Beautiful Armenia

Armenia offers solo travelers a truly special experience. With its ancient history, striking landscapes, and famously warm hospitality, it’s a country that feels welcoming and adventurous all at once. This guide follows the route I took, with all the key experiences and practical details you’ll need for your own unforgettable journey.

Before You Go: A Quick Checklist

• Passport
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and trails
• Lightweight jacket for cool evenings, even in summer
• Local SIM card (available at the airport or in the city) or eSIM
• Open mind and adventurous spirit!

Key Highlights:

• Before You Go: A Quick Checklist
• Itinerary
• Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers
• Final Thoughts

Itinerary

Day 1-2: Yerevan

Arriving in Yerevan feels like stepping into a city both ancient and buzzing with life. These first two days are all about adjusting to the rhythm of Armenia and diving straight into its cultural heart.

• Republic Square: Watch the singing fountains at night, it feels like stepping into a dream.
• Cascade Complex: Climb the massive stairway, and enjoy the sculptures and sweeping views of the city. Be prepared though, the stairs are high and it is more tiring than it looks.
• History Museum of Armenia: A must for understanding Armenia's layered, fascinating past.
• Vernissage Market: I loved wandering among stalls filled with handmade crafts, the sellers aren't pushy and you can walk around for hours if you want to check everything out.
• Blue Mosque: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
• Opera Theatre and Northern Avenue: Perfect spots for grabbing a coffee, people-watching, and enjoying the buzz of the city.

Practical Information:

• Accommodation: I stayed in Rooms Apart-Hotel by RED right next to Vernissage Market - affordable, central, and friendly. It was very easy to walk anywhere from here.
• Transportation: Yerevan is super walkable. When I needed to go farther, the metro and Yandex Go were easy and cheap. I would recommend downloading Yandex Go, which is a ride sharing app, it's super easy to use and very cheap as well.

Day 3: Garni and the Monastery of Geghard

After two days in the city, it was time for a change of pace. This day trip into Armenia’s lush landscapes is the perfect escape into nature and history.

• Charent's Arch: The viewpoint offers stunning views of Ararat, however you have to be lucky to have a clear sky to be able to fully enjoy the view. Many tour buses arrive around 10-11am and it can get very crowded, so make sure to go either earlier or later in the day.
• Garni Temple: A classical Hellenistic temple in Garni, which was dedicated to Mythra, a deity popular in the Near East, which became the patron goddess of the Roman Empire in the period before Christianity. The temple itself is small inside, but the views of the temple and the surrounding area are definitely worth the trip.
• Symphony of Stones: A huge rock mass that was formed as a result of a powerful lava and has a volcanic origin. It is a nice walk from the road to the end of the path with many great photo opportunities on the way.

• Lavash baking: If you join a tour you can witness how the local ladies make bread Lavash, a culinary experience that does not only taste good, but the baking process itself is very interesting as well. Armenians are very proud of their bread and rightfully so. Add some local cheese and veggies for the best taste.
• The Monastery of Geghard: A UNESCO World Heritage site medieval monastery that was partially carved directly out of the adjacent mountain. The views outside are amazing, but to be honest I had my jaw dropped almost the whole day when it came to the landscape. Once you go inside the monastery though it gets even more breathtaking. It is dark inside, only lit by candles and the very small amount of natural light that comes in, and as you walk through the carvings on the "walls", seeing all the details it is simply a magical experience. The Monastery of Geghard was definitely my favorite of all the sights I visited during my trip.

Day 4-5: Tatev and Southern Armenia

If you have more time, it is time visit Southern Armenia. These two days are again filled with stunning landscapes and dramatic monasteries.

• Wings of Tatev: Floating silently over the Vorotan Gorge is an unforgettable experience.
• Tatev Monastery: The complex that feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.
• Devil's Bridge: Dip your feet into the mineral pools—a surreal experience.
• Old Khndzoresk Cave Village: Crossing the suspension bridge is exhilarating!
• Goris: This quiet town makes a great base for exploring, with cozy guesthouses and hearty local food.

Practical Information:

• Accommodation: Stay in a family-run guesthouse in Goris—simple, warm, and authentic.
• Transportation: Hiring a driver or renting a car is the best decision for these remote sights.

Day 6: Khor Virap and Noravank

End your final full day on a high note with some of Armenia's most iconic views and historical treasures. A day of powerful landscapes and deep connections to the past.

• Khor Virap Monastery: See Mount Ararat in the distance.
• Areni Wine Village: Taste wine where winemaking dates back 6,100 years.
• Noravank Monastery: The monastery framed by fiery red cliffs is a sight you'll never forget.

Practical Information:

• Accommodation: After a full day, return to Yerevan.
• Transportation: Hiring a driver or renting a car is the best option.

Travel Tips for Solo Female Travelers

• Language: Its always nice to pick up a few local phrases - people usually really appreciate the effort, but based on my experience Armenians, especially younger ones spoke great english.
• Transportation: Based on your itinerary it can be useful to rent a car, but personally I think that walking and the Yandex Go app can go a long way.
• Safety: I felt safe everywhere, even walking alone in the evening as a solo female. People were very friendly and kind, there was not once that I felt unsafe.
• Connectivity: I used an eSIM, but local SIM cards can be bought at the airport and at several other spots within the city. Google Maps worked well too.
• International Women's Day: If you can, it is definitely worth visiting on Women's Day, from the early morning I saw men walking with flowers, ready to give them to their loved ones. You could see they honestly care about celebrating the day, which is getting rare these days. I also got so many flowers and chocolates and I didn't even know anyone, feeling this honest kindness made my day!

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a solo female through Armenia was definitely a surprising experience in the most positive way. The combination of welcoming people, breathtaking landscapes, and fascinating history made it a journey full of connection and wonder. I hope this guide helps you fall in love with Armenia too - one step, monastery, and warm smile at a time.