10 Awesome Things to Do in Armenia on Your Next Trip
You’re planning a trip to Armenia and I am so excited for you. This Armenia travel blog will help you put it all together. Let me preface by saying that Armenia is one of my favorite places in the world and I take this guide very seriously.
This is all based on personal recommendations and a couple I plan to do next time with more time. I hope you fall in love with this small Caucasus country as much as I did.
This is also somewhat of a part 2. Please make sure to also check out my dedicated Yerevan travel blog so that you know the best things to do in the capital city.
This current Armenia guide is meant to help you expand your schedule beyond Yerevan.
Without further ado , let’s dive in!
Geghard Monastery
At this point, I absolutely need to let you in on a little secret. Otherwise, I will feel like a total fraud.
Here’s the thing, I am not that much of a monastery visitor. But I absolutely love architecture and ancient history. And the thing is Armenia is a church galore land. So I tend to prioritize some over others
Tatev Monastery
I ran out of time so I did not get the chance to visit the Tatev monastery. But I believe it is one of the few monasteries that should definitely make your list.
If you’re like me and don’t like these types of landmarks too much, it would be a great idea to sign up for a tour where you will also get to visit other major sights to mix it up so you don’t die of church overdose.
Temple of Garni
Ok before you go ahead and think I’m a hypocrite, this is an absolute must.
The Garni temple is not just another old historical building. It is the only intact Greco-Roman structure of its kind in Armenia and the entire former Soviet Union.
It also dates pre-Christian Armenia and was a Pagan temple. ( Anyone seen Spartacus here? 🙂 )
I had the opportunity to witness a local artist play the ancient Armenian instrument, the Duduk. It was one of the most magical experience. Please check out the video in my dedicated Temple of Garni blog to also experience it yourself.
( you can take a group tour )
Caucasian Mountains
The mountain range in the region is absolutely breathtaking.
Some people make it the destination itself and go hiking there. That said, even if you don’t go hiking, you will get to witness the beautiful mountains on your way to the Temple of Garni and Geghard Monastery. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled. And if it is of interest to you, do no hesitate to plan for a hike.
Hunt Down an Armenian Wedding Invitation
In other words, if they invite you to a wedding, say yes! Always say yes & do go. Best experiences ever!
I don’t really have that many travel rules. But one of my sacred rules is that I shall never ever decline a wedding invitation. That and say yes to the food.
Trust me, even if you don’t know the bride or groom, do yourself a favor and go. Yes I know that some cultures see it as rude. Otherwise, most places around the world love having guests to their wedding and it is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have.
One of my Armenian trips was for a wedding of a very close friend of mine. It turned out to be one of my fondest memories. I got to partake in such a heartfelt loving moment while simultaneously experiencing the culture and traditions on a deeper level.
Don’t have any Armenian friends but really want to attend a wedding?
Ask around!
Trust me! Armenians are quite traditional and people still value marriages unlike many Western countries. So you are never too far away from someone getting married somewhere. I swear, I feel like my Armenian friend attends a wedding on a monthly basis. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Once again, don’t be scared to ask around. This is exactly how I got to experience a wedding in both Israel and two weddings in Palestine, all within 3 months. These and countless other pre-wedding preparations and gatherings.
Learn the Dabke dance or other traditional Armenian Folk Dance
As a long time dancer and dance instructor, I absolutely love learning different dances form all around the world. And because Armenia is home to many Lebanese-Armenian, this has had a very interesting cultural influence. This is not a blanket statement but you will often find people dancing dabke in many gatherings.
In case you don’t know, the Dabke is a Levantine Arab folk dance style. It is quite popular in the region and especially in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq and Jordan.
Obviously due to migration, it has spread to many other places and sometimes mixing with different existing local culture , as is the case in Armenian sub-culture.
Wine Tasting at the Armenia wine Company
I talk about this extensively in the Yerevan travel blog because although it is not located in the capital itself, it is only 30 to 45 min away depending on traffic.
So if you haven’t read my Yerevan blog yet, this is your cue that you should absolutely visit the Armenia wine company for wine tasting and admire the beautiful vineyards.
Don’t Miss the wine museum at Armenia Wine Company
You could have a complete educational day at the Armenia wine company by also diving into one of the best wine museum I have ever been to.
I really liked that it was super interactive. You could smell some very ancient wine concoction. Yes you can actually smell so many aromas. They are kept well insulated in special glass containers. The experience truly feels like traveling back in time to re-experience wine making in the old day.
Dive in Brandy culture
Armenia is very big on Brandy culture, not just wine.
One of the first thing you will notice when you get out of the airport is the big bottle of wine at the intersection.
From that moment on, I knew I was going to fall in love with the place and yes, that is exactly what happened.
There are many places where you can go explore Brandy in the country, The Noy factory is a popular production facility and museum. You also have the Yerevan Brandy Company. This is also where you will find the beautiful Ararat Museum.
Lavash bread making
Lavash is one of Armenia’s traditional bread. Oddly enough, this was one of my favorite experience during my first visit.
I got the chance to make some lavash bread with some old Armenian grandmas. I am telling you it is a totally awesome and wholesome adventure.
You can sign up for these experiences. I notice that they have plenty of tours where they take you to some monasteries and also include a lavash bread making session.
If you’re hesitating. This is your cue and I can tell you that you won’t regret.
More places to check out in Armenia on my next visit:
Lake Sevan
Now I didn’t personally make it to lake Sevan yet because I ran out of time. But I will make my way there next time and will keep updating this current travel blog on the best things to do in Armenia.
Got More Time in Armenia?
Here are more Armenia Travel Blogs to help you explore this beautiful country
Going to Georgia next?
Looking for an awesome adventure? For My Solo Female travelers 🙂
- Upcoming Girls trip ( small intimate group)
- Dance Wellness Retreat