We chose to visit Armenia during a trip in the Caucasus – by we, I mean a close university friend and I. Originally having planned 4-5 days in the country, we cut it short to 3, in order to also catch a glimpse of Istanbul but I promise: This country is SO MUCH MORE than it’s sad history and will impress you with amazingly friendly people, good food and insanely beautiful views. So here comes: Travel Armenia – a complete guide (filled with all my knowledge I was able to acquire in the short amount of time haha).
Before you go, inform yourself about entry requirements but also about the current political situation, as there might be some entry limitations considering the ongoing crisis with Azerbaijan.
One other remark: My favorite in all Armenia (of what I have seen) were definitely the views of Mount Aragat. Only about 40 km from Yerevan, the mount can be seen almost anywhere (with its snowy top). It is beautiful to see but so absurd at the same time. It is already located on the Turkish side, across the border. The border to Turkey (the land border) has been closed for over 30 years and even though there are plans to reopen it, I am pretty sure no Armenian having been born in the last 30ish years has ever been up that mountain.
Day 1 – Arrive in Armenia and explore Yerevan
Off to Armenia! We got into Armenia from Tiflis, Georgia, where you can easily get a Mashrutka for about 17€ and it takes about 5/6 hours (just put Yerevan Mashrutka in Google Maps and you will have the right location).
The border officials weren’t super happy with our Aserbaidschan stamps, however, after asking a couple more questions we were let into the country. Just be aware that you can only travel to Azerbaiyán first, as the other way round they will most probably not let you in.
When we arrived, we checked in our hotel and started exploring the city – and it’s so cool! Yerevan has a super chill vibe and it’s great to start wandering around from the republic square.
Sights to see/attractions & food recommendations:
Wander around:
- the GUM market
- the San Gregorio Cathedral (especially pretty at night)
- the blue mosque
- the history museum at the republic square
- the freedom square
- walk up the Cascade Complex for great views on the city
- visit the market of arts.
There is also a lot of shawarma in the city and a couple of restaurants I can recommend are:
- Artashi Mot – local food
- Merhatsy Lebanese restaurant – Lebanese food
- In front of the Tashkent trade center: a small store where you can buy great breakfast/lunch
Day 2 – Geghard Monastery and Garni Temple
On Day 2 we decided to go around a bit: Armenia is famous for its ancient and beautiful monasteries, even though many have been destroyed by the Young Turks.
To Geghard Monastery and the Garni temple, it is easily possible to go by local Mashrutka- it will save you a lot of money and make you avoid the tour guides and groups.
Take the bus from Gai Bus Station, it leaves every 30-45 minutes (when it’s full) and costs about 1.25€ (500 AMD). Just tell the driver when you wanna leave and get off.
We went to Geghard first, as it’s further away and then after it made our way back. Geghard Monastery is a monastery from the 4th century, it’s in the edge of a mountain and free to visit. The bus doesn’t go all the way, so we mixed walking and hitchhiking a bit. After exploring it, we walked (and hitchhiked) back to Garni, to see the temples. Students costs a bit less than 2€ entry, and it’s a cute little temple, even though I was more amazed by the landscapes surrounding it – Armenian landscapes are pretty AMAZING!
The Mashrutka will also stop around there, so when ur ready to go back to the city, just ask some locals where the bus stops and wait around – it will come, eventually!
Day 3 – Yerevan’s history
Our last day in Yerevan (and sadly Armenia too) we spent again, wondering around and most importantly, visiting the memorial of the victims of the genocide on Armenia. Entry is free (we went there with the GG Taxi app, it’s the only app that worked at the time, as yandex was not available to us) and I think it’s a must when visiting Armenia, especially Yerevan. The genocide on the Armenians has happened mostly between 1915-1918 and was executed by the young Turks, killing over 1.5 million Armenians.
The last night we stayed in the Art Guest House in KASKAD, with beautiful views on the city – definitely recommendable!
And that was it on Armenia!
But in case you have more time, there is so much more to see!!!!
Other ideas and suggestions:
- Chor Virap
- Byurakan
- Jermuk (Spa city)
- Tatev monastery (via Goris)
All of the additional destinations are at least partially, but overall mostly reachable via public transport.
So overall, we had a great experience in Armenia and I can recommend to every backpacker – regardless of Solo or with friends and family – to check out this diverse country!
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovemarafee/?hl=de
Read more about the why and value of the blog: https://travelmarafee.com/value-of-travel-and-backpacking/
Find more travel itineraries here: https://travelmarafee.com/category/travel-itineraries/