Azerbaijan

Joel Bond:This former Zoroastrian temple serves as a museum to Zoroastrian faith and practices -- important for Azerbaijan's cultural heritage. The exhibits are sparse, but most rooms have good textual explanation for the displays. Recommended visit time: 1 hour.

Joel Bond:An interesting -- if somewhat sparse, kitsch, and manufactured -- attraction in the hills outside Baku. Flames erupt from the hillside, fuelled by natural gas escaping from a fissure in the rocks. A small exhibit hall details the history of Azerbaijan "Land of Fire". Check out the thermal heat map on the wall entering the museum -- a creative touch to a simple exhibit. Recommended visit time: 30 minutes.

Joel Bond:The origin and reason for the structure remains unknown. The carpet sellers and caravanserais nearby add aesthetic appeal to this part of the old city.

Joel Bond:This diminutive palace and complex is stunningly gorgeous in its interior. Set in the foothills of the south Caucasus mountains, the setting is just as much a part of the magic. Check out the murals in the central room upstairs, complete with images of war victories and severed heads. Around the complex, the Albanian Christian church has a photogenic exterior, though the interior museum -- along with the ethnographic museum across the road -- are largely forgettable. The stained glass workshop makes for a nice visit after the palace. Head into the craft market to the right just inside the main compound gate to see the work in progress. (Note: Photos are strictly prohibited inside the palace itself, and staff can be sharp in regards to keeping this regulation enforced.)

Joel Bond:The place to see and be seen, Fountain Square is flooded with locals in the evenings just out for a stroll. Numerous cafes and bars ring the plaza. Need to meet up with someone? Tell them to meet by the Girl with the Umbrella statue in front of McDonald's: it seems to be the standard meeting spot for just about everyone.

Joel Bond:The winter palace cousin to the more splendidly decorated Shaki Khan palace just up the hill. While there is less flamboyance to the interior of this palace, the central upstairs room is just as lavish as its counterpart. Pay special attention to the mirrored corbelling which adds a certain glamour to the design. Perhaps more compelling to visit as photos of the interior are allowed (as photos are strictly prohibited in the summer palace up the road).