Things to do in Armenia

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.

Descend into Garni Gorge to see the natural basalt column formations called the Symphony of Stones, resembling a giant organ.

Soar over the Vorotan Gorge on the world's longest non-stop double-track cable car to reach the 9th-century Tatev Monastery.

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.

Tour the institute of ancient manuscripts holding over 17,000 Armenian and foreign texts, including illuminated gospels and philosophical works.

Take a guided tour of the Yerevan Brandy Company, renowned for its aged Ararat cognacs praised by Winston Churchill.

Stand before the impressive 7th-century circular cathedral ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views of Mount Ararat.

Stroll through Yerevan's open-air market filled with traditional carpets, carved khachkars, jewelry, and Soviet memorabilia.

Visit the monastery where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years before converting Armenia.

Explore the only Greco-Roman colonnaded building in the post-Soviet space, a 1st-century temple dedicated to the sun god Mihr.

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.

Hike down to this natural travertine bridge over the Vorotan River near Tatev, where mineral-rich springs form warm pools.

Climb to the hilltop memorial with its eternal flame and 12 slabs leaning over the flame, representing lost provinces.

Attend a performance inside the neo-classical building designed by Alexander Tamanian, featuring works by Armenian composers like Aram Khachaturian.

Trek from the large stone lake at 3,190m on the slopes of Armenia's highest peak.

Ascend the massive limestone stairway adorned with modern sculptures and water fountains, culminating in a view of Yerevan with Mount Ararat on the horizon.

Sit at a roadside barbecue joint along this famed street and taste marinated pork, lamb and vegetables grilled over open coals.

Cross the 160-meter-long swinging bridge to a surreal town of caves carved into volcanic rock, inhabited until the 1950s.

Drive through a winding canyon to the 13th-century monastery with brick-red vertical cliffs towering behind the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church.

Stroll the lush forests of the 'Armenian Switzerland', hiking trails that lead to hidden monasteries like Haghartsin.

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.

Experience Yerevan's lively nightlife on this pedestrian-friendly street lined with wine bars, cocktail lounges, and pubs.

Explore the 10th-century hilltop monastery complex with its majestic library and bell tower, representing the height of Armenian religious architecture.

Step into the dim halls of the 10th-century scriptorium where scholars once illuminated manuscripts.

Head to the 'blue pearl' of Armenia, climbing the peninsula steps to the two black tuff churches of Sevanavank.