Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Armenia, From City Life to Magic Monasteries

25.09.2024 - 14:46 / matadornetwork.com

Landlocked Armenia occupies a special spot in the South Caucasus, one half of a larger region that’s known for being straddled by the Black and Caspian Seas. Geographically, it belongs to Asia. Geopolitically, it’s considered European. And as European destinations go, it most certainly qualifies as a hidden gem.

Free from the crowds that swarm many European nations, Armenia is a compact country whose size makes it easy to cover the main attractions, plus more than 300 sunny days a year for sightseeing. It’s full of history, spectacular landscapes, and fantastic food, all of which you can experience at a pleasantly affordable price point.

Ease of travel from continental hubs is another boon for travelers to Armenia. Flights from cities like Paris and Frankfurt take around four hours, while flying from Dubai, as I did, takes just over two. However you get there, these are some of the best things to do, places to eat and drink, and accommodations in Armenia.

Photo: Oscar Espinosa/Shutterstock

Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan, is a great base for exploring the country — it’s within a two-hour drive of most major attractions, and the city itself is very walkable for local sightseeing. I stayed in Yerevan for the majority of my trip and often found myself ducking down alleys and coming across small art galleries or cozy coffee houses. Armenia is also home to some of the purest water in the world, and there are free water fountains to ensure everyone is always hydrated.

One of the city’s foremost attractions is the Cascade Complex, an architectural stunner that seamlessly blends lush greenery with captivating art pieces at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. But even from the outside, the Cascade Complex provides much to delight the eye — the site’s 572 steps lead to a panoramic view of Yerevan and the iconic Mount Ararat across the Turkish border. Hidden within the complex is a series of escalators if, like me, you prefer an easier route to the top.

Photo: Geofox/Shutterstock

Several other attractions are centralized in Republic Square, formerly Lenin Square, which surrounds the Government House, the History Museum, and the National Gallery. This is also one of the best spots in the city to get a feel for Yerevan’s pace and enjoy a bit of people-watching. At night, the square’s fountains light up, and there’s music and light show. I watched the show on two different nights — the music varied, but the experience was fantastic both times.

Photo: MehmetO/Shutterstock

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity in 301 AD, and this long history can be found in the more than 4,000 monasteries across the country. Not wanting to suffer from monastery fatigue, I asked my guide to select his favorite few