The live music scene in Baku isn’t as active as other cities around the world with most gigs held in bars, pubs or cafés. Anyone looking to unwind to rock bands, traditional music and pop singers can check out the following venues for live music in Baku.
Located near Fountain Square near most of Baku’s hotels, O’Malleys offers a part of Ireland in Azerbaijan. While the bar bursts at its seams on weekday evenings with both locals and expats, there’s hardly a place to sit on come Saturday and Sunday. Live music in the way of local bands playing mostly rock music attracts an even higher number of patrons. Drinkers can get a good glass of fresh beer as they enjoy the bands in the early evening.
The atmosphere inside Hops resembles that of a traditional British Pub. With an interior design resembling what most would associate with a London tavern complete with football jerseys decorating the walls, it’s a favourite spot for British expats. On Fridays and Saturdays, Hops take on a new meaning as the pub transforms into a top live music venue in Baku. Singers and bands perform the best of British music from the Golden Oldies to Coldplay.
Fairplay is another pub holding live music in Baku on weekends and tends to be more popular with the Azerbaijanis. Not only is the menu full of cheap beer, wine and liquor, but FairPlay provides tourists with the opportunity for a cultural experience. The British and Irish pubs host bands to suit the interests and styles of their expat clients. FairPlay tends to perform traditional styles of Azeri music to suit the interests of the young Bakuvians.
Anyone who wants to experience live music in Baku inside a Soviet-themed café should head to Old School on weekends. The café’s interior exhibits a distinct Soviet style with various antiques, knick-knacks and relics decorating the shelves. Cheap drinks including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available while the music tends to be geared towards local tastes.
For a more active night, check out Oxen. The relatively small nightclub features some of the best live music in Baku. Despite having slightly higher drink prices, many revellers tend to rate their experience well. Tables offer a place to sit with a drink. Food is served until late too. Anyone looking for something slightly more active than the pubs and cafés will find Oxen satisfying.
Located just five minutes from Sahil Metro Station sits Phoenix Bar. The cosy bar hosts live music in Baku on Friday and Saturday evenings playing several types of genres and styles. Head down in the early evening for a few drinks and a bite to eat before the music starts. Most patrons are locals and given the friendly nature of Azerbaijani people, it’s easy to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
Opening hours: From 4:00pm to 3:00 Monday to Friday; 2:00pm to 3:00am on Saturday; 1:00pm to 3:00am on Sunday.
New Jazz Club
Baku’s Jazz club attracts some of the best musicians and a crowd of sophisticated Bakuvians. Young performers experiment and improvise their style and melodies as patrons relax with affordable drinks. Both locals and visitors can enjoy the Jazz Club as the venue provides some of the best live music in Baku. Different events and artists often perform here, and it pays to find out what’s happening in advance.
Nizami 96, Baku, Azerbaijan, +994 50 500 54 53
Opening hours: From 9:00pm to 12:00am Tuesday to Sunday; Closed on Monday.
