Good morning. We’re flying to Gyumri for a competition and will only have a day or two to explore the city. What would you recommend? And where should we go for a meal? Thanks in advance.
Hello!
That will be more than enough time.
If you'd like a proper guided tour, there’s a Telegram channel run by a guide in Gyumri (and the surrounding area) called Guide in Gyumri Hovhannes.
If you're exploring on your own, I recommend visiting the Museum of Urban Life (with a guide). You could even say that Gyumri itself is an open-air museum 
It's a very cozy city. You can simply stroll around the center, walk to the “Soviet-era” Gorky Park, and take a walk there. At the far end of the park, there’s an excellent viewpoint overlooking the city. There’s even a Ferris wheel in the park.
Then take a walk to the “Crossword Wall,” the Khachkar Wall, and the Anecdote Wall.
On the central square, visit the Holy Saviour Church (built of black and red tuff stone) and the Holy Mother of God Church (which has an altar with an iconostasis—something unusual for Armenian churches). Both are beautiful churches with their own unique histories.
Also visit the Frunzik Mkrtchyan Museum, the Cobweb Art Museum, and the Aslamazyan Sisters Gallery. And if you're looking for souvenirs or gifts to take home, search on the map for the souvenir shop Gyumrik
For food: Ponchik-Monchik, Cherkezi Dzor — a fish restaurant in the gorge with its own fish farm and very tasty caviar, and Gwoog.
In general, Gyumri has plenty of interesting and delicious cafés and restaurants, serving both local and European cuisine. You won’t be disappointed
For something unusual, there’s the inclusive café Aregak on Abovyan Street. And Gyumri Express restaurant, where your order is delivered by a train (they have their own little railway 😁). Very atmospheric.
But when it comes to bars, Gyumri isn’t particularly strong. You could almost say there aren’t any.
If you want to explore the surroundings, visit Black Fortress, Mother Armenia, and Marmashen Monastery.