Welcome to Azerbaijan, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
According to Macrotrends and their report on crime statistics, Azerbaijan is a very safe place.
It recently had three crimes reported per 100,000 people per year.
As a comparison, the U.S. reported almost 4000 crimes per 100,000 for the same period.
Azerbaijan is a hidden gem, boasting a rich history and stunning natural wonders.
Although this is a generally safe and welcoming destination, it’s worth noting that natural disasters can occur.
Also, as with every tourist destination, you should watch out for scams and pickpockets.
So come and explore all this wonderful country and let us help you find the safest cities.
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The Safest Cities in Azerbaijan
To decide which cities were safest, we looked at political conflict and homicide rates.
As a result, we have found ten cities to visit where you can be safest and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
Baku
Baku is the capital of Azerbaijan and holds 25% of the country’s population.
Known for its beautiful architecture, this city dates back to prehistoric times.
Although his city is ancient, it has undergone rapid modernization.
The Baku city skyline is iconic with the Flame Towers and the ancient Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is also home to free museums and green and leafy city parks.
Baku has low crime levels for a major city and a stable political environment.
No significant political unrest affects the city.
Also, the traffic and pollution levels are manageable.
In a recent safety study by Numbeo, Baku ranked ahead of Toronto, London, and Madrid for safety.
Ganja
Ganja is the education hub in the west of the country.
Ganja is also considered a safe city in Azerbaijan, with low crime levels and a stable political environment.
This friendly and historic college town is easy to get around by public transportation or car.
There is a visible police presence here and low crime rates.
Full of beautiful city parks like Khan’s Park in the city center, you will see Islamic buildings mixed in with Soviet area red brick buildings.
One outstanding building is the stunning Ganja Philharmonic Concert Hall and Opera.
Mingachevir
Mingachevir is a city located in central Azerbaijan on the banks of the Kura River.
Known as the City of Lights, you can feel safe while traveling in this city.
Many people travel here to enjoy the beautiful Mingachevir Reservoir and the Mingachvir National Park.
It also has worthwhile cultural stops, such as the Mingachevir Museum of History and eclectic art galleries.
Mingachevir is a safe city in Azerbaijan.
It has low crime rates and is safe from political conflicts.
Although it’s always worthwhile to register for travel advisories, no matter where you travel.
I don’t recommend walking anywhere alone at night.
Still, Mingachevir is safer than most cities for walking alone day or night.
Sumqayit
Sumqayit is located in the northern part of Azerbaijan, near the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Sumqayit has many lakes and cultural attractions, such as the Sumqayit Art Gallery.
Most of Azerbaijan has museums from the Soviet era, and Sumqayit is no different from the Sumqayit State Museum.
The city is one of the safest in Azerbaijan, with a well-organized law enforcement system.
You can safely enjoy hiking at Novkhan Beach on the Caspian Sea.
Tourists report feeling safe walking around the city.
Nakhchivan
Nakhchivan is an autonomous region within the western part of Azerbaijan.
Its capital, the same name, is also called Nakhchivan.
The city is nestled in the foothills of the Zangezur Mountains on the Nakhchivan River.
It is considered to be one of the safer cities in the country.
The city boasts strong security in both its military and police forces.
You can enjoy hiking here and many cultural events.
Also, you can visit the museums such as Nakhchivan State History Museum or tour the city’s beautiful mausoleums.
Lankaran
Lankaran is south of Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea and has an international airport.
It is very near the border with Iran and has beautiful Islamic architecture.
You will find many treasures at the Khan Palace, now a museum.
This university town has almost non-existent crime rates.
In addition, people are warm and friendly even if you don’t speak the language.
Don’t miss the Lankaran Fortress and the Haji Qurban Mosque in this fine seaside city.
Shirvan
Located in the south-central part of the country, Shirvan is steeped in history and cultural heritage.
You can take a tour of the Shirvanshah Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is full of historical buildings, such as Khan’s Palace, which contains a museum.
There are also beautiful temples.
One fine example is the Baku Ateshgah temple.
In addition to its rich cultural offerings, Shirvan is also home to many parks and gardens.
One of the finest is the Shirvan National Park, which offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea.
With a strong sense of community and a well-funded police force, you will feel safe in Shirvan.
Yevlakh
Overall, crime rates, although very low in Azerbaijan, have risen in recent years.
However, this city and the rates of violent crime have been falling.
You will find Yevlakh in the center of the country.
The city offers a delicate balance of culture and nature.
You can visit the Garagol State Nature Reserve or the many city parks for a green break.
If you prefer the urban scene, you will enjoy the Yevlakh Museum of History and Ethnography.
The mix of cultures in this and other cities in Azerbaijan make for a very tolerant city.
Ağdam
Located in the western part of the country, here is another city that offers a safe city experience.
Ağdam is home to several museums, including the Ağdam Museum of History and Ethnography.
Ağdamis also home to many natural attractions, like the Murovdag Mountain Range.
This city is one of the safest cities due to its lack of terrorist threats and violent crimes.
A strong security presence and a well-trained police force make this possible.
Khachmaz
This delightful city, located in the northern part of Azerbaijan, has rich cultural traditions.
Visitors to Khachmaz can explore the Khachmaz History Museum.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Khachmaz is also home to some natural attractions, such as the Gara-Goygol National Park.
Shamakhi
One of the key cities on the famed Silk Road, Shamakhi, is small and friendly.
Home to the exotic Shamakhi Bazaar, you can also enjoy watching the traditional dancers.
However, while the danger of violence or terrorism is very low, be aware that the area does experience earthquakes.
Famous for its rug making, you can feel safe shopping in this exotic town.
To keep safe, be aware of pickpockets, as you would anywhere there is a crowded market.
5 Tips for Azerbaijan’s Safest Cities
- Although Azerbaijan is multicultural, it is still a good idea to familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. This results in a safer visit.
- Keep a copy of your passport in a safe place, and always carry a copy with you. Even though it is rare, there have been reports of passport theft in Azerbaijan.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewelry. Be especially aware of bustling shopping areas or tourist attractions.
- Be cautious when accepting food or drinks from strangers in nightclubs. There is a risk of being drugged. This is especially true in tourist areas or at events where alcohol is being served.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip in case of medical issues. Medical treatment can be expensive in this country.
Azerbaijan Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Azerbaijan Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any precautions that visitors should take when traveling to these cities?
The government of Azerbaijan is a dictatorship, and thieves and other criminals receive harsh punishments.
This acts as a deterrent.
In addition, the government places a high priority on public safety.
No matter how safe a city is, it is always a good idea for travelers to be aware of their surroundings.
Be mindful of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
These safe cities tend to have solid and tight-knit communities.
Residents look out for one another and report suspicious activity.
The country has a strong cultural emphasis on respect and obedience to authority, which can help to deter criminal behavior.
Are there any resources available for individuals who need assistance in the safest cities of Azerbaijan?
There are strong police forces in these cities, and you can go to the police for help.
You can reach them by dialing 102.
If you feel unsafe or have language issues, try the US Consulate.
You can also ask for help from the security staff at your hotel.
As someone who has visited several cities in Azerbaijan, I must say that the inclusion of Baku in the list of the safest cities is well-deserved. The capital city boasts a vibrant atmosphere, and I felt incredibly safe exploring its streets even during the late hours.
Ganja might not be as well-known internationally, but it certainly deserves its spot among the safest cities. During my stay, I found the community to be close-knit and welcoming. The low crime rate and the overall sense of orderliness make Ganja a hidden gem when it comes to safety in Azerbaijan.