The Ultimate Travel Armenia Bucket List

There is something for every traveller in Armenia: Food, culture, history, museums, this small Eastern European country has it all. When you travel Armenia, its beautiful scenery, breathtaking monasteries, and the fantastic weather will be enough to lure you in. Although Armenia is considered to be relatively small, there is so much to do in this landlocked country. Keep reading, get inspired and start planning your escape to Armenia.

Visit the 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world. That explains many of its historic tourist attractions are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites include:

• The Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral, being the first church ever to exist in Armenia, dates back to 301 AD. The church is considered to be a major shrine for Armenians living in Armenia and the diaspora.
• The Monastery of Geghard was founded by St. Gregory the Illuminator in the 4th century. The most interesting fact about Geghard is that it is carved out of a mountain. If you visit Geghard Monastery, make sure to grab freshly baked Gata. It is a traditional Armenian sweet similar to a pastry or bun.
• Haghpat Monastery was founded by the queen Khosrovanuysh. The monastery is famous for its unique architectural style that was inherited from the Byzantines. Moreover, the grounds of the church are covered with beautiful medieval Armenian cross-stones, known as khachkars.

Waterfalls, Natural Hot Springs and More

If you’re planning your next relaxing getaway, make sure it is in Armenia. Armenia’s many tranquil waterfalls such as Astghik waterfall, Vahagn Waterfall, Shaki Waterfall will take you to your most peaceful and relaxing self. 

Armenia’s most significant waterfall, Jermuk, also known as “the mermaid’s hair” is definitely an all-time tourists’ favourite destination. Jermuk is also a spa city, famous for its forests and mineral water pools, and other medical healing services. When you visit Jermuk, do not forget to visit its drinking gallery. You can have a detox just by drinking from its running mineral waters at different temperature levels.

Authentic Wineries and Brandy

Are you a wine enthusiast? Then you must definitely visit Armenia, “the birthplace of wine”.
The oldest winemaking facility was discovered in Areni-1 cave complex in the village of Areni.  It is said that the facility is a 6100-year-old winery. If you’re planning your next trip to Armenia, don’t forget to include touring the wineries and vineyards such as Hin Areni Winery, Vanardi, or ArmAs in your travel list, and learn more about the process of winemaking in the medieval times.

Besides being famous for its wine, Winston Churchill once mentioned the secret to a happy life is “ Havana cigars, Armenian brandy, and no sport”. And that’s totally valid. Churchill admired Armenian Brandy which exists since 1887.

On a side note, Alexis Ohanian, the Armenian American entrepreneur has just launched his own Armenian Brandy, Shakmat which means checkmate. If you wish to get acquainted with the oldest Armenian Brandy Production you can visit the Yerevan Brandy Company located in the capital Yerevan.   

History and Memorial Museums

If you’re a history buff or simply an aesthete, visiting Armenia’s museums must be on your bucket list. Armenia is rich in history. For history lovers, Matenadaran is the perfect place to visit and learn about Armenia’s ancient manuscripts that date back to as old as the 5th century. There are as much as seventeen thousand manuscripts in different languages, and more than one hundred thousand archival documents.

Armenia is also the birthplace for renowned artists. Make sure to pass by the memorial museum of Sergei Parajanov the famous Soviet film director or Aram Khachaturian’s house-museum in Yerevan.

You can also pay tribute to the 1.5 million Armenian victims that lost their lives in 1915 at the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Before visiting the complex, make sure to stop by a floral shop to pay respect at the eternal fire flames

Go Hiking!

Planning a hiking trip to Armenia is the best way to relish the beauty of Armenia’s nature. Armenia’s captivating landscapes are indeed a hiking paradise. If you want to find some inner peace on the top of a mountain, then mount Aragats is calling you. Aragats is a four-peaked volcano massif and is the highest mountain in Armenia. Backpacking on Mount Aragats is perhaps the favourite destination for hikers. On your trail, do not forget to stop by lake Kari located near the mountain and enjoy the breathtaking view. Other popular trekking and trail areas include; Lastiver, National Dilijan park, and Parz lich. It is never too late to get on your two feet and explore the beautiful landscapes of Armenia.  

 LifeStyles and Late Nights

For some active Armenians, the day begins at night. Yerevan is the ideal destination for a late night out. You can find local pubs, restaurants, and cafes nearby the famous Cascade Complex open until late at night. The Cascade Complex is a 5 level stairway located in the heart of Yerevan leading to the Haghtanak Park. There you can find people walking through the cobbled street or sitting on the stairway and enjoying the beautiful lights of Yerevan at night. Moreover, if you’re looking for a cosy and relaxing wine hangouts, you can always walk through Yerevan’s wine district Saryan Avenue and feed your soul with the power of the Armenian wine. 

Finger Licking Food 

If you live to eat, then Armenia is the perfect destination to please your appetite. Armenian cuisine has elements of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean cuisine. It is a mixture of both but with unique local cooking traditions. The must-try Armenian dishes include; Tolma – grape leaves wrapped with meat and rice, Lahmajun- Armenian pizza, Khash soup – cow’s feet with spices, and Khorovadz- Armenian style BBQ. Head over to any local Armenian restaurant in the heart of Yerevan and introduce your belly to the Armenian cuisine. 

Shop Armenian Goodies 

Before departing Armenia, make sure to take back Armenian goodies and souvenirs for your loved ones. If you’re looking for authentic Armenian handmade souvenirs, you should definitely visit Vernissage Flea Market. Vernissage is an open-air museum rather than a market because of its unique traditional handicrafts. At Vernissage you can find paintings of the holy Ararat Mountain, traditional Armenian jewellery, folk costumes and many more. Also, do not forget to pass by Goumi shuka to pick some of your favourite dried and fresh fruits.

To make your bucket list happen, Feel Armenia is there to fulfil your dreams. Enjoy your stay with us and travel Armenia through our high quality operating standards. 

Travel Armenia: The Ultimate Travel Armenia Bucket List – Feel Armenia