First Time in Armenia: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Armenia surprises most first-time visitors. The country is more cosmopolitan than expected (Yerevan is a genuinely enjoyable city), the scenery is dramatic, the food is excellent, and the tourist infrastructure — while not as developed as Turkey or Georgia — is better than most expect.

Getting to Armenia

Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport (EVN) is served by Wizz Air, Ryanair, Armenian Airlines, Fly Dubai, and various regional carriers. Direct flights are available from several European cities; connections through Istanbul or Dubai expand the options.

Overland from Georgia: the border crossing at Sadakhlo/Bagratashen is straightforward. Shared taxis (marshrutkas) run between Tbilisi and Yerevan (around 5–6 hours, around 25–30 USD per seat). Private transfers are more comfortable.

Visas

Most Western passport holders (EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many others) can enter visa-free for up to 180 days. A visa on arrival or e-visa is available for nationalities that require it. Check current requirements at the Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Getting Around

A rental car is the most practical option for visiting monastery circuits and regional destinations beyond Yerevan. Roads are generally paved and signage is reasonable, though mountain roads can be narrow and challenging. International driving licences are accepted.

Yandex Go operates in Yerevan as a ride-hailing app — far more reliable than unmarked taxis. For longer day trips, many guesthouses and hotels can arrange drivers at reasonable rates.

Public minibuses (marshrutkas) run between cities and to popular tourist destinations, but schedules are unpredictable and comfort is basic.

Money

Armenian dram is the only accepted currency. Carry cash for markets, smaller restaurants, and anywhere outside central Yerevan. ATMs are plentiful in the capital. Tipping is appreciated but not expected — 10% in restaurants is generous.

The Highlights

• Yerevan: The Cascade complex, Republic Square, the National History Museum, the Vernissage market (weekends), and the restaurant and cafe strip around Abovyan Street
• Garni and Geghard: A classic day trip — the only standing Hellenistic temple in the former USSR and a medieval monastery carved into a cliff face
• Khor Virap: The monastery with the most dramatic view of Mount Ararat; best visited at dawn
• Noravank: A 13th-century monastery in a spectacular red-rock gorge in southern Armenia
• Lake Sevan: A high-altitude freshwater lake (1,900m) with excellent fish restaurants and the Sevanavank monastery
• Tatev: Armenia’s most impressive monastery complex, reached by the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car

Food

Armenian cuisine is distinctive and very good. Key dishes: khorovats (barbecue, particularly lamb and pork), dolma (stuffed vine leaves or peppers), lavash (flatbread, UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), harissa (wheat and chicken porridge, traditional), manti (small baked dumplings), and ghapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice and dried fruit, served at celebrations).

The brandy (cognac-style) is excellent — Ararat is the best-known brand internationally and worth trying.