Lankaran, Azerbaijan
Museums
A great museum to visit in Lankaran is the State Historical-Artistic Museum. If you're interested in visiting more museums, you may want to consider checking out the Azerbaijan Carpet Museum in Baku or the Nizami Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, also located in Baku.
Food
Some of the most recommended and typical dishes to try in Lankaran, Azerbaijan include:
1. Lankaran kutum - a fish dish made with local kutum fish, which is marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices and grilled or fried.
2. Lankaran pilaf - a rice dish cooked with lamb or chicken, chestnuts, and quince.
3. Alaca soup - a traditional Azerbaijani soup made with meat, lentils, and vegetables.
4. Tatar borcu - a type of flatbread that's made with a mixture of flour, water, and salt, then baked in a clay oven.
5. Balig goyu - a fish stew made with onions, tomatoes, and various herbs and spices.
6. Pakhlava - a sweet dessert pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup.
7. Badambura - a sweet pastry filled with a mixture of ground nuts, sugar, and cardamom.
These dishes are all popular among locals and are definitely worth trying if you have the opportunity to visit Lankaran.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people like to do in Lankaran, Azerbaijan include:
1. Soaking in the hot springs at Istisu - a natural hot spring located about 15 kilometers outside of Lankaran.
2. Visiting the Lankaran bazaar and shopping for local goods, including tea, spices, and souvenirs.
3. Taking a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoying views of the Caspian Sea.
4. Exploring the nearby Hirkan National Park, which is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
5. Sampling local cuisine, such as piti (a lamb and chickpea soup) or lavangi (chicken or fish stuffed with walnuts, onions, and herbs).
