If you’re planning to visit this charming little country, first of all, congratulations! Next, check out all our helpful tips for a stress-free trip to Armenia.

Visa

The first thing you need to know if you want to travel to Armenia is whether you’re eligible to do so! If you’re coming from the UK, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, the US, or Canada, the good news is that you don’t need a visa to visit Armenia. You can simply get a stamp upon arrival, either at a land border crossing or at the airport.

But be sure to check before you travel, as these rules can always change.

When to travel to Armenia?

Armenia has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The contrast is quite marked. It is also a mountainous country. Only a small portion of its territory lies below 1,000 meters in elevation. The climate becomes colder and wetter (and snowy in winter as well) with increasing altitude, while at lower elevations, rainfall is rare and summers are very hot.

The ideal time to travel to Armenia is during the northern hemisphere’s spring and fall, specifically from April to June and from September to October, respectively. Thus, the best time to travel to Armenia is similar to that of the Middle East.

Traveling during these months means you’ll avoid the freezing conditions of winter. Plus, you won’t be too affected by the high temperatures and summer humidity! Spring is also the season for wildflowers, and conditions are perfect for hiking—a highly recommended activity when traveling in Armenia.

Length of Stay

Since Armenia is a small country, one or two weeks can be a good compromise. Spending several days (2 or 3) in Yerevan is essential.

Visits to monasteries and monuments will take up a large part of your time. Additionally, nature is truly one of Armenia’s highlights. Take a day trip to Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery, and to Dilijan, where you can explore the old town. Also plan a few days for hiking if you’re an avid hiker.

The trip usually ends in Yerevan to finish up your shopping or take one last stroll.

How much should you budget?

The currency is the Armenian dram. There are plenty of ATMs in Armenian cities. Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

However, life in Armenia quickly becomes very rural. So if you’re heading to the countryside, we strongly recommend bringing all the cash you’ll need with you.

At the time of publication, the Armenian dram was worth approximately…

€1 = 536 dram

$1 = 479 dram

Good news for those planning to travel to Armenia! Living costs are still quite low. Food, drinks, and local transportation are very affordable. Monasteries and, of course, hiking are free!

If you stick to public minibuses and camp or stay in dorms, you could easily travel around Armenia on 10 to 20 euros a day.

Getting Around

Due to the lack of tourist infrastructure and the poor condition of roads in some regions, getting around Armenia can be a bit tricky.

Public minibuses, known as marshrutkas, are the cheapest way to get around. However, they only run on main roads and generally only provide round-trip service to the capital.

In Yerevan, there is also an extremely inexpensive metro system.

In the absence of these options, guided day trips or private taxis will gladly take you to most of the country’s major tourist sites. If you can gather a group, this option can prove surprisingly cost-effective. And of course, feel free to book one of our guides by clicking here.

Monasteries

If you’re eager to see magnificent monasteries, then Armenia is the place to visit!

From the UNESCO-listed sites in the north of the country to those around the town of Alaverdi, or the famous monasteries of Tatev, Geghard, and Noravank, there’s plenty to explore!

The good news for budget travelers is that all the monasteries are free to visit.

You must wear appropriate clothing to enter any Orthodox monastery, which means, for women in particular, pants, a long skirt, and a headscarf. Fortunately, there are usually free garments available at every church entrance that you can borrow to enter.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to attend an Orthodox Sunday service, or at least hear some wonderful religious chants.

Yerevan

Yerevan is where most people begin and end their stay in Armenia.

There are a few key sites to see in the capital, namely the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, the Cascade Complex, Republic Square, and many others. Click here for more details.

These are all fascinating places, but the true beauty of Yerevan lies in the city’s peaceful atmosphere, which is celebrated on every street corner—from the benches in its lush parks to the cafés and wine bars lining its streets, not to mention its quirky antique shops and famous carpet stores.

Stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts line the sidewalks, and you can’t walk more than 20 meters without coming across a coffee cart!

This city is a true reflection of Armenian culture. You’ll certainly need to muster up the courage to leave it behind.