Great views from the top of the tower. As you climb the tower there was information on most levels so the climb up was staggered. Information was ok although not particularly interesting. Worth visiting for views from the top and of course photos of it from the ground.

Mmmm.... Maiden Tower is in all the guide books as one of Baku's must do's, but I was somewhat non-plussed. Sure, the views are good, but there are multiple opportunities for much better views across the city, including at the nearby restaurant/teahouse, Cay Bagi 145. It's a slog up 8 floors of windy, precarious steps, which require you to stoop so not to hit your head, & the downward traffic uses the same skinny stairway. When you reach the top, a perspex shield lines the tower, so your photos are taken through it. The ticket booth is adjacent - 4AZN for locals, 15 AZN for foreigners.

Apart from the view at the top (which you can get from other parts of the city to be honest), I wasn't blown away. There are some small exhibits on the three floors, but that's about it. If you struggle with stairs, this isn't for you. 15 Manat compared to museums which are 5.

As a symbol of Baku, omnipresent on currency and logo's, the Maiden Tower is a "must" to visit. It sits near the waterfront side of Old Town and serves as a point of reference when you get lost on the narrow streets. It is more interesting from the outside ; the difficult climb to the top is not justified : the top platform is shielded by a scratched plexi plastic screen, which makes good photography of the surrounding view near impossible. Better to spend more time walking around, it is also more picturesque from a distance.

The tower itself is intriguing and well worth a visit, for the views from the top and for the introduction to Baku’s complex history as you climb through the different levels. But it’s also the perfect way to start a wander around the old town, best done slowly because there are photo opportunities at every turn. Some of these involve the contrast between old and new, especially with the modern Flame Towers in the background. So start at Maiden’s Tower and roam for several hours - fascinating.