A Full-Day Baku's Oil Boom and Polish Heritage Private Tour

Discover Baku’s oil heritage and city highlights on a guided tour. Visit the world’s first mechanically drilled oil well, the Nobel Brothers’ House Museum, and the Holy Virgin Mary Catholic Church.
Begin your tour with a pickup from a designated address or meeting point in Baku. Head to the World’s First Mechanically Drilled Oil Well at Bibi-Heybat. Learn about how Azerbaijan pioneered industrial oil extraction in 1846, marking the world’s first mechanically drilled oil well. Spend 30 minutes at the site with a private guide providing historical and geological insights.

Continue to Baku White City, located 20 minutes away. Covering 1,650 hectares, this major urban regeneration project has transformed a former industrial zone into one of the most ambitious sustainable city developments in the Caucasus, blending Baku’s oil heritage with modern urban planning.

Next, visit Villa Petrolea (Nobel Brothers’ House Museum), built in 1884 by Ludvig and Emanuel Nobel as a residence and community center for Branobel employees. Following nationalization in 1920, the building served various public functions before being restored by the Baku Nobel Heritage Fund and reopening in 2008. Today, it houses the Nobel Brothers’ Museum, International Conference Centre, and Baku Nobel Oil Club. Spend 30 minutes exploring the villa with expert commentary on the Nobel family’s industrial and philanthropic legacy in Azerbaijan.

Proceed to Istiglaliyyat Street, a 15-minute drive from Villa Petrolea. Begin a guided walking tour covering key landmarks such as Western Caspian University, the Baku City Executive Power Building, Palace of Happiness, Institute of Manuscripts, and the Ismailiyya Building (Academy of Sciences). This area showcases Baku’s civic, educational, and architectural development. Walking tour duration is 60 minutes.

Take a short walk to the National Museum of History of Azerbaijan, housed in the former residence of oil magnate and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. As the country’s largest museum, it presents Azerbaijan’s history from prehistoric times through the modern era, including Islamic art, traditional costumes, musical instruments, and memorial rooms. Spend 60 minutes inside with detailed explanations from a professional guide.

The final stop is the Holy Virgin Mary Catholic Church, located 10 minutes from the museum. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is Azerbaijan’s only active Roman Catholic church. Originally built in 1912 in Neo-Gothic style, it was later replaced following the re-establishment of the Catholic community. The current church, completed in 2006 and designed by Italian architect Paolo Ruggiero, blends Neo-Gothic elements with modern design. Spend 15 minutes at the site with guided commentary.

Conclude your tour with a 5-minute drive back to the city center meeting point.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.