Looking for the best things to do in Sheki? See my recommendations below.
When researching places to visit in Azerbaijan, Sheki came up frequently. So we added two nights there to our itinerary, especially since it was en route to the Georgia land border which we were planning to cross.
Situated in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, Sheki is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest and most charming cities, known for its rich history, unique architecture, and scenic landscapes, and the Historic Centre of Sheki, including the Khan’s Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sheki Khan's Palace
Built in 1797, the iconic Sheki Khan’s Palace served as the summer residence for the Sheki Khans (the rulers of Sheki in the 18th century). The palace is renowned for its intricate stained-glass windows, known as “shebeke”, which are meticulously crafted from pieces of coloured glass set in wooden lattice frameworks without nails or glue. Inside, the walls are adorned with striking frescoes depicting scenes of hunting and battle which evoke the grandeur of Azerbaijani royalty.
Tips: There is a small fee to enter the palace, and guided tours are available. The palace is not very big so the tour is short. Ours took less than 30 minutes.
Church in palace complex
There is more to see within the Sheki Khan Palace complex besides the palace itself. You can explore military barracks from the Russian era, visit the Sheki State Art Gallery, and the History and Ethnography Museum. Other features to look out for are a small church, a craftsman's house for local handicrafts, fragments of the original defensive walls and watchtowers, and a Shebeke workshop showcasing the region's renowned stained-glass art. The complex also includes an Art Residence with a hostel, co-working spaces, and craft workshops.
Upper Caravanserai
The Upper and Lower Caravansaries in Sheki were once essential stops on the famed Silk Route, where traders and their caravans would rest and replenish supplies. These historic inns, built in the 18th century, still stand today as a testament to Sheki’s importance in ancient trade routes. The Upper Caravansary has been converted into a hotel, while both structures retain their traditional architecture and are open to visitors. Wander through the archways, admire the lush courtyards, and imagine the ancient travellers who once took shelter here on their long journeys.
Upper Caravansary Teahouse
We indulged ourselves with a tea experience in the Upper Caravanserai’s historic teahouse and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences of our entire trip. We sat cross-legged on carpets in a cave-like structure while our tea was served in a samovar with baklava and other local delicacies on the side, and really felt like Silk Route traders!
Streets of Sheki
Sheki’s charm extends beyond its main attractions and into its narrow, cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses, charming shops and hammams. The town’s historic centre invites you to wander aimlessly, discovering hidden architectural gems and enjoying the relaxed pace of life. Many of the buildings reflect a unique blend of Persian and Caucasian architectural styles, making Sheki a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts.
Sheki Khan's Second Palace
Situated in an inconspicuous part of the town, the Sheki Khans’ second palace is also known as the Winter Palace, although it was the year-round residence of the Sheki Khan’s relatives. Built to complement the Summer Palace, it showcases similar intricate craftsmanship but is not as grand in scale as the main palace. Go there only if you have spare time and cash.
Church in Sheki
A short drive from Sheki lies the village of Kish, home to one of the oldest churches in the Caucasus region. Known as the Albanian Church, this ancient structure dates back to the 1st century and was once a place of worship for the Caucasian Albanians, a unique group distinct from modern Albanians. Set amidst lush green hills and mountain views, the church has been restored and now functions as a museum, offering insight into the region's early Christian heritage.
Sheki is just over 4 hours by car from Baku. However, our journey took longer as we stopped at several attractions along the way.
Room at the Caravanserrai
For a unique, authentic stay, book at the Upper Caravansary, which combines traditional décor with modern comforts, offering a memorable experience. The prices are quite reasonable however, the hotel cannot be booked online. You can phone in to make a booking or go there personally.
Sheki Dream House
We stayed in a house that we booked on Booking.com called Sheki Dream House. It was a spacious, well-equipped, comfortable 3-bedroomed house with an outdoor area in a residential neighbourhood. There was a pomegranate tree in the garden.
However, do be careful when booking apartments on Booking.com in Azerbaijan as scams are abundant.
Find more accommodation in Sheki.
Celebi Xan Restaurant
Our host recommended Celebi Xan, a beautiful restaurant with an outdoor area and a lively ambience. We ate local specialties like piti, Döymə kebab and dushbara, a soup with dumplings.
Piti at Celebi Xan
Sheki has its own unique dishes which are not easily found in the rest of the country, like “piti,” a traditional lamb stew slow cooked with chickpeas, chestnuts, and saffron, and served in individual clay pots.
Sheki Halva is a popular local dessert, similar to baklava, which is made with rice flour, nuts, and honey and crafted with a unique lattice design.
See things to do in Baku.
See how to apply for an Azerbaijan visa.
See common scams in Azerbaijan.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
I think my favorite part of this tour would have been indulging at the tea house! But I also would have loved sitting in the courtyard gardens and meditating.
That is quite informative. I would have never guessed that there is an Albanian church there, and Caucasian Albanians are different from modern Albanians.