The best place to stay in Baku, Azerbaijan for race weekend
Find a balance of old and new, action and tranquility while staying in Azerbaijan’s beautiful capital for the Formula 1® weekend.
By Paul Oswell | August 8, 2025
Paul Oswell
Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guidebooks/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California, and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.
Make tracks for the beautiful capital of Azerbaijan and join our longstanding partners, the McLaren F1 Team, in the city of Baku. One of the newer Formula 1® fixtures, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises all the excitement of motorsports’ most prestigious event. Here’s everything you need to gear up for a spectacular race weekend.
A winning location
Nicknamed the City of Winds, Baku is the largest city on the coast of the Caspian Sea, and the Baku City Circuit track is framed by its evocative, UNESCO-protected medieval walls. The city is a true mix of beautiful historical palaces and striking, cutting-edge architecture, and you’ll want to make sure that you’re well placed to take in both the sights and the action. For race weekend, Hilton Baku is in prime position — just a 5-minute walk from Baku City Circuit. In the heart of the capital’s business district, the hotel’s location makes it easy to enjoy coastal strolls along Baku Promenade outside of race activities. Shop for upscale souvenirs at nearby Park Bulvar Mall, and don’t miss the 15th-century Old Town, including the famous Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, less than 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) from your chic, comfortable home base.
Fuel your stay
Baku’s culinary scene enjoys a wealth of multicultural influences from its neighbors. Across the city, you’ll find flavors from Russia, Iran, and nearby Turkey in the mix, as well as delicacies from the local Azeri cuisine. Savor classics such as dolma (minced lamb or beef mixed with rice and wrapped in grape leaves), dushbara (dumplings stuffed with herbed minced lamb, served in a savory broth), or one of the many variants of kebab — lula (lamb) and baliq (fish) are particularly popular. You’ll find plov (a rice dish made with vegetables, meats, and spices) almost everywhere. Gourmet dining and breathtaking views can both be enjoyed at Sky Grill restaurant at Hilton Baku. Delicious local produce features in both their Azeri and international dishes, from the Qutab flatbreads with local cheeses to their risotto and pasta selections. Fuel up with breakfast at Cilantro before heading out, and then unwind at the end of the day at the elegant 360 Bar, aptly named as the restaurant revolves to display a full panorama of spectacular city views. For even more moments of rejuvenation during race weekend, indulge in massage and body treatments from the hotel’s eforea Spa, where you can also enjoy the private steam room, sauna, Turkish Hammam, and 18-meter indoor pool.
The highlights:
- Best time to visit Baku: Spring and fall
- Race weekend: September 19 - 21, 2025
- Don’t miss: Baku Old City, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, Maiden Tower, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center
- Where to stay: Hilton Baku
Behind the scenes: A wellness stay with Lando Norris
Sleep sounds, sun-soaked wellness, gym sessions, and a few granola mishaps. Join Lando Norris and Max Fewtrell for a behind-the-scenes look at their Hilton stay in Portugal. From tapping glasses in an ASMR session to talking recovery routines in the gym, Lando and Max take you through a day filled with calming sounds and unexpected laughs. Whether lounging by the pool in bathrobes, sipping coffee between takes, or perfecting their sleep setup with extra pillows and ideal room temps, this video shows how Hilton supports every kind of traveler, especially those who take wellness (and teriyaki wraps) seriously.
Find your stay
Hilton Baku
We're at the heart of Baku's business district, overlooking the Caspian Sea. Baku Boulevard is on our doorstep, providing scenic coastline strolls past restaurants, museums, and nightlife. We're adjacent to Park Bulvar Mall, and Baku Old Town is two kilometers away. Enjoy a perfect family getaway, unwind at our full-service spa, or enjoy our revolving rooftop bar.
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