Sheki

Sheki (azr. Şəki, pronounced as Shaki or as locals say Shachi) is Azerbaijan's true travel gem, a small city off on the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Rich in Islamic architecture, Silk Road history, good food, and friendly people, this is travel and leisure in the Caucasus at its finest.

Few foreigners visit Azerbaijan beyond the capital city, Baku. In so doing, they overlook a true gem in the form of Sheki. The small city of Sheki has a whole lot to offer by way of historic attractions; in particular, the Palace of the Sheki Khans (Khansarai) is a magnificent work of Islamic architecture and a world heritage site. Its setting is stunning; it lies in the rolling, thickly forested foothills, which spread out to the south, while to the immediate north are the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Greater Caucasus. The possibilities for treks into the unspoilt mountain landscapes are endless, and are alone a great reason to visit the city. But more than anything, the relaxed pace of life evident in Sheki's central market and tea houses makes the city a welcome respite from whatever cares you may have.

A relatively small city, Sheki has a population of about 63,000. It is situated in northern Azerbaijan on the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, 325 km (201 mi) from Baku and not far from the Georgian border. Sheki is located at an altitude of 500 m (1,640 ft).

Throughout its history, Sheki was swung between independence and foreign domination. In its earlier centuries, Sheki was the seat of an Albanian kingdom, which was invaded repeatedly by the Persian, Roman, Parthian, Arab, Mongolian, and other empires. In the past millennium, Sheki fell under the influence and often the direct rule of Persia or the Shirvanshahs of Baku. Shortly after the 18th century collapse of the Safavid Empire, Sheki became the capital of the independent Sheki Khanate, during which the Khansarai was built. But Sheki's independence did not last long; it was absorbed in the early 19th century by an expansionist Russian Empire. Due to Sheki's rather tumultuous political history (in a tumultuous region), the majority of Sheki's preserved historic and architectural monuments date from only the 16th-19th centuries.

• Winter — cold, but the snow is only heavy during January and February
• Spring — beautiful with the once-brown mountains turning green from the rain
• Summer — mild
• Fall — quite warm during the day, but at night it gets a bit chilly, so pack a jacket and a thick blanket

Winter — cold, but the snow is only heavy during January and February

Spring — beautiful with the once-brown mountains turning green from the rain

Summer — mild

Fall — quite warm during the day, but at night it gets a bit chilly, so pack a jacket and a thick blanket

While Sheki is a natural tourist destination, English is not widely spoken, so it would be wise to either bring an Azeri phrasebook and/or brush up on your Azeri, Russian, or Turkish before arriving.

• Azerbaijani phrasebook
• Russian phrasebook
• Turkish phrasebook

The accent of Sheki is a bit quicker than that of standard Azeri and instead of the k sound it is often replaced with a kh. Also, Sheki-specific vocabulary is often used instead of common Azeri vocabulary words.

In addition to enjoying the views, and wandering the leafy streets, there are two sights in Sheki that you really cannot miss: the Khansarai and the Caravansarai. They're both on the same road, so they're easy enough to visit in one afternoon. If you want to draw out that afternoon, start with a lunch in the Caravansarai courtyard, then head up the hill to the Khansarai, wander around the palace, then stop in the teahouse next door to relax over a cup or two.

• Caravansarai, M.F. Akhundov Ave 185. Daily 09:00-13:00. This building was constructed by the Sheki Khans to house caravans as they passed through on the Silk Road to and from China. This was one of 5 such stops in Azerbaijan during the 18th and 19th centuries, and was the biggest caravansarai on the Silk Road in the entire Transcaucasus region. To this day, it still serves as a place for travelers to stay and eat, and also as a place where one can simply admire its beautiful architecture. In addition to being a main sight, it's also one of the city's best hotel options.

• Juma Mosque. Daily 06:00-21:00. This picturesque mosque has a 40-m spire, from which you will hear the resounding call to prayer 5 times a day. It was built from 1745-1750 and is decorated with exquisite geometric designs. Donation.
• Khansarai, +994 177 4366. Daily 10:00-18:00. This palace, along with the Caravansarai, is one of Sheki's true must-sees. During the city's period of independence as the Sheki Khanate, Khan Hussein constructed the palace, its gardens, and fortifications to serve as the summer palace of the Sheki Khans. The palace is exquisite, inside and out, and the courtyard boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain forests. You could make a good half day of this one site, as there are also various museums, parks, and a nice tea house right on the palace grounds. 80 qapick.
• Silk Factory. Daily 09:00-17:00. Sheki, in addition to being on the Silk Road, has itself been a major silk producer over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. Sheki's silk factory is about a 15-minute walk from the center of town. It is quite difficult to gain entrance into the factory. There is a store adjoining the factory where vendors sell some fine silk items at lower prices than what you would find at the bazaar.

Caravansarai, M.F. Akhundov Ave 185. Daily 09:00-13:00. This building was constructed by the Sheki Khans to house caravans as they passed through on the Silk Road to and from [[China]]. This was one of 5 such stops in Azerbaijan during the 18th and 19th centuries, and was the biggest caravansarai on the Silk Road in the entire [[Caucasus|Transcaucasus region]]. To this day, it still serves as a place for travelers to stay and eat, and also as a place where one can simply admire its beautiful architecture. In addition to being a main sight, it's also one of the city's best [[#Sleep|hotel options]].

Juma Mosque. Daily 06:00-21:00. This picturesque mosque has a 40-m spire, from which you will hear the resounding call to prayer 5 times a day. It was built from 1745-1750 and is decorated with exquisite geometric designs. Donation.

Khansarai, +994 177 4366. Daily 10:00-18:00. This palace, along with the Caravansarai, is one of Sheki's true must-sees. During the city's period of independence as the Sheki Khanate, Khan Hussein constructed the palace, its gardens, and fortifications to serve as the summer palace of the Sheki Khans. The palace is exquisite, inside and out, and the courtyard boasts panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain forests. You could make a good half day of this one site, as there are also various museums, parks, and a nice tea house right on the palace grounds. 80 qapick.

Silk Factory. Daily 09:00-17:00. Sheki, in addition to being on the Silk Road, has itself been a major silk producer over the past four centuries, and is famous for its various silk products. Sheki's silk factory is about a 15-minute walk from the center of town. It is quite difficult to gain entrance into the factory. There is a store adjoining the factory where vendors sell some fine silk items at lower prices than what you would find at the bazaar.

• Cultural and Resting Park of BU M.F. Achundov. This is a nice park to go to and sit after a hard morning of shopping. If you are hungry, you can have a picnic on the park grounds or stop in the nearby Kerpish Restaurant
• M. Fuzuli Adina Pk. This central park is quite nice during the summer, and it has a couple tea houses where you can kick back and relax.
• World War II Memorial. WWII memorials are a dime a dozen throughout Azerbaijan, but this particular memorial distinguishes itself with its impressive panoramic vista of the city.

Cultural and Resting Park of BU M.F. Achundov. This is a nice park to go to and sit after a hard morning of shopping. If you are hungry, you can have a picnic on the park grounds or stop in the nearby Kerpish Restaurant

M. Fuzuli Adina Pk. This central park is quite nice during the summer, and it has a couple tea houses where you can kick back and relax.

World War II Memorial. WWII memorials are a dime a dozen throughout Azerbaijan, but this particular memorial distinguishes itself with its impressive panoramic vista of the city.

• Haydar Aliyev Museum. Daily 10:00-17:00. A museum dedicated to the first president of independent Azerbaijan (and to the perpetuation of his personality cult), across the street from the Sheki Olympic Complex. The museum is full of pictures, books, and statues dedicated to the man. Free.
• The Rashidbey Efendihad House Museum, on the road to the Khansarai. Daily 10:00-17:00. This museum is dedicated to one of Sheki's most famous educators and authors, Rashidbey Efendihade. Free.
• Sheki Government Painting Gallery. 09:00-~16:00. This art gallery is near the Palace of the Sheki Khans and features paintings by various Sheki artists and students. 0.40 manat.

Haydar Aliyev Museum. Daily 10:00-17:00. A museum dedicated to the first president of independent Azerbaijan (and to the perpetuation of his personality cult), across the street from the Sheki Olympic Complex. The museum is full of pictures, books, and statues dedicated to the man. Free.

The Rashidbey Efendihad House Museum, on the road to the Khansarai. Daily 10:00-17:00. This museum is dedicated to one of Sheki's most famous educators and authors, Rashidbey Efendihade. Free.

Sheki Government Painting Gallery. 09:00-~16:00. This art gallery is near the Palace of the Sheki Khans and features paintings by various Sheki artists and students. 0.40 manat.

• Abduxaliq Hamam, on the road up to the Silk Factory. 10:00-17:00; open to women M Tu Th Sa; men W F Su. Public baths (hamamlar). 0.80 manat/hr.
• Chingis Club. A new movie theater/museum showing two movies on most weeks. Usually one is a dubbed American/European film, while the other is from either Turkey or Azerbaijan. The entire theater can be rented for 40 manat.
• Drama Theater. Plays are performed in Azeri, but it still can be interesting to see an Azerbaijani interpretation. The theater also hosts other events. There is a çay xana just outside where you can grab a cup of tea before or after a performance. 3-6 manat.
• Explore the new bazaar, located on the western section of the city. The new bazaar is an interesting spot, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, food, and spices.

There is endless spectacular hiking to be done throughout the northern region of Azerbaijan, and Sheki proves no exception.

• Hike on nearby mountains — Hiking trails start just behind the Khansarai. There is a whole network of the trails on the mountain. However, most of them are still unmarked and not included in any maps. Hike up on the 2,050 m high peak just NE from the town, with great sights over the plains and higher mountains behind. Trails are wide and well "maintained" by the local people who use them for logging and moving the herds.
• Sheki-Bash Kyungyut-Bideiz-Sheki — 55.5 km (34.5 mi) (48.5 km/30.1 mi by car, 7 km/4.4 mi hiking); 11 hr. After traveling to Bash Kyungyut by either car or the Bash Kyungyut bus departing from the Sheki bus terminal at 09:00 and 15:00, visit the ruins of the Albanian Church on the edge of the village. Then go to Bideiz by either taxi or local bus to visit the town's two Albanian ruins — the hiking part comes in here, since the two ruins are 5 km apart. Upon reaching Bideiz village, you can return via car to Sheki.
• Sheki-Kish-"Gelersen-Gorersen" fortress-Sheki — 22 km (14 mi) (10 km/6 mi by car or bus, 12 km/8.5 mi hiking); 6 hr. Starting in Sheki city center, take either bus 15 or 23, which run every half hour, and take it to the end of the line. After that, ask a local where Genersen Goresen Fortress is located and continue asking as you walk through the village of Kish. This path takes you from Kish to the "Gelersen-Gorersen fortress" through the Kish river and through pine groves with a plethora of varieties of mushrooms growing in the underbrush. Walking to the fortress takes about two hours. There is a tea house 15 minutes outside of the fortress that can serve as a resting point before going up or once descending from the fortress. Once at the fortress, different views of the Kish River can be seen from the peaks of the mountains. The way back from the mountain is a great time to have a picnic beneath the trees on the hills overlooking the valley. Occasional the boarder area guards check the people who pass inside the valley just behind Kish, it is recommended to have your passport with you.
• Sheki-Oraban-Bashkeldek-Keshnazar-Gyurgala-Sheki — 82 km (51 mi) (78 km/49 mi by car, 4 km/2.5 mi hiking); 12 hr. This road passes through the Keshnazar Valley, where it opens to a very beautiful panorama. Rest at the "Hunter's House" cabin then hike to the ancient fortress at the top of a steep peak. After walking around, you can return to Sheki.
• Sheki-Ortazeyzit-Bashzeyzit-Quzuyolu-Khanyaylagi-Markhal-Sheki — 46 km (29 mi) (32 km/20 mi by car, 14 km/9 mi hiking); 13 hours. Take a taxi to Ortazeyzit and then ask where the two churches are. The path that leads to Khan Yaylaghi meanders by two ancient Albanian churches, continues up a long path to the Khan Yaylaghi peak. After reaching Khan Yaylaghi, the Markhal recreation area is near and there are several restaurants that serve delicious kebobs and tea. From this area, Sheki can be reached by car or by walking to the Kish road and boarding the number 15 or 23 bus.

Hike on nearby mountains — Hiking trails start just behind the Khansarai. There is a whole network of the trails on the mountain. However, most of them are still unmarked and not included in any maps. Hike up on the 2,050 m high peak just NE from the town, with great sights over the plains and higher mountains behind. Trails are wide and well "maintained" by the local people who use them for logging and moving the herds.

Sheki-Bash Kyungyut-Bideiz-Sheki — 55.5 km (34.5 mi) (48.5 km/30.1 mi by car, 7 km/4.4 mi hiking); 11 hr. After traveling to Bash Kyungyut by either car or the Bash Kyungyut bus departing from the Sheki bus terminal at 09:00 and 15:00, visit the ruins of the Albanian Church on the edge of the village. Then go to Bideiz by either taxi or local bus to visit the town's two Albanian ruins — the hiking part comes in here, since the two ruins are 5 km apart. Upon reaching Bideiz village, you can return via car to Sheki.

Sheki-[[Kish]]-"Gelersen-Gorersen" fortress-Sheki — 22 km (14 mi) (10 km/6 mi by car or bus, 12 km/8.5 mi hiking); 6 hr. Starting in Sheki city center, take either bus 15 or 23, which run every half hour, and take it to the end of the line. After that, ask a local where Genersen Goresen Fortress is located and continue asking as you walk through the village of Kish. This path takes you from Kish to the "Gelersen-Gorersen fortress" through the Kish river and through pine groves with a plethora of varieties of mushrooms growing in the underbrush. Walking to the fortress takes about two hours. There is a tea house 15 minutes outside of the fortress that can serve as a resting point before going up or once descending from the fortress. Once at the fortress, different views of the Kish River can be seen from the peaks of the mountains. The way back from the mountain is a great time to have a picnic beneath the trees on the hills overlooking the valley. Occasional the boarder area guards check the people who pass inside the valley just behind Kish, it is recommended to have your passport with you.

Sheki-Oraban-Bashkeldek-Keshnazar-Gyurgala-Sheki — 82 km (51 mi) (78 km/49 mi by car, 4 km/2.5 mi hiking); 12 hr. This road passes through the Keshnazar Valley, where it opens to a very beautiful panorama. Rest at the "Hunter's House" cabin then hike to the ancient fortress at the top of a steep peak. After walking around, you can return to Sheki.

Sheki-Ortazeyzit-Bashzeyzit-Quzuyolu-Khanyaylagi-Markhal-Sheki — 46 km (29 mi) (32 km/20 mi by car, 14 km/9 mi hiking); 13 hours. Take a taxi to Ortazeyzit and then ask where the two churches are. The path that leads to Khan Yaylaghi meanders by two ancient Albanian churches, continues up a long path to the Khan Yaylaghi peak. After reaching Khan Yaylaghi, the Markhal recreation area is near and there are several restaurants that serve delicious kebobs and tea. From this area, Sheki can be reached by car or by walking to the Kish road and boarding the number 15 or 23 bus.

Abduxaliq Hamam, on the road up to the Silk Factory. 10:00-17:00; open to women M Tu Th Sa; men W F Su. Public baths (hamamlar). 0.80 manat/hr.

Chingis Club. A new movie theater/museum showing two movies on most weeks. Usually one is a dubbed American/European film, while the other is from either Turkey or Azerbaijan. The entire theater can be rented for 40 manat.

Drama Theater. Plays are performed in Azeri, but it still can be interesting to see an Azerbaijani interpretation. The theater also hosts other events. There is a çay xana just outside where you can grab a cup of tea before or after a performance. 3-6 manat.

Explore the new bazaar, located on the western section of the city. The new bazaar is an interesting spot, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, food, and spices.

• Bazaars The new bazaar is in the western section of the city and is open during daylight. It is a very interesting sight where you can purchase many different handicrafts, food, and spices. It is a good place for a person with proficiency in Azeri, Turkish, or Russian to go and haggle with the shop owners, get a cup of tea, or enjoy some chicken kebabs from one of the vendors.
• Handicrafts, 18 A. Cabrayilov St, +944 177 432 53, +944 50 384 2035 (mobile). Made by the Disabled People Care Association.
• Shebeke (stained glass), carpets, musical instruments, and copper and iron products are sold in the bazaar, all along the road up to the Caravansarai, tourist areas, and also at the Handicraft Association headquarters.
  • Handicraft Association headquarters, 85 Vidadi St (Fica Bank in the center of Sheki, +944 177 442 65, +944 050 512 6564 (mobile).
• Silk Sheki is on the Silk Road, and has had a major silk industry for a long time. There is still a silk factory ipək kombinat in the city, from which a great variety of silk items are crafted, one of the most famous being the silk scarves-kalagayi. The scarves range in price from 5-100 manat. Sheki scarves can be purchased at the silk factory, the Caravansarai, or at the bazaar.
• Water Sheki has just started bottling mineral water from Markhal, an area right outside of the city of Sheki. A bottle is an inexpensive, but refreshing and healthy purchase. Markhal water can be purchased at the market 5 meters up the hill from the central post office and throughout Sheki.

• Bankomats (ATMs) are available all around the main square. If you have a cell phone with either a Bakcell or Azercell sim card, you can recharge your account balance using various ATMs.

Bazaars The new bazaar is in the western section of the city and is open during daylight. It is a very interesting sight where you can purchase many different handicrafts, food, and spices. It is a good place for a person with proficiency in Azeri, Turkish, or Russian to go and haggle with the shop owners, get a cup of tea, or enjoy some chicken kebabs from one of the vendors.

Handicrafts, 18 A. Cabrayilov St, +944 177 432 53, +944 50 384 2035 (mobile). Made by the Disabled People Care Association.

Shebeke (stained glass), carpets, musical instruments, and copper and iron products are sold in the bazaar, all along the road up to the Caravansarai, tourist areas, and also at the Handicraft Association headquarters.

• Handicraft Association headquarters, 85 Vidadi St (Fica Bank in the center of Sheki, +944 177 442 65, +944 050 512 6564 (mobile).

Silk Sheki is on the [[Silk Road]], and has had a major silk industry for a long time. There is still a silk factory ipək kombinat in the city, from which a great variety of silk items are crafted, one of the most famous being the silk scarves-kalagayi. The scarves range in price from 5-100 manat. Sheki scarves can be purchased at the silk factory, the Caravansarai, or at the bazaar.

Water Sheki has just started bottling mineral water from Markhal, an area right outside of the city of Sheki. A bottle is an inexpensive, but refreshing and healthy purchase. Markhal water can be purchased at the market 5 meters up the hill from the central post office and throughout Sheki.

In addition to the several great options below, of especial interest to visitors is the excellent restaurant in the very attractive courtyard and gardens of the Caravansarai (Daily 11:00-22:00, 4-6 manat).

• Chelebi Khan, Town center, +994 177 429 20, +994 050 322 9534. Daily 10:30-00:00. This is one of the best deals for Azerbaijani food in Sheki. Additionally, the samovar tea service alongside walnut preserves, "goz murebbesi," and Sheki Halva is recommended. 3-5 manat.
• Cold Spring Restaurant, On the road to Kish, +994 177 611 13, +944 50 46271 33. Daily 12:00-00:00 daily. This is a restaurant that has tasty food with a wonderful natural environment with a stream running through the grounds and small platforms for individual groups to eat in a secluded manner. Because of the secluded nature of this restaurant, women can drink at this establishment without drawing undue attention. It is rumored that this is the coolest place (in terms of temperature) in Sheki because of an unspecified natural phenomenon. This restaurant can be reached by taking the number 15 or 23 bus from the center of Sheki and getting off at Soyuk Bulagh bus stop, paying 0.2 manat per person for transport. 5-8 manat.
• Istanbul Restaurant. Daily 11:00-23:00. Has Turkish food and serves the cakes, danishes, and desserts from the Turkish bakery next door; this restaurant offers take-out on request, so on a nice day you can take your food to the park. 2-5 manat.
• Kerpish Restaurant, Bu M.F. Achundov Pk. Daily 12:00-22:00. It has 5 small rooms for more private occasions. This is a typical Azerbaijani restaurant serving kebob, salad, and drinks. Expect a smoky atmosphere and it is recommended for strictly male tourists, as Azerbaijani women do not frequent such establishments. 3-5 manat.
• Laziz Restaurant, M.F. Achundov Pk, +944 177 487 83, +944 50 351 6424. Daily 11:00-23:00. This restaurant has several personal rooms. In the summer, follow up a meal here with some soft-serve ice cream while walking in M.F. Achundov Park. 3-6 manat.
• Sheki Saray Hotel Restaurant, +944 177 481 81. Daily 07:00-23:00. This is a great restaurant inside of the Sheki Saray Hotel. They have all types of Western food, but it would be better to eat Azerbaijani food at the Chelebi Khan. For those willing to splurge, the best chocolate brownie outside of Baku is served at this hotel. A breakfast buffet is served in the morning and lunch and dinner after that. 4-20 manat.
• unknown. There is a nice and cheap restaurant just up the hill from the Khansarai 100 m across the river. You can sit under trees and enjoy a great view on Sheki.

Chelebi Khan, Town center, +994 177 429 20, +994 050 322 9534. Daily 10:30-00:00. This is one of the best deals for Azerbaijani food in Sheki. Additionally, the samovar tea service alongside walnut preserves, "goz murebbesi," and Sheki Halva is recommended. 3-5 manat.

Cold Spring Restaurant, On the road to Kish, +994 177 611 13, +944 50 46271 33. Daily 12:00-00:00 daily. This is a restaurant that has tasty food with a wonderful natural environment with a stream running through the grounds and small platforms for individual groups to eat in a secluded manner. Because of the secluded nature of this restaurant, women can drink at this establishment without drawing undue attention. It is rumored that this is the coolest place (in terms of temperature) in Sheki because of an unspecified natural phenomenon. This restaurant can be reached by taking the number 15 or 23 bus from the center of Sheki and getting off at Soyuk Bulagh bus stop, paying 0.2 manat per person for transport. 5-8 manat.

Istanbul Restaurant. Daily 11:00-23:00. Has Turkish food and serves the cakes, danishes, and desserts from the Turkish bakery next door; this restaurant offers take-out on request, so on a nice day you can take your food to the park. 2-5 manat.

Kerpish Restaurant, Bu M.F. Achundov Pk. Daily 12:00-22:00. It has 5 small rooms for more private occasions. This is a typical Azerbaijani restaurant serving kebob, salad, and drinks. Expect a smoky atmosphere and it is recommended for strictly male tourists, as Azerbaijani women do not frequent such establishments. 3-5 manat.

Laziz Restaurant, M.F. Achundov Pk, +944 177 487 83, +944 50 351 6424. Daily 11:00-23:00. This restaurant has several personal rooms. In the summer, follow up a meal here with some soft-serve ice cream while walking in M.F. Achundov Park. 3-6 manat.

Sheki Saray Hotel Restaurant, +944 177 481 81. Daily 07:00-23:00. This is a great restaurant inside of the Sheki Saray Hotel. They have all types of Western food, but it would be better to eat Azerbaijani food at the Chelebi Khan. For those willing to splurge, the best chocolate brownie outside of Baku is served at this hotel. A breakfast buffet is served in the morning and lunch and dinner after that. 4-20 manat.

unknown. There is a nice and cheap restaurant just up the hill from the Khansarai 100 m across the river. You can sit under trees and enjoy a great view on Sheki.

• Sheki Halva — a special type of baklava called halva, best eaten at a çay xana (tea house) alongside a piping hot cup of tea. The best halva in Sheki according to all of the locals is Eliehmed Confectioneries (Shirinyyet). It is half way up the hill that goes past the Friday Mosque leading up to the Karavan Palace and the Palace of the Sheki Khans. It is across the bridge on the right hand side in a small white building. There is a sign on the road that says Eliehmed Shirinyyet, so it can not be missed. Daily 10:00-17:00.
• Sheki Piti — a stew created with meat and potatoes and prepared in a terra cotta pot—well worth a try. The style de cuisine is as follows: first crumble up pieces of bread, pour the sauce into the bowl from the pot, eat the bread and sauce, and finally pour the rest of the stew into your bowl and eat it.

Sheki Halva — a special type of baklava called halva, best eaten at a çay xana (tea house) alongside a piping hot cup of tea. The best halva in Sheki according to all of the locals is Eliehmed Confectioneries (Shirinyyet). It is half way up the hill that goes past the Friday Mosque leading up to the Karavan Palace and the Palace of the Sheki Khans. It is across the bridge on the right hand side in a small white building. There is a sign on the road that says Eliehmed Shirinyyet, so it can not be missed. Daily 10:00-17:00.

Sheki Piti — a stew created with meat and potatoes and prepared in a terra cotta pot—well worth a try. The style de cuisine is as follows: first crumble up pieces of bread, pour the sauce into the bowl from the pot, eat the bread and sauce, and finally pour the rest of the stew into your bowl and eat it.

There is a nice outdoor tea house (çay xana) by the Khansarai, Daily 11:00-23:00, that serves tea and halva to people in their own individual nooks. There is also a tea house inside the walls of the Palace of the Sheki Khans which offers plates of the Sheki specialty halva alongside a pot of tea for 2 manat.

Most çay xanalar also serve local beer (piva)—draft at 50 qapick/glass or bottles at 70 qapick/bottle—or vodka (araq) at 2 manat/bottle. For anything exotic (e.g. tequila, gin, or rum), you will have to go to the Sheki Saray bar and pay Western prices there.

The only good coffee to be found (besides Nescafé or McCafe) is in the lobby of the Sheki Saray Hotel. This is where you can get your favorite espresso concoction made by Western-trained staff. The Café Mocha and Cafe Late here are some of the best hot drinks in the regions of Azerbaijan. They also offer a variety of teas.

There is a good Turkish bakery next to the New Bazaar, where you can eat local pastries. The same items can also be ordered next door at the Istanbul Restaurant, which has a nicer atmosphere. Their tastiest cake is the Snickers Cake, although it is a bit pricey (0.5 manat).

• Haircuts Women's Salon (Qadin Salonu)/Men's Salon (Kişi Salonu) This is a great way to get to know the local culture while also looking better. Make sure to either bring a photo of what you want your hair to look like or have your Azeri ready. 1-3 manat.

Haircuts Women's Salon (Qadin Salonu)/Men's Salon (Kişi Salonu) This is a great way to get to know the local culture while also looking better. Make sure to either bring a photo of what you want your hair to look like or have your Azeri ready. 1-3 manat.

• Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found throughout the city of Sheki. The best internet klub is either in the central post office or across the street from the post office. Pay 0.4 manat per hour.
• Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout the city of Sheki, but the most obvious one is right on the main square. A typical international letter/stamp combination costs 0.8 manat.

Internet cafes in Azerbaijan are called "internet klubs" and they are found throughout the city of Sheki. The best internet klub is either in the central post office or across the street from the post office. Pay 0.4 manat per hour.

Azerbaijan Post locations are dispersed throughout the city of Sheki, but the most obvious one is right on the main square. A typical international letter/stamp combination costs 0.8 manat.

• Ambulance, +994 177 103.
• City hospital, +994 177 42 466.
• Fire, +994 177 101.
• Police, +994 177 102.

The city hospital is near the center of Sheki, right across the street from the Drama Theater.

You must speak Azeri, Russian, or Turkish to communicate your needs. It would be a good idea to memorize key phrases before coming to Azerbaijan — see the Talk section for phrasebooks.

Ambulance, +994 177 103.

City hospital, +994 177 42 466.

Fire, +994 177 101.

Police, +994 177 102.

• Pack a flashlight (especially in fall-spring) as the streets are not always well lit and power cuts are common.
• Restrict your travel outside of the city to the day time, unless taking a night train. The roads can be treacherous at night due to unseen potholes and dimly lit cars.

• Fazil Village Labyrinth, +944 177 91 1 44. There is a labyrinth that is being excavated from the 4th and 3rd century BCE. It was the site of ritual sacrificing and graves. The labyrinth is open to the public. It is in Fazil Village, 25 km (16 mi) southwest of the city.
• Gelersen-Gorsesen Fortress. This is an ancient fortress that aided the Sheki khanate in resisting Nadir Shah's incursions in the adjacent village of Kish.
• Horse Racing. There is a horse racing, breeding, and riding center near Sheki in Dashuz village 15 km outside of Sheki.
• Square Tower. There is a square tower in Aidanbulag villages about 20 km (12 mi) away from Sheki. The site was used as an observation tower for the eastern frontier of the Sheki Khanate. The tower is square with circular projections protruding from each corner.

Fazil Village Labyrinth, +944 177 91 1 44. There is a labyrinth that is being excavated from the 4th and 3rd century BCE. It was the site of ritual sacrificing and graves. The labyrinth is open to the public. It is in Fazil Village, 25 km (16 mi) southwest of the city.

Gelersen-Gorsesen Fortress. This is an ancient fortress that aided the Sheki khanate in resisting Nadir Shah's incursions in the adjacent village of [[Kish]].

Horse Racing. There is a horse racing, breeding, and riding center near Sheki in Dashuz village 15 km outside of Sheki.

Square Tower. There is a square tower in Aidanbulag villages about 20 km (12 mi) away from Sheki. The site was used as an observation tower for the eastern frontier of the Sheki Khanate. The tower is square with circular projections protruding from each corner.

• Head north through Qax and its Ilisu recreation area, Zaqatala, and Balakan and then cross the border to Georgia at Lagodekhi.
• Take the Ganja bus and tour Azerbaijan's second biggest city.
• Head back through Oguz—and see the waterfalls on your way—to Baku.