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Armenia has recorded impressive gains over the course of the past decade as its tourism industry has begun to draw visitors from a broadening set of countries and has captured a larger share of Russian seasonal travelers. From 2010 to 2020, Armenia registered an annual tourism growth rate of nearly 15 percent, making it one of world’s fastest growing tourist destinations.   In 2020, due to COVID and regional hostilities, Armenia registered the fewest number of international tourists since 2005.  The number of travelers increased significantly in 2021 but was still below pre-COVID levels.  International tourism numbers in 2022 totaled 1.67 million visitors, in part due to large volumes of Russian travelers following the invasion of Ukraine. Armenia is expected to surpass its pre-COVID statistics in 2023. For the first half of the year, Government has reported more than one million visitors, on pace to surpass 1.9 million travelers who visited in 2019.  Armenia has relied heavily on drawing visitors from the diaspora to see family and friends, and, to a lesser extent, business travelers.  Over the greater part of a decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of arrivals in Armenia for holiday and leisure purposes.  The government’s official tourism authority, the Tourism Committee, was established in 2016.  The Tourism Committee has a policy function and has adopted a strategy for tourism promotion which highlights the different areas of tourism within Armenia including recreational, rural, spiritual, and cultural.  More focused government policy interventions have helped grow Armenia’s tourism sector, and the government is keen to increase sector jobs and revenues.

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2021 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report, Armenia ranked 61 out of 117 countries, improving four positions over the previous 2019 report.  The report gave generally good marks to Armenia in terms of most enabling environment factors for tourism in  found shortcomings and room for improvement according to several other metrics, including infrastructure.

Limited international flight connections impede the development of the tourism industry, although connectivity is improving.  The government’s civil aviation reforms, undertaken several years ago, haveof low-cost carriers t operate flights between Armenia and major European and Middle Eastern destinations.

Tourism patterns in Armenia tend to be highly seasonal, with the late spring, summer, and early fall months seeing strong inflows of tourists.  

Leading Sub-Sectors

Armenia provides opportunities for  tourism: cultural, religious, ecological, agricultural, recreational, culinary, nature, adventure, genealogical.

The country features a variety of cultural, natural, and historical sites, six UNESCO World Heritage sites, medieval monasteries, churches, and fortresses.   hospitality companies in Armenia, including hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, transportation companies, tour operators, and travel agencies.  Armenia’s key markets for international tourists include France, Germany, Russia, Iran, and the United States.

Yerevan serves as the main gateway to Armenia for  tourists.  Armenia’s capital offers a continuously evolving restaurant, café, and wine bar scene with traditional and international fare.  Lodging options continue expand city has many museums, festivals, concerts, movie theaters,  green spaces.   culturally, historically, and religiously significant sites are located in Yerevan.

Tsaghkadzor is a ski resort town located a one-hour drive from Yerevan.  It  a significant number of international and domestic tourists, particularly in the winter.  The town is served by a Marriott property.  New ski resort projects are planned for construction in Aragatsotn and Shirak provinces. In 2023, a new mountain resort opened on the mountain slopes east of Mount Aragats, in the Aparan region of Armenia. Dilijan is another popular retreat from Yerevan, with smaller hospitality establishments.  Dilijan National Park, containing dozens of recently improved hiking trails, is nearby.

Lake Sevan, one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia, is a popular summer destination for international and domestic tourists.  It offers opportunities for outdoor diversions and recreation, as well as places of cultural and religious significance.  Vayots Dzor province is Armenia’s wine country. The region also offers cultural and religious destinations, as well as hiking trails.  Jermuk is a leading health resort noted for its mineral waters and sanatoria.   

Festivals have become increasingly prominent in Armenia as well, with various events celebrating Armenian points of national pride such as wine, barbecue, and other dishes.

A number of other initiatives have taken place with the goal of restoring and preserving notable landmarks. One notable example of this is the Tatev Revival Project, a public-private partnership between the government and a private foundation that restored a major monastery complex in Armenia’s south and organized the construction of the longest reversible cableway in the world.

Opportunities

Several Armenian regions with high-quality tourist potential still lack up-to-date accommodations, restaurants, and services.  International partners have focused recommendations on the need to develop  hotels and guesthouses up to a sufficient standard for attracting and hosting international tourists. The government has developed investment master plans around strategic corridors.  Of particular interest may be the scenic but underdeveloped southern regions of Syunik and Vayots Dzor, as well as Gyumri and Dilijan, in Armenia’s north.

International partners, including the World Bank and United Nations Development Program, have invested in supporting the development of Armenia’s tourism sector through market analyses.  Various studies have examined infrastructure investment, skills development, product development, investment potential, and access to human capital as key considerations in selecting possible sites for tourism development and the creation of tourism corridors or circuits.

There are continuing opportunities for investment and commercial expansion in  to support the steady increase of tourists.  Well-known U.S. franchises, particularly restaurants, are in demand in and the sector is showing signs of growth.  ajor U.S. hotel chains have entered Armenia or expanded their operations in the Armenian market.

Ministry of Economy Armenia Official Tourist WebsiteArmenian National Interests Fund (ANIF)Enterprise Armenia Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia World Travel & Tourism CouncilAmerican Chamber of Commerce in Armenia Spyur Information System

Mount Ararat

Mountain Eagles

Zorats Karer / Karahunj (7600-4500 BC)

Ughtasar Petroglyphs (12,000 BC)

Khachkar (Cross-Stone)

Zvartnots Temple (641—661 AD)

Armenia is well-known as an ancient country. But few are aware of what range of breathtaking landscape, innumerous historical monuments and cultural heritage this sunny, beautiful and hospitable country has. You can choose the journey of your own from numerous general and specialized tours - discovery, cultural, mountain hiking, birdwatching, off-road, and many other. Make a wish - and it will be our privilege to help you to discover the beauty of our country. Make your choice and enjoy the magnificence of Armenia.

Discovery Tours

Birdwatching tours, off-road tours, joint tours, yerevan to mark its 2801st anniversary october.

Armenia has a reputation for greeting its visitors with warmth and hospitality. Nowhere is this truer than in Yerevan, one of the most ancient cities in the world, celebrating its 2801st anniversary in October ... , 2019. The capital of Armenia has all the advantages of a modern capital city and boasts numerous historical attractions, together with a friendly atmosphere, which makes visitors feel at home. The city itself is one of the main tourist attractions in Armenia.

Pre-historic and early Christian monuments

Through all the centuries, Armenia has managed to preserve a wealth of today's evidence of the evolution of humankind. There are innumerable historical monuments in Armenia. 40,000 are available for ... visiting and are waiting for an admiring traveller. Most of them are churches. However, only some 4,000 are readily accessible and commonly visited because of the difficulty of reaching the rest. Normally they are open round-the-clock without any admission charge.

Cross-Stone - Khachkar

Cross-stone (khachkar) is virtually the most famous design of Medieval Armenian culture. Finally shaped during X-XI AD, they are the synthesis of traditional art, philosophical and spiritual apprehension. The idea and main symbols represented on accompanied ... Armenian tribes and people since their origin over three millennia earlier. The central subject "the radiant Light, the Cross of Christ" is endowed with incredible diversity of meanings - initially being the sign of sun and invigorating fire, it also included the shape of Tree of Life.

5,500 years old leather shoe is oldest ever discovered

An international team of archaeologists has discovered the world's oldest leather shoe. One thousand years older than the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the 5,500-year-old shoe was perfectly preserved by the cool ... , dry conditions in the sheep dung-lined cave in Armenia where it was found. More by NationalGeographic.com

6,000 years old wine press found in Armenian Cave

Archeologists have unearthed the oldest wine-making facility ever found, using biochemical techniques to identify a dry red vintage made about 6,000 years ago in what is now southern Armenia. The excavation paints a picture of a ... complex society where mourners tasted a special vintage made at a cave side cemetery, the researchers reported on Tuesday in the Journal of Archaeological Science. More by ArchaeologyNewsNetwork.com

Wine & Brandy tasting

Tours of the wineries and tasting of wine and cognac are very popular in Armenia. Excavation results prove, that first wine grape was cultivated on Armenian Highland thousands of years ago and today the descendants of ancient clans try to retain that heritage. Armenia produces an ... unchallenged quality brandy (cognac). Armenian cognacs of numerous special brands are aged in oak barrels for 3 to 50 years and are from 40 to 57% proof. The unique flavour and smooth quality of Armenian cognac and wine is something you must sample for yourself while you are in the country.

Armenian Cuisine

Armenian cuisine is noted for its pleasing aroma, as a result of the expert mix of spices employed. Armenians use also many unusual herbs and greens in their cooking. The most exotic are collected at alpine meadows and combined in the most unexpected way. The ... taste will challenge even the most refined expert. Many of Armenian specialities are barbecued. You can taste traditional shish-kebab almost everywhere. The standard bread of the country, called lavash, is renowned for its quality. It is only about the thickness of one or two sheets of newspaper and the best is like a parchment Armenians like to eat lavash with local cheese or shish-kebab and fresh uncooked greens, using it for wrapping the food as a sort of sandwich. Ask an Armenian how lavash is made or visit any village to see it yourself. You'll be surprised and impressed.

Armenia is famous for its fruits, some of which are recognised as superior to the same fruits cultivated in other countries at such latitudes. Grapes of some 40 kinds grow on the territory of Armenia, mainly on the Ararat valley. Peaches and apples, pears and ... cherries, pomegranates and figs are delicious. Apricot grows in Armenia from time immemorial. It has an incomparable taste and is considered the queen of Armenian fruits. You can taste it yourself.

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   The Republic of Armenia is a sovereign, democratic, social, rule of law state. The state power is administered pursuant to the Constitution and the laws based on the principle of separation of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.

Official Name

Republic of Armenia (Hayastani Hanrapetoutyun)

Capital City

State Symbols:

The law “On the State Flag of the Republic of Armenia” was adopted on August 24, 1990, by the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Armenia.

The State Flag is a rectangular panel with three equal horizontal stripes of red, blue and orange (from top to bottom).

The Coat of Arms

The law “On the State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Armenia” was adopted on April 19, 1992, by the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Armenia.

It is a rendition of the Coat of Arms of the First Armenian Republic (1918-1920) designed by member of the Russian Academy of Fine Arts, Architect Alexander Tamanian and artist Hakob Kojoyan.

"Mer Hayrenik" ("Our Fatherland")

The Anthem of the Republic of Armenia was adopted on July 1, 1991, by the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Armenia. It is based on the Anthem of the First Armenian Republic (1918-1920), but with different lyrics. The author of the lyrics is poet Mikael Nalbandian (1829-1866). 

National Motto:

"One nation, one culture".

Major cities:

     population (2019)

Gyumri - 113 500 Vanadzor - 78 400 Vagharshapat - 46 200 Abovyan - 44 800 Kapan - 42 300 Hrazdan - 40 500 Armavir - 27 900 Charentsavan - 20 600 Masis - 20 500 Ararat - 20 400 Ijevan - 20 400 Goris - 20 300

Official Language:  

Armenian is the official language of the Republic of Armenia.

Christian, Armenian Apostolic Church

Currency unit:   

The currency unit of the RA is dram (AMD), introduced in 1993.

Population:  

2 965 300 (2019)

Ethnic composition:

Armenians - 96%  Minorities: Russians, Yezidis, Assyrians, Greeks, Ukrainians, Jews, Kurds and others.

Natural Resources: 

Armenia is rich in copper, coal, iron, bauxite, molybdenum, gold, silver, lead and zinc. Substantial deposits of pumice, marble, tufa, perlite, limestone, basalt and salt exist. Precious and semi-precious stones are also abundant.

Territory:  

29.74 thousand square kilometers

Average Altitude Above Sea Level:  

1,800 meters

Highest Mountain Peak: 

Aragats (4090 meters)

Neighboring Countries:

in the North: Georgia; in the East: Azerbaijan; in the South: Iran; in the South-West: Nakhijevan (Azerbaijan); in the West: Turkey.

• 3.1.1.1 Armenian Genocide
• 3.1.1.2 Soviet Armenia
• 3.1.1.3 Karabakh Conflict
• 3.2 Geography
• 3.3.1 Religion
• 3.4 Tourism
• 4.1.1 Visa-free
• 4.1.2 Visa on arrival
• 4.1.3 Visa in advance
• 4.1.4 Special requirements
• 4.2 By plane
• 4.3 By train
• 4.5.1 From Georgia
• 4.5.2 From Iran
• 5.1 By bus or marshrutka
• 5.2 By train
• 5.3 By thumb
• 5.4 By taxi
• 5.5 By rental car
• 5.6 By bicycle
• 5.7 By plane
• 5.8 By tour
• 9.2 Shopping
• 9.3 Bargaining and tipping
• 9.4 Markets
• 10.1 Main dishes
• 10.2 Desserts and snacks
• 10.3 Various
• 13.1 Universities
• 13.2 Armenian language
• 15.1 Corruption
• 15.2 Racism
• 15.3 LGBT travellers
• 15.4 Dual citizens
• 15.5 Warfare
• 17.1 Home etiquette
• 17.2 Sensitive issues
• 18.1 Mobile phone providers

Armenia (Armenian: Հայաստան Hayastan ) is a landlocked country in the Caucasus . Once the centre of an empire, this former Soviet republic straddles the line between Europe and Asia. Armenia has a rich, ancient history, and it is most famously known for being the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as the state religion.

• 40.181389 44.514444 1 Yerevan — the capital, and by far the largest city
• 40.740833 44.863056 3 Dilijan — popular forest resort known as the "Little Switzerland" of Armenia.
• 40.783333 43.833333 6 Gyumri — Armenia's 2nd largest city which once dwarfed Yerevan. The old town area still shows earthquake damage from 1988, but is undergoing a rapid revival.
• 39.85 45.683333 7 Jermuk — famous for its mineral waters, which come out at very high temperature and can be enjoyed at the spas.
• 40.533333 44.720556 8 Tsaghkadzor — Armenia's main ski destination.
• 40.812778 44.488333 9 Vanadzor — Armenia's 3rd largest city with a large Soviet square and slower pace of life.

Armenia has been around for at least 3,000 years. Armenians have historically inhabited the "Armenian Highlands", a vast section of mountains and valleys across eastern Anatolia and the Southern Caucasus. It is here that the biblical mountain of Ararat (and today's eponymous cognac brand) can be found. Armenia is the world's first Christian country, ever since the king officially adopted Christianity in 301AD.

Various vassal states (Hittites, Hayasa, etc.), principalities, Armenian kingdoms of Orontids, Artaxiads, and Arsacids rose and fell in different parts of this highland during history. They were unified once, just before the time of Christ, in the empire of Tigran the Great (95-55 BC), which stretched from the Caspian to the Mediterranean Sea.

Much of the region's history has since been spent under the dominion of whichever great power was à la mode at the time: Romans , Byzantines , Mongols , Ottomans , Persians , Russians and Soviets have all come and gone. These empires often fought their wars on Armenian territory, using Armenian soldiers. Despite rarely being politically independent, Armenians have consistently kept their language and their church. Its location on the silk road allowed Armenians to forge a link in the great network of merchant communities that extended from Singapore and Malaysia to Venice and Amsterdam.

The modern independent state of Armenia only comprises part of the traditional Armenian lands. It includes much of what was historically known as Eastern Armenia , while the historical Western Armenia , in which Mount Ararat , the holiest site in the world for Armenians, is located, is today part of Turkey . Western Armenia was largely ethnically cleansed of its Armenian population during the Armenian Genocide .

Modern history

Russians and Ottomans dominated Armenia's modern history. Ottoman control was established early, upon the fall of the Byzantine empire in the fifteenth century. Russia's presence was established later, in the 1820s, after a series of wars with the Persians.

Islamic Ottoman rule was, for much of the time, largely benign. The Armenians' religious autonomy was bought through their higher taxation. However, relations soured in the late nineteenth century which saw various massacres of Armenians. This culminated in the Ottomans' reputation being thoroughly ruined during the Armenian Genocide of 1915–1923.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a devastating earthquake in northern Armenia, Armenia's independence from the Soviet Union, the first Karabakh war, and the imposition of a blockade by Turkey and Azerbaijan. The economy collapsed to nearly nothing, before it began to grow again rather quickly, with help from the large Armenian diaspora. Corruption and oligarchic rule however still was a large problem. The 2018 Armenian Revolution , also dubbed the Velvet Revolution, brought Nikol Pashinyan to power as prime minister, and large strides were made in reducing corruption and the grey economy, as well as bringing rule of law to those who had been previously above the law. Pashinyan has also pivoted Armenia's foreign policy away from Russia towards the United States, with a view to eventually join the European Union and NATO. In 2024, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution that Armenia is eligible to become a member of the EU, provided it meets requisite democratic standards and sufficiently distances itself from Russia.

Armenian Genocide

During the First World War, the Ottomans fought the Russians. The Christian Armenians on the Ottomans' Russian border were considered liable to side with Russia and so they were treated as an enemy. The Ottomans attempted to kill or deport the entire Armenian population. Even the Ottomans' defeat in 1918 did not stop the persecution, which continued until 1923 and led to the deaths of 600,000–1.5 million people.

The genocide led to the huge Armenian diaspora community that exists all over the world today and the ongoing diplomatic hostility between Turkey and Armenia, since Turkey continues to deny it was a genocide, and resents Armenia for bringing up the topic internationally. On the other hand, Armenia has friendly ties with Iran and most of the Arab countries, due to the fact that many Persians and Arabs protected Armenian refugees from the Turks during the Armenian Genocide.

Soviet Armenia

As was the case in other Soviet republics, Armenia saw great industrial growth and widespread increases in education. Yerevan mushroomed from a dusty garrison town of 20,000 to a metropolis of 1 million and the Soviet culture machine, within strict limits, churned out heavily subsidized cultural education and activities. Since independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia had largely been an ally of Russia , though changed with Armenian Revolution in 2018.

Karabakh Conflict

As the Soviet Union fell apart in the early 1990s, the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh , a culturally Armenian region in Azerbaijan, fought for independence from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia, and the Armenian diaspora. The war was won militarily, and the local Azeris were ethnically cleansed from the region, but no diplomatic solution was reached. The ceasefire line of 1994 for twenty six years represented a de facto national boundary and Nagorno-Karabakh was in an odd circumstance of unrecognized statehood. While the fighting on the ground stopped, with only minor exceptions, diplomatic tensions remained high. The Armenian/Karabakh borders with Azerbaijan remained closed, and anti-Armenian sentiment in Azerbaijan is so high that entry is prohibited not only to Armenian citizens, but also to all ethnic Armenians regardless of country of birth or citizenship. Turkey also closed its land border with Armenia in support of its Azeri-Turk kinsmen. In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched a massive attack against the Armenians in Karabakh during the second Karabakh war, which the Armenians lost. Russian peacekeepers were brought in to separate the sides after a ceasefire, but they proved completely unable to protect locals or Armenia proper from constant Azerbaijani aggression and a large-scale attack by Azerbaijan in September 2023 after blockading the Armenians there for the better part of a year caused the government there to capitulate, and all of the Armenian inhabitants to flee to Armenia as soon as the Azerbaijani government finally opened the border again.

A small and mountainous, landlocked country, Armenia almost never fails to surprise visitors. The mountain passes, valleys and canyons make it feel much larger, and Lake Sevan provides a welcome sight, with endless water visible from its southern shores. Given the geographic variation, there is also much variety of climate — there are barren lunar landscapes, forests, snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes.

Five percent of the country's surface area consists of Lake Sevan ( Sevana Lich ), the largest lake in the Lesser Caucasus mountain range.

Given its proud claim to being the world's first officially Christian country, there are countless monasteries and churches, which are set in some places of incredible natural beauty. The monasteries at Tatev, Noravank, Haghartsin, Haghpat and Geghard are well worth a visit just for the landscape even without the impressive, millennium-old monasteries found there.

Armenia is at the fascinating crossroads of Europe and Asia and its culture draws from both. While most Armenians consider themselves European, their social conservatism in some realms sets them apart from western Europeans. The new world faced by Armenians after the fall of the Soviet Union has seen great social changes especially in the capital, Yerevan. The small and very homogeneous (about 99% Armenian) population is strongly family oriented. The people across the land are very hospitable, and place a lot of pride in their hospitality. Show up in a village without a penny, and food and a place to stay will flow - along with drinks and endless toasts.

Politically, Armenia had aligned itself with Russia and against its Turkish and Azeri neighbours until 2018, but since the Armenian Revolution has largely aligned itself with the United States.

Armenia also has lots of road signs in English, and there are a fair number of English-speaking Armenians in general, and you get the distinct feeling that tourists are welcome. Police does not appear to be too crooked, at least not in Yerevan, and in general the country appears to be both reasonably safe and well-organised.

The predominant religion in the world's first Christian nation is not hard to guess: 97% of Armenia's population belongs to the Armenian Apostolic Church, an Oriental Orthodox Church.

The official tourism website and the commercial Guest Service are great sources for information.

• Michael Arlen, Passage to Ararat , an autobiographical account of an American-Armenian's first visit to Soviet Armenia.
• Vasily Grossman, An Armenian Sketchbook , a Soviet journalist, novelist and dissident, on his visits to Armenia.

Armenia's visa policy is remarkably open. Most people can obtain a visa on arrival or visit the country without a visa.

Visa requirements

Citizens from the following locations can travel to Armenia visa free for 180 days per year: Albania , Andorra , Argentina , Australia , Belarus , Brazil , China , European Union , Georgia , Hong Kong , Iceland , Iran , Japan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Liechtenstein , Macau , Moldova , Monaco , Montenegro , Nagorno-Karabakh , New Zealand , Norway , Qatar , Russia , San Marino , Serbia , Singapore , South Korea Switzerland , Tajikistan , Ukraine , United Arab Emirates , United Kingdom , United States , Uruguay , Uzbekistan , Vatican City .

Visa on arrival

For all others (except a handful of mainly African countries; see below), 21-day tourist visas are available upon arrival at Yerevan airport and at some land crossings at the price of 3,000 dram for 21 days and 15,000 (Armenian) dram for 120 days.

At Yerevan airport, there is currency exchange and an ATM located before customs and immigration. There is a hefty surcharge of approximately US$10 for changing traveler checks, which in general are not widely used in Armenia.

At some land crossings, border guards will take other currencies but only at lousy rates. Try to have Armenian dram before arriving at the border. Some travellers have been charged as much as US$20 (the approximate equivalent of three times the official price), but as of August 2015 you will be charged US$10 for a 21-day visa at the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border crossing. Border guards and customs officers will not be able to change a US$100 note, so check the current exact amount and have some spare small-value notes. As of 2022, not all land border crossings allow for visa on arrival. You may be denied entry and turned around at the border, which, if you've come by marshrutka/minibus, means that you will be stranded until you are able to find a new bus or hitchhike back to Tbilisi. If in any doubt, get the E-visa in advance.

Visa in advance

A slightly more expensive option (officially at least) is the e-Visa (US$10 for 21 days; US$40 for 120 days). These e-Visas are processed completely online and take up to two business days to be issued. They allow entry into Armenia through Yerevan Airport and the following land border crossings: from Georgia , Ayrum railway station, Bavra, Bagratashen and Gogavan; and from Iran at Meghri.

A 21-day visa obtained in advance from an embassy (not online) costs US$8.

The unlucky few [dead link] that cannot obtain a visa on arrival must apply for a visa at an embassy or consulate before arriving and need an invitation [dead link] .

Special requirements

• Citizens of Azerbaijan must have a special entry permit to visit Armenia.

Zvartnots International Airport ( EVN  IATA ) [1] , 10 km west of Yerevan is the main airport in the country.

Some West Asian airlines (Syrian, Iranian, etc.) serve the airport.

There are very frequent flights from across the Commonwealth of Independent States . Russian airlines include: Aeroflot, S7, Ural, Polet, Tatarstan, UTAir and Yamal. Others include Belavia (Belarus), Dniproavia (Dnipro, Ukraine) and SCAT (Kazakhstan).

Several European airlines also serve Yerevan: Czech Airlines, Air France, Austrian, LOT.

Shirak Airport ( LWN  IATA ) in Gyumri has a few flights from Russia.

In fall, winter and spring the overnight train #371 runs every second day from Tbilisi , Georgia to Yerevan, leaving at 20:20 and arriving at 06:55 the next morning.

In summer the overnight train #202 runs daily from Batumi , Georgia via Tbilisi to Yerevan, leaving Batumi at 15:35 (Tbilisi at 22:16) and arriving at 07:25 the next morning.

See the official timetable for details: www.railway.am

The train links with Turkey and Azerbaijan are severed.

It is possible to drive to Armenia via Iran or Georgia. Local travel agents can arrange transport to the border; some Georgian agents can arrange transport all the way through to Tbilisi. Although more expensive than a train or a bus, a private car may be more comfortable and combined with sightseeing along the way.

It is impossible to enter via Turkey and Azerbaijan; the borders with those two countries are closed.

Coming from Georgia, there are warnings , e.g. from the German Federal Foreign Office, not to use the eastern route (via Noyemberyan) that passes by the Armenia-Azerbaijan border only a few dozen metres, due to the ongoing conflict and the minor clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan army that happen from time to time in this region. However, the route via Alaverdi is said to be maintained badly. An option might be via Tashir. More convenient, if you travel Georgia before, can be to continue into Armenia after visiting the supposedly dead end region of Samtskhe-Javakheti including Borjomi , Bakuriani and Vardzia .

From Georgia

There are marshrutkas from Tbilisi to the border for about 17 lari to Yerevan . From Tbilisi to Yerevan they take this same route and cost about 35 lari. It is also possible to get out at Alaverdi (closest major town to Haghpat and Sanahin monasteries).

Also, several marshrutkas leave daily from Akhalkalaki into Armenia ( Gyumri ). Akhalkalaki is conveniently located when visiting Samtskhe-Javakheti including Borjomi , Bakuriani and Vardzia . Marshrutkas pass through Ninotsminda, so it is possible to jump on there. The associated border crossing near Bavra is quick, though the condition of the roads on the Georgian side is appalling. However, minor restoration is taking place (May 2019).

There is daily modern bus service to Yerevan available from Tehran or Tabriz for about 23 USD from Tabriz to Yerevan (bought at the Tabriz bus terminal). Check travel agencies for that.

Otherwise, the only Iran/Armenia land border at Nuduz/Agarak is very badly served by public transport. On the Armenian side, you can get as far as Meghri by one Marschrutka a day from Yerevan . In both directions, marshrutka leaves quite early in the morning. Kapan and Kajaran are more frequently served by marshrutkas, but it is a long and mountainous (and therefore expensive) stretch to the border from there. From Meghri, it is around 8 km to the border and hitching or taking a taxi is the only option. On the Iranian side, the closest public transport can be found around 50 km to the west in Jolfa , so a taxi (around US$10-15) again is the only (commercial) choice. The border is not busy at all, so when hitching, you have to mainly stick with the truck drivers and Russian or Farsi helps a lot here. Consider for yourself whether this is a safe option.

By bus or marshrutka

Public transportation is very good and inexpensive (about 100 dram/10 km) in Armenia, with timetables here [dead link] and connections here . Use google translator if you do not read Armenian. It can also be tough to get to more remote sites outside of populated areas. The system could be described as a hub and spoke system, with each city offering local transportation to its surrounding villages and each city offering connections to Yerevan. Most inter-city travel is by 14-seat minibuses or buses. Yerevan has several bus interchange stations that serve the whole country, so depending on where you want to go, you should find out which bus interchange station services the area of your destination. Unlike many countries in Eastern Europe, Armenian marshrutkas do not sell tickets beforehand, and do not issue tickets at all. You pay the driver, at any point in the trip (though some will collect at the beginning). Exact change is never required, but a 20,000 dram note for a 1,000 dram ride might present a problem. Tips are unheard of on public transportation.

• Transport for Armenia ( Journey Planner ). An amazing journey planner website and non-government project run by volunteers to improve public transport in Armenia for Yerevan and for the rest of the country. Since this service is also available in English and Russian, this website is not just great for locals but travellers likewise. They also have the prices available for numerous inter-city marshrutkas—no more discussion with marshrutka drivers. FB . ( updated Nov 2019 )

Most trains in Armenia are Soviet-era stock. Two lines have new faster trains: the international Yerevan-Tbilisi (+Batumi in the summer), and the Yerevan-Gyumri line that runs Friday-Saturday-Sunday. All other trains are slow but incredibly cheap (1,000 dram Gyumri-Yerevan). There are several daily trains towards Gyumri and one to Yeraskh at the closed border with Nakhichevan. On summer weekends, one daily train operates from the northern Almast station to Lake Sevan, all the way to Shorzha on the far side (unavailable as of May 2019). See the official timetable for details: www.railway.am

The only station north of Gyumri that is officially accessible to passengers is Vanadzor, where the Georgia-bound train stops. North of Vanadzor there are only technical stops to which tickets can not be bought (Pambak, Shahali, Sanahin, Ayrum). One can still try to enter/leave the train though and ticket inspectors may allow this.

Not as common as in the days of the post-Soviet collapse, hitchhiking is still perfectly safe and acceptable, and travellers hitchhiking are not an uncommon sight on the main routes. Drivers often do not expect anything in the way of compensation, but offer anyway and sometimes they will take the mashrutka fare. Flag cars down by holding your arm in front of you and patting the air; this is how taxis, buses and mashrutkas are flagged. Pointing your thumb outwards is also acceptable, which will make it obvious that you are a traveller. Do not be too surprised if you befriend a driver during your ride and eventually end up staying at their house for a few days with the family - though this would largely be dependent on having a certain level of Russian. You might be lucky enough to be picked up by an English speaker, but do not bank on it - you will be surprised by how little English is spoken outside of Yerevan (there are many people who are mono-lingual Armenian speakers).

A popular route for hitchhikers is Yerevan/Goris. This route is heavy with traffic going to and from Iran, and you stand a very good chance of being picked up by an Iranian truck driver who might want some company for the long journey. From Goris you can go onwards to Tatev, and the Iranian border.

For the average Western European tourist, you can hire a taxi to go most anywhere in the country on very short notice. If you have decided to travel heavy by bringing big bags, then going by taxi will be the best option. Prices are 100 dram/km, and often taxi drivers will just point to the km counter, meaning they will multiply the final km with 100. Since most taxis do not have meters though, you can negotiate a price before you leave.

Shared taxis leave from the main bus station in Gyumri to Yerevan. A seat in a share taxi will cost you 2,000 dram. Simply arrive and ask around and you will be pointed in the direction of a car, which will leave once full. This is probably a better option compared to the bus as there is a good chance the car will be air-conditioned.

The Yandex.Taxi and gg ride services are very popular in Armenia, especially the cities. Also, they are excellent to negotiate a price. Nevertheless, some drivers will go especially slow or take detours to increase the price calculated by the app. So, you are probably better of agreeing on a fixed price (for the whole car not each passenger, and in dram not US dollars).

By rental car

You can rent cars in Yerevan. Driving in Armenia for the average tourist will be different than at home, though roads are getting better and better and driving style is quite good in general. If you decide to rent a car, there are a growing number of car rental companies, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, National and others throughout the central Yerevan.

Most main roads around Yerevan are in decent to fair shape with some being in unusually good condition. When you travel north (Dilidjan) or south (Jermuk), roads are less maintained and rather bumpy and you can feel it especially when using public transport! (Minibuses are often in bad condition too) Pot holes are very much a part of the experience and can test your driving skills. Consider an all wheeled vehicle or sport utility if available.

Better not go during the night, since unexpected pot holes, stray dogs, and missing street lighting and marking can make driving then quite dangerous.

Due to mountainous location and hills, bicycling is not such a common mode of transport in Armenia, as it is in the rest of Europe. Otherwise, it is a great way to see and experience much of the countryside if you can handle the inclines and the sometimes terrible condition of the roads.

Armenia has only two working airports ( Yeveran and Shirak ) but there are no internal flights between them.

One of the most convenient but not necessarily authentic or exciting options for getting to the major tourist sites—some of which have infrequent public transport—are the many day tours advertised throughout Yerevan. Starting at US$6, you can choose from a variety of half to full day trips which include a good number of the country's major attractions. Some of the more remote and exotic destinations, such as the Petroglyphs of Ughtasar and many of the caves, for example, require special planning.

Aside from the plentiful day tours, you can take a package tour of Armenia.

Armenian is the official language of Armenia.

Armenian forms its own branch within the Indo-European language family and it has its own alphabet, in use since 405 A.D., with an extensive set of letters (approximately 38). It is widely regarded as a very difficult language to learn.

Russian is widely spoken as a second language in Armenia. It is taught in all schools as a compulsory subject.

English is gradually gaining popularity, especially among the younger generation. Outside Yerevan , English is not that widely spoken. English is usually a third language, rarely a second language, for those who have studied it.

French is studied in Armenian schools and the country has the largest French-speaking university in a non-French speaking country. You're likely to find a French speaker in Yerevan .

Armenia lies at the root of the Christian faith, as it is known as the first country that was evangelized by two of Jesus' own disciples. Today, there is still a wealth of religious heritage to see. Beautiful churches and monasteries are omnipresent, and some are up to 1700 years old. A few of the most important ones are listed on Unesco's World Heritage list. To start, there is the monastery of Geghard , carved out of a mountain slope and dramatically situated between the stunning cliffs of the Azat river gorge . Once you are there, the Garni Temple with its Roman temple is just a quick stop downriver. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Vagharshapat is the headquarters of the Armenian Church and has parts dating back to the 5th century, making it considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The Monasteries of Sanahin and Haghpat are just across the tops of the Debed Canyon from each other, which is full of great hiking trails. Both date back to the 10th century. The 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral is now in ruins, but considered of great archeological value.

If you are up for some of Armenia's oldest churches, consider the ancient basilicas at Yereruyk, Odzun, Byurakan or Aparan. Some heritage sights sit in beautiful valleys. The monastery of Noravank is a good sight in the lovely brick-red Amaghu Canyon, while the monasteries of Tatev and Tatevi Anapat sit in the Vorotan Valley - a gorgeous area with great landscapes and dotted with churches and abandoned cliff-side villages.

Unlisted but surely beautiful is the monastery of Khor Virap . It offers great views of Mount Ararat which is in Turkey, but is nonetheless seen on the Armenian coat of arms.

Another hot spot for travelers is Lake Sevan . In summer, the beaches of this massive high-altitude fresh water lake (one of the largest in the world), are a popular destination for anything from day trips to camp site vacations and resort holidays.

This famous mountain can be seen (weather permitting) from the nation's capital, Yerevan . Yerevan is Armenia's cultural center, with plenty of opera and theatre to go around. The Museum of Armenian History has an excellent collection and the Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum has a sad but worthwhile story to tell. For a more casual activity, visit the lively Vernissage Market or climb the massive hillside stairway of the Yerevan Cascade , which is densely dotted with an incredible modern art collection.

• Hiking – Armenia has an endless amount of hiking trails and peaks to discover. South of Lake Sevan Region , around Garni , up and down the Debed Canyon , and Southern Armenia are just a few of the highlights. For reliable maps and comprehensive trails and map information, consult OpenStreetMap , which is used by this travel guide, and by many mobile Apps like OsmAnd (comprehensive with many add-ons) and MAPS.ME (simple but limited).
• Cycling – Bike Armenia Tour Route has a great route mapped out to see Armenia by bicycle.
• Events – A list of upcoming events can be found on the official tourism website [dead link] .
• Otherwise: rock climbing, wind surfing, sun bathing, camping, and even skiing

The Armenian currency is known as the dram , sometimes denoted by the symbol " Դ " (ISO currency code: AMD ). Wikivoyage will use dram in its articles to identify the currency.

Coins of Armenia are issued in denominations of 10Դ, 20Դ, 50Դ, 100Դ, 200Դ and 500Դ. Banknotes of Armenia are issued in denominations of 1,000Դ, 2,000Դ, 5,000Դ, 10,000Դ, 20,000Դ, 50,000Դ and 100,000Դ.

The dram is accepted everywhere, and in some rare cases US dollars will be accepted for larger purchases - though the dram is the only legal currency for commerce. US dollars, euros and Russian rubles can be exchanged almost anywhere in the country, with other major currencies also easy to exchange. Exchange booths and commercial banks do not charge a commission and rates are almost always quite competitive. The exchange rates for local banks and exchange points are available at rate.am

ATMs (Bankomats) are widely available in larger towns; though outside of Yerevan, you should have a major system such as Visa or MasterCard on your card for it to work.

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside Yerevan.

Armenian carpets , cognac, fruits, handicrafts and Soviet memorabilia are some of the most popular things people take home from Armenia. Most of these are plentiful at Vernissage, a seemingly never-ending weekend flea market next to Republic Square with the more touristy stuff in the back half, further from Republic Square.

There are several shopping malls in Yerevan, as well as many supermarkets and small stores and boutiques. Most shops and restaurants are open every day and offices and schools are open Monday to Saturday. Mornings are usually slow, and places do not tend to open early, or even on time.

Bargaining and tipping

Bargaining is uncommon in Armenian stores, though when purchasing expensive items or bulk, they may be amenable to it. In markets, however, bargaining is a must!

Tipping is increasingly common in Armenia, especially at cafes and restaurants. Many Armenians will simply round up their checks, or leave ten percent. Some café staff are only compensated in the tips they earn, though you cannot always tell by the service they provide. Many restaurants have begun to charge a 10% “service fee” which they usually do not share with the waiters, and it is not clear for what it is used. This fee is often not clearly stated on the menu, so you should ask if you want to know. Tipping is usually not expected in taxis, but again, rounding up is not uncommon.

Vernisage Crafts and Flea Market - every Saturday and Sunday near Republic Square, there is a huge open market with great shopping for tourists and locals alike. There are large sections for old carpets, intricate wood carvings and backgammon boards, paintings, souvenirs, old porcelain and old housewares, with smaller sections for needlework and embroidery, stone work, books, military surplus and countless other random things.

The GUM Shuka farmers market is a large covered market near the Tashir Mall near the intersection of Tigran Mets Ave and Movses Khorenatsi Street. Inside are fresh fruits and vegetables, great dried fruits, and a butcher section and dried herb section. Outside on one side are more butchers and on the other more fresh fruit and vegetable vendors, next to a row of hand made metal wood-burning stove stalls.

For more of a flea market with cheap used things, from tiny car parts to Soviet stuff to used clothes, head to Krchi Bazaar on weekends, by the entrance to Hrazdan Stadium.

For Armenian- and Russian-speaking visitors, a visit to the used book market can be quite interesting. In a park near the corner of Abovyan and Moskovyan Streets, close to the Yeritasardakan Metro Station, vendors sell thousands of books. You may try to bargain.

Main dishes

• Khorovats – A barbecue which can be chunks of pork, lamb, chicken or beef (called Shashlik in other post-Soviet countries). Usually, it is flavored with onions and other Armenian spices. Tomatoes, eggplant and bell peppers are also part of the khorovats meal. Kebab is the ground-meat version of khorovats, and is cheaper.
• Harissa – A kind of homogeneous porridge made of previously stewed and boned chicken or lamb and coarsely ground soaked shelled wheat. The dish dates back many centuries, and is traditionally served on Easter day. It is considered a national dish of Armenia, and is widely prepared by Armenians around the world.
• Borscht – A commonly served Ukrainian vegetable soup. It is traditionally made with beetroot as a main ingredient, which gives it a strong red color. It is usually served warm with fresh sour cream.
• Khash – A traditional dish, originating in the Shirak region. Formerly a nutritious winter food for the rural poor, it is now considered a delicacy, and is enjoyed as a festive winter meal. Made from less commonly used parts of animals, most visitors consider it an acquired taste.
• Dolma – Stuffed grape leaves; varieties with stuffed cabbage leaves, or bell peppers and aubergines also exist.
• Byorek – Consists of phyllo dough folded into triangles and stuffed with cheese, spinach or minced beef, and the filling is typically spiced. A popular combination is spinach, feta, cottage cheese (or pot cheese) and a splash of anise-flavored liquor (such as raki).
• Ishli kufta and Kufta – Best described as when bulgur meets meat . Very delicious and a must-try.
• Jingalov Hats (Lavash bread stuffed with herbs) – A specialty from Karabagh, and best tried fresh from the afternoon market in Stepanakert.

Desserts and snacks

• Gata or Nazook – A flaky pastry with a sweet filling.
• Alani – Pitted dried peaches stuffed with ground walnuts and sugar.
• Kadaif (ghataif) – Shredded dough with cream, cheese, or chopped walnut filling, soaked with sugar syrup.
• Anoushabour – Dried fruits stewed with barley, garnished with chopped almonds or walnuts (a traditional Christmas pudding).
• Ttu lavash – flat thin sheets of dried fruit, often made from plum, apricot or sour cherries

Armenian fruits and vegetables are special. One should definitely try them and will never forget the taste of Armenian apricot, peach, grapes, pomegranate, etc. Especially the watermelons in Armenia and neighboring countries with similar altitude and climate are of superior taste.

Armenian bread is very tasty. There is a wide range of different types of bread, including black, white lavash (a soft, thin flatbread), and matnaqash. Variants of Georgian shotis puri are widely available as well, since both countries have adopted the torne / tonir baking oven centuries ago.

Do not miss trying milk products . Along with ordinary milk products, there are some traditional and really tasty and refreshing ones. Matsun (yogurt) is a traditional Armenian dairy product that has centuries of history. It contains a number of natural microelements, which have high biochemical activity. It's really refreshing, especially when you try it cold during hot summers. Diluted with water or whey (or both) until drinkable, it becomes tan , and is sold in bottles. Okroshka is cold soup with tan , cucumber and dill; it is a healthy and refreshing dairy product. Spas is a really tasty hot matsun soup with grains in it.

Café culture rules in Armenia, and the best places to have a cup of coffee and people-watch are sidewalk cafés. Any place near the Opera is certain to be jumping late into the summer nights. A popular chain is "Jazzve" (several locations throughout the city, including near the Opera and off Mesrop Mashtots Avenue), which offers many varieties of tea and coffee as well as great desserts.

Alcoholic: Vodka, tutti oghi (mulberry vodka), honi oghi (cornelian cherry vodka), Tsirani oghi (apricot vodka), local beer (Kilikia, Kotayk, Gyumri), wine (can also be made of pomegranate), and brandy. Respected wines include Karas, Karasi, Kataro, Armenia and some new wines hitting the market. Many are made with Armenian grape varietals not being grown anywhere else in the world. Areni is one of the most popular grape sorts which the largest number of red wines are made from, and the name of Armenia's wine country, while khndoghni is a variety grown in southern Karabakh that the Kataro wine is made from.

Other: Tan (yogurt combined with water and salt), Jermuk (mineral water), masuri hyut (rose hip juice), chichkhani hyut (sea buckthorne juice), bali hyut (sour cherry juice), Armenian coffee, and herbal teas.

Across Armenia, you can find bed and breakfasts that are pleasant and will give you a true taste of Armenian culture. The language barrier will be significant in the rural areas of Armenia if you do not speak Armenian or Russian , but if you take a phrase dictionary with you, you should have no trouble, as people are patient. Any effort to utter an Armenian phrase or term will be met with a friendly smile.

In Yerevan , there are a couple of hostels. Outside Yerevan , there are a few main recreational areas that offer very reasonable accommodation, but you will be required to live without some conveniences. At the high end are some hotels on Lake Sevan and in Northern Lori Marz (50 km from the Georgian border). Here you will miss nothing, but you will pay Western prices for the accommodation. Around Lake Sevan , there are numerous types of cottages and hotels. Prices are reasonable and start at about US$10 per day for a cottage with electricity and within walking distance from Lake Sevan. The city of Sevan, due to its proximity to Yerevan, is the most popular place on Lake Sevan but the history, culture and non-Western European feel of the accommodation change as you go south on Lake Sevan.

Tavush Marz, the northeast province of Armenia, is a popular place to summer. Dilijan and Ijevan are wonderful towns in which to be based, with day trips to the many ancient churches that pepper this remote region. Dilijan is known for its sanatoriums from the Soviet era and has more recently become home to a big restaurant scene.

Lori Marz, with the stunning Debed Canyon , is one of the most beautiful areas of Armenia. It has numerous churches, monasteries, medieval bridges and monuments. The Debed Canyon and Stepanavan areas are great for hiking, wild camping, historical monuments and interesting and unusual attractions such as the Tumanyan Matchbox Label Museum. Small hotels and B&Bs are available in the area of Stepanavan, Odzun , Tumanyan , etc.

Tsaghkadzor is a well-known winter retreat. It has many lovely hotels and is popular year round. Check with a travel agent to find the best deal depending on what activity you are looking to undertake. Jermuk , made famous by the bottled water of the same name, is a wonderful get away, with accommodation for every type of traveler, hot water treatments and spas.

Education is highly valued in Armenia, and there is an abundance of learning opportunities in the country.

Universities

Armenia has many universities and institutions of higher learning and some conduct classes in English. Knowing Armenian, Russian, or both can open many doors for you.

The most notable universities:

• Yerevan State University . Armenia's oldest and most prestigious university. Most courses at the university are taught in Armenian.
• American University of Armenia . The first American accredited institution in the former Soviet Union. It is affiliated with the University of California. Conducts classes entirely in English.

Armenian language

Since Armenians are very proud to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion, nearly everyone is an 'expert' on Armenian history, which goes back to 3000 years.

Museum of Ancient scripts, " Matenadaran ", which is in central Yerevan is a place, where one can learn about history and witness ancient (really ancient) manuscripts. [2]

Career Center has job listings. For volunteer work see these links: [3] , [4] , [5] .

Members of the Armenian diaspora are often encouraged to move back to and invest in the country (the Armenian economy relies a lot on remittances from abroad). If you are fluent or can "get along" in Armenian , you are in good hands: you're way ahead of most foreigners applying for jobs in the country. Knowledge of Russian will also come in handy.

Although Armenia's economy enjoys the strong backing of its large and influential diaspora, Armenia's economy is weak and highly vulnerable, due in large part to its position in an unstable geopolitical environment; unemployment is high, rates of pay are low, and there's general lack of market competition in the country. Inefficient bureaucracy and high levels of corruption complicate things further.

Armenia is a very safe country, so you shouldn't worry about walking around late at night. People leave you to your own devices.

Overall, Yerevan is also safe, though theft and pickpocketing are not unheard of, particularly targeting foreigners. Use common sense and usual precautions when walking on the street at night, especially after drinking.

Female travellers should be aware that unaccompanied women are an unusual sight after dark. In the outskirts of the city, a single woman walking alone at night may attract attention—though this attention may not be as malign as other parts of the world.

The biggest problem you may encounter in Armenia are crooked taxi drivers , especially in Yerevan. See the Yerevan article and included warning to read all about it. You can almost always avoid any problem by using either GG or Yandex taxi apps. If you cannot, always agree a price in advance, and if they are reluctant to agree, do not take the ride. If they pretend that your understanding was other than what you agreed to, refuse to pay and if need be involve other locals or police if they are trying to gouge too much.

Since Armenia had a velvet revolution in 2018, corruption has been largely eliminated in any way that would at the least affect a visitor. Do not offer a bribe, as it may actually land you in trouble.

Armenia is, to a significant extent, a highly welcoming country. Hospitality is a cornerstone of Armenian culture and Armenians consider it shameful to not give a guest a warm welcome. Travellers are unlikely to experience or face overt racism.

LGBT travellers

While Armenians are generally not accepting of homosexuality, and most have very negative opinions , there is a little more leeway with foreigners, although open displays of LGBT behaviour may result in contempt and/or possible confrontation. If you are LGBT, it is strongly recommended that you do not exhibit your sexuality in public.

There are no laws in place to protect the rights of LGBT people and same-sex marriages are formally banned in the country. This said, same-sex marriages that have taken place in other countries are recognised by Armenia.

Dual citizens

Armenia has recognised multiple citizenship since 2005.

If you are Armenian – being a dual national or having an Armenian parent – having another passport will not exempt you from mandatory military service or grant you access to consular protection if you get detained or arrested.

All Armenian males between 18 and 27 must fulfil military service obligations. Military service typically lasts for two years. Evading military service, or attempting to, is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment, a fine, or both. If you're in doubt, talk to someone at an Armenian diplomatic mission before travelling to Armenia.

For a long time, Armenia has been in either hot or frozen conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan . Azerbaijani attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border have not been uncommon, therefore it is best to avoid the border with Azerbaijan. As of 2023, it is unclear how the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh will affect the relations.

Stay healthy

If you are dining with Armenians, they will feed you until you cannot eat any more. The food is generally safe, even from the roadside khorovats stands.

The tap water is generally safe, as it comes directly from mountains. Tab and spring water is available virtually everywhere, especially at churches and monasteries. This means that you do not need to carry a lot of water with you, just a 0.5 L bottle should be enough.

Despite one of the highest rates of smoking in Europe, Armenia has very restrictive non-smoking laws in restaurants and bars. It is illegal to smoke indoors, or even in patio areas of such establishments. The indoor smoking ban is followed well, especially in Yerevan, but some places ignore the outdoor smoking ban.

Armenians are like any other Europeans in their manners and lifestyle, though very much on the traditional end of the spectrum. In contrast to Western Europe, Armenia remains deeply religious, and women occupy a place in society that Western Europe has not seen for a number of generations.

Women are traditionally treated with chivalry. Female travellers should not be surprised or alarmed if their male Armenian friends take the initiative to pay the bills at a restaurant, give up their seat on public transportation for them, open every door in front of them, and/or help them carry items or objects. Male travellers should understand that these nuances will be expected by Armenian women, even if they're not in a romantic relationship with one. The "ladies first" rule is considered important.

Many Armenians believe that Russian rule saved Armenia from complete Turkish extermination, and many Armenians are Russophiles. Almost every Armenian has relatives in Russia, Russians as individuals are very well received, and Russian continues to be widely spoken as a second language. Similarly, Armenians are generally grateful to the Arabs and Persians for protecting many of their kinsmen from the Turks during the Armenian Genocide.

Staring is quite common in Armenia; People, both old and young, are likely to stare at you simply for being a foreigner, though this doesn't happen as much in Yerevan as it does in other cities/towns and in out-of-the-way places. Do not be surprised if such curiosity doesn't extend beyond a stare. Staring does not indicate hostility; it indicates curiosity.

The Armenian Apostolic Church , part of the Oriental Orthodox communion, is the state religion and adhered to by about 95% of the population, though freedom of religion is generally respected. When visiting churches, you are expected to dress modestly (i.e. no shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless shirts/tops), men are required to remove their hats, while women are required to cover hair with a shawl or veil. Since entrance is free, lighting a candle can be a nice, but completely optional gesture.

Direct personal questions (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Armenians, it's not considered impolite, there is just no societal stigma in sharing what some cultures consider personal information.

Respect for elders is important in Armenia. It's common for Armenian parents to be intimately involved in the life choices of their children, and on buses and trains, you are expected to give up your seat to someone much older than you. Do not say or do anything that would make an older person or an authority figure feel challenged.

In Armenia, family nearly without exception takes priority over everything else. Do not be surprised if Armenians attend to family matters and end up coming late to something.

When conversing with Armenians, it is customary to engage in "small-talk" before getting straight into something, i.e. asking about how they are feeling, their family, and the like. Immediately diving into something may be seen as impolite.

It is not rude to discuss Armenian history, Armenian politics, and Armenian culture. As a matter of fact, they are popular conversation topics and Armenians love to talk about them!

Home etiquette

• If you've been invited to an Armenian home, do not show up empty-handed . Bring your hosts a small gift as a form of respect. Simple gifts such as chocolates and flowers will suffice. Very expensive gifts are absolutely unnecessary and are not an expectation.
• If you've been invited over for a meal, your hosts will encourage you to take second helpings ad infinitum. Try not to outright refuse something being offered to you as it can get your host(s) to think that you do not appreciate their hospitality. Leaving a little on your plate can be a signal that you're done.
• If you are staying over at an Armenian person's home, make an attempt to socialise with your hosts - even a few small exchanges with all the generations; in Armenia, the home is a place where people are expected to co-exist with one another. Being aloof or spending too much time alone is considered rude.
• It's common for Armenians to turn up to a place unannounced. When this happens, stop what you are doing and attend to your guests. Similarly, you can show up to a friend's house at any point in time. It's completely normal, though it's become less common with the universal spread of mobile phones.

Sensitive issues

Given Armenia's long history of enduring turbulent, painful events, you should tread upon the following topics lightly:

• Armenian Genocide — every Armenian person around the world has a relative among the millions who were murdered by the Ottoman Turks. The event is remembered with great pain and is still an open wound in the national consciousness.
• Avoid praising, mentioning, or talking about Turkey . Many Armenians express feelings of bitterness and hatred towards Turkey, mainly because Turkey continues to deny the role it played in Armenian Genocide. Some even extend such feelings towards Turkish people. Calling someone a "Turk" is often used as an insult in Armenia.
• The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict — Armenians generally have strong views about it, and some may react acidly if you insist that Nagorno-Karabakh belongs to Azerbaijan. Bringing up the Khojaly massacre is sure to ignite a fierce, passionate, heated discussion.

Yerevan is full of cafes with free wifi. These are beginning to pop up in a number of towns outside of Yerevan as well. Many hotels and cafes provide WiFi for their guests. International calling is available through prepaid mobile phone cards using a landline. Mobile phone companies often offer special prefixes to dial before the number to use VoIP, which is extremely cheap, and a good quality call. Short-term mobile phone rental is also possible. Regular calls can always be made from the post office, and is cheap within Armenia, but a bit expensive for international calls. Try to find a phone office that uses the internet for much cheaper rates. Local calls can be made from kiosks or the rare payphone.

Phone numbers in Armenia are of the form +374 312 57659 where "374" is the country code for Armenia, the next 2-5 digits (starting with a 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the case of land lines) are the area code and the remaining 3 to 6 digits are the "local" part of the subscriber number that can be called from within that particular area code using abbreviated dialing.

Area codes starting with 6 have been assigned to Internet telephony service providers to provide non-geographically based numbers. Mobile phone numbers have two digit mobile prefixes denoting the original network and all begin with a 9 ( Nagorno-Karabakh mobile networks that used to start with a 7 have now been re-numbered to 97).

You must dial "0" in front of the geographic area code from outside that particular area code (but when still within Armenia).

Mobile numbers in Armenia must always be dialed with all digits (including a "0" prefixing the "9n" from within Armenia), no matter where they are being called from. The 9n is a mobile prefix, not an "area code", as such and the second and sometimes third digits (the n part) des the original mobile network assigned. As is the case with most mobile numbers, they can also be called within or outside Armenia using the international format. Most Armenian toll-free numbers and Premium Rate Numbers can not be called from outside Armenia. These numbers have the format 800-23-456 .

Mobile phone providers

There are three GSM service providers operating in Armenia. It is strongly advised to acquire a temporary prepaid SIM card as they are cheap and convenient, allowing both local and international calls, no charge for incoming calls and no monthly fee. Mobile internet and UMTS are also offered from all companies, as are the normal full range of wireless services.

VivaCell MTS has booths offering free SIM-Cards to incoming visitors at the airport. The majority of foreign visitors find their unlocked mobile phones compatible with Armenian SIM cards (GSM 900/1800). GSM coverage maps of Armenia .

• VivaCell MTS is the leading GSM service provider in Armenia and offers quality service at reasonable rates (owned by the Russian giant MTS). They have the best coverage outside of Yerevan. A VivaCell MTS pre-paid SIM card ("ALO" card) costs 1,100-7,000 dram, depending on how much starting credit you want. At their flagship store off of Republic Square, VivaCell MTS is very helpful to foreigners and will make sure that you understand everything in English, French or Russian. They offer very low prices for international calls from your phone via a VoIP (be sure to dial 77001+country code+the number!); in fact, it is much cheaper per minute to call the US or Canada (13 dram) or Russia (30 dram) than it is to dial Armenian networks.
• Ucom is a local provider offers a pre-paid card called U!pre-paid . (Aug 2017)
• team (Telecom Armenia) (formerly BeeLine) offers a pre-paid card for 1,000 dram.

VivaCell MTS and Beeline claim to cover 90% of the Armenian population with 2G services and up to 60% with their 3G services. All of these networks are rapidly growing and expanding their coverage of both 2G and 3G services.

VivaCell MTS has a 4G (LTE) network.

The land border can be crossed to Georgia (north) and Iran (south).

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Tourism in Armenia has been a key sector to the Armenian economy since the 1990s when tourist numbers exceeded half a million people visiting the country every year. 

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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

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Welcome to Gyumri, Armenia

Gyumri is the second biggest city in the Republic of Armenia. It is the center of the Shirak region.It is about 1550 meters above sea level.

Gyumri is located on the east side of the Akhuryan River, which originates from lake Arpi. The Gyumri, Ghoroba (Jajur), and Cherqez rivers flow through Gyumri. The city is connected by highway with Georgia and Turkey. Gyumri has an international airport.

The city is the transitional zone for Tbilisi-Gyumri-Yerevan-Baku highway and Tbilisi-Gyumri-Kars railway. The climate is healthy and bracing, the water is of high quality and good taste, and the air is clean and lively. By the number of sunny days, Gyumri is one of the first in the Republic of Armenia. Its surroundings are beautiful, rich in rare types of flowers and herbs.

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Visit lori Discover the treasures of Armenia

Lori is one of Armenia’s most beautiful regions, thanks to the magnificent Debet River Valley, the forests and forested mountains of Gugark and Stepanavan, and deep gorges and cliffs. Sochut Dendropark near Stepanavan is the most popular resort and is located next to an arboretum.

Travel Lori ...

For a weekend, a month, a life....

Akhtala Church

In the town of Akhtala amidst pristine nature, stands the Akhtala monastery. Its wonderfully preserved frescos with their Byzantine-like color schemes and purely Armenian themes dazzle tourists. 

Akhtala (in the middle ages known as Agarak, since 12-13th centuries Pghindzavank, granted with the status of the town since 1995) is located in the Lori Region, along Shamlugh river, in the valley of Debed river and on the slopes of Lalvar mountain.

Sanahin Monastery

Sanahin and Haghpat monastic complexes in Lori region are both included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. A visit there will take you back in history to the 10th century, a period when they once thrived and used to be the most important centers of education and culture. 

Haghpat Monastery

Alaverdi City

Stepanavan Dendropark ,is in arboretum located near the Gyulagarak village, Lori Province, Armenia. Located around 85 km north of the capital Yerevan, the park was founded in 1931 by Polish engineer-forester Edmund Leonowicz. The arboretum is 35 ha in total of which 17.5 ha consist of natural forest and 15 ha of ornamental trees.

Odzun Church

The temple of Odzun stands out among the numerous monasteries in Lori as having the most extensive history. The current building, a domed basilica, dates back to the 5th century.

Dzoraget Canyon

The river Dzoraget in Lori region is an area of outstanding natural beauty. It originates from the slopes of Javakhk mountain range. At the feet of the city of Stepanavan the river irrupts into 100-120m deep gorges. It is there, on the upper stream of the gorge that Lore fortress stands. This is the perfect place for hiking and relishing the moments amidst the tranquil of Lori’s diverse nature. 

Tsover Lake

Nestled right in the middle of magnificent nature, the lake and the area around it provide a haven for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors with an abundance of enthusiasm and a passion for horse riding and mountain biking are going to  love the experience as well. 

Dsegh Village

No matter it’s your first adventurous discovery trip or not, no matter you are local in Armenia or just visited to explore it, your time will not be wasted if you visit Dsegh. Here you will enjoy your rest and live unforgettable emotions in rich Armenian nature, you will get acquitted with rich historical-cultural heritage etcetera.

Debet Village

What can inspire learning more than a totally green rural environment? Debed is here, which has hosted one of the most important educational centers of Lori region, COAF since 2018. It is worth once seeing the harmony achieved in Debed between nature and architecture instead of reading lengthy descriptions.   

Fioletovo Village

Have you ever wondered about how life was in the Tsarist Russia? Then you should visit the village of Fioletovo and see it. The village is inhabited by Molokans, who were deported during the rule of Tsarist Russia and settled here, originally called Nikitinskoye. For 2 centuries the community has kept its identity and traditions, even its architectural features. 

Lermontovo Village

Two unique villages to visit in Armenia and in the Lori region are Lermontovo and Fioletovo, two Molokan villages that were settled in the 1800s by Spiritual Christians coming from Russia.

In the villages, you’ll find different architecture and a culture that is slightly different than Armenian.

Vanadzor City

Vanadzor, a modern city, which meanwhile cherishes the memories of its Soviet past. After  touring the city, it is worth having a picnic in the quiet of the Botanical Garden, another Soviet heritage, and then going up to the Artek camp, where children from all the Soviet countries would spend their pioneer vacations. 

Dendropark of Stepanavan

Over 500 species of trees from different parts of the world and the fresh air make this a must-visit destination. Among the outstanding specimens of the park are 5 Californian sequoias, which will become huge in a few hundred years. 

St. Nikoghayos Church

This is a Russian Orthodox church in the village of Amrakits, Lori region. It was built in 1848 (according to other sources in 1879) for the Russian Orthodox village of Nikolaka (now Amrakits) founded by the Ukrainian Cossacks. It owes its current look to the reconstruction of 1910-1914.

Lori Fortress

Lori Fortress is within a walking distance from Dendropark. The fortress was built by Davit Anhoghin, who made Lori the capital of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom. Even though the castle is in ruins, it makes the structure even more spectacular, oozing charm and the history of centuries.

Stepanavan City

Stepananvan currently has around 10,000 residents and is green and a wonderful place if you love the outdoors! It is home to the iconic Stepanavan Dendropark which is a must-visit when there!

Water Lily Lake (Urasar)

The lake is the cradle of one of the most beautiful and rarest flowers in the Armenian highlands – water lilies. Admire? Yes, you can. Touch? No, you can’t. They are registered in Armenia’s Red Data Book. This, however, is not the only lake with water lilies in Lori region. A similar one is Lake Liman, found in Tashir community, Saratovka.

Tashir City

Achkasar Mountain

Achkasar is the highest peak in the region of Lori with a height of 3196m. When in Lori, climbing a  mountain holds as much mystery and allure as going down to Lake Achkasar and chilling out. The average walking distance to the lake is 21km. 

Trchkan Waterfall

Trchkan waterfall is a standing evidence of environmental activists’ struggle and victory. They succeeded in suspending a project to build a hydroelectric power plant in here years ago. It  stands out among the waterfalls in Armenia with its height of 23.5 meters and an average water consumption of about 1.5 tons per second. 

Spitak City

The town was completely destroyed during the earthquake and was rebuilt in a slightly different location just after. Today, it is home to just around 11,000 residents and is situated along the Pambak River.

Bardzrakash St. Gregory Monastery

The monastery nestles at the edge of a deep canyon, a spectacular and awe-inspiring site itself. The oldest inscriptions at the site date back to the 8th century. In the complex, you can see the family tomb of one of the most famous ruling families of Armenia, the Mamikonyans, two churches, an oil mill, and remains of khachkars. 

Download the map we developed. There you will find all you need as a tourist: sights, museums, food courts, post offices, banks, ATMs, terminals, public toilets, free wi-fi and other places. The offline map has a navigation feature. The map is available regardless of Internet availability. 

Gastro tour to Akhtala

GASTRO TOUR TO Date: 10.22.21 Start: 13:00 Duration: 6 hour Location: Akhtala Price: 13.500Price including ✓ Tour Guide ✓ Transportation ✓ Food Register for a tour Name Email address Phone number Tour type Individual tourGroup tour

Artist born in Vanadzor

Hi, my name is Mher Chatinyan and I am from Vanadzor. I had never dreamt  about painting before, therefore nobody would know that one day I would become an artist.  But time passed and it turned out what it turned out to be. My paintings are about me: the more sincere are the paintings, the clearer is the […]

The film that has shocked “GOLDEN APRICOT 2022”

5 Dreamers and a Horse On July 17, the largest Armenian film festival Golden Apricot-2022 ended. Today we will tell you about one of the surprises of the festival.   "5 Dreamers and a Horse" is a documentary ontology film with fiction elements that narrates a few touching stories about the dreams of ordinary people. [...]

The site was developed with the support of the My Armenia project, which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Smithsonian Institution. Content is the sole responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the Smithsonian Institution or the United States Government.

Armenia Travel Tips: 12 Super Useful Things to Know For Your Very First Visit

August 12, 2022 May 17, 2019 | Paroma

Are you visiting Armenia for the first time and have a zillion questions on traveling there? Then, my friend, you’ve come to the right place where I’ve demystified traveling to this lesser known destination in the caucasus with 12 invaluable Armenia travel tips. Read to find out everything you need to know before you go to Armenia for the very first time!

WHY VISIT ARMENIA?

Armenia is that small landlocked country in the southern caucasus which often gets overlooked in favor of its neighboring countries (Georgia and Turkey ) when it comes to tourism and that is a real shame .

A country trying to come on its own from behind the curtains of the Soviet-era hangover with historic sites showcasing its religious heritage, jaw dropping natural vistas, a rich tradition of arts and a bounty of wine and delicious cuisine, there is no doubt that there needs to be more of Armenia on all travel bucket lists .

Since Armenia has not quite jumped on to the bandwagon of tourism yet, creating an Armenia itinerary can seem a little daunting due to relative scarcity of travel information out there. Hopefully, this Armenia travel tips guide , based on our amazing summer travel experience , will walk you through the things you need to know for your very first trip to this Eurasian country .

Although not exhaustive by any means, I hope these super helpful and practical travel tips and resources act as that much needed nudge/launchpad for you to discover the true beauty of this underrated country and its many wonders.

Disclaimer: My blog posts may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for purchase of the product. Thank you!

1. ARMENIA TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS: VISA REQUIREMENTS

For US Citizens: U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry to Armenia for up to 180 days per year. Visit the website of the  Embassy of Armenia  for the most current visa information.

For Indian citizens: Armenia’s stellar visa on arrival policy for Indian citizens is exactly what put it right up there on my summer travel destination list. But why wait to get a visa on arrival when you can easily obtain an Armenian e-visa online within three days of application? All you need to do is scan your passport, and provide information on your travel plans (hotel bookings, flight tickets etc) to get that visa pronto.

The cost of a single entry visa is 7 USD. For all other countries, here is official Armenia consular services link to determine your visa requirements. Please be in possession of a printed copy of the visa when you arrive at the customs and do not discard it until after your return.

BEST MONTH TO VISIT ARMENIA

Armenia is landlocked, and understandably experiences extremes of temperatures. Summers are very hot with temperatures rising as high as 104F (40C) while the mercury can really plunge to super lows in winter with heavy snowfall in some parts of the country. The shoulder months of April/May and September/October are best for visiting when the weather is relatively cooler.

We got a full day of rain when we visited in early May but besides that, the days were pretty warm and sunny with temperatures soaring to nearly 80 F (27C) at noon. October is also when Armenia hosts its Areni wine festival (to promote the much needed wine tourism) which is a no-brainer excuse to visit.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR ARMENIA: ARE THERE DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM USA TO ARMENIA?

Getting to Armenia is not a breeze, and is perhaps one of its most woeful deterrents towards tourism, cause it ain’t easy to just hop in there. Besides fewer airlines flying into this country as compared to other parts of Europe, there are no direct flights from USA to Armenia, with Moscow (Russia) being a frequent stopover point.

As an Indian passport holder (this was in 2019), I was not too keen to navigate through the requirements of a layover at Moscow and so I chose Air France (San Francisco-Paris-Yerevan) for our trip ( Indian citizens do not need a transit visa at CDG airport if they have a valid visa for their final destination and are not exiting the airport ). There are some direct flights to Yerevan from different parts of Europe such as Paris (France), Moscow (Russia), Warsaw (Poland), Istanbul (Turkey) and Kyiv (Ukraine).

There are no direct flights from India either but several airlines such as Etihad, Emirates and other have one stop flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chennai.  Here is a list of all airlines that fly to Yerevan, the capital city (Zvartnots international airport/EVN).

TRAVELING TO ARMENIA? HERE IS HOW TO GET THE DRAM (ARMENIAN CURRENCY)

This is one of the most important Armenia travel tips to take note of, and that is its currency that is hard to get elsewhere, especially if you are visiting from USA. The Armenian currency is the DRAM (AMD) which is designated as “exotic currency” by US banks if you are planning to get hold of some before you leave and is really difficult to obtain.

Even after trying two weeks ahead of time, none of our banks (mainstream US banking giants) could provide the currency but that is hardly an issue for your Armenia visit. Starting all the way from Yerevan airport to the many “exchange” centers (you cannot miss the bold neon sign proclaiming the same) scattered all over the city center, there are several places for quick cash currency exchange (no cards accepted for exchange though).

We found the exchange rate to be better at the latter than the airport. If you have an international debit card that does not charge a foreign transaction fee, there are ATMs at the exchange center for fast withdrawal of cash. 

ARMENIA ITINERARY TIPS: PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN YEREVAN (CAPITAL)

Yerevan, the largest city of Armenia, is also its capital and honestly, there are so many amazing things to do in Yerevan itself. A city with all its post Soviet vibes intact (Armenia gained freedom after nearly 70 long years of Soviet rule that lasted from 1922-1991 till the collapse of erstwhile USSR), Yerevan is pretty sprawled out and has a public transportation boasting of buses, trolley buses (much like the MUNI trams in San Francisco) as well as a Metro line with 10 stops.

Many attractions are centered around Republic square/city center and are easily navigable by foot. Although Yerevan was our “base camp” for the entire 5 out of 7 days of our visit, we actually explored the city for about 2 days using solely cabs which were super cheap (thanks to the exchange rate), clean, safe and which ferried us to our destination in a jiffy. The drivers, despite their little to no knowledge in English, were very courteous and friendly.

Getting around in Yerevan via cab is super easy and there are two main taxi services: GG taxi and Yandex , which everyone swears by. Both taxi services have apps that can be downloaded on your phone and function pretty much like Uber and Lyft.

However, you need a local number to use the app and in the next section I will tell you exactly how to get one. We exclusively went for the pre-paid GG taxi (where you can link your credit card) while you pay via cash for Yandex. One thing to keep in mind is that GG taxi is mostly functional within city limits but Yandex has a wider reach.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIME TRAVELERS TO ARMENIA: GETTING AND USING A SIM CARD

Getting a SIM card is the one most important Armenia travel tips that I can offer and one that you need to do to have a seamless travel experience in the country: from getting an app based shared ride to calling up for restaurant reservations to GPS navigation if you rent a car.

This life changing hack is easily obtained at any of the Beeline mobile services (they have a kiosk at the airport when you exit the customs) all over the city, with shiny offices near the Republic square. All you need is a handset/mobile phone where a SIM can be inserted (they will do it for you) and your passport as identity document. We used in iPhone 7 for our purpose that worked like a charm!

TRAVELING TO ARMENIA? GET THE YEREVAN CARD

The Yerevan card, though not much advertised, is the official tourist pass that can be purchased for those staying Yerevan for a longer duration and keen to exploring its many museums and tours without coughing up a fee for every attraction.

Passes are available for 24-72 hours along with an unlimited time option (ranging from $24-51) that is valid for 12 months from the time of purchase allow free entry to 20 museums and attractions, free participation in official city tours and subway and taxi rides. Plus it can also be used to get substantial discounts at many partner stores for shopping and dining.

The card can be purchased online or in person at one of the many sales points in the city and at the airport ( see map here ) and comes with a bumper package of a guide book, mobile card for internet, tour and transportation transfer coupons and a city map.

You can also download a handy app to navigate through the different attractions in the city. Here are the complete details on the many benefits of the Yerevan card and how to use it.

ARMENIA GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS: WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR IN ARMENIA

Yerevan is like any other modern 21st century capital city, with younger people dressed in casual to dressy western wear (dresses, short skirts, pants, jeans, shorts) and older folks donning a more modest attire.

There is a conservative stance in this Christian country and although not very apparent in the capital, it is more evident in smaller towns encountered during day trips from Yerevan to visit a plethora of monasteries and cathedrals.

The Armenian Apostolics church is conservative and so modest attire (no skimpy clothes or super short skirts/shorts) as well as a headscarf is required to enter many monasteries in and around Yerevan. I lived in my linen pants and shirts/blouses throughout my trip to keep me cool and also carried a midi dress and skirt ( here is a skirt with pockets ) to change things up.

Since it gets really hot during the day when visiting in summer, sunscreen and shades/sunnies are a must as is an umbrella if you are visiting in spring and encounter showers. Also, don’t forget that snazzy yet uber-functional camera bag to tuck in your photography gear cause there is so much to click away for in Armenia.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARMENIA: HOTELS AND B&BS

There is no dearth of hotels in Yerevan and thanks again to the exchange rate, you get to stay at pretty swanky hotels right near the Republic square (in the heart of the city) for unbelievably cheap nightly rates of less than $100 per night (ours ranged from $73-83/night since we stayed at two different hotels over 7 days). Many of these hotels have a lavish breakfast spread which is a bargain for additional price of $8-10/person. 

I highly recommend either Ibis Yerevan center (excellent location, non smoking rooms, parking available, but breakfast is not included in room charges) or the even more stellar Boulevard hotel (amazing breakfast spread , fantastic location overlooking a park and rooms with balconies) for your stay. Both hotels are within 3-5 minutes walking distance from Republic square and are very reasonably priced for the amenities they offer.

Besides Yerevan, we stayed overnight at Gyumri, the second largest city in Armenia. Here we opted for a small B&B with a nightly charge of $17 (basic room with adjacent bathroom) and the host prepared an amazing dinner and breakfast spread for us for an additional $10/person which is ridiculously cheap for the amount and quality of food (all home cooked) that we got to eat.

All our other visits in Armenia were day trips and did not require overnight accommodation. Hotel prices may increase in summer due to greater number of tourists but given the strength of the Dram, I don’t expect them to skyrocket.

WHAT IS TRADITIONAL FOOD IN ARMENIA?

One can never fully grasp a new culture without partaking of its food, and you’ll be missing out on a major life experience if you pass up on Armenian cuisine which is downright delicious. Although Eastern Armenian food dominates in Yerevan, Western Armenian (the one under the Ottoman rule) is making a comeback.

Meat, especially beef, is a major part of Armenian cuisine but most restaurants have at least some vegetarian options in soups, salads and entrees comprising mainly of walnuts, eggplants, grilled veggies, mushrooms, eggs and spindleweed (a type of greens). For my vegetarian friends, here is the Happy Cow website detailing on where to get vegan/vegetarian options.

In general, I highly recommend trying Armenian specialties such as Tolmas (Armenian dolmas; they typically contain beef but veggie options may be available), Lahmajuns (Armenian thin crust pizzas again with beef but you can also get a chicken option), tan (Armenian yoghurt drink much like the Indian Lassi/Turkish Ayran/Persian Doog), Ghapama (a sweet-ish entree comprising of rice cooked in a pumpkin-vegetarian) and Gata (an Armenian sweet bread).

Besides Armenian, Georgian cuisine is also quite popular in Yerevan and I highly recommend trying Khinkali (Georgian dumplings which are available with vegetarian/mushroom or cheese filling) as well as Khachapuri (cheese and egg bread) for variety. 

Lest I forget, tap water is completely drinkable in Armenia . Restaurants do not provide water unless requested which is bottled (still or sparkling) and is not free. It is best to carry a water bottle with tap water from your hotel if you don’t want to pay for water at restaurants.

Almost all our meals (with the exception of our trip to Gyumri) were in Yerevan and although we could simply walk in for breakfast and lunch, that was not always the case for dinner where we had to either wait or were turned away since some restaurants were at full capacity or were holding reservations for other patrons.

Unless you are having an early dinner (before 7 PM), I highly recommend making a reservation by calling as most restaurants do not have the provision of online reservation. The other thing to note is that SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES IS (UNFORTUNATELY) VERY ACCEPTABLE in Armenia, including restaurants. If inhaling second hand smoke is not part of your dining plans, then make sure you don’t go to restaurants that do not have a non-smoking section.

DRIVING AND PARKING IN ARMENIA

Driving in Yerevan is not a big challenge for seasoned drivers since the road rules are the same as USA, the streets are in good condition with signs in both English and Armenian and the traffic is not crazy bad.

For short day trips outside of Yerevan (30-45 min drives), a GPS guided navigation system is needed (which is why that SIM card is important) because not all freeway signs are in English.

Parking is kind of dodgy in the city as well as near historic landmarks (monasteries). Within the city, it is best to park the car in the parking space provided by the hotel; in our case Ibis provided parking but we could park in front of Boulevard with no problem.

We found the parking situation to be a bit shady (for lack of a better word) both in Yerevan and while visiting places/landmarks outside the city. Now, this is based on our personal experience and might not be the same for everyone and everywhere, so please do not hold me to it with a Kalashnikov.

To begin with, finding parking around the main city center/Republic square in Yerevan is not very easy and you really have to be on the lookout for a parking spot because it is one of the most crowded areas in the city. If you plan on renting a car, make sure your hotel has a designated parking lot to make your life easier.

When we did find parking at clearly marked spots with a huge “P” for parking sign, there were no parking meters adjacent to the parked cars. Instead, we found someone manning the parking area who simply took 200 Drams from us after we returned without throwing in a big fuss about the time (truth be told, he did not even rattle away any hourly parking rate).

The same goes for parking in lots adjacent to some of the monasteries (such as Garni temple, Geghard monastery and Sevanavank monastery at lake Sevan) if you are driving to them on your own. Although these lots are technically “free” (no prepaid ticket booths or meters), we always found someone manning them like hawks and demanding 200 Drams without giving any parking slip in return.

Since we did not know the language (Armenian or Russian) we could not argue about paying, but we figured out that if you park some distance away and not in the actual parking lot, then you don’t have to pay a dime. I am just throwing this in here to make first time tourists aware that parking is the only thing that seemed a bit “improvised” to us and it is best to be have some change on you to give the “unofficial” parking lot attendant if you end up parking in the designated parking lot.

ARMENIA ITINERARY TIPS: WHAT TO SEE OUTSIDE OF YEREVAN

Armenia is filled with dozens of historic sites and landmarks, many of which are located outside of Yerevan. Resident travel writer Megan Starr’s post details at least 25 such places of interest which also served as my very first post while formulating an Armenia itinerary . Many of these places can be covered as easy day trips from Yerevan as I have detailed in a separate post .

Having been badly burned by our inexperience during our first international trip to Turkey in 2013 when we tried to fit in a lot of day tours and that too back to back in consecutive days that left us exhausted, we decided to be smarter with our schedule this time during our Armenia visit .

With Yerevan as our base, we interspersed our exploration of the capital city with a few day trips every other day which we accomplished either by renting a car (see tips # 10 and 12 for car rental and parking) or via a conducted tour (details in tip #12). With 7 days in hand, we managed to hit most of the major attractions in Armenia without feeling rushed. For reference, our itinerary was as follows:

Day 1: Explore Yerevan

Day 2: Visit monasteries of Khor-Virap, Noravank and Tatev (via 14 hr conducted tour to and from Yerevan)

Day 3: Explore Yerevan and Echmiadzin (25 min from Yerevan)

Day 4: Take the train to Gyumri (second largest city in Armenia) with overnight stay

Day 5: return to Yerevan from Gyumri

Day 6: Visit Garni temple and Geghard monastery

Day 7: Visit Lake Sevan and Dilijan.

HOW TO PLAN TOURS FROM YEREVAN FOR DAY TRIPS

One of the major roadblocks in Armenia’s tourism development is undoubtedly lack of proper transportation arrangements for traveling all over the country and for day trips from Yerevan to see the famous monasteries.  One option is finding marshrutkas in different parts of the city to visit these attractions, some of which like the Tatev monastery are in pretty far flung places.

The dusty marshrutkas (shared minivans) appear to be the favorite way to travel here and all you have to do is find out where they leave from in different parts of the city to go to your destination of choice, pay in cash for the fare and wait till it fills up (usually with 15-20 passengers at a time) to depart.

Personally having survived a 2 hour road trip on a marshrutka from Gyumri to Yerevan where my intestines got all knotted up as this van hurled down the bumpy roads at breakneck speed, all I can say is that I am not going to do it again unless it involves a situation as dire as putting a firearm to my head. This is definitely not as bad as being jammed in a crowded vehicle as you may encounter in India, but is nevertheless a pretty rough ride.

The second mode of transportation is to travel via train to other cities such as Gyumri, Armavir, Araks, Yeraskh and even into Tbilisi, Georgia from Yerevan.

Trains depart every day from the Sasuntsi Davit station (Yerevan train station) and there are express/electric trains that go to Gyumri on weekends (Fri-Sunday) with much fewer stops. Tickets can be purchased on the very day of travel. Here is the Yerevan train schedule for different destinations (we took the regular train on a weekday to Gyumri).

The third option in this Armenia travel tips guide for exploring the country is by renting a car. Car rental is pretty easy in Yerevan with American companies such as Enterprise (right next to Ibis Yerevan center) doing business here. Armenia has both right and left wheel drive available and no international license is needed for US drivers licence holders. Our rental cost came to about $112 for two days with insurance.

There is much more paperwork to be done with additional fees of $40 and a extra safety deposit (that is refunded upon car return) for driving into Georgia. The only drawback of this entire process is that unlike USA where you are in and out of the rental office in minutes with the car keys, here the process is manual and takes quite some time to get the keys.

The fourth and most painless (albeit more expensive) way of exploring Armenia  is going on conducted day tours from Yerevan to see the most popular monasteries such as Khor Virap, Noravank and Tatev.

Although there are several vans around Republic square plastered with every conceivable day tour option, I highly recommend going with Hyur Services which is one of the premier tour companies in Yerevan. Like me, they have been tried by several other travelers and I can honestly vouch for their professionalism and efficiency.

Hyur services have several different day trip group tour options which can be pre-booked (you have to pay by credit card at least one day in advance to finalize the trip by visiting their office on Nalbandyan street in the city center) and they do all the legwork as you sit in one of their large, comfortable buses for a day trip with a super knowledgeable guide fluent in English (tours are multilingual and offered in English, Armenian and Russian).

This is especially useful for traveling to far off attractions such as Noravank and Tatev monasteries  (2-4 hrs drive one way from Yerevan along a dangerously upward winding and hilly terrain) that would be one hellish ride on a marshrutka with self driving being too dangerous.

LOCAL WEBSITES AND ARMENIA TRAVEL RESOURCES

As I wrap up this post in Armenia travel tips, I’d like to leave you with some valuable travel resources and website links that are repositories for all Armenia related information, from sightseeing to dining to lodging and transportation. These are:

a) Absolute Armenia : A website single-handedly dedicated to showcasing the best of Armenia with an aim to promote responsible tourism. 

b) Impact Yerevan Hub : Think of this initiative as the “square space” of Yerevan where young locals not only work in shared space but also provide insider tips on the best of Yerevan, from dining to shopping to bars to other happening events. I picked up one of their yellow maps from our hotel (Ibis Yerevan center) and it was a game changer for me. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events in Yerevan and the best places to dine, drink and shop when in the capital.

c) The official tourism website of Armenia for all aspects of traveling in Armenia and exploring a plethora of upcoming festivals and events.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW BEFORE VISITING ARMENIA: FAQs

How do i get a visa for armenia from the us.

US Citizens can travel to Armenia visa free for 180 days. For several other countries including India, Armenia has a visa on arrival policy or an e-visa policy. Here is all the updated information you need to find out if your country is on the visa-exempt list or if you’re required to get a visa to enter Armenia.

Is it safe for US citizens to travel to Armenia?

Having traveled to Armenia in 2019 and friends who live currently in Armenia (my blogger friend Megan Starr who runs Absolute Armenia with her business partner Aram), I can confidently say that Armenia is safe to travel currently as of 2022, without any major political turmoil roiling the country. Armenians are very nice, friendly and welcoming people and would appreciate you boosting their economy via tourism.

Is Armenia a Schengen country? Is Armenia in Europe or Asia?

Armenia is not part of the Schengen zone in Europe. Armenia is culturally and politically considered a part of Europe although it is in the Southern Caucasus which puts it geographically in the Eurasia transcontinental zone.

Is Schengen visa valid for Armenia?

Armenia is not part of the Schengen territory in Europe. You cannot use a Schengen visa to enter Armenia if your country is included in the list of those that require a visa to enter Armenia (this excludes US citizens).

Is Armenia open to US tourists?

Yes, as of 2022 Armenia is open to US tourists via both land and air.

Do Armenians speak English?

You won’t have any problems in the capital city of Yerevan where people in general speak good to conversational English. Despite having zero knowledge of Russian and Armenian (I can only say “Spasiba” and “Dasvidaniya”), we did just fine in places outside of Yerevan as well. Armenians are very friendly and many outside Yerevan can speak some English.

Is Armenia worth visiting?

I cannot stress enough on how beautiful and undiscovered Armenia is. With a cultural rich heritage that dates back to hundreds of years, amazing historic landmarks that are still not swamped by selfie loving crowds and unparalleled food and wine, Armenia is a must visit and I hope my Armenia travel tips guide will inspire you to do so.

What is Armenia famous for?

Armenia is famous for its heritage landmarks such as its unique churches, the beautiful city of Yerevan, lots of good food and wine.

What should I wear in Armenia?

Armenia is a conservative country. Dress modestly. Midi dresses and skirts as well as jeans/full length pants with short sleeve or full sleeve blouses are good options for women. Short skirts and shorts are generally not preferred, especially outside Yerevan (you won’t be allowed inside churches in that attire). Carry a scarf cause you may have to cover your head in certain churches. 

Is Armenia expensive to travel?

Armenia is one of the top budget travel destinations in the world, especially for US citizens and those in Europe whose currency is the Euro. As of August 2022, the exchange rate is 406 AMD to 1 USD, 416.5 AMD to 1 Euro and 5.1 AMD to 1 Indian Rupee. Clearly, visiting Armenia is good for your wallet!

What currency is used in Armenia?

Armenian currency is the Dram (AMD).

Do’s and Don’ts in Armenia

• Dress modestly
• Expect to encounter smoking in restaurants and outdoors
• Have cash on hand for parking
• Opt for conducted tours for day trips, driving in Armenia can be challenging for first timers
• Definitely get a SIM card at Yerevan airport
• Get the Yerevan Card for savings on major attractions in the city
• Bring a headscarf (women) when visiting churches
• Pick up a bottle of wine for home (Armenia is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the world)
• Armenia is a conservative Christian country-please be mindful of their religious and political views

Is Yerevan safe for tourists?

Absolutely! We spent five full days in Yerevan and were never worried about our safety. The crime index is low for the city and we did not have any issues with pickpocketing or other tourism scams that plague big, touristy cities in Europe such as Barcelona or Paris or Rome.

I hope you enjoyed reading this detailed post on tips and resources to help plan your first Armenia trip . Armenia is a magical place to visit and in this world plagued with overcrowding and mass tourism, is a gem waiting to be discovered and savored minus the crazy crowds.

Despite the few inconveniences that you may encounter (more like kinks that need to be smoothed out), you will have a great time in the country exploring its many glorious sights, sounds and flavors!  There’s been no better time to visit Armenia than now and I hope this post helps make that happen for you.

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6 thoughts on “Armenia Travel Tips: 12 Super Useful Things to Know For Your Very First Visit”

That’s great to hear that it is a perfect destination for Indian passport holders!

So cool to see some blog posts on Armenia!! Looks like such a cool place, I hope I can go one day 🙂

Love love love this! We are just beginning research to visit Armenia next year. This is so useful. I think it looks b beautiful!

Armenia has never been on my radar until I read this. Great post – really comprehensive & definitely makes me want to visit!

Thanks for sharing. Armenia has never been on our radar and given your comments about the roads I’m not sure I’d like to take our 7.5metre long motorhome there. The smoking reminds me a bit of Morocco where we also encountered smoking in restaurants. I guess they’ve still got to catch up with world view about such things. X

A very informative post! I’d never thought about visiting Armenia, but it looks so interesting. It has been added to my very long list of places to go.

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Why Armenia should be on your radar in 2024

Head to Armenia this year and you'll find mythical mountains, ancient monasteries and a rapidly developing farm-to-table food scene. Here's a complete guide to visiting the unsung South Caucasus nation.

Nestled in the heart of the Caucasus region, at the geographical and ideological crossways of Europe and Asia, Armenia holds its own in terms of history, hiking and cuisine. It’s a mountainous nation, with more than half of its territory elevated between 3,000ft and 6,500ft above sea level. Sweeping plateaus — etched with canyons and bulging with extinct volcanoes — are occasionally interrupted by pockets of fertile lowland in the west, while the eastern part of the country unfolds around the sapphire waters of Lake Sevan, one of Eurasia’s largest freshwater alpine lakes. From the 'pink city', Yerevan, to the charcoal-and-gold Gyumri and the emerald Debed Canyon, here’s how to explore this colourful nation.

What’s Armenia known for?

Armenian people are fiercely proud of their language, customs and beliefs. The country was the first nation to declare Christianity as its official religion in 301 CE, and monasteries and churches occupy a special place in its heritage. More than 4,000 pepper the hills and valleys, with Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the seat of the Apostolic Church and spiritual heartland of the nation, believed to be one of the oldest Christian temples on Earth.

For many visitors, it’s the rugged mountains, old-growth forests and semi-desert steppe that command attention. Hiking routes include the Transcaucasian Trail, an epic 497-mile through-hike that runs from north to south and combines agrotourism offerings with nature and culture.  

Armenia also has viniculture traditions dating back more than 6,100 years, with established terroirs and 400-plus local grape varieties providing the building blocks for a world-class natural wine and brandy scene. Meanwhile, the cuisine, which favours wild herbs and fresh seasonal vegetables, is fuelling a farm-to-table movement that centres on rural villages.

Who should visit?

Armenia is well suited to those with an appetite for outdoor adventure and culture. There are ample opportunities to enjoy the landscape, from rock climbing in Noravank Canyon to kayaking at Azat Reservoir, while oenophiles can explore the Vayots Dzor Wine Route . Those with an eye for design can trace the evolution of ecclesiastical architecture, while Armenia’s urban centres — particularly Gyumri, the nation’s cultural capital, where the streets brim with art galleries and workshops — offer an insight into artisanal traditions such as woodworking, silversmithing and blacksmithing. The latter has recently been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity .

Anyone with even a passing interest in world history will also find Armenia captivating. Home to dozens of museums and several pre-Christian archaeological sites, Yerevan — the capital of Armenia, whose founding date of 782 BCE makes it older than Rome — is the perfect place to unravel chapters of the past. Particular highlights include the Matenadaran , a museum of manuscripts and illuminated volumes, the Cascade Complex , a grand, open-air complex which houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts , and the History Museum of Armenia .

What are some of Armenia’s main draws?

Nicknamed the ‘pink city’ thanks to its rose- and coral-coloured tuff stone buildings, cosmopolitan Yerevan is full of sidewalk cafes, tree-lined avenues and open-air markets. The Yerevan Vernissage is a particular favourite among locals and visitors for Armenian handmade masterpieces, souvenirs and works of art.  

Some of Armenia’s most important monasteries are within an hour’s drive of the capital: the UNESCO-listed Geghard is located deep in a gorge and almost invisible until the final approach; Khor Virap sits on a plateau in the shadow of Mount Ararat; and Zvartnots Cathedral is an example of medieval architecture.

But it’s the ninth-century Tatev that’s perhaps the most spectacular. Proudly perched on an outcrop in the Syunik Province, five hours south east of Yerevan, this monastic complex impresses as visitors approach via cable car on the Wings of Tatev , the world’s longest reversible aerial tramway. While in the south, be sure to also venture to Khndzoresk, a cave city that was inhabited up until the 1950s, and Zorats Karer, a prehistoric site composed of over 200 carved monoliths.

The north of Armenia, meanwhile, is a more verdant area which is well primed for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature. The town of Dilijan is a departure point for forest hikes that lead to sapphire lakes and ancient ruins, while, further north, a visit to two more monasteries, the UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin , can be paired with whitewater rafting on the Debed River.

As you move across the country, a taste of rural life and village hospitality can be found in the many ‘ gastro yards ’. Located inside family homes and small guesthouses, these kitchens offer home cooking at its finest, showcasing national dishes and delicacies, such as gata pastries near Haghartsin Monastery, and cheese in one of the southern cities, Sisian.

When's the best time to visit?

Armenia is a year-round destination, with activities and events happening throughout every season. The autumn months are great for wine-lovers, with the harvest spirit sweeping through the vineyards. The hiking season also extends into early November, when splendid autumn foliage decorates Dilijan National Park.

Winter is a fine time for an off-season city break, soaking in the mineral-rich Jermuk Hot Springs and skiing in Tsaghkadzor or Yeghipatrush. Late March sees apricot trees beginning to bloom and pop-up dinners held in blossoming orchards around Yerevan, while summer is best for trekking at higher altitudes, watersports on Lake Sevan and seeing sunsets at Debed Canyon.

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Armenian women look truly beautiful, as they are the perfect combination of Asian and Caucasian features. Armenian women are famous for their long dark brown/black hair and dark brown/black eyes. Appearance is really important for Armenian girls. Besides their marvelous appearance, the Armenian woman has an even nicer personality.

Lastiver is located in Tavush Province. Tavush is one of the most picturesque and beautiful regions in Armenia as it is surrounded with forests and high mountains. If you have decided to visit Armenia don’t miss the chance to visit Lastiver. It is a paradisiacal part of Armenia. Road to […]

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Tatev Monastery is a 9th century Armenian Apostle historical monument. It is located in the South of Armenia, 280 km from Yerevan. This monastery is one of the oldest and most famous in Armenia. It is one of the most inspiring and beautiful Armenian churches. The fortified Tatev monastery consists of […]

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Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world. It was also the first country that adopted Christianity as its state religion in the early 4th century. The country is known as the “land of churches” since it has around 4,000 churches and monasteries from millennia-old monasteries to crumbling cathedrals. Therefore, if you are planning to buy a tour to Armenia and you are interested in ancient churches here is the list of top 5 inspiring Armenian churches and monasteries you must visit.

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