Azerbaijan blends thriving urban centers and quieter regional towns across the South Caucasus, so knowing which places feel safest helps when planning travel, relocation, or business. Local conditions, infrastructure and community services all shape how secure a city feels day to day.
There are 12 Safest Cities in Azerbaijan, ranging from Baku to Yevlakh. For each entry you’ll find below Country,Safety score (0-100),Population (people),Description (30-50 words) to make comparisons quick and practical — see the list and details you’ll find below.
How are the safety scores calculated for these cities?
Scores combine recent crime statistics, traffic and pedestrian safety, emergency response capacity, and reliable local reports; they’re normalized to a 0–100 scale to make city-to-city comparisons meaningful. Where available, national agency data and reputable surveys are used and noted in the underlying dataset.
Is it safe for visitors to go to all 12 cities?
Generally yes, but safety can vary by neighborhood and time of day; major cities like Baku have robust services and active policing, while smaller places such as Yevlakh can be quieter with lower crime but fewer emergency resources. Follow basic precautions, check local advisories, and use the city-level descriptions below to plan.
Safest Cities in Azerbaijan
| City | Country | Safety score (0-100) | Population (people) | Description (30-50 words) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nakhchivan | Azerbaijan | 88 | 95,100 | The capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is exceptionally safe, clean, and orderly. Strict adherence to laws and a strong community presence result in extremely low crime rates, making it one of the safest urban areas in the entire region. |
| Gabala | Azerbaijan | 86 | 13,700 | As a premier mountain resort and tourism hub, Gabala offers an extremely high level of safety for visitors. The city’s infrastructure is geared towards ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for families and solo travelers exploring its upscale resorts and natural parks. |
| Sheki | Azerbaijan | 85 | 68,400 | A gem in the Caucasus mountains, Sheki is a top tourist destination renowned for its safety and hospitality. Crime is virtually nonexistent for visitors. Its historic streets and the Khan’s Palace are safe to explore, reflecting the city’s peaceful and welcoming nature. |
| Quba | Azerbaijan | 84 | 39,500 | Nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus, Quba is famous for its apple orchards and diverse communities. The city is very safe, with a strong sense of community contributing to its peaceful environment. It’s a secure base for exploring the region’s natural beauty. |
| Baku | Azerbaijan | 83.5 | 2,374,000 | As the nation’s vibrant capital, Baku is exceptionally safe with a strong police presence and modern infrastructure. While petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, violent crime is very rare. Visitors can feel secure exploring the city day and night. |
| Lankaran | Azerbaijan | 81.5 | 52,900 | This subtropical southern city is a tranquil destination known for its tea plantations. Lankaran boasts a very low crime rate and a welcoming, small-town feel. Travelers can feel safe exploring local markets and historical sites with minimal concern for personal security. |
| Shamakhi | Azerbaijan | 81 | 39,600 | The ancient capital of the Shirvan realm, Shamakhi is a quiet city with deep historical roots. It offers a very safe environment for those interested in history and viticulture. Crime is negligible, allowing for peaceful exploration of its famous mosques and ruins. |
| Mingachevir | Azerbaijan | 80 | 106,100 | Known as the ‘City of Lights,’ Mingachevir is a well-organized city on the Kura River. It’s considered very safe, with a calm atmosphere and community-oriented feel. The city’s planned layout and popular riverside promenade contribute to its high level of public safety. |
| Ganja | Azerbaijan | 79 | 335,600 | Azerbaijan’s second-largest city is known for its rich history and relaxed atmosphere. Ganja is considered very safe, with low crime rates consistent with national trends. Standard precautions apply, but visitors generally report feeling secure while exploring its parks and historical landmarks. |
| Khachmaz | Azerbaijan | 78.5 | 39,900 | A regional center in northern Azerbaijan, Khachmaz is a typically safe provincial city. Life is quiet, and crime rates are very low. Visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere while exploring its well-maintained parks and local culture, with no significant safety concerns. |
| Sumqayit | Azerbaijan | 77 | 345,300 | This major industrial port on the Caspian Sea is a large urban center. Despite its industrial character, Sumqayit maintains a low crime rate. Residents and visitors enjoy a generally safe environment, especially in its redeveloped coastal boulevard areas. |
| Yevlakh | Azerbaijan | 76.5 | 69,800 | As a central transportation hub, Yevlakh is a lively and functional city. It maintains the country’s high safety standards with low overall crime. While busier than many other regional towns, it remains a secure place for residents and those transiting through. |
Images and Descriptions
Nakhchivan
The capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is exceptionally safe, clean, and orderly. Strict adherence to laws and a strong community presence result in extremely low crime rates, making it one of the safest urban areas in the entire region.
Gabala
As a premier mountain resort and tourism hub, Gabala offers an extremely high level of safety for visitors. The city’s infrastructure is geared towards ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for families and solo travelers exploring its upscale resorts and natural parks.
Sheki
A gem in the Caucasus mountains, Sheki is a top tourist destination renowned for its safety and hospitality. Crime is virtually nonexistent for visitors. Its historic streets and the Khan’s Palace are safe to explore, reflecting the city’s peaceful and welcoming nature.
Quba
Nestled in the foothills of the Caucasus, Quba is famous for its apple orchards and diverse communities. The city is very safe, with a strong sense of community contributing to its peaceful environment. It’s a secure base for exploring the region’s natural beauty.
Baku
As the nation’s vibrant capital, Baku is exceptionally safe with a strong police presence and modern infrastructure. While petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas, violent crime is very rare. Visitors can feel secure exploring the city day and night.
Lankaran
This subtropical southern city is a tranquil destination known for its tea plantations. Lankaran boasts a very low crime rate and a welcoming, small-town feel. Travelers can feel safe exploring local markets and historical sites with minimal concern for personal security.
Shamakhi
The ancient capital of the Shirvan realm, Shamakhi is a quiet city with deep historical roots. It offers a very safe environment for those interested in history and viticulture. Crime is negligible, allowing for peaceful exploration of its famous mosques and ruins.
Mingachevir
Known as the ‘City of Lights,’ Mingachevir is a well-organized city on the Kura River. It’s considered very safe, with a calm atmosphere and community-oriented feel. The city’s planned layout and popular riverside promenade contribute to its high level of public safety.
Ganja
Azerbaijan’s second-largest city is known for its rich history and relaxed atmosphere. Ganja is considered very safe, with low crime rates consistent with national trends. Standard precautions apply, but visitors generally report feeling secure while exploring its parks and historical landmarks.
Khachmaz
A regional center in northern Azerbaijan, Khachmaz is a typically safe provincial city. Life is quiet, and crime rates are very low. Visitors will find a peaceful atmosphere while exploring its well-maintained parks and local culture, with no significant safety concerns.
Sumqayit
This major industrial port on the Caspian Sea is a large urban center. Despite its industrial character, Sumqayit maintains a low crime rate. Residents and visitors enjoy a generally safe environment, especially in its redeveloped coastal boulevard areas.
Yevlakh
As a central transportation hub, Yevlakh is a lively and functional city. It maintains the country’s high safety standards with low overall crime. While busier than many other regional towns, it remains a secure place for residents and those transiting through.
