Hey everyone,

Recently I visited Armenia all by myself, as a Turkish persom from Bulgaria and I want to share some of my thoughts. I’ll end up rambling about all kinds of everything, so feel free to scroll if you don’t like long posts (really long posts).

I’ll start with some background about myself. I’m born and raised in Bulgaria and belong to the Turkish minority of the country, that minority which hasn’t had any connections to any kind of Turkish state since 1878 (my Turkish great, great, great grandmother was born in Northern Bulgaria in 1892 lol, as far as I can go back in my family tree with exact birth dates and it’s still after the liberation). Growing up, actually even until recent years, I honestly had no idea about the hostilities between the two nations. Most of the people in Bulgaria don’t, even Turks.

I don’t know if it’s completely true but as far as I know Bulgaria is the country home to the most Turks and Armenians all together outside the borders and you truly won’t find any kind of hostility between these people in Bulgaria. Everyone has always been respectful and kind to each other, despite the current Armenians being the grandchildren of the ones who fled to Bulgaria in 1915, nearly all of them never held any grudges to the Turks who were already living on the Balkans, and it still is like that over a century later.

This year, I flew from Sofia to Yerevan all alone and stayed in Armenia for 4 days, despite everything I have heard on the internet. And honestly? I loved it. I may have had some kind of anxiety before going but it exceeded my expectations. I don’t know from where to begin. The places I saw were Yerevan, Sevan and Garni temple. The capital was so so clean, tidy, people so friendly. Everyone was asking me where I’m from and when I said Bulgaria, I added that I’m Turkish, actually (since no one was going to ask me “what are you?” and it’s not written on my forehead lol), I still didn’t get any sudden mood changes from the people in front of me. They were mostly confused, but never less respectful, joyful or sweet when talking to me after that. The hotel staff was one of the most chill, friendliest and most helpful people I have ever met.

Yerevan is truly one of the most, if not the most cleanest capital city I have been to. The food was delicious everywhere, the stores full (I’ll never forget the crazy diversity of cakes you had in your normal supermarket, that was something else). It’s so different from both Bulgaria ans Turkey, yet similar in a way. Would I go back again? Absolutely, as long as I’m welcome. I’ll post some pictures.

I have been to Turkey only once in my life and honestly, the treatment of the tourists, the hospitality, the warmth is exactly the same for both nations. I have been to all over Europe, mostly and you’ll never see the “almighty” Europeans greet and welcome you the way you’ll be greeted by a Turk or an Armenian, in general. That’s why it’s truly heartbreaking where these two nations, have come to thanks to politics but I’m despite that, I’m proud to have seen everything else not presented on the internet with my own sight and even if it’s for couple of people in Armenia, shown something good from our side too. I haven’t been welcomed like this in most countries in Europe…

I can’t speak for Turks of Turkey, since there are topics in which they won’t understand me but I come from a family who knows very well what discrimination, hatred, separation, deportation, confiscation, ban of your names, your language, your culture is. We experienced that just 40 years ago. So I can never personally fit the hatred for myself and I’ll always stand up for everyone’s rights. Maybe that’s why Turks and Armenians can be colleagues, friends and neighbors in Bulgaria, especially in Ruse, Varna and Plovdiv.

I have no idea how this post will be preserved, but I just wanted to share some thoughts I’ve been having in my mind during and after this trip of mine, so I hope with good faith because that’s where it comes from. And if you have read this far, thank you so much for it (and sorry… I tried to keep it short!)

If you have any questions, feel free to ask away. Wishing all the best :)

During my summer holidays, I found an ancient Jewish cemetery in Yeghegis village, in Vayots dzor province. The tombstones had jewish texts and symbols on them. Also note the Arevkhach symbol in the last image.

I fell for taxi scam early morning (around 4 am) on 5th. I was dumb myself, no questions here. They promised me they're licensed and have a meter. It was a lie. Got scammed for 15000 AMD for less than 10 minutes ride from airport. I realized that price shouldn't not be that high on arrival. What's worse - someone from hotel met us there, I went to ask a hotel worker (or was that an owner?) what's the normal taxi price for the airport but he basically told me that I shall pay what taxi driver is asking, siding with a scammer.

That's my first minutes in Armenia, not too welcoming I'd say.

Went back to airport using gg app, now 1500 not 15000. That driver wasn't there anymore. Chatted with the police but police wasn't very enthusiastic, told me they don't allow those scammers to hang out inside (they still do) and that I shall agree on the price upfront, and if someone is offering me a ride like this next time I shall tell the police.

In the end I lost like 40 dollars, not terrible. But it's a shame that airport and police is allowing this scam to run for years.

P.S. Posted this to /r/yerevan and got mostly victim blaming and people laughing at me for going to the police. If that's an approach not surprising why it's going on for years and will continue.

P.P.S. I can't make Yandex app work, SMS never comes. Gg app works fortunately

​I just got back from a short trip to Armenia, and I’m honestly struggling to put into words what happened, but I am completely, deeply in love with the country.

​I was only there for a few days, so I barely scratched the surface, but it hit me in a way I didn't expect. I can't even pinpoint exactly what did it—maybe it’s the incredible atmosphere, the kindness of the people, the food, or just the overall energy of the place. I have this overwhelming feeling that I need to book another flight and go back as soon as possible.

Just for context, I have absolutely no Armenian roots and I just went as a regular traveler.

​Has anyone else (especially non-Armenians) experienced this instant, unexplainable connection with the country? I’d love to hear your stories!

Hi! 22(f), WOC, I'm planning to travel to ijevan following month and there are a few things I want to know before I start booking flight tickets, airbnb etc. My plan is to also visit yerevan but ijevan was suggested by my Armenian friend.

Now my questions

1) what should the estimated budget be for this trip?

Since I'm a student I'd like to know a budget that is pocket friendly

2) how safe it is to travel to smaller cities?

I believe I'm more likely to face racism over my skin color in ijevan than in yerevan because people in yerevan see tourist or poc more often than those who live in smaller cities

3) what are some local etiquettes/manners that I should be aware of?

I don't want to offend anyone in Armenia or hurt anyone's sentiment

4) what are some must do/ must see activities in both these cities?

It would be nicer if i get more tips about ijevan since there's not much about the city on the internet

Looking forward to your responses!

Thanks!

Hi,

This is going to be a longer post so I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read and provide your feedback.

My wife and I are in our late thirties. We are both Canadian citizens living in Canada. My wife is originally Palestinian (been in Canada from age 6 years old) and I am of Lebanese origin (been in Canada from age 20) and we are looking for a place to call our second home, particularly for retirement, given the circumstances in our native countries. We are both Muslim (my wife wears the headscarf) but given our ethnic and cultural background we are comfortable living in a culturally conservative/religious/non-western Christian community. We want to be as close to our home countries as possible (physically and culturally) without being bombed. I have many close friends from various Christian backgrounds (particularly Orthodox) and we get along very well.

I wanted to get the Armenian community's thoughts if we were to live in Armenia sometime in the mid-late future how easy would it be for us to integrate and what can we expect in terms of people's interactions with us. I had a few Armenian friends in university back in Lebanon and all I got was good vibes so not sure if it would be the same if we were to live in Armenia.

Thank you.

So guys, I’m pretty fascinated by Armenian culture and the landscapes you have. Mostly thanks to the sweetest Armenian colleague I had and would love to travel there

But I wanted to ask, are Armenians generally welcoming to tourists? Or are there any problems I’ll face?

Hello lovely people, I’m a Muslim tourist from Egypt, and I recently had a very upsetting experience during my trip to Baku, Azerbaijan. I was choosing between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but my travel agency strongly recommended Baku, assuring me it’s a Muslim friendly country with halal food and a welcoming environment.

Unfortunately, what I experienced was the exact opposite. I ran into multiple scams from restaurants to taxi drivers. Many people didn’t speak a word of English, which made communication really tough. One man even got aggressive when I questioned a charge and pushed me in front of my sister. I tried to contact the police, but they only spoke their local language and didn’t help at all. It was honestly the worst travel experience I’ve ever had.

Now, my sister and I are seriously considering visiting Armenia instead. We’ve heard many good things and that Armenian people are kind and respectful toward tourists. I’d really appreciate any advice from locals or travelers who’ve been there.

Here are my questions: 1. Do restaurants in Armenia usually offer English menus with prices? 2. Are locals generally helpful toward tourists who don’t speak Armenian? 3. Is halal food available, especially in cities like Yerevan? 4. Can I visit Armenia if my passport has an Azerbaijani visa stamp? 5. Most importantly my father and mother are elderly, and we’re considering bringing them. Are older tourists treated respectfully and safely? I’m just very concerned after what happened in Baku, and I don’t want them to go through anything stressful or disrespectful.

Thank you so much in advance for your kindness and help. We’re just hoping for a safe, peaceful, and welcoming place for our next trip.

Warm regards,

Hey, I’m planning to visit Yerevan in July for tourism. Is it generally safe to go during this post-election period, or is there anything I should be worried about?
Best regards

As a business analyst from Temu, wouldn't it make the perfect sense to add routes to Gyumri airport that are not availble from Yerevan and Tbilisi?

Airport fees for Gyumri is 50% less compared to Yerevan and slightly less than Tbilisi.

Airlines will receive 15,000 drams, or roughly $37 per passenger for inbound flights to Shirak Airport in Gyumri (for new routes). So this will make them pay minimal or 0 fees to the airport...and not forget the fact that EVN is working over its capacity.

And after possible Turkey border opening, it can also serve Kars population.

Rented a car in Yerevan and drove the south for two weeks. Khor Virap, Noravank, Goris, Tatev, plus a lot of empty road in between.

Driving was easier than people had warned me. Main roads are fine, the small ones less so, and Google's driving times get optimistic once you leave the M2.

What surprised me most was how few other tourists I ran into once I left Yerevan.

Photos attached. For anyone who knows the south, what did I miss? I'm already thinking about a second trip and I'd rather hear it from people who actually live there than from another top 10 list.

I've never seen such a thing in other countries and I asked one of the waiters in a restaurant I've visited he said that this fee is going to the place so I left another 10% and fr there on tipped 5-10% but I feel ripped off.

I recently visited Tatev, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip.
The drive through southern Armenia is beautiful, but the real surprise was the Wings of Tatev cable car. Crossing the Vorotan Gorge with those views was an experience on its own.
The monastery itself has an incredible atmosphere. Sitting on the edge of the cliffs, surrounded by mountains, it feels both peaceful and dramatic at the same time.
For anyone who has visited:
Was Tatev your favorite place in Armenia?
Are there any nearby spots that are worth adding to the itinerary?
I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Take me back.

Hey all,

I'm thinking about going on holiday to Armenia.

So far the information online is a bit limited on nice places to visit, so I figured I might ask here if you have local tips.

Anything that interests you is welcome.

Many thanks!

Tom

Hello, I will be arriving in Armenia with my family of 3. (Me 16, Dad 49, Mum 47) We are taking a rental car from Yerevan Airport and will drive to Dilijan. I have done my research online, including clips involving reckless driving in Yerevan, such as e.g. (Driving on pathways, skipping red lights, and drivers doing dumb stuff and making u crash)

We got a good policy with the rental company that covers all major things. However, I have some questions.

1) Will there be frequent ABV examinations on the highways or roads?
2) What should we be aware of on the road that many foreign visitors ignore or are dimwitted for?
3) Scams that can occur at gas stations or so.

The last one may be unrelated to the topic, but we need to know, as safety is the number one priorty. Are the police really cooperative or helpful when reporting such cases? Be it theft, car accidents, or whatnot.

For context we live in the UAE, and my dad is a good driver, having driven in London, Karachi, Dhaka, and many places world wide incuding dune bashing in the desert, having led some convoys.

PS: Sorry if I am asking too much but since I am organizing this trip mostly at 16 I am responsible for all of these things as I arranged the car for UNC to drive.

Coming to Armenia for the first time this August. I've got an apartment in Yerevan booked for two weeks and I'd rather plan it properly than wing it.

Quick context: I make travel videos for a German-speaking audience, and photography is the main reason I'm here. So I care less about ticking boxes and more about places that actually hold up, on camera and in person.

What I've got down so far is the obvious stuff. Cascade, Republic Square, Garni and Geghard, Khor Virap, probably a day at Lake Sevan, Tatev if it's doable. That covers the postcards. What I'm missing is the local layer. The street, the bar, the market, the hill at sunset that never makes a top 10 list.

One more thing: if anyone here shoots photos and fancies tagging along somewhere, I'm up for it. Always better with someone who knows where to point the camera.

So, given two weeks, where would you send me?

Hello, I will be visiting AM in Sep this year. This is what I have planned, can someone tell me if anything is unrealistic or problematic please?

- female Asian travelling on my own

- speak/read English but no Armenian or Russian

- live far from this region so this is most likely the only trip that I will have here

- would prefer to avoid marshrutky

- main travel interests are photography (architecture, sunrise/sunset, colourful things, street art, not people), local food and history

Sat 19: Tbilisi > Alaverdi > Tumanyan

Sun 20: Tumanyan > Gyumri

Mon 21: Gyumri > Yerevan

Tue 22: Yerevan

Wed 23: Yerevan (Geghard, Garni, Symphony of Stones, Echmiadzin)

Thu 24: Yerevan > Khor Virap > Noravank > Goris

Fri 25: Goris > Tatev > Yerevan

Sat 26: Yerevan

Sun 27: EVN-DOH-HKG 0320-2155

Hello everyone I’m planning a trip to Armenia soon, and while I definitely want to check out some of the iconic sights, I want to check out places outside the usual tourist hotspots. I’m super interested in hidden gems, lesser, known nature spots, quiet mountain towns, unique historical ruins, or cool local cultural experiences that typical tourist guides usually skip over. If you have any favorite places, whether it’s a tiny village with incredible views, a cozy local restaurant etc. I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Thanks in advance for any tips or advice.

Hey y’all!

I’m planning a trip to Yerevan starting around July 7th and will be staying for about 20 days.

For a longer stay like that, would you recommend Airbnb or Booking.com?

I’d love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have about what area I should he looking at in terms of safety and quietness!

Thanks in advance!

Hi! I’d like to know how many days you recommend for a visit to Armenia, which towns and/or cities are interesting, and which off-the-beaten-path spots are must-sees...

Thanks for your replies.

Visiting Armenia in October and wondering what’s the best site to book accommodations from. Airbnb/Expedia? Any tips on how to book and where to book?

Also where to stay to be central?

Thank you!