Things to Do in Armenia

Armenia is a small country with an unusually rich mix of ancient monasteries, mountain landscapes, historic towns, volcanic gorges and scenic day trips from Yerevan. This guide brings together the best things to do in Armenia for first-time visitors: Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, Lake Sevan, Tatev, Khor Virap, Noravank, Dilijan and other places worth adding to your route.

Most major attractions can be visited on day trips from Yerevan, especially with a private car and driver. Some routes are short and easy, such as Garni and Geghard, while others, like Tatev and Southern Armenia, are better planned as a long day or an overnight trip.

Below you will find our local guides to Armenia’s top attractions, natural wonders, monasteries, viewpoints and travel routes. Each page includes practical details such as location, travel time from Yerevan, nearby places and tips for planning your visit.

  • Tatev Monastery

    A 9th-century clifftop monastery reached by the Wings of Tatev β€” the world’s longest reversible cable car (5.7 km) over the Vorotan Gorge.

    Tatev village, Syunik Province About 250 km / 4 hours (overnight in Goris recommended) Free (monastery); Wings of Tatev cable car ~6,500 AMD one-way / 9,000 AMD round-trip

  • Noravank Monastery

    A 13th-century monastic masterpiece in the red cliffs of Vayots Dzor β€” the two-story Surb Astvatsatsin Church, Momik’s carvings, and the dramatic sunset glow.

    Amaghu Valley, Vayots Dzor Province About 120 km / 2 hours Free entrance

  • Khor Virap Monastery

    The pit where St. Gregory was imprisoned for 13 years before Armenia became the first Christian nation in 301 AD β€” and the best view of Mount Ararat in the country.

    Pokr Vedi village, Ararat Province About 45 km / 50 minutes Free entrance

  • Lake Sevan

    Armenia’s high-altitude inland sea, 1,900 m above sea level. Guide to Sevanavank Monastery, beaches, Sevan trout, and the Soviet-era water-level crisis.

    Sevan, Gegharkunik Province About 65 km / 1 hour Free (lake and beaches); Sevanavank Monastery parking ~200 AMD

  • Charents Arch

    A 1957 stone monument framing the most photographed view of Mount Ararat in Armenia β€” a brief but worthwhile stop on the road from Yerevan to Garni.

    Voghjaberd village, Kotayk Province About 15 km / 25 minutes Free entrance

  • Symphony of Stones

    Hexagonal basalt columns hanging from the cliffs of Garni Gorge β€” Armenia’s natural cathedral. How to visit from Yerevan and tips for combining with Garni Temple.

    Garni Gorge, Kotayk Province About 30 km / 50 minutes 300 AMD

  • Geghard Monastery

    A UNESCO World Heritage site partly carved into the cliffs of the Azat Valley. Rock-cut churches, ornate khachkars, and a centuries-long link to the Holy Lance β€” 40 km from Yerevan.

    Goght village, Kotayk Province About 40 km / 50 minutes Free entrance

  • Garni Temple

    The only standing Greco-Roman temple in Armenia, perched above the Azat Gorge near Yerevan. History, entrance fee, opening hours and how to visit from Yerevan.

    Garni village, Kotayk Province About 30 km / 40 minutes 1500 AMD for foreign visitors

    • How to See Armenia's Top Attractions

    Armenia's most rewarding sights are spread across the country β€” ancient monasteries in the mountains, high-altitude lakes, red-cliff canyons and viewpoints often far from public transport. Seeing several in one day is realistic only when you skip the schedules and travel with your own driver.

    For day trips, book a car with driver in Yerevan: the route is built around you, with stops at every viewpoint and no parking worries. For families with luggage, see the Mercedes V-Class or our minivan rental; for larger groups, the minibus rental with driver.

    If you'd rather hear the story of each place from a local guide, browse our day tours from Yerevan. For one-way trips on popular routes we offer fixed-price transfers β€” Yerevan to Sevan, Yerevan to Dilijan, Yerevan to Tsaghkadzor β€” plus the Zvartnots airport transfer with meet-and-greet on arrival.