Gyumri is the second-largest city in Armenia and the capital of the Shirak Province in the northwestern part of the country. It’s buildings stand out with its 1800s Russian style architecture that are built from dark black stone with pink-orange accents. The aftermath of the 1988 Spitak Earthquake, which devastated the region, is still felt throughout the city; the rebuilding efforts are very much ongoing. I can’t do the history of this region justice, so I will just speak of my Birthright Armenia experience below through this Gyumri City Guide.
Things to Know
- Small – everyone knows everyone
- Currency – AMD to Dollar
- Post Earthquake ridden area
- People and language – Eastern Armenian and Russian
- Very cold winters
Currency
Armenia is relatively inexpensive to travel to. Below are the basic conversions to a dollar.
- 1 Armenian dram equals 0.0021 United States Dollar
- $1 is 476 Armenian drams
People and Language
Armenia is an ethnically homogenous country, in which Armenian is the official language spoken by the majority of the population. As of today, Russian is still, by far, the best-known foreign language among the Armenian population due to the Soviet Union’s influence.
Transportation from Yerevan to Gyumri
Vans called marshrutkas depart from Yerevan to Gyumri from a parking lot next to Sasunti David subway station between 8 am – 8 pm. There are no set schedules – departure is wherever one fills up. Travel time is 2-2.5 hours. On the way back, the last one is at 7 pm, so plan accordingly. The cost is roughly 1500 dram ($3.15).
Shared taxis depart from the same location and are usually faster and more comfortable. Regular taxis can be anywhere between 10,000 ($21)-12,000 ($25) dram (for up to 4 people).
Train options are limited to 2 daily departures from Yerevan, one leaving mid-afternoon and one early evening around 6pm, with a journey time of 3 hours. Cost is 1,000 ($2) dram.
A once-a-day express operates Friday-Sunday, with departure times at 10 am (return trip at 3 pm), duration 2 hours, and cost 2,500 ($5.25) dram. Gyumri Station is located at the end of Tigran Mets Avenue, east of the city center.
Transportation from Gyumri to Tbilisi
The driving distance between Gyrumi to Tbilisi is 186 km, making it a popular travel destination, especially those who need to renew their visas.
Marshrutkas leave every morning at 10:30 am to Tbilisi, which is 4-5 hours away by, depending on the time spent at the border control.
The cost can vary but can be as low as 4,000 drams to Akhaltsikhe. Stay tuned for a future post on my travel to Tbilisi.
Points of Interest, Landmarks, Museums
Walk around the center, including the old town where there is a distinctive architecture of black stone buildings.
- Gyumri Main Square – Vartanants Square (Freedom square) has a church, a cathedral, government building, fountains, restaurants, and walking distance to the old town where some small museums are located.
- Sev Berd (The Black Fortress) – this big, round, black fortress is located on the top of a hill overlooking Gyumri. Also near the huge “Mother Armenia” statue.
- Marmashen Monastery – located about 15 km out of the town, you can get here for about 6,000 drams, but make sure to say Masmashen Monastery, not the village.
- House Museums – Mher Mkrtchyan Museum, Dzitoghtsyan Museum, Holy Saviour’s Church, National Archeology Museum.
- Gyumri’s Central Park
- Gyumri Station
Places to eat and drink
- Cherkezi Dzor – Seafood, Barbecue
- Tashir Pizza – Russian federation food chain
- Ponchik Monchik – food chain
- Café Nancy
- Veranda Home – European, Armenian, Mediterranean
- Herbs & Honey Tea – Swiss, European, Asian, Armenian
- Trezzo Lounge-Café – Italian
- Dar Vino – Italian, café, wine bar, Eastern European,
- Aregak Bakery & Café – European, Café, International
- Food time – Armenian, Fast Food
- Hamov – American, European, Russian
- Noon Tasty – Mexican, European, Arabic
- Kilikia Bistro – Southwestern, European
Hotels and Hostels
- Hostel #1 –
- Rijkov Street 1/1, Gyumri 3104
- $10-$15 (Based on average rates for a standard room)
- Berlin Art Hotel – good location for walking around the center.
- 25 Hakhtanaki Ave. 3104
- 27,000-32,000 dram
- Nane Hotel — $98
Gyumri is a city that absolutely stole my heart. It is a city like no other and being that I was there for three months, I made sure to explore every beautiful corner.
For another great Gyumri city guide check out this Wander-Lush blog post.
For my personal Birthright Armenia reflections of Gyumri check out this post.
Gyumri, I have never heard of that before, is this in Africa, wow thanks for the directives.
It’s in Armenia actually! It’s the second largest city following Yerevan!
Such an informative guide
I have never been, but my list to travel to is bigger than the places I don’t want to go to. Helpful information.
Honestly i haven’t heard of it and even though its the second largest city of Armenia, we would love to see more photos of Gyumri ❤️
I’ve been to Yerevan and sadly i had to shorten my stay because of the non-stop rain, i was supposed to be back there this April but of course flights are grounded.
Wow hopefully you can make it back and the time gave you the ability to develop a jam packed itinerary, as Armenia has soooo much beauty you can’t miss!
Thank you … I have never been to Armenia before so I love being introduced to new places. You left me wanting to know more about your country and culture.