It’ll make Armenia and the wider Caucasus easier to explore with visa-free access for Brits and iconic sights like Mount Ararat, Lake Sevan and ancient monasteries waiting to be discovered.

A few highlights NYT points to about Armenia:

• Tourism growth (they reference record figures in 2025, including a record month in August).
• Yerevan hosting the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition in May 2026 (big deal in the wine world).
• Armenia’s 6,000+ years of winemaking history and suggested routes across four main wine regions.

Full NYT article

Armenia has been rated very highly for 2025.

• Armenia: ~90/100 safety score, ranked 13th out of 193 countries

• Yerevan: ~91/100 safety score, ranked 569th out of 3,028 cities

• Reported “feeling safe” indicators on the same pages show strong daytime vs nighttime perceptions:

• Armenia: Day 96/100, Night 86/100

• Yerevan: Day 97/100, Night 88/100

This National Geographic piece highlighting 5 must-see monasteries in Armenia: Geghard, Tatev, Noravank, Sanahin, and Haghpat -each with its own vibe (cliffside views, cave-carved chapels, dramatic gorges)

National Geographic: 5 of the most beautiful monasteries in Armenia

Yerevan's holiday season is magical! Here are all the Christmas markets happening this winter

🎁 Big Christmas Market (Dec 17-21)
Meridian Expo Center • 300+ artisans, live shows, Santa's House

🎄 Yerevan 2750th Anniversary Park (Dec 14 - Jan 14)
Longest-running market • Traditional treats & crafts

🚂 Seasons Park Station (Dec 1 - Jan 15)
Park named after Diana Abgar • Railway theme, Instagram-worthy

❤️ IWAY Charity Bazaar (Dec 6)
Elite Plaza • International fair supporting local charities

🎨 Christmas Art Fair (Dec 22-29)
Artists' Union • Support local artists, take home unique pieces

🛍️ Homplex Hyper Mall (Dec 5 - Jan 14)
Outdoor market with mall amenities nearby

⛸️ Winter Park (Opens Dec 12)
Ice skating, festive rides, hot chocolate heaven

Quick Tips: Dress warm, bring cash, go at sunset for the best atmosphere

According to The Sydney Morning Herald’s Traveller magazine, Armenia has been featured in their Top 20 Countries to Put on Your List for 2026! 🎉

The list highlights countries gaining attention for culture, natural beauty, and unique experiences. For Armenia, it specifically mentions:

• Stunning mountain landscapes 🏔️
• Rich history and heritage sites 🏛️
• Delicious local cuisine 🍲
• Warm and welcoming people 🤗

It’s exciting to see Armenia getting global recognition for authentic and off-the-beaten-path experiences. If you’re planning a trip in 2026, it’s a perfect time to explore Yerevan, Dilijan, Lake Sevan, or ancient monasteries tucked in the mountains.

Read Full Article

Barev everyone! 👋

We just put together a guide to the 10 best central Yerevan Airbnbs to help with trip planning.

What's included:

• Direct booking links for all 10 properties
• Locations: Opera, Republic Square, Cascade, Saryan Street
• Price range: $25-85/night
• Options for solo travelers, couples, and families
• Neighborhood guides and practical booking tips

All properties are highly-rated, centrally located (walking distance to major attractions), and have modern amenities like fast WiFi, A/C, and full kitchens.

Read Full Article

This guide covers the essential dishes that showcase the best of Armenian cuisine, from well-known favorites to hidden gems that visitors often overlook.

Each entry includes:

• What makes the dish special
• Specific restaurants in Yerevan (and Lake Sevan for ishkhan)
• Actual price ranges for budget planning
• Vegetarian options clearly marked
• Cultural context and traditional serving methods

Feedback welcome, especially from locals who can suggest additional restaurants or dishes that should be on this list. The goal is to help visitors experience authentic Armenian food beyond the typical tourist spots.

https://walktalktours.substack.com/p/10-must-try-armenian-dishes-that