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I came to Armenia with the feeling that I knew what to expect. Mountains, khachkars, cognac. But already on the first day, Yerevan overturned all my ideas — this city lives louder, warmer, and tastier than I could imagine.
🌤 When is the best time to go
The best time is May–June and September–October. In spring, apricot gardens bloom (Armenia is the birthplace of the apricot, this is not a metaphor), in autumn the air is transparent and the mountains are especially crisp. July and August are hot up to +38°C in Yerevan, but cheap and crowded. In winter, the Tsaghkadzor ski resort welcomes guests from December to March — decent slopes, ridiculous prices compared to Europe.
Come at the end of May — apricots are already in the markets, there are no crowds yet, and the temperature is ideal at +22–25°C.
🛂 Visa and entry
Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and most CIS countries do not need a visa — entry with a passport is valid for up to 180 days. In 2026, the rules have not changed. Direct flights from Moscow start from 8,000 ₽ one way, from St. Petersburg slightly more. Zvartnots Airport is 12 km from central Yerevan, a taxi to the city costs about 3,000 drams (approximately 700 ₽).
🚗 Transport and accommodation
It's convenient to walk around Yerevan — the center is compact. For trips around the country, rent a car: rental from 5,000 ₽ per day, roads are generally decent. Minibuses connect Yerevan with Gyumri, Dilijan, Sevan — ticket 300–600 drams. Accommodation: a hostel in the center from 1,500 ₽, a cozy guesthouse from 3,500 ₽, a 4* hotel in the Northern Avenue area from 7,000 ₽. Airbnb works, good selection.
Book accommodation near Abovyan Street or Northern Avenue — everything important is within walking distance, and cafes are literally under your window.
🍽 Food and must-see places
Dolma, khorovatz (Armenian-style kebab), ishkhan (trout from Sevan), and lavash are a must. Lunch at a cafe costs 600–900 ₽, dinner at a good restaurant costs 1,500–2,500 ₽. Gum Market in Yerevan is for spices and dried fruits, bargaining is possible.
- Garni and Geghard — a pagan temple from the 1st century and a medieval monastery, 40 minutes from Yerevan
- Lake Sevan — the highest alpine lake in the region, clean water, freshest trout
- Noravank — a monastery in a red canyon, more photogenic than any picture
- Cascade in Yerevan — a giant staircase with modern art and a view of Mount Ararat
📋 Practical tips
Local currency is the Armenian dram, the exchange rate in 2026 is about 3.7–3.8 drams per ruble. Cards are accepted everywhere in Yerevan, but in the regions bring cash. Mobile internet is affordable — a local SIM from 500 drams, but if you don't want to deal with registration, an eSIM for Armenia is more convenient — connects in a minute from home, tariffs from 184 ₽.
- Armenians are very hospitable — don't refuse treats, it will offend the host
- Women need a scarf in monasteries, men need covered shoulders
- Ararat cognac at the factory costs twice as much less than in airport shops
Armenia is small, but it manages to fit so much into itself — ancient history, living culture, and unexpected modernity — that a week is not enough. I returned with a full phone of photos and a firm intention to come again.