Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Armenia

A photograph of Armenia
Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0

Armenia fits inside 29,743 km² and about half of that lies above 2,000 m, so a short drive changes the altitude more than the distance suggests. Roughly three million people live here, over a third of them in Yerevan, and most of what is worth the travel sits outside the capital: monasteries built into gorge walls, Lake Sevan holding 1,279 km² of water at 1,900 m, Mount Aragats at 4,090 m. The country made Christianity its state religion in 301, and the churches raised in the centuries after are the thread running through nearly every route across it.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Armenian
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+374
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Armenian dram (AMD)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112 or 911
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No verified nationwide visitor drinking-water statement was recorded

Planning a visit

  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Matenadaran Matenadaran
    02 1 hr 30 min

    Matenadaran

    Երևանի Մատենադարան

    Matenadaran is a major manuscript repository and research institute in Yerevan, Armenia. Its full name translates to the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  2. History Museum of Armenia History Museum of Armenia
    03 1 hr 30 min

    History Museum of Armenia

    Հայաստանի պատմության թանգարան

    The History Museum of Armenia is the country's principal museum of national history, situated on Republic Square in central Yerevan. It occupies the ground floor of a grand Soviet-era building shared with the National Gallery of Armenia.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  3. National Gallery of Armenia National Gallery of Armenia
    04 1 hr 30 min

    National Gallery of Armenia

    Ազգային պատկերասրահ

    The National Gallery of Armenia is the country's principal art museum, housed within the Republic Square complex in central Yerevan. It holds the largest collection of Armenian art worldwide, alongside significant European and Russian works.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  4. Mother Armenia Military Museum Mother Armenia Military Museum
    05 1 hr 30 min

    Mother Armenia Military Museum

    Մայր Հայաստան

    Mother Armenia Military Museum is a military museum located beneath the Mother Armenia monument in Yerevan, Armenia. The monument itself stands in Victory Park on a hill overlooking the city, replacing a former statue of Joseph Stalin in 1967.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  5. Sergei Parajanov Museum Sergei Parajanov Museum
    06 1 hr 30 min

    Sergei Parajanov Museum

    Սերգեյ Փարաջանովի թանգարան

    The Sergei Parajanov Museum is a museum in Yerevan dedicated to the life and work of Sergei Parajanov, the acclaimed Soviet Armenian film director and artist.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  6. Yerevan History Museum Yerevan History Museum
    07 1 hr 30 min

    Yerevan History Museum

    Երևանի պատմության թանգարան

    The Yerevan History Museum, known locally as Երևանի պատմության թանգարան, is a municipal museum dedicated to the history of Armenia's capital city.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  7. Martiros Saryan Museum Martiros Saryan Museum
    08 1 hr 30 min

    Martiros Saryan Museum

    Մարտիրոս Սարյանի տուն-թանգարան

    The Martiros Saryan Museum is a house-museum dedicated to the celebrated Armenian painter Martiros Saryan, one of the most significant figures in Armenian art history.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  8. Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum

    Հովհաննես Թումանյանի տուն–թանգարան

    The Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum is a house-museum in Yerevan dedicated to the life and work of Hovhannes Tumanyan, a foundational figure in Armenian literature.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  9. Komitas Museum Komitas Museum
    10 1 hr 30 min

    Komitas Museum

    Կոմիտասի թանգարան-ինստիտուտ

    The Komitas Museum-Institute is a cultural institution in Yerevan dedicated to the life, work, and legacy of Komitas Vardapet, the foundational figure of Armenian national music.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  10. Aram Khachaturian Museum Aram Khachaturian Museum
    11 1 hr 30 min

    Aram Khachaturian Museum

    Արամ Խաչատրյանի տուն թանգարան

    The Aram Khachaturian Museum is a house-museum dedicated to the life and work of Aram Khachaturian, the renowned Soviet Armenian composer. Located in Yerevan, it occupies the residence where Khachaturian lived and worked.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  11. Aznavour Center Aznavour Center
    12 1 hr 30 min

    Aznavour Center

    Շառլ Ազնավուրի կեցավայր

    The Aznavour Center is a cultural institution in Yerevan dedicated to the life and legacy of Charles Aznavour, the renowned French-Armenian singer, songwriter, and actor.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  12. Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan house museum Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan house museum
    13 1 hr 30 min

    Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan house museum

    Արա Սարգսյանի և Հակոբ Կոջոյանի տուն-թանգարան

    The Ara Sargsyan and Hakob Kojoyan House Museum is a cultural institution in Yerevan dedicated to two significant Armenian artists. Ara Sargsyan was a renowned sculptor, while Hakob Kojoyan was a prominent painter and graphic artist.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  13. Armenian Railways Museum Armenian Railways Museum
    14 1 hr 30 min

    Armenian Railways Museum

    Հայաստանի երկաթուղու թանգարան

    The Armenian Railways Museum is a railway heritage institution in Yerevan, Armenia, dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of rail transport in the country.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  14. Arthur Tarkhanyan Centre Arthur Tarkhanyan Centre
    15 1 hr 30 min

    Arthur Tarkhanyan Centre

    The Arthur Tarkhanyan Centre is a visitor-facing point of interest located in Yerevan, Armenia. Named after Arthur Tarkhanyan, the centre appears to serve as a cultural or institutional venue within the capital city.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  15. Communication Museum Communication Museum
    16 1 hr 30 min

    Communication Museum

    Կապի թանգարան

    The Communication Museum, known locally as Կապի թանգարան, is a museum institution in Yerevan dedicated to the history and development of communications technology.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  16. Erebuni Museum Erebuni Museum
    17 1 hr 30 min

    Erebuni Museum

    Էրեբունի ամրոցի թանգարան

    The Erebuni Museum is an archaeological museum located at the foot of the Erebuni Fortress in Yerevan, Armenia.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  17. Folk Art Museum Folk Art Museum
    18 1 hr 30 min

    Folk Art Museum

    Ժողովրդական Արվեստների Թանգարան

    The Folk Art Museum in Yerevan is a museum dedicated to Armenian folk art traditions. Its local name is Ժողովրդական Արվեստների Թանգարան. The institution preserves and displays examples of traditional Armenian craftsmanship.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  18. Fridtjof Nansen Museum Fridtjof Nansen Museum
    19 1 hr 30 min

    Fridtjof Nansen Museum

    Ֆրիտյոֆ Նանսենի թանգարան

    The Fridtjof Nansen Museum in Yerevan is a cultural institution dedicated to the Norwegian polar explorer, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. The museum commemorates Nansen's significant humanitarian efforts on behalf of Armenian refugees following the Armenian Genocide.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  19. Geological Museum after H. Karapetyan Geological Museum after H. Karapetyan
    20 1 hr 30 min

    Geological Museum after H. Karapetyan

    Երկրաբանական թանգարան

    The Geological Museum after H. Karapetyan is a scientific museum in Yerevan dedicated to geology and earth sciences. Named after a notable Armenian geologist, the institution preserves and displays geological specimens from Armenia and the broader region.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  20. Karen Demirchyan Museum Karen Demirchyan Museum
    21 1 hr 30 min

    Karen Demirchyan Museum

    Տուն-թանգարանը Կարեն Դեմիրճյանի

    The Karen Demirchyan Museum is a house-museum in Yerevan dedicated to the life and political career of Karen Demirchyan, a prominent Soviet and Armenian statesman who served as First Secretary of the Armenian SSR and later as Speaker of the…

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  21. Khachatur Abovian house-museum Khachatur Abovian house-museum
    22 1 hr 30 min

    Khachatur Abovian house-museum

    Խաչատուր Աբովյան

    The Khachatur Abovian house-museum in Yerevan commemorates the foundational Armenian writer, educator, and intellectual Khachatur Abovian (1809-1848). Abovian is celebrated as the father of modern Armenian literature for pioneering the use of the vernacular Eastern Armenian language in written works.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  22. Modern Art Museum of Yerevan Modern Art Museum of Yerevan
    23 1 hr 30 min

    Modern Art Museum of Yerevan

    Ժամանակակից արվեստի թանգարան

    The Modern Art Museum of Yerevan is a cultural institution in Armenia's capital dedicated to contemporary artistic expression. Its local name, Ժամանակակից արվեստի թանգարան, identifies it within the city's museum landscape.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  23. Museum of Russian Art (collection of prof. A. Abrahamian) Museum of Russian Art (collection of prof. A. Abrahamian)
    24 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of Russian Art (collection of prof. A. Abrahamian)

    Museum of Russian Art

    The Museum of Russian Art is a private museum in Yerevan, Armenia, established from the personal collection of Professor A. Abrahamian. It houses works of Russian artistic heritage assembled over many years.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  24. Museum of printing Museum of printing
    25 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of printing

    Գրատպության թանգարան

    The Museum of Printing in Yerevan preserves Armenia's typographic heritage, tracing the evolution of printing technology and book production in the region.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  25. Near East Art Museum Near East Art Museum
    26 1 hr 30 min

    Near East Art Museum

    Միջին արևելքի թանգարան

    The Near East Art Museum is a cultural institution in Yerevan, Armenia, dedicated to art and artifacts from the Near East region. Its local name is Միջին արևելքի թանգարան.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  26. Silva Kaputikjan Museum Silva Kaputikjan Museum
    27 1 hr 30 min

    Silva Kaputikjan Museum

    Սիլվա Կապուտիկյանի տուն թանգարան

    The Silva Kaputikjan Museum is a house museum in Yerevan dedicated to the life and work of Silva Kaputikyan, one of Armenia's most celebrated 20th-century poets and public intellectuals.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  27. Yervand Kochar Museum Yervand Kochar Museum
    28 1 hr 30 min

    Yervand Kochar Museum

    Երվանդ Քոչար թանգարան

    The Yervand Kochar Museum is a dedicated museum in Yerevan honoring the work of Yervand Kochar, a prominent Armenian avant-garde artist and sculptor of the twentieth century.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  28. Alexander Spendiaryan House Museum Alexander Spendiaryan House Museum
    29 1 hr 30 min

    Alexander Spendiaryan House Museum

    The Alexander Spendiaryan House Museum is a memorial museum in Yerevan dedicated to the life and work of Alexander Spendiaryan, a prominent Armenian composer and conductor.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  29. Yerevan Zoo Yerevan Zoo
    30 1 hr 30 min

    Yerevan Zoo

    Երևանի կենդանաբանական այգի

    Yerevan Zoo is a zoological garden located in the Armenian capital. Established during the Soviet period, it occupies a hillside position in the city. The facility houses various animal species and serves as a recreational destination for residents and visitors.

    • Must see
    • Family attraction
    • Yerevan
  30. Moscow Cinema Moscow Cinema
    31 2 hours

    Moscow Cinema

    Մոսկվա

    Moscow Cinema is a historic cinema located in Yerevan, Armenia. Known locally as Մոսկվա, it stands as one of the city's notable cultural venues.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  31. Nairi Cinema Nairi Cinema
    32 2 hours

    Nairi Cinema

    Նաիրի կինոթատրոն

    Nairi Cinema is a historic cinema located in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Known locally as Նաիրի կինոթատրոն, it represents a significant cultural venue within the city's urban fabric.

    • Must see
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  32. Ararat Brandy Museum
    34 1 hr 30 min

    Ararat Brandy Museum

    Արարատ Կոնյակի թանգարան

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  33. Botanical museum
    36 1 hr 30 min

    Botanical museum

    Բուսաբանական թանգարան

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  34. Galentz museum
    38 1 hr 30 min

    Galentz museum

    Կալենցի Թանգարան

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  35. Hrant Matevossian Museum-Cultural Center
    39 1 hr 30 min

    Hrant Matevossian Museum-Cultural Center

    Հրանտ Մաթևոսյանի անվան թանգարան-մշակութային կենտրոն

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  36. Museum of Wooden Art
    42 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of Wooden Art

    Փայտարվեստի Թանգարան

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  37. Nor Arvestanots
    45 1 hr 30 min

    Nor Arvestanots

    Նոր Արվեստանոց

    • High
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  38. CBA Visitor Centre
    52 1 hr 30 min

    CBA Visitor Centre

    ԿԲ Այցելուների կենտրոն

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  39. Hovsep Margaryan house-museum
    53 1 hr 30 min

    Hovsep Margaryan house-museum

    Հովսեփ Մարգարյանի տուն-թանգարան

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  40. National Olympic Museum of Armenia
    56 1 hr 30 min

    National Olympic Museum of Armenia

    Հայաստանի ազգային օլիմպիական թանգարան

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  41. Shengavit
    57 1 hr 30 min

    Shengavit

    Շենգավիթ

    • Notable
    • Museum
    • Yerevan
  42. Armenia TV
    59 2 hours

    Armenia TV

    Արմենիա Հեռուստաընկերություն

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  43. KinoPark
    60 2 hours

    KinoPark

    Կինոպարկ

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  44. Victory Park
    61 2 hours

    Victory Park

    Հաղթանակի զբոսայգի

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  45. Zazaland
    62 2 hours

    Zazaland

    Զազալենդ

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  46. Ofuro Sauna
    63 1 hr 30 min

    Ofuro Sauna

    Օֆուռո Սաունա

    • Notable
    • Family attraction
    • Yerevan
  47. 5ever
    64 2 hours

    5ever

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  48. Aqua park
    65 2 hours

    Aqua park

    Ջրաշխարհ

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  49. Cinema house
    66 2 hours

    Cinema house

    Կինոյի տուն

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  50. Cinema Star
    67 2 hours

    Cinema Star

    Սինեմա Սթար

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  51. Cinema Star
    68 2 hours

    Cinema Star

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  52. Cyber Arena
    69 2 hours

    Cyber Arena

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  53. Dinosaur Park
    70 2 hours

    Dinosaur Park

    Դինոզավրերի այգի

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  54. Elsa
    71 2 hours

    Elsa

    Ելզա

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  55. Game club PS4
    72 2 hours

    Game club PS4

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  56. Hayastan Cinema
    73 2 hours

    Hayastan Cinema

    Հայաստան Կինոթատրոն

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  57. Legend
    74 2 hours

    Legend

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  58. Lunapark
    75 2 hours

    Lunapark

    Լունապարկ

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  59. Nexus
    76 2 hours

    Nexus

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  60. Panda
    77 2 hours

    Panda

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  61. Room Gamezone
    79 2 hours

    Room Gamezone

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  62. Stoned Game
    80 2 hours

    Stoned Game

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  63. Yerevan park
    81 2 hours

    Yerevan park

    Երևան պարկ

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Yerevan
  64. dors
    83 2 hours

    dors

    դորս

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  65. Draft beers
    84 2 hours

    Draft beers

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  66. Face Pub
    85 2 hours

    Face Pub

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  67. Gini Pig
    86 2 hours

    Gini Pig

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  68. Hot Pub
    87 2 hours

    Hot Pub

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  69. Relocant
    88 2 hours

    Relocant

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  70. SHAM Nargila
    89 2 hours

    SHAM Nargila

    Շամ Նարգիլե

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  71. Varpet
    90 2 hours

    Varpet

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  72. Dargett Craft Beer
    93 2 hours

    Dargett Craft Beer

    Դարգեթ գարեջրատուն

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  73. 007
    94 2 hours

    007

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  74. 13:20
    95 2 hours

    13:20

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  75. 1883 Pub
    96 2 hours

    1883 Pub

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  76. 26 Irish Pub
    97 2 hours

    26 Irish Pub

    26 Այրիշ Փաբ

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  77. 5x5
    98 2 hours

    5x5

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  78. 7 cinema
    99 2 hours

    7 cinema

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan
  79. Afro Club
    100 2 hours

    Afro Club

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Yerevan

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Armenia be?

Six to nine days gives Yerevan enough time and allows a road loop to Garni, Geghard, Lake Sevan or northern monasteries. Southern Armenia requires longer transfers and another base, so Tatev should not be compressed into an already full capital itinerary.

What entry documents are needed for Armenia?

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes visa rules and the official application route. Check the exact passport category, permitted duration and border requirements before travel; an eVisa, when available, should be obtained only through the government service linked from that guidance.

What is the best way to travel around Armenia?

Zvartnots Airport is the principal gateway, and Yerevan has metro and bus services. Trains cover only selected routes, so minibuses, taxis and hired cars carry much regional travel; confirm current border-crossing status before planning an international overland leg.

When is a practical time to visit Armenia?

Late May, June, September and early October usually suit Yerevan and lower-elevation touring. Lake Sevan, mountain roads and monastery approaches can be colder or weather-limited, while midsummer heat changes the pace of exposed archaeological visits.

What money and payment basics apply in Armenia?

The Armenian dram is used for everyday prices. Urban card acceptance does not remove the need for cash at small regional stops, markets and some transport services; use banks or authorised exchangers and check the AMD amount before confirming conversion.

What practical safety details should I save for Armenia?

Armenia records 112 or 911 for emergencies and uses Type C and F power at 230 V. Tap-water status is Not recorded here, so ask the accommodation or municipal provider; for remote routes, save local assistance details before leaving Yerevan.