33 Things to Do in Gyumri Armenia With Map
TL;DR
Our favourite things to do in Gyumri Armenia. Including a map so you can go on a self guided walking tour!
If you’re wondering what to do in Gyumri, Armenia, don’t worry. We fell in love with Armenia’s second-largest city and have compiled this handy Gyumri guide for you!
33 Amazing Things to Do in Gyumri
Gyumri Churches
1. All Saviors Church
The most distinguishing feature of Gyumri is the colourful tuff stone buildings amongst which the black churches stand out the most.
All Saviors Church or Amenaprkich with its black and orange exterior is super unique. It was built in 1858 based on the designs of the famous Armenian architect Tadeos Andikyan but was subsequently severely hit by the earthquake of 1988.
2. Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God
The Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God or Yot Verk Church (Seven Wounds Church) is the main church of Gyumri.
It features the same black tuff exterior as All Saviors Church but it also has a super unique interior. Keep your eyes open for the different nooks where different religions prayed – you can even find a catholic cross in one of them!
3. Cathedral of the Holy Martyrs
Gyumri’s main catholic church is worth a quick pit stop. It is very young and was only consecrated in 2015.
Gyumri Art
4. Varem Merem Art Studio
Built in a converted parking space, you can nowadays admire art hear. You can either just browse around, shop for souvenirs, or attend a workshop. The owners are incredibly hospitable.
5. Coffee Window
You don’t have to go to the Instagram-famous Kvarts Coffee in Tbilisi to get your picture drawn on a coffee cup. You can do the same in Gyurmi! We can confirm that the coffee is tasty – plus the artist is super sweet.
6. Balcony from "Our Childhood Tango”
Directly on the other side of the road of Varem Merem Art Studio and the Coffee Window is the balcony from the famous Soviet movie "Tango of My Childhood". Nowadays it’s decorated with pictures from the film.
7. Leo Art Studios
Gyumri is full of art studios. We were drawn into Leo Art Studios by the artwork of a giant lion. Inside, we were amazed to find a lot of art made from clay. You can either just admire the art, buy some souvenirs, or attend a masterclass.
8. Street Art
If you keep your eyes open, you can find street art everywhere around Gyumri. We especially liked this piece (marked on the map) because it is very unassuming at first glimpse. If you look closer, you can see that the house looks stitched. We have never seen something like this and found the idea very cool.
9. Berlin ART Hotel
Berlin ART Hotel is not only the best (and most obvious) accommodation option for art lovers as it really is full of art. They have changing exhibitions as well as frequent vernissages.
It is also your best option in town if you want to book guided tours both in Gyurmi as well as the surrounding area.
Gyumri Views
10. Central Park
At Gyurmi Central Park you can go for a leisurely stroll and admire statues of famous locals. In summer, you’ll get the best view of the city from the Ferris wheel. In winter the wheel is closed but you can still get a great view from the viewing platform.
11. Black Fortress
The Black Fortress or Sev Berd is an abandoned Russian imperial fortress. The fortress, which lies 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) from the Turkish border, was built on top of a hill in 1834. It is a 360-degree round structure made of black stone, from which it gets its name.
Theoretically, visitors should be able to enter every day but it was closed on the day of our visit.
12. Mother of Armenia
The monumental statue is a female personification of Armenia. It was erected in 1975 on a hill west of Gyumri city from which you have a nice view of the surroundings.
Make sure to check out the backside of the statue which faces Turkey to see the different vibe between the back and the front which faces Gyumri.
Gyumri Firsts
13. Armenia’s First Barber Shop
There are a lot of firsts in Gyumri. We loved the first barber shop Lux Barber Shop. It’s men only but the owner is super kind and will probably allow you to have a look around if you ask nicely.
14. Armenia’s First Pharmacy
The first pharmacy in Gyumri was built in 1868 and still operates today. Locals commented “Finally, we have our own pharmacy, we won’t have to order medicine from Tbilisi any more.”
Nowadays, it looks like a typical pharmacy but it’s cool to know the history of the shop!
15. Armenia’s First Opera
In 1912, Gyumri was home to the first opera show ever staged in Armenia. Anoush is a five-act opera composed by Armen Tigranian. The opera is about a peasant girl (Anoush) whose short love affair ends in death because of a conflict between her lover and her brother.
In 1923, the first Armenian opera theatre was opened in Gyumri.
Gyumri Museums
16. The Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters
Often dubbed the Armenian Frida Kahlo, the Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters is home to more than 700 drawings, paintings, and other works of the Aslamazyan sisters who were Soviet-era artists.
There is enough English information to make a visit worthwhile.
17. Museum of National Architecture and Urban Life
The Dzitoghtsyan Museum of Social Life and National Architecture of Gyumri is an old mansion, housing collections related to both history and the everyday life of Gyumri, as well as paintings and other works of art.
There is enough English information to make a visit worthwhile.
18. Hovhannes Shiraz Home and Museum
The Hovhannes Shiraz House Museum is one of the many house museums in Gyumri. It was opened in 2003. The museum is devoted to the exhibition and preservation of the Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz's personal belongings, manuscripts and works.
Gyumri Streets and Squares
19. Abovyan Street
Abovyan Street might be considered the main street of Gyumri. You can find many important landmarks like the Stepan Alikhanyan Puppet Theater and the Gallery of Mariam and Eranuhi Aslamazyan Sisters on this street.
20. Rizhkov Street
Like any good pedestrian street, Rizhkov Street is lined with shops and cafes.
21. Vardanants Square
Vardanants Square is the heart of Gyumri. Here, you can find the two main churches, the city hall, and the memorial to the Battle of Avarayr.
22. Independence Square
Independence Square or Ankakhutyan Square is the second largest square of the city.
It literally has the shape of a square and was completed during the 1940s. It is mainly occupied by a large park, centred with the statue of the Armenian Girl raising a cross, commemorating the victims of the 1988 Armenian earthquake.
Gumri Food
23. Gyumri Market (Shuka)
The market (shuka) is one of the largest in Armenia. It is crammed with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, freshly ground coffee, cheeses and meats, bread, and much more.
24. Aregak Bakery and Café
Aregak Bakery and Café is the first inclusive bakery and cafe in Gyumri. They employ both youth with disabilities and mothers of youth with disabilities. They serve European-style drinks and snacks.
25. Ponchik Monchik
As the name says, Ponchik Monchik is famous for its Armenian doughnuts called Ponchik. We found them delicious!
26. Gwoog
Gwoog is easily the best restaurant in Gyumri. They specialise in local, organic ingredients. The family-owned restaurant is run by Hamlet Gevorkian and his wife, Eliza. Here, you can expect a high level of hospitality and customer service.
27. Gyumri Brewery
Gyumri Brewery produces the famous Gyumri beer. Theoretically, there should be guided tours but we don’t know if they are still running.
Things to Do in Gyumri
28. Stepan Alikhanyan Puppet Theater
Formed in 1935, this is the oldest puppet theatre in Armenia. You can either watch a play with the decades-old puppets or book a free tour (currently only in Armenian or Russian).
29. Zanan Cultural Center
We have not visited Zanan Cultural Center ourselves but this place sounds super interesting. You can learn about traditional Armenian costumes called taraz in a historic 19th-century building.
You can book a photo shoot in a Taraz and take calligraphy masterclasses here.
30. Go on a Walking Tour
Currently, free walking tours in Gyumri only take place on the weekends. At Berlin ART Hotel, you can book a paid tour which we can 100% recommend.
31. Look for Gyumri’s most Famous Dog
Aslan is without a doubt Gyumri’s most famous dog. He does not only have an Instagram account, but he also has his own merch. Keep your eyes open and you’ll see him around town.
Gyumri Transport
32. Gyumri Railway Station
Gyumri railway station is the oldest railway station in Armenia. It was built in 1897.
The current building was constructed in 1979. It was designed by local architect Rafik Yeghoyan. Its features echo medieval Armenian architecture, particularly in the entrance hall – keep an eye open for the chandelier!
33. Gyumri Bus Station
Gyumri bus station is nothing special but it’s the spot you can’t avoid if you want to continue your journey from Gyumri by bus.
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