Armenia travel guide
Armenia Tourism | Armenia Guide
You're Going to Love Armenia
Whether you are interested in striking landscapes or ancient monasteries and cathedrals, Armenia has these in abundance. Rich in history and natural beauty, Armenia is waiting to be explored.
What to do in Armenia
1. Explore Yerevan
Visit Republican Square or watch the sun set from the limestone steps of the Cascade that take you from the residential neighborhoods into downtown Yerevan. You could also visit the Genocide Museum to learn about the country's difficult past.
2. Visit Garni Temple
The only pagan temple still standing in Armenia, this Greco-Roman structure dates back to the pre-Christian period and is located on a cliff in Kotayk province.
3. Relax at Lake Sevan
The only beaches in landlocked Armenia lie along the shores of Lake Sevan. Take a picnic and go on a daytrip or stay at one of the resorts on the lake and relax on the private beaches.
4. Take a Trip to Echmiadzin
Known as the Holy City of Armenia, Echmiadzin (renamed Vagharshapat in 1992) was once the capital of the country between 180 and 340 AD and is home to several churches and cathedrals, including the famous Cathedral of Echmiadzin built by St Gregory the Illuminator.
5. Go Walking in Dilijan National Park
Covering an area of 93 mi2, Dilijan National Park is located in the north-east of Armenia and boasts a range of natural mineral springs, dense mountain forests and sites of cultural importance, all of which can be visited via the network of hiking trails.
When to visit Armenia
The best time to visit Armenia is from May to June or September to October, as the weather is not too hot and there is little rain.
How to Get to Armenia
Entry requirements
Citizens from the US and European Union, as well as a number of citizens from other countries, can travel to Armenia, visa-free, for a period of up to 180 days. Passports must be valid for the duration of stay.
Plane
Zvartnots International Airport is the main hub for flights from Russia, various European countries and the UAE. Air Armenia is the national carrier and other international carriers landing at the airport include Air Austria, Finnair and Qatar Airways.
Train
The only international rail link into Armenia is from Tbilisi in neighboring Georgia. The trains run overnight on every second day.
Bus
There are minibus services between Armenia and Georgia in addition to a daily bus service that runs between Armenia and Iran.
Popular airlines serving Armenia
Where to stay in Armenia
There are many options for accommodation in Armenia. In Yerevan you can find luxury international hotels as well as more reasonably priced options. Bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are also common in Yerevan and outside the capital, while in the more scenic areas, such as Lake Sevan and Dilijan, you could book into resort-type hotels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Armenia
Most booked hotels in Armenia
How to Get Around Armenia
Public Transportation
Yerevan has a network of buses, trolleybuses and metro. The bus is the most common method of transportation throughout the country.
Trains
The train network within Armenia is not particularly extensive and tends to be quite slow, but it is relatively cheap to travel this way with trains going from Yerevan to Gyumri and Yerhaks. The fastest train is the one that eventually goes to Tbilisi.
Bus
Buses and minibuses provide a good network for intercity travel. The main cities have links with Yerevan and you may have to take more than one bus to get to your destination. Trips will cost around 100 AMD (0.20 USD) per 6 mi.
Car
Car rental companies, such as Sixt and Hertz, are represented at the airport in Yerevan and it is possible to rent a vehicle from around 13,720 AMD (29 USD) per day.
The Cost of Living in Armenia
Major credit cards are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants and stores within Yerevan but are not accepted extensively outside the capital. There are ATMs in the larger towns but are only likely to accept cards from networks such as Visa Electron. In a grocery store a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost around 2,390 AMD (4.90 USD) while eating out could cost around 2,500 AMD (5.30 USD) per person in an inexpensive restaurant.