13 Things To Do In Armenia

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More and more people are starting to visit Yerevan, Armenia. It’s a little difficult to fly into, but I can’t imagine that this Caucasus region is going to stay “hidden” for long. If you are considering going, here are 13 things to do in Armenia, more specifically, Yerevan.

 

My more in depth Armenia travel guide will be posted soon.

 

Table of Contents

1. Geghard Monastery

After a beautiful drive through the Armenian countryside you’re going to come across something mysterious built into the mountain. Geghard Monastery is a UNESCO heritage site first built in the 4th century. Honestly, I don’t even want to go into detail and spoil anything for you. GO HERE, it feels like you are teleported back to medieval times. Vendors line the hill with fruits and other local snacks so bring some cash!

 

I took a tour that included the first three on the list. Why? Because English is very minimal in Armenia and I wanted to make sure I knew what I was seeing. I would highly recommend this half day tour in Yerevan, the guides were awesome. They drive crazy here, be safe if you choose to rent a car and drive to all these places.

2. Catch Views of Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat is very sacred to the Armenian people, many believe this was the landing place for Noah’s Ark as well. Everything you see will be Ararat. Water brands, alcohol brands, souvenirs, etc. Once again, for these first 3 things, I don’t want to speak on them much. The history and lore regarding this mountain is something for a local to share with you, not me. 

3. Garni Temple

Are you in Rome? Nope. This is believed to be the eastern-most Roman building to exist. It truly makes no sense at all, I thought I was visiting a post soviet country! I’m actually getting excited typing this due to how cool it was. An earthquake literally destroyed it in the 1700s, and they pieced most of it back together. Alongside it, you will find incredible views and ancient Roman style bathhouses.

 

Ok you did it, you can survive without a guide now.

4. The Cascade

To get the best view in the city, you have to climb 572 steps. Fortunately, it doubles an art museum. Everything is walkable in Yerevan, you don’t have to stress figuring out how to get to this one. Cool off with a beer or coffee at the bottom and check out the statues. BRING WATER. 

 

There’s also an escalator that brings you up a substantial amount. Leave that part out when telling your friends.

5. Eat Lahmajun

Lahmajun, Lahmajo, Lahmacun, and probably more names. But it’s ARMENIAN PIZZA. Absolutely fantastic. They are known for their lavash (bread) and this is basically a flatbread with meat on it. There could be vegan version? I have no idea but I’m not checking.

 

You are supposed to tear and eat away at it, nobody around me was using utensils. Some rolled it into a little fruit roll-up type bite. Sorry it was so good I forgot to take my photo immediately. I highly recommend checking out the restaurant Tun Lahmajo

6. Visit Republic Square

Here you will find government buildings, the national gallery, an amazing fountain, and the iconic Marriot. During the day, it’s quiet. At night…VERY busy. The locals love spending time with their friends and family, you’ll notice that everywhere in Yerevan. Grab an ice cream (they love ice cream) and enjoy the sights. It’s very close to the next activity as well.

7. Yerevan Vernissage

This open air market is open every day. You will find INCREDIBLE items here, Armenia has very talented artists. There are tons of hand crafted sculptures, dolls, etc. I personally grabbed some very cool wooden magnets. I’m sure you are familiar with a market, so no more detail is needed. This will be on every single “things to do in armenia” post you research.

8. Moscow Theater

For me, this was a breathtaking building to see due to my unfamiliarity with soviet architecture. As one of the oldest cinemas in Yerevan, you’re going to want a picture in front of this, and I imagine it will be in close walking distance from whatever hotel you choose. I personally just took in the sights from outside, but yes you can see a film here.

Dogs roam the streets

9. Genocide Memorial

If you are traveling to Armenia, you should know what this is. Visit the external flame and learn about Armenian history.

10. Relax At Swan Lake

This is a 2 for 1. You have to check out Aram Khachaturian Concert hall when you are nearby. Swan Lake is just a “vibe”. I recommend checking it out in the morning and then again at 8-9pm, it will give you a good idea how the Armenia people live. A lot of families, a lot of good energy. Plenty of restaurants and places to grab a coffee/beer all over. It’s not an attraction per se, I just enjoyed sitting there and people watching.

 

If you look up reviews, people say “overrated, it’s just an artificial lake”. I disagree.

11. Drink from a Pulpulak

When my guide first told me to take a sip of out the unique water fountains, I was a little skeptical. I enjoy my bottled waters in countries I’m not familiar with. But it turns out Armenia has delicious, clean water. I took a sip every time I passed one. Not only is it good, it’s very different, you have to press your finger and direct the spray into your mouth/into your bottle. 

 

Obviously this isn’t an activity, but you’ll be thanking me once you see one of these every 3 minutes and you have knowledge what they are. 

 

Let’s treat this like a video game mission, I’m not showing you a picture what they look like.

12. Gum Market

Armenia is known for their delicious fruit. Well not really, but it probably would be if people found out what they have. Locals had me sampling a bunch of unique dried fruits, I’m honestly not even sure what they were. If you like PEACHES or NUTS, this is the place for you. If that’s not for you, you could still go and just spectate and interact for free.

13. Just Explore

You’re in a completely new country….check it out. Once I found a local 7/11 type store, I browsed it for 15 minutes. It’s part of the experience seeing a local beer that’s completely in Russian and you have no idea what it is. Not just Russian, but Armenian is one of the most unique languages in the world. Get Lost.

 

Enjoy the post Soviet architecture. Check out apartment buildings and other buildings you have only seen in the movies. Observe how the locals act as they roam the streets. You don’t always have to be “on the move” to soak in a country. 

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