The Maiden Tower is one of the main attractions in the Old City of Baku, and most tours stop here, along with a handful of other sites. Not all tours take visitors to the top, or even into the museum, so your best bet is to visit first with a guide and then return on your own to take in the views.
The Maiden Tower is a must for photographers, as it offers some of the highest views in the historic part of the city.
Getting to the top of the Maiden Tower requires a lot of stair-climbing, so it may not be suitable for travelers with mobility concerns or who get vertigo.
Expect to pay a small admission fee to enter the museum, which is not included in most tours.
The tower is located in Baku's Old City, right by the other main attraction: the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Şirvanşahlar Sarayi Kompleksi). Most walking tours take you here, and the towering building is hard to miss if you visit alone. If you're coming by metro, your closest stop is Icheri Sheher on the Red Line.
The tower is open daily throughout the year, except on some holidays. Ask your guide for up-to-date info. If you want good photos, come before sunset on a clear day for “golden hour” light. Note that winters, while never super cold, can be overcast and rainy, so summer is your best option for good photos (and weather).
Most people visit the Maiden Tower before or after exploring the Old City's most prominent attraction: the Palace of the Shirvanshahs (Şirvanşahlar Sarayi Kompleksi). Most of this historic complex was built in the 15th century, and its royal halls, rooms, mosques, and regal tombs are in great condition today.
