Baku welcomes Formula 1 with open arms as the Azeri capital on the shores of the Caspain Sea becomes the epicentre of the motorsport world this weekend. Fans come in droves from all corners of the world to watch the drama unfold in Baku – but how do you make the most of your time outside of the racing action?
With many only in the city for a long weekend, it can often feel like there’s little opportunity to properly explore. That’s exactly why running and cycling are such good options, especially out of town, where you can surround yourself with the region’s unique landscapes, and experience more of Baku than just the route from the hotel to the grandstands.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Whether you’re a casual jogger, a weekend rider, or a seasoned endurance athlete, there are routes here to suit every ability and every ounce of spare time.
Running routes
Baku Boulevard (seaside promenade)
Distance: 5-10 km (out-and-back or loop options)
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat, paved promenade
Directions: Start anywhere along the Caspian Sea promenade (e.g. near the Carpet Museum) and run east or west. Loops are possible around the central section near the Flag Square.
Why do it? The city’s most iconic run: flat, breezy, and perfect for a morning shakeout before the racing starts. Sunrise over the Caspian is easily worth the early alarm.
Highland Park and Flame Towers stairs
Distance: 3-6 km with stair repeats
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Terrain: Road, steps, steep climb
Directions: Begin at the base of Highland Park, climb the stairs up past the Eternal Flame monument, then loop around the Flame Towers before descending.
Why do it? A short but intense workout. You’ll test your legs on the stairs while soaking in stunning panoramic views of Baku and the circuit below.
Old City (Icherisheher) loop
Distance: 4-7 km (depending on detours)
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Cobbled streets, winding alleys, some elevation
Directions: Start at the Maiden Tower, circle the Old City walls, and weave through the narrow streets before looping back
Why do it? It feels like you’re running through history, with medieval walls, caravanserais (inns), and mosques that make this more than just exercise.
Absheron National Park trail run
Town: ~1 hour from Baku at the Absheron National Park
Distance: 8-12 km trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Sandy trails, coastal paths, occasional dunes
Directions: Enter via the park gate near Zira, then follow signed walking tracks along the Caspian shore.
Why do it? A chance to leave the city behind and run through wild stepped landscapes – with the bonus of spotting gazelles, Caspian seals, or migratory birds.
Cycling routes
Baku Boulevard ride
Distance: 10-15 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Flat, wide promenade (shared with pedestrians so best to go early morning)
Directions: Same stretch as the running path, perfect for a casual spin or rented e-bike ride
Why do it? It’s gentle, scenic, and stress-free, so the ideal active recovery ride ahead of busy track days.
Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag ride
Town: Baku to the Absheron Peninsula
Distance: ~50 km round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Mostly paved roads, rolling terrain, light traffic outside city
Directions: Head east out of Baku toward Ateshgah (the Fire Temple), then continue north to Yanar Dag (the Burning Mountain) before looping back
Why do it? A cultural and physical workout: combine a big ride with two of Azerbaijan’s most unique natural and historic sites.
Gobustan Rock art ride
Town: Baku to Gobustan (65 km southwest)
Distance: ~130 km round trip (or shorter if starting closer)
Difficulty: Hard
Terrain: Long roads, exposed steppe, rolling elevation
Directions: Ride southwest along the coast highway toward Gobustan National Park to see its famous petroglyphs and mud volcanoes. Return the same way.
Why do it? For any adventurous cyclists, this is a perfect mix of endurance and exploration, with ancient carvings, mud volcanoes, and sweeping Caspian views.
Outdoor workouts
If running and cycling isn’t your thing and you’d rather keep things short and sharp, here are some locations for an outdoor workout in Baku:
Baku Boulevard has plenty of open space for bodyweight circuits (such as lunges, push-ups, sprints)
Highland Park doubles as a stair workout spot
Local parks such as Zabitlər Parkı and Dədə Qorqud Parkı offer green space and trails if you want a low-key workout away from the crowds
Weather tips for training in Baku
Late September in Azerbaijan is warm but can be variable. In Baku itself, daytime highs often sit between 24-28°C, with cooler evenings around 18-20°C thanks to the breeze off the Caspian Sea. Out on the Absheron Peninsula, it can feel hotter and more exposed due to minimal shade, while in the Caucasus foothills around Sheki or Qabala, expect fresher mountain air and even cooler nights.
The best time to train is early mornings (before 9am) or evenings (after 6pm), as they will be the most comfortable for runs and rides.
Hydration will be crucial – make sure to carry water or plan routes with refill points. Baku Boulevard has plenty of kiosks, but outside the city you’ll need to stock up in advance.
Sun protection will be required – sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap are essential on exposed routes like Absheron or Gobustan.
Advised clothing includes lightweight, breathable kit – as it is best for the city – but pack an extra layer if venturing into higher terrain near the Caucasus. Consider bringing trail shoes if you want to explore Gobustan or Absheron, where sandy and rocky paths dominate.
Travel tips
Transport: Central Baku is walkable, but for routes further afield (Absheron, Gobustan, Sheki), taxis, trains, or day tours are the most practical way to access start points.
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