visit to armenia

• Partner with Us
• Made in Armenia
• Gegharkunik
• Vayots Dzor
• Cultural Heritage
• Food & Drink
• Itineraries & Road Trips
• Nature Activities
• Practical Information
• Soviet Armenia
• Things To Do
• What to Pack
• Where to Stay

Best of Armenia , Practical Information

35 very useful things to know before you visit armenia.

You’ve probably stumbled upon this guide because you’re planning to visit Armenia . This post will detail everything we think you need to know before you travel to Armenia – from information about the language to secrets from locals.

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and Tours In Armenia:

• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery (from $34)
• Armenia: Private Tour to Khor Virap Monastery (from $37)
• Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, and Zvartnots Cathedral from Yerevan (from $62)
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin (from $90)
• From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour (from $39)

Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander (a luxury in Yerevan)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in Yerevan
• 14th Floor (mid-range in Yerevan)
• Grand Hostel (budget in Yerevan)

Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

If you have additional questions, please send us a message or leave us a comment! We hope you find this useful!

Visit Armenia: Tips & Information

Armenia. You may have heard of it, or you might have not, but somewhere high in the Caucasus mountains is where this wonderful country is located. With magical nature, ancient history, and heritage that is not yet fully discovered, it is a country with so much to offer.

So what is Armenia? A little country that you might associate with the Kardashians or System of Down, but trust us, Armenia is the new, hot destination to travel to and it’s known for a lot more than just that.

As an Armenian, it’s easy to write about my own country, and that’s why my friend Megan has joined me to create this website about Armenia where we can deliver honest and informative articles about my homeland.

For me, I was able to see Armenia from a different angle because I was analyzing it from my friend’s point of view and learning what makes it such a great and unique place for travelers.

Based on our travels in Armenia and the fact that I’m a local, we often ask ourselves why it’s not crowded with tourists from around the world?

Armenia has all the necessary features for the perfect travel destination; fantastic nature and landscapes, delicious and fresh food, super hospitable people, and it’s really affordable and cheap to travel in for non-locals.

In addition to all this, starting in 2020, airlines are offering cheap and budget flights from Europe to Yerevan and Gyumri, which makes this hidden gem much more accessible to travelers and history lovers.

We have seen, and are still discovering, amazing and breathtaking sights in this little country of colors and contrasts. This guide will prepare you to visit a truly amazing destination and tell you everything you need to do and know before you visit Armenia.

What to Know Before You Travel to Armenia

We try to hit all points of what we deem useful information for this post.  If there is something missing that you’d like to know, specific destination information, please shoot us a message or leave a comment so we can answer!

1. Where is Armenia?

It might be a bit challenging to find Armenia on the map, and you might have never heard of it, but it is located in the southern Caucasus region; Georgia borders it to the north, Iran to the south, Turkey to the west and Azerbaijan to the east.

Armenia is a landlocked country and it’s important to know that it’s not possible to get to Armenia overland from Turkey or Azerbaijan because of political issues.

2. Armenian Nature

Armenia has a surprisingly diverse nature for being such a small country… from mesmerizing green canyons and gorges to dry and colorful mountains to semi-desert landscapes.

The biggest lake in the Caucasus is also found in Armenia. Lake Sevan , which is considered to be the blue pearl of the country. It is surrounded by breathtaking mountains, little islands, and gorgeous villages.

There are several national parks and reserves all over the country such as Dilijan National Park or the Khosrov Reserve , a place considered to be one of the oldest protected areas in history. Approximately seventeen centuries ago, the reserve was founded and its ecosystem is absolutely amazing.

Despite its small size, Armenia is one of the most mountainous countries in the world as mountains make up almost 90% of the country.

3. Seasons in Armenia

Each season has a different beauty in the Caucasian country. You can hike in the colorful autumn mountains, ski and snowboard in Tsaghkadzor spa town in the winter, or chill out in green Dilijan guesthouses in the summer.

Spring is also special in Armenia because of the vibrant colors and blooming flowers saturating the country.

4. Armenian Culture and History

Armenia is one of those rare countries that still exists despite having more than 6000 years of history. Many civilizations have disappeared over the decades, but as a surprise to many, Armenia has managed to conserve its cultural heritage with traditions that still exist today.

There is a lot of archeological evidence that shows existing civilizations in the Bronze Age in the modern theory of Armenia dating back to 4000 BC.

It’s possible to see heritage from the different stages of Armenian history, like the Pagan Temple of Garni or the Christian churches in Etchmiadzin that were one of the first in history as Armenia was the first country that adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD.

Armenians were always famous for creating art from stone because of its abundance in the country. This is evident from the Pagan frescas and Christian cross-stones (khachkars) alongside the mesmerizing churches and temples around the country, and the ruins of the castles and caves that have their hidden secrets.

The strongest and most famous king in Armenian history was King of the Kings Tigranes the Great (95–55 BC), under which the Armenian kingdom became one of the strongest kingdoms of that time. During that period, the Armenian empire spread from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

When is the Best Time to Visit Armenia?

Armenian has pretty much all types of weather- from hot summers to dry, cold winters with significant amounts of snow in almost all regions of the country.

The hottest time in Armenia is from June to September when the temperature can fluctuate between 37- 40 Celsius, but the evenings promise a cool breeze coming from the mountains. Temperatures also depend on where you are in the country; it’s not as hot in the north compared to the south during the summer.

Winters in Armenia are dry and cold, and during this time temperatures can drop as low as -15 Celsius. However, winter activities and sports are easily accessible, such as skiing in Ashotsk or Tsaghkadzor where you can enjoy cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and winter hikes in the places.

Another plus of visiting Armenia during the winter is spending New Year’s there as the country is basically partying the entire time. Also, accommodation and Yerevan Airbnbs are comparably cheap during that period.

Once it’s spring in Armenia , like in many places, the weather in Armenia becomes pleasant and many festivals like Yerevan wine days, BBQ fest and the Urvakan electronic music festival take place in the country.

Summers in Armenia are the perfect time to take multiple day trips from Yerevan to all throughout the country when the weather’s hot and you will have a unique opportunity to discover an ancient country. Within approximately 10 days, you can see amazing cultural and historical heritage.

Our favorite season is autumn in Armenia .  This is when the weather is just perfect for outdoor activities, camping, and day trips. In our opinion, the beginning of autumn is the best time to visit Armenia .  It is just so picturesque!

From Dilijan’s lush forest to Noravank Monastery’s surrounding area, you will see the true colors of Armenian nature during fall.

What is Armenia Known For?

As we mentioned before, Armenia is an ancient country and its heritage from different times in history is unique and somewhat well-known worldwide.

The small country has many sights that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and there are still many undiscovered places that are gaining more and more interest from archaeologists.

Below are a few things that have put Armenia on the map.

5. First Christian Nation in the World

Armenia is the first country that adopted Christianity as an official state religion in 301 AD, over 1700 years ago.

The major figure of the spread of Christianity in Armenia was Gregory The Illuminator who was first dungeoned because of his religious view in Khor Virap . He was imprisoned for 13 years but was later released by Tiridates III.

Gregory the Illuminator is the founder of the Armenian Church and responsible for Armenia becoming a Christian nation.

The Armenian Church is known as apostolical because of two students, Bartholomew and Thaddeus of Jesus. Thaddeus came to Armenia to try to spread Christianity after his crucifixion.

The first Christian churches in Armenia, and probably some of the first ones in the world, were built and still exist in the city of Etchmiadzin today.  The city name translates to “the only born came down”.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral, St. Hripsime, Zvartnots church ruins, and others are protected by UNESCO World Heritage today and are some of the top things to see in Armenia.

6. UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Armenia

As just mentioned, the churches and cathedrals in and around Etchmiadzin are protected by UNESCO.

Other important places that are UNESCO sites in Armenia are Geghard Monastery and the Upper Azat Valley and the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin .

7. Armenian Duduk

For more than 3000 years, this amazing instrument, with soul touching sounds, has existed in Armenia and when it’s being played, it feels like time stops.

Duduk, or the original historical name Tsiranapogh, is an Armenian wooden instrument that looks very simple at first glance and in translation means “apricot made clarinet”.

The sound of the Armenian duduk is so magical that it was placed on the list of Masterpieces of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO .

8. Ararat Mountain

A legendary and iconic mountain for all Armenians that is technically located in the modern territory of Turkey is the mountain ‘Ararat’, also known as Holy Mountain.

Ararat is a two-peak mountain made up of small Sis and big Masis mountains and has been represented in Armenian history since ancient times, known as a holy mountain and symbol with an elevation of 5,137 meters.

It is a Biblical mountain since it is mentioned in the Bible that Noah’s ark landed on Mount Ararat and it is where life supposedly started after the flood.

On a beautiful, clear day, it is possible to see Ararat from the capital Yerevan and you can admire its beauty, might, and harmony.

9. Lavash (Bread)

A unique flatbread that is in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is Lavash .

Not a single ingredient has changed over the centuries in the preparation of ancient Lavash bread in Armenia… even the cooking method has remained the same!

Armenian traditional lavash has very simplistic ingredients but it is one of the tastiest bread in the world. It consists of flour, water, and salt. That’s it!

Lavash is baked in the traditional tonir (tandoor), a clay hole in the ground. That is how the bread has been baked for centuries and you can even see it baked in several places in Armenia today this way (including some restaurants that have open kitchens like Sherep and Lavash ).

In Armenia, there is a special name for cheese and herbs wrapped in a lavash – ‘ bruch ‘. It’s one of the simplest, yet most delicious things in the world.

Another interesting fact about lavash bread is that it’s possible to dry it and keep it for over 6 months, then wet it when ready to eat. Armenians have been doing this for centuries and it lasts without any problems.

10. Khor Virap Monastery

Translated from Armenian, Khor Virap means deep dungeon and this is where Gregory The Illuminator was jailed for 14 years.

Khor Virap is one of the most special places to visit in Armenia because of its location and a mind-blowing view of Mount Ararat.

The 5th-century Church of the Holy Mother of God that is located on a hilltop gives it another charm and is an amazing addition to the view of Mount Ararat, which seems surprisingly really close despite being rather far away by distance.

Khor Virap is surrounded by green fields and vineyards and the monastery is one of the gems of Armenia that no one should miss when visiting the country (or Ararat marz !).

It is also extremely easy to get from Yerevan to Khor Virap with options on public transportation, as well as affordable tour options.

11. Ararat Brandy

Like we mentioned before Mount Ararat and its name is iconic and very popular among Armenians. You will see many brands that have Ararat in their name but one of the most popular brands which exist in Armenia and is known worldwide is Ararat Brandy (or cognac as the locals say).

The legendary and famous Ararat brandy factory is located in Yerevan on top of a hill next to the Hrazdan gorge and has a big history and legacy to tell.

Armenian Brandy actually gained popularity at the beginning of the 20-century because of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill.

At the Yalta Conference in 1945, Joseph Stalin presented Winston Churchill with a bottle of Ararat Brandy (Dvin).  Winston Churchill, a fervent brandy lover, fell in love with Ararat Brandy and as a result, Stalin sent Churchill 400 bottles of Dvin batch Ararat Brandy annually.

For Armenians, besides wine, cognac has to be of top quality and that quality has been delivered for more than 100 years by Ararat brandy and this is just one more thing that puts Armenia on the map.

It’s also possible to take a tour of the factory to see how Ararat brandy is made, learn the history of the factory, and enjoy the brandy itself with some great dried fruits and chocolate.

12. Armenian Carpets (Rugs)

For centuries, Armenians have been known for creating one of the best and most beautiful carpets in the world. It is a tradition to have a carpet inside an Armenian house as a part of the interior decoration.

It is possible to see how carpets and rugs are made in Armenia at the Megerian Carpet Center or Tufenkian Hotel next to the Vernissage.

The traditional ornaments are made by hand just like it was done centuries ago and these masterpieces are truly pleasing to the eye.

13. Khachkars

A unique and typical Armenian stone art known as ‘khachkars’ (cross-stones) is one of the most popular art forms from Armenia.

A khachkar is a big piece of stone with Christian art carved into it coming from the 4th-century that shows the skills of the Armenian masters. There are still thousands of khachkars from ancient times that have been preserved until this day.

Because it is so special to Armenia, it is no surprise that its ornaments and symbols are included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

One of the most famous places to see Armenian khachkars from various decades of Armenian history is at Noratus Cemetery . At Noratus, it is possible to see cross-stones from the 10th-century! It is truly a fascinating, open-air museum.

14. History of the Silk Road in Armenia

When people think of the Silk Road, they more often than not think of China and Central Asia.  However, Armenia, like other places in the Caucasus, played an important role in the trading on the Silk Road, especially Artashat.

While many remnants and traces of the Silk Road are gone in this part of the world, you can still see traces down in Vayots Dzor region at Orbelyan’s Caravanserai , an important inn for traders that existed and was saved.

15. Pomegranates and Apricots

Pomegranate is not only a fruit that grows in Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), but it is also phenomenal and widely used in the food and is also one of the most popular symbols for Armenia used in art and architecture.

Walking down the streets of Yerevan, it is possible to see pomegranates engraved and carved into the buildings’ facades.

Nowhere else in the world do apricots (tsiran) grow and taste as delicious as they do in Armenia. The ancient fruit, mentioned in many old manuscripts, is truly the pride of Armenia.

Even the famous Duduk (Tsiranapogh) is made from the apricot tree. The fruit is widely used in Armenia and gets exported to many countries every year.

You will also find pomegranate and apricots used in foods and wines.

16. First Winery in the World

If you didn’t already know, the first winery known to the modern world was founded in Armenia in Areni village. It dates all the way back to 6100 BC.

Areni is known to be one of the most popular wine regions of Armenia where the highest quality libation is made, so it was no surprise that they discovered the oldest winery in the world inside the Areni-1 Cave .

In Areni-1, it is possible to see where the wine was made and how the ancient, clay wine barrels were dug into the soil.

In some of those barrels, young female bones were discovered as signs of sacrifice. It’s a truly unique place to visit in Armenia and to be able to see the traces from the world’s oldest winery.

Besides the winery, in the same Areni-1 cave, the world’s oldest leather shoe was discovered. It is approximately 5,500 years old.

17. Temple of Garni (Pagan Temple)

Even though Armenia has a big Christian history, its Pagan history is just as important. The perfect example is the one and only preserved Pagan Temple in the country. The Temple of Garni dates back to 1 AD and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mihr.

It is truly an amazing gem located on the edge of the Azat gorge, yet another mind-blowing location that the ancient Armenian kings and queens used as a royal summer house.

The Temple of Garni is one of the most beloved places for travelers to visit because of its interesting structure and impressive location in the Caucasus region.

18. Tatev Monastery

If you want to learn about the spiritual life of Armenia, then it is a must to take a trip to Tatev Monastery . It has breathtaking architecture and is a spiritual Christian construction isolated from the world on the edge of the Vorotan River.

The 9th-century Tatev Monastery complex and the fortifications is an iconic Christian symbol of Armenia. It is located up in the mountains.  That is why, based on ancient myths, it is called Tatev, which translates to “give wings” in Armenian.

In the Middle Ages, Tatev Monastery was known as one of the best universities in Armenia where it was possible to study religion, science, and philosophy.

To get to Tatev Monastery, you need to ride on the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway  that is 5.7 km long. The ride is gorgeous and the views are mesmerizing- you get the feeling that you are flying in the sky as you cross the gorge. This is why the tramway was given the name Wings of Tatev .

19. Armenia’s Velvet Revolution in 2018

Armenia has a remarkable ancient history and heritage, but modern Armenia also shows the world its effort to create a great democratical environment for its citizens and all the visitors of this beautiful country.

In an effort to move forward in 2018, the Armenian nation initiated a peaceful velvet revolution to remove its then-corrupt party from power as it was not leading the country with a democratic lifestyle or standards.

Armenia’s example of a peaceful velvet revolution was exceptional for many post-Soviet countries showcasing that one small country facing many problems with corruption was able to unite and, without any victims, make changes to their country and its political system.

20. Yerevan Metro

Built during the Soviet-era and becoming fully operational in 1981, the Yerevan Metro is probably one of the smallest metro systems in all post-Soviet countries. However, it is one of the best secrets of Yerevan as it is affordable, efficient, and will get you from point A to point B.

The Armenian government is working on opening more metro stops and the construction has already started. The current number of stops is limited (only ten!) but are very clean and have artistic designs.

The most noticeable Yerevan metro station is the post-modern Yeritasardakan (Youth) Station and the beautiful fountains at the Republic Square Station .

The full length of the metro is 13.4 km and the working hours are from 6.30am to 11pm. The price of a ticket is 100 AMD and you will notice that plastic coins are still being used in Armenia but there is talk that that will change in the near future.

21. Armenian Language

The Armenian language is an Indo-European language and is considered to be one of the oldest in the world. The Armenian alphabet was invented by Mesrop Mashtots in 406 AD and faced several evolutions during the coming centuries.

In the language in Armenia, there is a “dead language” called Graphar. It is used during church ceremonies, but not in daily life.

Nowadays, the Armenian language is divided into two parts: Western Armenian , which is used by the diaspora, and Eastern Armenian , which is used in Armenia today.

There are 39 letters in the Armenian alphabet and it is considered a national point of pride of the nation… so much that there is a monument dedicated to the Armenian Alphabet’s 1600th anniversary.

With an ancient alphabet, Armenia has many unique Armenian expressions that only other Armenians understand!

22. Western Armenia

The modern territory of Armenia is only 30% of what its historical territory was. The lands and territories have changed so many times throughout history.

Armenia used to be a lot bigger (territory-wise) in the past, but after the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and after becoming part of the Soviet Union, it lost its historical territories. Still today, Armenians refer to these lands as Western Armenia even though they fall under present-day Turkey.

Western Armenia used to be one of the biggest cultural and industrial centers of the region, and cities like Kars and Ani were the result of Armenians’ brilliant architectural and business minds.

Still today, there are many historical remains, churches, and cities that showcase why Armenians still consider Western Armenia a historical homeland.

23. Chess in Armenia

Despite its small population of only 3 million, Armenia has gained popularity around the world for its love and success at the game of chess.

Armenians love playing chess and it’s even part of their school program because they believe that the love for this intellectual game should start at a young age.

This small country has had several World Chess Champions : grandmaster Tigran Petrosian, Levon Aronian (one of the leaders of FIDE’s ranking list), and the Armenian National Chess team- which won the World Team Championship, European Team Championship, and the Chess Olympiad.

If you are a chess fan, then it’s just another reason to visit Armenia as it’s one of the most beloved games in the country, played from people’s backyards to international professional stages.

24. Armenian Genocide

One of the most tragic historical events that happened to Armenians and the Armenian nation is the Armenian Genocide . It was the first genocide of the 20th-century.

The horrific massacre happened in 1915 by the Turkish ‘Young Turks’ ruling party and as a result, 1,500,000 people lost their lives.

The Armenian nation not only lost many of its residents’ lives during this time but also a significant part of its historical homeland (Western Armenia).

This is why there are over 10,000,000 Armenians living outside of Armenia today.

Each year on April 24th, a march takes place to the Tsitsernakaberd Genocide Memorial in Yerevan where the whole nation pays respect to the victims of the tragedy.

25. The Armenian Diaspora (and Famous Armenians)

One interesting fact about the Armenian people and its population is that there are more Armenians living outside of Armenia these days than inside of it.  Armenia has one of the biggest diaspora in the world and it is really large in countries like the USA, Russia, and France.

Today, there is over 10,000,000 diaspora and the reason dates back to the Armenian Genocide, as mentioned above.

Americans may know of some of the famous diaspora Armenians .  Some of them are the Kardashians, Cher, Andre Agassi, Michael Vartan, Dita von Teese, Alex Ohanian (Reddit founder), Joe Manganiello, System of a Down, and more.

26. Gyumri Earthquake (Spitak Earthquake)

On December 7th, 1988, another tragedy took place in the cities of Gyumri and Spitak; they were hit by a 7-magnitude earthquake.

Gyumri is the artistic city of Armenia and has always been known as the creative center of Armenia. The devastating earthquake damaged the city very badly, mostly destroying Soviet-era buildings and a part of the Old City.

More than 40,000 people died due to the devastating consequences of the earthquake.  Even in Gyumri today, there are remnants of this earthquake as the city is still in the rebuilding process.

There are many things to do in Gyumri , and we suggest finding some small businesses to support while there as many of the owners were actually impacted by this disaster decades ago.

27. Miscellaneous Armenia Facts and Info

Getting around armenia.

Public transportation in Armenian is still in the development stages and new transport options are being implemented in the transport system.

Usually, there are minibusses (marshrutkas) connecting Armenian cities. These might not be the most comfortable option to get around so that’s why many travelers prefer to take taxis or to rent a car while traveling in Armenia.

Trains are also an option, but for now, the new trains will only take you from Yerevan to Gyumri . I believe there is one going to Masis, also.  It is one of the most comfortable and fast train rides in the country. The other option is to take the old, Soviet trains.

Yerevan-Gyumri price for new train ride – 2500 AMD ($6)

Yerevan- Gyumri price for old train ride – 1500 ($3)

28. Currency of Armenia

The Armenian national currency is called the dram (AMD) and is represented by the following symbol: ֏

The currency fluctuates a bit but is currently around $1 = 500 AMD .  It is possible to change out your money nearly anywhere in Yerevan.

You will see more currency exchanges here than perhaps anywhere else you travel.  Even shoe stores sometimes have currency exchanges!  Grocery stores almost always will have them too.

29. North Armenia Does Not Look Like South Armenia

As we mentioned before, Armenia is a diverse country in a small territory where one tunnel ride can change a bold, rocky landscape into lush, green gorges and a mountain range.

Armenia is a country of contrast and is easy to travel in… if you have a car. The more north you drive, the more you will see green mountains, lakes located in hidden spots surrounded by nature, deep caves, and many more spectacular places.

Driving towards the south of the country from Yerevan, the nature and landscape change into an arid and beige wonderland, complete with a unique ecosystem that is completely different from that of the north of the country.

You can find green landscapes present throughout the entire country but its percentage varies depending on whether you’re in the north or the south.

30. Usage of Tuff in Architecture

A unique architectural material that defines Armenian architecture is the volcanic stone ‘tuff’. Tuff has been widely used in Armenia for centuries as constructing material and it’s also used in art and in some other spheres.

The capital of Armenia, Yerevan, is known as a pink city because the main material that was used to build it was pink volcanic tuff stone and it illuminates the city in a hue of the same color during certain times of the day.

But tuff is not only pink, but it also has other colors as well. Black tuff was used to build the old city of Gyumri and the architecture in Gyumri stands out like no other in the country of Armenia!

31. Sidewalk Cafes in Yerevan Saturate the Streets

Yerevan has a great cafe culture , and it is one of the main attractions of the city. You can cafes everywhere, especially in the city center and it really gives the city a charming and cozy feeling.

Saryan Street , or ‘wine street’, is one of those places where little wine shops line up the sidewalk and both locals and travelers can enjoy the charming atmosphere of an evening in Yerevan.

Yerevan Cascade is a huge platform of stairs and one of the gems of the city. At the Cascades, you can also experience great cafe culture through different indoor and outdoor cafes and restaurants.

In general, Yerevan is a city of sidewalk cafes and the choice is huge!

32. Visa to Armenia

Do you need a visa for Armenia?   You might be surprised.

While the country is open to so many foreigners and for long durations of time (as an American, I have very lenient laws about being in Armenia), other nationalities are not quite as lucky.

For example, passport holders from Canada and India both need to apply for an Armenian visa (e-visas) in advance.  Rules are constantly changing, so be sure to check before your trip to see if you need a visa or not.

Click here to see the updated list at the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

33. Architecture in Armenia

In our opinion, one of the coolest things about visiting Armenia is seeing a dynamic range of architecture in the country.

As mentioned earlier in the post, pink tuff or black tuff was a commonly used building material in Armenia and the traces of that are evident, especially in Yerevan and Gyumri.

Another interesting thing about the architecture in Armenia is that you can see so many influences throughout history based on the buildings and ruins.

When people think about architecture in Armenia, monasteries typically come to mind.  Or, Soviet architecture.  We could go into excessive detail about Armenian architecture and will need to do so in another post in the near future.  But, do know that the architecture here is extremely fascinating and many prolific buildings represent different eras of history and styles.

Soviet Architecture in Armenia

Many foreigners flock to Armenia to see the country’s Soviet architecture.  A lot of Soviet pieces have held up well in Armenia due to the construction with durable and tough materials and the Armenian influence on many pieces of Soviet architecture is unique compared to anywhere else in the former-USSR.

Again, we will have an entire post on this in the near future but some of the most popular Soviet architecture in Armenia masterpieces are: the Cascades, Yerevan Central Railway Station , Zvartnots Airport Tower (original), Sevan Writers’ House, Moscow Cinema, Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, Gyumri Shirak Airport, Jermuk cultural center, and much, much more.

34. Armenian Food and Drink

One of the greatest things about Armenia is its food and cuisine.  Food in Armenia is light and makes use of seasonal and local ingredients better than most cuisines these days.

You will find that Armenian food will feel a bit familiar and a bit foreign, all at the same time.  There are influences from Iran, Russia, Turkey, the Middle East, and Georgia in the cuisine, but many of these ‘familiarities’ are traced back so that the food either comes from these areas or Armenia actually influenced certain dishes in the aforementioned places.

Nevertheless, the Armenian food is insanely good in winter or in summer!

Vegetables and fruits in Armenia are juicy and flavorful.  You will find a heavy usage of meat but also a heavy usage of vegetables, making the country fairly ideal for vegetarians without any intent to do so.

Some very popular dishes to try in Armenia are as follows:

• spas (a yogurt-like soup with mint and other herbs)
• kufta (pounded meat dish with tons of flavor – two types in Armenia: ishli or Echmiadzin)
• ghapama (rice with dried fruits and lavash cooked inside of a pumpkin or gourd – eaten in winter)
• khash (a soup made from boiled cow or sheep parts – eaten in late autumn or winter in the mornings)
• plov with dried fruits (rice with dried fruits)
• dolma (grape leave stuffed with deliciousness such as rice, meat, and veggies)
• basooc dolma (vegetarian dolma)
• lyulya kebab (minced meat grilled with other flavors and spices)
• khorovats (Armenian BBQ)
• gata (a sweet pastry that is highly addictive due to its deliciousness)
• harissa (a porridge with pulled meat served with butter… this is not like North African harissa!)
• lahmajo (an eastern style pizza – often referred to as ‘Turkish pizza’ in western Europe)
• summer salad (a garden salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and herbs)
• zhingyalov hats (a bread stuffed with many green herbs originating from Artsakh and Syunik region)
• basturma (dried and spiced meat)
• bakhlava (common across many places in this region)

Obviously, with all of these prepared items above come some other specific items like Armenian cheese , condiments, pickled veggies, and more.  Armenian food truly is the best and there is something to satisfy everyone.

Ingredients in Armenian Cuisine

While the above detailed specific dishes, we thought it would be necessary to list some common ingredients you’ll find in Armenia.

Yes, many are vegetables and you can easily find vegetarian food in Yerevan , but you do need to ask to double-check no meat or animal products were used when ordering if you’re vegan or vegetarian (a lot of food here is ‘accidentally’ vegan or vegetarian).

The ingredients listed are ones that you will see often across several dishes.

Here are some popular ingredients in Armenian cuisine:

• Cilantro (coriander)
• Pomegranate
• Salt (Armenians use a lot of salt!)
• Lavash (Armenian bread)

35. Armenian Coffee

Armenians love their coffee and you will likely be served it a couple of times a day if you’re hanging around a local.  Armenian coffee is similar to coffee you’ll find in other countries in the region and even into the Balkans (often referred to as Turkish coffee… but you will never refer to it that way here).

You can buy bags of freshly grounded coffee at all grocery stores and several shops in the city.  You will need a jazzve (way to cook the coffee on a stovetop) and a small cup to serve it into.

Are you into specialty coffee?  Don’t worry – Yerevan has third-wave coffee shops too!

The rest is history!

We hope that this guide will help you prepare a bit for your trip to Armenia , or at least give you an overview of things we think will be helpful before you visit Armenia.  If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment below or send us an email.  We are happy to help!

This guide was aimed at foreigners unfamiliar with Armenia, its food, culture, and history.  This is not a guide written for Armenians… so if we explain customs or food in a way that an Armenian may not like, we did it with intent to help those traveling here.  Thanks in advance!

PIN IT FOR LATER!

11 thoughts on “ 35 Very Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Armenia ”

Very interesting and informative article. I am a quarter Armenian living in the U.S. I grew up with more exposure to the other side of my heritage and am now interested in learning more about my Armenian culture. You have inspired me to start digging deeper and, hopefully, plan an adventure someday.

Very informative. Hoping to visit Armenia in the near future. Thank you

is so loving i will love to visit Armenia to see all this by myself .

Honestly, it was the Duduk recording that led me to Google Armenia. The sound is very mystical, “bringing me to the mountain forest of Caucasus”. I wish to visit this interesting and historical country one day. By the way, I am from bali, Indonesia.

After reading this I want to go to Armenia…tomorrow! Actually I plan a road trip on my motorcycle from Greece to Armenia for this summer. I have one question, how things are with stray dogs in Armenia? I’ve read several negative stories about its population and attacks to people. How things are today? Thank you in advance

My new bus driver in montreal, canada, is armenian. He is a lovely man and you have shown me all about his country. Thank you for all your information.

🙂 You are Welcome!

Great work. Thanks.

We are visiting Armenia (Yerevan) next week. You article is very elaborate and informative as one should feel a complete tour to the country after reading. Appreciate your efforts Aram & Megan. Thank you.

Thank you! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Home » Travel Guides » Armenia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

Armenia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, with the small but charming nation boasting a rich history.

Armenia, which was the first country to declare Christianity as its national religion, boasts some of Europe’s most stunning views, with the peak of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline. The mountain is Armenia’s national symbol despite its peak lying just over the Turkish border and Ararat is considered holy by locals due to its mention in The Bible – it is where Noah’s Ark landed.

Armenia is home to countless beautiful monasteries and they are often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the whole of Europe as the nation continues to embrace tourism. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Armenia !

By far the largest city in Armenia, the capital Yerevan is a great place to start for anyone wishing to explore Armenia. The city is home to the grand Republic Square, while climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must.

Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past. Vernissage market is worth visiting too – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also highly recommended.

Much of what Armenia has to offer can be explored during day trips from Yerevan, which is known as the City of Cafes.

Yerevan is also home to Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the whole of the country, as well as Levon’s Amazing Underground World, which is one of Europe’s most unusual attractions.

2. Shikahogh State Reserve

The second largest forest reserve in Armenia, Shikahogh State Reserve is so unspoiled that large parts of it remains unexplored to this day.

The forest is believed to be home to animals including leopards, bears, wild goats and vipers and it is also thought that Shikahogh State Reserve has about 1,100 species of plants, although its fauna has not yet been fully explored. The reserve was threatened by a planned highway in 2005, but environments successfully lobbied for the forest’s future to be protected.

The reserve also has a number of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.

3. Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country. The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery – providing a glorious scenic backdrop to a relaxing trip.

Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a wide choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore.

Lake Sevan has a number of popular beaches and, as the country has no coastline, this is the best place in Armenia to sunbathe, with Sevan Bay and its surrounding mountains providing spectacular scenery.

4. Dilijan National Park

Armenia has four national parks and Dilijan national park may be the most beautiful of the lovely quartet. The park, which was only established in 2002, is famous for its medicinal mineral water springs, as well as its natural monuments.

Many of Armenia’s more important cultural locations can be found within the grounds of the park, such as Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery  and Jukhtak Vank, as well as Matosavank Monastery and the Akhnabat church.

The Aghestev and Getik river basins are also both within the boundaries of Dilijan national park.

5. Mount Aragats

Mount Aragats is one of Armenia’s most stunning natural sights, with the dormant volcano located in the north of the country. It is Armenia’s highest peak and there is a lot of rock art to be enjoyed around its base, with paintings of animals and human-like figures dating back hundreds of years.

Snow covers the peak almost all year-round but Mount Aragats can be climbed, with July, August and September the best times of the year to attempt the hike.

The southernmost of the four peaks is the easiest to climb, while the northern peak, at around 4,000 metres, is the most challenging.

6. Lake Arpi

While Lake Sevan can be extremely crowded during the peak tourist season, Lake Arpi has a much more relaxed feel.

Used for irrigation and hydropower production, Lake Arpi is also the source of the Akhurian River. In 2009 a new park was established around the lake to protect the natural environment, with around 100 species of birds known to live in the area. Lake Arpi also hosts rich flora and fauna and is a Ramsar Convention protected site.

Lake Arpi has one the largest colonies of Armenian Gull and its recreation activities include camping and walking tours.

7. Noravank

Monasteries are one of Armenia’s defining characteristics and the example at Noravank is one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Sheer brick-red cliffs shield the monastery, which was built in the 13th century.

Noravank is famous for its Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church, while the story goes that the monastery was saved by God himself when Armenia was conquered by the Mongols hundreds of years ago.

If you only choose to go to one monastery during a trip to Armenia, Noravank would be an extremely good selection – thousands of people visit every year.

The second largest city in Armenia, Gyumri is well worth a visit for anyone heading to the country for the first time. Perhaps the best place from which to enjoy the sights of Gyumri is from the Black Fortress on the hill that overlooks the city, while the massive Mother Armenia statue can also be found nearby.

Many of the most important cultural institutions of Armenia are in Gyumri, such as the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri, as well as the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum and the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum.

The Kumayri Historic District is Gyumri’s oldest area, with a thousand ancient buildings found here.

9. Vanadzor

Armenia’s third major city is Vanadzor, which is located in the north of the country. Vanadzor is an ideal base from which to explore the beautiful Lori region, which is certainly one of the best places to visit in Armenia.

The Vanadzor Botanical Garden is one of the finest tourist attractions in the city, while visitors should also consider checking out the Vanadzor fine art museum. The many mineral springs of the Lori region mean there are a wide range of terrific spas to enjoy in and around Vanadzor.

Although Vanadzor is primarily an industrial city, it also houses many theatres, such as the Bohem Chamber Theatre of Vanadzor and the Vanadzor Puppet Theatre.

10. Amberd Fortress

Dating back to the seventh century, Amberd Fortress is one of the most stunning places to visit in Armenia. Formerly among the Armenian Kingdom’s primary military-defensive points, the fortress can be reached in about an hour from the capital city Yerevan.

However, snowfall can make the fortress inaccessible during the winter months, with the weather usually improving by late May. The view from the top of the fortress is truly breathtaking, while the building itself is also stunning.

Amberd Fortress is a short trip from the village of Byurakan, home of the Byurakan Observatory.

11. Tsaghkadzor

Armenia’s mountainous scenery makes it ideal for winter sports and the country’s best ski resort can be found at Tsaghkadzor in the heart of the country. Ski lifts are paid for by the ride and are among the most affordable in Europe.

Tsaghkadzor boasts some of the finest hotels in the country, while the resort also has one of the nation’s biggest entertainment centers in the form of the Senator Royale casino complex.

Tsaghkadzor also has the Kecharis Monastery, which is one of Armenia’s most important religious complexes, dating back to the start of the 11th century.

12. Upper Azat Valley

The Upper Azat Valley is one of Armenia’s World Heritage Sites, partly due to the incredible Geghard Monastery for which the region is most famous. The main chapel was built 800 years ago but the history of the monastery goes all the way back to the fourth century, when it was founded by Gregory the Illuminator.

According to legend, the Geghard Monastery once housed one of the spears that was used to crucify Jesus Christ, brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus, and as such it is one of Armenia’s most important religious sites.

The Upper Azat Valley is also home to the St Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) chapel, which is partially carved out of the rock.

13. Karahunj Observatory

Often referred to internationally as Armenia’s version of Britain’s Stonehenge, Karahunj is one of the most fascinating places to visit during a break in Armenia.

Located close to the city of Sisian in the Syunik province, Karahunj is made up of well over 200 massive stone tombs, while the main area sees 40 stones standing in a circular formation, supposedly built in honour of the Armenian main God, Ari, named after the Sun.

A small museum in Sisian is dedicated to findings that have been made at Karahunj, which is claimed to be the oldest observatory of its kind in the world.

14. Khor Virap

Views of Mount Ararat can be enjoyed from all over Armenia, but perhaps the best scenery of the mountain can be found from the Khor Virap monastery, which is definitely also worth visiting in its own right.

This location is one of the most important historic sites in Armenia’s history as it was where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 14 years before he cured King Trdat III of his disease. The King then converted to Christianity, paving the way for Armenia’s religious future.

As such, Khor Virap is a popular spot for Armenian weddings today, while the underground chamber in which Gregory the Illuminator was held can be visited during a trip to Khor Virap, which is among Armenia’s most visited pilgrimage sites as a result.

Our final selection for the best places to visit in Armenia is Dvin, one of the country’s oldest cities – in fact, it was the capital of Armenia in medieval times. A sixth century BC fortress was also once situated in Dvin, according to Unesco, while incredible artefacts are regularly found in this part of Armenia.

More modern sights can also be enjoyed in the city, such as the St. Harutyun Church in Dvin, which was built in 2000.

Dvin once housed the Cathedral of St. Grigor, but all that remains of the building today is the stone foundations that have been uncovered by archeologists.

15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia:

• Shikahogh State Reserve
• Dilijan National Park
• Mount Aragats
• Amberd Fortress
• Tsaghkadzor
• Upper Azat Valley
• Karahunj Observatory

Few nations have histories as ancient, complex and laced with tragedy as Armenia (ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ). And even fewer have a culture that is as rich and resilient. This is a destination where you will be intrigued by history, awed by monuments, amazed by the landscape and charmed by down-to-earth locals. It's not an easy place to explore – roads are rough, transport is often hard to navigate and those who don't speak Armenian or Russian may find communication difficult – but travelling here is as rewarding as it is revelatory.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Armenia. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Geghard Monastery

Garni & Geghard

Named after the lance that pierced Christ’s side at the crucifixion (a shard is now on display at the museum in Etchmiadzin), this World Heritage–listed…

Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum

Commemorating the massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922, this institution uses photographs, documents, reports and films to…

History Museum of Armenia

Its simply extraordinary collection of Bronze Age artefacts make this museum Armenia's pre-eminent cultural institution and an essential stop on every…

Founded by Bishop Hovhannes in 1205 and sensitively renovated in the 1990s, Noravank (New Monastery) is one of the most spectacular sites in Armenia and…

Garni Temple

Built by Armenia’s King Trdat I in the 1st century AD, this Hellenic-style temple set on the edge of a gorge overlooking the Azat River was dedicated to…

Old Khndzoresk

Dug into volcanic sandstone on the slopes of Khor Dzor (Deep Gorge), the village of Old Khndzoresk was inhabited as far back as the 13th century. By the…

Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Housed in a vast flight of stone steps known as the Cascade, this arts centre is one of the city's major cultural attractions. Originally conceived in the…

Khor Virap Monastery

Located 32km south of Yerevan at the foot of Mt Ararat, Khor Virap has been repeatedly rebuilt since the 5th century. Legend says the pagan King Trdat III…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Armenia

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Armenia

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Jan 9, 2024 • 4 min read

Get help from a local expert to plan an unforgettable trip to Armenia.

Apr 1, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 8, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 16, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 4, 2017 • 6 min read

Apr 4, 2017 • 2 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Armenia

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Armenia with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Armenia and beyond

Travel to Armenia – Tips and Information Guide (2024)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From enjoying the world’s longest cable car ride through the mesmerising landscapes of Vorotan canyon to admiring some of the oldest monasteries on record, these are just some of the reasons you should travel to Armenia .

When you travel in Armenia you will often wonder, how come more people aren’t placing Armenia higher on their bucket list?

Not a lot of nations can boast to have preserved their rich cultural heritage dating far back as the ancient times. The perfect examples being the town Yerevan, that is 28 years older then Rome or, their 6,000 year old wine making tradition!

This small country will draw you in with it’s capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Yerevan

Accommodation in yerevan, restaurants in yerevan, nightlife in yerevan, things to do in tatev, accommodation in tatev, restaurants in tatev, accommodation in garni, accommodation in dilijan, an introduction on travel to armenia.

Armenia is not a country that often rings a bell with tourists, which is actually surprising given that it is such an interesting country with an incredibly old, rich and eventful history, fascinating culture and beautiful nature.

The hospitable inhabitants, delicious food and cheap prices, together with a lack of (western) tourists make it a wonderful destination.

The history of Armenia has been nothing short of eventful. It has seen countless invasion as its strategic position was the reason for constant fights over this territory, especially during the Ottoman-Persian wars (from the 16 th century).

Over the course of history numerous major conflicts afflicted the country. Already centuries ago Armenia was battling the Roman Empire (62), invading the Byzantine empire (1145) and losing west Armenia to Turkey while the rest of the country was being Sovietized (1920) to name a few.

Armenia has also been the subject of many mythical stories, like the stranding of the ark of Noach on Mt Ararat, the holy mountain of Armenia, or the conversion to Christianity.

Nowadays the country is mostly known for the horrors of the Armenian genocide and as the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as its state religion.

More presently, the current poor relations with Turkey stem from their role in the genocide and there is a still unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory operating as a de facto state that is an unrecognized ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan.

So over the centuries much has happened in Armenia, which is why it is so interesting in a cultural sense. Not only for culture buffs though, as the small country packs a great variety in magnificent landscapes that will surely satisfy nature lovers.

General Advice For Travelling In Armenia

If you’re thinking about travelling to Armenia, here are the general things you need to know before you go.

Outside of the capital you can easily assume that nobody speaks English. The language that is spoken is Armenian with its own alphabet.

You can get by fairly well with Russian though as it is the most common foreign language in the country and many Armenians understand it. Road signs are usually in English and in Armenian.

Try to learn a few words like hello (barev) and thank you (mersi), which is much appreciated by the locals. Most accommodation and tour providers speak just enough English to be able to sort things out (if not, try some self-invented sign language which usually works. Or not).

Armenians are very friendly and will try their hardest to help you out, even when they don’t speak a word of English. It’s not uncommon to attract a group of about 10 Armenians when asking for directions, everyone weighing in with one or two words in English and their take on the directions you should have.

Armenia has an interesting, varied and delicious cuisine, with some dishes being well known even beyond Armenia like Shashlick and Dolma.

A lot of the dishes are meat based and they throw everything on grills and barbecue, including vegetables. Soon you’ll notice that the delicious barbecue smell is present basically everywhere you go.

You will eat a lot of Lavish, thin flatbread that is made in a traditional ‘tonir’ oven and is complimentary with almost every dish but doesn’t bore easily.

Common ingredients in Armenian dishes are lamb, eggplant, yoghurt, cottage cheese, grape leaves and many fragrant spices.

There are too many dishes to list and specify if they are delicious or not. I recommended to just try out a lot of different dishes and ask the person who is selling the food what they like.

Armenians appreciate tourists taking an interest in their culture, including food, and asking questions about it usually gets you an excited Armenian and something tasty to eat.

In that way you get to try some new things and there aren’t any exceptionally weird dishes anyway so it is rather safe to do.

Most of the local beer is nothing special, except in Yerevan where there is a very new craft brewery called Dargett. They make absolutely delicious craft beer and the place is packed with young locals on the weekend.

But in terms of drinks the real speciality lies in wine and cognac. Armenian cognac is world famous, thus the Yerevan Brandy Company is proudly presented as a major attraction of the city with tasting tours and a museum (Ararat Museum).

Armenia and Georgia are one of the oldest wine producing countries in the world, with grape cultivation going back to ancient times. Well recognised within the wine world and producing some of the best quality wines there are, make sure to try out a few.

There are a lot of vineyards and factories throughout the country, the most famous one that is open to visitors is the Areni factory. I wouldn’t say it is really worth a visit unless you are passing by anyways, you can take a tour and taste some wines here.

Tap water is generally safe to drink, but as you’re in a different country there can always be different bacteria’s than that you are used to that upset your stomach.

In mountain areas (like Tatev) there are often many tap fountains in streets etc. providing delicious water from the mountains.

The currency is the Armenian Dram. It is very well possible to have a low budget holiday, whilst it is also tempting to splurge on food and stuff because it is all quite cheap.

For accommodation we paid on average 15 dollars per person a day which gets you rather nice accommodation. Food is inexpensive as well, in restaurants we paid around 6-8 dollar for a meal plus drinks.

Gas is around 0.86 dollar per litre.

Travelling in Armenia is completely safe. Never once did we feel unsafe somewhere. The only area prone to unrest is the Nagorno Karabakh border due to the before mentioned conflict.

The border between Azerbaijan and Armenia is closed and it is best to avoid the border area all together. Other than that the border with Turkey is closed (due to conflicts between the two countries) so you can’t cross it anyway.

Use your common sense and general precautions for petty crime etc. like you would anywhere.

Buses and share taxis (marshrutkas) get you to most of the major places for cheap but I always prefer to have my own car.

The landscape is just really nice to drive through with enough interesting stops along the way that you’ll want to decide yourselves when you get out.

We rented our car with Sixt and picked it up in Yerevan and dropped off in Tblisi, Georgia (other way around is not possible due to regulations).

If you rent with international companies like Sixt, Hertz e.g. the cheapest car would be around 40 dollar a day. Often you can get cheaper deals with local companies.

Make sure you get the full insurance as the roads can be in quite a bad shape. Unless you really want to go far up in the mountains there isn’t necessarily the need for a 4WD in Armenia as you can get to most places, albeit a bit bumpy sometimes.

The Best Places To Visit In Armenia

Now that you know the basics of the country, it’s time to check out the best places to visit in Armenia.

The capital is a great place to start you trip and spend a day or 2. Contradictory to what you might expect from a Soviet era city, it is quite metropolitan.

It has a lively nightlife scene with clubs, hip restaurants and European style bars. Mixed with the many remains of older days, like the typical pink colored soviet buildings and monuments or the 17 th century neighborhood Kond,

Yerevan has its very own appearance. You won’t find any grand landmarks here, rather it is just a nice place to absorb the atmosphere and familiarize yourself a bit with the country you are in.

The Armenian genocide museum is well worth the visit if you want to learn and understand a bit more about Armenians, their history and relations with neighboring countries like Turkey.

There are a few other museums, like the History museum of Armenia and the National Gallery that are interesting as well.

Yerevan is incredibly old, 2800 years to be exact, which is 28 years older than Rome. Thus, it is drenched in interesting history.

A good way to learn more about this is one of the mentioned museum or a (free) walking tour.

A prominent feature of the city centre are the cascade stairs. It is a large stairwell that leads to the grim Soviet monument (not one for extravagant decorating those soviets) erected for celebrating 50 years of Soviet Armenia.

It provides great views over the city and to the massive statue mother of Armenia, supposedly placed defiantly in the direction of Turkey.

Underneath the stairwell is a contemporary art museum which you can enter for free and that you’ll pass through if you decide to take the escalator instead of the stairs to the monument.

You can wander around in the 17 th century neighborhood ‘Kond’, that really feels like a separate part of the city where incredibly old and derelict houses sit on the narrow streets and alleys.

Lover’s park is a small park that is excellent for a bit of relaxing and watching the locals going about their day, grabbing coffee or playing chess and other board games, a favourite pastime activity of many.

There are enough hostels and guesthouses in the city. The Envoy Hostel is a highly recommended hostel and is small but good, the staff is helpful and the location is perfect. Homestays like Anahit Stepayan ’s are quite popular as well if you’d choose for a more local experience.

The restaurant called ‘ The Club ’ is my favourite place. It is a bit hidden in a basement underneath a clothing store. The atmosphere, absolutely delicious (and cheap) food and the fact that there was not another tourist to be seen make it a great place.

In the evening the city comes a bit more alive around the square, where there are many (trendy) bars and restaurants and well-dressed locals making their way for an evening of dining and drinking, a seemingly favourite activity of Armenians.

There are plenty of Western style bars, like an Irish, Beatles and 90’s bars. Most of the bars have a very unobtrusive entrance and are in the basement of the residency buildings.

Around the big square there a few more, but rather tacky looking, bars. I can absolutely recommend the Calumet Bar .

A small, warm bar filled with very lively locals. We spent two nights in a row there and had a great time.

On one occasion we met a group of guys who looked equally bewildered, out of place and fascinated as us. They turned out to be pretty much the only western people we’ve seen on our trip and together we enjoyed looking at the Armenians getting their groove on that night.

The bar goers were very friendly and interested in our country like we were in theirs. The level of English is notably better with young people in the capital.

Like mentioned before, if you like craft beer head over to Dargett to taste some great homemade craft beer and have a meal. It is quite western but rather popular with (young) locals.

Tatev has become known mostly for the longest cable cart in the world, the wings of Tatev, that lead to the Tatev monastery.

Most people arrive in Tatev by cable cart, have a look at the monastery and return. However, there is plenty to see and the drive alone through the Vorotan canyon is worth it.

If you leave from Yerevan it is a 4 to 5 hour drive, that takes you through an incredible varied landscape, starting with arid, desert like surroundings when you leave the capital.

It’s not too long before some thin pasture appears and many fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the road.

After a while the road climbs up into the mountains, 2 hours or so later you’ll cross a mountain pass and suddenly the landscape has changed to green hills and endless fields with blooming wildflowers, while the air is substantially colder due to the elevation.

The vendors have changed as well, now there are people selling honey on the side of the road. The road eventually leads to a junction where the main road continues to Goris (another destination worth checking out) and the secondary road to Tatev.

This road goes through a few old and derelict villages. Some of them look like a war has struck with streets full of rumble and scrap metal. Rusty old decaying cars, trucks and tractors are parked everywhere.

A man is sweeping up big pick piles of rocks, with a broom (probably still working on that I assume). The side streets are unpaved, rocky and full of holes. People stared at us unabashed, I don’t think they have seen many western tourists passing through here.

Granted, our shiny red Nissan Micra didn’t do a good job in hiding the fact that we were tourists either, as old Lada’s really are the only cars locals drive.

After passing through those villages, a zigzag road takes you along the edge of the canyon, providing magnificent views from several nice viewpoints, like the medieval bell chapel.

The road winds all the way down to the canyon to cross the river, only to go right back up the mountains again on a gravel road to reach the village of Tatev.

It is a very small village and pretty quiet, with most tourists concentrating in the area around the cable cart and the monastery.

There are a number of short and longer hikes in the area. We hiked to Mount Petroskhach, which takes you through the old part of the village up into the hills, providing magnificent views across a large part of the steep canyon, which seems to have an almost straight drop from the plateau.

The trail is sometimes a bit difficult to follow as there are a number of trails leaving from the area. We asked a few locals for directions, ignored their advice anyway and went the wrong way (obviously).

Down in the canyon where you crossed the river by car, there is a small parking spot. From here you can follow the footpath alongside the river which takes you through bushy, shrubs and across the river.

In summer the area around the river is teeming with life, lots of butterflies, dragonflies, other insects, fish, birds and many flowers. Be aware that there are snakes as well, take caution when walking into thick grass.

The path leads to the Tatevi Anapat monastery, a complex dating from the 17 th century, which was abandoned by the monks due to an earthquake in 1658 resulting in the ruins that you see here today.

It has this amazing Indiana Jones feeling to it, as an ancient complex slowly taken back by nature, barely visible from the road. Upon entering the main building, which is still quite intact, a soft voice filled the room.

Near the altar there was a monk praying, dressed in his long black robe. Apparently he is still living here all by himself.

The path continues along the river, we didn’t take it due to lack of time but it looks very promising. Following your way back to the parking lot there are a number of viewing platforms over the river.

They call this area Devil’s bridge (Satani Kamurj), named like that because the formation of it seemed improbable, therefore it must be the Devil’s work.

From the viewing platforms you can’t really see that much of it, however you can get down in the river and explore the incredible caves alongside it.

Down in the river it really looks like a scene coming straight out of a fairy tale.

Moss and plants gracefully decorate the walls, while stalactites in all kind of shapes and colours hang from the cave ceilings and form weird terraces around pools, the water containing (supposedly) healing minerals. It gives the impression that you’re walking in a movie set or a themepark attraction.

From down in the river you can also see the Devil’s bridge much better. To get down there you follow the footpath from the viewing platforms all the way to the end, where there is a small hanging rope to get you down onto a wobbly ladder and finally in the river. This rope is a bit hidden between the bushes.

Be aware that it is all a little bit treacherous and one could easily fall and slip and you also have to wade through the river.

At some points the river flows quite fast, we decided to plunge in and let the river takes us somewhere, which landed us at another amazing spot.

Getting back upstream proved a bit more difficult, but also guarantees some hilarious videos of your travelmates struggling to return while the river keeps pushing you back.

It is not a very big or deep river so nothing too dangerous. It is absolutely worth it to get down in the river, this really made us feel like true explorers.

Back in Tatev the monastery is well worth a visit of course. If you continue down the road for a bit there is a nice viewpoint that looks out over the monastery and canyon. The monastery is perched beautifully on a rock overlooking the whole canyon.

We stayed for 2 days but it is an area that begs to be explored. The beautiful canyon has walking paths following the river that you just want to follow and see where it ends up or take one of the small unpaved roads and just see where it goes.

At this point we turned back in the direction of Yerevan, if you continue the road it will take you to even higher mountains and eventually to the border crossing with Iran.

I highly recommend Saro’s Bed and Breakfast .  We were welcomed by Saro’s sister Maro, who is very friendly and hospitable and made sure we were provided with everything we needed, like homemade lemonade, cakes, coffee and she even brought us some lunch to take on a hike at no charge.

Most of the dinner is prepared on the big barbecue and delicious as well. Dolma, rabbit stew and a bottle of homemade red wine make for a great meal.

Maro’s dad also takes guests on a little excursion into the mountain in his old jeep. There are a number of options for guesthouses and bed and breakfasts in Tatev though.

On the drive from Yerevan you’ll pass the Areni Wine Factory. There are also people selling wine everywhere at the side of the road in plastic cola bottles, apparently for Irani truck drivers (as they are not allowed to drink alcohol in Iran thus have to hide it).

There are no supermarkets in Tatev. Stock up on some items and make sure your accommodation can provide all your required meals. There is however a small information centre with a small café. They can also provide with you with hiking routes, maps etc. Saro’s bed and breakfast is also a restaurant for non-guests.

Garni is a town close to Yerevan and for a rather big settlement the road leading to it from the capital is quite strange (or we took a wrong route).

Leaving Yerevan the road suddenly consists of more dirt and holes than actual tarmac. The landscape is incredibly dry for a bit, although it still is a habitat for quite some birds.

Garni itself is a small town with the major attractions being the Garni temple, the only pagan temple in Armenia, the Geghard monastery and the beautiful Garni gorge with the adjacent Khosov nature reserve.

You can enter the Garni gorge from both side of town by car or on foot. Inside the Garni gorge you’ll find this incredible miracle of nature called the Symphony of Stones, a rather fitting name for stone walls that are carved out in perfect cube like pillars.

You can drive the dirt road all the way to the other entrance but after a while we were afraid our Nissan Micra couldn’t take it anymore with all the massive bumps and holes in the road.

There are many hiking trails in the Khosov nature reserve. If you come from Garni the entrance is quite unclear. I drove to the entrance on google maps, a dirt road climbing up the hill.

Eventually a guarded gate signed the entrance and that you could not go further with car, however there was no real parking place either. Thus from Garni it is best to walk to the entrance or enter from the other side.

The Geghard monastery is amazing, but very touristic. Like tour buses touristic, so be there early to avoid crowds and marvel at this dark coloured, ancient complex without too many tourists.

The Garni temple is beautifully perched on top of the ridge overlooking the gorge, best to visit it at the end of the day for nice lighting.

The nearby restaurant is excellent, and also has one of the best terraces I have ever seen, overlooking the gorge and the temple.

We had rented a whole house (called ‘ Dinadav House ’) for ourselves for around 50 dollar in total. There are a number of options on booking.com and It is quite nice to stay in a residents house back in a neighbourhood to get a more local feeling.

Moving up north, Dilijan presents a completely different landscape again. Also commonly referred to as the Switzerland of Armenia, this is a small town in between lush green forests and hills.

There is not much to do other than hike the beautiful surroundings and visit some monasteries like Haghartsin, which can keep you busy for a few days though.

A bit further there is also a zipline but we stuck with the hiking. We hiked near the Haghartsin monastery, which can be reached by a road with twists and turns that begs to be driven with an old school convertible and a hot girl next to you, unfortunately we had to do it with a Nissan Micra and two dudes.

The forests are just like how I expect a real forest to be: lush, plenty of variation in the vegetation and full of blooming flowers.

It is a forest where you just expect to see a bear, or some creature from a fairytale pop up from behind a tree any minute.

We stayed in the Belvedere Eco Rest Zone , located 10 minutes out of town, and beautifully situated near the river. The food is nice, staff is friendly and the rooms are perfectly fine and very cheap. There are a few hotel/hostel options in town as well.

Monasteries In Dilijan

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion. The story goes that after a Christian (Gregory the Illuminator) cured the Armenian king of a grave illness, he agreed to convert to Christianity, which happened in 301 AD.

Around 95% of the population nowadays is Christian, while Armenia is surrounded by Muslim countries except for Georgia.

As the country had such a major role in establishing Christianity, you will encounter a lot of monasteries and other religious sites.

All these incredibly old buildings and associated tales and myths instil a mysterious and ancient atmosphere to many of the sites that we visited.

You’ll notice one common denominator among the monasteries and that is they sure knew how to pick spectacular locations to build them, usually perched on some cliff surrounded by a dramatic landscape. A few noteworthy monasteries that I visited are listed below:

This 13 th century monastery is located on the way from Yerevan to Tatev, close to Areni, which is a nice little detour. It is beautifully situated in a landscape that most closely resembles the Grand Canyon; hot, dry, and with red dirt mountains.

The complex has a few different churches and chapels and it was the residency of Syunik’s bishops in the 13 th century. It is however, very busy with tourists.

A 9 th century monastery in Tatev (obviously). It is located on the edge of a plateau overlooking the gorge set in a spectacular landscape.

You can go inside the complex, but if you follow the road for a little bit there is a great viewpoint of the monastery. If you venture a bit through the bushes you can see a waterfall coming down as well.

The monastery played an important role as an spiritual centre and medieval university in Armenia.

Founded in the 4 th century in Garni, this dark coloured monastery complex is surrounded by cliffs and located next to a gorge.

The inside, and especially the cave chambers, feels so old (well they are, 4 th century!) and it has a bit of mysterious vibe to it, like you are stepping back in time.

The vendors and tour buses at the entrance detract the atmosphere a bit, but it is definitely worthwhile.

We did not visit one of the most famous monasteries, as there were thick clouds that day and it is famous for having the snow-capped peak of Ararat in the background.

We were also out of time and guessed it would be another busy monastery as well, as this is one of the most popular landmarks in Armenia.

Gregory the Illuminator was 13 years imprisoned here by the king before he cured him of an illness after which the king and country converted to Christianity.

The construction of a chapel already began in 642, the current church was however finished in the 17 th century. It is located a few kilometres of the main highway around Yerevan.

A 13 th century monastery in Dilijan beautifully located in the lush green forests. It is small and not completely intact anymore but worth a visit. It is quite nice and the main building (church) is still intact.

Also the starting point from a number of trails in the forests so perfect for combining those activities.

There are many more monasteries, churches and other religious site of interest. Many can be done in a day tour from Yerevan (hostels organise these).

Note:  When I say busy with tourists, these are almost exclusively domestic Armenian and Georgian tourists. No tour buses with Asians or Europeans here. Best to get there early to avoid crowds. There are no entrance fees to the monasteries. The more popular ones will charge you a very small fee for parking.

These places will take you around the country, which we did in 8 days. It is not very big but there is plenty to see, I’d recommend to take at least 8 days to explore Armenia.

It is still a rather underrated destination, apparent by the low number of tourists that visit the country. It should however receive much more attention, as I have never been to a country before that made me feel like a true explorer without the discomfort of one.

The history is endlessly interesting and the landscapes fascinating. I’d say the country is the perfect introduction to one of the most interesting corners of the world, standing at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

[box] That’s it for my travel to Armenia guide. Leave a comment below if this has helped you, or if you have something to add.[/box]

Thijs Broekkamp

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

GoPro HERO 12 Review – Is it Worth Buying in 2024?

Surviving the world’s most dangerous hike – mt huashan, 10 best things to do in ao nang, thailand [2024], related posts, 30 best things to do in cape town, south africa (2024 guide), 13 thoughts on “travel to armenia – tips and information guide (2024)”.

I highly recommend a visit to Yerevan. The city is filled with beautiful architecture and rich history, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. I had a wonderful time exploring the city’s vibrant culture through its delicious food, unique museums, and lively nightlife

Hi, thank you for your great article! We’ll be going to Armenia tomorrow and I was wondering about the car rental. Where did you rent the car and do you think it is possible to do a similar trip with local buses? Thanks for your help 🙂

Hi Lauriane, sorry for the late reply. We hope you had a great time in Armenia. Happy travels

My daughter and I are going on our first trip to Armenia in the summer of 2020. I read your blog and look forward to my trip! Thank you, now I know more about Armenia! Great photos!

Hi Tori, I hope your trip is still on. Have a wonderful time. Happy travels

Hey, Thank you for this beautiful article. We are planning a trip a to Armenia and wanted to know if we rent a car can we do, Garni, Geghard, Dilijan and Lake Sevan on the way in an entire day if we leave early morning? We do not want to stay anywhere as we will be based in Yerevan. A Nissan Micra would be enough for this journey? We are traveling in October. Do google maps work here accurately? Thank you so much for your help!

Hi, thank you so much. About all the destinations with a car rental, we are not too sure sorry. Maybe contact the car rental company. They may be able to help. All the best. Happy travels

Thanks a lot for telling about your adventurous trip. Leaving for Armenia in a few days, liked your writing, hope to love this country ss you did.

Glad the article helped. All the best with your trip.

Thanks. I’m in Georgia now, then Turkey.Bulgaria, Romania . I’m going to Armenia end Sept.. Looking forward to it especially after reading your intensive tipsxx

Have a great trip. 🙂

According to you Armenia looking awesome to see.

It is a great place. We can not wait to go back and explore more.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar

This Rare Earth

A travel resource for the adventurous and often-solo female

• A One Week Armenia Itinerary

Armenia , Asia , Blog / November 8, 2022 by Monica / Leave a Comment

This guide will help you plan the perfect Armenia itinerary as a first-time visitor. You’ll get to see the monasteries, the lush green nature, and the bustling city of Yerevan – all within a one week period of time. Plus, you’ll get helpful advice for add-ons if your trip to Armenia is longer than one week! So read on for the ultimate Armenia itinerary guide.

Pin Me for Later!

As one of the most off-the-radar countries for most travelers, Armenia is a surprise treat. It’s full of rolling green hills, monasteries nestled between cliffs, vibrant cities, and friendly people.

But because Armenia is fairly obscure, there isn’t a ton of information available when you’re trying to plan an Armenia vacation. If you don’t visit via an organized tour, it can be a challenging task, for sure!

I visited Armenia completely solo. I pieced together my own itinerary that combined the best of the best – the cities, the villages, and the monasteries. So, if you’re planning on traveling Armenia, then this detailed Armenia itinerary is for you!

I am also including details for two groups of people; those who plan to complete their Armenia itinerary via a rental car , and those who would rather do it through day tours and provided transportation. So let’s dive in!

(One quick side note – you can of course modify this itinerary as needed, especially if you are driving across the border to Georgia or Azerbaijan afterwards.)

Table of Contents

The Perfect One Week Armenia Itinerary

When to Visit Armenia

Armenia experiences four distinct seasons. In a nutshell, the best times to visit are during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. But, let’s dive into what to expect in each season below.

If you plan on hiking and trekking, you will want to visit in the summer months of June, July or August. You will get longer days and warmer temperatures. While temperatures in the mountains will be perfect, Yerevan and the surrounding areas will be hot. For reference, July and August can sit firmly in the triple digits. Summer is also the busy season, so prices will be at their peak.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold and snowy, and driving can be dicey. The months of December through February will be close to freezing. However, you will have the tourist sites all to yourself and this is the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding.

Spring and fall are easily the best compromise. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, and – heading into the low season – hotel prices will be cheaper. Spring can see a bit of rain, but fall is typically drier. These are hands down the optimal times to visit Armenia.

How to Get Around Armenia

Most people who travel to Armenia tend to do so on an organized tour. I’m the first to admit that figuring out how to travel Armenia independently can be pretty confusing! Luckily, I have some helpful tips for travelers to Armenia.

Within Yerevan

When sightseeing in Yerevan , navigating the capital city is actually quite easy.

Most of the places that tourists are interested in seeing are all within walking distance of each other. And those that are not can be easily reached via the metro or taking a taxi . Note that most taxis throughout Armenia typically don’t have meters, so it is a must that you agree on a price before getting in.

Instead, I often used Yandex, which is Armenia’s (and Georgia’s ) version of Uber. You will be quoted a price before booking a car, and it definitely helped avoid any language barriers since they can see your exact destination on the app. I also felt that it was very fairly priced.

If you would like a guided experience in the capital, I highly recommend these three tours and discounts:

The Best of Yerevan City: Private Walking Tour Evening Walking Group Tour: Explore City Center of Yerevan Yerevan: Museums, Tours, Activities & Discount City Card

Outside of Yerevan

If you plan to travel outside of Yerevan, to places like the Areni wine village or Gyumri, for example, you have a few options.

Option 1: Rent a car and self drive . I love renting cars in other countries because I love the freedom of spending as much or as little time in an area as I see fit. I always get the best prices through the company linked above. Though admittedly, the road quality in Armenia may not be up to the standard that you’re used to.

Option 2: Take day trips from Yerevan . The linked platform lays out all of the various options for whatever you might like to see. From Noravank to Areni to Tatev, it’s all there.

If you would like to check out a few tours from Yerevan that I personally recommend, I’ll lay them out here:

Lake Sevan & Dilijan Full Day Tour from Yerevan Khor Virap, Noravank , and Areni Full Day Tour from Yerevan From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Areni Winery From Yerevan: Gyumri City and Harichavank Day Trip

Option 3: Public Transportation. The most cost effective option for inter-city travel is by marshrutka, or minibus. Mashrutkas are very cheap and run on a loose timetable, but they only leave once they are packed full. So if you are the first to arrive, you could be waiting a bit. If you’re the last, you will load in and go!

Your guesthouse or hotel staff will be able to provide you with the most current information on public transportation timetables. These are not reliable posted online so this is the most accurate bet. Depending on your destination, you may want to book a spot on the bus in advance if there are only a few that leave per day.

Your 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Days 1-2: Yerevan

You will be spending two full days in bustling Yerevan to truly get to know the capital city. There is so much to see in Yerevan that will make you fall in love with the city, no doubt!

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the entire world, this is the best place to learn about Armenia’s history. On top of that, you will explore delicious food, local handicrafts, green parks, and churches.

Feel free to use this list if you wish to swap out any of my Yerevan suggestions below!

🗺️ Planning Your Next Big Trip? 🗺️

This Rare Earth now offers Custom Itinerary Services for destinations across the world! If you are feeling overwhelmed while planning your next big trip, or don’t know where to start, I can likely help. Fill out the form below to learn how we can create a fully customized itinerary tailored to your unique travel preferences and needs!

Day 1 in Yerevan Itinerary

I always recommend taking a walking tour to get your bearings in a new city. However, if you prefer to DIY, I will be highlighting many of the essential stops below.

Republic Square & the History Museum of Armenia

Start your day in the heart of Yerevan, in Republic Square. This central town square features a large blue fountain, benches, and some important museums that we will talk about momentarily.

Feel free to enjoy the morning weather and drink a coffee while people watching.

Next, head into the History Museum of Armenia, located within Republic Square. It is the building directly in front of the fountain featuring large arches on the facade. This museum, as the name suggests, will teach you much more than you’ve ever likely known about Armenia.

Featuring everything from archaeology, ethnography, and the more modern history of Armenia, this national collection holds over 400,000 objects to explore. You’ll likely spend 1-2 hours here, depending on how much data your brain can absorb.

You May Also Like: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Armenia

Vernissage Market

Next, take a 5-10 minute walk to Vernissage souvenir market to spend some time outdoors. This open air market has all the best items if you have anyone to buy for back home.

Even if you don’t plant to buy, this is a great place to spend 30 minutes or more, perusing vendor after vendor’s items. You’ll see everything from small paintings to carpets to handmade chess sets and small knick-knacks. Haggling is encouraged.

Valley of Khatchkars

I also recommend a walk through the small nearby park, Valley of Khatchkars. here you can peruse the khatchkars, or very detailed hand-carved Armenian crosses, some of which date back to the 1300’s. They are very impressive.

By this time, after several hours standing and walking, you are likely getting hungry for lunch. Make your way toward the Blue Mosque, which is on a busy street full of restaurants, local fruit and vegetable vendors, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. Choose from khinkhali to shawarma to ice cream – it’s all here.

The Blue Mosque

Our next stop will be the beautiful Blue Mosque . It is the only remaining mosque in all of Armenia, as the others were either demolished or abandoned during Soviet rule. In fact, the only reason this one survived was because it was turned into a museum during that time period.

After extensive renovations thanks to Iran, it is again a place of worship, as well as a Farsi school and small photo exhibition center. Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes exploring the mosque. Find the open hours and more details here .

Next, make your way toward Freedom Square in the Kentron District for the next stop. Freedom Square, or Liberty Square, is also known as Opera Square and Theatre Square. It’s a square of many names, I guess!

Freedom Square & The Opera House

Here, you can explore the Yerevan Opera Theater, which – if you are here during the very cold or very hot months – would be a great way to spend an evening indoors.

Other attractions to note are the statues of writer Hovhannes Tumanyan and composer Alexander Spendiaryan, both located in the square. And, there are often live bands or buskers in this square, making it a lively stop.

The Cascade Complex

For sunset, head to the Cascade Complex. This aesthetically pleasing limestone staircase is one of the most popular things to do in Yerevan, Armenia – and for good reason!

Functionally, the Cascade links downtown Yerevan to the Monument neighborhood. Artistically, the architecture is beautiful and a great photo stop! But the sunset here is a must-see, in my opinion.

Lastly, head to Vino for Armenian wine and some tasty bites. This is our last stop after a busy and informative first day.

Vino offers more than 25 local wines by the glass, so you can try a large selection for a small price. Glasses begin at 800 AMD for a generous pour. Try local cheeses alongside your glass, or if you’re feeling decadent, a local dessert instead.

You May Also Like: Things to Do in Yerevan

Day 2 in Yerevan Itineray

Welcome to your second day in Armenia!

Victory Park

Today we start the morning in Victory Park to catch a glimpse of the Mother Armenia Statue.

Originally called Lenin Square, this area was once a marching ground for military parades. The history of this spot reminded me quite a bit of  Tbilisi’s Freedom Square , and if Georgia is part of your trip you’ll likely feel the same!

In Soviet times, there was a tall copper statue of Stalin in this park. In 1962, the statue of Stalin was dismantled and later replaced by Mother Armenia, now a major symbol of the city. It’s a great way to start off your morning.

Today, you’ll be hitting a few sights that require a taxi or Yandex, so prepare accordingly with cash and apps as needed.

Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

The next stop is the very important and humbling Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. You likely already know from the History Museum that Armenia has a tragic and violent past. The Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex is dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide.

The monument is comprised of a tall pointed column and a large circle made of slabs. The column symbolizes the national rebirth of the Armenian people. The 12 slabs that create the circle represent the 12 provinces Armenia lost to present-day Turkey.

Inside, at the center of the circle, an eternal flame burns continuously, dedicated to the 1.5 million people killed during the Armenian Genocide.

No trip to Armenia would be complete without paying your respects at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex in Yerevan. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here to visit both outdoor and indoor exhibits.

Yerevan Park

After this sobering but important stop, it is time to lighten the mood. For all of the adrenaline-junkies out there, Yerevan Park is the next stop. While it’s close in proximity to the Memorial Complex, walking here would require crossing the freeways. So you may wish to order a cheap taxi instead.

A modern day amusement park, here you’ll find over 25 rides, including four major roller coasters and a super-tall ferris wheel. This fairytale-themed attraction is filled with characters with Armenian roots – think of it like Armenian Disneyworld. The goal was to create characters that locals could be proud of and consider “theirs.”

Ride the rides, eat the food, and interact with the locals. This is a great way to spend part of your Armenia itinerary.

If you need to stop at your hotel to recharge after this, I completely understand! Especially in the hot summer months. As we are passing through central Yerevan to get to the next stop, your hotel may very well be on the way.

St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral

St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is largest church in all of Armenia, and it is grand! While the decor is understated, the architecture is impressive, and typical of the Armenian style. The Cathedral is free to enter and is a worthy attraction on this Armenia itinerary.

Once you’ve taken it all in, walk less than 10 minutes over to the GUM market for a tasty dinner or snack. The GUM market (pronounced “Goom”) is the place to visit if you want to try fresh local produce, spices, candies, and more.

Most food-sellers offer samples of what they are selling, so come ready to eat! Definitely try the dried and candied fruits, and the famous sujukh (a long band of walnuts dipped in grape juice – called churchkella in Georgia!)

Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory

And, lastly, once nightfall sets in, plan to visit the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory for some amazing views up in the sky. This observatory was founded in 1946, during the Soviet era, and is situated on Armenia’s highest peak.

On clear nights, visitors are welcome to explore the observatory and its telescopes. I personally love how small I feel when I see how vast and endless the galaxy is.

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Yerevan has everything from budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury. If it’s your first visit to Yerevan, I highly recommend staying in the central Kentron District. From here, you are within easy walking distance of many of the top places to visit in Yerevan.

Budget :  Highland Hostel

This bright hostel is only 10 minutes from Republic Square by foot. It has mixed dorm and a private double room to suit most needs.

Check rates & availability

Mid-Range:  A Hotel Yerevan

The A Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a great location. You’ll be centrally located near Republic Square and have easy access to the metro.

High End:  Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel

This luxury option is next to the Vernissage market (mentioned above), in the center of the city. Picture modern rooms, a pool (so great in summertime!), and an onsite restaurant.

Day 3: Areni & Noravank

Begin your third day bright and early. Today’s highlights will include Areni Village and Noravank Monastery.

For those visiting Areni on a day tour from Yerevan, here is the best  private full day tour . It visits the cave – aka the oldest winery in the world – as well as a modern wine tasting room and includes a trip toNoravank Monastery .  Book your tour HERE !

For those self-driving, head out toward Areni. This will take just under two hours.

Noravank Monastery

I suggest that your first stop be Noravank Monastery so that you can catch the churches with less crowds.

Noravank is one of the sights that inspired me to visit Armenia in the first place. The unbelievable beauty of the monasteries tucked in between the brick-red cliffs seemed like something straight out of a fairy-tale. And Noravank didn’t disappoint!

13th-century churches, intricate gravestone markers, a small chapel, and the ruins of a medieval academy are all found on the monastery grounds. At the time it was built, Noravank Monastery was one of the most prominent religious, political, and cultural sites in all of Armenia.

Plan to spend 1 to 2 hours exploring Noravank! To learn more about visiting the Karapet Church, the cemetery and chapel, and – most famous of all – the Surb Astvatsatsin, read all about them  here .

Areni-1 Cave

Next, head toward the Areni 1 Cave, stopping at one of the cute village restaurants, like Stepanyans Gastro Yard , for lunch. They have traditional Armenian food made with fresh local produce as well as local wines.

Next up is the Areni-1 Cave, an absolute must-see! Excavations began in this cave as recently as 2007, but the objects they’ve found date all the way back to 5000-4000 BCE.

Inside the cave are ancient burial sites, clay pots, and many other specimens that are surprisingly preserved. The conditions of the cave are exceptionally cool and dry, creating the perfect environment to seemingly freeze time. In fact, even food remnants like barley and apricots were found!

But more on point, archaeologists have unearthed wine-making equipment that is over 6000 years old. Items such as fermentation vats, a wine press, and storage jars prove that the practice of wine making is much older than previously known.

You May Also Like: Things to Do in Areni, Armenia

Holy Mother of God Church

On the way back toward town, make a quick stop to see the Holy Mother of God Church. While you can’t go inside, the outside doors feature intricately carved designs that are believed to be created by Momik Vardpet, who is best known for his work at Noravank.

Locally called Surb Astvatsatsin, this small single-nave church dates back to the year 1321. The church atop a plateau, overlooking the village of Areni.

Ancient tombstones are scattered about on the grounds surrounding the church, in a small cemetery. It’s a picturesque spot and an excellent addition to your Areni, Armenia itinerary.

Wine Tasting at Hin Areni

After spending the day exploring the cave and church, next it’s finally time for some wine tasting. My top recommendation in the area is Hin Areni, which offers several different tasting options, depending on if you like whites or reds.

You will find Hin Areni side by side with the Areni Wine Factory. I observed that most groups visited Areni Wine Factory, and – during the few days I was here – it was crowded. Nobody had time to serve me a tasting.

Next door, Hin Areni was peaceful, had room to breathe, and had some of the most flavorful wines I’ve ever had! And I’ve been to Temecula, Sighnaghi, and Tuscany.

Where to Stay in Areni

There are a lot of highly rated guesthouses in Areni, but I stayed at the same guesthouse for my full visit:

Areni Wine Cellar

I can vouch for an extremely peaceful environment, friendly hosts, and some of the best breakfasts you can imagine. Think local fruits and vegetables and plentiful spreads! You can also walk to Hin Areni from here in under five minutes.

Days 4: Lake Sevan & Sevanavank

For those visiting Lake Sevan on a day tour from Yerevan, here is the best Lake Sevan & Dilijan Full Day Tour from Yerevan . It visits the lake, several monasteries, and also the city of Dilijan, famous for spas and wellness .  Book your tour HERE !

The morning of Day 4, after enjoying your breakfast, it’s time to drive the two hours and 15 minutes toward Lake Sevan.

This is the largest body of water in the entire Caucasus region. It’s a super popular escape in the summer due to it’s beaches, which are stunning!

While Armenia is a landlocked country, Lake Sevan is large enough to feel like a suitable stand-in. In the summertime, temperatures are much cooler here than Yerevan’s triple digits, and in the winter, the lake is calm and quiet.

The goal of today is to relax. Explore the lake to your hearts content, but be sure to stop at Sevanavank.

Next to the water on a narrow peninsula sits the Sevanavank Monastery, which dates back to the 9th century. It’s picturesque, as most of the monasteries in Armenia are, and is a stark contrast to Noravank in the mountains!

Where to Stay on Lake Sevan

Tsovasar family rest complex.

I traveled Armenia in the summertime, so I was super excited when I found places with swimming pools. Tsovasar Family Rest Complex offers cute, fully-equipped lakefront apartments and cottages, and are perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking their own food (like me.)

Days 5-6: Gyumri

For those visiting Gyumri on a day tour from Yerevan, here is the best  Gyumri day tour . It visits the sights all around the city, guiding you through the history. It also visits Harichavank Monastery .  Book your tour HERE !

Day 1 in Gyumri

I recommend taking it slow this morning and grabbing a breakfast or brunch in one of the lakeside restaurants. Then, when you’re ready to go, continue towards Gyumri for Day 5 of your Armenia itinerary.

More than 30 years after a devastating earthquake, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding. While to some, this may make Gyumri seem less than perfect, I find it actually makes it more resilient and bold.

Gyumri is Armenia’s second-largest city, and it was recommended to me by a local. If you are driving to Gyumri from your last stop, Lake Sevan, then it will take roughly two hours and 15 minutes.

After arriving midday or at your leisure, you can start exploring. Take note of the black and terra cotta architecture seen all around the city!

Sev Berd, or the Black Fortress, is a massive Russian Imperial fortress that has sat empty and abandoned for years. The gargantuan circular building was built between 1834 and 1847 after the Russo-Turkish War.

Make this your first stop as you will get excellent views of the city below! It will make you appreciate each stop later.

Mother Armenia

on your way back down, the next stop is one of the symbols of the city. Gyumri’s Mother Armenia statue is not too far from the Black Fortress, slightly on the outskirts of Gyumri.

Not quite as large or looming as Yerevan’s statue, she is still worth a visit! Especially if you’ve already seen the more well-known version. If you visit the two biggest cities in Armenia on this itinerary, why not compare one of the major symbols of the country?

Tonight you will check into your hotel of choice (recommended options are below) and enjoy a nice dinner nearby. Most of your exploring will take place after a good night’s sleep.

Day 2 in Gyumri

Freedom square.

Your second day in Gyumri will begin at an important spot in the city called Freedom Square.

Known as Vartanants Square to the locals, this central point in Gyumri is home to several iconic churches as well as City Hall. The square first opened in 1930 and is still an important part of the city.

Stroll around, particularly in summer, and take in the bustling local life.

Yot Verk Church

Though the smaller of the two churches that sit on Vartanants Square (mentioned above), Yot Verk was my most favorite of all. It is a must see.

The church sustained major damage from the earthquake in 1988, and two huge stone steeples can still be seen on the grass today.

Inside, there are a total of five different altars for various religious communities. The main altar was built for the Armenian Apostolic church.

Holy Saviour’s Church

Also affected by the 1988 earthquake, Holy Sviour’s Church was built in 1858.

When Armenia was under Soviet rule, the church was confiscated by the government and the belfry was destroyed (and ater rebuilt.)

Holy Saviour’s Church is located on the south side of Vartanants Square.

Gyumri Market (Gyumri Shuka)

Gyumri Shuka is the place to go for local produce. This is where you’ll grab your lunch today, or at the very least some snacks. Depending on the season, you can find everything from peaches, apricots, and cherries to apples, nuts, and figs. You can also find loads of spices!

Stroll the Kumayri Historic District

Spend some time walking around the Kumayri Historic District after the market. One of my favorite things to do in a new city is simply walk and get to know the streets and alleys, the buildings and shops. Duck into the supermarkets and say hello to the street vendors.

Observe all of the remaining damage from the 1988 earthquake – some of it more devastating than you might expect. And play this part of the day by ear.

The Ani Overlook

If you are up for it, the Ani Overlook is a roughly 40 minute drive from central Gyumri. It’s one of the most spectacular views in the entire country, looking out over the border into Turkey.

Ready for Adventure? Subscribe Today.

Unsubscribe at anytime.

Enjoy a Delicious gyumri dinner

Ani Restaurant Ani offers traditional Gyumretsi cuisine at this family friendly restaurant.

Cherkezi Dzor Though as a vegetarian I did not dine here, this seafood restaurant prepares meals in a traditional Armenian clay oven.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Budget :  babulya house.

This budget hotel has a garden, free WiFi, private parking and a barbecue. All rooms have a patio.

Mid-Range:  Vanand Guest House

The Vanand Guest House offers comfortable rooms and a great location. You’ll have wooden floors, garden views, and fridges in each room.

High End:  Grand Hotel Gyumri

This luxury option is clean and classy. Think outdoor terraces, free Wifi, and continental breakfasts.

Day 7: Back to Yerevan

On the last day of your voyage, it’s time for you to end your itinerary back in Yerevan, Armenia.

I typically like to leave my final day wide open, and I suggest that you do the same. This is so that you can plug in any sights that you missed the first time around, or head back to any places you would like to explore further.

If you need more inspiration for your final day, remember to check out my post on things to do in Yerevan .

And today concludes your one week Armenia itinerary! I hope you hved as great of a time as I did!

Looking for More to Do in Armenia? Check Out These Tours.

The Best of Yerevan City: Private Walking Tour Lake Sevan & Dilijan Full Day Tour from Yerevan Khor Virap, Noravank , and Areni Full Day Tour from Yerevan From Yerevan: Group Tour to Tatev Cable Car and Areni Winery Evening Walking Group Tour: Explore City Center of Yerevan From Yerevan: Gyumri City and Harichavank Day Trip Yerevan: Museums, Tours, Activities & Discount City Card

And that does it! You’ve just completed the itinerary I personally recommend for your first Armenia trip. Please let me know below – which stop are you most excited for?

Need More Armenia Inspiration? Check out these posts!

• Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia
• All About the Blue Mosque in Yerevan, Armenia
• A Complete Guide to Visiting Noravank Monastery
• Is Armenia Safe? A Complete Armenia Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Areni, Armenia
• 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Armenia
• The Best Places to Visit in Armenia
• Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo Travel: Which Is Better?
• Cancun vs Cabo: Which is Better, Los Cabos or Cancun?
• 10 Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting El Matador Beach, Malibu
• The Perfect Day Trip to Malibu: A One Day Itinerary [2024]

About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the least-visited countries in Europe, Armenia can be viewed as an exotic destination that only the most intrepid of travellers would choose to visit. Because of this, there isn’t a lot of information about this South Caucasus nation available online and it can make planning the perfect Armenia itinerary a difficult task.

Because so many of those who do visit Armenia do it by organised tour, it can be very tricky to find the right information for those who want to visit this underrated country independently. Planning a trip to Armenia is one of the best decisions you could make, especially if you’re combining it with a trip through the other Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Armenia

Despite its relatively southern geographic location, Armenia very much experiences four proper seasons and, therefore, there are some times of year to visit this Caucasian nation that are better than others.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold, with high temperatures between the months of December-February barely clocking in above freezing. Luckily, however, the cold weather doesn’t tend to last too long as it will usually begin to warm up in the month of March and temperatures will fall into the low 20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit) by April.

Because of this, travelling in the springtime is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Armenia. Besides the tendency for a bit more rain, the temperatures will be mild and pleasant with it rarely getting too hot or too cold.

The Autumn seasons between September-November also see similar temperatures to Spring albeit with less rain, making that the absolute optimal time to visit Armenia.

Summers in Armenia are sunny and hot, with daily high temperatures often clocking in over 40 degrees Celcius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Though many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants will be air-conditioned, this becomes less likely the further from big cities or tourist hotspots you venture.

It is also worth noting that public transport (like buses and marshrutkas) rarely are air-conditioned so it can get unbearably hot to travel from point A to B in the summer.

All in all, the best times to visit Armenia would likely be in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

How Many Days in Armenia?

If you’re wondering how many days in Armenia is sufficient to get a good feel for the country but you’re strapped for time, we would recommend spending five days in this southern Caucasian nation. This will give you time to explore the lively capital of Yerevan, take a day trip into the surrounding area, and spend a couple of nights in a smaller city as well.

Spending 5 days in Armenia will allow you to get beyond the capital and experience the culture of this underrated travel destination without being too exhausting or taking too much time.

If you have longer, spending one week in Armenia is ideal to get a really good grasp of the country and a more well-rounded view of the culture and history of this beautiful nation.

With 7 days, you have time not only to explore the capital city, but you can head quite off the beaten path and take in the city of Gyumri and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that Armenia has to offer.

Getting Around Armenia

Armenia isn’t that highly-visited of a country and those who do venture to this underappreciated nation tend to do so on an organised tour, which means that figuring out how to get around independently can be a confusing and albeit daunting task for tourists.

Luckily, locals in Armenia tend to be extremely helpful and eager to lend a hand to confused visitors, so it is likely that you wouldn’t be stranded for too long if you couldn’t figure something out.

If you only plan to visit Yerevan while you explore Armenia, getting around the city is incredibly easy and manageable as the majority of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot and the city centre is compact and easy to navigate. Anything else that is not within walking distance is easy to get to with either the metro or an affordable taxi ride.

Taxi rides are accessible for most travellers in Yerevan and it can actually be the easiest way to get to some more out-of-the-way attractions within the city. It is worth knowing, however, that taxis throughout Armenia (and the Caucasus in general) don’t tend to have meters, so it is essential to negotiate a price before you get in.

Finding a cab through the Yandex taxi app or the Bolt app is a great option. This operates much in the same way as Uber and will quote you the exact price of the journey before you get in the cab, leaving out any need for stressful negotiations.

If you’re travelling outside of the capital — for example, from Yerevan to Dilijan , Gyumri, or Goris — there are a few options available for independent travellers. The easiest and most common option for inter-city travel in Armenia is by marshrutka, or minibus.

Depending on the popularity of your destination, marshrutkas have a vague schedule and generally depart when full or mostly full.

The destination of the bus will be posted in the front window and it will generally be in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet if they are popular routes amongst tourists. If you can’t already, it can be helpful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet or learn what your destinations look like printed both in Cyrillic and in the Armenian alphabet.

You can find the most up-to-date bus timetables from tourist information centres or from your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel staff. Often, you might need to book a spot on the bus if there are only a finite number that leave per day. The tourist info centre or your accommodation can call and book these for you as well.

Generally speaking, you pay the driver for the ride, however, there are some routes where you buy a ticket at a counter instead. Don’t worry, they will let you know for your specific route.

Train travel does exist in Armenia, however, it isn’t all that well-developed and not every route is available. While the trains are not the most comfortable mode of transportation in Armenia, they tend to be more comfortable than a marshrutka and can be preferable if there an option for your route. Ticket prices vary, but they are quite affordable.

Another easy way to get around Armenia, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and not travelling on a tight budget, is to rent a car. Though the road quality may not be the best in some areas of the country, having your own car makes it easy to travel independently and to see some out-of-the-way attractions without having to rely on organised tours or being beholden to erratic bus schedules.

If you want to find great prices on car hire, you can rent private cars directly from locals through Local Rent .

5 to 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Day 1 – yerevan.

Armenia’s dynamic capital city has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,800 years, however, it retains a modern and hip edge that cements itself firmly in the 21st century. With an easy-to-navigate city centre and a streetside cafe culture to rival Paris, Yerevan is one of the most logical places to begin your itinerary for Armenia.

Because it doesn’t have as much information written about as neighbouring capitals like Tbilisi or Baku , many people will ask themselves “is Yerevan worth visiting?” And the answer to this is a resounding “yes,” especially if you are planning a larger Caucasus itinerary and want to see how all three capitals differ.

If you trying to figure out how many days in Yerevan is best to get to know the city, then we would say three. Spend your first day in Yerevan in the city centre, enjoying the main sites and getting the lay of the land.

The current centre of Yerevan was designed in the 1920s by Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian and, as a planned city, it is much easier to navigate than the other two Caucasus capitals, with wide avenues and a logical setup to the streets.

Begin your morning at the impressive Cascade complex , a series of steps spanning seven floors where, from the top on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

If the 572 steps of the complex seem daunting to you, there are a series of escalators inside that you can take to the top instead. These are free to use and are open every day. There are also some interesting art exhibitions inside to enjoy while you’re riding up. No doubt that visiting the Cascade complex is one of the best things to do in Armenia.

After enjoying the Cascade, walk a few hundred metres to see the imposing Armenian Opera building, also designed by Alexander Tamanian. While the building isn’t as impressive as the one you might find in Tbilisi, it is still a great example of Armenian neoclassical architecture.

The building consists of two concert halls: the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre and the Aram Khachaturian concert hall which is home to the Armenian Philharmonic.

You can purchase tickets to the opera, ballet, and symphony from ticket offices nearby for very affordable prices and it is a great way to support the arts and culture of Yerevan. Michael and I were able to get very good seats for the ballet for 6000 AMD (about $14 USD) per person.

Armenia is an incredibly Christian nation and it is an important part of the country’s identity, however, one of the most beautiful sites to see is the Blue Mosque , which isn’t a far walk from the Opera building. This Shia mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city and the courtyard and colourful dome are very much worth seeing.

After admiring the mosque, head to Republic Square , the main square in Yerevan. There is a beautiful fountain situated in front of the Armenian History Museum that, during summer evenings, is lit in different colours. The square is also surrounded by beautiful examples of Armenian neoclassical buildings in Yerevan’s iconic rose-hued stone, making it obvious as to why it is known as the “pink city.”

Now wander over to the Vernissage Market , a large open-air souvenir market that is the perfect place to find something unique to bring home to your friends and family.

Contrary to what you might find in tacky souvenir shops full of mass-produced magnets and pomegranate tchotchkes, here you can get local handicrafts like beautiful chess and backgammon boards, intricate silver jewellery, and much more. You will also be supporting local artisans by keeping traditional practices alive.

Your last stop for your first day in Yerevan should be at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral . Opened in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia (which is believed to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion), this is the largest Armenian Apostolic church in the world and is truly spectacular to see.

Round out your sightseeing at Yerevan’s GUM Market , the central market hall of the Armenian capital. Though it isn’t as lively and chaotic as, say, the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi, Georgia , it is still a great way to see what locals eat and to sample some regionally sourced and produced treats while staying away from multinational supermarket chains.

End your first day in one of the great restaurants, cafes, or wine bars on Saryan Street. In Vino is a good choice if you want to choose from an extensive list of both local and international vintages paired with local meats and cheeses.

If you want something a bit more substantial, Tapastan is a great Armenian fusion restaurant. Alternatively, head over to the Cascade and enjoy some surprisingly delicious Thai food from Wine Republic , which was one of our favourite haunts in Yerevan.

If you want to explore more of the capital’s food scene, consider this food tour of Yerevan .

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Skyline Hotel Yerevan – If you’re looking for a well-located hotel to stay at in Yerevan, then this is a good option for you. This locally-run hotel has a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, is located within walking distance of most of Yerevan’s top attractions, and there is an option to add breakfast to your nightly rate.

Avenue ApartHotel – This aparthotel is an excellent option if you want your own place to stay in Yerevan while still having all of the nice amenities of a hotel. They have a range of both suites and rooms on offer along with plenty of perks to make your stay a great one.

Envoy Hostel – This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Yerevan for backpackers, budget and solo travellers alike. They have a range of dorm beds and private rooms available, helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. They also provide day tours to other areas in Armenia at a discounted rate to their hostel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Day 2 – Yerevan

Your second day in Yerevan may be a bit more sombre and not quite as busy as the first, but will still give you a great insight into the history of the city and Armenia as a whole.

Begin your day by hopping in a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there.

The memorial and museum are free to enter and it is extremely well-curated and an incredibly powerful place to visit. When visiting Armenia, it is important to learn about the darkest part of its history where up to 1.5 million people were murdered.

There is also a garden in front of the museum with a tree planted for each foreign official who has officially recognised the atrocities carried out by the Ottomans in 1915-1923 as a genocide. There is also a plaque honouring the countries and the European Union that have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide.

After visiting the memorial and museum, it is likely you will need a drink and it isn’t an easy place to spend time in. Therefore, take a taxi to Dargett Brewpub , a microbrewery which serves up some fantastic craft beers along with some fantastic western-style bar food.

If you can’t decide which kind of beer to order, we recommend ordering a tasting flight. Our favourites included the American Pale Ale, the Vertigo IPA, and the Belgian Tripel.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers may, instead, be interested in a tour and tasting of Ararat Brandy . This is Armenia’s answer to cognac and it is very delicious.

After a beer and some lunch, head to the History Museum of Armenia at Republic Square. Though, as of May 2019, parts of this museum are under construction, it is still a great place to stop by to learn more about the history of Armenia beyond that genocide.

The museum is famous for being home to the world’s oldest shoe, which was found in a cave in the south of the country called Areni-2, or the “bird’s cave.”

After the history museum, if you’re keen to learn more about Yerevan from a local’s perspective, we recommend going on the Yerevan Free Walking Tour , which meets every day at 4 PM in front of the museum.

The tour is about 3 hours long and advance booking is required, however, it is an excellent way to learn about Yerevan’s history and culture from a friendly and knowledgeable local. There is also this paid walking tour if this schedule suits you better.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on Day 1.

Day 3 – Yerevan

On your third day, it is time to get out of Yerevan and see some of the surrounding area. There are a number of day trip options from Yerevan that are all fairly easy to organise, whether independently or via organised tour.

Two of the most popular day trips from Yerevan include heading to the nearby town of Garni , home to the ancient Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple in the country that’s datesw ot pre-Christian times.

You can also view the bizarre rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones and the beautiful Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers will also love seeing the Garni Gorge.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there via marshrutka. You can also visit these places on this day tour or this day tour .

The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is also an easy-to-do independent day trip from Yerevan. This town is known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and is the home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is a separate church from the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches.

It is also home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest cathedral not just in Armenia, but in the entire world. You can also view the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral here.

Bus 203 from the Central Bus Station will get you there and back with limited expense and hassle. Those who would rather visit with a guide will like this guided day tour .

If you’re keen to explore more of Armenia beyond just the areas near to Yerevan, then the easiest way to do this is by organised tour. Some popular places to visit in Armenia as day trips from Yerevan include the Khor Virap Monastery , the Noravank Monastery , the Hin Areni Winery , or even Tatev Monastery .

We were altogether happy with our full-day tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and the Bird’s Cave. Different tours depart on different days, so make sure to shop around and see what suits your schedule and what you want to see in Armenia if you’re keen to take a tour.

Day 4 – Dilijan

After spending a busy three days in Yerevan, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Armenia itinerary: Dilijan.

Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” Dilijan is located just a 90-minute marshrutka ride from Yerevan, however, it feels like a different world. Dilijan is a great escape from the city and a fantastic place to spend a couple of days enjoying the laid-back mountain atmosphere, going for a few hikes, or taking a trip to some nearby monasteries.

While there aren’t a lot of traditional sites to see or things to do in Dilijan, it is still a great place to visit to see a different side to Armenia and to enjoy the pastoral side of the country. The town itself is delightful, with a lovely lake and plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the town itself and then take the rest of your day to go for a hike in Dilijan National Park. The tourist information centre in the town outlines several hiking trails of varying difficulties where you can really get out and enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia regardless of your general fitness level.

If you’d rather stay in Yerevan but still experience the highlights of the next two days of this itinerary, then this day tour and this guided tour will take you from the capital to both Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Green Dilijan B&B – This family-run guesthouse is an excellent choice for budget travellers. They have a few rooms available, a cosy common area for guests, and a lovely balcony with views of the mountains. It is kept very clean and the extremely friendly and helpful owners also offer an excellent breakfast for an additional charge.

Chalet Dilijan Hotel – This hotel is a great option if your budget accounts for a bit more than a family-run guesthouse. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available for all types of travellers and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

Day 5 – Lake Sevan

Using Dilijan as a base, use the fifth day of your time in Armenia to head to beautiful Lake Sevan. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the entirety of the Eurasian continent and certainly the largest in the region, Lake Sevan is a gorgeous place to visit that is steeped in history.

It’s only a little bit over 30 minutes to reach Sevan town from Dilijan – if you don’t have your own car, you can organise an affordable taxi to reach the area. Your accommodation can often arrange this for you.

One of the highlights of visiting this area is the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery, located on a small peninsula just north of the town. Sevan is also a popular resort area for Armenians to holiday in and there are several beaches along the shore of the lake where you can take a dip in the water.

Another thing you must do is try the famed Sevan trout – an Armenian delicacy. There is a lot of trout fished from the lake and lots of restaurants feature the fish prominently on their menus.

If you’re only spending five days exploring Armenia, then you can easily end your time by heading back to Yerevan and flying out or continuing onward to Tbilisi if you’re interested in exploring neighbouring Georgia.

Day 6 – Dilijan to Gyumri

Your sixth day exploring Armenia is going to be a bit of a travel day as you make your way from Dilijan to Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri.

There are no direct bus connections between these two towns so you have a couple of options. From Dilijan, hop on a marshurtka to the town of Vanadzor or Spitak and catch a connecting mini bus to Gyumri. Alternatively, you can travel south back to Yerevan and then either grab a marshrutka or, our preference, a train to Gyumri.

The train from Yerevan to Gyumri is especially fun for fans of old Soviet transport as they haven’t been updated in decades and can offer quite an insight into the past. The scenery you will pass is also simply delightful as you travel through the Armenian countryside.

Once you arrive in Gyumri, no matter how you’ve arrived, spend your evening simply getting your bearings and exploring a bit of the city centre before finding a great place for dinner.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Lind Hostel & Guesthouse – This family-run guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Gyumri if you’re travelling on a budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available, a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use, and impeccably clean facilities. It is located an easy walk from the city centre and breakfast is available and an affordable additional cost. The owners are also incredibly friendly and ready to help.

Tomu’s Hotel – If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is an excellent option for you. Centrally located, this hotel has a range of rooms available, helpful staff with 24-hour reception, and a restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Gyumri!

Day 7 – Gyumri

In the past, Gyumri has been known as both Alexandropol (when it was part of the Russian Empire) and Leninakan (during Soviet times) and was once the largest city in Armenia — at its peak being home to over 500,000 people. However, the city was absolutely devastated by the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, which killed at least 25,000 people.

More than 30 years later, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation and can seem a bit “rough around the edges,” meaning it isn’t the most popular tourist attraction in Armenia. However, if you want to see how people live in Armenia and venture where few tourists tend to go, Gyumri is an excellent addition to your Armenia itinerary.

Though it is lacking in traditional tourist sites, it is still worth strolling to the Black Fortress , through the Central Park , and enjoying one of the wonderful cafes on Pushkin Street (we recommend Herbs & Honey ).

Depending on if you’re only visiting Armenia or if you’re travelling onwards, you may want to return to Yerevan to fly out of the country. Alternatively, there is a marshrutka that can take you from Gyumri to Tbilisi if you’re heading to Georga or elsewhere in the Caucasus.

Alternatively, if you weren’t able to see some of the sites in the Armenian countryside, you could take this transfer tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi which includes several great stops along the way.

Have More Time?

If you have more than five or seven days in Armenia, there are numerous places that you could add to your itinerary. For one, if you’re keen to spend maybe 10 days in Armenia, it is logical to add the town of Goris and Tatev Monastery to your itinerary.

At Tatev, you can embark on one of the world’s longest cable car journeys and take in some truly gorgeous natural scenery.

You could also opt to spend longer in Yerevan, explore more of the city or go on a couple more day trips or tours from there. If you want to do more hiking in Armenia, then spending longer will allow you to do that as well without sacrificing any of the cultural and historical sites on this itinerary as well.

As an independent traveller, planning a trip to Armenia doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With enough prior research and planning, you are sure to piece together the optimal itinerary for your own travel style!

Are you spending some time in Armenia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

How to Get From Yerevan to Dilijan & Things To Do In Dilijan

Armenia to Georgia: Gyumri to Tbilisi & Dilijan to Tbilisi

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Excellent and explained in simple language. Thanks

hi, thank you for this informative piece, im also planning on visiting Georgia, would u happen to have any knowledge of Georgia too tia

Hi Daniel! Yes, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Georgia and have a lot of information written. You can find everything here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-travel-guide/

brilliant thank you very much indeed

Hi Maggie, Nice article written on Armenia… I am on my vacation with my family to Georgia in May. Planning 7 days in Georgia and and 5 days in Armrnia.. Is it possible to cover the nb best of Armenia

Thanks for your comment! Yes, you can definitely see some highlights in Armenia in just 5 days 🙂

Hello Maggie, thanks for this post. I am heading to Armenia and Georgia late September/early October. I already have a plan for Georgia, but for Armenia not so much. In particular, there are 4 free days after spending the weekend in Yerevan that I am not sure how best to plan for. I would like to visit Tatev, so really that limits me to the south. What would you recommend? I’m probably going to stick with public transport, renting a car is a possibility but I’m a bit nervous about that when I’m traveling on my own.

Hey David, thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Tatev and you have 4 days to play around with, then I think it could be worth it to head down to Goris. It isn’t necessary to hire a car as Goris is accessible by public transit, it can just be tricky to find up-to-date information online. I would recommend heading to a tourist info centre or asking your accommodation about transit options if you don’t want to self-drive, often they can call and book you a seat as well. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Thanks Maggie for the swift reply. I was wondering what else you would recommend between Goris and Yerevan , in that 4 day timeframe? What would be realistic, if only using public transport? At the end of the 4th day I’d need to be back in Yerevan, for a tour that takes me through to Georgia that starts the following day (with Envoy Hostel).

Realistically, if you’re relying on only public transport, I would recommend staying one extra day in Yerevan and doing a day tour to some attractions in Southern Armenia (Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, etc) and then taking three days for your Goris/Tatev leg. It can be really hard to visit those attractions independently if you don’t have your own vehicle and it’s also not very easy to break up the journey between Yerevan and Goris.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Armenia Travel Guide

Last Updated: May 4, 2023

Straddling the divide between Asia and Europe , Armenia might be one of the final travel frontiers left on the planet for adventurous backpackers. Visiting Armenia isn’t often on a traveler’s to-do list, despite its beautiful snowy mountain peaks and many perfectly preserved medieval monasteries.

But their loss is your gain as the country is virtually untouched by mass tourism.

Armenia’s history is complicated and often tragic, marked with countless years of warfare and the infamous Armenian Genocide in which the Ottoman government murdered 1.5 million Armenians in the early 1900s.

Learn more about the country’s past by visiting the many historical monuments and religious structures scattered around the country, including the 4th-century Etchmiadzin Cathedral and the Greco-Roman Temple of Garni.

Armenia’s dramatic landscape of jagged mountains and deep, rugged valleys — especially in the Geghama mountain range — is perfect for trekking, biking, and off-roading.

Moreover, Armenians love chatting with visitors. You don’t have to try hard to meet the locals here as they’re going to want to know why you are visiting since so few people do!

This travel guide to Armenia will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this underrated gem!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Armenia

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Armenia

1. See Mount Ararat

This dormant volcano is technically a part of Turkish territory and is believed to be the final resting spot of Noah’s Ark. While you can’t hike the mountain from Armenia, you can certainly admire it up close from the Khor Virap monastery, located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Yerevan!

2. Visit Yerevan

Known as Armenia’s “Pink City” for the rose-colored volcanic material used for much of the city’s buildings, Yerevan is home to wide tree-lined boulevards, busy town squares, and a thriving cafe culture. Try the city’s famous dark coffee; it’s rich, sweet, and packed with caffeine.

3. Go Skiing in Tsaghkadzor

Thanks to its mountainous terrain, Armenia has become a hit with extreme sports lovers. During the winter, Armenia is transformed into a ski and snowboarding haven. Tsaghkadzor ski resort in the Marmarik river valley is the most popular place to go. A day ticket costs 12,000 AMD.

4. Visit Dilijan National Park

Dilijan National Park is easily one of the most scenic destinations to visit in Armenia, boasting wide swatches of forested hills and green meadows home to thousands of plant species. Hike the well-marked trails to springs and monasteries or spend some time at scenic Parz Lake.

5. Visit the Genocide Museum

The Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the genocide that took place in Armenia between 1915-1922 at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Inside is a collection of photographs, documents, newspaper reports, and films curated to tell the story of this tragic event in Armenian history. Admission is free but donations are welcomed.

Other Things to See and Do in Armenia

1. take the cable car to tatev monastery.

This medieval monastery was built between the 9th-13th centuries and is unique thanks to its position on the edge of a deep gorge. The inside is covered in 10th-century frescoes and vaulted stone ceilings, while the exterior has many pointed domes and is surrounded by tall stone fortress walls that drop off immediately into the gorge below. There are stunning views and photography spots all around the complex as well. The only way to visit the monastery is by taking the cable car across a 5,752-meter cableway (the longest in the world) suspended 320 meters (1,049 feet) above the River Vorotan. The cable car ride takes around 15 minutes, and a round-trip ticket is 5,000 AMD. Tatev is about 3.5 hours from Yerevan.

2. Visit Shikahogh State Reserve

Shikahogh State Reserve is the second largest forest in Armenia and is home to some diverse wildlife including leopards, bears, wild goats, and vipers. There are lush mountain hiking trails (although they are not always well maintained) that lead you to Iron Age tombs, medieval churches and monasteries, waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and even abandoned towns. The 11-kilometer (7-mile) route from Mount Khustup to Shishkert village is tough but incredibly scenic.

3. Swim in Lake Sevan

Also known as the “Armenian Sea,” Lake Sevan is a massive lake (it covers 5% of the country) located high in the Caucasus mountains. Known for its incredible biodiversity and stunningly stark landscapes, Lake Sevan is a popular destination for domestic and foreign travelers alike. Come here to relax in one of the lakeside villages, visit medieval monasteries, and swim in the lake (if it’s warm enough or you’re brave enough!). The lake is so high in altitude (1,900 meters above sea level) that if you sit on the riverbank, it almost looks like the river is running into the sky. You can wild camp here for free as well. Lake Sevan is around 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Yerevan. The most common way to get here is by marshrutka (minibus), which takes around an hour.

4. See Geghard Monastery

Geghard Monastery is a World Heritage-listed complex named from the lance that pierced Christ’s side at the crucifixion. The buildings are partially carved out of the mountains and surrounded by cliffs along the Azat River Gorge. Inside the 13th-century Avazan Chapel is a sacred spring that runs through the monastery, and the original reason for the founding of the area as a religious site back in the 4th century. Today, visitors fill up bottles to take the holy water home. Admission is free.

5. Visit the Echmiadzin Cathedral

Located only 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Yerevan, no visit to Armenia would be complete without seeing the Echmiadzin Cathedral. The cathedral was built following the country’s adoption of Christianity in 301 CE, making it the first country in the world to do so. The cathedral is the oldest in Armenia and is often cited as the oldest cathedral in the world. The cathedral’s museum has some fascinating artifacts, including a supposed piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, and a piece of Noah’s Ark. Admission to the museum is 1,500 AMD.

6. Explore Gyumri

The city of Gyumri is one of Armenia’s most ancient settlements, dating back nearly 3,000 years. Starting from the busy Vardanants Square at the center of town, walk to the Kumayri Historic District, a sort of open-air museum filled with historic buildings like the Sev Ghul fortress and the Paris Hotel (used as a maternity hospital during Soviet times). Be sure to visit the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life (1,000 AMD entry), which showcases life in the area from the 19th century to the 1920s, or the Aslamazyan Sisters House-Museum (300 AMD entry), with works from two sisters who helped bring equality to Armenian women through their art.

7. Experience the healing waters of Jermuk

With over 40 natural thermal springs, Jermuk is the most popular spa town in Armenia, with a variety of resort hotels and spas (rooms start at 15,000 AMD). Get a free sample of healing mineral water from the Gallery of Water, where natural mineral water flows into 5 different stone urns, each with different healing properties and temperatures (be careful as some are very hot). While you’re there, make sure you venture to the Jermuk waterfall, which, at 70 meters tall (230 feet), is Armenia’s second-largest waterfall. Jermuk is about 3 hours from Yerevan.

8. Visit the Army of Stones

Karahunj, otherwise known as Zorats Karer (or Army of Stones in English), is Armenia’s oldest and most popular megalithic site. Located at an altitude of 1,770 meters (5,800 feet) on a rocky plateau, no one knows how these 200 stones got here. Even stranger is the fact that each stone has 5-centimeter holes in it. There are many different theories on how and why the stones are here, but the most popular theory is that the site was constructed in the 6th century BCE for stargazing.

9. Take a wine tasting tour

With over 500 unique and native varieties almost unknown to the world outside Armenia, taking a wine tour is a must for any wine lover. In fact, the oldest wine cave in the world (it’s 6,000 years old!) is near Areni. Sadly, during Soviet rule, many of the wineries were shut down. It is only in the last decade that Armenia has begun to reconnect with its winemaking roots. Wine tours from Yerevan start from 37,000 AMD for a tour of one winery and go up to around 75,000 AMD for a full-day tour.

10. Go to the Erebuni Historical & Archaeological Museum-Reserve

This archaeological site encapsulates the ancient Erebuni Fortress, which dates to 782 BCE, a whole three decades before Rome was even established, and after which the city of Yerevan was named. The entire complex is now an outdoor museum, with an indoor component as well. The museum contains more than 12,000 artifacts offering insights into Armenia’s ancient history and the establishment of the city of Yerevan. You’ll also learn about what daily life was like in the palace of Argishti I, one of the greatest kings of ancient Urartu. Admission is 1,000 AMD or 2,500 AMD with a guide.

11. See Noravank

Built in the 13th century, legend has it that when the Mongols conquered Armenia hundreds of years ago, it was God himself that saved the Noravank monastery. Delicately carved stonework and religious reliefs (including depictions of God) decorate the three churches here. Unlike the many other Armenian monasteries that are located on top of mountains and gorges, Noravank is set on the floor of a deep valley, with towering red cliffs rising up on either side of the complex. Visiting the site is free, though the museum is 500 AMD. The monastery is around 122 kilometers (76 miles) from Yerevan.

Armenia Travel Costs

Accommodation – There are a limited number of hostels in Armenia and most of them are in the capital, Yerevan. A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 5,000-7,500 AMD, while a bed in an 8-bed-dorm costs 3,000-4,000 AMD. A private double room in a hostel is around 10,000-15,000 AMD with a shared bathroom. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi and bedding. Free breakfast and shared kitchens are common as well (though not all hostels have them).

Camping is available around the country. For those not traveling with a tent, you can often rent them at the Tourist Information Centers. Wild camping is free, but if you prefer camping on a campsite, prices start at around 4,000 AMD per night for two people and a tent.

Budget hotels average around 8,000-9,850 AMD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and free breakfast is usually included.

Airbnb is available though the options are limited. Private rooms start around 10,000 AMD per night while entire homes/apartments average closer to 25,000 AMD.

Food – Armenia is a landlocked country with a long history of trade, meaning that Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Eastern European countries have all left their mark on the country’s cuisine.

Fresh and dried herbs create flavorful dishes, and common spices include black pepper, sumac, cumin, mint, and cinnamon. Staple vegetables include eggplant, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, and onion. Legumes, especially chickpeas and lentils, are also used as central ingredients in many dishes. Pork, lamb, and beef are the most common meats. Though meat is predominant in the cuisine, because of the fasting periods in the Armenian Apostolic religion, there are many traditional dishes that are entirely plant-based as well.

Common dishes include a variety of cold salads, yogurt soups, boereg (filled pastry pies), bozbash (lamb stew), khorovats (grilled meat skewers), tolma (stuffed grape leaves), kyufta (a type of meatball), and harissa (a porridge that’s considered Armenia’s national dish). Traditional lavash bread, a flatbread made from wheat and baked in a clay oven, is integral to Armenian cuisine and is served with most meals.

Street food like shawarma or lahmajun (Armenian pizza) costs less than 1,000 AMD, and a glass of tan (a salty yogurt drink) shouldn’t be more than 300 AMD.

For an inexpensive meal at an Armenian restaurant, expect to pay around 1,250-2,750 AMD for traditional food like spa (an extra creamy soup), kyufta (meatballs), or Armenian cheese with basturma (dried meat with spices) wrapped in a piece of Armenian pita bread.

Higher-end or Western restaurants cost about 6,000-8,500 AMD per meal. Even Chinese takeout restaurants, normally a mainstay of the budget traveler, are more expensive than Armenian meals, costing at least 3,800 AMD for a dish.

In terms of drinks, expect to pay 600 AMD for a beer, 700 AMD for a glass of Armenian wine, 1,000-1,500 AMD for a cocktail, 800 AMD for a cup of Armenian coffee, and 1,200 AMD for a cappuccino.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries should cost around 12,000-16,000 AMD but, with food prices being so low, it’s better to eat street food and enjoy the food the country has to offer!

Backpacking Armenia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of about 17,500 AMD per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm (or camp), eat street food or at inexpensive restaurants, cook some of your meals, use local transportation (including some intercity buses), limit your drinking, and stick to mostly free or cheap activities like hiking and museum visits.

On a mid-range budget of about 43,000 AMD, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb, eat any budget restaurant meal you want, enjoy a few drinks, take some taxis to get around, take intercity trains, and do more paid activities like ride the cable car to Tatev Monastery and do a winery tour.

On a “luxury” budget of about 77,000 AMD per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might pay less every day). We want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AMD.

Armenia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Armenia isn’t going to break your bank. There are so many free activities here, especially if you’re enjoying the outdoors, that it’s hard to spend a lot. Throw in cheap food, beer, and accommodation, and you can really stretch your budget here. However, if you’re looking to lower your expenses even more, here are some ways to save money in Armenia:

• Take a free walking tour – Yerevan Free Walking Tour is a great way to get familiar with the city and the culture. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Hitchhike and wild camp – If you really want to save money in Armenia, it is one of the easiest countries in the world to hitchhike. You will likely never wait long. Wild camping is also legal, and it is very common for friendly Armenians to invite you to their home for food so bring a tent when you visit.
• Cook your own meals – Some hostels here don’t include kitchen facilities, so if you want to save money, make sure you book accommodation that does so you can buy cheap groceries and cook some meals.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that can provide free accommodation and share their insider tips with you. It’s the best way to save money and meet locals.
• Enjoy the free spaces – There are plenty of free parks as well as many free hiking trails around the country. Save your budget and enjoy the outdoors!
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t really safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your reliance on plastic bottles. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw because it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Armenia

There are very few hostels in Armenia, and the few they have are in Yerevan and Tsaghkadzor. My suggested places to stay are:

• Envoy Hostel (Yerevan)
• MGA Hostel and Tours (Yerevan)
• Kantar Hostel (Yerevan)
• Hostel Tsaghkadzor (Tsaghkadzor)

How to Get Around Armenia

Public transportation – Public transportation isn’t the best in Armenia. The public transport websites aren’t translated into English, so it is much better to ask at your hostels for guidance to help you use the local and intercity buses. In the cities, it is easy to walk from place to place.

Yerevan has five trolley bus routes with a ride costing around 50 AMD. There’s also a subway with one line and ten stations, and public buses. A one-way fare on the bus and subway is around 100 AMD.

If you’re flying into Zvartnots International Airport, you can reach the center of Yerevan by bus or taxi. Aerotaxi is the official airport taxi but be aware drivers often won’t turn on the meter, so you need to negotiate a price, which should be around 3,000 AMD. A bus is around 300 AMD.

Bus – Intercity transport in Armenia is best done by bus and minibus (marshrutka). Intercity buses are relatively inexpensive but navigating the bus stations can be tricky as English isn’t widely spoken. Ask in your hostel the day before for someone to help you work out which bus you need and then you will just have to look for that bus when you arrive at the station.

Bus fares average about 716 AMD per hour of travel, but even a short route can end up taking quite a while with lots of stops.

Trains – There are daily trains connecting Yerevan to Gyumri (3 hours), Yeraskh (1.5 hours), Araks (1 hour), Ararat (1 hour), and Hrazdan (1.5 hours). In the summer months, the Hrazdan line gets extended to Lake Sevan. One-way tickets cost between 3,500-12,500 AMD.

Train tickets to nearby cities outside of Armenia, such as Tbilisi, cost around 9,800-12,000 AMD for a one-way ticket. You can purchase tickets online at the official railway website, Railway.am .

The trains that run most regularly are slow trains that are Soviet-era relics, meaning they are uncomfortable and lack the usual amenities you might expect from trains. The express trains, however, are modern and air-conditioned. Unfortunately, these cost more and run less frequently.

Flying – There are only two international airports in Armenia so although air travel is possible, it is far from cost-effective. Often you don’t save much time due to layovers. A flight from Gyumri to Yerevan starts at 95,000 AMD. Only fly if you are short on time and flush with cash.

Car Rental – Driving is definitely the most convenient way to get around Armenia. Car rentals can sometimes be as low as 12,000 AMD per day, and the more days you book, the better the price. If you’re driving, make sure to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in advance as you’ll need one for any vehicle rental.

When to Go to Armenia

The best time to visit Armenia is at the beginning or end of summer (May-June or September-October). During these months, the weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor explorations. The temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F) but be aware that it can be very rainy throughout May and thunderstorms are common.

Summers are hot, with temperatures soaring as high as 35°C (95°F). Things tend to cool down in the evenings, however, with a gentle mountain breeze providing some welcomed relief after a long, hot day.

If you are visiting for skiing, December is the best winter month for hitting the slopes. Temperatures drop below freezing, and the northern regions receive a lot of snowfall. Cities like Yerevan get a lot quieter during these months as everyone hides from the cold.

You don’t have to worry about inflated prices or crowds even during the summer peak season. Armenia isn’t a very touristy destination, and you often have whole sites all to yourself.

How to Stay Safe in Armenia

Armenia is a very safe country to travel around — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is rare.

There aren’t any specific scams to look out for either, though sometimes taxi drivers will try to overcharge you. You can avoid this by agreeing on a price before entering the taxi (ask your hotel/hostel staff for a price estimate if you’re not sure what to pay).

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

Petty theft and pickpocketing are rare but can occur so always keep your valuables (specifically your wallet and phone) secure and out of reach. This is especially important in crowds or on busy public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never accept drinks from strangers, don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk around intoxicated at night, etc.).

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There’s often political turmoil with neighbors so keep an eye out on that and avoid protests or demonstrations while in Armenia. Avoid the Nagorno-Karabakh region on the border with Azerbaijan due to armed conflict.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Armenia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Armenia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Armenia and continue planning your trip:

19 Easy Ways to Save Money in Armenia

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The ultimate 2-week Armenia itinerary for first-time mvisitors

Share this armenia travel itinerary.

Last updated on: 1 January 2024

In this 2-week Armenia itinerary, you will visit the most important places of this historic country in the Caucasus . Not many tourists make it there, but I guarantee that the country will fascinate you.

Table of Contents

Map with all sights of this 2-week armenia itinerary, an unexpected gem.

I visited Armenia in May 2021. Though we had thought that the COVID pandemic would have subsided by then, another wave was battling Europe. This trip was a last-minute choice actually, since we had planned to go to Iceland on the same dates. But Iceland suddenly closed borders to visitors from the Netherlands and I had to find an alternative quickly.

Having already been to Georgia and Azerbaijan , the Caucasus and its amazing diversity fascinated me. The country was accepting visitors so there we went! Looking back, I should thank Iceland for closing borders, because this trip proved to be an amazing one! Keep reading to discover some of the most beautiful places in Armenia in this unforgettable journey!

A bit about Armenia and this itinerary

A question I get often is “Is Armenia in the Middle East?”. The country is south of the Caucasus mountains and geographically in Asia. However, culturally it certainly has a distinct European character. The country has a long and rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to 4000 BC. 

Did you know that the country was the first to adopt Christianity on nation level? The breathtaking mountainous landscape of Armenia is dotted with ancient monasteries, churches, and fortresses. 

The country is also known for its delicious cuisine and one of my personal favorite. Armenian people endured many challenges throughout its history, such as invasions, wars, and genocide. They remained resilient and are proud of their heritage and culture. In this Armenia DIY trip I take you through most of the most important landmarks of the country.

Day 1: Yerevan

Exploring the lively capital of armenia.

Yerevan will most likely be the starting point of your Armenia travel itinerary. The city has a lot to offer and is very lively. I really enjoyed spending two days in Yerevan .

Day 2: Day trip from Yerevan to Garni & Geghard

This is the ultimate day trip from Yerevan to a spectacular Greco-Roman temple and an iconic monastery. Do not miss these amazing landmarks in Armenia!

Day 3: Day trip from Yerevan to Zvartnots, Echmiadzin & Mount Aragats

If you only have 3 days in Armenia, then day 1, 2 and 3 are a perfect way to spend your time in the country. Day 1 focused on the capital, whereas on day 2 we got to know some of the religious and Roman heritage of the country. On day 3 you can get a taste of more spectacular landmarks as well as some of the stunning nature in Armenia.

Zvartnots: a cathedral like no other

One of the most typical Armenia excursions is a trip from Yerevan to Zvartnots Cathedral . It is a short drive from Zvartnots airport and a 30-minute drive from downtown Yerevan. The construction of the cathedral began in 643 under the guidance of Catholicos Nerses III (nicknamed “Shinogh” or “the Builder”).

“Catholicos” refers to the head of the autonomous Armenian church. 

According to tradition, Nerses III built this cathedral on the site where it was believed that St. Gregory the Illuminator converted King Tiridates III to Christianity.

The Cathedral dates from a time when Muslim Arabs had just conquered much of Armenia. Arabs also occupied the Sasanian Empire in today’s Iran. Armenia was a part of the Empire at the time.

The exterior church design features basket capitals with Ionic volute mounts, eagle capitals, and vine scroll friezes. The influence of Syrian and northern Mesopotamian architecture is evident. The Cathedral stood for 320 years before collapsing in the 10th century, likely due to an earthquake or Arab raids. This is another of the best landmarks in Armenia.

Etchmiadzin: the Armenian "Vatican"

Vagharshapat is the 4th largest city in the country and is a 30-minute drive from Yerevan.  The formal name of the town was Echmiadzin until 1995, but people still use this name today.

The city is the location of Etchmiadzin Cathedral and Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin . This is the center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the country’s “spiritual” capital. Etchmiadzin was one of the major cities and a capital of ancient Greater Armenia .

Etchmiadzin Cathedral is the first cathedral to be built in ancient Armenia. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world! The original church likely dates from 301-303 and is attributed to the country’s patron saint Gregory the Illuminator. This happened shortly after Cristianity was adopted as a state religion by King Tiridates III. Armenia is the first nation to have adopted Cristianity as a state religion in 301 AD, by the way.

The Cathedral was built over a pagan temple, likely symbolizing the conversion from paganism to Christianity. The core of the current building dates from 483-484 AD. Armenian nobleman Vahan I Mamikonian commissioned the construction after Persian invaders damaged the original cathedral.

Having been neglected for centuries, the Cathedral was restored in 1441 as the seat of Armenian Church and remains as such to this day. Shah Abbas I of Persia plundered the cathedral in 1604. Many renovations have taken place since then.

Today, the Cathedral incorporates styles of different periods of Armenian architecture. It is a major pilgrimage site and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2000. Unfortunately, most of it was covered in scaffolding and was inaccessible when we visited in May 2021…

Mount Aragats: astronomy and spectacular views

We left Echmiadzin around noon and headed north. We started ascending on Mount Aragats , the tallest mountain in Armenia at 4,090 meters (13,420 ft). If you have time, it is worth stopping by Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory to learn more about the country’s contribution to astronomy. It is a good idea to contact them beforehand to check current opening times. 

We continued ascending on the mountain and after 40 minutes we reached Amberd . Here we found the ruins of a 7th-century fortress as well as an 11th-century bath house. On a clear day you also get spectacular views of the whole Ararat plain and Mount Aratat itself. 

Early in the afternoon we continued north and after another 30 minutes we reached Aragats Alpine State Sanctuary . Mind you that it is at al altitude of 3,300 meters (11,000 ft), so you might get mild altitude sickness.

The area is suitable for hiking to the top of the mountain, as it is not extremely steep. There are no pre-defined trails, but you have clear sight lines nearly all the way back to the lake for the entirety of the hike. You can easily spend a few hours hours hiking around the area, just enjoying the views.

It is best to make this a day trip from Yerevan if you have more time available in your own travel itinerary. If you do so, you can also visit the Armenian Alphabet Monument on the way back to Yerevan.

Day 4: Yerevan to Gyumri to Vanadzor

Sardarapat memorial: a symbol of pride and survival.

We left early in the morning heading west. We would drive a semi-circular route to end in the town of Vanadzor, where we would spend the night. But first we had to visit a few important places at the western edge of the country.

Driving west for about an hour brought us to Sardarapat Memorial . This is truly a symbol of pride and survival, as it marks the place of the country’s successful ultimate effort to save the nation from Turkish invasion. It all happened between 21 and 29 May 1918 during the Battle of Sardarapat. Even though the odds were against them, their makeshift army stopped the Turkish troops and saved an area in historic Armenia. The modern borders are very close to this area today.

At the location where the battle took place one can visit the Sardarapat Ethnography and Liberation Movement History Museum , a short walk from the monument itself. This was one of the most special places of my 2-week Armenia itinerary. It helped me understand the country’s past and struggles better.

Local village life & a glimpse of the ancient city of Ani

From Sardarapat you can either continue north on the M9, or take a detour to drive along the border with turkey along the H17. If you take the latter, be aware that there are a LOT of potholes and this will slow you down. But we found the route scenic and it was interesting to observe the Turkish villages right next to the border.

In this area we also experienced a bit of Armenian hospitality. I got off at a local store/café to get some traditional coffee. The women could not speak English, but they called someone who did. I explained to her what I wanted and they made some coffee for me for on the way. They insisted I did not have to pay. This was just one of the many occasions where I experienced some of the friendliest people I have ever met during my travels.

If you visit the areas close to the Turkish border, it is good to know that you can also drive to the viewpoint opposite the ancient city of Ani . The viewpoint is near the village of Norshen (formerly Kharkov) right across the border with Turkey.

Be aware that you need to apply for a special permission at least 10 business days in advance by using this link . On this page you can find more information about the current rules for visiting the area. Getting there is a bit complicated because there is a buffer zone which Russian soldiers guard. This is due to the tension between Armenia and Turkey. We decided to skip this part and continue to Gyumri. 

Visiting Gyumri, Armenia's second largest city

We continued north along the border with Turkey and reached Gyumri , the country’s second largest city. You might have read about the great earthquake in 1988 which obliterated the city. At that time, the city name was Leninakan. The earthquake cost the lives of 25-50 thousand people (!) and left the city in ruins. But Gyumri was reborn. Today it is a bustling city of 121 thousand people and is certainly worth a place in your Armenia itinerary. When in town, you can visit the following:

Black Fortress (Sev Berd) : This is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress, just 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Turkish border. It was built in response to the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. The fortress is a 360-degree round structure made of black stone, from which it gets its name. Today it is a national cultural heritage monument in Armenia and hosts various events. When we visited they were holding a beauty contest for young girls (!). You get nice views of the city and the surrounding area, such as Mount Aragats.

Very close to Black Fortress you will notice the statue of Mother Armenia , a female personification of the country, similar to the statue in Yerevan.

A 10-minute drive brought us in the heart of Gyumri at Vartanants Square . The main landmark here is the Church of All Saviors . The construction of the church lasted between 1858 and 1872. The church was consecrated in 1873. 

The architecture of the Cathedral of Ani , right across today’s border with Turkey, inspired the design of this church. However, the Church of All Saviors is much bigger than the Cathedral of Ani. It survived  the 1926 earthquake but was severely damaged in the 1988 earthquake. It has since been restored. Interestingly, the fallen belfry lies right next to it as a reminder of the tragedy. The building is very distinct and one of the most memorable churches I visited in this amazing country.

At the other side of Vartanats square it is worth paying a visit to the Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God , also called Our Lady of Seven Wounds. This is a 19th-century church and the seat of the Diocese of Shirak of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Cathedral dates from 1873-1884. 

If you are into art, it is worth checking out the Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters ( opening hours ), a couple of blocks further. This is one of the unique galleries in the Republic of Armenia, hosting the complete collection paintings of the Aslamazyan sisters. Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan were two remarkable artists of the Soviet era who attempted to break conventions in the male-dominated Soviet visual art world. They followed a modernist approach to challenge the patriarchal society of Soviet Armenia.

If you have more time, it is also worth paying a visit to the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life . The museum is housed at a former residence of prominent trader Petros Dzitoghtsyan and was built in 1872. Nowadays it houses collections related to both history and the everyday-life of Gyumri as well as the local cultural and architectural characteristics of the city.

Last but not least, next to the Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life you will find Sergey Merkurov’s House Museum . Sergey Merkurov was a prominent Soviet sculptor-monumentalist of Greek-Armenian descent, born and educated in Gyumri.  The house was built in 1869. Merkurov’s most famous collection is the death masks of famous people and world leaders. There are more than 300 of these! The museum contains the only original death mask of Lenin.

After seeing the sights, we sat for a drink at the pedestrianized Rijkov street , a very pleasant area to relax and do some people watching. 

Overnight in Vanadzor

Later in the afternoon, we made our way to Vanadzor , which is a 1-hour drive from Gyumri. Vanadzor itself is a former industrial town and you can see the signs of decay all over. It was not the most charming place we visited, but it is interesting to observe the toll that industrial collapse has taken on the town. It is at a convenient location in the north of the country, which makes it easy to visit some of the most famous monasteries there as well as Dilijan National Park. This would be our next day’s itinerary.

Day 5: Vanadzor to Lake Sevan | Monasteries & nature in between

Must-see monasteries in this 2-week armenia itinerary.

We left Vanadzor early in the morning making our way north towards the border with Georgia. on this day we were to visit some of the most characteristic architecture of Armenia

After about one hour driving we reached our first stop, the church of Odzun . The first church appeared there in the 6th century. Hovhannes III Odznetsi had it reconstructed in the 8th century. He served  as the Catholicos (head of Armenian Church) between 717 and 728. He came from Odzun, as his name suggests.

During the reconstruction in the 8th century the church acquired its current form of a pink felsite basilica with three naves. In the 19th century two small bell towers were added. Furthermore, the church renovations took place between 2012 and 2014. Near the church you will also find many gravestones of the clergy around the church. The east and west sides of the monument are carved with scenes from the Bible and the introduction of Christianity in Armenia. 

We continued north and after half an hour we reached Sanahin Monastery Complex . The Monastery dates from the 10th century and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name “Sanahin” literally means “this one is older than that one” in Armenian. It presumably is a claim to being an older monastery than the neighboring Haghpat Monastery. The complex belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church. It contains many “khachkars” (stones with elaborate engravings representing a cross) and bishop gravesites. Both monasteries are essential parts of this itinerary.

Haghpat Monastery looks close to Sanahin Monastery on the map, but the dramatic topography means it is an almost 30-minute drive to get there. Haghpat Monastery was built between the 10th and 13th century. Queen Khosrovanuysh, wife of the Bagratid   King Ashot III , established the monastery around 976. Haghpat Monastery is also a UNESCO heritage site.

Together with Sanahin Monastery, it represents a prime example of Armenian religious architecture. This unique architectural style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and the traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region.

We continued north and we reached Akhtala Monastery after 25 minutes. Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries may be the most well-known ones, but Akhtala Monastery stole my heart. Akhtala Monastery dates from the 10th century and is among the most well preserved of all in modern Armenia. The main church at the compound contains some highly artistic and very well-preserved frescoes. The name “Akhtala” is believed to be of Turkic origin, meaning “white glade”. 

A drive along the Azerbaijani border | Stunning nature and complicated borders

We continued driving on the M6 all the way to the border, then turned right following road H53. The road takes you very close to the border with Azerbaijan and a short section near the village of Voskepar technically passes through Azerbaijan itself.

You might have heard that Armenia and Azerbaijan do not get along very well, especially after the 2020 war in Nagorno Karabakh / Artsakh area. There are still occasional skirmishes at the border. Things were generally quiet when we visited, though I did sense a bit of tension along the border. It did not feel unsafe, however, and you can drive along the border without issues.

Driving for another hour brought us to Dilijan National Park . This is one of the four national parks of Armenia an occupies an area of 240 square kilometers (93 square miles). The park has lush landscapes, rich biodiversity, mineral water springs, hiking trails and many natural and cultural monuments. If you want to add some nature to your Armenia itinerary, then Dilijan is an excellent option.

Besides nature, Dilijan is home to a few stunning monasteries you can visit: Goshavank Monastery Complex, Haghartsin Monastery Complex, Matosavank Monastery and Jukhtakvank Monastery. We had to make a choice, so we visited Haghartsin Monastery Complex . It was dates from the 10th to 13th centuries.

The name “Haghartsin” is a combination of “hagh”, meaning a game, and “artsin”, meaning “eagle” in Armenian.

Haghartsin complex includes three churches: the Church of the Holy Mother of God, St. Gregory and St. Stephan church. The church of St. Gregory is the oldest of them and was built in the 10th century. Under the Church of the Holy Mother of God there is an underground vault, a church treasury where monks kept sacred relics safe. Haghartsin monastery complex also has an underground passage that leads to the nearby river. The passage functioned as an escape route during earthquakes and wars. The location is very scenic.

The refectory hall in the complex is also worth mentioning, since it is a great example of medieval Armenian architecture. Every detail is clearly thought out from an architectural point of view. On top of the hall there are two domes that resemble dormers and let sunrays illuminate the refectory hall. The building of the refectory stands on 12 columns, which symbolize the 12 Disciples of Christ. 

I suggest spending at least 2 full days in Dilijan to discover the monasteries and hike. Later in the afternoon we made our way to Lake Sevan, where we would spend the night.

Day 6: Lake Sevan & overnight in Jermuk

Cultural heritage by the lake: sevanavank, kecharis, hayravank and noratus.

We started our day at Sevanavank (Sevan Monastery) . It is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan, not far from the town of Sevan. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. However, after the artificial draining of Lake Sevan by Soviet authorities the water level fell about 20 meters (66 ft) and the island became a peninsula. 

According to an inscription in one of the churches, Princess Mariam founded the monastery in 874. She was the second daughter of Ashot I, who was to become king a decade later. It was a difficult time for Armenia, which was trying to overthrow Arab rule. Interestingly, the monastery was a place of residence for monks from Echmiadzin who had sinned. They could not complain about the surroundings, in any case!

If you happen to visit in winter, check out the spa own of Tsaghkadzor nearby. The town has adequate ski facilities. But even if you are not into skiing, it is still worth going to Tsaghkadzor to visit Kecharis Monastery . This is a monastic compound dating from the 11th century, which features stone-carved churches and tombstones.

We had lunch in Tsaghkadzor and continued southeast, along the southern shore of Lake Sevan. We visited two important landmarks along the way.

The first landmark was Hayravank Monastery . This is a small medieval-era Armenian monastery dating from the 9th to 12th century. It is on a hill overlooking Lake Sevan and is surrounded by khachkars (carved tombstones).

A little further we visited Noratus Cemetery . This is a must see, because it has the largest cluster of khachkars in Armenia. It is currently the largest surviving cemetery with khachkars.

When we visit there were a couple of local ladies willing to give us a tour in (limited) English for a small fee. You can also buy wooden rosaries from the vendor that will surely approach you. We were the only tourists and had the place to ourselves. It was impressive to see so many curved tombstones dating from different centuries, with a great variety of designs on them. 

A magnificent viewpoint

We drove along the M10 for a little over an hour, passing by impressive alpine landscapes and villages. After a little over an hour we reached our next stop: Orbelian Caravanserai . This one of my personal favorite landmarks in Armenia and you will find out why below.

“Caravanserai” refers to a place where travelers could rest before continuing. This one was built along the Vardenyats Mountain Pass (also known as the Selim Mountain Pass) in 1332, by Prince Chesar Orbelian. Its purpose was to accommodate travelers and their animals as they crossed the mountains. It is a height of 2,410 meters above sea level (7,906 ft) and is the best preserved caravanserai in the whole country. This was one of my favorite spots in this 2-week Armenia itinerary and one of the most magnificent viewpoints I have ever come across.

If you have some time left, it is also worth visiting the nearby Smbataberd fort ruins and Tsakhats Karch Monastery dating from the 10th century.

Jermuk: relaxing at the most famous Armenian spa town

We continued for another 1.5 hour and reached the spa town of Jermuk early in the evening. It is at an altitude of 2,080 meters (6,824 ft) and the weather is much cooler than other places in the country. Here you will find hot springs, mineral water pools, a waterfall, artificial lakes, walking trails and forests. 

Highly recommended spa hotel at a reasonable price

There are not a whole lot of options, but we stayed at Grand Resort Jermuk and were more than happy. It is reasonably priced for what it is. Jermuk Verona resort is also highly rated, as is Ani Hotel and Jermuk Ashkhar Sanatorium.

Day 7: Jermuk to Kapan: discovering Syunik province

Shaki waterfall: a hidden gem.

We left Jermuk in the morning and drove along Vorotan pass to enter the province of Syunik. Looking at the map of Armenia, Syunik is that long and narrow piece of land that reaches all the way to Iran and separates mainland Azerbaijan from the exclave of Nakhchivan . It was one of the highlights of my 2-week itinerary.

Our first stop was Shaki waterfall near the town with the same name. To reach the waterfall, you turn right in the center of Shaki to join road H44. About 3.5 km (3 miles) further, you will find a dirt road going right. If you follow it for 1.5 km (0.9 mile), you will end up at a car park. The waterfall is a short walk from there, though you need to be careful at times as the path becomes narrow and steep. There are also a couple of places to chill out and have a drink by the river. Though the landscape looks relatively arid, I was surprised by the volume of water. Shaki waterfall is a very photogenic one, as you can see!

Carahunge: The "Stonehenge" of Armenia

We left Shaki waterfall and joined the main road heading south. A few minutes later we reached the monument of Carahunge / Karahunj . It is a prehistoric monument on a mountain plateau, which features a mausoleum and more than 200 standing stones.

The name “Carahunge” derives from two Armenian words: “car” (or kar), meaning stone, and “hunge” or “hoonch”, meaning sound. Therefore, the name Carahunge means “speaking stones”. If the weather is windy, you will hear whistling sounds.

About 80 of the stones feature a circular hole and 37 of those stones are still standing.  People possibly used the standing stones for astronomical observation. Seventeen of the stones have been associated with observations of sunrise or sunset at the solstices and equinoxes, and fourteen with the lunar extremes.

Tatev Monastery: magnificent views and rich cultural heritage

A short drive from Carahunge brought us to Tatev Monastery , yet another highlight of this 2-week Armenia itinerary. The road to get there is rather challenging with many many turns (though the road is of decent quality).

Instead of driving all the way to Tatev, you can take the cable car from the village of Halidzor ( opening times and prices here ). It is the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car and offers spectacular views of Vorotan Gorge and the surrounding mountains. The journey takes around 20 minutes. It is not for the faint hearted!

The Tatev Monastery monastery is perhaps the most notable piece of architecture in Armenia! It dates from the 9th century and belongs to the Apostolic church. It stands on the edge of the deep gorge of the Vorotan River and offers magnificent views. The monastery has played a significant role in the history of the region of Syunik, acting as an economic, political, spiritual and cultural center.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, the monastery hosted one of the most important medieval universities in the country, the University of Tatev. The university contributed to the advancement of science, religion and philosophy as well as the reproduction of books and the development of miniature painting. Tatev monastery is a muse-see!

Goris cave town & St. Hripsime church

A couple of other interesting places in northern Syunik province are the medieval cave shelters near the town of Goris and Old Khndzoresk Church (St. Hripsime). 

The cave shelters of Old Goris are carved into the hillside on the east side of town were built and inhabited in the 5th century. It is worth exploring the cave rooms, many of which are linked together and feature arched ‘shelve’ walls. Nowadays, people use some caves for housing cattle or as churches.

To reach St. Hripsime church , you turn right at the beginning of the village of Khndzoresk. After you park, you will have to cross a cable bridge to reach the church on the other side of the gorge. Both the cave dwellings and Old Khndzoresk Church are worth a visit if you have time. 

We continued south from Goris and reached Kapan late in the afternoon. Kapan is not the prettiest place, but it has all amenities one needs for a comfortable stay. Another option is to stay at one of the homestays in the surrounding villages. Here is a nice selection of guesthouses.

When we visited in May 2021, we continued to Kapan on route E117 from Goris. Note that route E117 passes through territory that is now controlled by Azerbaijan. Back then we had to go through military checkpoints controlled by Russian soldiers. Nowadays, you can get to Kapan from Goris by taking the restored road H45 from Tatev. So it makes sense to visit Goris and its surroundings before actually visiting Tatev and continuing to Kapan.

Decent and economical accommodations in and around Kapan

We stayed at Dian Hotel, just outside the center of the town, and it was a very good choice actually. The rooms were very comfortable and breakfast was decent.

In south Syunik there is also a local initiative that pairs visitors with locals. We actually had lunch at one of the guesthouses by the river and it was very enjoyable.

Day 8: Exploring southern Syunik province

Hiking in shikahogh state reserve.

We spent the day exploring Syunik province south of Kapan. Our first stop was the village of Shikahogh .

When we visited in May 2021, we took road H46, parts of which pass through territory controlled by Azerbaijan. Back then Azerbaijani patrols were present, but the road was open. Later reports suggest that Azerbaijan may block the road, or install customs checkpoints, so be aware of this. A new road has opened in the meantime connecting Kapan to Chakaten and bypassing Azerbaijan-controlled territory.

Shortly before arriving in Chakaten, we stopped to enjoy the views. This is a remote part of Armenia with rich fauna and flora. In Shikahogh village we visited St. Stepanos church , dating from the 16th century.

Our next stop was the border village of Nerkin Hand . There we strolled along the river and looked at the plane trees, some of which are almost 1,700 years old.

We continued on road H45 and reached the village of Tsav , where we had freshwater fish and local goodies for lunch at a homestay by the river.  After resting for a bit, we hiked in Shikahogh State Reserve .

This is the country’s second largest forest reserve, covering some 10,330 hectares and is largely unaffected by post-Soviet deforestation activities thanks to its remoteness. The Shikahogh State Reserve is home to about 1,100 species of plants. You might even come across some of the rarest animals in Armenia such as leopards, bears and snow fowls. 

We passed by an old medieval bridge, that was part of the Silk Road trade route , and continued into the dense forest until we reached a small chapel called Ksajour . Be aware that you need to be accompanied by a guide for the hike and there is a conservation fee charged. Shikahogh State Reserve is totally worth it, however! If you want to know more about the reserve, I found this article very informative.

Later in the afternoon, we continued on road H45, until we reached Aras river which marks the border with Iran. Be aware that there is a military checkpoint shortly after Shvanidzor village and also right before the town of Meghri. It took us about half an hour to clear both checkpoints. The soldiers were friendly and just wanted to know our reason for visiting the area.

Visiting Meghri and its cultural wonders

We arrived in the town of Meghri , which is at the southwestern corner of Syunik province, next to the border with Iran. People have inhabited the area of present-day Meghri since the Bronze Age. There are numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity of the town, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries BC. This is the period of Urartu Kingdom.

In Meghri we visited the fortress , the monastery ( Meghru Vank / St. Hovhannes Church ) and Saint Sarkis church . 

St. Hovhannes Church was a true delight to visit. The church it dates to the 17th century and also contains a gravestone from the 9th century found there. The Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (US-supported) restored the frescoes in 2019. They now look so vivid and magnificent from up close. This video gives you an idea, but you really have to see them in real life! 

More unspoiled nature

Late in the afternoon we continued on road M2 and drive back to Kapan. it is a 72-kilometer (45-mile) drive and takes a little over 1.5 hour, climbing all the way up to 2,700m (9,000 ft).

If you have more time available (which I strongly recommend), you can explore Arevik National Park and Lichk falls between Meghri and Kapan. This is a great place for hiking / mountain trekking and enjoying nature. This is part of the Transcaucasian hiking trail , which will fascinate avid hikers.

Near Kapan, it is also worth visiting Vahanavank Monastery and Halidzor fortress . Personally, I found south Syunik province the most unspoiled and exciting part of this 2-week Armenia itinerary!

Day 9: Kapan to Yeghegnadzor

Areni cave: learning about local life 8000 years ago.

We left Kapan early in the morning, making our way back northwest. After 4 hours we reached the town of Yeghegnadzor . The town itself is unremarkable and looks very Soviet, but it is a good place to base yourself. An alternative place to overnight is the small town of Areni, a little further. 

Why stop there? Because there are two more sights one cannot miss: Areni caves and Noravank Monastery.

We visited Areni-1 cave in particular. People first inhabited the cave during the Copper Age, some 8000 years ago (!). In 2008, archeologists discovered the earliest known shoe and in 2011 they uncovered the earliest known winery in the world. The cave is not very big, but it is certainly impressive. When reaching the entrance, hundreds of sparrows right above you will welcome you. More caves will become accessible in the future.

Noravank: an iconic monastery in an impressive setting

A short drive from Areni will bring you to Noravank Monastery , very close to the border with the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. Noravank is a 13th-century monastery with a bi-level church in medieval cantilever architecture. The setting of the church, a semi-arid valley surrounded by imposing rock formations, is also very impressive. 

Areni is also the wine-producing area of Armenia, so be sure to try some wines if you are into it. Be aware that the taste differs from European wines, so it may take some getting used to. I enjoyed the local wines and bought some to take back with me.

Day 10: Yeghegnadzor to Yerevan

Khor virap: the closest armenian point to mount ararat.

We left Yeghegnadzor in the morning heading west, along the border with Turkey. About 1.5 hour later we reached the site of Khor Virap , which means “deep dungeon” in Armenian. 

This storied monastery is a major pilgrimage site. This is because King Tiridates III imprisoned Gregory the Illuminator for 14 years here. Saint Gregory later became the king’s religious mentor and helped spread Christianity in the country. As I mentioned before, it was in the year 301 that the country became the first country in the world that formally adopted Christianity.

Nerses III the Builder had a chapel built at the site of Khor Virap in 642 as a mark of respect to Saint Gregory. The chapel was rebuilt many times in the following centuries. In 1662, the larger chapel known as St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) was built on the ruins of the old chapel. Khor Virap is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Armenia. When the weather is clear, you get a very impressive view of mount Ararat from as close as one can get in Armenia. We happened to visit during a dust storm, which also created some impressive scenery.

Dvin ruins: Memories of an ancient city

Around 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Khor Virap you will find the ruins of Dvin . This was a large commercial city and the capital of early medieval Armenia. It is north of the previous ancient capital of the country, the city of Artaxata (calle Artashat today). There have been numerous excavations at Dvin since 1937. The excavations have unearthed numerous items that help understand the Armenian culture of the 5th to the 13th centuries. 

Later in the afternoon we made our way to Yerevan via highway E117.

Day 11: More of Yerevan & departure

We ended our circular Armenia itinerary in Yerevan , where we discovered more of the city’s sights and relaxed after a long trip. It was a perfect closure to our trip!

Alternative Armenia itineraries

I can imagine that many of you will have more or less time to visit this amazing country. To make things easier, I have created a few alternative itineraries of different lengths to help you plan your own Armenia adventure.

5 days in Armenia

Here is my suggested itinerary for 5 days:

• Day 1: Arrival in Yerevan & exploring the city
• Day 2: Day trip from Yerevan to Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery
• Day 3: Day trip from Yerevan to Zvartots, Amberd Fortress and Mount Aragats
• Day 4: Day trip from Yerevan to Lake Sevan & Tsaghkadzor
• Day 5: More of Yerevan

7 days in Armenia

An intense and very satisfying Armenia one week itinerary, best done by car:

• Day 4: Yerevan to Gyumri | Overnight in Gyumri
• Day 5: Gyumri to Sanahin, Haghpat & Akhtala Monastery | Overnight in Dilijan
• Day 6: Dilijan & Lake Sevan | Overnight in Dilijan or Lake Sevan
• Day 7: Back in Yerevan

So, is Armenia worth visiting?

If you are still wondering whether it is worth visiting Armenia, the answer is a resounding “yes”! I just loved the country! It is much less touristy than neighboring Georgia , people are friendly, food is fantastic and it just felt unspoiled. This Armenia DIY itinerary took you through most of the highlights of the country, but there is always more to see off the beaten path. My favorite part was definitely Syunik province, which is somewhat harder to get to and even less touristy. I thank this beautiful country for offering me perspective in times of COVID madness and pessimism, and I will do my best to return one day.

How about a Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan itinerary?

The Caucasus is a fascinating pat of the world with great diversity. I strongly recommend combining Azerbaijan , Georgia and Armenia in a Caucasus travel itinerary . It is best to visit them in that order to avoid hassle in the border in Azerbaijan.

If you have a limited amount of time, a combined Armenia and Georgia itinerary is the most practical. Give this part of the world a try and you will not regret it!

Share this 2-week Armenia itinerary

Armenia practical information

Flights to armenia.

This itinerary starts and ends in the capital, Yerevan. There are not many airports in Armenia and Yerevan airport is the biggest of all. Connectivity is not optimal, but you can fly to various destinations, mainly in Europe and Russia. 

Best time to visit Armenia

The country is not that far north, but most of it is at a high altitude. It gets rather cold in winter. If you are into winter sports, then the country has some decent facilities, mainly around Tsaghkadzor. This would probably be one of the highlights of an Armenia winter itinerary. I visited in late May and it was a perfect time. It was warm but most of the time not too hot. April-May and September are ideal times to go.

You can also plan your visit to coincide with Armenia festivals . Some of the best festivals are Yerevan Jazz Day (30 April), Yerevan Wine Days (11-12 May), Dolma Festival (20 May), Syunik Mulberry Festival (7 July), Vardavar Festival (8 July), Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival (8-15 July), Taraz Festival (4 August) and the International Balloon Festival (15-18 September).

How many days to spend in Armenia

2 weeks is the perfect amount of time, as it will allow you to explore all corners of the country at a reasonable pace. 

Armenia cost of travel

The country is very cheap for almost everything. Even though the Armenian currency, the Dram, has appreciated since my visit, the country remains very affordable. Think of around $20-40 per night for a decent hotel room for 2-3 people, and $5-$10 per person for a nice meal. With such low prices, Armenia backpacking is certainly possible.

Do not forget a good travel insurance!

Having a travel insurance is essential for traveling, just in case. Click on this link to get a free quote from SafetyWing , one of the best travel insurance companies out there.

Staying connected | Armenia SIM card

Viva-MTS and Team Telecom offer the best mobile coverage and decent tourism SIM packages. You can get your own SIM and data shortly after you pick up your luggage at Yerevan airport. You will also get your own number which usually includes enough minutes to domestic numbers. Armenia country code is +374.

To save time, you can order an eSIM in advance. Airalo is the best provider for this. You can order your Armenia eSIM on this page .

Getting to Yerevan from the airport

By taxi : You can easily get to the center of Yerevan from the airport by taxi and it should not cost more than 5-6 Euro/USD (approximately 3,000 Dram). To avoid being overcharged, it is best to pre-order a taxi using the Yandex, Bolt or GG Taxi app. Be sure to have small change (500 or 1,000 AMD is best). Be aware that many taxi drivers smoke, or may even talk on their phone during the ride. 

By public transportation : There is an express bus from the airport ( EliteBus – Minibus 201 ). It runs day and night and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The buses leave in front of the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Just look for the shuttle bus sign.  

The route is Yerevan Airport – Argavand – Admiral Isakov Avenue – Mashtots Avenue – Republic Square – Abovyan Street (Yeritasardakan Metro Station). The ticket costs less than 1 Euro/USD.

Armenia car rental for a hassle-free trip

Due to the rugged terrain, there are no trains connecting the various parts of the country. There is only one main train line between Yerevan and Tbilisi, Georgia. Buses or minibuses (“marshutkas”) run infrequently between various places. Here is a very good website to find routes between places.

Having said that, this itinerary is best done as an Armenia road trip. We rent our own car at a very decent price from one of the main operators at Yerevan airport. Driving in Armenia was actually not that challenging. Some people suggest hiring a driver with their own car. This might be an option for you, if you would rather not drive. 

Share this Armenia tour itinerary

Reading Material

Planning a trip to Armenia? Check out these highly rated travel guides! You can purchase them online easily by clicking on the icons.

I adore Armenian food that I had to buy a cookbook or two upon return. Here are a few acclaimed books.

History & Literature

Learn more about the rich history of this amazing country with these carefully curated books.

Related Caucasus itineraries

Armenia – An amazing 2-week Armenia itinerary

Caucasus – The ultimate Caucasus travel itinerary: Azerbaijan to Georgia to Armenia

Azerbaijan – Top 10 places to visit in Azerbaijan for first-time visitors

Azerbaijan – A fun day trip from Baku to Gobustan National Park

Azerbaijan – A spectacular day trip from Baku to Khinalug village

Armenia – An essential day trip from Yerevan to Garni temple & Geghard monastery

Disclosure: Throughout this article you will find handy links of services and products that can be of use to you while planning your own trip. They are often affiliate links. This means that I will get a small commission if you decide to book/purchase anything through these links. This is at no extra cost to you, but it helps run this website. Thank you in advance for your support!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

About the author

Hi there, my name is Panos and I live and breathe for traveling! I have visited more than 55 countries so far and aim to discover them all! In my eyes, traveling is not a lifestyle item, but a way to learn and broaden one’s horizons. My philosophy is that, if you plan well, you can discover new places in a more relaxed way without spending a fortune. Being a natural-born travel planning consultant, I love making amazing trips accessible to everyone. I have done tons of on-the-ground research before each trip, and have documented my journeys in detail.

Privacy Overview

Top 10 Reasons To Visit Armenia

Armenia has wrongly been overlooked as a go-to destination for tourists, but if you visit, you will find a rich cultural heritage where ancient sights and delicious food abound. Throw in the friendly atmosphere (and copious opportunities for extreme sports) and it’s clear that Armenia’s reputation is due for a change. Here are the top 10 reasons to visit Armenia.

Explore The First Christian Country In The world

Did you know that Armenia was the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as a state religion? It happened in 301 AD with the assistance of Gregory the Illuminator and Armenian king Trdat III. The country began the destruction of pagan temples and the construction of Christian churches. The very first was the Echmiadzin Cathedral , which became the first Christian cathedral in the world. You can see this magnificent creation in the town of Echmiadzin, the religious centre of all Armenians. Today, religious monuments of Christianity can be seen everywhere throughout Armenia. Look out for their majestic medieval architecture, which, juxtaposed against the striking surrounding landscapes, create a spectacular sight. We also recommend paying a visit to the mysterious Monastery of Geghard, half-carved in the rock and over 800 years old. Alternatively, fly over the deep gorge to the Monastery of Tatev, a pearl of medieval Armenian architecture, or visit the prison where Gregory The Illuminator suffered at the Monastery of Khor Virap.

It’s impossible to visit the capital of Armenia, Yerevan , without noticing its magnificent natural landmark, Mount Ararat. This emotive and awe-inspiring mountain is beautiful in any season. Traditionally, Mount Ararat was the symbol of the motherland for all Armenians, and it remains so today. Ararat is known as a Biblical mount, as it was mentioned in the Bible during the story of the Great Flood. According to the tale, Noah’s ark stopped exactly on the mount and after a while, he settled in the Ararat Valley with his family. Despite the fact that Ararat is visible from many parts of Yerevan, for the most beautiful view it is best to climb to the top of the Cascade, or go to the observation area in Victory Park . For a truly breathtaking view, drive out of Yerevan to the monastery of Khor Virap, where you will feel like you can almost touch the mountain.

Take The Longest Ropeway In The World

You can get to the one of the most magnificent creations of medieval Armenian architecture, Tatev monastery , by a ropeway, which happens to be the longest in the world (5.8 kilometres, or 3.6 miles). Not one for those with a fear of heights, as you’ll find yourself walking at 320 meters (1050 feet) above the picturesque gorge of the River Vorotan for 12 minutes. At the end of the journey, you’ll arrive at a unique monastery, built in the 9th-13th centuries.

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to 500$ on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

Take A Dip In The Inverted Sky

Lake Sevan is located so high up in the mountains, that when you sit on the bank it seems that the water surface is about to touch the sky. This amazing lake is the largest and possibly the most beautiful in the Caucasus. The clean fresh water only gets warm in the middle of the summer, which means it is the perfect place to cool down on a hot day. The lake, which locals call ‘the Armenian Sea,’ is surrounded by mountains. Spend an afternoon here and notice how every hour the water changes its colour, from azure to turquoise to navy blue. You can also explore the monastic complex of Sevanavank, built in 874, located nearby.

Taste The Most Ancient Cuisine In The South Caucasus

Armenian cuisine is one of the oldest in Europe and the oldest in the South Caucasus. The dishes here are diverse and delicious thanks to the use of lots of spices, herbs, and wild flowers. In Armenia, and especially in Yerevan, there are many traditional restaurants offering a great choice of local dishes. To start with you can order spas, a creamy and low-calorie soup, prepared from fermented Armenian yogurt ( matsun) . For the second, try Armenian kyufta (meatballs) or tolma (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat). Also make sure to try juicy barbecue or khorovats, as locals say. Its preparation is a real ritual in which, according to traditions, only men take part. As a snack, sample the white Armenian cheese and basturma (dried meat with spices). You can wrap this in lava s h, Armenian national pita bread included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. For dessert, the best choice is the Armenian gata, a puff pastry that melts in your mouth.

Enjoy The Great Variety Of Fruits And Vegetables

Due to the favourable climate and the warm rays of the sun, the Armenian land provides a huge amount of juicy fruits and healthy vegetables for its residents. Every year in the summer and autumn the shop shelves are crammed with a variety of fruits, berries, and vegetables. When you visit, make sure to try the famous golden Armenian apricot, which absorbs the bright rays of Armenian sun every year and is guaranteed to please due to its gentle taste and aroma. Only in Armenia can you enjoy this delicious prunus armeniaca .

Buy A Beautiful Carpet

Many historians consider the Armenian Highlands as the birthplace of the eastern carpet. It is unknown whether it’s true or not, but from ancient times, the Armenian tradition of carpet weaving has been famous for its high and unique quality not only in the country, but also abroad. If you want to get acquainted with Armenian carpet weaving, we advise visiting the gallery and factory Mgeryan Karpet. In their gallery, you can see old works from the 16th-19th centuries, and buy the works you like the most. For a good buy, you can also visit Vernissage, an open-air souvenir fair located not far from the Republic Square. The fair offers a wide variety of things, antiques, old carpets, silver ceramics, pottery, national musical instruments, vases of onyx and much more.

Taste The Most Delicious Water In The World

Did you know that the water in Armenia is considered one of the safest and most delicious in the world. The secret is that it comes from pure natural sources. Another unique feature of Yerevan is that at almost any corner you can find small fountains with drinking water. In honour of its 2,750th anniversary, the city received 2,750 small fountains for every year. The anniversary has long passed but the fountains remain, and everyone can drink clean cold water free of charge.

Feel Real Adrenaline

Due to the mountainous terrain and favourable climate, Armenia is a great place for extreme sports. In recent years, it has become especially popular for paragliding.The places to fly in Armenia are diverse and picturesque with predictable macrometeorology. In summer, you can also enjoy widespread trekking and hiking. Tourists often choose to go climbing in Mount Aragats, the highest point of Armenia (4,090 meters or 13,420 feet). In winter, the country has excellent conditions for ski and snowboard lovers. The most popular ski resort is Tsaghkadzor, which has a four-speed chairlift, equipped with modern and safe technology and more than a dozen well-equipped ski slopes. In comparison to other European destinations, Armenia is a great alternative place to ski, with equipment available at affordable prices.

Make friends with kind and hospitable locals

There is an old Armenian saying, ‘a guest is a gift from God’. On any occasion of joy or happiness, Armenians are quick to set the table for relatives and friends. Armenians also warmly welcome foreigners and want to do everything to make them feel comfortable in their homeland. Many tourists point out that nowhere else have they seen such hospitality as in Armenia. Do not be surprised if during your trip complete strangers invite you to their home and treat you to a variety of different goodies. And it is very likely that at the end of your journey you will make good Armenian friends who will be waiting for your return to their beloved homeland.

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Destination Transformation: Meet the Innovators Reimagining Armenia

Restaurants

The best restaurants for armenian food in yerevan.

See & Do

The best things to do in tatev.

The Best Things to Do in Jermuk, Armenia

The Best Things to Do in Goris

Food & Drink

Where to try dolma in yerevan.

The Best Things to Do in Dilijan, Armenia

Where to Try Khash in Yerevan

Guides & Tips

8 interesting facts about the armenian alphabet.

Bars & Cafes

A guide to yerevan's nightlife.

22 Essential Armenian Phrases You Should Know

The Best Budget Restaurants in Yerevan

Winter sale offers on our trips, incredible savings.

• Post ID: 532748
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Before You Go

Learn About Your Destination

While Abroad

Emergencies

Share this page:

Travel Advisory July 17, 2023

Armenia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed and “Do Not Travel”  areas updated.

Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• The border region with Azerbaijan.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh region and surrounding territories due to recent hostilities .

Following the September 13-15, 2022 military actions along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including reports of shelling inside Armenia, U.S. Embassy employees and their families were prohibited from any non-essential travel to select areas along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.  Following a June 2023 review of current threat levels, the U.S. Embassy has eased select travel restrictions. U.S. Embassy Employees and their families remain prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following areas:

• Tavush region eastward of Varagavan on the H37 roadway.
• Tavush region eastward of Navur on the H36 roadway.
• Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis.
• Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not.
• Travel to Jermuk, past Getik in Vayots Dzor region via H42 and H43 roads.  
• Syunik region.
• Nagorno-Karabakh.

Country Summary:

Until September 2020, the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven other territories internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan were under Armenian-control.  In connection with seven weeks of armed hostilities over Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, Azerbaijan took control over the seven territories, as well as parts of Nagorno-Karabakh.  While the November 2020 ceasefire arrangement has largely held, military actions along the border occur on a regular basis.  From September 13-15, 2022 military actions took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, which included damage to Armenian towns near the border.   

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Armenia.

If you decide to travel to Armenia:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Armenia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above.

Nagorno-Karabakh – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in and around Nagorno-Karabakh due to landmine contamination and restricted access.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid at time of entry and departure

No requirement

None for U.S. Citizens staying for less than 180 days per year

$10,000 USD

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy yerevan.

1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Republic of Armenia Telephone: +(374) 10-464-700 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(374) 10-494-444 and during business hours (M-F 9:00am-5:30pm) +(374) 10-494-585 Fax: +(374) 10-464-742 Email:  [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You need a valid passport to enter Armenia . U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. For visits of longer than 180 days, you must apply for a residency permit through the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visit the website of the  Embassy of Armenia  for the most current visa information.

• Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens, including dual nationals, enter and depart Armenia on Armenian passports . Even if you naturalized in the United States,  the Government of Armenia may still consider you an Armenian citizen . Children born in the United States to two Armenian citizens may also be considered Armenian citizens. Please read the information about Armenian citizenship at the website of the  Embassy of Armenia  and also review the Dual Nationality information in the “Local Laws and Special Circumstances” section below.
• If you possess an Armenian “special passport” (a residency permit), you still need a valid U.S. passport to enter Armenia. Border guards have refused to admit U.S. citizens carrying “special passports.” Please visit the  Embassy of Armenia  website for further details. 

Borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan : Land borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan  remain closed  and are patrolled by armed troops. There are intermittent armed hostilities on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.  

Border with Iran: See the  Iran travel advisory. The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against all travel to Iran  due to arbitrary arrest and detention of U.S. citizens. The Department of State maintains its  “Do Not Travel”  advisory, noting the “very high risk of arrest and detention of U.S. citizens in Iran, particularly U.S.-Iranian dual nationals.”

Russian Arrest Warrants: Armenia routinely shares information about foreign visitors with Russian law enforcement and security services.  U.S. citizens may be detained by Armenian authorities upon entry or exit based on Russia law enforcement or security service information.  Former and current U.S. government and military personnel with prior travel to Russia may face increased scrutiny.

Traveling Through Europe: While Armenia is not located in the Schengen area, many flights to Armenia originate in that area of Europe. If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement. 

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay if you plan on transiting a Schengen country.   Review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page .
• You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.

HIV/AIDS Entry Restrictions : The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Armenia.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Natural Disasters : Armenia is prone to earthquakes and landslides.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Area and Conflict :

Following armed hostilities in the fall of 2020 and fall of 2023, Azerbaijan took control of Nagorno-Karabakh. Further military activity could occur in the region.  

Crime: Crime is relatively low, and violent crime is infrequent. When police are called they routinely show up; however, they generally do not speak English. Vehicle break-ins  and  theft  are rare but are the most common crimes. Police indicate that there is a criminal group in Yerevan that targets foreigners and burglarizes rented apartments when the victims are away.

• Matters involving  commercial and investment disputes  can take months or years to resolve as they work their way through the civil courts. The U.S.-Armenia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) provides that in the event of a dispute between a U.S. investor and the Republic of Armenia, the investor may take the case to international arbitration.
• Credit card fraud and ATM card skimming occurs . See the  Department of State  and  FBI  webpages for information on scams.

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams: See the  Department of State and the  FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime : U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the  U.S. Embassy  at (+374) 10-494-585 during business hours and (+ 374) 10-494-444 after hours.

Report crimes and requests for emergency services to local authorities by  dialing 911 . English speaking operators are available. Also contact the U.S. Embassy to report your situation.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime .

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a  list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• connect you to assistance for victims of domestic violence
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence : U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local resources for victims of domestic violence include shelters, medical assistance, and legal aid. Victims of domestic violence may contact the Women’s Rights Center at + (374) 10-542-828 or (0800) 80-850, 24 hours a day. The  Women’s Support Center  at + (374) 099-887-808 provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and the  Light House shelter  at + (374) 93-327-834; + (374) 43-500-503 or “20-80” provides shelter and support to victims. In cases of sexual violence or domestic violence, victims may contact the Women’s Resource Center at + (374) 077-991-280 and (0800) 01-280, from 9:00 AM to midnight.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders may be unable to access areas at a distance from major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Please review the State Department’s page on  Arrests or Detention of U.S Citizens Abroad.   In addition, many people accused of crimes are held in local prisons in pretrial detention for between two and twelve months with the possibility of posting bail while waiting for a court hearing.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately . See our webpage for further information.

• Possession, trafficking, or the uses of drugs, including marijuana, are illegal . A prescription for  medical marijuana  will not protect you from prosecution. If you are arrested for a drug offense, you could face detention during the investigation and a prison sentence after conviction. 
• Electronic cigarettes and related paraphernalia may be perceived as drug related.
• Armenia does not allow the import of various psychotropic drugs. Please review Armenia’s rules on medication at the websites for  customs  and for  health .

Customs and Exports :

• Local officials may occasionally seek bribes to perform basic duties.
• Customs authorities may enforce regulations concerning the import/export of items like firearms, pornography, and communications equipment. Please refer to the Armenian Customs Service for further information.
• The export of items of historical value, such as paintings, carpets, and old books, requires advanced authorization from the Armenian Ministry of Culture . Contact the Embassy of Armenia for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods : Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also have to pay fines or give up the items if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual nationals :

• Armenian legislation permits Armenian citizens to hold dual citizenship. Even if you naturalized in the United States,  the Government of Armenia may still consider you an Armenian citizen . Children born in the United States to two Armenian citizens may also be considered Armenian citizens. Please consult the Armenian government’s website on citizenship and read the  Armenian law on citizenship .
• Armenian law requires that Armenian citizens enter and depart Armenia on Armenian passports. Individuals who are dual citizens, or could be, should consult with the Embassy of Armenia  in Washington prior to traveling.
• Armenian males over the age of 18 are subject to mandatory military service. Penalties for evading military service include  jail time  and a  substantial fine . Young dual-citizen U.S.-Armenian men are advised to  consult with the Embassy of Armenia prior to traveling. There have been instances where dual nationals have been detained at the airport upon arrival until they can resolve their military service issues. 

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are  no antidiscrimination laws protecting  lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) individuals in Armenia. There are  no hate crime laws  or other criminal judicial mechanisms to aid in the prosecution of crimes against LGBTQI+ persons. Individuals face the potential of discrimination and harassment by state and private actors. The Department of State’s Human Rights Report documents that LGBTQI+ persons experienced physical violence, threats of violence, blackmail, and harassment. Police were unresponsive to reports of abuse against LGBTQI+ individuals and at times, themselves mistreated LGBTQI+ persons.

See the  LGBTQI+ travel information  page and section six of the  Human Rights Report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Although Armenia signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, Armenian authorities have yet to enforce it. Facilities with accommodations for individuals with disabilities are rare and, in rural areas, usually nonexistent.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers: Informal taxis or mini buses pose threats to people unfamiliar with local conditions, especially to women traveling alone. There have been occasional reports of taxi drivers sexually harassing single, female travelers. See our travel tips for  women travelers .

Outside major cities, medical facilities in Armenia are limited. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  English-speaking doctors. Elderly travelers  and those with  existing health problems  may be at risk from  inadequate medical facilities .

For emergency services in Armenia, dial 911.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Armenia.

The risk of diarrheal disease is high throughout Armenia. Food and water precautions are recommended. Additionally, cases of  brucellosis  from consuming unpasteurized dairy products have been reported.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas . Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance

• Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons in Armenia. It is typically at its worst in the winter, with smog and particulate pollution in or near cities. Consider the impact air pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

Visit AirNow  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Health facilities in general

• Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Adequate health facilities are available in Yerevan and other major cities, but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Medical emergency services at Armenian airports are not on par with U.S. airports.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Pharmaceuticals       

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Armenia Ministry of Health or The National Institute of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Armenia.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Armenia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page .
• Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in Armenia. For additional information visit the website of Armenia’s Ministry of Health .

Adventure Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel .

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   The information below is provided for general reference only. Road conditions in Armenia differ significantly from those in the United States. Exercise caution when driving in Armenia. Reckless driving is common. Drivers frequently ignore traffic laws.

• Avoid traveling at night  due to poor road conditions and limited emergency response resources. Pedestrians often cross dark streets away from designated pedestrian crossings while wearing dark clothing. U.S. Embassy employees are prohibited from driving at night outside the city limits of Yerevan.
• Yield to aggressive drivers  to reduce your risk of being a victim of aggression. Police may seek bribes during traffic stops.
• Winter travel can be hazardous, especially in mountainous areas.
• Practice defensive driving and watch out for  drunk drivers , especially on the weekends.
• Primary roads  are frequently in poor condition with stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane. Maps may be inaccurate.
• Secondary roads  are normally in poor condition and are often unpaved. Roads may not have signs. Police and emergency medical services may take a long time to reach remote regions.
• Gasoline quality ranges from good, at reliable stations in cities, to very poor. Do not buy gasoline and other fuels sold out of jars, barrels, and trucks by roadside merchants.
• Drivers licenses from the United States are not valid for driving in Armenia.  For more information, please visit this website .
• Exercise caution on roads near the border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.

Traffic Laws: In case of an accident, all vehicles must remain in place and stay until the arrival of the police. Tourists should always carry a copy of their passport.

Driving regulations are often ignored by drivers, and, as a result, accidents are common. The driving culture is aggressive. Pedestrians and bicycles may not be granted the right of way.

Public Transportation: Public transportation, while inexpensive, may be unreliable and uncomfortable. Sexual assaults have been reported on public transportation. Minibuses are dangerous, overcrowded, poorly maintained, lack seatbelts, and are frequently involved in accidents. Traveling by local unregistered taxis without meters can also prove difficult if a price is not negotiated ahead of time.

See our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Armenia’s national tourist office website and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Armenia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Armenia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Armenia .  For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, armenia map, learn about your destination, enroll in step.

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome.

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

Afghanistan

Antigua and Barbuda

Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba

Bosnia and Herzegovina

British Virgin Islands

Burkina Faso

Burma (Myanmar)

Cayman Islands

Central African Republic

Cote d Ivoire

Curaçao

Czech Republic

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini (Swaziland)

Falkland Islands

France (includes Monaco)

French Guiana

French Polynesia

French West Indies

Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)

Guinea-Bissau

Isle of Man

Israel, The West Bank and Gaza

Liechtenstein

Marshall Islands

Netherlands

New Caledonia

New Zealand

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

Papua New Guinea

Philippines

Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of the Congo

Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Sao Tome and Principe

Saudi Arabia

Sierra Leone

Sint Maarten

Solomon Islands

South Africa

South Korea

South Sudan

Switzerland

The Bahamas

Timor-Leste

Trinidad and Tobago

Turkmenistan

Turks and Caicos Islands

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican City (Holy See)

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Wander-Lush

30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan is one of my all-time favourite cities and a place I never tire of visiting. This curated guide to Armenia’s capital city brings together 30 of my favourite things to do in Yerevan , including must-sees, the best free activities, and quirky and alternative attractions.

On my first visit to the Caucasus , Armenia fell smack bang in the middle of my itinerary. I had originally planned to spend a few weeks travelling all around the country .

But not long after stepping off the train in Yerevan, I had changed my mind and decided to spend a couple of weeks in the capital instead.

Yerevan is small, but it’s my kind of city. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart and lifts your spirits; a city of parks and fountains, outdoor bars and cafes, music and laughter, independent shops and creative spaces, sprawling markets and cute boutiques.

And with views like this, how could you not fall a little bit in love?

Like Tbilisi, Yerevan is another capital on the cusp of Europe and Asia. This is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Yerevanians have weathered a recent history so tragic it almost defies belief.

Hard times have made Armenians proud of their identity and heritage, and their capital is in many ways an outward expression of that. This is where you’ll find most of the country’s top museums, cultural institutions, and restaurants that keep Armenia’s culinary traditions alive.

With its pink tuff-stone facades, wide boulevards and fountain-filled squares, Yerevan is a walking city and a photography lover’s dream. This guide brings together my favourite things to do in Yerevan plus my top visitor’s tips.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Yerevan Essentials

• Yerevan City Card: If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, consider picking up an official Yerevan City Pass. It grants you entry to more than 40 museums in Yerevan, city tours, unlimited rides on public transport, a complimentary SIM card, plus discounts on a number of restaurants and shops. Buy your Yerevan Card online here .
• Airport transfer: Book a private transfer to your hotel in Yerevan here . Prices start from a very reasonable $13 per group.
• Top Yerevan city tour: Short on time or want to explore the city with a local? You can now tour Yerevan in a vintage GAZ-M20 Pobeda (nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Car’), visiting Victory Park, Cafesjian, Republic Square and the Vernissage market in the comfort of a retro convertible!
• Yerevan day trips: For budget-friendly day trips around Armenia, I recommend travelling with Hyur Service . They offer a large variety of long and short itineraries with professional guides and safe drivers. Browse more Yerevan day trips here on Viator .

Where to stay in Yerevan

If it’s your first time in Yerevan, I highly recommend choosing an accommodation in the central Kentron District. This will put you within easy walking distance of all the top places to visit in Yerevan, terrific restaurants, bars and cafes.

I usually stay in the north-west of the city around Saryan Street.

BUDGET: Highland Hostel (⭐ 9.8). This bright hostel has both a mixed dorm and a budget-friendly private double room. It is located 10 minutes by foot from Republic Square.

MID-RANGE: Republica Hotel (⭐ 9.2). This stylish hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated with traditional Armenian carpets and with views towards Ararat from the windows and balconies. The breakfast is highly regarded.

HISTORIC: Villa Delenda (⭐ 8.8). This cosy, character-filled boutique hotel is set inside a 100-year-old stone villa and decorated with gorgeous heritage furnishings. The central location in Kentron is perfect.

HIGH-END: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (⭐ 9.1). This luxury 19th century-style hotel is located adjacent to the Venissage in the centre of the city. It features modern suites, a pool, an onsite restaurant, and in the basement, an Armenian carpet museum!

30 awesome things to do in Yerevan

This curated list brings together my favourite free things to do in Yerevan , alternative and offbeat attractions, museums and galleries, and classic Yerevan experiences that I consider must-dos!

1. Summit the Yerevan Cascade for a view of Mount Ararat

On the opposite side of the city from Republic Square, the massive limestone staircase that is the Yerevan Cascade rises up to link the lower and upper parts of the city. One of the best things to do in Armenia is climb the Cascade for a view of Yerevan and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat .

Start in the Sculpture Garden that skirts the bottom of the stairs. Here’s where you’ll find a collection of provocative and humorous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. ‘Smoking Woman’ and ‘Gatto’ (the cat) are my favourites.

You then have the option to climb the outdoor Cascade stairs or to head inside to the Cafesjian Museum of Art and ride the escalators to the top. Ascending the massive hillside staircase will give you close-up views of the Soviet-style stone reliefs , fountains and sculptures that decorate every tier.

Inside, encased within the stairs, there is a series of galleries that showcase different art and design exhibitions. Four of the galleries (including the Sasuntsi Davit Gallery) are free to visit while others require a ticket.

The Cascade is one of the most beautiful places in Yerevan. And it only gets better once you get to the top of the stairs – if you’re lucky, you’ll be rewarded with gob-smacking views. On a clear day, fabled Greater Ararat – the spot where Noah is said to have set down his Ark – rises above the rooftops.

Save this activity for a clear day. My best tip is to get there as early as possible, especially in summer, as the sky tends to get progressively hazier as the day goes on. Do note that the fountains aren’t turned on until mid-morning (on my last visit I was there at 10am and they weren’t running yet).

In spring and winter you can climb up for sunset and often get a clear picture of Ararat.

• Location: 10 Tamanyan Street
• Opening hours: 24/7 (outside); 8am-8pm Friday to Sunday (Cafesjian)
• Cost: Both the sculpture garden and galleries are now completely free

2. Keep on climbing to the October Revolution Memorial

The views from the top of the Cascade are hard to beat – but if you want to continue walking, it is possible to climb even higher above the city. The October Revolution Memorial, Victory Park and the Mother Armenia statue are all located in Kanaker-Zeytun district behind the Cascade and are easy to reach on foot in around 20-30 minutes .

When you reach the top of the Cascade, take the path up on the left-hand side. You will soon be able to see the underside and inner workings of the Cascade itself, which is quite interesting!

Continue walking, following the lemon-coloured wall next to the construction site all the way until you are standing underneath the concrete structure. Use the metal stairs next to the guard box to go all the way to the top, and you will pop out inside the memorial complex.

You can get a nice photo of the obelisk and stairs from this angle, framed by the concrete overhang.

The October Revolution Memorial consists of a huge concrete plaza (the views are rather grand from here, too), a mausoleum-like stone building, and a 50-metre-tall obelisk . The obelisk is crowned with a single wheat sheaf symbolising the Tree of Life.

It was created in 1967 by Jim Torosyan and Sargis Gurzadyan to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.

3. Walk through Victory Park & say ‘hello’barev’ to Mother Armenia

Officially opening in November 1950 after two decades of work, Victory Park is one of the biggest green spaces in Yerevan and undoubtedly commands the best views of the city.

The park has a great retro vibe (there is even an abandoned Soviet-era building inside – see the next section), with cute hand-drawn maps at every entrance. There are several more war memorials inside the park plus some beautiful khachkar stones. In the upper part there is an amusement park, an artificial lake and a ferris wheel.

When coming from the Cascade via the October Revolution Memorial, exit from the back of the memorial plaza (follow the street down a few metres to get a view of the neo-Brutalist apartment building ), then use the pedestrian underpass to cross the road. You will see one of the entrances to Victory Park directly in front of you.

Once inside, follow the main walking path all the way along, past the abandoned restaurant (see below), and you will eventually come to a marked panoramic viewpoint, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame, and the Mother Armenia statue.

One of the most conspicuous Soviet-era monuments in Yerevan, Mother Armenia is a 22-metre-high statue set in Victory Park. Originally a 17-metre-tall Stalin statue stood on this spot until the copper effigy was removed in 1962.

A symbol of ‘peace through strength’, Mother Armenia was designed by Ara Harutyunyan and bears a resemblance and similar sentiment to other ‘mother’ statues in former USSR cities (including Tbilisi, where you’ll find Mother of Georgia adjacent to Narikala Fortress ). There is a second Mother Armenia statue in Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri .

This statue is special for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is modelled off a real woman, Genya Muradian. The story of how she came to inspire the sculptor is very cool!

Another thing that sets this statue apart from her sisters is the basalt-stone pedestal, which is hollowed out to form several chambers. Designed by Rafayel Israyelian, it now houses the Military Museum of Armenia . Entry is by donation.

4. Photograph the abandoned Aragil Restaurant

If you’re up for a short urbexing detour, I highly recommend stopping at the former Restaurant Aragil while you walk through Victory Park. Located at the very front of the park overlooking the city, it has an incredible view and must have been quite the spot back in the day.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went looking for the abandoned building. Turns out it is right off the main path that runs through the lower part of the park. The interesting part – the open terrace with a colourful floor mosaic – is outside (the main part of the restaurant building is locked) and very easy to find. I was alone and didn’t feel nervous here at all.

You can also see the old restaurant sign hanging at the front of the building, and a very interesting stone relief on the side that depicts a stork (Aragil means ‘stork’ in Armenian). Off to the side there are abandoned gazebos.

A sign on the front of the building indicates that the restaurant opened in 1960 and was designed by the Armenian architect Rafayel Israyelian (the same artist responsible for the stone Mother of Armenia pedestal). It also says the restaurant was ‘preserved and restored’ – I guess at some point there were plans to demolish it. I hope someone does eventually restore and reopen it.

5. Visit the mighty Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts

Officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, the Matenadaran is set inside an imposing building on the hillside behind the Cascade. To get there, cross the little footbridge before the Divers sculpture then follow the lower road.

The Matenadaran is the safekeeper of the world’s largest collection of Armenian manuscripts. The institute was established in 1959 and is named after the man who developed the Armenian alphabet. The five-storey building holds an estimated 23,000 manuscripts and scrolls, plus another half-a-million archival documents, decrees and periodicals – many of them donated by the public.

A small cross-section of the collection is on display inside the Matenadaran’s stately rooms, presented in antique wooden cabinets under glass. The illuminated manuscripts are particularly beautiful, and it’s fascinating to see early examples of the Armenian alphabet, itself very unique.

The institute also has a copy of Urbatagirk , the first ever Armenian book published in Venice in 1512.

• Location: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays)
• Cost: 1,500 AMD
• Tip: You’ll need to pay an additional 2,500 AMD if you want to take photos inside

6. Grab a drink at Lumen 1936, Yerevan’s most beautiful coffee shop

Conveniently located close to the bottom of the Cascade, Lumen Coffee 1936 is the ideal place to spot for breakfast or a drink after your morning walk.

Previously a tobacconist and a bookstore, the space originally opened in 1940 and features original painted walls, inlay ceilings and woodwork by master craftsman Hovhannes Naghashyan.

The cafe has two delightful little single-person booth seats for solo sippers plus a couple of tables. The coffee is top-notch, and they also serve breakfast (sadly I arrived before the kitchen was open so I just grabbed a croissant).

The historic fittings and morning light pouring through the front windows makes this one of the most beautiful places in Yerevan.

• Location: 45 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am until late

7. Hunt down Yerevan street art

In early 2023 Yerevan hosted its first street art festival, the City of the Future Street Art Festival . Several large-scale murals were created as part of the event, including the work pictured above left by Italian artist Antonio Perrotta ( attorrep ), which can be seen on the facade of the Academy of Fine Arts close to Lumen Cafe.

There are at least three more murals around town – see how many you can spot during your travels around Yerevan.

Just around the corner, there is another public art project worth stopping by. The ‘Eternal Alphabet Wall’ is a set of sculptures of the characters of the Armenian alphabet created by artist and designer Vahan Balasanyan.

8. Stroll through Republic Square

Republic Square (also known simply as ‘the Square’ or Hraparak) is the heart and social centre of Yerevan. This is where you can see some of the city’s most impressive stone buildings (including the National Museum) arranged around a large open plaza. In spring and summer, tulips and roses bloom around the edge of the square.

When it was constructed between the 1950s and 70s, city planners flattened Yerevan’s old town and erected the square right on top. That’s why Yerevan doesn’t have a defined ‘Old Town’ area like Tbilisi . At the time of my first visit in 2017, work had just started to construct a ‘new old town’ using fragments of recovered tuff stone.

Originally called Lenin Square, this was once a marching ground for military parades. Now, Republic Square is a gathering place for Yerevanites young and old – and a very popular spot to grab an ice cream cone or a cup of coffee on a sunny afternoon.

Did you know that Yerevan gets 300 days of sunshine every year? Republic Square is the perfect place to soak up some rays. Every night, the square’s Dancing Fountain lights up for a show – but I prefer this area during the day when it’s chokkas with people. The atmosphere is great.

Located at the top of Republic Square, the History Museum of Armenia houses some of the country’s most significant archaeological finds, including the famous Areni-1 shoe , a 5,500-year-old leather shoe that was unearthed in Vayots Dzor in 2008. It’s very well preserved considering it’s the oldest leather shoe in the world!

The museum collection catalogues more than 400,000 items – a testament to Armenia’s long history. Given that this region is the birthplace of viniculture, I also recommend seeking out the urns and other artefacts related to the area’s winemaking tradition should you choose to visit.

The History Museum is interesting but it is not my favourite museum in Yerevan – read on for two of my top picks.

9. Drink from a Pulpulak

Yerevan’s drinking fountains, known as pulpulaks, are another unique feature of the city’s urban planning. Most of the fountains were erected in the 1920s. Incredibly, there are more than 1,500 in total – once you know what to look for you’ll notice them on almost every street corner and in parks and squares everywhere.

The fountain with the most impressive design is Yot Aghbyur (‘Seven Springs’) , which sits on the western side of Republic Square near the museum and has been a fixture of the city since 1965.

Crowds of thirsty punters queue to drink from the seven water bubblers. Do as the locals do and take a quick, healthy gulp of the fresh, icy cold water whenever you pass by – just don’t let your lips touch the fountain!

10. Step inside Katoghike, Yerevan’s most beautiful church

There are dozens of churches in Yerevan, most built from tuff stone in the same shades as the city’s buildings. They can be easy to miss, especially when they’re nestled at the foot of towering apartment blocks.

Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church was consecrated in 1264 , making it one of the oldest churches in the city . The complex is the result of decades of additions and reconstructions. A tiny chapel – only big enough to hold a few worshippers – is dwarfed by a new basilica that encases it.

Parts of the complex (including an original 13th-century wall) have survived all kinds of hardships, from the threat of Soviet city planning to earthquakes. In this way, I see it as something of a motif for Armenia in general. This place has a special aura and reverence about it, especially in the late afternoon when the sun sinks behind the bell tower, lighting up the plaza and illuminating the stone.

• Location: 17 Abovyan Street
• Opening hours: From 9am daily

11. Visit the Blue Mosque, the last active mosque in Armenia

Being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion, the vast majority of Armenians have worshiped the same god since 301 AD. Modern-day Yerevan is extremely diverse, with Jews, Yazidis, Kurds and Syrian Muslims all calling the capital home.

Built in the 18th century, the Blue Mosque was the largest of Yerevan’s eight mosques and is the last remaining Islamic house of worship in Armenia today. Mainly used by the city’s Iranian community and embassy staff, it’s one of the top Yerevan attractions.

In a gesture of good faith, the mosque was leased to the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan in 2015. The turquoise, indigo and butter-yellow mosaics on the facade and exterior dome were restored and can now be admired from the leafy gardens out front. Don’t miss the elaborately decorated entrance that faces onto the road.

The mosque doubles as a cultural centre, offering classes in Farsi. It’s possible to go inside when prayers are not in progress – I haven’t ventured in myself, but from photos, the brick domed interior looks impressive. Appropriate dress (including a head covering for women) is required if you want to venture any further beyond the garden.

At the time of my most recent visit there was a pop-up shop inside one of the ancillary buildings. This meant that I could go inside one of the rooms and view the convex brick dome and tile work that decorates the interior.

The Blue Mosque is a symbol of the cordial relationship between Armenia and neighbouring Iran. The two countries have a visa-free tourism arrangement (a huge number of Iranians visit Yerevan every year), and Iran has allowed Armenia to preserve several Apostolic churches that fall within the Islamic Republic’s borders.

• Location: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: 10am-1pm & 3pm-6pm daily

12. Rummage for treasure at the Vernissage Market

A must see in Yerevan, the city’s biggest outdoor market, the Vernissage, occupies all of the central Charles Aznavour Square. It began in the 1980s when a group of local painters started displaying their works outside the art institute on Buzand Street. Today it’s a huge indoor-outdoor market selling everything from canvases and carpets to second-hand treasures and handcrafted souvenirs .

As a rough guide, you can find most artists and craftspeople in the undercover section while antiques and vintage items are sold out back.

My favourite part of the Vernissage is the carpet section. Vendors set up along the side of the market, displaying a dizzyingly beautiful array of Caucasian rugs hung on tree branches and draped over the hoods of vintage cars.

Browse the rows of stalls, meet the artisans, rummage for antique coffee pots and cute knick knacks, then walk yourself up and down ‘carpet row’ a couple of times. The Vernissage is similar in some ways to Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge Market , but there are more handmade products versus antiques.

• Location: Buzand Street
• Opening hours: Daily from 7am-6pm

For tips on shopping for textiles at the Vernissage Market and elsewhere in Armenia, check out my Textile Lover’s Guide to the Caucasus .

13. Browse Yerevan’s small galleries & boutiques

The whole of Yerevan sometimes feels like an outdoor gallery, with painter’s easels, street performers, murals and colourful cafes on every corner. There are plenty of small galleries and boutiques where you can browse Armenian art, ceramics and handicrafts.

Dalan is one of my favourite gallery spaces and doubles as a souvenir shop. This is where the famous and much-photographed wall of plates is located.

Whether it’s fashion, hand-painted ceramics, tea, honey and other edibles, knickknacks, Soviet memorabilia or textiles you’re after, you’ll find it for sale in Yerevan.

→ For more advice on what to buy in Yerevan, see my guide to Armenian souvenirs and Yerevan shopping map .

14. See how lavash is made at the GUM Market

In Armenia, lavash is an essential accompaniment to every meal. The technique and ritual involved in making and eating this paper-thin bread is so intertwined with Armenian heritage that in 2014, UNESCO recognised it as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

Lavash comes in an astounding array of colours and textures, each one more delicate and airy than the last. The best place to see huge lavash sheets being prepared and sold is at the GUM Market on Movses Khorenatsi Street.

This is one of my favourite markets in the Caucasus. It’s relatively small, but I always spend a good hour here roaming the aisles, trying to guess what the more foreign-looking items might be, taste testing (people are always offering samples!), and photographing the vibrant displays.

The lavash shops are along the left-hand wall of the main hall. At the front of the market you’ll find candied fruits and nuts. Don’t miss the back section where the fresh produce and pickles live!

If you’re curious to see how Armenian lavash is made, check out this short video I made on a day trip from Yerevan:

→ For more photos and tips, see my guide to visiting the GUM Market.

• Location: 35 Movses Khorenatsi Street
• Get there: 5-minute walk from Zoravar Andranik metro station (2 stops from Republic Square)
• Opening hours: 11am-5pm daily
• Tip: I recommend visiting around noon when the market is liveliest

15. Ride the Yerevan Metro & admire the station architecture

In the Soviet era, when a city’s population hit one million people a state-sponsored metro would be built for the people. Anything less, and a simple tram system would suffice.

I’m told that Yerevan’s population never met the threshold but the city managed to bypass these rules by convincing authorities that the repatriation of the Armenian diaspora would cause the population to balloon. (It didn’t – in fact, Yerevan’s population wouldn’t hit one million until 2012!)

Yerevan’s metro line officially opened in 1981 and services just 10 inner-city stations (with two more on the way). Tunnels are burrowed 20-70 metres below the streets, and some stations are located above ground. It’s an easy way to travel from one side of the city to the other – and riding the metro is a fun experience in and of itself.

Yerevan’s metro is very retro – some of the original blue cars still shuttle along, and the system continues to operate on a plastic token system. To ride the trains, you must first exchange a coin for a plastic token at the cashier desk inside the entrance. Alternatively, you can buy a rechargeable metro card or pick up a Yerevan City Card , which includes free public transport.

You can find some great examples of quirky metro station art and architecture in Yerevan, with the most impressive Soviet-style wall friezes located on the platforms at Yeritasardakan Station and Barekamutyun Station.

The underground Republic Square Station is very impressive as well, with its sunken fountain and sculptural roof opening (pictured above).

• Opening hours: The Yerevan Metro runs from 7am-11pm daily
• Cost: 100 AMD per ride
• Tip: Station names and directions are written in English on the tunnel walls

16. Seek out Yerevan’s Soviet throwbacks

Armenia was a Socialist Republic for almost 70 years. Some of the city’s most prominent landmarks went up during this period, including the Opera House and Republic Square.

There are reminders of Armenia’s not-so-distant Soviet past all over the city – fans of Brutalist architecture and Soviet nostalgia are guaranteed to have a field day.

Apart from the spots already mentioned in this guide, other prominent examples of Socialist architecture in Yerevan include the hulking ‘Commieblock’ apartments around Andranik Metro Station (you can visit these on your way to the GUM Market).

Then there are the not-so-obvious Soviet-era constructions – many of them abandoned and untouched since the collapse of the USSR. I’ve heard there is an abandoned Soviet sports complex near the Genocide Memorial that’s become popular among urbexers in recent years. I’ve never been able to find it – if you have any leads on the exact location, please let me know!

17. Watch the weavers in action at the Megerian Carpet Museum

If you’re a fan of textiles and traditional crafts, don’t miss visiting the Megerian Carpet Museum. The location is a bit further out and requires a taxi ride from the centre, but it’s worth it to visit one of the most interesting places in Yerevan.

This private shop-museum is owned by a local family and exhibits a huge collection of antique and newly woven Armenian and Caucasian rugs. Wander through the carpet-laden rooms and compare the patterns and colours of different regional schools. Weaving and dyeing demonstrations usually take place during the day.

If you’re in the market to buy an Armenian carpet, this is one of the best places to find an authentic original or hand-woven replica.

If you don’t have time to venture out to Megerian, there is a second (much smaller) demonstration workshop and carpet museum-shop located in the bottom of Tufenkian Heritage Hotel , near the Vernissage Market (pictured above).

• Location: 9 Madoyan Street
• Get there: 20-minute walk from Garegin Nzhdehi Square metro station or 10-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)

18. Spend an afternoon at the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe, one of my favourite hidden gems in Yerevan

Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe is my new favourite place in Yerevan. It opened back in 2018, but somehow I didn’t hear about it until 2023.

Born in Nakhchivan in 1946, Lusik Aguletsi was a painter and ethnographer who advocated for the preservation of Armenian culture. She relocated to Yerevan in 1953 and moved into her husband’s family home on a quiet street behind the railway station. This is now the venue for a house-museum dedicated to documenting her life’s work.

Lusik famously wore Armenian national dress every day. A large part of the museum collection is made up of embroidery and textiles that she sewed herself. You can also see a huge assortment of folk puppets, Lusik’s own canvases, and other cultural objects that she collected over her lifetime.

Part of the house has been converted into a restaurant where you can sit down for a meal amongst the antiques. I ordered the cucumber and basil lemonade and the arishta, a traditional Armenian pasta served with vegetables.

It was honestly one of the best meals I have had in Yerevan. I highly recommend eating here, then taking the short (free) tour of the museum.

Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe is walking distance from the Sasuntsi David Metro Station. On the way, stop to see the equestrian statue of David of Sassoun , located in front of the equally impressive railway station.

• Location: 79 Muratsan Street
• Get there: 15-minute walk from Sasuntsi David Metro Station
• Opening hours: Daily from 12pm-7pm
• Cost: Free (donations welcome)

19. Visit the house museum of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov

Another excellent museum and one of Yerevan’s quirkier institutions, the Sergei Parajanov House Museum is a small museum dedicated to the filmmaker and pioneer of 20th-century cinema who was born in Tbilisi but lived (and died) in Yerevan.

The museum recalls Parajanov’s avant-garde career through a collection of eclectic (sometimes irreverent) films, mixed-media collages and personal possessions . It’s a treasure box of curiosities and there are some truly wonderful art pieces in the mix. You really get a feel for his character and personality when you walk through.

Parajanov’s cult classic film, The Color of Pomegranates (1969), plays on a loop on a TV inside the museum. I highly recommend watching the movie before you visit the Caucasus region . You can buy it on DVD here .

• Location: Dzoragyugh 1st Street
• Get there: 15-minute walk from the Blue Mosque (near Kond)
• Opening hours: 10.30am-5pm daily
• Cost: 1,000 AMD

20. Explore Kond, Yerevan’s oldest neighbourhood

While you’ll probably spend most of your time in Kentron, Yerevan’s central district, you should also get out to explore Kond, a much smaller neighbourhood on the city’s western fringe. This is one of the best places in Yerevan to go for an aimless stroll.

In the absence of an official old town, the accolade of Yerevan’s oldest area goes to Kond. The neighbourhood is elevated on a hillside and can be reached either by steep street or via any one of the narrow staircases that lead up from the main road. Kond is mainly residential with an assortment of character-filled, tumbledown houses , overgrown gardens, and patched-up shacks.

Don’t be expecting a picture-perfect old town; Kond is a bit rough around the edges but beautiful in its own threadbare way. If you enjoy architecture and street photography , this is a great place to get lost for a couple of hours.

While in Kond, don’t miss the Saint Sarkis Cathedral , a humble church made from orange tuff stone sourced from Ani. If you need a break from walking, stop for a coffee and chat at Kondi Hayat , a new cafe in Kond.

21. Walk through the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge

The Kond Pedestrian Tunnel is one of the many hidden gems in Yerevan. Built in the Soviet era, the long pedestrian walkway cuts under the Kond neighbourhood, joining the city centre from Saryan Street with Hrazdan Gorge.

Sections of the dimly lit 500-metre tunnel are decorated with graffiti and street art. On any given afternoon you’ll find the tunnel full of couples walking arm in arm, families out for a stroll and kids riding their bicycles.

At the end you emerge in Hrazdan Gorge , an unexpected urban green space that runs along the edge of the city by the river. Emerging from the tunnel on the other side of the rock wall, you almost immediately feel as if you’ve escaped the city and been transplanted to an urban oasis.

This is a great place to stroll in the fresh air. The Armenian Genocide Memorial can be spotted on the hill above the river, and you can follow the low path all the way around to the Ararat Yerevan Brandy Company factory . There’s even a zip line in the gorge.

22. Find the Children’s Railway

As you walk north along Hrazdan Gorge you’ll notice an apricot-coloured, castle-like building peeking out through the shrubs. This is the main station building for the Children’s Railway.

In Soviet times, this miniature railway was an interactive classroom where kids could come and learn about train engineering. The 2-kilometre track is still functioning and in the warmer months, you can see groups of excited little faces peeking out as the locomotive chugs along through the gorge.

The wooden station building is dated 1937 and is a blast from Yerevan’s Soviet past. Photograph the architecture, stroll through the nearby amusement park, or follow the railway track to find a natural swimming pool by the river.

23. See the whimsical wall drawings at the Khnko-Aper Children’s Library

I stumbled on this library completely by accident when looking for places to visit near Freedom Square. After seeing some interesting photos of wall murals on Google Maps, I decided to wander in… As I so often do, I walked through the lobby with purpose and no one gave me a second look.

Armenia’s national children’s library, Khnko-Apor was founded in 1933 and houses a collection of more than half a million books . There are dozens of different reading rooms (including Iranian and German halls) that seat up to 100 people, plus children’s play areas and educational spaces.

Rooms of particular note include the children’s reading room on the second level, and the reading room on the third floor. Both are decorated with hand-drawn illustrations that, as far I can tell, were created in the 1980s.

At first I couldn’t find the murals I was looking for, so I asked a staff member – she spoke perfect English and kindly showed me which doors I should look behind. As I kept exploring, I met a couple of other librarians who were all equally warm towards me and were happy for me to take photos.

• Location: 42/1 Teryan Street
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm

24. Stop by the historic Moscow Cinema

Built in 1936, the Moscow Cinema is one of Yerevan’s main landmarks from the Soviet period. It has been redesigned several times but it has kept the same name (emblazoned on the front entrance in both Armenian and Russian) – and it still serves its original purpose. Its four theatre halls show new release movies and host the annual Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival.

The concave facade has some interesting design details, and on both sides of the building you can see Soviet-style decorations. This is a public building and you are welcome to wander in for a look: As well as movie theatres, there is also a hotel inside (and on the second floor, a free and very clean restroom if you need it!).

I walked up to the movie theatre entrance and made a fabulous discovery – in one corner, partially hidden behind a movie poster, there is a very interesting Soviet-style bas relief that depicts music, theatre and the arts. Named ‘Gorani’ (I assume after the famous Western Armenian folk song), the clay sculpture was created in 1984 by architects B. Arzumanyan and E. Safaryan and artists V. Atanian and A. Hovsepyan.

Yerevan’s Saint Paul and Peter Church once stood on this spot before it was demolished by the Soviets in the early 1930s. Today the cinema opens out onto Charles Aznavour Square , where there is a very cute astrological fountain with Zodiac characters, plus a contemporary spider sculpture by Ara Alekyan crafted with debris from the 1988 Spitak Earthquake.

• Location: 18 Abovyan Street

25. Tour the Ararat Brandy Factory

The orange stone Ararat Brandy Factory building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Yerevan. Inside, one of Armenia’s most iconic products comes to life: Ararat Brandy.

Established in 1887, Ararat is one of the oldest liquor companies in the Caucasus. The Yerevan facility houses 15,000 barrels – or one third of the company’s stock – and doubles as a museum and tasting room, where you can partake in a guided tour and brandy tasting .

I was always on the fence about whether or not to do the factory tour. On my first few visits to Yerevan, I skipped it – but when I recently visited again with my dad, he was eager to try it.

The tour is quite pricey – we paid 12,000 AMD per person for the most expensive program, the Ararat 10 Tour. That included tastings of three decade-old brandies, Akhtamar, Armenia and Dvin. Regular guided tours without tastings are also available for 4,500 AMD.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and professional – I actually really enjoyed the tour. If you have a spare hour and the history of brandy interests you, I think it’s worth adding to your Yerevan itinerary.

Bookings are recommended – we got lucky and arrived just as a group tour was starting, but normally you need a reservation to guarantee your place, especially if you’re visiting in the summer high season.

Competitor company Noy Brandy also offers guided tours and tastings at their facility on the opposite side of Victory Bridge.

• Location: 2 Admiral Isakov Avenue
• Get there: 5-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: Daily from 9am-6pm
• Cost: 4,500-12,000 AMD ( reservations here )

26. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial

While you’re out enjoying the finer things Yerevan has to offer, remember that things haven’t always been so rosy. The events of 1915 cast a long shadow over Armenia and are never too far from people’s memory.

As an Australian I’m embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing about the Armenian Genocide before I arrived in Yerevan. As uncomfortable as it may be, taking the time to learn about this chapter of world history that many of us have forgotten about is an absolutely essential part of any visit to Armenia.

The best place to learn, reflect and pay your respects is at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. The main part of the outdoor memorial consists of 12 concrete slabs, each representing a lost Armenian province. The eternal flame laid 1.5 metres deep is a tribute to the victims of the genocide.

Located next to the memorial, the Armenian Genocide Museum does an outstanding job of leading visitors through the tragic events of April 24, 1915. At times the exhibition is graphic and utterly gut-wrenching, but at the end you come away with a sense of Armenia’s fighting spirit and a new appreciation for the enduring culture, religion and traditions.

• Get there: 10-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: 11am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)

27. See a show at the Opera Theatre

One of the best things to do in Yerevan at night is dress up in your fanciest attire and catch a performance at the Armenian Opera Theatre.

The circular theatre on Freedom Square opposite the Cascade is enveloped by gardens. The small lake nearby is called Swan Lake – a tribute to the theatre’s first ballet performance in 1935. During the day, this is a lively area with children riding their bikes around the square and cafes set up along the nearby sidewalks.

There are five statues in the square , including the twin effigies of composer Alexander Spendiaryan and poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, both erected in 1957. Look under foot for commemorative plaques dedicated to famous Armenian artists , Hollywood Walk of Fame style. The eastern side of the theatre with the Opera Club entrance is very photogenic.

At night, the theatre lights up and the show begins. There are two halls seating 1400 and 1200 people each. When full, the atmosphere is electric. I was lucky enough to see Swan Lake here in spring 2017.

 If it’s playing, try to see Anoush , the first opera performed in Armenian that’s been on the playbill here since 1935. Otherwise I would suggest just buying tickets for whatever happens to be on – it’s more about the experience.

My trip to the opera in Yerevan was quite unusual. I showed up on the wrong night (I had accidentally bought tickets for the previous night’s performance) and ended up being snuck into the back of the theatre by a friendly stewardess! I had to stay on guard for the first half of the performance in case the rightful ticket holder showed up to claim my seat.

It’s recommended to buy tickets (for the correct night!) in advance from the box office out front. Note that there is no bar inside the theatre. Cloak rooms and bathrooms are downstairs.

• Location: Tumanyan Street
• Performance times: Check the program here

28. Feast on lahmajun & other Armenian delicacies

Much like Georgian food, Armenian cuisine is completely underrated . If you’re not familiar with the tastes and textures, eating out in Yerevan will definitely be a pleasant surprise.

One of my favourite dishes and something I always reach for when visiting Yerevan is lahmajun. Though not strictly an Armenian dish (it is a food culture shared with Turkiye, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East), it is very popular in Yerevan.

Lahmajun is essentially a flatbread topped with various ingredients ranging from vegetables to ground meat to simple Zaatar spice rubs. It always makes for an affordable and tasty meal.

Popular lahmajun joints in Yerevan include:

• Anteb : One of my favourite eateries in Yerevan (see more below), Anteb Restaurant specialises in Western Armenian dishes, including lahmajun.
• Lahmajun Gaidz : For creative lahmajun recipes that incorporate Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours.
• Elie’s Lahmajun : A local favourite close to Republic Square.

29. Grab a drink at Mirzoyan Library, Yerevan’s coolest bar

Yerevan nightlife is quite lively and there is no shortage of things to do once the sun goes down. According to my walking tour guide, Yerevan has more than 500 open-air cafes – I’d say that’s a conservative estimate! At night, you’ll find that many of these cafes transform into trendy wine and cocktail bars .

My favourite place to go for a drink in Yerevan is Mirzoyan Library . Set in a historic courtyard and house, it functions as a photography gallery slash library slash cafe during the day. The space was concocted by photographer Karen Mirzoyan to make her personal collection of fine photography books available to other young artists in the city.

In the evening, you can pull up an antique chair and sit on the rickety verandah or just perch yourself on one of the staircases. Wine and beer are served alongside non-alcoholic drinks. You can browse the books while you sip but you can’t take them home – no library cards here!

• Location: 10 Mher Mkrtchyan Street
• Opening hours: Midday to midnight daily

30. Taste Armenian wine at In Vino

Want to get acquainted with Armenian wine? Yerevan is home to the country’s leading wine bar and shop, In Vino on Saryan Street.

More than 25 wines are available by the glass so you can try a selection of locally produced drops from Areni and Armenia’s other wine-making regions. Prices start from a very reasonable 800 AMD.

For the full experience, pair your plonk with a tasting plate of local cheeses, cured meats and nuts. Delicious desserts also feature on the menu, or for something more substantial you can order a baguette sandwich (sold by the centimetre) or meals from nearby Tapastan.

Formal wine tastings are also available and include 4-6 Armenian wines.

• Location: 6 Martiros Saryan Street
• Opening hours: 11am-midnight daily
• Cost: From 800 AMD for a glass of wine
• Read next: Where to do a wine tasting in Tbilisi, Georgia

BONUS: Learn about the history of Yerevan on a walking tour

The city of Yerevan, like the nation of Armenia, has a long and complicated past. If you really want to sink your teeth into local history and culture while ticking off the major landmarks, then I highly recommend joining a walking tour.

Yerevan is home to an excellent free walking tour program that offers both general and culture-focused itineraries. Tours last 2-2.5 hours (although I ended up spending 4 hours with my guide when we did the introductory tour!), and usually depart from Republic Square. Remember to tip.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace and with your own guide, this private walking tour hits most of the major Yerevan landmarks, including Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral, the Opera Theatre, Cafesjian, and Victory Park.

Alternatively, this Evening Walking Tour of Yerevan starts at the Vernissage Market and is perfect if you’re travelling during summer and want to beat the heat of the day. And for something really special, you can tour Yerevan in a vintage GAZ-M20 Pobeda (nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Car’)!

My favourite cafes & restaurants in Yerevan

Anteb: The first place I go whenever I arrive in Yerevan. This no-frills restaurant specialises in Western Armenian cuisine and serves amazing manti dumplings and lahmajun topped flatbread.

Dargett Craft Beer: If wine isn’t your cup of tea, Armenia has a budding craft beer scene with a growing number of specialty bars in Yerevan. Dargett Craft Beer is the city’s leading brew pub, with artisanal beers on tap, a huge selection of bottles, and a menu of crowd-favourite beer snacks (think fish and chips, onion rings and Poutine). Their own craft beers (including stout, pale ale and pilsners) are made in Armenia on local spring water

The Green Bean Cafe: My go-to in Yerevan for good coffee and light, healthy meals. This cafe has a strong focus on fresh, plant-based food but the menu spans a huge range of offerings. There are 3 branches in the city, including one adjacent to the Cascade and another on Amiryan Street.

Sherep: ‘Elevated’ Armenian fare and scrumptious desserts, including a chocolate mousse with local brandy – yum.

Tapastan: Local wines and Armenian dishes served tapas sharing-plate style.

Dolmama: This restaurant is a bit more pricey but it’s a Yerevan institution so I definitely recommend trying it once. The dolma is excellent – obviously!

Yerevan Map

Click here to open my Yerevan City Map in Google Maps .

Recommended day trips from Yerevan

For budget-friendly guided tours from Yerevan, I recommend travelling with Hyur Service . I have personally used them several times. Guides are professional, drivers safe, and although the itineraries are often long, they usually incorporate lots of stops along the way.

Here are some of the most popular day trip options offered by Hyur and other companies. Some of these places can also be visited independently.

Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery: The 1st-century Garni Temple and medieval Geghard Monastery are within a 15-minute drive of each other and are thus often paired as a side trip from Yerevan. Both are visually spectacular and have a fascinating history. This is my top choice of easy day trip, involving roughly 2 hours of driving in total.

This group tour to Garni and Geghard also includes an Armenian lavash-baking demonstration.

Echmiadzin & Zvartnots: Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is home to the stunning Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. On the drive from Yerevan, tours often stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral and the much-photographed ring of columns that frames views of Mount Ararat. Total driving time is around 90 minutes. This trip can also be done independently by public transport ( marshrutka ).

This group tour with Hyur Service runs for 4-5 hours and includes Mother See, several smaller churches and Zvartnots.

Khor Virap: Khor Virap monastery is located roughly an hour from Yerevan, very close to the Turkish border. If you want spectacular views of Mount Ararat, this is the place to go.

This trip to Khor Virap with Hyur includes a wine tasting in Areni and a visit to Birds Cave where some of Armenia’s most important archaeological finds were unearthed. They also offer a private 8-hour combination tour to Khor Virap, Garni Temple & Geghard.

Lake Sevan & Dilijan: Armenia’s largest lake and the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery are under 90-minutes drive from Yerevan. This isn’t my top choice of day trip, but it’s a convenient option if you want some fresh air and lake views.

This budget-friendly group tour offered by Hyur visits Dilijan, Armenia’s ‘little Switzerland’, and two beautiful forest monasteries after Lake Sevan.

Tatev Monastery: This iconic monastery accessed by cable car is in Armenia’s far-south and can be visited in a day – but be warned that it requires a lot of driving (around 4.5 hours each way). I did this day trip on my first visit to Armenia and it was tolerable, but only because the tour made lots of stops along the way, including at the wonderful Noravank Monastery. Read my tips for getting to Tatev from Yerevan here .

This terrific Tatev group tour includes a ride on the Wings of Tatev and a guided tour of Tatev Monastery plus a local Armenian lunch, wine tasting at Hin Areni Winery and a stop at Karahundj (Armenia’s Stonehenge). If you want to pack a lot in, this is my top choice of day trip from Yerevan.

Haghpat & Sanahin: This is another long day trip (6 hours on the road at a minimum). If your itinerary allows, I recommend visiting the two UNESCO monasteries in far-northern Lori from Vanadzor instead. (You can also visit from Tbilisi .)

This private tour to Lori from Yerevan includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, an English speaking guide, and also visits Odzun Monastery in addition to Haghpat and Sanahin.

Headed to Tbilisi next? Check out my list of awesome things to do in Georgia’s capital city and my recommended Tbilisi day trips .

Best time to visit Yerevan

Yerevan is an all-weather city, but there are still defined high/low seasons and times of the year when the forecast is more likely to be on your side.

I would avoid visiting Yerevan in summer (June through to early September) – this is high season when prices go up, plus it’s stifling hot (up to 35 or 40 degrees Celsius in the city). Winters in Yerevan are quite mild, and the temperature rarely drops below zero. January is the coldest month, with average daytime temperatures of 2 degrees.

I first visited Yerevan in spring and still think this is one of the nicest times to visit the city (and Armenia as a whole). May can be a bit rainy, but April/May is generally very pleasant temperature-wise. Outdoor cafes start reopening and you’ll see beautiful flower markets overflowing on every sidewalk. The energy is wonderful.

I had the pleasure of spending Easter in Yerevan and loved observing Easter traditions. I also had a chance to mark Genocide Remembrance Day in Yerevan , a sombre yet heartwarming occasion that commemorates the events on and around April 24, 1915.

Fall (late September to November) is temperate and another nice time of year to visit.

How many days do you need in Yerevan?

To see the highlights, experience Yerevan’s cafe culture and soak up the city atmosphere, I recommend spending at least 2 full days in Yerevan , 3 if possible. You could very easily stay longer – and you might be tempted to!

While you can get a good overview of Yerevan in the space of a day, you will definitely feel rushed and you’ll have to sacrifice on some things.

One of the best things about Armenia is that you can travel almost anywhere in the country from Yerevan and still be back for a late dinner. Thus I also recommend setting aside 1 or 2 additional days for side trips from the capital.

See my favourite day trips from Yerevan listed above.

How to get to Yerevan

Zvartnots International Airport is located 15 kilometres west of Yerevan and is Armenia’s main hub for air travel. The airport is serviced by Qatar Airways, Pegasus, FlyDubai and Wizz Air, making it relatively easy to reach Yerevan from Western Europe, Turkey and the Middle East .

→ Book a private transfer to your hotel in Yerevan here . Prices start from just $13 per group.

If you’re travelling overland, there are several options available for entering Armenia from neighbouring Georgia or Iran. Because of Yerevan’s location and the quality of roads, it’s more convenient to enter from Georgia.

Note that Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed and overland travel is not permitted. If you’re coming from Azerbaijan , you will need to cross through Georgia first. I recommend using the night train to get from Baku to Tbilisi .

How to get to Yerevan from Tbilisi

My preferred way to travel between Georgia and Armenia’s capital cities is on the overnight sleeper train. Trains run every night in the summer high season and every second night in the low season.

Trains are comfortable, safe, fast – and fun. Find my comprehensive guide to the Tbilisi Yerevan train here (and find a code to buy discounted tickets inside).

Marshrutka minivans and taxis are also available. I personally try to avoid long-distance road travel in the Caucasus whenever possible, but if you prefer not to use the railway, then this is another option. The ride takes 5-6 hours on average including border procedures.

Is Yerevan safe for tourists?

Yerevan has very low crime rates overall and although theft and pickpocketing do occur from time to time, the chances of you being targeted as a tourist are very, extremely slim.

In my experience, people in Yerevan are far more likely to shout you a taxi fare or a drink than to try and swindle you (this has happened to me multiple times). Tourist scams do occur, but nowhere near as often as in some Western European capitals.

Based on my own experiences and from talking to other travellers and friends who have lived in Yerevan, this is an extremely safe city overall, even for solo female travellers. I would not hesitate to walk alone down a city street in Yerevan at night, and similarly I would have no reservations about using the metro, visiting crowded places, etc.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise common sense and a normal level of caution when visiting Yerevan. Take care of your belongings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you, and be mindful of personal space.

Be vigilant when crossing the street. Use a taxi app to book cabs or negotiate the fare in advance. Avoid travelling on the road after dark – traffic and road safety are probably the biggest safety issues for tourists in Armenia, just as they are concerns in neighbouring Georgia .

Protests and demonstrations do occur in Yerevan; it’s best to avoid large gatherings in case things get out of hand.

Is Yerevan expensive? Yerevan travel budget

Much like Georgia , Armenia is an extremely budget-friendly destination overall. Being the capital, Yerevan is one of the more expensive places to visit in the country but it’s still very affordable, certainly by European city standards. Personally I find Yerevan a touch more expensive than Tbilisi.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian dram or AMD. At the time of writing 1 USD = 515 AMD .

Here are some approximate costs (per person) based on my most recent trip to Yerevan:

• One night in a mid-range hotel/guesthouse: 14,000 AMD (26 USD)
• Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 4000-7000 AMD (7.50-15 USD)
• Latte in a cafe: 1300 AMD (2.40 USD)
• Bottle of Armenian wine: 3500 AMD (6.60 USD)
• Metro fare: 100 AMD (0.20 USD)
• Taxi fare within the city: 500-1000 AMD (1-2 USD)
• Museum ticket: 1000 AMD (1.90 USD)

A mid-range traveller staying in a hotel/guesthouse, eating out twice a day, visiting museums and using a combination of metro and taxis to get around should budget around 25,000 AMD (47 USD) per person per day for Yerevan.

You can very easily reduce your costs by sticking to free attractions (there are plenty on this list), eating local meals, and staying in budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses.

What are your favourite things to do in Yerevan? If you have any tips, please share them in the comments below.

Things to do in Yerevan: Save it to Pinterest

Armenia Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Armenia!

Armenia Essentials

My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Armenia.

Find affordable flights to Armenia

Yerevan Airport transfer

Save on museums & transport

Hire a car in Armenia

Get an e-visa for Armenia

Find the perfect accommodation

Book city tours & day trips

Order the latest Lonely Planet

More from Armenia

• The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary
• Things to do in Yerevan , 25 must-sees and alternative spots
• Where to find authentic and meaningful Armenian souvenirs in Yerevan
• Don’t miss the GUM Market , Yerevan’s colourful produce hall
• Tips for being a responsible tourist in Armenia
• The best day trip from Yerevan
• Guide to Gyumri , Armenia’s second city
• Guide to visiting the UNESCO monasteries, Haghpat and Sanahin
• How to travel between Armenia and Georgia by overnight train
• 12 things you should know before travelling to the Caucasus

32 Comments

Hi Emily Fantastic web site! Have you visited the Ararat Distillery in Yerevan?, and, do you know of any old record shops in both Armenia and Georgia Thanks Frank

Hi Frank! Yes actually I just visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I will be updating this post soon! Are you looking for vintage vinyl specifically? In Georgia the best place for that is the markets – Dry Bridge and Barakholka particularly.

LOVE your write up! went to Georgia/Armenia in 2019 June and LOVED the food, the alcohol,the cities and countries. Advice please: my bday is in March, and I want to take my family to see Yerevan. I LOVED the cafes in the summer. do you think mid-March is a good enough time to introduce my family to Yerevan? I hope so, bc I really want to go and see near my bday (spring break, bc I work in schools and have a 10th grader). thank you?

Thank you Sandy! March is still quite chilly in this part of the world, but I think you’ll still enjoy Yerevan at that time of year. There might be less outdoorsy stuff on (I once visited in April around Orthodox Easter and we had to sit inside to eat most days), but on the plus side it will be nice and quiet.

Your article/blog is so inspiring, we were wondering whether Yerevan/Dilijan is a budget-friendly option to travel from Dubai, and your article says it all. We are planning a 3 day holiday in July. Yes it would be hot, but we are going for it. Your explanation was really helpful, and you have provided so many wonderful options. Planning out an itinerary myself, instead of going through tour agents. So thanks again.

Great Akshaya! Dilijan is a little cooler than the city of course, I think it’ll be quite nice! Enjoy!

One of my my favorite destinations is the observatory on mount Aragats. I’ve been to the telescope many years ago and heard that it is still open for school kids. I was wondering if there are any public options for staying overnight at the Physics Institute and stargazing through the telescope at the observatory.

I had not come across this before but it sounds wonderful! There is something similar here in Georgia at Abastumani. I’m not sure if there is accommodation available but hopefully someone else can answer.

We visited the LUYS book store, which is now called Books 1512. That’s a great find! I remember my first impressions when we were driving from the airport to our hotel, I saw a book store with high security bars, and was laughing that the book store has more security than the exclusive boutiques, but I didn’t realize it was this very store that you mentioned in your blog. It’s so gorgeous inside! I’ve never held such ancient books in my hands before. Thank you!

Great to hear that, Vera! It’s a very special spot. Thank you for the name update!

Been wanting to travel to Armenia since 2008 and tomorrow I actually fly there and your blog on Armenia is getting me psyched! Thanks for many useful tips 😉

Amazing Alejandro! That’s a long time in the making. I hope you love it as much as I do!

So beautiful! It made me even cry when I saw you wrote about Kond as I am from there. I haven’t been to Armenia already 2,5 years, I missed even more my country after reading your incredible descriptions.

Thank you for you comment, Gohar! I hope you get a chance to go back to Yerevan soon. Kond is such an interesting part of the city, I really loved walking those streets and exploring.

I am very excited to be traveling there in May for a week. Do you have a local tour guide that you might recommend? I like to explore but appreciate someone who knows a thing or two. Also, any tried & tested “must see” shops with local flair?

Great to hear! I recommend joining the free walking tour when you arrive.

Here are my favourite shops in Yerevan: https://wander-lush.org/shopping-in-yerevan-armenian-souvenirs/

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you for this amazing information. I left when I was 8 only. I am trying to go back and visit. Hopefully after the pandemic. This is very helpful. I was born in Vanadzor and would love to visit. Thanks again.

I have been to Vanadzor, it’s a lovely city! I haven’t had a chance to post about it yet but I’ll get to it soon. That’s great that you’re planning to go back. You might find this interview I did useful too: https://wander-lush.org/armenia-heritage-tourism/

Let me know if there’s anything at all I can help with. Fingers crossed you can start planning your trip soon!

Great article, informative with colorful pictures, thank you Emily!!

Thanks Sam! Appreciate it 🙂

Emily, thank you for this! I’m an Armenian and am planning to visit for the first time next summer! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it 🙂

Hi Gassia! That’s so exciting! I hope you have fun planning your trip. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything I might be able to help with 🙂

Hi ememelie, I am traveling Armenia right now and it is a pleasure to read your blog if I need some inspiration. Thank you! I was wondering with what kind of camera you’re working? Best, Lena

Thank you, Lena! Glad to hear that 🙂 I use an Olympus OM-D E-M1. It’s a mirrorless digital.

We are planning to visit Yerevan next March , is it enough to explore this city ( and surrounding if possible ) within 4 or 5 days ? thanks in advance for your reply ….

Hi Nurul! Yes, I think 4-5 days would suffice if you’re happy to be busy. In that time you can see the highlights of the city and do a few day trips. Almost everywhere is reachable as a day trip, even Tatev Monastery (I have a post on that too). Consider using a company such as Hyur Service to make things easier.

Yerevan is a wonderful city! I hope you love it!

Could you tell me where you stay in Yerevan, could you recommend the airbnb, or hostel to stay in Yerevan, thanks.

We were in Yerevan for 10 days so we chose to stay at an Airbnb. It was fantastic—one of the best-appointed apartments we’ve ever stayed in, and our host, Arman, was wonderful. Here is the link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17788633

Fantastic read! I didn’t know that about the one million/get a metro thing. I love riding on old Soviet metro systems ☺. Reading through your Caucasus posts you’ve cemented the region in my travel thoughts! I’ve heard lots of great things about Yerevan, your photos capture it beautifully.

Glad to have found your blog!

Thanks so much, Kim! Yerevan is a wonderful city. I’m sure you would love it!

Thank you for sharing your experience! My dad’s family is Armenian and I have always wanted to visit the country.

Thank you, Elizabeth! We really enjoyed Armenia, particularly the warm hospitality. I hope you get to visit soon!

Comments are closed.

• Subscribe to future posts

Visit Armenia

How can we help you?

Forgot password?

Company registration

Book your perfect tour to Armenia

Classical armenia.

Tasty Armenia

Daily tours

Yerevan - garni - geghard -yerevan.

Price - 3 EUR

Yerevan - sevan - tsakhkadzor - yerevan.

Price - 0 EUR

Yerevan - echmiadzin - zvartnoc - yerevan.

Price - 5 EUR

Tours for all family. They will not leave indifferernt to tourists of any age.

Culture-historical

Culture-historical tour is open new culture and historical centres of Armenia.

Gastro Tour

For Armenians, food is a ritual and art. They cook and eat here with a soul in the full sense of the word, and guests are fed with pleasure.

Festivals and holidays in Armenia

Fantastic tour, the best opportunity to attend the best festival of the year.

Weekend tour

The tour program designed for three days includes a city tour, a visit to the religious center of Armenia – the First Cathedral of Saint Echmiadzin, the pagan temple of Garni, the monaster of Khor Virap, the Geghard Monastery complex carved in rock, as well as a degustation of real Armenian wine in Areni factory.

     Akhtala was built in the late tenth century by the Kiurikids, a branch of the Ba...

     Amaras Monastery has played a strong role in the propagation of the Armenian alp...

     Amberd was a midcentury fort-city. It was built during the 10th century, 7 km. t...

Byurakan Observatory

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, or Byurakan Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned...

Tsaghkadzor

     Tsaghkadzor is a city located in Kotayk Region. The city distance from Yerevan i...

     The resort town Dilijan surrounded by the Lesser Caucasus mountain-range lies to...

     Jermuk takes its unique place among the resorts, tourist areas and cities in Arm...

Do you have a question ?

Your feedback is important for us.

Your feedback

Please report us if you have any questions about Visit Armenia.

EU to provide 270 million euros in grants to Armenia, invest in key infrastructure projects – Von der Leyen

We are delivering on our promise we made last October to stand shoulder by shoulder by Armenia and a promise to set a vision for the future of our partnership, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said ahead of the EU-US-Armenia high-level meeting in support of Armenia resilience on 5 April in Brussels.

“This vision will be underpinned on the European Union side by a resilience and gross plan for Armenia, 270 million euros in grants over the next four years. We will invest in making the Armenian economy and society more resistant to shocks, we will support the businesses, particularly the SMEs so that we can help them to grow, to innovate and to access new markets,” von der Leyen stated.

“The EU will invest in key infrastructure projects, e.g. the Black Sea Electricity Cable, which is a transmission route full of opportunities. It can notably bring clean, renewable energy into Europe, and we are ready to support it. In parallel, we will continue investing in Armenia’s renewable energy production and in better interconnections with Georgia,” she noted.

“We will also be exploring cross-border transport if and when conditions allow, and in this context we welcome your Crossroads of peace initiative,” the European Commission President stated.

“Finally, we come today with new measures for aviation and nuclear safety and for trade diversification. The support package we are presenting today will builds on the success of the existing economic and investment plan from the European Union for Armenia. It has already mobilized over half a billion euros in investments, and now we can do more with the fresh investment perspective,” she stated.

“We are not forgetting about the plight of the displaced Karabakh Armenians, the humanitarian situation of refugees in Armenia remains a priority. We have provided over 30 million in support of the refugees since last September, and we’re ready to do more to support the long-term integration of refugees,” Ursula von der Leyen said.

Related Articles

Window of a residential house in Armenia’s Tegh village damaged in Azerbaijani shooting

Azerbaijani forces opened fire at Armenian positions overnight – MoD

Civilian infrastructure damaged in Azerbaijani shooting

CoE Secretary General to pay official visit to Armenia on April 8

Armenia urges Azerbaijan to refrain from actions aimed at escalating the situation – MFA

Armenia reports shooting from Azerbaijani side in different directions of the frontline

Battle Lines: Chinese hacking plot, Baltic states prepare for war, Armenia and Azerbaijan tension

I n this episode of Battle Lines, we speak to the Telegraph’s Chief Political Correspondent Camilla Turner and US Editor Tony Diver on an alleged Chinese hacking plot against the UK and the US. Then we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Sophia Yan on her visit to Latvia to understand how the Baltic nations are mobilising to counter any future attack by the Russian Federation. Finally, we speak to Senior Foreign Correspondent Roland Oliphant on the rising tensions after decades of conflict, between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Across the world, from Europe to Asia, from the Americas to the Middle East, tensions are rising between nation states as the traditional alliances and alignments evolve in the 21st century. 

2024 sees war in Europe and Israel, and elections in major economies, from the US and the UK to Taiwan. Insurgencies flare in Yemen and Burma, tensions escalate in East Africa, and all around the world the international security architecture buckles under increasing pressure.

Battle Lines, a new podcast from The Telegraph, combines on-the-ground reporting with analytical expertise to help the listener to better understand the course of world politics, wars and tensions, as fault lines grind and slip in an increasingly dangerous and confusing multipolar world.

Listen to Battle Lines using the audio player in this article or on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon Music, or your favourite podcast app.

Sign up to the Front Page newsletter for free: Your essential guide to the day's agenda from The Telegraph - direct to your inbox seven days a week.

Pope Francis delivers Easter Sunday address amid concerns for his frail health

ROME — Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica looking healthy and in good spirits as he waved to crowds gathered for Easter services on Sunday.

For the past few months, the pope has been battling frequent bouts of bronchitis, cold and flu , with regular visits to the hospital for checks on his lungs. Respiratory problems and a chronic cough have often led him to ask his aides to read passages of speeches for him, and cancel private audiences .

And last week, on Palm Sunday, instead of reading the homily as expected, he simply stood over St. Peter’s Square in silence for several minutes, to the surprise and concern of the faithful.

So while Easter week is the most important on the Catholic calendar, this year it has also been a test of Pope Francis’ health. During the delivery of his Urbi et Orbi message, the traditional apostolic blessing and message to the world, the pope’s voice sounded hoarse at times, but improved from previous weeks. He didn’t pause, and he did not cough.

During the address, the pope made a strong appeal for peace around the world, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. “May the risen Christ open a path of peace for the war-torn peoples of those regions,” he said, following it with a call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza , increased humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages taken on Oct. 7.

“Let us not yield to the logic of weapons and rearming,” Francis said. “Peace is never made with arms, but with outstretched hands and open hearts.”

The pope’s Easter message traditionally focuses on world affairs , and he mentioned other flashpoints, including Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Congo and Mozambique.

In a month that has seen a terror attack in Mos c ow c laimed by ISIS and escalating hostilities on the border of Lebanon and Israel, the pope also made an appeal to stanch the expansion of violence beyond the current theaters of war: “Let us not allow the strengthening winds of war to blow on Europe and the Mediterranean.”

After the service, Francis took to his open-topped popemobile to greet crowds in the square and the avenue connecting St Peter’s to the River Tiber. The Vatican said about 60,000 people had turned up.

The address, delivered without incident or further indications of poor health, has helped to bolster the observations of those who have downplayed the significance of previous incidents.

“The pope’s decision to abandon the Palm Sunday homily seems to be a spiritual choice, not more,” Deborah Castellano Lubov, a Vatican analyst and contributor for NBC News, said. “It is clear to anyone watching Pope Francis in these years, he doesn’t make decisions based on what others think or what others tell him to do.”

“Concerns that it could be something more worrying didn’t seem to have great foundations, as Pope Francis certainly seemed to be able to recite his appeals at the end of the Mass and circle around afterward greeting the enthusiastic crowds in St. Peter’s Square, before kicking off a grueling Holy Week at full speed,” Lubov said on Sunday, ahead of the pope's Easter speech. On Saturday night, he presided over the Easter vigil, also without incident.

On Holy Thursday , the pope stuck to the schedule and washed the feet of 12 female inmates at Rebibbia prison in the outskirts of Rome, a tradition meant to emulate Jesus Christ’s washing of his disciples’ feet the night before he died.

Due to his mobility problems, he was forced to sit in a wheelchair, but he was determined to carry out the tradition nevertheless. He also became the first pontiff in history to wash the feet of only women on Holy Thursday.

But then, on Good Friday, the Vatican announced at the very last minute that the pope would not attend the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum “to preserve his health” for Saturday’s Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass. The pontiff, the Vatican said, would follow the event from Casa Santa Marta, his residence, leaving the white seat prepared for him at the Colosseum empty.

This is the second year in a row the pope has skipped the Way of the Cross. Last year, he did not attend as he was discharged from the hospital only a few days earlier, after he was treated for bronchitis with intravenous antibiotics. But while his absence last year was announced with a few days’ notice, the sudden cancellation this year once again raised concerns.

Concerns about the pope’s declining health started in 2021, when he was rushed to the hospital to have part of his colon removed . Then in June 2023, he was once again admitted, without prior notice by the Vatican, for abdominal surgery to remove internal scar tissue.

His mobility problems worsened during the past year due to sciatica and severe knee pain. He began walking with a cane, and more recently has been using a wheelchair. In November, he pulled out three days before a scheduled trip to Dubai to attend COP28 due to a persistent lung inflammation.

The pope’s declining health sparked wild speculation on whether he will retire just as his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, did in 2013. But in a recently published autobiography, “Life: My Story Through History,” the pope said, at least at the present, there is “no risk” of him resigning . “I believe the pope’s ministry is for life.” Francis wrote. “I therefore see no justification for giving it up.”

Claudio Lavanga is Rome-based foreign correspondent for NBC News.