My grandmother has grew up in Baku, she lived there for 30 years, after which she moved to Russia. Her parents are buried in this city, so we try to come to them in the cemetery at least once every 2-3 years. The last time I was in Baku in 2012.
I'm going there with joy, over the years the appearance of the city is changing for the better, in some places it reminds me of Dubai. In our last arrival, we stayed at the Hilton Hotel, it is located right in the center of Baku.
There are a lot of attractions in the city, Baku Boulevard, Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah Palace, Caspian Embankment, Fontanov Square. By the way, some scenes of the movie "Diamond Hand" shot in Baku.
When the grandmother was young, in Baku, according to her stories, everything was different. There was no oppression of Armenians, Russians and Jews (Christians), the friendship of nations reigned in the city. Now everything is absolutely different as soon as you leave the pap of the aircraft, you understand that you are in a Muslim country. Such liberties as in Egypt, it is better not to allow himself, to walk around the city in a short skirt I would not become. I generally have a lot of experience with Muslims, so I understand that they behave very tolerantly in relation to tourists.
Grandma loves to walk along the embankment of the Caspian Sea. Sea shallow and warm, sandy beach, in principle it is a gorgeous option for recreation with children. Although Baku is not the most popular resort town, but still go there to relax. Hotel beaches as I understand not much, mostly urban and wild beaches.
Upon arrival in Baku, I first buy their Pahlav, I eat kebab from lamb and buy all friends real Azerbaijani wine. I recommend to visit the shopping street, there are a lot of boutiques with attractive prices. The city is very interesting from a tourist point of view, but those who want to visit it for some reason. If I had no reason to go to Baku, I would not go to the city just for the sake of interest, and even more so rest.