, a husband who gifted his wife a mansion — these are the kinds of stories children remember long after the tour ends.

There are no designated restroom stops during the tour itself. We recommend taking care of this before the walk begins. Facilities are available at the final stop — the National History Museum of Azerbaijan. Given the duration of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, a little preparation before the start goes a long way.

The route features 5 key stops: the Taghiyev Monument, the School for Girls, Ismaliyya Palace, the Palace of Happiness, and the National History Museum of Azerbaijan. At each location, there is enough time to look around, take photographs, and ask questions. The pace always adjusts to the group.

The total walking distance is approximately 2 to 2.5 km — a comfortable stroll through a compact area of the historic centre. No physical preparation is needed. The tour is suitable for all ages; good shoes and good company are all you need.

The route works well in any season, as the sites are all located close together in the city centre. Spring and early autumn are particularly atmospheric, when the historic streets of Baku are at their most picturesque. In summer, morning departure times are recommended for a more comfortable experience.

Yes — the tour is available in both private and group formats. A private booking allows you to set your own pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy the full attention of your guide. This is especially valued by travellers who choose author-guided tours in Baku as a way to truly connect with the city.

Most city tours show you the outside of things. This route goes further: behind every facade is a real story — real people with ambitions, losses, and choices that shaped a city. Taghiyev, Naghiyev, Mukhtarov and others each left a mark you can literally walk up and touch. Among everything that Azerbaijan tours have to offer, this format stands apart — it is about people, not just architecture.

Absolutely — and it makes for a great day. The historic centre of Baku is compact, and after the tour you will still have time and energy to explore on your own. Browse the Similar Tours section on this page for routes that complement this one and help you discover more of Azerbaijan.

Visit the FAQ section in the site menu for more detailed answers to common traveller questions. If you still need help, reach out through the Contact Us page — we respond within 24 hours and are always happy to assist.