Standing at the conjunction of past and present, Armenia, a country located in the crossroads of Asia and Europe, has indeed grasped enough attention on the world stage. Known as the ancient ‘Land of Noah’, the country is a hotbed of history, abundantly filled with stories of resilience, with historical sites dating back over a millennium, with beautiful scenery of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline and heartwarming hospitality of locals putting you at ease. While every city in Armenia offers unusual historical sites and plenty of monasteries that beg exploration, the experience of touring the Armenia attractions is truly rewarding as it is exciting.
While every part of the Armenia tourist attractions offers the kind of adventure you might be looking for, there's nothing as surprising as the delight of its capital city Yerevan which is too good to miss. Thanks to its rich historic and cultural heritage, unique architecture, fascinating landmarks, great museums and a thriving nightlife, the places to visit in Yerevan are fast becoming the topmost choices in the Armenia travel itineraries.
Even though Armenia is a small country, often overlooked by travellers, there are all kinds of off-the-path and incredible Armenia tourist places and spots that are sure to catch your interest. Have a look at the best places to visit in Armenia along with the must-see Yerevan attractions below and gear up to make a new bucket list before you jet off on a memorable voyage to amazing Armenia!
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Armenia and Yerevan:
Republic Square
Republic Square is the central town square in Yerevan the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains. The square is surrounded by five major buildings built in pink and yellow tufa in the neoclassical style with extensive use of Armenian motifs. This architectural ensemble includes the Government House the History Museum and the National Gallery Armenia Marriott Hotel and two buildings that formerly housed the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications. The square was originally designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924. The construction of most of the buildings was completed by the 1950s the last buildingthe National Gallerywas completed in 1977. During the Soviet period it was called Lenin Square and a statue of Vladimir Lenin stood at the square. Soviet parades and celebrations were held twice a year until 1988. After Armenias independence Lenins statue was removed and the square was renamed. It has been described as Yerevans architectural highlight and the citys most outstanding architectural ensemble
Dilijan National Park
Dilijan National Park is one of the four national parks of Armenia. Occupying an area of 240 km², it is located in the north-eastern Tavush Province of Armenia. Your Armenia stay is incomplete if you don’t relax in Dillijan National Park. Dillijan is a charming resort town in the wooded hilly region of picture perfect north of Armenia. You can walk in the densely forested and mountain area which for its surroundings is called ‘Armenian Switzerland’ by locals here. The weather here is cool to add to your excitemental mineral water springs natural and cultural monuments and extensive network of hiking trails
Haghartsin Monastery Complex
Haghartsin (Armenian ) is a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries (in the 12th under Khachatur of Taron) much of it under the patronage of the Bagratuni Dynasty.
Geghard Monastery
Geghard Monastery or (Airivank) was founded in 4th century. Geghardavank is a holy place, where the spear by which Jesus Christ was pierced on the cross by Roman soldier, is kept. The monastery is designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia, being partially carved out of the adjacent mountain, surrounded by cliffs. The spectacular towering cliffs which surround the monastery are part of the Azat River gorge, and are listed together with the monastery as the world heritage site. Some of the churches in the monastery are cut out of cliff rocks entirely, while are little more than caves and some are elaborate structures which has complex wall sections and rooms deep inside the cliffs
Mother Armenia monument
Mother Armenia is a female personification of Armenia. Her most public visual rendering is a monumental statue in Victory Park overlooking the capital city of Yerevan Armenia. Mother Armenia has a height of 22 metres (72 ft) thus making the overall height of the monument 51 metres (167 ft) including the pedestal. The statue is built of hammered copper while the pedestal-museum is of basalt It resembles the monumental complex of Mother Armenia in the capital Yerevan. It was erected in 1975 on a hill west of Gyumri city. It was composed by sculptors Ara Sargsian and Yerem Vartanyan. The architect is Rafik Yeghoyan.
Cascade Complex
The Cascade is a giant stairway made of limestone in Yerevan Armenia. It links the downtown Kentron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhoodCascade Yerevan is the beating heart of the city. It is where the youth gathers for drinks it is where all open-air concerts are held it is where you can capture the best panorama of Yerevan. Cascades benefits are probably countless.Due to the Armenian-American businessman and art collector Gerard Cafesjianss investments and connections Cascade has become a valuable open-air and free-access modern art museum.
Armenian Opera Theatre
Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan in Yerevan was officially opened on 20 January 1933 It consists of two concert halls the Aram Khatchaturian concert hall with 1400 seats and the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre with 1200 seats.Since it was opened the Armenian National Opera & Ballet Theatre has performed more than 200 different operas and ballets by Armenian Russian and Western European composers.
Megerian Carpet Museum
You will see on display an array of Antique and one of a kind rugs and carpets at the museum from the private collections of the Megerian family.
Vernissage Market
You can find in Vernissage the best examples of Armenian folk art unique jewelry exclusive handmade masterpieces craftsmanship. Visit Vernissage pavilion in Tashir street shopping gallery and take a piece of Armenia with you.
Garni Temple
Garni Temple is in a very strategic location, on a cliff, overlooking a range of the Geghama Mountains and Azat River near the Ararat Plain. Built in mid-1st century CE, the temple survived the destruction of pagan temples and countless invasions until its collapse in 1679 CE. It is best known structure and symbol of pre Christian Armenia. The temple was dedicated to the sun of God called as Mihr. But when Armenia took to Christianity in 4th century this temple was converted into a Royal Summer House. Garni is also an exemplary example of great geometrical design. Garni perfectly follows the Pythagorean and Platonic theories of sacred geometry in its design, a design for civilization carved form the wilderness. So, It is a major tourist attraction in Armenia.
Tsitsernakaberd
The Armenian Genocide memorial complex is Armenias official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan. Every year on 24 April the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day thousands of Armenians gather at the memorial to commemorate the victims of the genocide. The people who gather in Tsiter
Sharambeyan Street
Tsaghkadzor ski resort
Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is a sports and tourists facilities located just above the Armenian town of Tsaghkadzor of Kotayk Province approximately 60 km north east of the capital Yerevan and the Zvartnots International Airport. It was opened in 1986 adjacent to the Tsaghkadzor Olympic Sports Complex.
Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the largest freshwater high-altitude Alpine lakes in Eurasia as well as a popular summer beach destination. It has many resorts, cabanas, fish restaurants and other attractions for visitors. Lake Sevan is at an altitude of 1,900 meters and located 70kms from Yerevan. One can visit Sevanavank Monastery, then head south to Hayravank Monastery and Noratus Cemetary nearby. It is one the most beautiful Attractions in Armenia
Yerevan State University
Victory Bridge
Residence of the President of the Republic of Armenia
Hayravank Monastery
Khor Virap Monastery
The Khor Virap (meaning "deep well") is an Armenian monastery located in the picturesqe Ararat mountains in Armenia, near the closed border with Turkey. Grigor Luisavorich (St. Gregory the Illuminator) was imprisoned here for 13 years before curing King Trdat III of a disease. This caused the conversion of the king and Armenia into the first officially Christian nation in the world in the year 301. Khor Virap is located on hillock in Pokr Vedi, the village which is 4 KM away from the main highway there. This is just 30 KM from Yerevan, the capital and most happening city of Armenia. What is most interesting thing about Khor Virap is its history. Khor Virap was used as royal prison
Areni Wine Factory
Wine heaven in Armenia. visit to historical Areni Winery and have a tour in wine storage .Accompanied with wine tasting at personal cost
Swan Lake
Situated in Yerevan less than 1 km from Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre and a 12-minute walk from Republic Square Swan lake features air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony and free WiFi. The property features city and mountain views and i
Noratus cemetery
Noratus cemetery also spelled Noraduz is a medieval cemetery with many early khachkars located in the village of Noratus Gegharkunik marz near Gavar and Lake Sevan 90 km north of Yerevan.
Noravank
Noravank is a 13th-century Armenian monastery located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River near the town of Yeghegnadzor Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall sheer brick-red cliffs directly across from the monastery. The monastery is best known for its two-storey Surb Astvatsatsin church which grants access to the second floor by way of a n
Armenian Genocide Museum
Sevanavank
Sevanavank is a monastic complex located on a peninsula at the northwestern shore of Lake Sevan in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia not far from the town of Sevan. Initially the monastery was built at the southern shore of a small island. After the artificial draining of Lake Sevan which started in the era of Joseph Stalin the water level fell about 20 metres and the island transform
Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church
Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church is the oldest surviving church in Yerevan. It was previously known as Surp Astvatsatsin. However the name Zoravor was added because the church was home to the 13th century bible of Zoravor.
Echmiadzin Monastery
Mount Aragats
Mount Aragats is an isolated four-peaked volcano massif in Armenia. Its northern summit at 4090 m above sea level is the highest point of the Lesser Caucasus and Armenia. It is also one of the highest points in the Armenian Highlands.
Areni cave
The Areni-1 cave complex is a multicomponent site and late ChalcolithicEarly Bronze Age ritual site and settlement located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River.The Areni-1 cave complex is a multicomponent site and late ChalcolithicEarly Bronze Age ritual site and settlement located near the Areni village in southern Armenia along the Arpa River.
Haghartsin Monastery
Haghartsin is a 13th-century monastery located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries much of it under the patronage of the Bagrationi Dynasty.
Zvartnots International Airport
Republic Square Yerevan
Republic Square is the central town square in Yerevan the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains. The square is surrounded by five major buildings built in pink and yellow tufa in the neoclassical style with extensive use of Armenian motifs. This architectural ensemble includes th
Cathedral of Aruch
Geghard Monastery
Geghard is a medieval monastery in the Kotayk province of Armenia partially carved out of the adjacent mountain and surrounded by cliffs. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with enhanced protection status.
History Museum of Armenia
The History Museum of Armenia is a museum in Armenia with departments of Archaeology Numismatics Ethnography Modern History and Restoration. It has a national collection of 400000 objects and was founded in 1920.
Blue Mosque (Persian Mosque)
The Blue Mosque is an 18th-century Shia mosque in Yerevan Armenia. It was commissioned by Huseyn Ali Khan the khan of the Iranian Erivan Khanate. It is one of the oldest extant structures in central Yerevan and the most significant structure from the citys Iranian period.
Freedom Square Yerevan
The Freedom Square or Liberty Square also known as Opera Square and Theatre Square until 1991 is a town square located in Kentron district of Yerevan Armenia. The square is part of the Yerevan Opera Theater complex located just to the south of the main opera building between the opera park and the Swan lake. Along with the Republic Square the Freedom Square is one
Kecharis Monastery
Kecharis Monastery is a medieval Armenian monastic complex dating back to the 11th to 13th centuries located 60 km from Yerevan in the ski resort town of Tsakhkadzor in Armenia. Nestled in the Pambak mountains Kecharis was founded by a Pahlavuni prince in the 11th century and construction continued until the middle of the 13th century. In the 12th and 13th centuries Kechari
Saint Gayane Church
The Church of Saint Gayane is a 7th-century Armenian church in Vagharshapat the religious center of Armenia. It is located within walking distance from the Etchmiadzin Cathedral of 301. St. Gayane was built by Catholicos Ezra I in the year 630. Its design has remained unchanged despite partial renovations of the dome and some ceilings in 1652.
Smbataberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress
Amberd Fortress is a medieval fortress Amberd on the southern slopes of the Mount Aragats away from the hectic cities. It stands on the rocky cliff on the height of 2100 meters protected from two sides with deep gorges at the junction of rivers Amberd and Arkashen. This unique sight is located 50km from Yerevan.The history of Amberd goes back to the 7th century when Armenian princes Kamsarakan started there construction of the fortressThe architecture of Amberd is simple. Walls of the fortress are made of massive basalt tiles that once served to protect from shells and siege weapons. In some places thickness of walls reaches 4 meters. Foundations of construction and few walls had been preserved inside the fortress. Church Vagramashen was built in 1026 and reached our days practically in its original state. Church architecture is ascetic as well as the entire fortress and its only exquisite detail is the southern door.
Trchuneri (Bird) Cave
Makravank Monastery
Saint Christopher Monastery
Saint Christopher Monastery is a restored Armenian church of the 7th century located in a cemetery 2.2 kilometres southeast of the outskirts of Dashtadem village and Dashtadem Fortress in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Adjacent to the church is a Saint Christopher Monastery is a restored Armenian church of the 7th century located in a cemetery 2.2 kilometres southeast of the outskirts of Dashtadem village and Dashtadem Fortress in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. Adjacent to the church is a 13th-century stone rectangular tower with sloped walls. It has small windows on the upper portion of the wall but no access to the interior. The surrounding cemetery has been in use from the 6th century to modern times and contains several interesting khachkars. A low-stone wall surrounds the complex and a section of the old cemetery. Dashtadem Fortress may be seen in the distance from the monastery.
Sasuntsi Davit Statue
Sasuntsi Davit is a copper equestrian statue depicting David of Sassoun in Yerevan Armenia. Erected by Yervand Kochar in 1959 it depicts the protagonist of the Armenian national epic Daredevils of Sassoun.
Gum Market
The Gumi Shuka or GUM Market is a large indoor market in Yerevan. It is open only between 11 AM and 5 PM. The GUM Market is completely devoted to dried and candied fruits nuts fresh food spices and sujuk.
Lovers Park
Lovers Park is a public park in Yerevan Armenia located on Baghramyan Avenue. It occupies an area of 2.5 hectares in the central Kentron District of the city. The park was entirely renovated between 2005 and 2008 and reopened in November 2008 by the efforts of benefactor Albert Boghossian head of the Boghossian Foundation.
National Gallery of Armenia
The National Gallery of Armenia is the largest art museum in Armenia. Located on Yerevans Republic Square the museum has one of the most prominent locations in the Armenian capital. The NGA houses significant collections of Russian and Western European art and the worlds largest collection of Armenian art. The museum had 65000 visitors in 2005.
Dalan Art Gallery
Founded in 2011 Dalan Gallery aims at introducing and representing Post - Soviet and Post Independence period contemporary Armenian artists to private collectors Galleries and Museums throughout the world as well as organizing curated solo and group exhibitions of contemporary art in different visual styles.
Yerevan Zoo
The Yerevan Zoo also known as the Zoological Garden of Yerevan is a 35-hectare zoo established in 1940 in Yerevan Armenia.
Lake Parz
Lake Parz is a small lake located in the Dilijan National Park east of Dilijan in Armenia. The lake was formed by natural climatic changes. Parz in Armenian means clear. In 2017 the TransCaucasian Trail was created to connect Parz Lake with the town of Dilijan and in the opposite direction with Gosh Village and Gosh Lake. The trail was created through the building of new trail segment
Garni Gorge
The Garni Gorge is situated 23 km east of Yerevan Armenia just below the village of the same name. On a promontory above the gorge the first-century AD Temple of Garni may be seen. Along the sides of the gorge are cliff walls of well-preserved basalt colu
Noravank Gorge
Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church is an Armenian Apostolic Church constructed in 2003 in the Malatia-Sebastia District of Yerevan Armenia. It is modeled after the 7th century Zvartnots Cathedral. The construction works of the church planned to be built on the South-Western District of Yerevan started in March 2001
Saint Hovhannes Church
Khor Virab
Khor Virap is an Armenian monastery located in the Ararat Plain in Armenia near the border with Turkey about 8 kilometres south of Artashat Ararat Province within the territory of ancient Artaxata. The monastery was host to a theological seminary and was the residence of Armenian Catholicos.
Vardenyats Pass (Selim Pass)
Vorotnavank
Vorotnavank is a monastic complex located along a ridge overlooking the Vorotan gorge between the villages of Vaghatin and Vorotan in the Syunik Province of Armenia. The complex is surrounded by a high stone wall for defense against foreign invasions and once housed workshops stores a seminary resort cemetery and an alms-house. A pillar stood in the yard of t
Jermuk Waterfall
Shaki Waterfall
Shaki Waterfall is a waterfall in Armenia with a height of 18 m. It is located in Syunik Province. The Shaki Waterfall is situated 6 km from the town of Sisian. On the left side of the river Vorotans gorge basalt lava flows have solidified to form a ledge 18 meters high from which the waterfall cascades down.
Tatev Monastery
Tatev Monastery, famous for medieval Armenian architecture was constructed in the 9th-13th centuries. Tatev collected taxes from hundreds of villages, making it a rich monastery and educational institute. You will have a feeling of Wow when you visit first this 9th century Armenia Apostolic Monastery. This hilltop with amazing view Monastery is located on a large basalt plateau near the Tatev village in Syunik Province in south-eastern Armenia. The monastic ensemble stands on the edge of a deep gorge of the Vorotan River. There is a wonderful story about the architect of Tatev. This one of the oldest and most famous Monastery in Armenia is gifted with spectacular view around it. The monastery is located at the height of 1600 m in the mountains the Tatev Monastery gives you picture perfect view and it is guaranteed that you will never forget this scene in your life time.
Tsaghkadzor Winter Ski Resort
You ride the highest cable car in the world to reach here. Tsakhadzor means the Gorge of Flowers. During the Soviet years it was famous all over the country for its mountain-skiing slopes, healthy climate, thick woods and mineral water springs. The world’s highest Cable car is located here. There are a lot of children's summer camps and rest homes
Noravank Monastery
This architectural beauty of Armenia reflects the treasury of Armenian religious art. Here are the most beautiful cross stones of one of the famous masters - Momik. If you love exploring the old historical structures then Noravank Monastery may surprise you. Noravank is a 13th-century Armenian monastery, located 122 km from Yerevan in a narrow gorge made by the Amaghu River, near the town of Yeghegnadzor, Armenia. The gorge is known for its tall, sheer, brick-red cliffs, directly across from the monastery.
Yerevan Cascades
The Cascade is a giant stairway made of limestone in Yerevan, Armenia. It links the downtown Ketron area of Yerevan with the Monument neighborhood. Designed by architects Jim Torosyan, Aslan Mkhitaryan, and Sargis Gurzadyan the construction of the cascade started in 1971 and was partially completed in 1980. The Cascade is a happening place for both youth and old for a good time. You can enjoy to have a cup of tea, coffee and eating a bite here. You can also enjoy the outdoor concerts here and have a great view of it from up on the Cascade staircase. Many events like Jazz, musical guitar and others take place here. So, not just the day time but night time is also great at the Yerevan Cascade
Matenadaran Museum
The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, commonly referred to as the Matenadaran, is a repository of ancient manuscripts, research institute and museum in Yerevan, Armenia. If you are lover of history and the manuscripts then Matenadaran is certainly for you. But if you are not then also you should go there as the museum hosts world’s richest depositories of medieval manuscripts and books covering range of subjects like theology, philosophy, history, medicine, literature, art history and cosmography in Armenian and many other languages. Matendaran is a place with fantastic collection of the artistry work of Pre-press written material
Yerevan Metro
Officially Karen Demirchyan Yerevan Subway, colloquially known as the Yerevan Metro, is a rapid transit system that serves the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. Yerevan metro system started in 1981 and like most old soviet metros it has quite deep stations. Yerevan metro covers approximately 13 km and serves 10 stations. However introduction of new minibus system in Yerevan has caused decline in number of travellers travelling in metro trains
Wings of Tatev - Double Track Cable Car
Wings of Tatev is a 5.7 km cableway between Halidzor and the Tatev monastery in Armenia. The longest double track cable car in the world is 5752m (18,871 ft.) and it is in Armenia. Armenia achieved this in 2010 when this longest cable car was opened and was put in the record books for its length. Construction was finished on 16 October 2010. So far this record is with Armenia only and has not been beaten ye
Khosrov Forest Reserve
Khosrov forest reserve was established in 1958 and Khosrov is 20 KM from Yerevan located nearby Ararat valley in Ararat province of Armenia also on south of Garni temple. Spread over 23000 hectares of mountain terrain it has over 1900 species of high vascular plants which includes 24 endemic species. Khosrov forest reserve also has over 280 animal species. Local mountains are inhabited by Bezoar goat, Brown bear, Black vulture and Caspian snowcock. History suggests that Khosrov was named after king Khosrov II dduring 4th century. The forest reserve contains variety of landscape. There are semi desert, to mountains along with alpine meadows. 64% makeup for mountain and 16% make up for forest. You can see plenty of animals and birds here
Gnishik Canyon
Canyons may look dead but they if you go deep into them you will find great liveliness in those rocks. Gnishik in Armenia is nature’s delight. First to get to Gnishik village from where you can trek to the canyon it would take around 2 hours drive from Yerevan. Gnishik village, Gnishik river and of course Gnishik canyon. Till you reach the village the journey is quite comfortable as road is good but the journey ahead to the canyon is a challenging one. You have to put your foot forward safely to enjoy the scene.
Old Khndzoresk Cave Village
Khndzoresk is in Syunik, south east of Armenia. The village got its name from the mountain Khor Dzor on which steep slope the village is located. The village is located at 1580m above sea level. The village is famous for taking part in the liberation movement of David Bek. The fortress of Khndzoresk served as a military base for Mkhitar Sparapet in 1728-1730. This beautiful village is famous mainly for its canyon with beautiful rock formations and ancient cave settlements.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral
Echmiadzin is ancient capital of Armenia and is Echmiadzin is the residence of the Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians and the centre of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in the city of Vagharshapat, Armenia. According to scholars it was the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia, and is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. Every seven years, the rite of blessing of holy chrism is held here; thousands of believers come to Echmiadzin as pilgrims from different parts of the world for this ceremony
Genocide Memorial Complex
Tsitsernakaberd is an official memorial in Yerevan, dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide. Armenia is, unfortunately, known to the world because of the Armenian Genocide. This tragedy happened to the nation by the hands of the Turkish Ottoman Empire in the beginning of the 20th century
Wine Tour in Armenia
Wine Tour Armenia has a rich history of wine making - a home for the world’s oldest and many new wineries. Wine Tour can last for 7 days offering various types of winery experiences, gastronomic tour and trekking combined with village tour where the wine festival is held.
Things to Do in Armenia
Do what makes you happy