Armenia · THINGS TO DO IN GYUMRI
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 things to do in Gyumri worth the drive, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
A fun, English-guided tour through Gyumri’s Museum of Illusions, with 60+ interactive exhibits and science behind every mind trick.
“It was a great experience, nice staff, funny experiments. I got smarter at the end:) It lasts around 40-50 min and it worths the money!”
A full day from Yerevan to Gyumri, the Black Fortress and Harichavank, with museum time, film-set streets, and monastery views.
“We had a great trip to Gyumri with our tour guide, Manya, and our lovely driver, Hovsep. Manya gave us tonnes of information on the history, sights and customs, and traditions of Armenia - she pretty much hasn't stopped talking the entire tour. Our driver Hovsep drove very carefully and smoothly so it was a relaxing drive as you spend quite a bit of time on the road. We highly recommend this trip to see another city in Armenia that looks very different to Yerevan and you get to see a lot of interesting sights on the way. Overall, a wonderful and memorable day!!”
Walk Gyumri’s Kumayri with Ashot, a local architect, and learn how 18th-19th century tufa buildings shaped the city.
“This is a wonderful, educational, eclectic, memorable experience. Ashot is a perfect guide, thanks to him you understand what you see walking around but so much more. Because it is a private tour Ashot is open to every question you can throw at him: architecture of course but also history, religion, soviet times… he is knowledgeable and sincere enough to create meaningful and deep conversation, I can only recommend this tour if you want to understand Gyumri and feel the beauty of the Armenian soul.”
Paint a traditional Armenian doll in Gyumri, choosing its taraz costume and colors, guided by Narine in medieval miniature style.
“Nerine was a lovely, welcoming host! We had a great time painting our dolls, and have a great souvenir to take home with us now. We also learnt about Armenian culture and got some great tips for local food :) definitely recommend!!”
Private 8-hour Gyumri day trip from Yerevan. Kumayri walks, Dzitoghtsyan House Museum, Vardanants Square, Black Fortress.
“Spostamento super comodo. Si riesce a vedere bene la città e personalizzare gli spostamenti ottimizzando i tempi . Molto soddisfatti. Assolutamente consigliato.”
Dress in Armenian taraz for a pro photo shoot in Gyumri, then paint a bird-letter Trchnagir keepsake and get 10 photos.
“My little son and me had a wonderful time with Hasmik, the founder oft the photo studio, and Jenny, the photographer. We were warmly welcomed with tea and traditional gata in the beautifully decorated photo studio. It was a great feeling to wear the traditional clothing. While Jenny took professional photos of me, Hasmik patiently looked after my son, who was really very active. ;) I hope I can come back again one day. :)”
A 10-hour Shirak day trip from Yerevan to Gyumri, Harichavank, and the Black Fortress, with a bilingual local guide.
“It was a great journey! Our guide Karmela made the tour incredible, sharing many interesting stories not only about Gyumri but also about Armenia itself – its traditions, history, and culture. The bus driver Gevorg was perfect. An exciting day with Karmela, Gevorg, and Armenia! Huge thanks!”
Walk Gyumri’s center with Aram, an English and Russian local guide, visiting Seven Wounds Church, Masters Street museums, and more.
“Possibly one of the best guided tours I have ever taken. Aram is such a wonderful guide in every way possible, he will tell you and show you everything of the beautiful city of Gyumri. All stories and facts, the outside and inside of buildings, all with great enthousiasm. Time flew by and we had the best time ever! Without a guided tour by Aram, you have not visited Gyumri properly, its a must!! 😀”
Taraz costume photos in Gyumri. Learn Armenia’s regional dress, get 10 photos, paint a Trchnagir bird-letter, and keep it.
“Wearing traditional Armenian clothing for my photoshoot was such a beautiful and meaningful experience. The intricate details, rich colors, and craftsmanship made me feel deeply connected to Armenia’s history and culture. It was more than just a photoshoot — it felt like honoring a proud and timeless tradition. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to celebrate culture in a unique and unforgettable way.”
Walk through 60-plus mind-bending exhibits at Museum of Illusions Gyumri, guided by experts, with fun photo ops in about 1 hour.
“Activity was amazing! Guide was very informative and helpful but the toilet was awful very dirty”
9-hour Gyumri culture day trip from Yerevan, with Harichavank Monastery, Kumayri historic district, Black Fortress, and art museum.
“there's nothing to change! A really helpful and polite tour guide!”
Paint and assemble a miniature Gyumri door magnet in 40 minutes at Varem Marem Studio, then try a coffee portrait and reading.
“Very friendly personel, great workshop. It’s not just a master class, but also an immersive excursion and experience. Thank you very much!”
Paint and take home a custom Armenian taraz doll in Gyumri, choosing a costume, sketching colors, and learning miniature painting with a pro.
“What a fun and special day this was! Narine is SUCH a masterful doll maker. She carefully guided us through the process of choosing a doll and a traditional dress to base our design off of. With care, she gave us step by step instructions in a calm and relaxing environment, including coffee, tea, snacks, and light music. This experience was such a pleasure and I can't wait to do it again!”
Guided train trip from Yerevan to Gyumri to admire black and red tuff architecture, laugh at the wall of jokes, and visit key museums.
3 days of Ararat views, wine tastings, ancient sites, and a focused Gyumri city tour, with private comfort from Yerevan.
From the Ararat plain to the Debed canyon, in one place.
