Armenia might not be on everyone’s radar, but it should be. It’s one of those countries that surprises you when you visit. Ancient monasteries, incredible landscapes, and a deep history dating back thousands of years—it’s a place waiting to be discovered. Here’s everything you need to know before you consider a trip.
Where Is Armenia?
Armenia is located in the South Caucasus region, sharing borders with Turkey to the west, Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, and Iran to the south. It doesn’t have access to the sea, but don’t let that fool you. The mountains here are breathtaking, and you’ll find plenty of natural beauty to take in.
It’s a relatively small country, around 29,000 square kilometers (a bit bigger than Maryland in the United States), which makes it easy to explore within a week or two. No need to stress about long drives or flights across the country; everything’s fairly close.
The Capital: Yerevan
Yerevan is the beating heart of Armenia. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history going back 2,800 years. But despite its age, the city feels young and energetic.
Walk through Republic Square, check out the cafes, and visit the opera house. The vibe is laid-back yet modern. There are a ton of parks, museums, and restaurants to explore, so you’ll find yourself busy for a couple of days just in Yerevan alone.
Language & Currency
The official language in Armenia is Armenian. It’s not an easy language to pick up, but you’ll notice that many signs are also in English, especially in Yerevan. If you know a bit of Russian, that can come in handy too, as many older Armenians speak it due to Soviet history.

The official currency is the Armenian Dram (AMD). It’s best to carry cash when you venture outside of Yerevan or into smaller towns, as card machines aren’t as common in rural areas.
Religion
Armenia was the first country to officially adopt Christianity way back in the year 301 AD. The Armenian Apostolic Church plays a big role in the culture here, and you can visit countless monasteries and churches dotted all over the country.
The most famous is Etchmiadzin, near Yerevan, which is the spiritual center for Armenians worldwide. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the history and architecture of these ancient places, though. Just standing in them feels like stepping back in time.
Armenia’s Culture
If you’re into history, you’ll love Armenia. This country’s timeline stretches back over 3,000 years. And throughout that time, it’s seen empires rise and fall, including Persian, Roman, and Soviet influences. The people are proud of their heritage, and you’ll see that in how they talk about their country, their food, and their traditions.
Family is a big deal here. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited for a meal or offered food by a local—Armenian hospitality is both famous and genuine. They’ll make sure you leave with a full stomach and a warm heart.
Armenian Food
The food in Armenia is delicious, and it’s all about fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can’t leave without trying lavash, the traditional Armenian flatbread, which is served with nearly every meal. Khorovats (Armenian BBQ) is also a must. It’s essentially meat grilled to perfection, usually accompanied by vegetables or potatoes.
Another dish to try is dolma, vegetables stuffed with ground meat and rice, wrapped in grape leaves. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love their pastries, especially gata, which is a slightly sweet bread filled with butter and flour mixture.

Things to See and Do in Armenia
Let’s talk about some key places to include in your itinerary:
Geghard Monastery
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a partially rock-carved monastery a couple of hours from Yerevan. Surrounded by cliffs and with breathtaking views, Geghard Monastery is one of those “wow” places. It’s an easy day trip from the capital.
Lake Sevan
If you’re craving some nature, head to Lake Sevan, the largest body of water in Armenia. In the summer, you can swim here, take a boat trip, or just enjoy the incredible scenery. The lake is surrounded by small chapels and churches, with Sevanavank Monastery being the most famous.
Tatev Monastery & Wings of Tatev
Down in the south, Tatev Monastery offers both history and stunning views. But the real adventure is getting there: take the Wings of Tatev, the world’s longest reversible cable car, which spans over scenic mountain landscapes and gives you panoramic views.

Mount Ararat
Although it’s technically in Turkey now, Mount Ararat is deeply significant to the Armenian people. It’s visible from many parts of Armenia, especially Yerevan, and is considered a national symbol. There’s a legend that Noah’s Ark rested on this mountain after the Great Flood, making it a key biblical site.
Areni Wine Country
Armenia claims to be the birthplace of wine, and Areni is the place to taste some of the best varieties. You can visit several wineries in the region and do some tastings. The wine here is rich and flavorful, with winemaking traditions dating back 6,000 years.
How to Get Around
Public transportation in Yerevan is pretty good, but once you get out of the city, it can be a little trickier. The best way to get around the country is by hiring a car or booking day trips through local agencies. Most attractions outside Yerevan are too spread out for easy public transport access.

Taxis and Rides
Yandex and GG are popular ridesharing apps similar to Uber, and they’re reliable in larger cities. For shorter distances, taxis are also quite cheap but make sure to agree on a price before starting the ride if it’s not metered.
When’s the Best Time to Go?
If weather is important to you, Armenia’s got diverse options. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are arguably the best times to visit, as temperatures are mild, and you’ll avoid both the summer heat and winter cold.
Summers can get hot, especially in Yerevan, but they’re great if you’re planning to spend time by Lake Sevan or hiking in the mountains. Winter brings snow, and if you come during this time, Tsaghkadzor is a popular ski resort just a couple of hours away.
Final Thoughts
Armenia’s not what you’d expect—and that’s a good thing. From its rich history to its unbelievable landscapes, you’ll find plenty to do and even more to love. The people are welcoming, the food’s fantastic, and the historical sites will leave you awestruck. So add Armenia to your list, and be ready to be surprised. You won’t regret it.
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