Baku - Post Report Question and Answers
What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Hash harriers, BBQs while the kids run around, assume there are going out nights for people without kids. The Community Liaison Office (CLO) does a good job at organizing inclusive events. - Sep 2023
Many expats live near each other, either in the "suburbs" neighborhood or in certain apartment complexes downtown. Expats tend to meet that way, or by attending different expat galas/events and such. - Aug 2023
There isn't that much of a vibrant community-based space for foreigners to engage in. Most just gather informally at bars or restaurants. - Jun 2023
Like anywhere else. Dinners at people's homes, restaurants, bars, etc. You see lots of people at the ski mountain every winter. The football and rugby teams also did a good job with social stuff. One of the best things about living in Stonepay was the annual roving dinner where you go to three people's houses for apps, mains, and desserts. It's a great way to get to know others in the neighborhood. - Jun 2021
There are a bunch of groups and clubs, but it can be hard if you don't speak Russian/Azerbaijani. - Jan 2019
Lots of eating out and hosting parties and other get-togethers, just like at most posts. - Jul 2018
Going out to eat or drink with friends is the norm, much more so than dinner parties or house parties. There are many social groups for adults to join and they are very welcoming and fun. I have had some interaction with were InterNations. International Women's Club, and Hash House Harriers. Most groups have a mix of expat and local participants, so it's a great way to meet a variety of people. Many have Facebook pages, so it's easy to find them. I would highly recommend Hash House Harriers - they have both a running group and a walking group and get together regularly for dinner, drinks, or weekend trips outside of the Sunday Hash times. The compact city center makes nightlife fun. You can start with dinner, move to a bar for drinks, and then head to a dance club or hear a live band, and all these places are often within walking distance of each other. Granted, there aren't a lot of options, so the scene can get stale if you desire a lot of variety. But most places don't require a cover and since there aren't too many places to go, you're likely to bump into some friends along the way. - May 2018
The CLO here has been great. The embassy does a lot of get togethers, like happy hours on the lawn, holiday parties, coffees, etc. I would say this is a very social post. A lot of people go exploring, out to dinner, dancing, running, cycling together. - Mar 2017
Visiting friends and coworkers, bowling, movies, outings to the regions, school events, coffee houses, eating out, - Jul 2015
There is a very active community at the embassy here, so there are usually dinners, events at the Marine House, small family parties. Since the embassy is so small, it's really easy to make friends. There are also several social groups for expat women. - Jan 2013
Only within the Embassy Community. We always have a phenomenal time! Anything local is expensive, and in the native language, so it is hard to enjoy if you don't know the language. It is hard to make local friends here. - Dec 2011
People tend to make their own fun. There is a new movie theater opening soon (supposedly). There are also bowling allies, a coffee shop and the pool at the Hyatt if you are a member. Not much else. - Sep 2010
Good restaurants and shopping. - Oct 2009
Not much unless you are into the bar scene. - Nov 2008
There are lots of restaurants to go to and many have very comfortable settings - sofas and coffee table type setting for hanging out and chatting. - Sep 2008
Most people are very social. There's the drinking scene, the camping/hiking adventures and a few sports (softball, ultimate frisbee, biking, hashing-if you can count it a sport). - Sep 2008
