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There is a place on earth so old, with such an incredible culture and history. Yet, against all odds, it has found a way to modernize itself and stay relevant. Armenia stole our hearts from the moment we landed. We knew we had to share our ultimate Armenia travel guide with you! We’ll be sure to cover travel costs, the best places to visit in Armenia, the best time to visit Armenia, the best things to do in a 2-week itinerary, visa requirements and pretty much everything we’ve learned from visiting Armenia four times already! Get ready, because your 2 weeks in Armenia are bound to be epic!

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

A little bit about Armenia

Armenia is located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia. It’s a landlocked country, surrounded by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Armenia is the first Christian nation, as locals and diasporans will proudly tell you, every chance they get. That’s maybe why so much of the tourism is around the best churches in Armenia.

Armenia’s roots date back to 860 BC. Its capital just celebrated its 2800th anniversary. They had a peaceful revolution, where they danced and sang in the streets, and managed to overthrow a corrupt government. This is the type of contrast you will see everywhere in Armenia.

The people in Armenia may seem hard on the outside, but they are some of the warmest and most welcoming people on this beautiful planet. Don’t believe us? Grab a bottle of wine, knock on someone’s door, ask to come in and share a drink. See how quickly they’ll welcome you into their home, and put out a full spread for you, their new friend! This may sound crazy, but give this a try during your 2 weeks in Armenia, it will be a truly unique experience!

Backpacking in Armenia is a great way to experience this country. Although the cities are quite modern and stark-looking with their Soviet architecture, the nature around is lush and untouched. Despite having delicious yet complex meals and a booming wine industry, prices remain budget-friendly throughout the country. If you love food, be sure to check out our blog on the best restaurants in Yerevan.

That’s why Armenia has quickly made its way up to our list as being one of the best under-rated countries to visit. With a fun nightlife and cultural scene, historic sights, amazing hikes, barely any crowds and budget-friendly everything, Armenia should be the next place you visit. 

Best places to visit in Armenia

There is no shortage of places to visit in Armenia. Although, you should be warned! Because Armenia is the first nation to accept Christianity as a national religion, back in 301 AD, churches play a very important role here. With over 4,000 churches in Armenia, it’s no surprise that most of the main attractions are either the churches themselves or around those churches.  

If churches aren’t your thing, that’s ok, because there is a ton of other places to visit in Armenia as well! Check out our full guide here!

Yerevan, Armenia’s capital

Your trip to Armenia should start in Yerevan, the capital. There is so much to do and see here, but it’s also a great place to set up our base if you’re looking to do a few day trips around the capital. This city rivals any other European city you will find. With tons of delicious food, a booming wine scene, amazing nightlife, and so much more.

Here are just a few things to do in Yerevan:

1. Visit Yerevan’s museums

The first thing to do, other than eating, is to visit the museums of this capital city. The National Museum is a must in order to understand the history of this ancient country. Another museum to visit is the Genocide Museum, Tzisternagaberd, where you’ll learn about the horrific past that still haunts Armenia. There is also the free art museum at Cascade, where you can get a beautiful view of the capital, and Mount Ararat, on a nice clear day!

2. Take a stroll in Yerevan’s parks

The parks in Yerevan like Swan Lake, and Lover’s park, are also musts in the city. They’re the perfect places to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital.

3. Singing, dancing and all the shows

The cultural scene in Yerevan is one of the best in the world. There is something to see every day of the week. From the famous opera, the ballet, the symphonic orchestra, jazz bars, and open mic nights, there is something for everyone, and at affordable prices.

If you’re lucky, you may be in town for a special celebration or holiday (which happens quite often), and you can see one of the many free street shows. Don’t be surprised if people break out in dance on the streets. Any reason is a good one to dance in Armenia!

4. Go shopping at Vernissage

Vernissage is an open-air market that brings locals and travelers together around some beautiful hand-crafted goods. Although Sunday is the best day to go to Vernissage, this market is open every day of the week. You’ll find tons of stalls selling jewelry, clothes, household items, and so much more. Mostly everything is made by hand and locally.

Be sure to haggle a little on the price, but always be fair! Remember that a successful negotiation is when both parties leave happy with the price. 

5. Use Yerevan as a base for day trips

We said it before, and we’ll say it again. Yerevan is a great place to base yourself while in Armenia. There are a ton of day trips you can do once you’re here. Our musts would be:

• Garni and Geghard: Garni is about 30 minutes away from Yerevan, Geghard, another 20 from there. Garni is an ancient pagan temple while Geghard monastery is on the Unesco World Heritage list because it’s been carved into the mountain. These two places are musts in terms of places to visit in Armenia! They will leave you breathless.

• Explore the religious roots of Armenia at Etchmiadzin & Zvartnots: Etchmiadzin is the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church, their version of the Vatican. Zvartnots temple is a 7th-century cathedral that you can see on your way back from Etchmiadzin. Today, the temple is in ruins, though it’s still a beautiful sight to see.

• Chill out at Lake Sevan: No trip to Armenia would be complete without a visit to the largest and only notable body of water, Lake Sevan. Located about 45 minutes outside of Yerevan, it’s a beautiful place to spend a day. Be sure to check out the church on top of the hill as well, Sevanavank. Another one of the best places to visit in Armenia!

6. Eat all the food you can in Yerevan

The food in Yerevan is amazing and so diverse. You’ll find everything from local meals to regional specialties of the Caucasus, and so much more. Here are some of the best restaurants:

• Adzoukh – Delicious shawarmas, hummus, and homemade tan (a yogurt-based drink). The owners are super friendly, and always around to greet you. We highly recommend their vegetarian wrap!
• Lavash – This restaurant is a bit pricier, but offers delicious local meals. They make their lavash bread in-house, which you can see from their street-front window. Everything we tried on the menu is awesome, so go in and enjoy! If you want to have your meal with some live music, check out their equally delicious (but a bit pricier yet) sister restaurant, Sherep.
• Chez Vicken – More delicious shawarmas and wraps for cheap, on the go food. This restaurant is actually right next to Lavash. 
• Chez Gayane – You’ll recognize this place from Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations show in Armenia. This is a local woman’s home turned restaurant. They serve delicious homemade local meals, and the atmosphere is always lively. 

For the 20 best restaurants in Yerevan, make sure you check out our article here. Pari akhorjag, as we say in Armenia! Bon appétit!

Where to stay in Yerevan

From budget-friendly options to high-end luxury, you can find everything you need in Yerevan. Recently, there has been an increase in rental apartments as well.

Our recommendation would be to stay in Kentron, which is the main central area of Yerevan. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from all major sights, restaurants, and events.

Discover the old city of Gyumri during your 2 weeks in Armenia

Gyumri is Armenia’s second-largest city. In Soviet times, it used to be an important city, as large as Yerevan. However, the earthquake that struck the province in 1988 left it in ruins. Today, although the city is growing and moving past the quake, you can still see the damage it caused. 

Although there’s not a ton of things to do here, Gyumri is well worth a visit, if you’re looking to get a glimpse of a different side of Armenia. Walk around the central square, take a stroll through Central Park and the Soviet amusement park. Check out the black fortress, the museums and the statue of Mother Armenia. 

If you want to mix with the locals, the market is an excellent place to do so, and to eat some delicious local delicacies. There are also a few pedestrian streets lined with restaurants, shops and cafés, perfect for chilling out and people-watching. 

Where to eat in Gyumri

• Polos Mukuch – Named after a famous actor from the city, this is where you can have typical Gyumri food.
• Cherkezi Dzor – A little pricier, and out of the city center. The fish here is famous and said to be delicious. Derek tried and loved it, and he’s not a big fish eater. They don’t have a ton of vegetarian options, but what they do have is quite tasty!
• Herbs and honey tea store – Located in the center of the city, on a pedestrian street, Herbs and Honey is a new type of boutique café. They have a beautiful shop and a seating area outside. Their food is both delicious and healthy. They have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options! 

Where to stay in Gyumri

Berlin Art hotel – We loved our stay at this old hospital turned hotel. Owned by a German couple, this place is well located, and there’s always something going on, from art expositions to book markets. They also have a lovely garden where you can enjoy your breakfast or the different snacks they have available daily.

Head to Goris and discover the best things to do in Armenia

The trip up to Goris is an amazing one. Actually, some of the best places to visit in Armenia are on the route from Yerevan to Goris. They will give you a glimpse into Armenia’s rich history and culture. You can spend a night or two in Goris and spread the visiting of these sights over the time you are there, either on your way to or from Yerevan. You can find the full list of sights to visit here.

• Khor Virap, where Christianity was born in Armenia: The first stop is Khor Virap monastery, the birthplace of Christianity in Armenia. This is where Gregory the Illuminator was said to be imprisoned in a pit for 13 years. You can even visit the famous pit in the monastery. This is also a great spot to get an amazing view of Mount Ararat. 

• Enjoy the local wine in Areni: Then, head to Areni, a region known for its production of wine. This region has a rich wine-making history that dates back to 6100 years. In 2007, they found the Areni-1 cave complex, which is said to be the earliest known winery in the world. While in the region, you can also stop by the Areni wine factory for one of their free tastings. For a more special experience, we recommend going to the Momik Wine cube.

• Stop at Noravank, one of Armenia’s most unique churches: Noravank is a 13th-century monastery famous for its two-story Surb Astvatsatsin church. You can climb up to the second level by the narrow stone-made staircase jutting out from the face of the building. The setting for Noravank is gorgeous as well, in the gorge of the same name.

• Take flight to discover Tatev Monastery: The Tatev monastery is probably one of the coolest and most famous churches in Armenia, especially considering you have to take the world’s longest reversible ropeway, measuring 5,752 m to get to it. The views from the tramway are just epic, and the church itself is beautiful. 

• Explore Karahunj, Armenia’s Stonehenge: Karahunj is said to be the oldest astronomical observatory in the world, which explains why people call it Armenia’s Stonehenge! Located on a plain, surrounded by mountains, Karahunj is made of different rock formations with holes and glyphs. This is how they used to track the movement of the sun and stars. We highly recommend you stop at this sight. It’s one of the best things to do in Armenia, especially considering there is rarely anyone there.

• Discover Khndzoresk, an abandoned village in the mountains: If you can get over your fear of crossing the suspension bridge there, you’ll discover the amazing village of Khndzoresk, built into the mountain. It has caves, churches, and ruins for you to explore. It’s crazy to think that this village was inhabited until the 1950’s.

Where to stay in Goris

• Hotel Zorats Aghpur: If you want to get a beautiful view of Goris, in an impressive setting, this is the place for you. It’s outside the city, but the sweet staff and the breakfast the view make it all worth it!
• Hotel Mirhav: This place looks amazing and we’ve heard nothing but good things about the owners. We would have lo here, but they are always booked. If you are looking to stay here, make sure you book ahead of time.

More of the best places to visit for your 2 weeks in Armenia

There are other trips you can do during your 2 weeks in Armenia to discover how diverse the landscape actually is here. 

Relax in Dilijan

Dilijan is known as the Switzerland of Armenia, and it’s easy to see why. Nestled in the mountains, it’s an idyllic place to discover. There, you have a national park where you can hike, taking you from Parz Lidj (Parz Lake) to Haghartsin monastery. Both are free to visit and offer amazing views.

Hiking is huge is Armenia, and it’s only growing more popular. Dilijan is on the Transcaucasian Trail, a long-distance hiking trail still under development in the Caucasus region. This trail crosses through Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. But it’s not the only trail you can hike. Throughout the country, there are a ton of others you can explore. Check out Hike Armenia’s app to do the treks, or find plenty of hiking tours. 

We loved staying at the Tufenkian Old Dilijan complex. This hotel is a restored 19th-century brick building complex with wooden balconies. Breakfast is included with your stay, and the location of the hotel is quite convenient.

If you’re looking for a delicious meal, we highly recommend Kchuch. They have a wood-burning stone oven here, so their bread and pizzas are insanely delicious! It’s a bit pricier but so worth it.

Check out the view in Tsaghgadzor

On your way to Dilijan, there are quite a few churches to discover, but the best thing you can do, especially if you’re tired of seeing all these churches, is to take the ski lift up Tsaghgadzor.

The ride up is about $5 USD, and the views you get are absolutely amazing. There are also a few hiking trails up on the mountain so you can climb higher to get a bird’s eye view of the region. 

2-week Armenia itinerary

Of course, there are a ton of beautiful places to visit in Armenia, but here’s how we recommend you set up your 2-week Armenia itinerary. Feel free to make this your own and go off the beaten path, but no matter what, make sure you enjoy every minute of it!

We split up the time here so that you don’t have too much time getting from one place to the next, but instead, so you have tons of time to enjoy where you are!

Five days in Yerevan

Start off with five days in the capital of Yerevan. This will help you get over your jet lag, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. You’ll also be able to take some day trips from there. Depending on what you want to see, you may want to spend more or less time here to start.

Day six: Gyumri

From Yerevan, you can either take the weekend train up to Gyumri, or take a bus or shared taxi. We highly recommend you go for the electric train! It leaves Yerevan at 10 a.m. from Friday to Sunday only, which means you’re in Gyumri just in time for lunch!

Spending the night here, you have a full 24 hours to discover everything the city has to offer. The best things to do in Gyumri are to walk around the central square and the pedestrian street lined with cafes and shops, take a stroll through Central Park and do a ride at the Soviet amusement park and visit the local market. Check out the black fortress, the museums and the statue of Mother Armenia. 

Day seven and eight: Dilijan

Start making your way to Dilijan. The direct car ride from Gyumri to Dilijan is just under two hours long. This gives you enough time to get to your destination and explore the city, or to stop in Spitak or Vanadzor on your way to Dilijan.

For your next full day, you have a few options to choose from. You can either stay in Dilijan and relax. You can do the hike from the Haghartsin Monastery to Lake Parz. This is part of the Transcaucasus trail we mentioned earlier. If not, you can also do a day trip to visit the monasteries of Sanahin, Akhtala, and Haghpat, located north of Dilijan.

Dilijan is one of the best places in Armenia, and these are your 2 weeks in Armenia, so do what feels good!

Day nine: Areni

The drive from Dilijan to Areni is not a long one, which is great, because it will give you more than enough time to stop at Lake Sevan. Here, you can chill by the water, check out the beautiful Sevanavank monastery at the top of the hill. And if you like fish, we recommend you stop by Semoyi Mot, where they have a great view of the lake, and where you can have the famous Ishkhanatsoog, a local delicacy.

Then, head down to Areni. If you make it in time for a wine tasting, go for it. If not, you’ll be back here in a few days, so stop on your way back.

Day ten and eleven: Goris

There are a ton of things on the way from Areni to Goris, and around Goris itself, so take your time getting there and make sure you see these amazing spots!

Noravank monastery is right near Areni. You also have the Areni-1 cave that you can explore if you’re a history buff! This is where an old wine-making facility was found, as well as the oldest leather shoe. You can also have a picnic by the Shaki waterfall on your way to Goris. These are some of the best places in Armenia, so enjoy them!

Around Goris, the main sites to visit are Karahunj (the Armenian Stonehenge), Khndzoresk (the mountain village), Tatev monastery, and the chimney rocks.

Depending on how long your route is from Areni to Goris, you can visit these different sites on your way to Goris or back to Yerevan.

Day twelve and thirteen: Head back to Yerevan

The route from Goris to Yerevan is probably the longest one. If you missed any of the sites mentioned above, now’s the time to stop and see them. Like we mentioned, these are some of the best places in Armenia. Another must on your way back to Yerevan is Khor Virap, where Christianity was said to be born in Armenia. This is probably one of the most famous churches in Armenia.

Spend your last day in Yerevan grabbing any souvenirs you didn’t find on your way, or just chill around the city. If you’re looking for cool souvenirs, make sure you head to Vernissage. It’s usually busier on Sundays, but it’s open every day.

How to get around Armenia

Below, you’ll find a quick summary of the ways you can get around Armenia. However, for the full guide on how to travel when you’re in Armenia, you can check out our article here.

Getting around the cities in Armenia

Walking: Once you’re in the cities, walking is probably the cheapest and healthiest way to get around. Even Yerevan is easy to navigate, and you can get from one end of the city to the next by walking 30-40 minutes. 

Use the GG App: Another cheap option is to use the GG app. Like Uber, it calls on various drivers in your area that can take you from one place to the next. GG only works in larger cities at the moment. Rides within Yerevan will cost you about $3. And rides to the airport will set you back about $6 each way. 

Marshrutkas: Another option is to take the marshrutkas (local buses). The cities are working on putting together a map of the different bus routes within Yerevan and Gyumri. For now, you can use the A2B Transport app on Android, or if you know Armenian, check out http://marshrut.info/ (although your browser may offer to translate the page into English, too).

If you want to take a marshrutka, your best bet is to ask a local where the bus is heading. Riding the marshrutkas costs less than $0.50.

Getting from city to city in Armenia

Buses: There are also larger buses that go from city to city. You can grab one, in Yerevan, at the main bus station, Gai. Although there is a bus schedule, they usually head out every hour or half-hour, or when they’re close to full, so don’t expect them to be very timely! Costs vary between $0.50 to $5.00 USD depending on where you’re going. 

Shared taxis: From the main bus station, another option is to get a shared taxi that will be split between 3-4 people. Again, they wait until the taxi is full before they head out. Costs vary between $5 to $10 per person, depending on where you’re going. 

Trains: The train is a great way to get around as well. Most trains are old Soviet trains, except the new electric train that connects Yerevan to Gyumri and runs from Friday to Sunday. From the main station in Yerevan, grab the 10 a.m. train to get to Gyumri around noon. Tickets cost $5 from Yerevan to Gyumri. 

Car rentals: Renting a car is also a good option if you’re a few people and can share the cost. Depending on how many people you are, or what car you get, it will set you back about $75-100 a day, per vehicle. 

Private tours: There are plenty of tour companies in Armenia that can offer group tours or private tours. Depending on how many people you are, they’re sometimes cheaper and faster to do than large group tours. 

Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking is also a great option in Armenia. Even locals recommended it! But it’s not the most time-conscious way to do it. If you end up making friends with the driver, they will insist you come over for drinks and food before they drop you off at your desired destination. If you want, you can try and tip the driver, but chances are, they’ll kindly refuse. 

Travel costs in Armenia

Armenia has a great range of options when it comes to accommodations, food, and activities. Chances are, regardless of what your budget is, you’ll find something that works for you.

About the currency in Armenia 

In Armenia, the currency is the Armenian dram (AMD). At the moment, it’s about 475 AMD for $1. You can exchange your USD at banks or exchange bureaus, but only in Armenia.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most businesses in Yerevan. It’s important to note that despite the fact that some businesses will accept payment in USD, it’s actually illegal to pay with any foreign currency. 

ATMs in Armenia distribute AMDs, and luckily, they don’t charge a fee. In Yerevan, Gyumri, and most major cities, it’s easy to find ATMs, though they do get more scarce certain parts of the country, mainly in smaller cities. 

Pro tip: Like in most countries where the currency notes are large, it can sometimes be difficult to break a bigger note, like a 20,000-dram bill. Luckily there’s an easy hack to avoid this problem. At the ATM, simply select “other amount” and pull out an odd amount like 19,000 drams. You’ll be given a variety of bills that are much easier to use!

Cost of accommodations in Armenia

Couchsurfing: With such hospitable people, it’s not surprising to see tons of great options for Couchsurfing in Armenia. Staying with a local is probably one of the cheapest options you can get here (it’s free!). Just don’t be surprised if your host family ends up adopting you at the end of your journey!

Hostels: If you’re on a tight budget, and don’t mind sleeping in large 20+ bed dorms, there are spots available in Yerevan for as little as $3 per day. They are slightly out of the center of the city. If you want a smaller dorm, around four to six people, expect to pay about $15 per bed. At that price, certain hostels even have private rooms available. 

Airbnb: Airbnb is quickly growing in Armenia, especially amongst expats who rent out their places during the months they’re not around. You can find great options in the center of Yerevan for $50 or less. This will give you access to a whole place with a kitchen, which is a great way to save money as well. You may even be able to negotiate the price if you are staying for longer periods of time. If you’re new to Airbnb, use our code to save some money on your first stay.

Hotels: There are a ton of hotel options in Yerevan and all around the country. Private rooms in budget guesthouses will set you back from as low as $15 and there are many great options for under $50. If you’re looking for higher-end options, very nice hotels are available for around $100. And on the high-end of accommodations, you can look at rooms that go for $300 or more.

Cost of food in Armenia

Food plays a huge role in Armenian culture. In fact, regardless of why people get-together, there is always a huge feast set up for guests. It’s no surprise that the food here is delicious. From the little hole-in-the-wall restaurants to fancy feasts, there is no shortage of amazing food. 

You’ll find a lot of options that are typical in middle-eastern cuisine, and influenced by the Caucasus region. Those meals are usually the cheapest. You can eat local treats for as little as $2 per plate, with higher-end restaurants charging $15 for the main course. Usual meals shared with 3-4 people will set you back about $5-10 per person. 

If you plan on cooking in, expect to spend $20-30 for weekly groceries, split amongst two people. The best place to get fresh produce is not in grocery stores, however. For that, be sure to check out the fruit stalls that are on every street corner or behind a group of large buildings. 

Cost of activities in Armenia

If you want to take the stress out of planning activities, there are a ton of options for tour companies in Armenia. Shorter day trips from Yerevan will cost about $20-25 per person, while multi-day trips can go up to $100 per person. Know that these tour companies are quite flexible when it comes to private group tours, so don’t be afraid to negotiate with them. 

5 easy money-saving tips in Armenia

Armenia is a great place for budget travelers – both food and accommodations are so cheap. Here are a few tips to help you save even more money when you visit:

1. Drink the tap water – The water in Armenia is perfectly safe to drink. You have public water fountains everywhere in Yerevan and most larger cities. These fountains are called pulpulaks. As an eco-friendly tip that helps you save money, make sure you have a reusable water bottle with you.
2. Cook your own meals – Many hostels have kitchen facilities, so save money by booking accommodations with a kitchen. Buying your own groceries is a delicious way to save you money!
3. Take a free walking tour – Yerevan offers some great free walking tours so you can get familiar with the city and the culture. (Just make sure you tip the guide).
4. Use the free wifi – A lot of the restaurants and cafés now offer free wifi. If you don’t want to buy yourself a SIM card, this is a great way to stay connected and save some money. 
5. Eat on the side of the road – All throughout the country, you will find locals that have set up stalls on the side of the road. There, they sell local delicacies they have made themselves, from wine, vodka, and juices, to cakes, jellies, and sweets. Most ladies will offer you free tastings of their goods to convince you to buy them. Enjoy the tasting and buy from the one who has the best treats. These side-of-the-road stalls are a great place to buy cheap but delicious food. 

The best time to visit Armenia

Armenia has four distinct seasons, so depending on what you want to do, there’s a season for every type of traveler. Most people go to Armenia in the summer, where the weather is hot. Expect larger crowds, higher prices and less availability from June to mid-September. However, the fruits are ripe at this time of year, so go crazy on the local peaches & apricots! 

The weather starts to cool down towards the end of September but is still warm and sunny until mid-November. The crowds start to thin as well, making this our favorite season to explore Armenia. If you’re here for the hiking, just know that most trails will close around mid-October, depending on the conditions, as mountain peaks become snow-covered. 

Winters tend to be surprisingly cold in Armenia, and people tend to stay inside. It’s not the best season to visit the country as you won’t get the full experience.  

Important dates, celebrations and holidays in Armenia

If you can be in Yerevan for one of these holidays, we highly recommend it! Don’t be surprised if you see the city comes to a halt on a random day, as celebrations are big in Armenia!

Here are the main holidays and celebrations in Armenia:

• January 1: New year’s day
• January 6: Christmas day
• Easter is celebrated, but businesses stay open.
• April 24: Genocide memorial day. There will be a march from the city to Tsiternagaberd
• April 27: Citizen’s day. It’s a public holiday which is a day off for the general population, while schools and most businesses are closed.
• May 1: Labour Day
• May 28: Republic day. This is to celebrate when Armenia became an independent republic.
• July 28: Vardavar. Ok, if you don’t want to get wet today, stay inside. This celebration is like Songkran – everyone goes out with buckets of water, balloons and water guns!
• September 21: Independence day
• December 31: New Year’s Eve

Visa requirements for Armenia

Visitors from the US and EU countries will need to present a passport at entry points to get into Armenia, but don’t require a visa for short visits. Canadians like us will need to either get a visa before entering the country (you can get yours here), or they can be purchased at the airport.

Check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to see if you need one. If you do require a tourist visa, you can purchase one upon entry to Armenia. You can get a 21-day tourist visa for 3,000 AMD, or a 120-day visa for 15,000 AMD. But visas are free for eligible children under 18 years of age. If you’re coming to Armenia for 2 weeks, the 21-day visa is perfect for you.

To make the process as smooth as possible, make sure you have one empty page in your passport for the visa. Also note that you must also pay in Armenian Drams, though they do sometimes accept payment in USD. You can exchange your money at moneychangers at border points and next to the visas booth at the airport. They are in the hall before the immigration booths.

Sustainable travel and ecotourism in Armenia

As always, we want to be sure everyone practices sustainable travel in Armenia, and all over the world. That’s why we always share these tips to help you travel in the most eco-friendly way possible! Ecotourism is so important because it helps lower our carbon footprint, it helps travel become less of a burden on the environment, and it helps preserve our beautiful planet, so future generations can explore the beauty of the world.

Here are our tips to help you practice sustainable travel in Armenia:

1. Bring reusable water bottles and coffee mug: Tap water in Armenia is safe to drink, and it’s one of the cleanest in the world. So make sure you bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up (we always have our Lifestraw Go with us!). You will also find freshwater fountains (called pulpulaks) all over Armenia. You can drink from there, or refill your bottle. And if you love to drink coffee, make sure you bring your reusable coffee mug too! This is the best way to reduce your plastic consumption and to sustainably travel all over the world!
2. Eat as local and vegan as you can: This is the easiest way to reduce your environmental footprint. Eat as much local produce and food as possible, and especially, eat all the vegan options you can! It’s a delicious and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Support small local restaurants and eateries: If you eat out, make sure you go to locally-owned restaurants. Avoid big chains or restaurants owned by conglomerates. Go off-the-beaten-path with your restaurant choice by asking locals for their best recommendations.
4. Bring your own bags and refuse plastic bags: Like most places, they still offer plastic bags in grocery stores, at the local markets, and at various shops. So bring your own bag and do your little step to promote ecotourism in Armenia and to save our beautiful planet!
5. Walk around: We walked all around Armenia’s cities and towns. We had a great time getting lost in the streets. It helped that our hotels were so centrally located to all the main attractions.
6. Use public transportation to get around the cities in Armenia: The subway in Yerevan is great, and most cities have their own bus system, which is chaotic but in an organized way. It’s very easy to get around the cities using public transportation.
7. Take the bus or train to get from city to city in Armenia: Another great way to cover long distances in Armenia, if you’re traveling from town to town, is to use the buses or the train.
8. Stay in eco-hotels or small locally-owned hotels in Armenia: Another great way to promote ecotourism in Armenia is to stay in smaller, locally-owned hotels, or better yet, to stay in eco-hotels. There are a ton of great options available, so make sure you check these options first!

Although these may seem like small steps, they will make a huge impact in the long run, especially considering that tourism in Armenia is constantly growing!

We loved our time in Armenia. It’s really no surprise we’ve been there four times already, and we’re already planning our next trip! There is really something for everyone here, both in terms of things to see and do, as well as budget restrictions. Hopefully, our travel guide to Armenia will help make your trip unforgettable.

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or need more information about the country!

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