Top 17 fun things to do in Armenia

Armenia is a stunning country and a traveller’s delight. It is less marketed and underrated compared to the biggies of Europe like Switzerland, Italy & France. That’s the reason it’s unexplored by the majority. Armenia is pocket friendly for tourists as everything in the country is dirt cheap. There are plenty of things to do in Armenia but here’s my list of the “Top 17 fun things to do in Armenia” –

TOP 17 FUN THINGS TO DO IN ARMENIA

 

1) HIKE TO MOUNT ARAGATS

Also touted as the best hike in Armenia, the hike to Mount Aragats provides for fabulous views of the snow-capped mountain. Mount Aragats is a compact group of 4 peaked volcano mountains with the highest peak measuring 4,090 metres.

A cold breeze and a pleasant fragrance in the air thanks to the flowers growing amongst the wild grass along the route are some of the constants which make the hike less tiring.

TIP – Carry a pair of gloves and a beany cap/frost hat as there could be a chance of a hailstorm.

2) EXPLORE THE AMBERD FORTRESS

Ruins of a castle with fortified walls and a church, with greenery all around provide for the perfect scenery.  The fortress is built on top of a hill and the ruins stand like a monument, with a domed church (Vahramashen church) in the background.

It’s a popular notion that the Amberd Castle was a summer residence for kings.

Using a narrow pathway you can hike to the top of the fortress. Enjoy the view of the Amberd Canyon from the top and don’t forget to visit the Vahramashen church at the end.

TIP – You can climb to the top of the fortress even if you have knee issues. Don’t wear sandals or slippers though as it can get slippery. A good pair of sports shoes should be enough.

3) ENJOY A MEAL AT QAGHAQ PANDOK

Eating traditional Armenian food is one of the primary things to do in Armenia. If you want a taste of traditional Armenian cuisine with some fine wine, then Qaghaq Pandok is the place to be.

The warm, cosy interiors of the restaurant will remind you of a Harry Potter film set. The meat is succulent and the salads are fresh. The hotel serves a variety of vegetarian options as well.

Enjoy some quality wine along with the mouthwatering dishes that make their way to your table – one course after another!

4) VISIT THE PAGAN TEMPLE OF GARNI

The temple, situated 27 km away from Yerevan is situated in the Kotayk province in Garni village. It is dedicated to the sun god – Mithra and overlooks the ravine of the Azat river.

It stands as the only non-Christian entity in the whole of Armenia which deservedly makes it one of the top places in Armenia. The Garni complex includes a temple, a royal palace, a Roman bath & the church.

You’ll spot apricot and walnut trees throughout the Garni temple. Apricot is also the national fruit of Armenia.  Don’t be surprised if you see a few hunters selling skins of their kills outside the temple.

The combo of a natural landscape and cultural history make visiting the Garni temple worth the time and effort.

5) EXPLORE THE GEGHARD MONASTERY

It’s situated in the Kotayk province of Armenia and is not far from the Temple of Garni. The walk to the monastery is lined with women selling sweet bread, sheets of fruit lavash & souvenirs.

Geghard (meaning “spear” in Armenian) is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the spear holds significance as the one that wounded Christ during his crucifixion.

The monastery complex contains the main church called The Katoghike chapel built against the mountain and several other rock-cut churches, tombs, caves, carvings & constructions including the Vestry, first cave chamber Avazan, chamber of Jhamatun, Chapel of S. Grigor.

There’s an arched entry to most of the caves and engraved crosses on the walls of the cave church.  There’s this area inside the monastery with a wooden bridge over a stream of water and a wishing tree by it’s side. Do go there and enjoy the views of the monastery.

TIP – If you’re thirsty, you can drink water from the fountain tap in the courtyard of the complex. It’s made for irresponsible people like me and you.

6) CHILL BY THE SEVAN LAKE

Lake Sevan is the largest water body in Armenia. Known as the “Sea of Gegham“, it is also one of the largest freshwater alpine lakes in Eurasia.

The view of the mountains kissing the clouds, with the pristine blue lake at the base of the mountain, is mesmerising and looks like a picture postcard. The wooden passage by the lakefront is a bit shaky but the scenes ahead of you more than make up for it.

The Sevanavank monastery on top of a mountain facing the lake is another place you can explore.  Magnificent views of the mountain along with serenity of the lake make chilling by Sevan Lake one of the most relaxing things to do in Armenia.

TIP – If you’re a dog person, then you’ll enjoy the company of the 4 legged travel buddies you meet here. Also, do not eat at this restaurant near the lake called Ashot Erkat. The food’s terrible.

7) EXPERIENCE THE CABLE CAR RIDE IN TSAGHKADZOR

This activity, hands down, wins the award for being one of the most adventurous and fun things to do in Armenia. It is an open-air cable car ride of a kind where you stand in a position placing your feet on the words that read “Stand here”.

After this, the cable car will give you a push from behind as you recoil and sit on it. Lock yourself firmly with the metal bar in front of you and enjoy the views that follow.

With each level of elevation along the cable rope, the views behind you will change from green mountains to valleys, to the panoramic view of the entire town. Enjoy the local songs playing on the speakers installed at each level of elevation.

You’ll feel like you’re in Switzerland when surrounded by an endless stretch of alpine grasslands.

TIP – You can enjoy drinking a beer or two at a small cafe near the ticket counter.

8) PARTY AT THE PAPARAZZI CLUB

In Armenia, party as the Armenians do. Paparazzi is the ultimate party place if you want to explore the nightlife of Yerevan.

The club has a plush interior – colourful, vibrant & high- tech, consisting of a seating area with tables and round sofas, with a dance floor and a square drinks counter. There is a cafe at the top as well.

Enjoy the artistry of the bartenders as they put up one smashing drink after another. You’ll see them playing tricks and showing their craftsmanship & skill at the counter.

Travellers/tourists get free rounds of welcome drinks. So, if you’re a traveller, inform the bartender and enjoy the attention.

TIP –  Don’t go early if you’re going on a weekday. Also, try the Surprise Motherfucker cocktail. You’re welcome.

9) WITNESS THE SHAKI WATERFALL

With a height of 18m, the waterfall (hidden in river Vorotan’s gorge) is located in the Syunik province. It’s situated 6 km from the town of Sisian. It’s the natural respite you’ll need from all the travelling to reach the place.

The waterfall is an absolute treat to the eye. You’ll have to walk a bit to reach the actual waterfall because no exquisite view comes easy.  The waterfall strikes a majestic picture as it shimmers and the falls break into a thousand shards of spray.

The waterfall is an attractive picnic spot on a hot summer day and the legend associated with the Shaki waterfall makes it even more epic.

TIP – A visit to Shaki features in most traveller’s list of things to do in Armenia. As a result, a lot of people visit the place, some of who dump their waste near the waterfall. So if you see any plastic bottles/polythene bags or cans lying around, please help to clear them off the site.

10) VISIT THE TATEV MONASTERY

Visiting the Tatev monastery involves riding in the aerial tramway called the Wings of Tatev. Did you ever imagine one of the fun things to do in Armenia would involve a Guinness world record?

Wings of Tatev is a 5.7 km (3.5 miles) long cable-way between Halidzor & the Tatev monastery.

It holds the Guinness world record for being the longest reversible aerial tramway & also the longest nonstop double track cable car in the world. The ride to the monastery is a riveting journey with astonishing views of the forests around you.

The monastery stands tall and proud with green mountains in the backdrop. The monastery is located on a large basalt plateau near the Tatev village.

Inside the monastery, you’ll see that each section has a small window through which you can see the mountains and the forests outside.

TIP – The souvenir store inside the monastery has beautiful miniature paintings that are not so expensive. You can buy them if you wish to take a piece of Armenia home with you.

11) WINE TASTING AT A LOCAL’S PLACE IN ARENI

When you’re heading from Yerevan to Tatev monastery, you’ll pass Areni village on the way. Areni, besides a beautiful landscape, has a famous wine maker & connoisseur who goes by the name “Mher Enoqyan”. 

He’s well known in the country as the owner of the wine house MHER. If you wish to taste some fine wine and dance with him (he’s one entertaining soul) during the tasting, then contact him here.

And if your list of things to do in Armenia features eating at a local’s place, Mher also hosts people for breakfast.

TIP – If you like red wine, then try the pomegranate and blackberry variants.

12) SPEND AN EVENING AT THE REPUBLIC SQUARE

Republic Square is located in the heart of Yerevan city.  The House of the Government, National museum & Marriott hotel are some of the buildings that surround the square.

This place comes alive at night with the lights adding a festive fervour as people can be spotted sitting and enjoying the fountain shows with songs & colourful lighting.

It is the cultural hub where people from different places come & spend some quality time socializing with other people. In a lane next to the square is a line of shops. Here, you can shop for souvenirs and other local foods and ornaments.

13) VISIT THE GENOCIDE MUSEUM

The Genocide museum in Yerevan holds secrets of the violent history of Armenia.

In the Armenian Genocide, the Ottoman Turks killed 1.5 million Armenians. The Armenians were first deported from Constantinople (now Istanbul) to Ankara and then killed. The Ottoman Turks slaughtered the men, kidnapped/raped the women and religiously converted the children.

If your mind works in imagery on reading stuff, then your throat might dry up on reading how brutally the Armenians were murdered.

You can walk upstairs and visit the memorial complex. The memorial was built to commemorate the Armenians killed during the genocide. If you’re a history buff, then the Genocide museum should feature at the top of your list of things to do in Armenia.

14) VISIT THE MOTHER ARMENIA STATUE

The Mother Armenia statue stands tall on a pedestal in the Victory Park overlooking the entire city of Yerevan. The monument symbolises peace through strength & courage.

It is an ode to the many brave female warriors & figures in Armenian history like – Sose Mayrig & other women like her, who took up arms to help their husbands in their war with the Turkish troops & Kurds.

If you see the statue carefully, it looks like an old, muscular lady ready to take some action with her sword. The statue highlights the important status that older Armenian women have in the family.

It’s location on a hill overlooking the city makes it look like the watchful guardian of Armenia. Climbing the steps up the pedestal, you’ll enter the museum that celebrates the various bravehearts and legends that fought for Armenian independence.

15) ENJOY FOOD AND DRINKS AT TERRAZZA

If you don’t mind spending a few bucks for a great meal, then Terrazza lounge is the place for you. It is the definition of luxury with it’s elegant interiors and a lovely outdoor seating.

As per my friend Avafrin, the seafood served here is terrific with the prawns absolutely crispy and salmon cooked to perfection.

The salads are fresh, chicken is tenderly cooked, grilled vegetables and fries are delicious and the chef does magic with his presentation on the plate.

In desserts, chocolate lava cake is to die for. The cocktails are fancy giving you just the right amount of kick to continue your journey through the city.

If you’re a foodie, then spending time at this place has to feature in your list of fun things to do in Armenia.

In special cases of midnight hunger pangs (don’t worry, I have you covered), you can visit or order online from the Caucasus restaurant. It’s the only restaurant in Yerevan that operates 24×7.

16) EXPLORE THE CAFESJIAN CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

It is basically an art museum set inside a Cascade called the Yerevan Cascade. On your way to the cascade, you’ll first see Cafesjian sculpture gardens. The gardens contain sculptures and contemporary artworks on display.

It is a quiet place where you can find space to just sit down, read a book or get inspired by the art all around you. The line of gardens leads to the cascade which is a complex containing a massive staircase with fountains & sculptures in the terrace garden.

If you want to go to the top of the cascade to enjoy the view and aren’t interested in the art or the museum, then you can either climb up the stairs or go through the center (which is free to enter) and take escalators to the top.

However, if you’re an art aficionado, then I suggest you to buy tickets to the museum. The tickets give you access to all the exclusive art exhibitions at every level.

17) EXPERIENCE ROYAL WELLNESS AT THE WINE AND GRAPE SPA

Imagine a 3 hour spa session post which you’re so relaxed that you’re constantly smiling. This is one of the most satisfying and fun things to do in Armenia that a very select few know of. It is the ultimate wellness destination for people seeking rejuvenation.

The Spa prides itself on treatments involving the sweet grapes from Ararat valley. They say that once you dip yourself in the wine made from this fruit, you will, after the treatment, feel youthful & strong. You can check out the spa & it’s packages here.

The treatments are based on the healing properties of grape seeds & fresh blend. The fruit extract rejuvenates & provides the essential nutrients your skin desires.

All this while you get to sip the Ararat grape wine yourself. This was by far, one of the most fun things to do in Armenia. If this isn’t Royal Wellness, then show me what is!

TIP – Choose the Goddess package (even if you’re a male) as it includes the most number of treatments – 9. The treatments are not that expensive plus you get extra “couple discounts” on the packages. If you’re single, find somebody and pose as a couple to get a discount.

That was my comprehensive list of the “Top 17 fun things to do in Armenia”. I hope you enjoy the marvels of this country as much as I did. Share the post with your friends if you like the place and allow this country to spread it’s magic! 

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Thankyou!!

Happy Journey!