Armenia is one of those destinations that still feels authentic, fascinating and deeply underrated! Located in the South Caucasus region of Western Asia, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, it’s a country where ancient monasteries sit among dramatic mountains, breathtaking landscapes are everywhere and history comes alive at every turn. Armenia was also the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its state religion, traditionally dated to 301 AD, which explains why spirituality and heritage are so deeply woven into its culture.
In this travel guide, I’ll share the best places to visit in Armenia, things to see and do in Yerevan, must-try local food, beautiful day trips and my personal travel tips!
I visited with YERANI TRAVEL agency that arranged my accommodation too and I totally recommend it.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING ARMENIA
- Location: Armenia is a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Western Asia, bordering Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey.
- Capital: Yerevan, also known as the “Pink City”.
- Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD). Credit cards are widely accepted in Yerevan, but carrying some cash is useful in smaller towns and villages.
- Language: Armenian is the official language. Russian is also widely spoken, while English is more common among younger people and in tourist areas.
- Time Zone: GMT+4 all year round. Armenia is 1 hour ahead of Greece in summer and 2 hours ahead in winter.
- Visa: Greek citizens can visit Armenia visa-free for short tourist stays. Always check the latest entry requirements before travelling.
- Best Time to Visit: May-June and September-October are generally ideal for pleasant temperatures and sightseeing. Summer can be very hot in Yerevan, while winter brings snow to the mountains.
- Getting Around: Yerevan is easy to explore on foot, while taxis and ride-hailing apps such as GG and Yandex Go are convenient and affordable. For exploring the countryside, I recommend joining organised day trips or renting a car.
- How Many Days: I recommend 4-5 days to discover Yerevan and some of Armenia’s highlights.
Armenia is still relatively underrated compared to many European destinations, making it a wonderful choice for travellers looking for history, nature, authentic experiences and delicious food!
Angel’s tip: One of the things I loved most about Armenia was the warmth of the locals. Armenians are incredibly welcoming, proud of their heritage and genuinely happy to share recommendations about their country. Don’t be surprised if conversations with locals turn into invitations for coffee, food or tips about hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks.
HOW TO GET TO ARMENIA
I based myself in the capital Yerevan, which turned out to be the perfect starting point for exploring the country.
- Most international flights arrive at Zvartnots International Airport, located around 15 km from Yerevan city center. Angel’s tip: I arrived on a direct flight from Athens, which took approximately 2.5 hrs.
- The airport is modern and easy to navigate and reaching the city center takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
- Many airlines connect Yerevan with major European, Middle Eastern and Asian cities, making Armenia more accessible than many travelers expect.
- Armenia is a landlocked country, meaning there is no direct access by sea or passenger ferry. You can enter overland from Georgia or Iran, but the land borders with Türkiye and Azerbaijan remain closed to regular tourist crossings.
Getting Around
- If you’re planning to stay in Yerevan and join organized day trips, you don’t need to rent a car.
- Taxis are very affordable compared to most European destinations.
- I highly recommend downloading GG and Yandex Go before your trip. Both apps are widely used, reliable and make getting around the city incredibly easy.
- Yerevan also has a metro system and public buses, although I personally found walking and using taxis very convenient. Yerevan itself is very walkable, especially around the city center where you’ll find many of the main attractions, restaurants, cafés and cultural landmarks.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN ARMENIA?
I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in Armenia to enjoy Yerevan and take two day trips outside the capital.
2 days: Explore Yerevan.
4-5 days: Yerevan plus two organised excursions.
7 days or more: Discover additional regions, including southern Armenia and some of its more remote monasteries and landscapes.
Angel’s tip: I stayed in Yerevan and explored the country through organised day trips, which I found incredibly practical!
YEREVAN – THE CAPITAL & HEART OF ARMENIA
Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, but at the same time it feels surprisingly modern, creative, and alive. Built mostly from pink volcanic tuff stone, the city has a warm glow during sunrise and sunset that makes it instantly recognizable!!
It’s a city where Soviet history, modern cafés, nightlife and culture all exist side by side.
Where to stay in Yerevan
For your first visit to Yerevan, I recommend staying in Kentron, the city centre. It’s the most convenient area for sightseeing, restaurants, cafés and nightlife, with many attractions within walking distance.
During my trip, I stayed at Welcome Yerevan Apartments, managed by Yerani Travel. I absolutely loved the location! The apartment was simple, spacious, quiet, fully equipped and centrally located, making it easy to explore Yerevan on foot.
It was the perfect base for discovering the capital and joining organised excursions around Armenia.
Things to do in Yerevan
- Cascade Complex: One of the most iconic spots in the city. A giant open-air staircase filled with fountains, sculptures and contemporary art. Climb to the top and you’ll get one of the best panoramic views over Yerevan – with Mount Ararat in the background on clear days. Inside the Cascade is also the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which showcases modern art exhibitions.
- Republic Square: The main square of the city and its architectural centerpiece. Surrounded by government buildings, museums, and the famous singing fountains that come alive at night in summer. It’s one of the best places to experience Yerevan’s energy, especially in the evening when locals gather here.
- Vernissage Market: An open-air flea market where you can find handmade crafts, Soviet souvenirs, carpets, jewelry, and local art. It’s the perfect place to explore Armenian creativity and pick up unique souvenirs.
- GUM Market: A sensory experience on its own – traditional indoor food market. Rows of dried fruits, nuts, spices, lavash bread, and local sweets fill the space. It’s one of the best places to understand Armenian food culture.
- Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum: A powerful and emotional place dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The museum offers deep historical context, while the memorial outside is quiet, symbolic, and reflective. This is an important stop to understand Armenia’s modern identity.
- Blue Mosque: A peaceful and unexpected landmark in the city. This 18th-century Persian-style mosque is beautifully restored and offers a quiet contrast to the rest of the city.
- Northern Avenue & Opera House: Take a stroll along one of Yerevan’s liveliest pedestrian streets, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants, leading to the beautiful Armenian Opera Theatre and Freedom Square.
- Matenadaran: An impressive museum housing one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Armenian manuscripts. A fascinating place to discover the country’s rich cultural heritage.
- Mother Armenia: A massive statue overlooking the city from Victory Park. It represents strength and peace, and the viewpoint here offers one of the best sunset spots in Yerevan. Inside the base, there is also a small military museum.
Food & Wine
Armenian cuisine is comforting, flavorful and deeply traditional. Must-try dishes:
- Khorovats: Armenian-style barbecue, usually prepared with grilled meat.
- Dolma: Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with a delicious mixture, often including meat and rice.
- Lavash: Traditional thin Armenian flatbread, recognised by UNESCO as part of Armenia’s intangible cultural heritage.
- Gata: A traditional sweet Armenian pastry, perfect with tea or coffee.
- Harissa: A traditional slow-cooked dish made with wheat and meat
- Lahmajo (Lahmajoun): Thin flatbread topped with seasoned minced meat and herbs.
Mer Taghe restaurant
Restaurants in Yerevan:
- Sherep & Lavash: Modern Armenian cuisine
- NÖNÖ, Mart, the Coffee: Trendy for brunch & coffee
- Sirelis: An impressive bar-restaurant
- Mayrin: Laid-back Armenian bites
- Lali kitchen & bar: Stylish with creative dishes
- Mer Taghe: Authentic lahmazun
Bars with great vibes for a night out in Yerevan:
- Wine Republic: Great atmosphere and Armenian wines.
- Pablo: Trendy spot for evening drinks. Loved the music!!
- Mayura: Stylish nightlife option.
- Phoenix: Another place to consider for a night out.
- Minas Bar at Collective: Creative cocktails and a cool atmosphere! I loved it!
Armenian Wine & Brandy
Armenia has one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions, with archaeological evidence of wine production dating back over 6,000 years at the Areni-1 cave. Make sure to try local Armenian wines, including the famous Areni red wines and traditional pomegranate wine. Armenia is also famous for its brandy. If you’re interested, consider visiting the ARARAT Brandy Factory in Yerevan for a guided tour and tasting.
Angel’s tip: I had an excellent wine-tasting experience in Ijevan during one of my day trips. I’ll share more about it in the excursions section below!
HOW I EXPLORED ARMENIA WITH YERANI TRAVEL
During my trip to Armenia, I had the pleasure of exploring the country with Yerani Travel, who kindly invited me to experience some of its most beautiful destinations. We spent time discovering Yerevan and joined organised excursions to explore Armenia’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, charming towns and hidden gems.
It was a wonderful experience and having a local guide made it even more interesting, especially when learning about the country’s fascinating history and traditions!! You can have a look on their site here.
Angel’s tip: If you’re visiting Armenia for the first time, joining organised day trips from Yerevan is a great way to discover more of the country without worrying about transportation or planning everything yourself.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM YEREVAN
Armenia may be a small country, but there’s so much to discover beyond its capital! From ancient monasteries and beautiful mountain landscapes to waterfalls, lakes and wineries, it’s a destination full of surprises.
During my 4-day trip, I explored Armenia with Yerani Travel, joining 3 organised tours. Here are the places I visited and some additional excursions worth considering.
1. Yerevan city tour with Echmiadzin & Zvartnots Cathedral
This tour combines the highlights of Yerevan city with two of Armenia’s most important historical and religious sites.
- Echmiadzin Cathedral: Considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world and the spiritual centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Zvartnots Cathedral: The impressive ruins of a 7th-century cathedral, famous for its unique circular architecture and beautiful stone columns. On clear days, you can enjoy views of Mount Ararat.
Angel’s tip: Both sites are located close to Yerevan and can easily be visited together in half a day if you’re exploring independently.
2. Jermuk, Selim Pass & Lake Sevan
A wonderful full-day excursion through some of Armenia’s most spectacular mountain landscapes.
- Jermuk: A beautiful mountain resort town famous for its mineral springs, fresh mountain air and impressive waterfall.
- Gallery of Mineral Water: A unique spot where you can taste naturally warm mineral water from different springs.
- Selim (Vardenyats) Pass: A scenic mountain route offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Armenia’s historic trade routes.
- Lake Sevan: Another chance to admire Armenia’s beautiful high-altitude lake from a different route.
- Wine Tasting: The tour also includes a tasting experience, a lovely way to discover more Armenian wines.
Angel’s tip: This is a long excursion, so be prepared for several hours on the road. The scenery makes the journey worthwhile!
3. Dilijan, Haghartsin, Ijevan & Lake Sevan
One of my favourite excursions, combining beautiful nature, history and wine!
- Dilijan: Often called the “Little Switzerland of Armenia”, this charming town is surrounded by lush forests and mountains.
- Haghartsin Monastery: A beautiful medieval monastery hidden among the forests of Dilijan National Park.
- Ijevan: A picturesque town in northern Armenia, known for its green landscapes and winemaking traditions. I really enjoyed our wine-tasting experience here!
- Lake Sevan & Sevanavank: One of Armenia’s most famous natural attractions, with stunning blue waters and a historic monastery overlooking the lake.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to try Armenian wines! My wine-tasting experience in Ijevan was excellent and I highly recommend including a winery visit in your itinerary.
More Day Trips You Can Book with Yerani Travel
Although I didn’t have time to experience all of them, Yerani Travel offers several other fantastic day trips from Yerevan that are worth considering if you’re planning a longer stay in Armenia.
Here are a few more options you can book with them:
- Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery & Symphony of Stones: A fantastic combination of ancient history, UNESCO heritage and unique natural rock formations.
- Khor Virap, Noravank & Areni: Famous for spectacular views of Mount Ararat, dramatic red cliffs and Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions.
- Tatev Monastery & Shaki Waterfall: Explore southern Armenia, visit the breathtaking Tatev Monastery and experience the Wings of Tatev cable car.
Angel’s tip: I highly recommend joining organised excursions if you’re short on time. They make it much easier to explore Armenia’s highlights without having to rent a car or plan long driving routes yourself.
Fun Facts About Armenia
- Armenia was the first Christian country in the world
- Mount Ararat – Armenia’s national symbol – is actually located in modern-day Turkey
- Armenian monasteries are often built in jaw-dropping natural settings
- The country is still relatively untouched by mass tourism
- Armenians are known for being warm, proud and incredibly hospitable
Why Armenia?
Armenia truly surprised me! From the lively streets of Yerevan and beautiful ancient monasteries to breathtaking mountain landscapes, delicious food and excellent wines, this small country has so much to offer.
Four days gave me a wonderful introduction to Armenia, but I would happily return to explore even more!
A big thank you to Yerani Travel for inviting me and organising such a memorable experience. If you’re planning a trip to Armenia, I definitely recommend checking out their guided tours at www.yeranitravel.com.
Have you ever considered visiting Armenia?
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