Things to do in Armenia

25 things to do in Armenia

Listed in full below. The running order is set by votes and loads with the page.

• Watch sunrise over Geghard Monastery

  Arrive early at this ancient monastery, partially carved into the mountain, to see the first rays of sun illuminate the stone walls and surrounding cliffs. The serene atmosphere and intricate khachkars make it an unforgettable spiritual experience.

  Geghard, Kotayk Province

• Hike to the Symphony of Stones at Garni Gorge

  Descend into Garni Gorge to see the natural basalt column formations called the Symphony of Stones, resembling a giant organ. The contrasting volcanic cliffs and river views create a photographer’s paradise.

  Garni, Kotayk Province

• Ride the Wings of Tatev aerial tramway to Tatev Monastery

  Soar over the Vorotan Gorge on the world's longest non-stop double-track cable car to reach the 9th-century Tatev Monastery. The ride offers breathtaking panoramas before exploring the monastic complex with its stone library and oil press.

  Tatev, Syunik Province

• Soak in the Jermuk thermal waters and see the waterfall

  Visit the spa town of Jermuk to bathe in its healing mineral springs and witness the 70-meter-high waterfall that plunges into a forested canyon. The cool mountain air and elegant promenades add to the restorative charm.

  Jermuk, Vayots Dzor Province

• Explore the Matenadaran manuscript repository

  Tour the institute of ancient manuscripts holding over 17,000 Armenian and foreign texts, including illuminated gospels and philosophical works. The statue of Mesrop Mashtots welcomes you into a treasury of human memory.

  Yerevan

• Taste Armenian cognac at Ararat Brandy Factory

  Take a guided tour of the Yerevan Brandy Company, renowned for its aged Ararat cognacs praised by Winston Churchill. See the aging cellars and enjoy a tasting of several vintages in the historic barrel room.

  Yerevan

• Walk among the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral

  Stand before the impressive 7th-century circular cathedral ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of Mount Ararat. The reconstructed arches and eagle capitals hint at its former grandeur.

  Zvartnots, Armavir Province

• Browse the Vernissage flea market for handmade crafts

  Stroll through Yerevan's open-air market filled with traditional carpets, carved khachkars, jewelry, and Soviet memorabilia. Bargaining is expected, and each stall reveals a piece of Armenian culture perfect for a souvenir.

  Yerevan

• Pray at Khor Virap Monastery with Mount Ararat as backdrop

  Visit the monastery where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting Armenia. The silhouette of Mount Ararat across the plain creates one of the most iconic photographs in the country.

  Khor Virap, Ararat Province

• Enter the pagan Temple of Garni, a Hellenistic gem

  Explore the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in the post-Soviet space, a 1st-century temple dedicated to the sun god Mihr. The cliff-top setting and mosaic floors transport you to Armenia's pre-Christian past.

  Garni, Kotayk Province

• Eat freshly baked lavash at a traditional Yerevan bakery

  Watch women roll and slap dough onto the walls of a tonir (underground oven) at Lavash restaurant, then tear off a piece of the soft flatbread. UNESCO-listed lavash is best enjoyed with local cheese and herbs.

  Yerevan

• Cross the Devil's Bridge and bathe in natural hot springs

  Hike down to this natural travertine bridge over the Vorotan River near Tatev, where mineral-rich springs form warm pools. Swim in the emerald water under the arches, surrounded by mossy cliffs.

  Devil's Bridge, Syunik Province

• Pay respects at the Armenian Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd

  Climb to the hilltop memorial with its eternal flame and 12 slabs leaning over the flame, representing lost provinces. The adjacent museum documents the 1915 tragedy through photos and testimonies.

  Yerevan

• Enjoy a ballet or opera at the Armenian National Opera Theatre

  Attend a performance inside the neo-classical building designed by Alexander Tamanian, featuring works by Armenian composers like Aram Khachaturian. The elegant horseshoe auditorium provides an affordable cultural night.

  Yerevan

• Hike to Kari Lake and camp on Mount Aragats

  Trek from the large stone lake at 3,190m on the slopes of Armenia's highest peak. In summer, wildflowers carpet the alpine meadows, and stargazing from a tent reveals a sky unpolluted by city lights.

  Mount Aragats, Aragatsotn Province

• Walk up the Cascade Complex for panoramic city views

  Ascend the massive limestone stairway adorned with modern sculptures and water fountains, culminating in a view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat on the horizon. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts inside houses contemporary exhibitions.

  Yerevan

• Feast on Armenian khorovats on Proshyan Street

  Sit at a roadside barbecue joint along this famed street and taste marinated pork, lamb and vegetables grilled over open coals. Served with lavash and pickles, it’s the quintessential Armenian meal in a lively local setting.

  Yerevan

• Explore the ancient cave dwellings of Khndzoresk

  Cross the 160-meter-long swinging bridge to a surreal town of caves carved into volcanic rock, inhabited until the 1950s. Peek inside the stone homes, churches, and stables, feeling like a time traveler.

  Khndzoresk, Syunik Province

• Photograph the red cliffs around Noravank Monastery

  Drive through a winding canyon to the 13th-century monastery with brick-red vertical cliffs towering behind the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church. The intricate carvings by Momik, including a carved God the Father, are stunning.

  Noravank, Vayots Dzor Province

• Breathe the fresh air of Dilijan National Park

  Stroll the lush forests of the 'Armenian Switzerland', hiking trails that lead to hidden monasteries like Haghartsin. The mineral water springs and wooden guesthouses make it a classic nature retreat.

  Dilijan, Tavush Province

• Admire the stone lacework at Goshavank Monastery

  Visit the monastery complex with one of the world's finest examples of a khachkar, a cross-stone so intricately carved it’s called needlework. The peaceful forest location near Dilijan adds to its spiritual charm.

  Goshavank, Tavush Province

• Bar-hop along Pushkin Street in Yerevan

  Experience Yerevan's lively nightlife on this pedestrian-friendly street lined with wine bars, cocktail lounges, and pubs. Live music spills from doors, and the outdoor terraces stay packed until late.

  Yerevan

• Wander the UNESCO-listed Haghpat Monastery

  Explore the 10th-century hilltop monastery complex with its majestic library and bell tower, representing the height of Armenian religious architecture. The surrounding views of the Debed River gorge are sublime.

  Haghpat, Lori Province

• Discover the medieval university at Sanahin Monastery

  Step into the dim halls of the 10th-century scriptorium where scholars once illuminated manuscripts. The severe stone buildings with interconnected roofs and the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Transcaucasia fascinate.

  Sanahin, Lori Province

• Swim and relax at Lake Sevan under Sevanavank Monastery

  Head to the 'blue pearl' of Armenia, climbing the peninsula steps to the two black tuff churches of Sevanavank. Then descend to the beach for a swim in the freshwater, one of the highest navigable lakes in the world.

  Sevan, Gegharkunik Province