We're driving from Baku towards Sheki and were planning to stop in Lahij for a couple of hours before continuing west. Now I've seen several people recommending spending the night there instead.
Is there really enough to do after the day visitors leave, or is Lahij mainly somewhere to wander around for an afternoon?
We almost made the same mistake. Like most people, we thought Lahij was simply a pretty mountain village famous for copper workshops. It turned out to be one of the most atmospheric places we visited in Azerbaijan.
During the afternoon there were plenty of visitors walking along the main street, browsing the craft shops and watching coppersmiths at work. It was enjoyable, but it still felt like a tourist destination. Everything changed after about five o'clock. The coaches disappeared, shopkeepers began sitting outside chatting with neighbours, children rode bicycles through the stone lanes, and the village became wonderfully quiet.
After dinner we walked for almost an hour without any particular destination. Every now and then we heard someone hammering copper in a workshop that was still open, while the smell of wood smoke drifted through the narrow streets.
Nothing "happened." That's exactly why we loved it.
I usually recommend Lahij as a day trip. Not because it isn't beautiful, but because many visitors only have a week in Azerbaijan. If your itinerary already includes Sheki, Gabala and Quba, I'd probably use the extra evening there instead.
I'd disagree. Sheki has impressive monuments.
Lahij has atmosphere.
Those are different reasons to stay. I remember almost every evening we spent in Lahij. I honestly can't remember which museum I visited the following day.
Most tourists stay on the main street. Walk uphill into the residential lanes. You'll quickly notice the village becoming quieter, and you'll see everyday life rather than souvenir shops.
Just remember that these are people's homes. It's fine to explore, but always be respectful when taking photographs.