Baku guide book from Hg2 city guides

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Ask most people where Baku is and most people wouldn't have a clue; as neither Europe or Asia, it's a city that refuses to be defined. It was once the wealthiest city on the planet, with free-flowing oil and free-wheeling opulence, but seventy-odd years of Soviet occupation did an extremely good job of wiping all trace of this desert town from the world's collective conscience. Not even two decades on from independence, however, and Baku is back in business, with oil money once again flowing and gleaming high-rises replacing drab, concretey Soviet construction. We recommend you get there quick, before it goes boom.

MR WRITER...
There was only one man adventurous enough to up sticks and move to Baku at the drop of an orange hat, and that was Ben Illis; daring to go where no writer has gone before (at least not for a while), he lived in the city for three months to put together Hg2 Baku.

BOOK IT...
We're always on the lookout for the next big destination, which is why we're launching Hg2 Baku. Don't know where it is? You soon will - just remember where you heard it first. The guide launches the end of July, and we can't wait. Shop others while you wait here.

REVIEW PREVIEW...
Nestled in the heart of the Old City, The Sultan Inn is arguably Baku's only true boutique hotel. The hotel has just 11 rooms, but all come with open fires and are tastefully decorated in dark wood with sumptuous chocolate brown velvets... Read more here.

BLOGGERS...
Today.Az is an English-language Azerbaijani news portal, with the very latest from the capital and beyond. Its news feeds provide real insider information in real time.

BAKU CALLING...
Messages often get lost when sent to general addresses, which is why we've set up individual email accounts for all our cities. If you've got any feedback regarding Baku, or want to send us any queries relating to the city, then email baku@hg2.com

REGISTER...
Register your guide and get free online access to the city for a whole year; all you have to do is answer a simple security question to receive updates as and when new venues are reviewed. Register here.

PLAYLIST...
Chinar is Baku's biggest nightclub right now, which is why it made sense to recruit resident DJ Mansur to put together a playlist inspired by the city. If he doesn't know what's hot there right now, nobody does.

COMPETITION...
Hg2 has teamed up with Business Traveller magazine to offer readers the chance to win a trip out to Baku, including flights for two, a day at a spa, a night out somewhere swish and five-star accommodation for three nights. Enter here

SHATTERED GLASS...
Hg2 loves art, design and fashion, which is why it made sense to team up with a magazine that does these oh-so well; enter Glass, a new publication that's making waves in the media world. We give its readers a sneak preview of our Baku guide here

BAKU...