places to visit yerevan

Wander-Lush

30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan is one of my all-time favourite cities and a place I never tire of visiting. This curated guide to Armenia’s capital city brings together 30 of my favourite things to do in Yerevan , including must-sees, the best free activities, and quirky and alternative attractions.

On my first visit to the Caucasus , Armenia fell smack bang in the middle of my itinerary. I had originally planned to spend a few weeks travelling all around the country .

But not long after stepping off the train in Yerevan, I had changed my mind and decided to spend a couple of weeks in the capital instead.

Yerevan is small, but it’s my kind of city. It’s the kind of place that warms your heart and lifts your spirits; a city of parks and fountains, outdoor bars and cafes, music and laughter, independent shops and creative spaces, sprawling markets and cute boutiques.

And with views like this, how could you not fall a little bit in love?

Like Tbilisi, Yerevan is another capital on the cusp of Europe and Asia. This is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Yerevanians have weathered a recent history so tragic it almost defies belief.

Hard times have made Armenians proud of their identity and heritage, and their capital is in many ways an outward expression of that. This is where you’ll find most of the country’s top museums, cultural institutions, and restaurants that keep Armenia’s culinary traditions alive.

With its pink tuff-stone facades, wide boulevards and fountain-filled squares, Yerevan is a walking city and a photography lover’s dream. This guide brings together my favourite things to do in Yerevan plus my top visitor’s tips.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Yerevan Essentials

• Yerevan City Card: If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, consider picking up an official Yerevan City Pass. It grants you entry to more than 40 museums in Yerevan, city tours, unlimited rides on public transport, a complimentary SIM card, plus discounts on a number of restaurants and shops. Buy your Yerevan Card online here .
• Airport transfer: Book a private transfer to your hotel in Yerevan here . Prices start from a very reasonable $13 per group.
• Top Yerevan city tour: Short on time or want to explore the city with a local? You can now tour Yerevan in a vintage GAZ-M20 Pobeda (nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Car’), visiting Victory Park, Cafesjian, Republic Square and the Vernissage market in the comfort of a retro convertible!
• Yerevan day trips: For budget-friendly day trips around Armenia, I recommend travelling with Hyur Service . They offer a large variety of long and short itineraries with professional guides and safe drivers. Browse more Yerevan day trips here on Viator .

Where to stay in Yerevan

If it’s your first time in Yerevan, I highly recommend choosing an accommodation in the central Kentron District. This will put you within easy walking distance of all the top places to visit in Yerevan, terrific restaurants, bars and cafes.

I usually stay in the north-west of the city around Saryan Street.

BUDGET: Highland Hostel (⭐ 9.8). This bright hostel has both a mixed dorm and a budget-friendly private double room. It is located 10 minutes by foot from Republic Square.

MID-RANGE: Republica Hotel (⭐ 9.2). This stylish hotel offers comfortable rooms decorated with traditional Armenian carpets and with views towards Ararat from the windows and balconies. The breakfast is highly regarded.

HISTORIC: Villa Delenda (⭐ 8.8). This cosy, character-filled boutique hotel is set inside a 100-year-old stone villa and decorated with gorgeous heritage furnishings. The central location in Kentron is perfect.

HIGH-END: Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel (⭐ 9.1). This luxury 19th century-style hotel is located adjacent to the Venissage in the centre of the city. It features modern suites, a pool, an onsite restaurant, and in the basement, an Armenian carpet museum!

30 awesome things to do in Yerevan

This curated list brings together my favourite free things to do in Yerevan , alternative and offbeat attractions, museums and galleries, and classic Yerevan experiences that I consider must-dos!

1. Summit the Yerevan Cascade for a view of Mount Ararat

On the opposite side of the city from Republic Square, the massive limestone staircase that is the Yerevan Cascade rises up to link the lower and upper parts of the city. One of the best things to do in Armenia is climb the Cascade for a view of Yerevan and the twin peaks of Mount Ararat .

Start in the Sculpture Garden that skirts the bottom of the stairs. Here’s where you’ll find a collection of provocative and humorous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. ‘Smoking Woman’ and ‘Gatto’ (the cat) are my favourites.

You then have the option to climb the outdoor Cascade stairs or to head inside to the Cafesjian Museum of Art and ride the escalators to the top. Ascending the massive hillside staircase will give you close-up views of the Soviet-style stone reliefs , fountains and sculptures that decorate every tier.

Inside, encased within the stairs, there is a series of galleries that showcase different art and design exhibitions. Four of the galleries (including the Sasuntsi Davit Gallery) are free to visit while others require a ticket.

The Cascade is one of the most beautiful places in Yerevan. And it only gets better once you get to the top of the stairs – if you’re lucky, you’ll be rewarded with gob-smacking views. On a clear day, fabled Greater Ararat – the spot where Noah is said to have set down his Ark – rises above the rooftops.

Save this activity for a clear day. My best tip is to get there as early as possible, especially in summer, as the sky tends to get progressively hazier as the day goes on. Do note that the fountains aren’t turned on until mid-morning (on my last visit I was there at 10am and they weren’t running yet).

In spring and winter you can climb up for sunset and often get a clear picture of Ararat.

• Location: 10 Tamanyan Street
• Opening hours: 24/7 (outside); 8am-8pm Friday to Sunday (Cafesjian)
• Cost: Both the sculpture garden and galleries are now completely free

2. Keep on climbing to the October Revolution Memorial

The views from the top of the Cascade are hard to beat – but if you want to continue walking, it is possible to climb even higher above the city. The October Revolution Memorial, Victory Park and the Mother Armenia statue are all located in Kanaker-Zeytun district behind the Cascade and are easy to reach on foot in around 20-30 minutes .

When you reach the top of the Cascade, take the path up on the left-hand side. You will soon be able to see the underside and inner workings of the Cascade itself, which is quite interesting!

Continue walking, following the lemon-coloured wall next to the construction site all the way until you are standing underneath the concrete structure. Use the metal stairs next to the guard box to go all the way to the top, and you will pop out inside the memorial complex.

You can get a nice photo of the obelisk and stairs from this angle, framed by the concrete overhang.

The October Revolution Memorial consists of a huge concrete plaza (the views are rather grand from here, too), a mausoleum-like stone building, and a 50-metre-tall obelisk . The obelisk is crowned with a single wheat sheaf symbolising the Tree of Life.

It was created in 1967 by Jim Torosyan and Sargis Gurzadyan to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.

3. Walk through Victory Park & say ‘hello’barev’ to Mother Armenia

Officially opening in November 1950 after two decades of work, Victory Park is one of the biggest green spaces in Yerevan and undoubtedly commands the best views of the city.

The park has a great retro vibe (there is even an abandoned Soviet-era building inside – see the next section), with cute hand-drawn maps at every entrance. There are several more war memorials inside the park plus some beautiful khachkar stones. In the upper part there is an amusement park, an artificial lake and a ferris wheel.

When coming from the Cascade via the October Revolution Memorial, exit from the back of the memorial plaza (follow the street down a few metres to get a view of the neo-Brutalist apartment building ), then use the pedestrian underpass to cross the road. You will see one of the entrances to Victory Park directly in front of you.

Once inside, follow the main walking path all the way along, past the abandoned restaurant (see below), and you will eventually come to a marked panoramic viewpoint, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and eternal flame, and the Mother Armenia statue.

One of the most conspicuous Soviet-era monuments in Yerevan, Mother Armenia is a 22-metre-high statue set in Victory Park. Originally a 17-metre-tall Stalin statue stood on this spot until the copper effigy was removed in 1962.

A symbol of ‘peace through strength’, Mother Armenia was designed by Ara Harutyunyan and bears a resemblance and similar sentiment to other ‘mother’ statues in former USSR cities (including Tbilisi, where you’ll find Mother of Georgia adjacent to Narikala Fortress ). There is a second Mother Armenia statue in Armenia’s second-largest city, Gyumri .

This statue is special for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is modelled off a real woman, Genya Muradian. The story of how she came to inspire the sculptor is very cool!

Another thing that sets this statue apart from her sisters is the basalt-stone pedestal, which is hollowed out to form several chambers. Designed by Rafayel Israyelian, it now houses the Military Museum of Armenia . Entry is by donation.

4. Photograph the abandoned Aragil Restaurant

If you’re up for a short urbexing detour, I highly recommend stopping at the former Restaurant Aragil while you walk through Victory Park. Located at the very front of the park overlooking the city, it has an incredible view and must have been quite the spot back in the day.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went looking for the abandoned building. Turns out it is right off the main path that runs through the lower part of the park. The interesting part – the open terrace with a colourful floor mosaic – is outside (the main part of the restaurant building is locked) and very easy to find. I was alone and didn’t feel nervous here at all.

You can also see the old restaurant sign hanging at the front of the building, and a very interesting stone relief on the side that depicts a stork (Aragil means ‘stork’ in Armenian). Off to the side there are abandoned gazebos.

A sign on the front of the building indicates that the restaurant opened in 1960 and was designed by the Armenian architect Rafayel Israyelian (the same artist responsible for the stone Mother of Armenia pedestal). It also says the restaurant was ‘preserved and restored’ – I guess at some point there were plans to demolish it. I hope someone does eventually restore and reopen it.

5. Visit the mighty Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts

Officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, the Matenadaran is set inside an imposing building on the hillside behind the Cascade. To get there, cross the little footbridge before the Divers sculpture then follow the lower road.

The Matenadaran is the safekeeper of the world’s largest collection of Armenian manuscripts. The institute was established in 1959 and is named after the man who developed the Armenian alphabet. The five-storey building holds an estimated 23,000 manuscripts and scrolls, plus another half-a-million archival documents, decrees and periodicals – many of them donated by the public.

A small cross-section of the collection is on display inside the Matenadaran’s stately rooms, presented in antique wooden cabinets under glass. The illuminated manuscripts are particularly beautiful, and it’s fascinating to see early examples of the Armenian alphabet, itself very unique.

The institute also has a copy of Urbatagirk , the first ever Armenian book published in Venice in 1512.

• Location: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday (closed Sundays and Mondays)
• Cost: 1,500 AMD
• Tip: You’ll need to pay an additional 2,500 AMD if you want to take photos inside

6. Grab a drink at Lumen 1936, Yerevan’s most beautiful coffee shop

Conveniently located close to the bottom of the Cascade, Lumen Coffee 1936 is the ideal place to spot for breakfast or a drink after your morning walk.

Previously a tobacconist and a bookstore, the space originally opened in 1940 and features original painted walls, inlay ceilings and woodwork by master craftsman Hovhannes Naghashyan.

The cafe has two delightful little single-person booth seats for solo sippers plus a couple of tables. The coffee is top-notch, and they also serve breakfast (sadly I arrived before the kitchen was open so I just grabbed a croissant).

The historic fittings and morning light pouring through the front windows makes this one of the most beautiful places in Yerevan.

• Location: 45 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am until late

7. Hunt down Yerevan street art

In early 2023 Yerevan hosted its first street art festival, the City of the Future Street Art Festival . Several large-scale murals were created as part of the event, including the work pictured above left by Italian artist Antonio Perrotta ( attorrep ), which can be seen on the facade of the Academy of Fine Arts close to Lumen Cafe.

There are at least three more murals around town – see how many you can spot during your travels around Yerevan.

Just around the corner, there is another public art project worth stopping by. The ‘Eternal Alphabet Wall’ is a set of sculptures of the characters of the Armenian alphabet created by artist and designer Vahan Balasanyan.

8. Stroll through Republic Square

Republic Square (also known simply as ‘the Square’ or Hraparak) is the heart and social centre of Yerevan. This is where you can see some of the city’s most impressive stone buildings (including the National Museum) arranged around a large open plaza. In spring and summer, tulips and roses bloom around the edge of the square.

When it was constructed between the 1950s and 70s, city planners flattened Yerevan’s old town and erected the square right on top. That’s why Yerevan doesn’t have a defined ‘Old Town’ area like Tbilisi . At the time of my first visit in 2017, work had just started to construct a ‘new old town’ using fragments of recovered tuff stone.

Originally called Lenin Square, this was once a marching ground for military parades. Now, Republic Square is a gathering place for Yerevanites young and old – and a very popular spot to grab an ice cream cone or a cup of coffee on a sunny afternoon.

Did you know that Yerevan gets 300 days of sunshine every year? Republic Square is the perfect place to soak up some rays. Every night, the square’s Dancing Fountain lights up for a show – but I prefer this area during the day when it’s chokkas with people. The atmosphere is great.

Located at the top of Republic Square, the History Museum of Armenia houses some of the country’s most significant archaeological finds, including the famous Areni-1 shoe , a 5,500-year-old leather shoe that was unearthed in Vayots Dzor in 2008. It’s very well preserved considering it’s the oldest leather shoe in the world!

The museum collection catalogues more than 400,000 items – a testament to Armenia’s long history. Given that this region is the birthplace of viniculture, I also recommend seeking out the urns and other artefacts related to the area’s winemaking tradition should you choose to visit.

The History Museum is interesting but it is not my favourite museum in Yerevan – read on for two of my top picks.

9. Drink from a Pulpulak

Yerevan’s drinking fountains, known as pulpulaks, are another unique feature of the city’s urban planning. Most of the fountains were erected in the 1920s. Incredibly, there are more than 1,500 in total – once you know what to look for you’ll notice them on almost every street corner and in parks and squares everywhere.

The fountain with the most impressive design is Yot Aghbyur (‘Seven Springs’) , which sits on the western side of Republic Square near the museum and has been a fixture of the city since 1965.

Crowds of thirsty punters queue to drink from the seven water bubblers. Do as the locals do and take a quick, healthy gulp of the fresh, icy cold water whenever you pass by – just don’t let your lips touch the fountain!

10. Step inside Katoghike, Yerevan’s most beautiful church

There are dozens of churches in Yerevan, most built from tuff stone in the same shades as the city’s buildings. They can be easy to miss, especially when they’re nestled at the foot of towering apartment blocks.

Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church was consecrated in 1264 , making it one of the oldest churches in the city . The complex is the result of decades of additions and reconstructions. A tiny chapel – only big enough to hold a few worshippers – is dwarfed by a new basilica that encases it.

Parts of the complex (including an original 13th-century wall) have survived all kinds of hardships, from the threat of Soviet city planning to earthquakes. In this way, I see it as something of a motif for Armenia in general. This place has a special aura and reverence about it, especially in the late afternoon when the sun sinks behind the bell tower, lighting up the plaza and illuminating the stone.

• Location: 17 Abovyan Street
• Opening hours: From 9am daily

11. Visit the Blue Mosque, the last active mosque in Armenia

Being the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion, the vast majority of Armenians have worshiped the same god since 301 AD. Modern-day Yerevan is extremely diverse, with Jews, Yazidis, Kurds and Syrian Muslims all calling the capital home.

Built in the 18th century, the Blue Mosque was the largest of Yerevan’s eight mosques and is the last remaining Islamic house of worship in Armenia today. Mainly used by the city’s Iranian community and embassy staff, it’s one of the top Yerevan attractions.

In a gesture of good faith, the mosque was leased to the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan in 2015. The turquoise, indigo and butter-yellow mosaics on the facade and exterior dome were restored and can now be admired from the leafy gardens out front. Don’t miss the elaborately decorated entrance that faces onto the road.

The mosque doubles as a cultural centre, offering classes in Farsi. It’s possible to go inside when prayers are not in progress – I haven’t ventured in myself, but from photos, the brick domed interior looks impressive. Appropriate dress (including a head covering for women) is required if you want to venture any further beyond the garden.

At the time of my most recent visit there was a pop-up shop inside one of the ancillary buildings. This meant that I could go inside one of the rooms and view the convex brick dome and tile work that decorates the interior.

The Blue Mosque is a symbol of the cordial relationship between Armenia and neighbouring Iran. The two countries have a visa-free tourism arrangement (a huge number of Iranians visit Yerevan every year), and Iran has allowed Armenia to preserve several Apostolic churches that fall within the Islamic Republic’s borders.

• Location: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Avenue
• Opening hours: 10am-1pm & 3pm-6pm daily

12. Rummage for treasure at the Vernissage Market

A must see in Yerevan, the city’s biggest outdoor market, the Vernissage, occupies all of the central Charles Aznavour Square. It began in the 1980s when a group of local painters started displaying their works outside the art institute on Buzand Street. Today it’s a huge indoor-outdoor market selling everything from canvases and carpets to second-hand treasures and handcrafted souvenirs .

As a rough guide, you can find most artists and craftspeople in the undercover section while antiques and vintage items are sold out back.

My favourite part of the Vernissage is the carpet section. Vendors set up along the side of the market, displaying a dizzyingly beautiful array of Caucasian rugs hung on tree branches and draped over the hoods of vintage cars.

Browse the rows of stalls, meet the artisans, rummage for antique coffee pots and cute knick knacks, then walk yourself up and down ‘carpet row’ a couple of times. The Vernissage is similar in some ways to Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge Market , but there are more handmade products versus antiques.

• Location: Buzand Street
• Opening hours: Daily from 7am-6pm

For tips on shopping for textiles at the Vernissage Market and elsewhere in Armenia, check out my Textile Lover’s Guide to the Caucasus .

13. Browse Yerevan’s small galleries & boutiques

The whole of Yerevan sometimes feels like an outdoor gallery, with painter’s easels, street performers, murals and colourful cafes on every corner. There are plenty of small galleries and boutiques where you can browse Armenian art, ceramics and handicrafts.

Dalan is one of my favourite gallery spaces and doubles as a souvenir shop. This is where the famous and much-photographed wall of plates is located.

Whether it’s fashion, hand-painted ceramics, tea, honey and other edibles, knickknacks, Soviet memorabilia or textiles you’re after, you’ll find it for sale in Yerevan.

→ For more advice on what to buy in Yerevan, see my guide to Armenian souvenirs and Yerevan shopping map .

14. See how lavash is made at the GUM Market

In Armenia, lavash is an essential accompaniment to every meal. The technique and ritual involved in making and eating this paper-thin bread is so intertwined with Armenian heritage that in 2014, UNESCO recognised it as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage.

Lavash comes in an astounding array of colours and textures, each one more delicate and airy than the last. The best place to see huge lavash sheets being prepared and sold is at the GUM Market on Movses Khorenatsi Street.

This is one of my favourite markets in the Caucasus. It’s relatively small, but I always spend a good hour here roaming the aisles, trying to guess what the more foreign-looking items might be, taste testing (people are always offering samples!), and photographing the vibrant displays.

The lavash shops are along the left-hand wall of the main hall. At the front of the market you’ll find candied fruits and nuts. Don’t miss the back section where the fresh produce and pickles live!

If you’re curious to see how Armenian lavash is made, check out this short video I made on a day trip from Yerevan:

→ For more photos and tips, see my guide to visiting the GUM Market.

• Location: 35 Movses Khorenatsi Street
• Get there: 5-minute walk from Zoravar Andranik metro station (2 stops from Republic Square)
• Opening hours: 11am-5pm daily
• Tip: I recommend visiting around noon when the market is liveliest

15. Ride the Yerevan Metro & admire the station architecture

In the Soviet era, when a city’s population hit one million people a state-sponsored metro would be built for the people. Anything less, and a simple tram system would suffice.

I’m told that Yerevan’s population never met the threshold but the city managed to bypass these rules by convincing authorities that the repatriation of the Armenian diaspora would cause the population to balloon. (It didn’t – in fact, Yerevan’s population wouldn’t hit one million until 2012!)

Yerevan’s metro line officially opened in 1981 and services just 10 inner-city stations (with two more on the way). Tunnels are burrowed 20-70 metres below the streets, and some stations are located above ground. It’s an easy way to travel from one side of the city to the other – and riding the metro is a fun experience in and of itself.

Yerevan’s metro is very retro – some of the original blue cars still shuttle along, and the system continues to operate on a plastic token system. To ride the trains, you must first exchange a coin for a plastic token at the cashier desk inside the entrance. Alternatively, you can buy a rechargeable metro card or pick up a Yerevan City Card , which includes free public transport.

You can find some great examples of quirky metro station art and architecture in Yerevan, with the most impressive Soviet-style wall friezes located on the platforms at Yeritasardakan Station and Barekamutyun Station.

The underground Republic Square Station is very impressive as well, with its sunken fountain and sculptural roof opening (pictured above).

• Opening hours: The Yerevan Metro runs from 7am-11pm daily
• Cost: 100 AMD per ride
• Tip: Station names and directions are written in English on the tunnel walls

16. Seek out Yerevan’s Soviet throwbacks

Armenia was a Socialist Republic for almost 70 years. Some of the city’s most prominent landmarks went up during this period, including the Opera House and Republic Square.

There are reminders of Armenia’s not-so-distant Soviet past all over the city – fans of Brutalist architecture and Soviet nostalgia are guaranteed to have a field day.

Apart from the spots already mentioned in this guide, other prominent examples of Socialist architecture in Yerevan include the hulking ‘Commieblock’ apartments around Andranik Metro Station (you can visit these on your way to the GUM Market).

Then there are the not-so-obvious Soviet-era constructions – many of them abandoned and untouched since the collapse of the USSR. I’ve heard there is an abandoned Soviet sports complex near the Genocide Memorial that’s become popular among urbexers in recent years. I’ve never been able to find it – if you have any leads on the exact location, please let me know!

17. Watch the weavers in action at the Megerian Carpet Museum

If you’re a fan of textiles and traditional crafts, don’t miss visiting the Megerian Carpet Museum. The location is a bit further out and requires a taxi ride from the centre, but it’s worth it to visit one of the most interesting places in Yerevan.

This private shop-museum is owned by a local family and exhibits a huge collection of antique and newly woven Armenian and Caucasian rugs. Wander through the carpet-laden rooms and compare the patterns and colours of different regional schools. Weaving and dyeing demonstrations usually take place during the day.

If you’re in the market to buy an Armenian carpet, this is one of the best places to find an authentic original or hand-woven replica.

If you don’t have time to venture out to Megerian, there is a second (much smaller) demonstration workshop and carpet museum-shop located in the bottom of Tufenkian Heritage Hotel , near the Vernissage Market (pictured above).

• Location: 9 Madoyan Street
• Get there: 20-minute walk from Garegin Nzhdehi Square metro station or 10-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays)

18. Spend an afternoon at the Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe, one of my favourite hidden gems in Yerevan

Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe is my new favourite place in Yerevan. It opened back in 2018, but somehow I didn’t hear about it until 2023.

Born in Nakhchivan in 1946, Lusik Aguletsi was a painter and ethnographer who advocated for the preservation of Armenian culture. She relocated to Yerevan in 1953 and moved into her husband’s family home on a quiet street behind the railway station. This is now the venue for a house-museum dedicated to documenting her life’s work.

Lusik famously wore Armenian national dress every day. A large part of the museum collection is made up of embroidery and textiles that she sewed herself. You can also see a huge assortment of folk puppets, Lusik’s own canvases, and other cultural objects that she collected over her lifetime.

Part of the house has been converted into a restaurant where you can sit down for a meal amongst the antiques. I ordered the cucumber and basil lemonade and the arishta, a traditional Armenian pasta served with vegetables.

It was honestly one of the best meals I have had in Yerevan. I highly recommend eating here, then taking the short (free) tour of the museum.

Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe is walking distance from the Sasuntsi David Metro Station. On the way, stop to see the equestrian statue of David of Sassoun , located in front of the equally impressive railway station.

• Location: 79 Muratsan Street
• Get there: 15-minute walk from Sasuntsi David Metro Station
• Opening hours: Daily from 12pm-7pm
• Cost: Free (donations welcome)

19. Visit the house museum of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov

Another excellent museum and one of Yerevan’s quirkier institutions, the Sergei Parajanov House Museum is a small museum dedicated to the filmmaker and pioneer of 20th-century cinema who was born in Tbilisi but lived (and died) in Yerevan.

The museum recalls Parajanov’s avant-garde career through a collection of eclectic (sometimes irreverent) films, mixed-media collages and personal possessions . It’s a treasure box of curiosities and there are some truly wonderful art pieces in the mix. You really get a feel for his character and personality when you walk through.

Parajanov’s cult classic film, The Color of Pomegranates (1969), plays on a loop on a TV inside the museum. I highly recommend watching the movie before you visit the Caucasus region . You can buy it on DVD here .

• Location: Dzoragyugh 1st Street
• Get there: 15-minute walk from the Blue Mosque (near Kond)
• Opening hours: 10.30am-5pm daily
• Cost: 1,000 AMD

20. Explore Kond, Yerevan’s oldest neighbourhood

While you’ll probably spend most of your time in Kentron, Yerevan’s central district, you should also get out to explore Kond, a much smaller neighbourhood on the city’s western fringe. This is one of the best places in Yerevan to go for an aimless stroll.

In the absence of an official old town, the accolade of Yerevan’s oldest area goes to Kond. The neighbourhood is elevated on a hillside and can be reached either by steep street or via any one of the narrow staircases that lead up from the main road. Kond is mainly residential with an assortment of character-filled, tumbledown houses , overgrown gardens, and patched-up shacks.

Don’t be expecting a picture-perfect old town; Kond is a bit rough around the edges but beautiful in its own threadbare way. If you enjoy architecture and street photography , this is a great place to get lost for a couple of hours.

While in Kond, don’t miss the Saint Sarkis Cathedral , a humble church made from orange tuff stone sourced from Ani. If you need a break from walking, stop for a coffee and chat at Kondi Hayat , a new cafe in Kond.

21. Walk through the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge

The Kond Pedestrian Tunnel is one of the many hidden gems in Yerevan. Built in the Soviet era, the long pedestrian walkway cuts under the Kond neighbourhood, joining the city centre from Saryan Street with Hrazdan Gorge.

Sections of the dimly lit 500-metre tunnel are decorated with graffiti and street art. On any given afternoon you’ll find the tunnel full of couples walking arm in arm, families out for a stroll and kids riding their bicycles.

At the end you emerge in Hrazdan Gorge , an unexpected urban green space that runs along the edge of the city by the river. Emerging from the tunnel on the other side of the rock wall, you almost immediately feel as if you’ve escaped the city and been transplanted to an urban oasis.

This is a great place to stroll in the fresh air. The Armenian Genocide Memorial can be spotted on the hill above the river, and you can follow the low path all the way around to the Ararat Yerevan Brandy Company factory . There’s even a zip line in the gorge.

22. Find the Children’s Railway

As you walk north along Hrazdan Gorge you’ll notice an apricot-coloured, castle-like building peeking out through the shrubs. This is the main station building for the Children’s Railway.

In Soviet times, this miniature railway was an interactive classroom where kids could come and learn about train engineering. The 2-kilometre track is still functioning and in the warmer months, you can see groups of excited little faces peeking out as the locomotive chugs along through the gorge.

The wooden station building is dated 1937 and is a blast from Yerevan’s Soviet past. Photograph the architecture, stroll through the nearby amusement park, or follow the railway track to find a natural swimming pool by the river.

23. See the whimsical wall drawings at the Khnko-Aper Children’s Library

I stumbled on this library completely by accident when looking for places to visit near Freedom Square. After seeing some interesting photos of wall murals on Google Maps, I decided to wander in… As I so often do, I walked through the lobby with purpose and no one gave me a second look.

Armenia’s national children’s library, Khnko-Apor was founded in 1933 and houses a collection of more than half a million books . There are dozens of different reading rooms (including Iranian and German halls) that seat up to 100 people, plus children’s play areas and educational spaces.

Rooms of particular note include the children’s reading room on the second level, and the reading room on the third floor. Both are decorated with hand-drawn illustrations that, as far I can tell, were created in the 1980s.

At first I couldn’t find the murals I was looking for, so I asked a staff member – she spoke perfect English and kindly showed me which doors I should look behind. As I kept exploring, I met a couple of other librarians who were all equally warm towards me and were happy for me to take photos.

• Location: 42/1 Teryan Street
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm

24. Stop by the historic Moscow Cinema

Built in 1936, the Moscow Cinema is one of Yerevan’s main landmarks from the Soviet period. It has been redesigned several times but it has kept the same name (emblazoned on the front entrance in both Armenian and Russian) – and it still serves its original purpose. Its four theatre halls show new release movies and host the annual Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival.

The concave facade has some interesting design details, and on both sides of the building you can see Soviet-style decorations. This is a public building and you are welcome to wander in for a look: As well as movie theatres, there is also a hotel inside (and on the second floor, a free and very clean restroom if you need it!).

I walked up to the movie theatre entrance and made a fabulous discovery – in one corner, partially hidden behind a movie poster, there is a very interesting Soviet-style bas relief that depicts music, theatre and the arts. Named ‘Gorani’ (I assume after the famous Western Armenian folk song), the clay sculpture was created in 1984 by architects B. Arzumanyan and E. Safaryan and artists V. Atanian and A. Hovsepyan.

Yerevan’s Saint Paul and Peter Church once stood on this spot before it was demolished by the Soviets in the early 1930s. Today the cinema opens out onto Charles Aznavour Square , where there is a very cute astrological fountain with Zodiac characters, plus a contemporary spider sculpture by Ara Alekyan crafted with debris from the 1988 Spitak Earthquake.

• Location: 18 Abovyan Street

25. Tour the Ararat Brandy Factory

The orange stone Ararat Brandy Factory building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Yerevan. Inside, one of Armenia’s most iconic products comes to life: Ararat Brandy.

Established in 1887, Ararat is one of the oldest liquor companies in the Caucasus. The Yerevan facility houses 15,000 barrels – or one third of the company’s stock – and doubles as a museum and tasting room, where you can partake in a guided tour and brandy tasting .

I was always on the fence about whether or not to do the factory tour. On my first few visits to Yerevan, I skipped it – but when I recently visited again with my dad, he was eager to try it.

The tour is quite pricey – we paid 12,000 AMD per person for the most expensive program, the Ararat 10 Tour. That included tastings of three decade-old brandies, Akhtamar, Armenia and Dvin. Regular guided tours without tastings are also available for 4,500 AMD.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and professional – I actually really enjoyed the tour. If you have a spare hour and the history of brandy interests you, I think it’s worth adding to your Yerevan itinerary.

Bookings are recommended – we got lucky and arrived just as a group tour was starting, but normally you need a reservation to guarantee your place, especially if you’re visiting in the summer high season.

Competitor company Noy Brandy also offers guided tours and tastings at their facility on the opposite side of Victory Bridge.

• Location: 2 Admiral Isakov Avenue
• Get there: 5-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: Daily from 9am-6pm
• Cost: 4,500-12,000 AMD ( reservations here )

26. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial

While you’re out enjoying the finer things Yerevan has to offer, remember that things haven’t always been so rosy. The events of 1915 cast a long shadow over Armenia and are never too far from people’s memory.

As an Australian I’m embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing about the Armenian Genocide before I arrived in Yerevan. As uncomfortable as it may be, taking the time to learn about this chapter of world history that many of us have forgotten about is an absolutely essential part of any visit to Armenia.

The best place to learn, reflect and pay your respects is at Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. The main part of the outdoor memorial consists of 12 concrete slabs, each representing a lost Armenian province. The eternal flame laid 1.5 metres deep is a tribute to the victims of the genocide.

Located next to the memorial, the Armenian Genocide Museum does an outstanding job of leading visitors through the tragic events of April 24, 1915. At times the exhibition is graphic and utterly gut-wrenching, but at the end you come away with a sense of Armenia’s fighting spirit and a new appreciation for the enduring culture, religion and traditions.

• Get there: 10-minute taxi ride from Republic Square
• Opening hours: 11am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
• Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)

27. See a show at the Opera Theatre

One of the best things to do in Yerevan at night is dress up in your fanciest attire and catch a performance at the Armenian Opera Theatre.

The circular theatre on Freedom Square opposite the Cascade is enveloped by gardens. The small lake nearby is called Swan Lake – a tribute to the theatre’s first ballet performance in 1935. During the day, this is a lively area with children riding their bikes around the square and cafes set up along the nearby sidewalks.

There are five statues in the square , including the twin effigies of composer Alexander Spendiaryan and poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, both erected in 1957. Look under foot for commemorative plaques dedicated to famous Armenian artists , Hollywood Walk of Fame style. The eastern side of the theatre with the Opera Club entrance is very photogenic.

At night, the theatre lights up and the show begins. There are two halls seating 1400 and 1200 people each. When full, the atmosphere is electric. I was lucky enough to see Swan Lake here in spring 2017.

 If it’s playing, try to see Anoush , the first opera performed in Armenian that’s been on the playbill here since 1935. Otherwise I would suggest just buying tickets for whatever happens to be on – it’s more about the experience.

My trip to the opera in Yerevan was quite unusual. I showed up on the wrong night (I had accidentally bought tickets for the previous night’s performance) and ended up being snuck into the back of the theatre by a friendly stewardess! I had to stay on guard for the first half of the performance in case the rightful ticket holder showed up to claim my seat.

It’s recommended to buy tickets (for the correct night!) in advance from the box office out front. Note that there is no bar inside the theatre. Cloak rooms and bathrooms are downstairs.

• Location: Tumanyan Street
• Performance times: Check the program here

28. Feast on lahmajun & other Armenian delicacies

Much like Georgian food, Armenian cuisine is completely underrated . If you’re not familiar with the tastes and textures, eating out in Yerevan will definitely be a pleasant surprise.

One of my favourite dishes and something I always reach for when visiting Yerevan is lahmajun. Though not strictly an Armenian dish (it is a food culture shared with Turkiye, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East), it is very popular in Yerevan.

Lahmajun is essentially a flatbread topped with various ingredients ranging from vegetables to ground meat to simple Zaatar spice rubs. It always makes for an affordable and tasty meal.

Popular lahmajun joints in Yerevan include:

• Anteb : One of my favourite eateries in Yerevan (see more below), Anteb Restaurant specialises in Western Armenian dishes, including lahmajun.
• Lahmajun Gaidz : For creative lahmajun recipes that incorporate Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours.
• Elie’s Lahmajun : A local favourite close to Republic Square.

29. Grab a drink at Mirzoyan Library, Yerevan’s coolest bar

Yerevan nightlife is quite lively and there is no shortage of things to do once the sun goes down. According to my walking tour guide, Yerevan has more than 500 open-air cafes – I’d say that’s a conservative estimate! At night, you’ll find that many of these cafes transform into trendy wine and cocktail bars .

My favourite place to go for a drink in Yerevan is Mirzoyan Library . Set in a historic courtyard and house, it functions as a photography gallery slash library slash cafe during the day. The space was concocted by photographer Karen Mirzoyan to make her personal collection of fine photography books available to other young artists in the city.

In the evening, you can pull up an antique chair and sit on the rickety verandah or just perch yourself on one of the staircases. Wine and beer are served alongside non-alcoholic drinks. You can browse the books while you sip but you can’t take them home – no library cards here!

• Location: 10 Mher Mkrtchyan Street
• Opening hours: Midday to midnight daily

30. Taste Armenian wine at In Vino

Want to get acquainted with Armenian wine? Yerevan is home to the country’s leading wine bar and shop, In Vino on Saryan Street.

More than 25 wines are available by the glass so you can try a selection of locally produced drops from Areni and Armenia’s other wine-making regions. Prices start from a very reasonable 800 AMD.

For the full experience, pair your plonk with a tasting plate of local cheeses, cured meats and nuts. Delicious desserts also feature on the menu, or for something more substantial you can order a baguette sandwich (sold by the centimetre) or meals from nearby Tapastan.

Formal wine tastings are also available and include 4-6 Armenian wines.

• Location: 6 Martiros Saryan Street
• Opening hours: 11am-midnight daily
• Cost: From 800 AMD for a glass of wine
• Read next: Where to do a wine tasting in Tbilisi, Georgia

BONUS: Learn about the history of Yerevan on a walking tour

The city of Yerevan, like the nation of Armenia, has a long and complicated past. If you really want to sink your teeth into local history and culture while ticking off the major landmarks, then I highly recommend joining a walking tour.

Yerevan is home to an excellent free walking tour program that offers both general and culture-focused itineraries. Tours last 2-2.5 hours (although I ended up spending 4 hours with my guide when we did the introductory tour!), and usually depart from Republic Square. Remember to tip.

If you prefer to explore at your own pace and with your own guide, this private walking tour hits most of the major Yerevan landmarks, including Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral, the Opera Theatre, Cafesjian, and Victory Park.

Alternatively, this Evening Walking Tour of Yerevan starts at the Vernissage Market and is perfect if you’re travelling during summer and want to beat the heat of the day. And for something really special, you can tour Yerevan in a vintage GAZ-M20 Pobeda (nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Car’)!

My favourite cafes & restaurants in Yerevan

Anteb: The first place I go whenever I arrive in Yerevan. This no-frills restaurant specialises in Western Armenian cuisine and serves amazing manti dumplings and lahmajun topped flatbread.

Dargett Craft Beer: If wine isn’t your cup of tea, Armenia has a budding craft beer scene with a growing number of specialty bars in Yerevan. Dargett Craft Beer is the city’s leading brew pub, with artisanal beers on tap, a huge selection of bottles, and a menu of crowd-favourite beer snacks (think fish and chips, onion rings and Poutine). Their own craft beers (including stout, pale ale and pilsners) are made in Armenia on local spring water

The Green Bean Cafe: My go-to in Yerevan for good coffee and light, healthy meals. This cafe has a strong focus on fresh, plant-based food but the menu spans a huge range of offerings. There are 3 branches in the city, including one adjacent to the Cascade and another on Amiryan Street.

Sherep: ‘Elevated’ Armenian fare and scrumptious desserts, including a chocolate mousse with local brandy – yum.

Tapastan: Local wines and Armenian dishes served tapas sharing-plate style.

Dolmama: This restaurant is a bit more pricey but it’s a Yerevan institution so I definitely recommend trying it once. The dolma is excellent – obviously!

Yerevan Map

Click here to open my Yerevan City Map in Google Maps .

Recommended day trips from Yerevan

For budget-friendly guided tours from Yerevan, I recommend travelling with Hyur Service . I have personally used them several times. Guides are professional, drivers safe, and although the itineraries are often long, they usually incorporate lots of stops along the way.

Here are some of the most popular day trip options offered by Hyur and other companies. Some of these places can also be visited independently.

Garni Temple & Geghard Monastery: The 1st-century Garni Temple and medieval Geghard Monastery are within a 15-minute drive of each other and are thus often paired as a side trip from Yerevan. Both are visually spectacular and have a fascinating history. This is my top choice of easy day trip, involving roughly 2 hours of driving in total.

This group tour to Garni and Geghard also includes an Armenian lavash-baking demonstration.

Echmiadzin & Zvartnots: Echmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is home to the stunning Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. On the drive from Yerevan, tours often stop at the ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral and the much-photographed ring of columns that frames views of Mount Ararat. Total driving time is around 90 minutes. This trip can also be done independently by public transport ( marshrutka ).

This group tour with Hyur Service runs for 4-5 hours and includes Mother See, several smaller churches and Zvartnots.

Khor Virap: Khor Virap monastery is located roughly an hour from Yerevan, very close to the Turkish border. If you want spectacular views of Mount Ararat, this is the place to go.

This trip to Khor Virap with Hyur includes a wine tasting in Areni and a visit to Birds Cave where some of Armenia’s most important archaeological finds were unearthed. They also offer a private 8-hour combination tour to Khor Virap, Garni Temple & Geghard.

Lake Sevan & Dilijan: Armenia’s largest lake and the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery are under 90-minutes drive from Yerevan. This isn’t my top choice of day trip, but it’s a convenient option if you want some fresh air and lake views.

This budget-friendly group tour offered by Hyur visits Dilijan, Armenia’s ‘little Switzerland’, and two beautiful forest monasteries after Lake Sevan.

Tatev Monastery: This iconic monastery accessed by cable car is in Armenia’s far-south and can be visited in a day – but be warned that it requires a lot of driving (around 4.5 hours each way). I did this day trip on my first visit to Armenia and it was tolerable, but only because the tour made lots of stops along the way, including at the wonderful Noravank Monastery. Read my tips for getting to Tatev from Yerevan here .

This terrific Tatev group tour includes a ride on the Wings of Tatev and a guided tour of Tatev Monastery plus a local Armenian lunch, wine tasting at Hin Areni Winery and a stop at Karahundj (Armenia’s Stonehenge). If you want to pack a lot in, this is my top choice of day trip from Yerevan.

Haghpat & Sanahin: This is another long day trip (6 hours on the road at a minimum). If your itinerary allows, I recommend visiting the two UNESCO monasteries in far-northern Lori from Vanadzor instead. (You can also visit from Tbilisi .)

This private tour to Lori from Yerevan includes hotel pick-up/drop-off, an English speaking guide, and also visits Odzun Monastery in addition to Haghpat and Sanahin.

Headed to Tbilisi next? Check out my list of awesome things to do in Georgia’s capital city and my recommended Tbilisi day trips .

Best time to visit Yerevan

Yerevan is an all-weather city, but there are still defined high/low seasons and times of the year when the forecast is more likely to be on your side.

I would avoid visiting Yerevan in summer (June through to early September) – this is high season when prices go up, plus it’s stifling hot (up to 35 or 40 degrees Celsius in the city). Winters in Yerevan are quite mild, and the temperature rarely drops below zero. January is the coldest month, with average daytime temperatures of 2 degrees.

I first visited Yerevan in spring and still think this is one of the nicest times to visit the city (and Armenia as a whole). May can be a bit rainy, but April/May is generally very pleasant temperature-wise. Outdoor cafes start reopening and you’ll see beautiful flower markets overflowing on every sidewalk. The energy is wonderful.

I had the pleasure of spending Easter in Yerevan and loved observing Easter traditions. I also had a chance to mark Genocide Remembrance Day in Yerevan , a sombre yet heartwarming occasion that commemorates the events on and around April 24, 1915.

Fall (late September to November) is temperate and another nice time of year to visit.

How many days do you need in Yerevan?

To see the highlights, experience Yerevan’s cafe culture and soak up the city atmosphere, I recommend spending at least 2 full days in Yerevan , 3 if possible. You could very easily stay longer – and you might be tempted to!

While you can get a good overview of Yerevan in the space of a day, you will definitely feel rushed and you’ll have to sacrifice on some things.

One of the best things about Armenia is that you can travel almost anywhere in the country from Yerevan and still be back for a late dinner. Thus I also recommend setting aside 1 or 2 additional days for side trips from the capital.

See my favourite day trips from Yerevan listed above.

How to get to Yerevan

Zvartnots International Airport is located 15 kilometres west of Yerevan and is Armenia’s main hub for air travel. The airport is serviced by Qatar Airways, Pegasus, FlyDubai and Wizz Air, making it relatively easy to reach Yerevan from Western Europe, Turkey and the Middle East .

→ Book a private transfer to your hotel in Yerevan here . Prices start from just $13 per group.

If you’re travelling overland, there are several options available for entering Armenia from neighbouring Georgia or Iran. Because of Yerevan’s location and the quality of roads, it’s more convenient to enter from Georgia.

Note that Armenia’s borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey are closed and overland travel is not permitted. If you’re coming from Azerbaijan , you will need to cross through Georgia first. I recommend using the night train to get from Baku to Tbilisi .

How to get to Yerevan from Tbilisi

My preferred way to travel between Georgia and Armenia’s capital cities is on the overnight sleeper train. Trains run every night in the summer high season and every second night in the low season.

Trains are comfortable, safe, fast – and fun. Find my comprehensive guide to the Tbilisi Yerevan train here (and find a code to buy discounted tickets inside).

Marshrutka minivans and taxis are also available. I personally try to avoid long-distance road travel in the Caucasus whenever possible, but if you prefer not to use the railway, then this is another option. The ride takes 5-6 hours on average including border procedures.

Is Yerevan safe for tourists?

Yerevan has very low crime rates overall and although theft and pickpocketing do occur from time to time, the chances of you being targeted as a tourist are very, extremely slim.

In my experience, people in Yerevan are far more likely to shout you a taxi fare or a drink than to try and swindle you (this has happened to me multiple times). Tourist scams do occur, but nowhere near as often as in some Western European capitals.

Based on my own experiences and from talking to other travellers and friends who have lived in Yerevan, this is an extremely safe city overall, even for solo female travellers. I would not hesitate to walk alone down a city street in Yerevan at night, and similarly I would have no reservations about using the metro, visiting crowded places, etc.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise common sense and a normal level of caution when visiting Yerevan. Take care of your belongings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you, and be mindful of personal space.

Be vigilant when crossing the street. Use a taxi app to book cabs or negotiate the fare in advance. Avoid travelling on the road after dark – traffic and road safety are probably the biggest safety issues for tourists in Armenia, just as they are concerns in neighbouring Georgia .

Protests and demonstrations do occur in Yerevan; it’s best to avoid large gatherings in case things get out of hand.

Is Yerevan expensive? Yerevan travel budget

Much like Georgia , Armenia is an extremely budget-friendly destination overall. Being the capital, Yerevan is one of the more expensive places to visit in the country but it’s still very affordable, certainly by European city standards. Personally I find Yerevan a touch more expensive than Tbilisi.

The official currency in Armenia is the Armenian dram or AMD. At the time of writing 1 USD = 515 AMD .

Here are some approximate costs (per person) based on my most recent trip to Yerevan:

• One night in a mid-range hotel/guesthouse: 14,000 AMD (26 USD)
• Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 4000-7000 AMD (7.50-15 USD)
• Latte in a cafe: 1300 AMD (2.40 USD)
• Bottle of Armenian wine: 3500 AMD (6.60 USD)
• Metro fare: 100 AMD (0.20 USD)
• Taxi fare within the city: 500-1000 AMD (1-2 USD)
• Museum ticket: 1000 AMD (1.90 USD)

A mid-range traveller staying in a hotel/guesthouse, eating out twice a day, visiting museums and using a combination of metro and taxis to get around should budget around 25,000 AMD (47 USD) per person per day for Yerevan.

You can very easily reduce your costs by sticking to free attractions (there are plenty on this list), eating local meals, and staying in budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses.

What are your favourite things to do in Yerevan? If you have any tips, please share them in the comments below.

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32 Comments

Hi Emily Fantastic web site! Have you visited the Ararat Distillery in Yerevan?, and, do you know of any old record shops in both Armenia and Georgia Thanks Frank

Hi Frank! Yes actually I just visited for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I will be updating this post soon! Are you looking for vintage vinyl specifically? In Georgia the best place for that is the markets – Dry Bridge and Barakholka particularly.

LOVE your write up! went to Georgia/Armenia in 2019 June and LOVED the food, the alcohol,the cities and countries. Advice please: my bday is in March, and I want to take my family to see Yerevan. I LOVED the cafes in the summer. do you think mid-March is a good enough time to introduce my family to Yerevan? I hope so, bc I really want to go and see near my bday (spring break, bc I work in schools and have a 10th grader). thank you?

Thank you Sandy! March is still quite chilly in this part of the world, but I think you’ll still enjoy Yerevan at that time of year. There might be less outdoorsy stuff on (I once visited in April around Orthodox Easter and we had to sit inside to eat most days), but on the plus side it will be nice and quiet.

Your article/blog is so inspiring, we were wondering whether Yerevan/Dilijan is a budget-friendly option to travel from Dubai, and your article says it all. We are planning a 3 day holiday in July. Yes it would be hot, but we are going for it. Your explanation was really helpful, and you have provided so many wonderful options. Planning out an itinerary myself, instead of going through tour agents. So thanks again.

Great Akshaya! Dilijan is a little cooler than the city of course, I think it’ll be quite nice! Enjoy!

One of my my favorite destinations is the observatory on mount Aragats. I’ve been to the telescope many years ago and heard that it is still open for school kids. I was wondering if there are any public options for staying overnight at the Physics Institute and stargazing through the telescope at the observatory.

I had not come across this before but it sounds wonderful! There is something similar here in Georgia at Abastumani. I’m not sure if there is accommodation available but hopefully someone else can answer.

We visited the LUYS book store, which is now called Books 1512. That’s a great find! I remember my first impressions when we were driving from the airport to our hotel, I saw a book store with high security bars, and was laughing that the book store has more security than the exclusive boutiques, but I didn’t realize it was this very store that you mentioned in your blog. It’s so gorgeous inside! I’ve never held such ancient books in my hands before. Thank you!

Great to hear that, Vera! It’s a very special spot. Thank you for the name update!

Been wanting to travel to Armenia since 2008 and tomorrow I actually fly there and your blog on Armenia is getting me psyched! Thanks for many useful tips 😉

Amazing Alejandro! That’s a long time in the making. I hope you love it as much as I do!

So beautiful! It made me even cry when I saw you wrote about Kond as I am from there. I haven’t been to Armenia already 2,5 years, I missed even more my country after reading your incredible descriptions.

Thank you for you comment, Gohar! I hope you get a chance to go back to Yerevan soon. Kond is such an interesting part of the city, I really loved walking those streets and exploring.

I am very excited to be traveling there in May for a week. Do you have a local tour guide that you might recommend? I like to explore but appreciate someone who knows a thing or two. Also, any tried & tested “must see” shops with local flair?

Great to hear! I recommend joining the free walking tour when you arrive.

Here are my favourite shops in Yerevan: https://wander-lush.org/shopping-in-yerevan-armenian-souvenirs/

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you for this amazing information. I left when I was 8 only. I am trying to go back and visit. Hopefully after the pandemic. This is very helpful. I was born in Vanadzor and would love to visit. Thanks again.

I have been to Vanadzor, it’s a lovely city! I haven’t had a chance to post about it yet but I’ll get to it soon. That’s great that you’re planning to go back. You might find this interview I did useful too: https://wander-lush.org/armenia-heritage-tourism/

Let me know if there’s anything at all I can help with. Fingers crossed you can start planning your trip soon!

Great article, informative with colorful pictures, thank you Emily!!

Thanks Sam! Appreciate it 🙂

Emily, thank you for this! I’m an Armenian and am planning to visit for the first time next summer! Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it 🙂

Hi Gassia! That’s so exciting! I hope you have fun planning your trip. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything I might be able to help with 🙂

Hi ememelie, I am traveling Armenia right now and it is a pleasure to read your blog if I need some inspiration. Thank you! I was wondering with what kind of camera you’re working? Best, Lena

Thank you, Lena! Glad to hear that 🙂 I use an Olympus OM-D E-M1. It’s a mirrorless digital.

We are planning to visit Yerevan next March , is it enough to explore this city ( and surrounding if possible ) within 4 or 5 days ? thanks in advance for your reply ….

Hi Nurul! Yes, I think 4-5 days would suffice if you’re happy to be busy. In that time you can see the highlights of the city and do a few day trips. Almost everywhere is reachable as a day trip, even Tatev Monastery (I have a post on that too). Consider using a company such as Hyur Service to make things easier.

Yerevan is a wonderful city! I hope you love it!

Could you tell me where you stay in Yerevan, could you recommend the airbnb, or hostel to stay in Yerevan, thanks.

We were in Yerevan for 10 days so we chose to stay at an Airbnb. It was fantastic—one of the best-appointed apartments we’ve ever stayed in, and our host, Arman, was wonderful. Here is the link: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17788633

Fantastic read! I didn’t know that about the one million/get a metro thing. I love riding on old Soviet metro systems ☺. Reading through your Caucasus posts you’ve cemented the region in my travel thoughts! I’ve heard lots of great things about Yerevan, your photos capture it beautifully.

Glad to have found your blog!

Thanks so much, Kim! Yerevan is a wonderful city. I’m sure you would love it!

Thank you for sharing your experience! My dad’s family is Armenian and I have always wanted to visit the country.

Thank you, Elizabeth! We really enjoyed Armenia, particularly the warm hospitality. I hope you get to visit soon!

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Home » Travel Guides » Armenia » 15 Best Things to Do in Yerevan (Armenia)

15 Best Things to Do in Yerevan (Armenia)

The capital city of the Republic of Armenia , Yerevan is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It dates back to the 8th century, when the fortress of Erebuni was built by king Argishti I. Yerevan is often pegged as the ‘Pink City’ because of the colour of the stones used to build much of the city centre, which is a compact area known as Kentron. This area, amongst others, has been greatly developed over the past decade, resulting in more restaurants, cafés, shops and hotels.

The capital city is fast becoming a major tourist destination thanks to its numerous landmarks, extensive nightlife, great museums and lovely parks.

Lets explore the best things to do in Yerevan :

1. Go on a walking tour of the city centre

A walking tour is the best way to really get immersed in Yerevan’s culture, history and cuisine. The city centre is, of course, the place to do this, as it is home to landmarks like the grand Republic Square, the impressive Opera House, the 18th century Blue Mosque and the famous Cascade complex.

Walking around the city centre is a phenomenal way to see the history of the city, from the Persian times to the Soviet periods. You will also get a glimpse at Yerevan’s modern side, with contemporary architecture, coffee shops and trendy restaurants being found along the alleyways and the main streets.

2. Watch the city from the top of the Cascade

This giant stairwell sits right in the city centre and is one of its key landmarks. It was built during the Soviet period in 1971 and was completely renovated in 2009.

The Cascade is a giant stairwell that connects the Kentron area with the Monument neighborhood. It has eight levels, all of which are accessible by climbing up the stairwell, though those that would rather not walk can take an elevator.

The views over the city while climbing the stairs are absolutely breathtaking, especially at night when the city lights up. It is certainly not to be missed.

3. Window shop on Northern Avenue

This pedestrian only street is in the Kentron area, linking Abovyan Street with Freedom Square (Tumanyan Street). The wide avenue opened in 2007 and is 450 metres long and 27 metres wide.

Northern Avenue is home to 11 buildings and 4 small squares. It also features an underground mall and car park.

Some of Yerevan’s most upscale shops can be found along the pedestrian avenue, including Armani, Steve Madden, Desigual and Burberry. There are also a number of chain fast food restaurants and trendy coffee shops that are great for resting and people watching.

4. Have a picnic in a park

There are numerous parks throughout the city that are great for kicking back, taking your shoes off and enjoying a picnic. Lovers Park is by far the most popular and also happens to be the oldest park in the city.

Lovers Park boasts a traditional Japanese landscape, which was transformed after recently being renovated. It is a great place for a romantic picnic amongst lovers, what with its ponds, waterfalls and quite spaces.

English park is another excellent place for a picnic and is often the backdrop for wedding photographs. Tumanyan Park and Buenos Aires Park are also great picnic parks.

5. Splash around in the water

On a hot summer day head to Yerevan Water World for some cooling off. The three hectare water park is home to 12 waterslides, 7 outdoor pools, 3 indoor pools and 2 children areas.

Yerevan Water World is great for the whole family, though anyone at any age can enjoy themselves at the fantastic water park. The outdoor open-air park features 2 large swimming pools, 3 pools with water slides, a VIP pool and a children’s pool, as well as food stands and a restaurant.

Head indoors to Aquatek and enjoy relaxing at the Aquatek Spa Hotel, which boasts geysers, a spa and a fitness club. There are also 2 large pools, 1 children’s pool and wall-climbing facilities in this area of the water park.

6. Go ice skating

In the winter months, one of the large outdoor pools at Yerevan Water World is converted into a 500 square metres ice rink. It is a lot of fun, and is a must for anyone visiting Yerevan in the winter.

Another option is to head to Swan Lake and skate with the locals. The lake sits right next to the Opera House and is a beautiful place to skate around, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Skate rentals are available, which is a big plus for any tourist visiting the city.

7. Get lost on winding streets and alleyways

Kond is one of the oldest quarters in the city, dating back to the 17th century. The quarter sits along a hill overlooking the city centre.

The quarter is home to numerous Ottoman/Persian/Muslim houses that feature 1.5-metre thick walls that were originally made out of clay and small stones. These houses sit along narrow streets and alleyways that are no more than 90 to 120 centimetres wide.

Walking around Kond is a wonderful experience, gazing at the ancient architecture and finding some hidden gems. Spend an afternoon getting lost along the winding streets and alleyways in Kond, as you never know what you may find here.

8. Learn about the city’s history

Yerevan is a pretty old city that boasts a very long history, some of which is gruesome and some that is not. A great way to learn about the city’s past is to head to its museums.

The History Museum of Armenia has a collection of over 400,000 objects and is arguably the best museum for those that want to learn more about the city, as well as the entire country. It features Ethnography, Archaeology, Numismatics and Modern History departments, with collections in each.

The largest collection of Armenian art can be found at the National Gallery of Armenia, though it also displays work from numerous European and Russian artists. For a look into the country’s not so nice past, check out the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.

9. Shop for local art

The weekend Yerevan Vernissage is a large open-air market that sits along Aram and Buzand streets, near the Republic Square metro. The market opened in the 1980s by a group of local artists to display and sell their work.

The Yerevan Vernissage has become so large and popular that it moved from its original home next to Charles Aznavour Square to where it is today. It stretches from the Republic Square metro station to the statue of Vardan Mamikonyan.

This is a great place to snatch up a variety of traditional Armenian art work, such as rugs, wood carvings, paintings, musical instruments and jewellery. Another great place to purchase paintings is at Saryan Park.

10. Hang out at Republic Square

Locally known as Hraparak, Republic Square sits in the centre of the city in the Kentron neighbourhood. It is a beautiful square that took nearly 50 years to complete, though most of it was built in the 1950s.

You can easily spend an entire day and evening at Republic Square, as it is home to numerous landmarks, like the History Museum, the National Gallery and the Government House, as well as the iconic Armenia Marriott Hotel. It is beautiful in the day and in the night when it is all lit up.

A truly magnificent thing about the square is its musical fountains. From early spring to late fall there is a fantastic fountain and light show that is accompanied by some great music of various genres.

• 11.  Sip on brandy

Ararat is the oldest brandy company in the country, opening in 1887 by merchant Nerses Tairyants. It later became the supplier of His Imperial Majesty’s court and since then the world-renowned brandy and has been admired by many, including Frank Sinatra, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill.

The distillery is open for tours, which includes a tasting. The tour takes place in the in-house museum, where visitors learn about the history of the company and the making of this fine alcohol.

In addition to walking around the old cellar, visitors get to taste two or three types of the fine brandy. A visit to Ararat is a must for any brandy connoisseur.

12. Delight your taste buds

A type of Caucasian cuisine, Armenian cuisine is quite delicious, with freshness and quality coming before flavour and spices. That’s not to say that Armenian cuisine is not delicious, it is, especially dishes like dzhash (stew), kabob (grilled meat) and pilaf (rice with meat).

Fresh herbs are always used in Armenian dishes, like parsley, dill, coriander, basil, oregano and tarragon. Flavours are also influenced by neighbouring countries, including Turkey and Iran.

A great place to try basic dishes, like barbeque and fish, is at the themed restaurants in the Hrazdan Gorge. There are also restaurants that serve up meals to the sound of traditional folk music, as well as a few upmarket places that offer Armenian-fusion cuisine.

13. Step back into medieval times

The medieval monetary of Geghard is a spectacular building, and UNESCO agrees. The UNESCO World Heritage site is partially carved into a mountain and is surrounded by trees and cliffs.

The main chapel was built in 1215, though the monetary complex itself was founded in the 4th century. The cliffs surrounding the magnificent complex are part of the Azat River gorge, with some churches being entirely dug out of them, while others are more like caves.

The monetary is not in Yerevan itself, but just outside of it in Geghard. A day trip to the unique monetary is a must for all visitors.

14. Listen to Music

Yerevan has numerous options for music lovers, be it opera, folk music, rock or even dance music. Restaurants, parks, concert halls, bars and nightclubs all offer music in the city.

The Cascades and Lover’s Park often host concerts in the spring and summer months that are worth checking out. The Yerevan Opera Theatre and Komitas Chamber Music House often have cheap, last minute tickets for operas, symphonies and ballets.

Then there are the nightclubs, pubs, jazz cafés and karaoke bars. These are all appealing to night owls and are a great way to mingle with the locals.

15. Go to a football match

There are five Yerevan teams in the Armenian football league; FC Ararat Yerevan, Erebuni FC, FC Pyunik, FC Banants and Alashkert FC. In addition to these, there are also plenty of teams in smaller leagues.

Yerevan is also, of course, home to several football stadiums, with the largest being Hrazdan Stadium, which is the stadium for the FC Ararat Yerevan. The home ground of the Armenia national football team is the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

Football fans can easily get last minute tickets for any matches while they are visiting the city. Any of these matches are a lot of fun and a great way for football fanatics to spend an evening or an afternoon.

15 Best Things to Do in Yerevan (Armenia):

• Go on a walking tour of the city centre
• Watch the city from the top of the Cascade
• Window shop on Northern Avenue
• Have a picnic in a park
• Splash around in the water
• Go ice skating
• Get lost on winding streets and alleyways
• Learn about the city’s history
• Shop for local art
• Hang out at Republic Square
• Delight your taste buds
• Step back into medieval times
• Listen to Music
• Go to a football match

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31 Amazing Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

Last Updated on 15/05/2024 by kami

Yerevan, Armenia is one of my favorite places, the city I always love returning to and the one that makes it so hard for me to leave every single time. I can’t imagine a trip to Armenia without visiting Yerevan.

And even if I’ve been to the capital of Armenia so many times (over the years I spent a few months there in total) every time I visit Yerevan I have a new list of things to do in Yerevan. Because there is just so much to see, do and experience there!

And now it’s about time I share with you the list of my favorite Yerevan attractions so you know what to do in Yerevan when you visit the capital of Armenia.

To be honest, the city is not the most beautiful one, especially not in a classical way, but with so many things to do in Yerevan, you will be busy for at least two days and eventually will want to return for more.

That was the story with me however, after my first trip to Yerevan in July 2012 I wasn’t too crazy about the city. It had to grow on me but now I consider Yerevan to be one of “my” places, the one I’m a bit crazy about and wouldn’t mind living there for a while.

Yerevan essentials

• Airport transfer: Pre-book the airport transfer from Yerevan airport to your accommodation in Yerevan here .
• Where to stay in Yerevan: Teryan Pushkin Apart Hotel (9.6/10) / R&R Hotel (9.1/10)
• Best Yerevan tour: Private sightseeing and walking tour in Yerevan
• Best day trip from Yerevan: Private 7-8 hour Trip to Garni – Geghard – Lake Sevan – Sevanavank from Yerevan
• Get insured for your trip to Armenia with SafetyWing

Table of Contents

Short History of Yerevan, Armenia

You might be surprised but Yerevan is actually older than Rome, Italy . Not long ago the city celebrated its 2800th birthday.

That’s because in the year 782 B.C. the Erebuni Fortress was built on the territory of Yerevan and it is said the city developed from it. Over the centuries Yerevan often changed its state belongingness but never really played an important role.

Until the beginning of the 19th century, it was just a provincial town but once Yerevan became the part of the Russian Empire the city grow rapidly with its biggest development in the 20th century.

For the very short time, between 1918 and 1920, Yerevan was the capital of independent Armenia before it became part of Russia and the Soviet Union again. Since 21st September 1991, when Armenia regained the independence, Yerevan is again the capital city of the country again.

Best time to visit Yerevan

It’s great to visit Yerevan all year long but there are moments when this might not be the best idea.

If this is your first trip to Yerevan (or Armenia in general) I would avoid summer months, simply because it can be too hot, even over +40C. This makes sightseeing almost impossible as you can’t fully enjoy the place and all you can think of is finding some shadow or better yet, the air-conditioned room.

Your chances of seeing Mount Ararat – the holy mountain of Armenians – are also slim then as it’s often pretty hazy in the summer months.

Another time I would advise against visiting Yerevan is the New Year and Christmas time. Just recently I was in Yerevan exactly at that time and everything was closed: shops, museums, numerous restaurants, and cafes – everything!

The choice of places to go out, have a coffee or eat something was very limited and the majority of my favorite places was just closed. You don’t want to deal with this feeling of disappointment!

On the contrary, I would recommend visiting Yerevan in late spring or early autumn when the weather is pleasant but not too hot, days are long and sunny and you can fully focus on Yerevan sightseeing.

How to get to Yerevan

The majority of people traveling to Yerevan arrive either by plane or by land from Tbilisi, Georgia .

These days there are more and more airlines serving Yerevan airport, including low-cost flights with Ryanair and Wizzair. That makes getting to Yerevan so much easier and cheaper.

I usually use LOT Polish Airlines – they are not the cheapest (I usually buy my tickets when they are on sale) but I definitely appreciate the direct flights to Yerevan from Warsaw.

Zvartnots International Airport is located around 12 kms from the center and is connected with the city by bus or marshrutka.

Taxis are also very affordable, especially with Yandex Taxi (a local Uber) you shouldn’t pay more than 2.000 AMD. There is free wifi at the airport which should make ordering a taxi via the Yandex app much easier, you can also buy a local SIM card at the airport.

If you come from Tbilisi to Yerevan you will arrive either to Kilikia bus station (around 2,5 kilometer from the center, bus no 5 goes to the center) or the train station (you can get there by metro, station Sasuntsi David).

Click here to read in full details all about getting from Tbilisi to Yerevan.

How many days should you spend in Yerevan

I honestly think that you should plan at least 2 days in Yerevan but of course the more the merrier. I’ve spent around 2 months in Yerevan in total and still haven’t seen all Yerevan attractions I’ve wanted to, my list of things to do in Yerevan is only growing.

In those two days, you can see all the major attractions and sights, visit some museums and enjoy the city to the fullest.

While Yerevan is a very walkable city and you can get to most of the places on foot, there are a few sights, like the Armenian Genocide Memorial, that are located a bit away from the center (Yandex Taxi will come handy again).

Where to stay in Yerevan

The best area to stay in Yerevan is, of course, the city center so you can be close to all the attractions.

My personal favorite part of the city for Yerevan accommodation is between Pushkin street, Tumanyan street, Mesrop Mashtots Avenue and Nalbandyan street. I feel it’s the most central area and walking just about anywhere doesn’t take too long.

Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Yerevan:

• R&R Hotel (9.2/10 on Booking) – I stayed there the last time I was in Yerevan and really enjoyed it. The price was very affordable for the standard, the location and the delicious breakfast.
• Moscow Boutique Hotel (9.0/10 on Booking) – located in the famous Moscow Cinema building.
• Teryan Pushkin Apart Hotel (9.4/10 on Booking)
• and many more!

Yerevan Card

If you plan to visit museums (and you definitely should include some of them in your Yerevan itinerary) I recommend getting the Yerevan Card – the official city pass. Not only you will get free admission to most of the museums, but the card also offers free transfer from the airport, free metro rides, numerous discounts all over the city and more.

Click here to get your Yerevan Card!

Things to do in Yerevan

So now that you know the basics of visiting Yerevan, let’s cut to the chase. Here is the list of all the best things to do in Yerevan

Climb the Cascade for the best view of Yerevan

This is the absolute number one activity in the capital of Armenia and you should start your Yerevan sightseeing with it!

The Cascade is a masterpiece of Soviet architecture and one of the most impressive things you will see in Yerevan. Designed by Sargis Gurzadyan, Jim Torosyan, and Aslan Mkhitaryan and built between 1971 and 2000s this giant, spectacular stairway is rich in the details referring to the Armenian culture and carefully planned with lots of green spaces surrounded by the concrete.

But the main reason to come here is to see the best view of Yerevan and, if you are lucky, Mount Ararat. Try to be here around the sunset time for the best light and the biggest chances to see the Holy Mountain.

If you are too lazy to climb up the stairs, and there are many of them, you can find the escalator inside the Cascade, the entrance is on the left side and it’s free of charge.

Admire the modern art at the Cascade

Once at the Cascade, after focusing first on the view of Yerevan take a look around you. There are numerous pieces of modern art scattered around on the Cascade itself and in the small park leading to the giant stairway.

They all belong to Cafesjian Center for the Arts, the modern art museum located inside the Cascades.

While you need a ticket to visit the exhibition inside, admiring the art outside and when riding the escalator is free of charge.

Among all the pieces of art here you will find your favorite ones for sure – mine is the overweight woman and the giant teapot.

Say hello to Mother Armenia

As you might have seen in other post-Soviet cities (especially in Kyiv, Ukraine and Tbilisi, Georgia ) the idea of the massive statue of “mother” personifying the country is rather popular.

You can find a similar statue in Yerevan too.

Mother Armenia is located in the Victory Park above the Cascade and even if she has a very seriously-looking face and she holds a sword, she is there to take care of her country and the nation.

Around the monument, you can see a few military objects, such as tanks or planes – they are part of the military museum.

Mother Armenia isn’t the only reason why you should visit Victory Park. On the contrary to the serious statue, you can find here the amusement park with the ferries wheel (a mandatory piece in all the post-Soviet cities) and lots of other rusty attractions.

If you like exploring abandoned places , the cafe “Aragil” is perfect for that.

From in front of Mother Armenia, you can also admire some spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.

Victory Park is located on the steep hill. You can take the escalator to the upper part of the Cascade and then keep walking further up or you can take Yandex Taxi to the park and after visiting it continue your way down to the center through the Cascade.

Visit Matenadaran to see impressive manuscripts

As you might know, Armenia has its own unique alphabet, created at the very beginning of the 5th century by Mesrop Mashtots. It has 39 letters and is very beautiful, although it looks nothing like the Latin alphabet.

Not far from the Cascades you can find Matenadaran – the museum of Armenian manuscripts, the largest one of that kind in the world. This is one of the most precious treasures of the Armenian culture.

Inside you can find around 13 thousand manuscripts, the oldest one from the 5th century. The majority of them are in the Armenian language but there are some in Latin, Arab, Hebrew, Persian, Greek, etc.

See the Opera house and get a ticket to the show

The National Opera Theater in Yerevan is a massive building, dominating the northern part of the center. It was opened in 1933 and inside you can find two halls, each of them with over a thousand seats.

If you would like to see the play here you can get the affordable tickets for the show and enjoy a bit of the culture during your time in Yerevan. You can purchase the tickets at the ticket office on the left side of the Opera House, at Sayat-Nova Avenue.

Opera and its surroundings are also a very popular place among locals, with numerous cafes, green areas and a small pond called Swan Lake. You will spend some time here for sure, just enjoying the city vibe.

Visit the Cathedral

Armenia was the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as the state religion, in the year 301. That’s one of the reasons why this country is so interesting and unique .

You won’t find all that many churches in Yerevan but there is one very impressive sanctuary – Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. It’s fairly new, finished in 2001, and currently, this is the largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church in the world.

You should visit it even if you are not a very religious person. It looks spectacular, with its sharp geometric lines, not like your usual cathedral.

The interior is a bit raw, overwhelming and a bit modern, so different from the churches we are used to seeing. From the architectural point of view, this is a real masterpiece.

Find other churches

When sightseeing in the center of Yerevan you might notice there are not too many churches around, which might be surprising considering this is the oldest Christian nation in the world. Well, they are there, just a bit hidden.

You will find them in some unusual places like the yard behind the blocks of flats, blended in between modern architecture or standing casually at the corner or busy streets.

The modern look of Yerevan was designed at the beginning of the 20th century and well, back then the church wasn’t in a good relationship with the state. The churches, even if important for the Armenian culture and identity, weren’t built on a mass scale (like in Poland, for example).

Some of the churches you might want to see include Katoghike Church (on the corner of Abovyan and Sayat-Nova streets), Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church (in the yard on Parpetsi street, close to Tumanyan street) and Saint Sarkis Cathedral (on the edge of the Hrazdan Gorge at Israyelyan Street).

Walk Northern Avenue

Each city has a place where you go to see others and to be seen. For Yerevan, it’s Northern Avenue – a pedestrian street opened in 2007 that stretches from the Republic Square to the Opera.

During the day it’s a bit soulless with modern buildings that are often empty and with fancy shops but in the evening it’s bustling with people, buzzing until late night hours.

You can see here the street performers, sit down in one of the cafes and just observe the world going by and people walking up and down the street like on the catwalk.

Find cool Soviet architecture

For years Yerevan and Armenia were part of the Soviet Union and even if most of the architecture in the center was kept from before that time, you can still find in Yerevan some good examples of brutalism and other examples of the Soviet architecture.

The biggest masterpiece is, of course, the Cascade with its giant stairway but other places you can’t miss are Karen Demirchyan Complex, the Institute of Communication, the House of Chess or Tsitsernakaberd – the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

In front of the Republic Square metro station, you can see a beautiful concrete fountain, probably my favorite piece of brutalist architecture in Yerevan.

Click here to see my complete guide to the Soviet Architecture in Yerevan (the link will open in the new window).

Visit some interesting museums

Yerevan isn’t very big on museums but there are some interesting ones (and some that are a must, that’s why they got a separate mention in this article).

History Museum of Armenia, located in the very heart of the city, at the Republic Square, has a collection of around 400.000 objects in five departments, all of them hocusing on the long and troublesome history of Armenia. This is a very interesting place if you would like to learn more about the country and not only about its recent history.

Fans of modern art should also visit the Museum of Modern Art, located on Mashtots Avenue 7, focusing mostly on Armenian artists. It’s not spectacular (Cafesjian Center for the Arts at the Cascade is better, in my opinion) but still worth your time.

If you plan to visit museums you should get yourself a Yerevan Card. With the card, most of the museums are free of charge and you can save quite a bit of money. Click here to get yourself the Yerevan Card.

For more info on the best museums in Yerevan click here.

See why Yerevan is called “the pink city” at the Republic Square

Yerevan is often called “the pink city” thanks to the tuff – the volcanic stone with the pink shade that was used to build the city. Most of the Armenian capital was has the pinkish look but you can especially see it at the Republic Square – the main square of the city.

All the buildings surrounding the square: banks, post office, Marriott hotel or the Government of the Republic of Armenia have a very distinctive pink shade and are the quintessence of Yerevan architecture.

Speaking of the Republic Square – in the warmer months (from April on) in the evening you can see here the singing and dancing fountain. It is a bit kitschy, with some of the hits from the 1990s, but both locals and tourists enjoy it and each day there are crowds watching the show.

Even if you don’t like this kind of entertainment you will enjoy it too! It’s one of the ultimate Yerevan experiences.

Ride the metro

Yerevan metro might not be as spectacular as metro stations in other post-Soviet cities (like in Moscow , Kharkiv or Tashkent ) but it still has this old times charm and can give you the impression of why the Soviet metro systems were and still are so popular.

Even if it was opened in 1981, the metro system in Yerevan is small, it consists only of one line with 10 stations but you need only a few of them to get around the city: Sasuntsi David (for the train station), Zoravar Andranik (for the Cathedral), Republic Square, Yeritasardakan (for the Cascade, the station building itself is a brutalist gem) and Marshal Baghramyan (for Lovers’ Park).

Metro in Yerevan is cheap (you only need a token for 100 AMD for the ride), clean, safe and efficient. In the hot summer days, this is a perfect getaway to escape the heat.

If you need to connect to free wifi – Yerevan metro is your answer!

Shop for souvenirs at the Vernissage

If you are looking for some Armenian souvenirs to take home with you there is no better place than the Vernissage. This open-air market, located near Republic Square, focuses on Armenian souvenirs only and the choice is so big everyone can find something interesting here. From rugs and paintings to pomegranate earrings or keychains – literally everything is here.

The Vernissage is open every day, from 7:00 in the morning till 18:00 (although the opening hours can be shorter when the weather is bad or it’s the holiday season).

Another, smaller open-air market with paintings only is located near the Opera, in Martiros Saryan Park.

To find out more about shopping in Yerevan click here to read the guide written by my friend Emily.

Go to GUM for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and more

Armenia is known for its fresh produce and you can get the best fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, pickles and more at the GUM market.

As soon as you enter the building you will be welcomed with the incredible smell of all the goodies you can purchase here. From there it gets only better!

In this colorful foodie paradise, you are invited to try all the amazing food and it’s really hard to say no as everything looks and is so delicious. Just don’t go too crazy with trying all the samples, otherwise, you will never leave the place. Focus on buying the goodies from friendly locals instead.

Every time I visit the GUM market I leave with many more things that I planned to buy as it’s so hard to resist all the amazing goodies you can find here.

GUM market is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm. To get here take the metro to Zoravar Andranik and walk a few minutes south. Republic Square is around 20 minutes walking away.

Visit the only active mosque in Armenia

Hidden behind the unobtrusive gate on Mashtots Avenue, the Blue Mosque in Yerevan is one of the prettiest buildings in the city. It was built in the 18th century when Yerevan was still under the Persian rule, and these days it is the oldest structure you can find in the center of the city.

Today this is the only working mosque in Yerevan and Armenia but even if you are not a Muslim you are welcome to visit the place.

The mosque and especially its garden are such a pleasant place, a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. You enter the gate and you are transformed into another world. You can sit down on the bench under the tree, admiring the beautiful architecture of the Mosque in front of you and just relax.

Since you are at the Blue Mosque you can also visit Pak Shuka – the remnants of the stunningly beautiful covered market that is located across the street. It used to be a real gem but after the renovation, a lot of its charm was gone and now it is a regular shop but you can still see some interesting architectural features in the building.

Learn about brandy at one of the brandy factories

Armenia is home to brandy. The legend says the wine was distilled into brandy in this area already in the 12th century, however, the official production started in 1887.

It is said that the Armenian brandy is among the best ones in the world, it was cherished by some of the most important people in the world including Stalin or Churchill who received several cases of the Armenian brandy per year.

Today you can find two major brandy companies in Yerevan, Noy and Ararat, and they both offer tours where you can learn more about the famous drink and even taste it. You will visit the museum telling all about brandy and then walk the cellar with impressive barrels.

Such a tour is a must for everyone who is interested in the Armenian culture and heritage. You can go for a free tour with the Yerevan Card.

See the remnants of Old Yerevan

Even if Yerevan is a really old city you won’t find many remnants of the past there. Most of the city was designed at the beginning of the 20th century.

However, there is one part of the center where you can see old Yerevan’s heritage and that’s Kond. The neighborhood dates back to the 17th century and back then it was one of the three original quarters in Yerevan.

Still today you can see the remnants of the multicultural past, with some of the houses having the distinctive features of the Persian/Muslim/Ottoman culture. This is part of the city like any other, of the great historical value and importance.

The houses were built with clay and stones, the area is covered in narrow and winding lanes and looks nothing like the elegant center. Unfortunately, much of Kond needs renovation really badly but you still should visit it to see another face of Yerevan.

Walk Kond tunnel to Hrazdan gorge

One of the quirkiest Yerevan attractions is Kond tunnel, connecting the center (near Mashtots Avenue) with Hrazdan Gorge. It was designed by Alexander Tamanyan, completed in 1936 and is still in use.

The tunnel is almost 500 meters long but you don’t need to use the flashlight when walking through it as the place is well lit.

Those who enjoy street art will find a few decent pieces here too.

From away it might look like the tunnel is closed but in fact, it is not, the parking lot blocks the view of the entrance.

Visit Sergei Parajanov Museum

Sergei Parajanov was a famous Soviet Armenian director, well known around the world. The museum was established in 1988 when he was still alive, and Parajanov chose the location himself, in the traditional Caucasian house.

Even if you are not familiar with his works you still should visit the place. It’s like a pure madness of the creative mind, with lots of installations, collages, assemblages, drawings, dolls, and hat as well as more traditional exhibits like festival prizes or unpublished screenplays.

This is one of the most popular museums in Yerevan and it attracts visitors for a reason – this is a beautiful tribute to the beautiful mind.

You can visit the museum for free with the Yerevan Card.

Learn about the Armenian Genocide at Tsitsernakaberd

The present identity of Armenians was very much shaped by the Armenian Genocide, in 1915, when over a million people lost their lives. I believe every visitor to the country should go to the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd and learn more about this tragic part of Armenian history.

The memorial complex was completed in 1967, after massive protests that shook up Yerevan in 1965, 50 years after the Armenian Genocide. On the hill overlooking the city, you can find a very good museum as well as the monument dedicated to all the victims.

In the Armenian Genocide Museum, you can learn all about the events leading to the Genocide, the Genocide itself and the world’s reactions, including famous Hitler’s words “Who now remembers the Armenians”. It is a very touching place, not an easy one to visit but I think it’s obligatory to understand the history of Armenia and the people.

The monument to the victims is a fine example of brutalist architecture and with its raw concrete, it makes even a bigger impression. It consists of 44 meters stele, the symbol of the national rebirth, and twelve slabs – symbol of twelve lost provinces.

Inside the circular monument, you will find the eternal flame dedicated to all the people who lost lives during the Armenian Genocide.

Every year on April 24th there are big celebrations commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide. I took part in them three times, including the centennial , and it was a truly unforgettable and remarkable experience to join thousands of Armenians in the march up to Tsitsernakaberd to pay the respect to all those who lost lives in 1915.

If you happen to be in Yerevan on that day make sure to visit the memorial complex too.

The Armenian Genocide Memorial is located a bit away from the center. The best way to get here is by Yandex Taxi, you should pay around 500 AMD for the ride.

Visit Erebuni Fortress

The reason why Yerevan is considered to be older than Rome is Erebuni Fortress – the remnants of the Urartian fortified city founded in 782 B.C. It was developing for two centuries until it was abandoned prior to the Persian invasion.

The ruins were discovered only in the 19th century but since they are located in the administrative area of Yerevan, Erebuni is considered the birthplace of the Armenian capital.

Erebuni Fortress is located some 7 kilometers away from the center, it’s best to use Yandex Taxi to get there.

Relax in the Lovers’ Park

Yerevan has a few nice green spaces, like the Victory Park or parks near the Republic Square, but the most pleasant one is small Lovers’ Park, located right next to the Marshal Baghramyan metro station.

Even if the park in this location has been part of the city for years, the current look was given to it in 2008 after the renovation works. As the name says, this is the favorite hang out place for the couples but everyone else is more than welcome to.

On the premises, you can find lots of well-maintained lanes and benches, numerous sculptures, an open-air cafe or the small amphitheater. This is yet another perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One interesting thing I noticed in the Lovers’ Park during my last visit was the ban on taking pictures that was displayed on the info board – I’ve been to the park many times, took lots of pictures and had no issues.

Admire beautiful old houses

Even if in the central Yerevan you can find mostly the impressive modern(-ish) architecture there are also a few beautiful old houses, a perfect example of how the city used to look like a hundred or so years ago.

The prettiest ones are on Abovyan street, between Republic Square and Tumanyan street but look carefully when you wander around Yerevan to find even more of them!

See the iconic Moscow Cinema

Of all the buildings from the pre-war period, my favorite one is Moscow Cinema, located at the Charles Aznavour Square on Abovyan street.

It was built in the middle of the 1930s on the site where Saint Paul and Peter Church used to stand (it was demolished by the Soviet rule) and the grand opening took place on the 12th December 1936. Over the years the building was rebuilt and renovated a few times but it is still impressing, even today.

On Charles Aznavour Square in front of the cinema, you can find numerous quirky sculptures, such as a giant spider or the fountain with the zodiac signs.

It is possible to spend a night in the Moscow Cinema building – Moscow Boutique Hotel is located here – click here for details .

Enjoy the amazing cafe scene

One of my favorite things about Yerevan is its incredible cafe culture. The variety of cafes is really amazing, you can find them all over the city, some of them are random, others might be fancy and overpriced but they all have one thing in common – they serve really good coffee!

My favorite cafes in Yerevan include The Green Bean, Achajour, Twelve Tables, Epicure or The Coffee 23.5 but you can just randomly stumble a real gem too. Click here for more inspiration for cafes in Yerevan.

Coffee is such an important thing in the local life that you can buy it just about everywhere (and I’m not talking about the drink, but the coffee beans).

If you would like to purchase freshly ground coffee or just coffee beans you can find those in the small shops or in the underground passages.

Try Armenian wine

Did you know that Armenia is the oldest country in the world producing wine? The first wine cellar in the world was found near Areni, south of Yerevan, over 6 thousand years ago!

What’s special about Armenian wine is the fact that it is not made only from the grapes but also other fruits, such as pomegranate, apricot or blackberries. Make sure to try them all as they have such a unique taste, even if a bit too sweet.

You can find all the best wine shops and wine restaurants on Saryan street.

Eat as much food as you can

Armenian food is very delicious, using only local fresh ingredients. You can find it in numerous places around Yerevan and many of the restaurants are very affordable in the European standards.

My favorite one is Anteb at Yeznik Koghabatsi Street, serving modern Western Armenian cuisine. I also like Caucasus Tavern at 82 Hanrapetutyan street – the service is the worst but the menu is really long (a bit too long as it’s hard to decide), the prices very fine and the food super delicious.

The hidden gem for a quick bit is Zatar Pizza at Mher Mkrtchyan street (near Republic Square), it might look very random but everything with zaatar is to die for!

Find cool street art

Yerevan street art scene is a bit unusual. You will find here a few bigger murals but still not so many of them.

But this doesn’t mean there is no street art around. Quite the contrary actually.

Almost every single gate in the center of Yerevan is beautifully painted in the various themes and altogether they create a very nice addition to the city. The paintings were the project of the local art university a few years ago but now are an inseparable part of Yerevan.

I’m not giving you addresses where to find them as they are literally all over the place.

Drink craft beer

Yerevan is only getting on the craft beer map of the world but there are a few places you need to check: Dors Craft Beer & Kitchen (by the way, try their grilled vegetables!) and Dargett Brewpub are the musts! Don’t miss the 2nd Floor too – this is one of the best bars in Yerevan, always busy but so cool!

Enjoy the city’s vibe

While I enjoy doing all the things mentioned above my absolute favorite thing to do in Yerevan is to just wander around and enjoy the city’s vibe. It’s hard to describe it properly but it makes me fall in love with the city every single time.

Yerevan is a cosmopolitan but with a Soviet past, bustling but laid-back, big but not overwhelming and so full of art and green spaces on every step. Not to mention the view of Mount Ararat that takes my breath away every single time.

Yerevan is one of those cities I could stay in for a long time and wake up with a smile on my face only because I’m there.

I can imagine this is not a place for everyone, especially that it lacks major tourist attractions and pretty old town, but if you manage to look beyond just the surface you will enjoy Yerevan half as much as I do (and that’s already a lot).

Go for some amazing day trips around

Last but not least – go for some day trips from Yerevan. The city, conveniently located more or less in the middle of the country, can be a perfect base to explore some of the great places to visit in Armenia .

There is a range of day trips to choose from and no matter where you go, you will see some spectacular places: amazing Lake Sevan, numerous old monasteries (my favorites include Noravank, Sanahin, and Haghpat), quirk monument to Armenian Alphabet, the longest cable car in the world and more. Armenia really had a lot to offer!

Unfortunately, public transport is limited or nonexistent to some of the biggest attractions of Armenia as they are often located in remote areas. You might try driving if you are adventurous but the roads in Armenia are in a rather poor condition.

Fortunately, there are plenty of organized day tours from Yerevan for a very affordable price. That’s how I visited all the places too, I only used public transport (train and marshrutka) to Gyumri and Dilijan.

Here is the list of some of the recommended day trips from Yerevan:

• Echmiadzin, Zvartnots, Lake Sevan, and Dilijan Tour
• Khor Virap, Garni, & Gehgard Monastery Tour
• Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery
• Garni Temple and Geghard Tour

Further reading

I published many articles about Armenia that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 18 Amazing Places to Visit in Armenia
• 27 Armenia Travel Tips – all you need to know about visiting Armenia
• Armenia Itinerary – what to see in Armenia in 3-14 days
• Yerevan travel tips – all you need to know about visiting Yerevan, Armenia
• Guide to the Cascade in Yerevan – City’s Biggest Attraction
• Guide to Yerevan Soviet architecture
• How to get from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Yerevan to Tbilisi) – a complete guide

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Caucasus and ask your questions there.

Travel Resources

You can find the best accommodation options at Booking . They have many discounts and excellent customer service. Click here to look for the place to stay in Armenia

Never travel without travel insurance , you never know what might happen and better safe than sorry. You can check the insurance policy for Armenia here.

I recommend joining organized tours to get to know the place better and to visit more places during your trip. You can find a great selection of tours at Get Your Guide – click here .

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• Sign up to my newsletter or follow me on Bloglovin to get updates about the new posts
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Armenia too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. Thank you!

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22 Comments

Michael Oconnor

Place is a shit whole, old and dirty Rude people, but it’s a good article I don’t think any American will go to Armenia be honest

I disagree but everyone has a right to their own opinion. I know many Americans who went to Armenia and loved it. I’m sorry you had a bad experience there.

Probably an Azeri. They love to hate on Armenia under foreign names. Beautiful shots!

Anna Garibian

Thank you Kami. This was a very interesting guide for me. A look to the city where I grew up and left before the Soviet Union collapsed. Amazing photos. History lesson. As a linguist in Armenian language just want to add….the many churches in Yerevan were destroyed by the Bolsheviks the communists. As we know they are atheists. The main architect of the city was Alexander Tamanyan who build the new Yerevan in a shape of sun after it became Soviet. The Opera house in the center. In the beginning of the 20th century. Later on where added many Soviet style building surrounding the center….unfortunately. You may see the shape of sun in a famous photo of Yerevan taken from the sky when you check Yerevan photos with the view of biblical mount Ararat . thanks again.

Thank you for your comment, Anna, and for adding extra valuable info, I really appreciate that! All the best!

If it’s an ugly place Why do you like the article or even read it. Many famous Americans visited and even baptized their children in the oldest Christian cathedral on earth built in 4th century in Echmiadzin. Like Kim Kardashian. Or rock star Serj Tankian. And many more. Tankian and his band Soad performed in the Republic Square in 2015. It seems you didn’t have a good guide. It’s a place of extremes nowadays. Some parts remind of Vienna some of Bangladesh. After All is a crossroad of west and east. The troubled history in a difficult neighborhood also shaped the negative moments. Read the history of Armenia . Google it. It will help to understand the place you visited.

Thank you soo much,Armenia is a really oldest country in world ,the people are very friendly and nice and am really proud to see a lot of good words about my country!!!

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the article!

Thank you very much for writing a beautiful text from Yerevan Yerevan and other cities and villages of Armenia have people with culture, sweet, warm-hearted, hospitable, Yerevan, the paradise of Eurasia and the Caucasus … Abbas, Germany

I’m glad you liked the article. all the best!

I’m a Brit who has been in Armenia now for a few months and I’m really enjoying the place. Head up to Dilijan for some beautiful nature!

We just spent a month in Yerevan. Had to go there for business, but the city and the country grew on me. We were there in January, a lot of outdoor places, playgrounds are shut. Kids are not playing outside. Even Lovers Park was not impressive. However, we found out favorite spots in the city, delicious and cheap food to eat, and took amazing day trips. I would go back any time! In the spring or fall.

Yeah, January is a bit challenging for outdoor activities but still, there’s plenty to enjoy in the city. I hope next time you visit Yerevan will be with the better weather, the place changes so much then!

Thanks for an interesting insight. I am in Yerevan at the moment and definitely got inspired. You said that you do not want to direct people to specific graffiti but nevertheless I am curious, where exactly is this photo taken? https://www.mywanderlust.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/things-to-do-in-yerevan-armenia-52.jpg

I’m sure you will enjoy Yerevan, it’s such a vibrant city. This exact mural was located in the passage just off Pushkin street, at Koghbatsi st., more or less here https://goo.gl/maps/izaLBnSuVHoNk2SV8 But as it always is with street art, there are no guarantees it is still there…

Thank you for the graffiti tip. As I was actually staying on the corner of Abovyan and Pushkin, it was just a short detour to check the location. The picture was actually there if you looked carefully, but it was fully covered with posters advertising different events, so I could only see the edges of the graffiti and understood it was there only because I knew it was supposed to be there. But alas, as you said, graffiti is never forever.

That’s too bad it’s covered now :( but that’s the beauty of street art… at least you could see a bit of it :)

Very informative and well written blog. I’m currently visiting Yerevan from the US and loved the suggestions and all the history and culture.

thank you for your kind words. Hope you are having a great time in Yerevan!

Alan Wilson

I found your guide to Yeveran very helpful indeed. Armenia is my 53rd Country I’m visiting. I am really enjoying my stay in the Capital. It’s a nice place to visit and guide has given me much help and guidance to enjoy the place so much more. Thank you.

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I’m glad you enjoyed Yerevan!

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25 Amazing Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia in 2023

Quick Breakdown of the Best Yerevan Tours 1. Yerevan Food and Walking Tour 2. Ararat Brandy Fatory Tour 3. Garni Temple & Kor Virap Tour Best Places to Stay in Yerevan 1. Budget: Bonvenon Capsule Hostel 2. Mid-Range: 4Room Hotel 3. Luxury: Golden Palace Hotel

With its stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and friendly locals, Yerevan, the capital of beautiful Armenia , is a must-visit destination for any traveler. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Yerevan to help you plan your trip.

I’ve lived in Yerevan since the beginning of 2023 and have explored the city extensively. I’ll tell you all there is to know about the best places to visit in Yerevan, including many hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist trail.

Yerevan has a European feel with lots of streetside cafes and restaurants, with an obvious Soviet influence from Armenia’s time as part of the USSR. The city is also perfectly situated for exploring the nearby mountains and monasteries that dot the land and makes an excellent base for exploring Armenia.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Top Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

1. take a walking tour of the city.

I always find one of the best ways to get to know a new city is to take a walking tour, and this is definitely one of the best things to do in Yerevan. This way you get to take in some of the top Yerevan attractions with a local guide and learn a little of the history of the place.

This 4-hour walking tour takes in some of the best places to visit in Yerevan including Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, Vernissage open-air market, the Opera House, Abovyan Street (the oldest in the city) and many small parks and squares.

The tour is conducted by a knowledgeable, local English-speaking guide and also includes tasting some local treats such as lavash bread, sea buckthorn juice and tea and coffee. You’ll also get to visit Mirzoyan Library, one of my favorite places in the city and a real hidden gem.

The price is $48 per person. Click here to find out more and check availability.

2. Explore the Cascade Complex

The Cascade Complex is a giant staircase that leads up to Victory Park and offers stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat. Inside the complex is a series of escalators going to the top for those who don’t fancy the steps.

Along the way, visitors can admire numerous sculptures, fountains, and gardens. The complex is also home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which showcases modern and contemporary art in a stunning setting.

Sunset is an excellent time to visit and witness the sweeping views of the city and Mount Ararat. There are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants with terraces located at the bottom of Cascade (and one of my favorites, the Green Bean is just around the corner).

Address: 10 Tamanyan St, Yerevan 0009. Click here for directions . How to get there: Cascade is in the center of the city and a ten-minute walk from Republic Square. The nearest metro station is Yeritasardakan, a five-minute walk away. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: The steps are open 24/7 and the inside gallery and escalators are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

3. See Republic Square

Republic Square is the central hub of Yerevan and is a great place to start your tour of the city. The square is surrounded by beautiful pink tuff buildings and is home to the National Gallery and the History Museum of Armenia.

The square is also a popular spot for concerts and events, and in the summer, it is filled with outdoor cafes and street vendors.

Address: Republic Square, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: Republic Square is in the city center. The nearest metro station is (surprisingly) Republic Square. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24/7

4. Visit Victory Park

Victory Park is located on a hill above the city and is home to the Mother Armenia statue, some old soviet military vehicles and an amusement park with Ferris wheels and other rides ad attractions.

There’s a boating lake surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and the views of the city are fantastic. On a clear day you can see Mount Ararat towering over Yerevan. This is somewhere I like to stroll in the evenings thanks to its lively atmosphere.

You can walk to Victory Park from the city center by climbing the Cascade (or taking the elevators). Entrance to the park is free though you’ll need to pay for the rides and amusements.

Address: Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: The best way to reach Victory Park is to climb the cascade. When you get to the very top, walk past the Soviet memorial and cross the street using the underpass to get to the main entrance. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: The park is open 24/7, but the amusements and cafes are open until around 10 pm.

5. See the Mother Armenia Monument

One of the top things to see in Yerevan is the 51-metre (167-foot) Mother Armenia Statue. It’s located in Victory Park high above the city and is one of the most enduring symbols of Armenia. The statue, which was constructed in 1967 by Armenian sculptor Ara Harutyunyan can be seen from across the city.

The statue is based on a real-life person; 17-year-old Genya Muradian, who Harutunyan met by chance while out shopping and convinced her to pose for the sculpture. This symbolic guardian of Yerevan watches over the city and symbolizes peace through strength.

Each year on Victory Day (9th May), local residents flock to lay flowers at the foot of Mother Armenia to commemorate Armenian soldiers who perished during the Second World War. The views of Yerevan from the statue are also some of the best in the city thanks to its elevation.

Address: 2 Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: Ascend the Cascade, cross the Square, take the underpass, and walk through Victory Park to the monument. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24/7

6. Take a tour of the Ararat Brandy Factory

The Ararat Brandy Factory is one of Armenia’s most famous producers of brandy. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn about the history of brandy-making in Armenia, as well as sample some of the factory’s best products.

The tour includes a visit to the aging cellars, where visitors can see barrels of brandy that have been aging for decades. I’ve developed quite a taste for Ararat brandy and it certainly helped keep the cold at bay during my winter stay in the city.

And it seems I’m not the only one who’s partial to a sip, as Stalin is said to have gifted a bottle to Churchill at the Yalta Conference, and ever since Winston ordered bottles every year as he liked it so much.

Take a one-hour tasting tour at the Ararat factory. Book today with Get Your Guide .

Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Ave, Yerevan 0082. Click here for directions . How to get there: The factory is across Victory Bridge that crosses Hrzdan Gorge. It’s a short walk from Kilikia bus station. Entrance Fee: 4,500 drams ($11) for a standard tour of the museum. Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm every day. Website: araratbrandy.com

7. Visit the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial

The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial is a sobering reminder of the tragic events that took place in Western Armenia (present-day Turkey) in the early 20th century.

The museum features exhibits and artifacts that document the genocide, as well as a memorial that honors the victims. It’s an important and emotional experience for visitors who want to learn more about Armenian history and pay their respects to those who were lost.

The museum is located on a hill overlooking Yerevan and includes a series of sculptures, an eternal flame and a museum with photographs and other exhibits charting the atrocities.

Address: 8, 8 Tsitsernakaberd Hwy, Yerevan 0028. Click here for directions . How to get there: The best way to get to the complex is by taxi (use GG or Yandex). You can also walk from the center which takes around an hour. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 11 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Website: genocide-museum.am

8. Visit the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre

The Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building located in the heart of Yerevan. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including operas, ballets, and concerts. Outside there is a large square and park popular with families, and an open-air ice skating rink in winter.

There are also lots of bars and restaurants in the park next to the Theatre. Check the website to see what’s currently on.

Address: Tumanyan St, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: Opera is situated at the top of Northern Avenue between Republic Square and Cascade. The nearest metro station is Yeritasardakan. Opening Hours: Check the website for performance times. Website: opera.am

9. Shop for Souvenirs at Vernissage Market

The Vernissage Market is a sprawling outdoor bazaar that offers a wide variety of souvenirs, crafts, and other handmade goods. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and mementos to bring home from your trip to Armenia.

The market is open seven days a week and attracts both locals and tourists. Exploring the stalls is one of my favorite things to do in Yerevan at the weekend and I’ve bought a few souvenirs (an Armenian flag and an army cap).

I’m currently thinking about buying one of the handmade chess boards for sale (prices start from around 20,000 drams / $50). There are also food and drinks stalls selling hot and cold snacks and a pleasant park with fountains adjacent to the market.

Address: 1, 3 Buzand St, Yerevan 0010. Click here for directions . How to get there: Vernissage is a five-minute walk from Republic Square. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm every day.

10. Visit the Matenadaran

The Matenadaran is a museum and research institute dedicated to the study of ancient Armenian manuscripts. It houses one of the largest collections of manuscripts in the world, with over 23,000 manuscripts and more than 5,000 printed books.

You can take a guided tour of the museum (English-speaking guide 3,000 drams/$7.50) and see some of the most beautiful and rare manuscripts, including the oldest surviving copy of the Armenian Bible.

Address: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0009. Click here for directions . How to get there: The Matenadaran is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Cascade at the very top of Mesrop Mashots Avenue. Entrance Fee: 1,500 drams ($3.75) Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Website: matenadaran.am

11. Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque , also known as the Mosque of Ali, is a beautiful example of Shia Islamic architecture in Yerevan. It was built in the 18th century by Persian architect Mirak Mirza, and is named for its striking blue tiles.

Although it is no longer used as a mosque, visitors can still admire its intricate details and learn about its history.

Address: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0015. Click here for directions . How to get there: The Blue Mosque is quite central and an easy walk from Cascade or Republic Square. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 10 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm every day. Website:

12. Stroll Down Northern Avenue

Northern Avenue is Yerevan’s main pedestrian street, a little like the Arbat in Moscow. Each side is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, and there are street artists and performers entertaining passers-by.

The Avenue runs from Abovyan Street in the south to the Opera and Ballet Theatre in the north and is a great place for a stroll day or night. I sometimes come to one of the cafes here to work as it has a great vibe.

Northern Avenue is definitely one of the places to go in Yerevan if you want to do some shopping, relax in a café and people watch or check out the entertainers and street performers.

13. See the Statues at Children’s Park

Children’s Park, also known as Kirov Park, is located a few minutes walk south of Republic Square and is known for its cute statues of children frolicking amidst a series of water displays and fountains.

It’s one of the fun places to visit in Yerevan for kids and adults alike, and in summer you can dash through jets of water or run under an arch-shaped fountain without trying to get wet (I tried and failed).

Address: Grigor Lusavorich Street, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: Children’s Park is located behind Shahumyan Square a five-minute walk south of Republic Square. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24/7

14. See Swan Lake (and Go Ice Skating in Winter)

Swan Lake is located in the park behind the Opera House and at the top of Northern Avenue pedestrian street. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll at any time of the year and I regularly walk around the lake or pop into one of the nearby bars and restaurants.

Every winter when the lake freezes over it opens up for ice skating, and this is definitely one of the things to do in Yerevan during winter if you’re not afraid of falling over (no comment).

The last few times I’ve walked past Swan Lake there has been a guy playing the Piano (even when it was raining, he was under a little cover). So, if you’re looking for somewhere to take a break while out exploring, shopping etc, this is the perfect place to sit and relax for a while.

Address: Teryan Street, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to get there: Swan Lake is located inside the park at the end of Northern Avenue and on the corner of Tumanyan and Teryan Street, just behind the Opera House. Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 24.7

15. Walk Through the Kond Tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge

One of the coolest things to do in Yerevan is to walk through the tunnel from Kond to Hrazdan Gorge. I discovered this tunnel by accident on my first visit and what a pleasant surprise it was. The tunnel stretches for 480 metres (1,575 feet) under Yerevan and is covered in lots of interesting graffiti.

This is definitely one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the city and the nearby neighborhood of Kond is also well worth a visit as it’s the oldest suburb and filled with shanty houses and narrow lanes clinging to the hillside.

Insider’s Tip: When you get to Hrazdan Gorge at the other end of the tunnel, do not take pictures above as there are sensitive buildings above the tunnel and you may get told off by the police (I speak from experience).

Address: Kond Pedestrian Tunnel. Click here for directions . How to get there: Walk down Mesrop Mashots Avenue until you reach the park and head northwest to the end of the park and you’ll see the entrance. Opening Hours: 24/7 Entrance Price: Free

16. Drink a Pint of Dargett, Yerevan’s Number 1 Craft Beer

I’m a huge lover of craft beers (or real ales as they have always been known in England) and you may be surprised to learn that Yerevan has plenty of places to indulge. The oldest and best brewery on the scene here though is Dargett.

The Dargett Taphouse is located on Aram Street next to the park and a few steps from the entrance to Kond tunnel. This was the first proper brewpub in Yerevan and it doesn’t disappoint.

Choose from a range of IPAs, lagers, fruit beers and much more (my favorite is the Pale Ale). There is also an extensive food menu with dishes from around the globe. You can sit inside or out, and it’s somewhere I like to go for a couple of beers on a summer’s afternoon.

Dargett also runs a new(ish) craft beer bar on Teryan Street called Vertigo which has a massive selection of imported beers (and great music choices). Enjoying a pint or three is definitely one of the best things to do in Yerevan at night for beer lovers like myself.

Address: 72 Aram Street, Yerevan 0001. Click here for directions . How to Get There: The Dargett Brew Pub is on Aram Street which is just off the main Marshots Mashots Avenue and an easy walk from Republic Square or Cascade. Opening Hours: 11 am to 12 am every day. Website: dargett.com

17. Visit St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

One of the first Armenian churches I discovered in Yerevan was the St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church, also known in English as Saint Annes. This city-center church is located a short walk from Cascade on the intersection of Sayat Nova and Abovyan and is a fine example of Armenian religious architecture.

There has been a church at this site since at least 1264 with inscriptions dating to this time, but due to earthquakes, Soviet anti-religious sentiment and other factors the church has been rebuilt many times since, with the current church dating to 2009.

Address: 17 Abovyan St, Yerevan 0001. Click here for directions . How to Get There: Walk east along Sayat Nova from Cascade. The church is a few minutes walk from Yeritasardakan metro. Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm every day. Entrance Price : Free

18. Drink from a Pulpulak

One thing you’ll notice about Yerevan is the number of drinking fountains that can be found in all the parks and across many places in the city. These fixtures that are somewhat unique to Armenia are called “pulpulak” as that is the noise they make.

The tradition dates back to the 1920s and you’ll find these in all public squares, parks, and across the city. The most famous pulpulak is called Yotnaghbyur and is located in Republic Square. These are very handy, especially in the hot summers, and I’ve often drank from them when out and about.

19. Take a Hidden Gems Classic Car Tour

Explore some of the top Yerevan attractions in style as you cruise through the city in a classic soviet era car. This two-hour tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an experienced local guide, and alcoholic (or non) drinks.

You’ll get to see top sights including the Mother Armenia statue, Cascade, the Opera House, and much more on this seriously stylish journey around the city. The price is $49 per person and there are options in English, Arabic, Armenian, French, and Russian. Click here to check availability .

20. Enjoy Armenian cuisine

Armenian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, and there are plenty of great restaurants in Yerevan where you can sample traditional dishes. Some must-try dishes include khorovats (Armenian barbecue), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavash (Armenian flatbread).

Dolma is one of my favorite Armenian dishes and is served in most local restaurants. You can choose from vine leaves or cabbage leaves (I prefer the latter) and the dish is similar to Sarma in the Baltics. Shaurma is another of my favorite local snacks which can be found everywhere.

This 3.5-hour walking tour includes 6 stops at eateries where you can taste some classic Armenian dishes and drinks as well as taking in some of the top Yerevan tourist attractions such as the Cascade complex. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Book today with Get Your Guide .

21. Explore Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress is an ancient citadel that was built in 782 BC by King Argishti I. It is considered the birthplace of Yerevan and is an important archaeological site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about its history and significance.

I visited Erebuni Fortress a couple of weeks ago and was impressed by both the small museum and the large archaeological ruins that you can wander around at pleasure. The views of the city and nearby mountains are also incredible.

Erebuni is a suburb of Yerevan and easy to reach from the center by bus or taxi (taxi is easier for tourists). Allow an hour or two to visit the museum and ruins. There’s a small gift shop selling local handcrafts, prints and other souvenirs.

Address: 2 3rd St, Yerevan. Click here for directions . How to Get There: A taxi from central Yerevan should cost around 1,000 to 1,500 drams using GG or Yandex, and take around 20 minutes. Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance Price: 1,500 drams ($3.75)

22. See the Impressive Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral

Zvartnots Cathedral is located in a suburb of Yerevan close to the main international airport and on the way to Echmiadzin. This is somewhere I had wanted to visit on my first trip but didn’t get the chance. I went recently and it didn’t disappoint.

Here you’ll find the remains of a 7th-century medieval cathedral that looks more reminiscent of a classical Greek or Roman temple. With a stunning backdrop of Mount Ararat, this is definitely one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Yerevan.

There’s a small museum at the back of the ruins with relics on display and some interesting exhibitions charting the history of Armenia. There’s also a small gift shop selling books and other souvenirs.

I visited as part of a tour to Echmiadzin visiting various Armenian churches and cathedrals, but the ruins at Zvartnots were definitely the highlight for me.

Address: Vagharshapat, Armenia. Click here for directions . How to Get There: A taxi from central Yerevan should cost around 3,000 drams ($7.50). This excellent tour also includes Zvartnots on its itinerary (the one I went on recently). Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm, Sunday. Entrance Price: 1,300 drams ($3.25)

23. Garni Temple

The Greco-Roman Garni Temple is one of the most impressive historical sights in Armenia and oe of the best places to visit near Yerevan. The structure is over 2,000 years old and is the only surviving pre-Christian temple in the country.

It takes around half an hour to an hour to reach Garni from Yerevan depending on your mode of transport. I took a marshrutka which leaves from the bus station on Gai Avenue and it took about 30 minutes.

The temple overlooks Garni Canyon and the views are mesmerizing. Be sure to also visit the nearby Symphony of Stones; large hexagonal columns stretch to impressive heights up the rock face. Book a Tour to Garni with Get Your Guide .

Address: Garni 2215, Armenia. Click here for directions . How to Get There: Take the marshrutka from the stop on Gai Avenue, or book a tour from Yerevan. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 500 drams ($1.25). Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm every day. Entrance Price: 1,500 drams ($3.75)

24. Echmiadzin

I recently took this tour to some of Armenia’s holiest places just a short ride from Yerevan. The tour includes Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral which dates back to the fourth century and is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

The tour also takes in St. Echmiadzin, St. Hripsime’s Church and the personal highlight for me, the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (with majestic Mount Ararat in the background). The three-hour tour departs and returns to Yerevan City Centre (Republic Square). Click here to check availability .

25. Khor Virap

Ipressive Khor Virap is another of y favorite places to visit near Yerevan. This monastery sits on a hill 5 miles (8km) from the Turkish border and in the shadow of mighty Mount Ararat. Book with Get Your Guide .

Check out this Armenia itinerary for more things to do in this incredible country.

Getting To Yerevan

There are flights to and from European destinations including Greece, Bulgaria and Germany. Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport is just 9 miles (14km) from the city centre.

There are daily marshrutkas from Tbilisi in Georgia and the cost is 50 Lari ($20) and the journey time around six hours including the border crossing.

Getting Around Yerevan

Most central areas such as Cascade, the Opera House and Republic Square are within walking distance.

There is a one-line metro system for places farther afield. Buses and marshrutkas also cover the whole city but you’ll need to know which one to get for your destination.

You can hail taxis on the street but it’s cheaper to use an app. I use GG and most journeys within the city cost under 1,000 AMD ($2.60).

Places to Stay in Yerevan

Having lived in Yerevan for a few months I stayed at many of the city’s hostels and will tell you about the best ones (and leave out the ones that were not so good). Check out my guide to the best Yerevan Hostels .

Bonvenon (my top pick)

This is my favorite hostel in Yerevan. The beds are large and private with plug sockets and air conditioning. The hostel is kept clean by the friendly owner, Jack. Perfect location 5 minutes walk from Cascade and 10 minutes from Republic Square.

Check prices on Booking.com

Envoy Hostel

An excellent backpacker’s hostel in the center of the city five minutes from Cascade. There is a large common room and kitchen in the basement with desks and good wifi.

Check prices on Hostelworld.com

Center Hostel

A pleasant hostel around the corner from Republic Square with helpful staff. There is also a one-bedroom private apartment downstairs which I rented for one night and was very comfortable.

4Room Hotel

A pleasant ad relatively inexpensive hotel in central Yerevan. Rooms come with free WiFi, an en-suite bathroom and complimentary toiletries.

Check the price on Booking.com

Where to Eat in Yerevan

Mirzoyan library.

A friend took me to this amazing establishment after we took a tour to Echmiadzin and Svartnots Cathedral. You go in through a nondescript doorway in a large residential building and then it opens up into a huge courtyard with trees, plants and photographs (the owner is a professional photographer).

There are three levels so you can sit in the courtyard, or overlooking it, and there’s also plenty of space to sit inside upstairs or downstairs. It’s the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon over coffee, a bottle of wine or a few cocktails.

There’s also a food menu with salads, pasta, shuarma and other hot and cold snacks. It’s not the cheapest place in the city, but it’s also not too expensive and the ambiance is well worth it. I’m going to make Mirzoyan a regular haunt as it’s also a great place to work from. Click here for directions .

Twelve Tables

This cozy little restaurant a five-minute walk from Cascade and Opera is run by my friend’s girlfriend. You wouldn’t necessarily know it’s a restaurant as there is a front-facing arts and crafts shop, but when you go through the back it opens up into two quaint dining rooms with, you guessed it, 12 tables.

The menu includes some tasty baguettes (I had ham, cheese, olives and mushroom, a large selection of salads, pastas and grilled meats. There’s also an extensive drinks menu from teas, coffees and fresh juices to beers, cocktails, and some excellent local wines (the Monte Noah was delicious).

It’s one of the more inexpensive cafe-restaurants in Yerevan and has a bohemian vibe without coming across as pretentious. I’ll definitely be going back (certainly for more of the wine). Click here for directions .

Right next to Twelve Tables (literally) is Yerevan’s premiere burger joint (opened by Rudy who now runs Rock’n’Rolla). I’m not a massive burger guy, but I went here feeling slightly hungover one lunchtime and I have to say, it certainly hit the spot.

*Disclaimer: Although some of the establishments are owned and run by friends and acquaintances, I didn’t receive anything for recommending them and they didn’t ask me to write reviews. However, if any of you are reading this and want to buy me a beer, I won’t say no… 😉

There are lots of fast food places around Yerevan including KFC and Pizza Hut. However personally my favourite fast food here is shwarma or shaurma (meat and vegetables wrapped in traditional Armenian Lavash flatbread. You can get it all over the city, but Tumanyan Shuarma on Tumanyan Street is one of the best.

Bars and Pubs in Yerevan

There are lots of great bars in the city centre and the most popular include the Dargett Taproom (Dargett is the local craft beer brewery and they make an excellent pale ale), The Beatles Pub and the Irish Bar. My favorite though is Rock’n’Rolla which is owned by a friend of mine (shout out to my bro Rudolph).

Most bars in Yerevan are underground so can be easy to miss, but they usually have signs outside near the steps. Smoking is not permitted indoors.

Rock’n’Rolla

The best bar in Yerevan with craft beers on tap (Dargett brews a special IPA for Rock’n’Rolla which can’t be found anywhere else) and there is an excellent cocktail menu. Fresh sandwiches and other bar snacks are available (I highly recommend the sandwiches) and the music is a mixture of hard rock and heavy metal.

See the location on Google maps

Dargett Taproom and Microbrewery

Home of Yerevan’s purveyors of premium craft beer, the Dargett Tap Room is a lively bar in the centre of the city that attracts a youngish crowd. As well as many excellent beers on tap, there is an extensive menu featuring burgers and other foods.

The Beatles Pub

If you’re looking for a great selection of beers and an extensive menu including British classics, head to The Beatles Pub (they do an excellent Sunday roast). There are eight draught beers on tap, and over 200 whiskeys and they have live music on weekends.

Vertigo Craft Beer Bar

This cozy little bar on Teryan Street is run by the owners of Dargett Brewery and stocks an impressive range of craft beers from around the world. It stocks plenty of my favourite Belgian Trappist beers including Trappist Rochefort, Marsdeous, Dubbel, Chimay, Orval and more.

Conclusion – Is Yerevan Worth Visiting?

With so many excellent things to do in Yerevan the city is definitely worth visiting. With sights and attractions from the Opera House and Cascade to excellent bars and restaurants and some pretty amazing day trips, Yerevan should be high on the list of every traveller.

Check out my other guides to Armenia

About the author: Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World . See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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37 fun and unique things to do in Yerevan, including free activities

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In this article, we’ll explore all the best things to do in Yerevan, Armenia’s capital. We’ll look at some free activities, as well as some of the things you must do in Yerevan.

There are a few places in the world that we have been to that have had a special effect on us. Yerevan is one of those places! Even though Carine has already been here seven times, and that our last time here, we spent over 2 months in the city, and we still want to go back – there are just so many things to do in Yerevan that you can never get bored here.

The vibe in Yerevan is unlike anywhere else, a perfect mix of traditional Armenian culture and European flair. It’s budget-friendly and the perfect place to set up camp if you’re going to be exploring Armenia . To help you make the best of this amazing city, here is our list of the 36 best activities, including some of our favorite free things to do in Yerevan, Armenia.

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Table of Contents

All about Yerevan, the capital of Armenia

Welcome to the Pink City, aka Yerevan. The city gets this endearing name from the pink and red-hued tuff stones that were used to build most of the city’s buildings, back in Soviet times.

In 2019, Yerevan celebrated its 2,800th anniversary, making the city one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The celebration for the city’s anniversary was some of the craziest we’ve ever seen!

Yerevan is very easy to navigate around. Like most old cities, it’s built around a central point, Republic Square. Just like Paris is built around the Arc de Triomphe.

Over time, Yerevan has seen many changes, but nothing is more encouraging than what has been happening in the last few years. It’s found a unique vibe that combines its old heritage, yet shines brightly to the future, with the emergence of obscure art galleries/cafés, craft beer shops opening up, and a nightlife that rivals some of the best in the world.

There is a ton of things to do in Yerevan, so get ready, because you’re in for quite a ride! If you’re looking to get the most out of your trip to Armenia’s capital, we would recommend staying at least four or five days. If you ask Carine though, she would say to stay here forever!

How to get to Yerevan

There are a ton of different ways to get to Yerevan. It’s no surprise considering how the Pink City is the capital of Armenia. Here are the main ways to get here:

How to get to Yerevan by plane

You can either fly into Yerevan, at the Zvartnots Airport (IATA: EVN, ICAO: UDYZ), about 15 km west of it. It’s also the main international airport in Armenia.

Getting to Yerevan from the airport will set you back about 1,500 AMD (or dram) on the GG app or the Yandex app . If you choose to take a cab from the airport, be ready to negotiate with the driver, as they often try to charge double, if not triple that price. Offer to pay them the same thing GG would charge, plus an extra 100 AMD ($0.25 USD) because you get to avoid the wait. 

How to get to Yerevan by train

Another way into Armenia is to take the train from Georgia. You can take a sleeper train every other night during the winter months (October to May) and daily during summer (June to September). The ride will take about 10h30min, but tickets are affordable, the train is safe and convenient, so really, it’s quite a good way to get to Armenia.

How to get around in Yerevan

There are a ton of ways to get around the city. You can choose to walk, which is our favorite way of getting around. You can get from one place to the next in 15-20 minutes within Kentron, the main area. But walking from one end of the city to the next shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes.

If not, you can hire a car off the GG app. It costs about 800-1,000 drams to get to anywhere in the city. You can also take the Yerevan metro to cover longer distances or to avoid being stuck in gridlock. The city gets quite congested at rush hour… and other random points in the day.

There are also marshrutkas, or minibusses, and larger buses and trams that run around the city. If you’re looking for other ways to get around Armenia, make sure you check out our article here . We’ve listed the best ways to get around Armenia and Yerevan like a local.

37 awesome things to do in Yerevan

1. eat all the food in yerevan’s best restaurants.

Ok, so are you even that surprised?! We love to eat, and the food in Armenia is one of the best in the world. Complex meals, delicious flavors, simple yet tasty and fresh ingredients – what else can you ask for?! You can find our list of the 20 best restaurants in Yerevan here .

And in case you didn’t know, National Geographic actually named Yerevan one of six unexpected cities for food lovers in 2017. So is it a surprise that this is #1 on our list of things to do here!? If you’re not sure what to do in Yerevan, then walk around, pick a random restaurant and have a feast!

Best of all, there are a ton of vegan and vegetarian restaurants popping up in the city. And even better than that is the fact that although Armenians do tend to eat a lot of meat, there are a ton of healthy and nutritious vegan and vegetarian options readily available on menus.

2. Check out the museums, one of the best things to do on a rainy day in Yerevan

There are a ton of museums in Yerevan, and they all have something different to offer, depending on what you’re into. Usually, on national holidays, the museums are free to visit, so if you’re looking to check out the best museums in Yerevan, they offer a great opportunity to do so. Just make sure you get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Here is a small list of all the cool museums in Yerevan, if you’re looking for things to do on a rainy day in Yerevan, or if you’re looking to learn more about this ancient country and its history!

• National Gallery of Armenia & History Museum of Armenia : Both are located in the same building in Republic Square, they are great for learning about the long history of Armenia.
• Matenadaran : Also known as the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. This is a museum, a repository of manuscripts, and a research institute in Yerevan. It’s also the world’s largest repository of Armenian manuscripts.
• The Komitas Museum : To discover the life and significant impact of the composer Komitas. The architecture of this building, as well as the park next to it, are worth the visit alone!
• Avetik Isahakyan House Museum: The house museum of the Armenian great poet Avetik Isahakian.
• Aram Khachaturyan House Museum : Opened in 1982, it’s devoted to the exhibition of the Armenian composer Aram Khatchaturian’s personal artifacts, as well as to the research and study of his creative output.
• Cascade Museum : Also known as the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, this museum is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia and presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world.
• Erebuni Fortress & Museum : The Museum stands at the foot of the Arin Berd hill, on top of which the Urartian Fortress Erebouni has stood since 782 BCE. The City-Fortress was excavated, some parts of the structure were reinforced and restored, and the fortress was turned into an outdoor Museum.
• Mirzoyan Library : This small cafe/library is the brainchild of award-winning photographer Karen Mirzoyan who wanted to create a space for photographers to immerse themselves in photography or access excellent books on the subject. It’s a great place to hang around, especially on warmer days when their balcony is open!
• Parajanov Museum : The museum collection constitutes 600 works of Parajanov, from assemblages, flat and three-dimensional collages, drawings, dolls and film sketches, furniture, and his own personal things.

3. Catch a show in Yerevan’s famous Opera House, another great thing to do on a rainy day in Yerevan

There is no shortage of shows to see in Yerevan. In fact, beyond the beautiful productions put on by the national opera , the ballet or the philharmonic orchestra , you can find a ton of jazz shows and open mic nights going on all over the city.

If you’re looking for what to do in Yerevan on a weeknight, then a show is a must! And if you can’t find something that fits your mood, many restaurants have local bands and musicians that put on a show. But with so many different options, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect show for you!

4. Watch the stars at the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory

We finally got to visit this Observatory, as it’s been high on our list for quite some time now. 

The Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (or BAO) was founded in 1946, during the Soviet era and is located on the slope of the mountain Aragatz, Armenia’s highest peak.

They offer visits to the observatory on clear nights, including the drive there and back from Yerevan. It’s quite an experience to see the telescopes, get a sense of how things work and gaze at our beautiful galaxy. 

During our visit (although it was in quite a large group), we were able to see Saturn, Jupiter and a cloud cluster. We also learned more about the history of the observatory, what it used to be used for and how they are still working with NASA and different astronomy entities in the world. 

Just make sure to book this as soon as you arrive in Yerevan. The skies and weather in Armenia are sometimes unpredictable, so the more time you give yourself, the better your chances of making it there on a clear sky!

5. Watch a football match, a fun thing to do in Yerevan

This was one of our favorite things to do, especially since we got to see Armenian superstar football (or soccer) player Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is usually playing for Arsenal or Roma.

This is probably the perfect place to get a sense of what Armenians are all about. The excitement, the letdowns, the dancing (and unfortunately, the smoking), the sharing of food, you get to witness it all!

Tickets can be purchased at the gates on game night (unless they’re playing a popular team), or ahead of time at kiosks set up around the soccer stadium.

Most games are played at the Republican Stadium, located near where Vernissage is held, and by the Vardan Mamikonyan statue.

6. Check out the old Soviet amusement parks, one of the fun things to do in Yerevan with kids

These amusement parks are sprinkled all over Yerevan and even in the rest of the country. In Yerevan, we loved going to the amusement park just down the Kond tunnel, by the Children’s Railway. Another popular one is Zazaland, located in Circular Park. But you will see these parks all over the city.

It’s surprising to see these old machines still working, it’s a true testament to how ingenious Armenians are, and how much they pride themselves on a job well done. Just don’t be surprised if they well at you for bumping the bumper cars. They’re just meant for driving around, as we learned the hard way!

7. Have a blast at the new Yerevan Park amusement park

Yerevan Park is the newest attraction in Yerevan. It’s the largest amusement park in Armenia, with over 25 modern rides. It’s opened in the spring of 2021. 

The founder of the park is Garegin Nushikyan. He wanted to create a classic fairytale-style theme park with characters and attractions with Armenian roots. Yerevan Park will be built across 276,000 square meters, with 196,000 square meters of gardens and more than 20,000 trees and plants. It will boast 4 major roller coasters, as well as a 40m high Ferris wheel. 

If the small Soviet parks are not your thing, and you want to take your thrills to the next level, Yerevan Park is the place for you. 

8. Check out how Armenian rugs are made, a unique thing to do in Yerevan

We loved our time at the Megerian Carpet Company ! We were taken around the factory and shown how their beautiful rugs are made. From the way their thread is dyed to the special and unique Armenian double knot, the museum where they keep historical carpets and the store where they sell their beautiful creations, we were left in awe.

We highly recommend taking a tour here, and finishing it all off at their restaurant where you can enjoy their homemade bread and treats! If you’re not sure what to do in Yerevan, add this to your list! It’s a really unique and eye-opening experience!

9. See how Armenian natural cosmetics are made

For those who love natural and organic cosmetic products, you can tour the beautiful  Nairian  lab and production facility. They will even come to pick you up and drive you back to Yerevan.

As we were guided through their beautiful garden, we were told about all the plants, flowers and herbs were used to make their natural products. We were shown their laboratory where everything gets made and assembled. They even have a shop where you can try their products and buy them on location. At the end of the tour, we were treated to some delicious homemade juice and cake.

Not only did we love the fact that all the products were made using natural ingredients, but Nairian goes the extra mile and even has a program in Armenia where they reuse and refill your bottles when you finish using their product. A great initiative to be more eco-friendly by reducing waste. All you have to do is bring your empty Nairian container back to their stores in the city. They will clean it up for you and refill it. You can pick it right back up after a few days.

10. Take a sip of Armenia’s famous brandy

Many people may not know this but during the Soviet times, Armenia was the premier producer of brandy in the nation. That tradition has stayed, and today, you can taste a variety of delicious brandy throughout the country. If you’re looking to see how this delicious drink is made, we recommend heading to the Ararat Brandy factory .

You’ll be able to tour the facilities and see how the legendary brandy is made. To book your tour, you can visit their website and fill out their online form , or call to reserve.

If you don’t make it to the brandy museum, don’t worry, because you can also try the various moonshine varieties of wine, vodka and spirits that are sold on the side of the highways in Armenia. Just make sure you are able to taste test them before!

11. Shop for souvenirs at Vernissage, Yerevan’s unique open-air market

One of our favorite things to do in Yerevan on Sundays was to visit the Vernissage market. Although the market runs all week at a reduced capacity, the Sunday Vernissage market is the best.

The market is located near Republic Square, along Aram and Buzand streets, connecting Hanrapetutyun Street with Khanjyan Street.

The vendors fill their stalls with homemade, hand-crafted goods, ranging from the kitschy souvenirs with Armenian flags and Mount Ararat adorning them, to the intricate and beautiful rugs and carpets. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in the market!

As for the pricing, you can always haggle a little bit with the vendors, just remember to be fair with them. A good negotiation is when both parties walk away happy!

12. Shop for art at the painters’ market, another unique thing to do in Yerevan

Although there are many painters who sell their art at Vernissage on Sundays, you can find a ton more at the Painter’s Market located at Martiros Saryan Park, near the Concert Hall and Opera.

On all days of the week, but mainly in the warmer months, you will find painters selling their frames here. You’ll see a ton of paintings of Mount Ararat, pomegranates, Lake Sevan, and the various churches of Armenia . You’ll find them in all styles and genres.

Again, when it comes to negotiating pricing, you can haggle a bit with the artists, but they are quite often very firm on their final price.

13. Shop for local souvenirs while you’re visiting Yerevan

Yerevan is probably the best place to shop for local souvenirs. Yes, we mentioned Vernissage , which is the best place to get them, but there are a ton of other stores that sell goods from Armenian and Yervantsi artists. 

Here is a quick list of shops to check out to support your favorite Armenian artists:

• Dalan, or Abovyan 12 , is a cute café and gift shop that sells all sorts of things from Armenian artists, from pots, plates, statues, and jewelry.
• 5concept is a unique store located on Sayat-Nova street where they sell clothes from your favorite Armenian designers, including Petoor, Z Geist, Loom Weaving and so many more.
• Sharan is a cute little store where they sell the cutest woven clothes and goods for children. This including pillows, dolls, headbands and so much more. 
• Homeland Fair Trade Shop is a social enterprise where they sell goods made by Armenians all over the country, as well as in the US, Canada and Australia. They work with artists and co-ops, helping them out with product development and market access to help them make a sustainable income. You can find such cute trinkets here, from pillows to wooden letters, to handmade toys for children. It’s a bit out of the city center, at Impact Hub, but well worth the detour.  
• Spitak Ceramics , located inside Hotel Villa Delenda, sells earthenware pottery . This is another social enterprise, so you know your purchase is supporting a great cause. All their items are handmade and hand-painted at the Spitak Art School in Gyumri. This shop was established with the Family Care Foundation and was created after the devastating earthquake in 1988. 
• Megerian Carpet Factory is the place to go if you’re looking to buy an Armenian Carpet. As we mentioned, we had the pleasure of visiting their factory, located just outside the Yerevan city center, and learned so much about this family-run business. We highly recommend you go for a tour here, but also, buy yourself the best souvenir you can. 
• Nairian , for all the best Armenian cosmetics. Nairian has a shop on Tumanyan where you can find their sustainable and socially responsible cosmetics. Their products are made locally using USDA Certified Organic ingredients, including herbs and plants with aromatherapy benefits. As we mentioned, you can also visit their production facility in Aragyugh. And, best of all, if you want to get these cosmetics when you’re back home, you can order from their website!

14. Take the metro to get around Yerevan

Yerevan’s metro is the pride of many locals. It opened its doors in March 1981, being the eighth metro line to be built in the USSR. Fun fact: The city told a white lie (saying there were over 1 million people in the city) to get the green light to build the metro. At the time, in the Societ Union, only cities with over a million people were allowed to get a subway system.

The Yerevan metro is 13km long and has 10 stations. Riding it only costs 100 drams, and it’s by far the ‘coolest’ way to get around the city in the hot summer heat. The metro runs daily from 6:30 am to 11 pm and trains come every 5 minutes during rush hour, and every 10 minutes at off-peak hours.

You may be wondering why we recommend taking the metro as an activity. Not only is it super cheap if you want to get around the city, but the stations are simply beautiful! The architectural design of the Yerevan metro is just stunning. Unfortunately, you can’t take pictures inside, so you have to go see for yourself.

The great news is that as of 2024, they are extending the metro line to go into the newly developed areas, and are also adding new wagons to the lines.

15. Take a day trip from Yerevan

If you’re going to be staying in Armenia for a longer time than just visiting Yerevan, we recommend you use the capital as a base to go on day trips around the city .

Even if you drive for 30-45 minutes out of Yerevan, there are a ton of gorgeous places to visit like Lake Sevan, Garni Temple, Geghard Monastery, and so much more! Make sure you check out our article about the 11 amazing day trips you can take from Yerevan.

16. Connect with locals, a unique thing to do in Yerevan and all of Armenia

One of the best ways to learn about a place and its history is by connecting with locals. But that’s not always easy to do when you’re in town for a limited time, or if you get shy, or if you just don’t want to be that person stopping locals in the street asking to share a meal together (though, if you want to try this anywhere in the world, Armenia is the place to do it. 

Enter LikeLocal.io

Like Local allows you to live unique experiences and share them with locals. From meals to art projects and everything in between. This is a great way to see how locals live, talk to them and learn more about their reality. 

While we were touring Kond , the oldest neighborhood in Yerevan, we got to share a meal with a local family . We absolutely adored having lunch with Lusine and her husband Armen. We sat with their son Nikolay who is a renowned actor of the State Dramatic Theater and his wife Karina, a well-respected journalist in Armenia. 

Not only did we share a delicious meal, but we got to do it in their 300-year-old home. We learned about the history of the home, the previous owners (the mullah of the nearby mosque) and we even got to talk about what life is like for the future generation of this beautiful country. 

We highly recommend booking an experience to share a meal with this family in Kond. You can book this directly through LikeLocal.io . 

LikeLocal.io also offer other experiences throughout Armenia, and they’re present not only in Armenia, but also in Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Greece, Georgia and Namibia.

Free things to do in Yerevan

We’ve mentioned it before, but we’ll say it again. Yerevan (and Armenia in general) is pretty budget-friendly, but if you want to pinch your pennies a little more (so you can bring home a special bottle of Armenian brandy), here are 12 free things to do in Yerevan.

17. Take a free walking tour of Yerevan

If you want to see the highlights of the city in three hours, we recommend taking the free walking tour. During the summer, we recommend you reserve your spot online as they tend to fill up. In the low season, they may cancel the tour for lack of attendees, so make sure you call or check before. If not, you can meet the guide every day at 4 pm by the entrance to the History Museum in Republic Square. Just look for the tour guide with the orange logo badge.

All the tours are in English and last about 3 hours, spanning over a 4 km walk. Although the tour is free, we do recommend you tip the guide. Also, to make sure you fully enjoy the tour, make sure you wear comfy shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up at pulpulaks (free water fountains).

There are also others who offer walking tours. We had the pleasure of exploring the Soviet side of Yerevan by going on a walking tour with Gevorg, the founder and owner of LikeLocal. We learned about the history of these buildings, the architecture and certain places. We also got to visit the Communist party’s headquarters in Yerevan. Quite a different experience!

18. Check out the Shushi Carpet collection, one of the best free things to do in Yerevan

Located in a government building right across the street from Vernissage, at the Alexander Tamanyan National Museum-Institute of Architecture, is the new showing of the Shushi Carpet collection. This exposition was initially put on in Shushi, but during the war, the private collection was moved to Yerevan. 

The collection belongs to Vardan Astsatryan. For 20 years, he bought carpets from families living in different villages of Artsakh and Artsakhis living in Europe. The current collection has 71 samples of unique carpets. The exhibition is unprecedented, mainly because each carpet can be traced back to its original family and village. 

These carpets have been on display at the Shushi Carpet Museum since 2011. They were taken out of there during the war. Out of 300 exhibits, only 160 could be moved. All other remaining pieces, from carpets to Bronze and Stone Age pottery, and the ancient household items had to be left behind. 

The exhibition is free to visit (although donations are welcome). It’s truly beautiful to see all these works of art in one place. Especially seeing the oldest carpet there, which is 350 years old. 

19. Visit the Cascade Museum and steps, a Yerevan landmark

Cascade is one of the premier spots in Yerevan. It’s a place where arts, culture, and food meet. Around Cascade , you’ll find a ton of delicious restaurants. And lining the steps, both at the bottom and inside the structure, you will find the impressive Cascade Museum or the Cafesjian Center for the Arts .

The CCA is dedicated to bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia, all while presenting the best of Armenian culture to the world. The Center offers a variety of exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, as well as lectures, films, concerts, and many educational initiatives for adults and children. It’s no surprise that since its opening in 2009, over one million people have visited the Center annually.

20. Watch a sunset at Cascade, a beautiful and free activity in Yerevan

While at Cascade , make sure you head there for sunset. It’s one of the best places to see the sunset over the city. On clear days, you can also get a beautiful view of Mount Ararat.

The higher up you get, the better the view!

21. Take in the view at Victory Park, with Mother Armenia, a free thing to do in Yerevan

Located at the very top of Yerevan, you will see the imposing figure of Mother Armenia watching over the city. This is Victory Park.

We highly recommend taking a stroll up to the statue. There, you will find a typical Soviet Park, with amusement rides, but you will also find the statue of Mother Armenia, a MIG jet, some tanks, and much more. Getting to Victory Park is quite easy from Cascade, as you’ll have already gained some elevation.

They began construction of the park in the late 1930s as the “Arabkir city park”, during the development of the Nor Arabkir neighbourhood at the north of Yerevan; the capital of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. But after the Great Patriotic War, the park was renamed “Victory Park” to commemorate the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany at the Eastern Front of World War II.

After the war, Victory Park was opened in 1950, at the 30th anniversary of the Sovietization of Armenia, but the park looked quite different. There was a 17-meter-high copper statue of Stalin in the park.

However, in 1962, the statue of Stalin was dismantled, and replaced by the monumental statue of Mother Armenia in 1967. The statue was designed by architect Ara Harutyunyan. In 1970, a museum dedicated to Armenia’s role in the Great Patriotic War was opened within the pedestal of the statue. In 1995, it was turned into the Military Museum of Armenia governed by the Ministry of Defence.

Getting up to Victory Park, you’ll get an amazing view of the city, and as usual, on a clear day, you can see Mount Ararat in the distance.

22. Honor the past at Tsitsernakaberd

Armenia has quite a tragic and bloody past, and even if it’s trying to move past it, it’s still important to recognize what happened over 100 years ago. That’s why, no visit to Armenia would be complete without visiting Tsitsernakaberd , the Armenian Genocide memorial complex.

Outside, you’ll see the monument, made of two structures. First, there is a 44-meter stele symbolizing the national rebirth of Armenians. You also have 12 slabs placed in a circle to represent the 12 provinces lost in present-day Turkey. At the center of this circle, there is an eternal flame dedicated to the 1.5 million people killed during the Armenian Genocide.

Inside, down a set of stairs, you’ll find Armenia’s official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The museum is free to visit.

The trip here is quite moving and sad as they document the history and the atrocities that the Ottoman Turks subjected Armenians to. You’ll also find relics of survivors and hear the stories they tell. The genocide museum is a stark reminder of the cruelty humans are capable of, and moreover, it’s a warning to ensure no such atrocities are ever committed again.

On April 24 of every year, there is a pilgrimage to Tsitsernakaberd, to honor those who lost their lives during the genocide of 1915.

23. Pay respect to the fallen soldiers at Yerablur

Yerablur is an almost mythical place. It is the Armenian military cemetery. And for nearly 30 years, it was an almost forgotten place. 

However, after the deadly 44-day war of 2020, and the ethnic cleansing of September 2023 perpetuated by Azerbaijan and Turkey, the cemetery has seen more action than anyone ever wanted it to. However, it’s a harrowing reminder of what we will lose if we don’t build a stronger nation together.

Yerablur is not a touristic location by any means, and the only reason we’ve added it to the list is because it serves as a wake-up call to those who forget what is at stake, living within such unfriendly neighbors. So we invite you to go to Yerablur and take a stark look at the generation that was lost during the most recent Artsakh war. Use your time here to pay your respects to the young soldiers who selflessly gave their lives to protect this land.

24. Visit the Tumo Center to discover Armenia’s bright future

After learning about Armenia’s dark past, it’s uplifting to see how the future is becoming brighter. The TUMO Center for Creative Arts is a constant reminder of the ingenuity, creativity, and passion Armenians have.

The TUMO Center offers free tours so you can see the facilities, meet the people working and studying there and see the cool projects they’re working on. This is a free program for Armenia’s youth (over 19,000 people have already attended), offering courses in 14 different programs, ranging from photography, new media, programming, robotics and much more.

The tour lasts about 1-1.5 hours, and it’s super interesting to see and learn about what is happening there.

25. Visit Kond, the oldest neighborhood in Yerevan

Walking around Yerevan is probably one of the most fun things to do, and Kond is no exception. Kond is the oldest part of Yerevan and is historically where the Armenian populations lived as a majority ethnicity during the Persian rule. Kond is located between Proshyan, Saryan, Paronyan, and Leo streets.

Kond means ‘long hill’ in Armenian. It’s located within the boundaries of the Kentron District of Yerevan. Kond was one of Yerevan’s three original quarters since the 17th century: Shahar (The Old City), Demir-Bulagh (Karahank), and Kond (Tepebash). 

Kond is a mainly residential area of the city. Although it is very old, they tried to infuse some new life into the quarter. In 2019, there was a desire to renew the area. Many street artists took to the streets and put up various murals in the area. 

Today, walking around the 3 streets that make up Kond, you can see these murals and art installations. There is also St Hovhannes church that sits imposingly in the area.

26. Stop for coffee at Kondi Hayat Café, a unique thing to do in Yerevan

Ok, so this isn’t free, but it’s quite close to it! While you are exploring Yerevan’s oldest neighborhood Kond , we recommend you stop by for coffee at Kondi Hayat , a beautiful café, home and restaurant owned and operated by a lovely family. 

Lusine and her husband Armen, as well as their son Nikolay, a renowned actor of the State Dramatic Theater and his wife Karina, a well-respected journalist in Armenia, will welcome you with open arms. 

Kondi Hayat, which means Kond’s Café in Persian, has a delicious choice of coffee, tea and sweets available. Don’t forget to try their world-famous Gata too. Lusine’s is coveted by all those who try it. Sit in their backyard and enjoy the view. Here, you can admire the stark contrast between the booming city of Yerevan and the historic look of Kond. 

If the family is around, ask them to sit with you and enjoy chatting with them! This is an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

27. Walk around the city to discover hidden treasures, one of the best things to do in Yerevan

There are a ton of beautiful things to see in Yerevan, from Soviet architecture to street art to little hidden areas. So take an afternoon and stroll around the city. You’ll discover a part of Yerevan many don’t get to see.

This tunnel, for example, is the Kond pedestrian tunnel. It’s located between Aram and Pavots Buzand Street, just before you get to Martiros Saryan Street. You have to walk through a sketchy parking lot to get here, but it’s a pretty cool tunnel.

It connects the downtown Kentron core to Hrazdan Gorge. Built back in Soviet times, it hasn’t changed since then. It makes for some really cool pictures, and it even leads you to the next free must-see in Yerevan.

28. Visit the Children’s Railroad Park, a unique activity in Yerevan

Whether you have children or not, or whether you are a child or not, this railroad is pretty cool. After crossing the Kond tunnel, you will find this pathway that takes you down some stairs, toward an amusement park, and then, a fairytale castle. With beautiful tinted windows, this place looks totally out of place. Yet, it’s a favorite hangout for many local couples and photographers who come here for leisurely strolls or photo sessions.

Once you get through the castle, you will find these old Soviet trains hanging around. We were told that these trains run once in a while, though we have yet to see it!

The setting of this railway is gorgeous – nestled in the forest with a small river running through it, the arched trees provide enough shade to keep you cool in the warm summer days, yet, the light comes in perfectly through the leaves, dancing around on the railroad.

Weekends tend to get quite busy here, but on weekdays, you can have this place all to yourself.

29. Visit the largest church in Armenia, a landmark in Yerevan

Churches play a huge role in Armenia. Being the first nation to accept Christianity, it’s not surprising to know that there are over 4,000 churches in this tiny country. The largest of these is in Yerevan’s Kentron, it’s Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. Located near the General Andranik metro station, this church is impressive to see.

The entrance is beautiful, especially at night when it’s all lit up! Inside, you will be greeted by a minimalistic decor that is typical of Armenian churches. This church is free to discover. If you’re into Armenian architecture, it’s a must-see!

30. Check out the oldest church in the city, Katoghike

Located on the corner of Sayat Nova and Abovyan streets, you will find Yerevan’s oldest church , Katoghike. Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church is a small medieval church. According to the scripts carved on one of the walls of Katoghike Church, the surviving structure dates back to 1264. This makes it one of the oldest churches in Yerevan. 

In 1936, the basilica of the church was demolished to make way for residential buildings and a linguistic institute, but during the destruction, the 13th-century church of Katoghike was discovered encased within the structure of the large basilica. They decided to keep the structure and build more around it.

In 2009, a ground blessing service was conducted for the construction of Saint Anna Church and the associated complex. It was only in 2015 that the Saint Anna Church was consecrated.

You can read more about the church, and more of them in our Armenian churches article .

31. Visit the only active mosque in Armenia

Despite being a very Christian country, Armenia has very good relations with the neighboring country of Iran. In fact, the Blue Mosque, the only active mosque in Armenia, is an 18th-century Shia mosque, commissioned by Huseyn Ali Khan, the khan of Erivan. It’s one of the oldest extant structures in Yerevan and the most significant structure of the Iranian period.

Following Armenia’s independence in 1991, the mosque was renovated with the support of the Iranian government and started operating again as a mosque, serving the many Iranians residing in Yerevan. It’s a beautiful place to visit and a welcome change from all the churches you’ll find in the city and country.

There is also a very old and run-down mosque in Kond that you can admire from the outside. Truth is, during Soviet times, celebrating any religion was banned. This is why many of the mosques (and churches) were either town down or shut down.

32. Go food tasting at GUM market, a great free thing to do in Yerevan

This market is probably one of our favorite places in the city. The GUM market (or Gum shuka, pronounced Goom ) is where locals come to sell their fresh produce, homemade goods, spices, and treats.

We highly recommend you come here on an empty stomach and ask to try things before buying them. The generosity of Armenians shines in places like this, where they will gladly cut off a piece of whatever they are selling for you to try.

Make sure you try the Armenian Snickers, or sujukh, a delicious treat made of walnuts dipped in grape jelly. So tasty! And if that’s not your thing, well you’re in luck, because this place has the best dried and candied fruits, nuts, spices, produce, herbs… If you’re looking for something to eat, chances are, this is where you’ll find it!

33. Have a picnic in a park in Yerevan

After heading to the GUM market , take whatever you have purchased and make your way to a nearby park. Take a seat there, and enjoy a picnic.

Yerevan has a ton of parks around the city. At all hours of the day, you will see families, couples, and the elderly walking around the parks. It’s a great place to chill out and watch daily life unfold.

34. Catch the light show at Republic Square

Every night, there is a fountain and light show that is put on in Republic Square, right in front of the National Museum. The musical selection changes once in a while, but expect to hear some Charles Aznavour or some Aram Khachaturian, staples of the Armenian music scene.

If this is your type of thing, make sure you head there early to grab a good seat, because the show is quite popular and it can get quite crowded.

35. Check out the thousands of statues in the city

Ok, we’re maybe exaggerating with the thousands of statues, but barely! While you’re strolling around the city, don’t forget to take a minute to look at all the different statues. It may seem silly, but it’s a great way to learn about notable Armenians throughout history. 

The statues are sprinkled all over the city, from the squares and roundabouts to street corners and parks. There are a ton of them all over. Most are great Armenian artists, composers, writers, poets, and architects. But you will find some military heroes and others as well.

36. Marvel at the old Soviet architecture in Yerevan, a fun free thing to do in Yerevan

Walking around Yerevan, it’s amazing to see the mish-mash of architectural styles that make the city so interesting. 

One of the coolest things is seeing the old Soviet buildings that still make up the skyline. From sharp angles and jarring design, Yerevan is one of the best places to take a glimpse at what the city looked like back in the Soviet days. 

Some of the most notable buildings are the Chess school, and the Yertasartagan metro station. However, there are a ton of other examples all around the city. So grab your camera, take a stroll around the city, and take all the sights in. 

37. Check out the street art, a great free activity in Yerevan

Although the street art in Yerevan is not as prevalent as in other parts of the world, it’s still fun to walk around the city and take it all in. 

One of the most notable pieces of street art in the city are the different arches. Between large groups of residential buildings, you will find archways or ‘dalan’ in Armenian. Each archway in the city is painted and decorated differently, a project that was started by a city mayor who wanted to give the city a facelift. 

Headed by chief designer of Yerevan, Gaga Amatuni, many artists and designers began to paint the arches. Today, walking around the city, you can admire the different archways that have been painted in a unique design. There are about 150 in total that were a part of the renovation project.

There are also many pieces by prominent street artist Robert Nikoghosyan that are sprinkled around the city. You can find his unique graffiti murals decorating the walls of buildings in Yerevan. 

Graffiti is not very popular and widespread in Armenia, which is why Robert’s work really stands out. It also has to do with the fact that he always paints prominent and well-known Armenians, introducing tourists to his Armenian heritage. You can find most of his works of art by the streets around Vernissage.

If not, there are plenty of streets in Kond where you can find a ton of street art in Yerevan. This was a project that started in 2019 and that continues to this day. Every year, artists take to the streets and decorate the old buildings with street art.

Getting lost in Kond and walking around to find these pieces of art are a great way to spend some time while in Yerevan.

Sustainable travel and ecotourism in Yerevan & Armenia

As always, we want to be sure everyone practices sustainable travel in Armenia, and all over the world. That’s why we always share these tips to help you travel in the most  eco-friendly way  possible! Ecotourism is so important because it helps lower our carbon footprint. It also helps travel become less of a burden on the environment and allows communities to preserve our beautiful planet, so future generations can explore the beauty of the world.

Here are our tips to help you practice sustainable travel in Armenia:

• Bring reusable water bottles and coffee mugs:  Tap water in Armenia is safe to drink, and it’s one of the cleanest in the world. So make sure you bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up. You will also find freshwater fountains (called pulpulaks) all over Yerevan. You can drink from there, or refill your bottle. And if you love to drink coffee, make sure you bring your reusable coffee mug too! This is the best way to reduce your plastic consumption and to sustainably travel all over the world!
• Eat as local and vegan as you can:  This is the easiest way to reduce your environmental footprint. Eat as much local produce and food as possible. And especially, eat all the vegan options you can! It’s a delicious and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. If eating vegan is hard for you, aim to have a vegetarian meal.
• Support small local restaurants and eateries:  If you eat out, make sure you go to locally-owned restaurants. Avoid big chains or restaurants owned by conglomerates. Go off the beaten path with your restaurant choice by asking locals for their best recommendations. If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Yerevan, check out our article here .
• Bring your own bags and refuse plastic bags:  Like most places, they still offer plastic bags in grocery stores, at the local markets, and at various shops. So bring your own bag and do your little step to promote ecotourism in Armenia and to save our beautiful planet!
• Walk around:  Yerevan is a highly walkable city. In fact, you can get from one end of the city to the next in 30-40 minutes of walking. So do yourself a favor, wear some comfy shoes and walk around as much as possible!
• Use public transportation to get around Yerevan : The subway in Yerevan is great, and the bus system is chaotic but in an organized way. It’s very easy to get around Yerevan using public transportation. We have a handy guide here .
• Stay in eco-hotels or small locally-owned hotels in Armenia:  Another great way to promote ecotourism in Armenia is to stay in smaller, locally-owned hotels, or better yet, to stay in eco-hotels. There are a ton of great options available, so make sure you  check these options first !
• Pick up trash and speak out: Unfortunately, littering is still alive and thriving in Armenia. When you can, bring yourself an adventure bag and pick up the trash you see, especially in parks around the city. And when you see people littering, don’t be shy to nicely tell them to pick up after themselves.

The best time to visit Yerevan

Armenia has four distinct seasons, so depending on what you want to do, there’s a season for every type of traveler. Most people go to Armenia (or Yerevan) in the summer, when the weather is hot. Expect larger crowds, higher prices and less availability from June to mid-September. However, the fruits are ripe at this time of year, so go crazy on the local peaches & apricots! 

The weather starts to cool down towards the end of September but is still warm and sunny until mid-November. The crowds start to thin as well, making this our favorite season to explore Yerevan. If you’re here for the hiking, just know that most trails will close around mid-October, depending on the conditions, as mountain peaks become snow-covered. 

Winters tend to be surprisingly cold in Yerevan, and people tend to stay inside. It’s not the best season to visit the country as you won’t get the full experience. The weather is still warmer than what we’re used to here in Canada, and exploring Armenia in the winter is quite special, but the experience isn’t what it is in warmer months! 

Where to stay in Yerevan, Armenia

From budget-friendly options to high-end luxury, you can find everything you need in  Yerevan . Recently, there has been an increase in rental apartments as well. So you’re really well-covered when it comes to finding a great place to stay in Yerevan.

Our recommendation would be to stay in Kentron, which is the main central area of Yerevan. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from all major sights, restaurants, and events.

To recap, here are the 37 best things to do in Yerevan

• Eat all the food in Yerevan’s best restaurants
• Check out the museums
• Catch a show in Yerevan
• Watch the stars in Byurakan Observatory
• Watch a football match
• Check out the old Soviet amusement parks
• Visit the new Yerevan Park amusement park
• Check out how Armenian rugs are made
• See how local cosmetics are made
• Take a sip of brandy
• Shop for souvenirs at Vernissage
• Shop for art at the painters’ market in Yerevan
• Find the best local souvenirs to bring home
• Connect with locals
• Take the metro to get around Yerevan
• Take a day trip from Yerevan
• Take a free walking tour of Yerevan
• Visit the free Shushi Carpet Museum exhibition
• Visit the Cascade museum
• Watch a sunset at Cascade
• Take it all in at Victory Park
• Honor the past at Tsitsernakaberd
• Pay respect to fallen soldiers at Yerablur military cemetery
• Visit the Tumo Center to discover Armenia’s bright future
• Visit Kond, Yerevan’s oldest neighborhood
• Enjoy a coffee in a historic home in Kond
• Walk around the city to discover hidden treasures
• Visit the Children’s railroad
• Visit the largest church in Armenia
• Visit the oldest church in Yerevan
• Visit the only active mosque in Armenia
• Go food tasting at GUM market
• Have a picnic in the park
• Catch the light show at Republic Square
• Check out the statues all around the city
• Discover the relics of the past through old Soviet architecture
• Discover the street art in Yerevan

Every time we’re in Yerevan, we have such a great time, and we discover so many new things to do. We hope this guide will help you figure out what you want to do with your time in Yerevan. Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited to discover!

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I live in Yerevan and your blog post made me fall in love with my city once again! Your exquisite way of presenting the towns charm blew my mind and inspired me to wander around the city and vlog.

Wow Sasnuhy! What a nice comment. We love Yerevan and were so happy to call it home for 2 months. Glad we inspired you to rediscover it. Hope we can go back soon, there’s so much more we wanted to see!

ok , I have been there 8 times already , but for my next trip to Yerevan your blog was very help full and I like your POV about the city keep the good job

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10 Amazing Things To Do In Yerevan, Armenia

As the capital of historic and culturally rich Armenia, Yerevan has a lot to offer to its visitors. The city is known for its squares, parks, historic monuments, and delicious dolma, just to name a few of its attractions. So, if you are looking for the best things to do in Yerevan, you are in the right spot.

Take a free walking tour of the city.

Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know the city. Locals work voluntarily to show their hometown to its visitors by taking them to the iconic places. This particular tour takes around three hours and promises to tell you stories that you won’t find in guidebooks. Guides take you to over 25 sites including the historic center, backstreets, and modern architectural spots. Note that the tour is upon request, so you need to get in touch with them and book in advance. Also remember that the concept of a free walking tour is to tip the guide at the end with whatever amount you thought the tour was worth.

1. Republic Square

Art Gallery, Museum, Building

Republic Square lies in the center of the city, offering a great glimpse into local everyday life. It took almost 50 years to complete the building of the square; however, most of it was constructed in the 1950s. Spend the morning or afternoon here, and visit the History Museum and the National Gallery .

2. Cascade Stairway and Museum

Library, Museum

3. The Armenian Genocide Museum

Memorial, Museum

4. Vernissage Flea Market

When visiting a new city, chances are that you’ll want to bring some kind of a souvenir back home. The best place to shop for them is the Vernissage flea market, which basically has anything you could ever imagine. Most of the items here are handmade and include jewelry, woven rugs, purses, clothes, toys, and vintage items, just to name a few.

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5. Ararat Brandy Factory

Wander through the oldest quarter

Dating back to the 17th century, Kond is considered to be the oldest quarter of Yerevan. Nested on the hill, the neighborhood overlooks the center and is home to various Persian, Muslim, and Ottoman houses sitting along narrow alleyways that are 120cm wide. Spend a lovely afternoon here wandering through these streets, and discover hidden gems and gorgeous architecture.

6. Matenadaran

Matenadaran is a place for anyone who’s curious about history, literature, art, and philosophy. In front of the museum, you’ll see a statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the person who invented the Armenian script. Inside, you’ll find ancient texts from around the world, but note that you might want to take a guided tour if you don’t know much about ancient and medieval history.

Relax or have a picnic at its parks

Yerevan boasts various parks within its territory. The most popular one among locals is Lovers Park, which is also the oldest one in the city. It features a fabulous Japanese landscape and is a great place for a romantic picnic or a relaxing late afternoon. Walk around and enjoy the views of its waterfalls and ponds.

Indulge in national dishes

Armenian cuisine is quite diverse, with dishes that are prepared with meat, fish, and vegetables. The preparation of those dishes in the local kitchen often needs puréeing, stuffing, and frothing. The highlights of the cuisine are lamb, lavash (tortilla-like bread), and eggplant.

Once in Armenia, must-try dishes are dolma – a minced meat wrapped in grape leaves, harissa – a wheat and meat porridge, and khash – beef or lamb feet slow-cooked overnight. The latter is typically eaten in winter at breakfast over crumbled dried lavash.

The article was originally written by Pauline Pechakjian.

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Two days in yerevan itinerary – first-timer’s guide to armenia’s pink city.

Yerevan, Armenia is one of my favorite cities in the entire world.

While I think just spending two days in Yerevan is doing yourself a huge disservice, it is still possible to get a true taste of the city within those two days.

This is a Yerevan itinerary for those who are embarking on their first trip to Armenia, one of my favorite places in the world.

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and Tours from Yerevan:

• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery (from $34)
• Armenia: Private Tour to Khor Virap Monastery (from $37)
• Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, and Zvartnots Cathedral from Yerevan (from $62)
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin (from $90)
• From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour (from $39)

Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander (a luxury in Yerevan)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in Yerevan
• 14th Floor (mid-range in Yerevan)
• Grand Hostel (budget in Yerevan)

Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

Two Days in Yerevan Itinerary

If you have been following me since 2013, you will know that my first trip to Yerevan back then made me fall in love with the small country in the Caucasus.

I have never spent a short amount of time in the country over the years but I am aware that many people have a limited amount of time they can spend there so that is why I think two days in Yerevan is the perfect amount of time for someone who is visiting Armenia for the first time.

This Yerevan itinerary will mix some of the city’s most popular spots with some of my favorite places, including restaurants, bars, and other things to do in Yerevan for curious travelers through the Caucasus.

If you have additional suggestions for first-time travelers to Yerevan, please drop them in the comments section!

How to Get to Yerevan

There are quite a few options to get to Yerevan. You can fly into Zvartnots International Airport , a beautiful and modern airport with overpriced and poor flight options (for the time being… my hopes are high that this changes).

You can take the train in from Tbilisi arriving overnight at the Yerevan railway station . That is not my preferred method as it is slow and redundant since I am frequently in Yerevan.

I prefer to take the bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan (marshrutka). It is cheap, quick, and I always end up meeting people along the ride (and they usually treat me to delicious, village bread on the ride which I can’t possibly turn down).

The transport is around 35 GEL (Georgian Lari) and it will get you there in about 5-6 hours maximum.

You can read my getting from Tbilisi to Yerevan via bus guide here.

When Should You Travel to Yerevan?

Until this spring, I would have said spring. The spring in Yerevan has been disgusting this year.

But, it appears that a ‘proper’ spring is actually on the horizon, so April may still be a great month to venture to Yerevan.

Winters in Yerevan are cold, summers are hot. But, I usually LOVE spring and LOVE autumn in Yerevan so I highly recommend visiting in either of the seasons.

There is nothing quite as beautiful as strolling the Armenian capital’s streets when the apricots are in blossom or the fall foliage kicks into place.

Day One in Yerevan: Popular Yerevan Sights and Delicious Food

On your first day in Yerevan, I highly recommend you visiting the city’s main and most popular sights while indulging in the incredibly delicious Armenian food scene that is ever-present in Yerevan.

This Yerevan itinerary will guide you around the city from spot to spot that I think are can’t-miss places in the pink capital city.

Start Your Day Off at Republic Square

Republic Square is easily one of the most popular sights in Yerevan and it is a place you’ll likely end up in over and over throughout your days in the city. The large and open square was designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924 and has been the epicenter of all things major in Yerevan since, including the 2018 Revolution in Armenia.

The square is surrounded by five, notable buildings such as a Marriott Hotel , the History Museum of Armenia , and other government buildings.

It was built in a neoclassical style and really reminiscent of Armenian architecture as it was built with pink and yellow tuff (volcanic stone).

You will also get to witness the Singing Fountains if you go at night- it is a fountain display with music and a lot of color and lights.

Closely located to Republic Square are several restaurants, bars, and other establishments that you can add to your list if you plan on sticking around Yerevan longer than the two days on this itinerary.

There is also Sherep Restaurant , one of the best restaurants in Yerevan , where you can see lavash being made and enjoy deliciously modern Armenian food.

Also nearby is the Mirzoyan Library , a cool and hidden cafe located in a historic Armenian building.

Go Souvenir Shopping at Vernissage

The best place to pick up something to bring home from Armenia with you is at Vernissage , a large open-air market located close to Republic Square that opened in the 1980s.

You can find Armenian artwork, chess sets, and all kinds of other hand-made souvenirs.

On the weekends, the area is lively and booming with vendors.

There is a park close by and it is a nice place to sit around and people watch or enjoy a cup of coffee.

If you’re looking to grab a coffee nearby, there is The Italian , one of the best cafes in Yerevan for a cappuccino (I’m really picky and this place gets my approval).

If you’re looking to add an affordable cafeteria to your list for another day in Yerevan, you can stop by Tasty Time beside Vernissage and enjoy some of the best cafeteria food in the city (cash only).

Stop by the Moscow Cinema

In 1936, the Moscow Cinema opened in Yerevan during early Soviet times.

Still standing today and hosting films, the cinema is a popular sight in Yerevan and is a can’t miss for those who have at least two days in Yerevan.

Located close to Republic Square, the Moscow Cinema has four theater halls and there is even an open-air theater on the eastern side of the building.

My favorite part of the Moscow Cinema is actually the fountain located out in front of it. It is beautiful and a great spot to sit by and people watch.

Venture to the Yerevan Opera

The Yerevan Opera is one of the most well-known buildings in the city and should certainly be on your Yerevan itinerary, even if you’re just checking it out from the outside (I have yet to go inside, shamefully).

Opened on January 20, 1933, the stark grey building is surrounded with heaps of open-air cafes and a lot of green space. There is always something happening in and around the Opera building and that is what makes it such a spectacular spot to visit.

The Opera consists of two halls- the Aram Khatchaturian hall and the Alexander Spendiaryan Hall.

The Khatchaturian hall seats 1,400 guests and is a concert hall. The Spendiaryan hall is an opera and ballet hall with 1,200 seats.

Located in close proximity is Swan Lake , a large fountain area that is crowded in summer with locals enjoying the city life. During the winter, it turns into an ice-skating rink.

Enjoy Lunch at Temurnots

I have a lot of favorite places to eat at in Yerevan, but I hold no place quite as dear as Temurnots .

That is the place where I met my current business partner a great friend (who is helping me write this guide).

He is a local and we met through a mutual friend there. So, I get very giddy when I can recommend Temurnots to other people because I have such great memories from there.

Temurnots is located at the Cascades Complex and they are known for a dish called ‘Temur’s Plate’- a dish served in a black pan containing fried sausage and fried potatoes.

It is served with a local Yerevan beer (draught) and pickles and has become the signature dish at Temurnots.

While I stick with their smaller dishes (Armenian ‘tapas’ in a way), I have never had bad food from the place and I enjoy going there because it brings back such nostalgia.

They also have a lovely terrace that is great to sit on in the warmer months.

You can find Temurnots Restaurant at 2 Tamanyan Street at the Cascades Complex in Yerevan.

Climb the Yerevan Cascades Complex

One of the most famous places in Yerevan is the Cascades Complex , a concrete monument that was unveiled to the city in 1980.

The Cascades are beautiful and one of my favorite things in Yerevan, especially if you get a killer view of Ararat from the top of it (which doesn’t always happen- but will blow your mind when it does).

There are many cafes surrounding the Cascades and some awesome restaurants like Temurnots (mentioned above) and Wine Republic , an awesome place with delicious wine and incredible Thai food.

Inside of the Cascades is a series of escalators and a museum called the Cafesjian Museum of Art .

You can also find artwork at the bottom of the Cascades designed by world-renowned sculptor, Botero .

Climb the 2,780 stairs that make up the Cascade Complex and sit and admire the stunning views over the Armenian capital city.

Pay Respects at Tsitsernakaberd

A must-do thing when in Yerevan is to head out to the Armenian Genocide memorial at Tsitsernakaberd .

This memorial was built in 1967 and commemorates the 1.5 million people that lost their lives during the Genocide in Armenia.

There is a museum there that will brief you more on the tragic history Armenia endured during the early 20th century.

But, I definitely recommend heading to the memorial and learning more about the Genocide as it had such a dramatic impact on the history and even the present-day state of the country.

Genocide Memorial day is April 24 and if you happen to be in Yerevan then, be sure to head there during the day. Locals and people from all over the world will buy flowers and lay them down to pay respects to the lives lost.

It is one of the most somber things I have ever witnessed but it was incredible to see the way the Armenians still pay respects. If you’re lucky, you will get some incredible views from the top.

You can get to the Genocide Memorial Complex by taking a marshrutka to Hamalir , but I prefer to just take a Yerevan taxi there because I am claustrophobic.

Go to the Blue Mosque

One of Yerevan’s most photogenic places is the Blue Mosque , located in the city center. This mosque dates back to the mid-1700s and has had quite the history since.

It was even turned into the city’s Yerevan History Museum during the Soviet-era when religion was banned or frowned upon.

Nowadays, it is one of the most peaceful corners in Yerevan and is something you should definitely visit when there. It is as photogenic as it is captivating.

The inside will transplant you out of a capital city and into a quiet, tranquil state of mind.

You can find the Yerevan Blue Mosque at 12 Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan.

Treat Yourself to Dinner and a Glass of Wine on Saryan Street

Saryan Street is one of my favorite streets in the city and one you should definitely visit on your two days in Yerevan.

I recommend having dinner there at Gouroo , a conscious eatery that has incredible Armenian wine as well as healthy, natural foods from salads to fish and more.

They also serve green juices and delicious coffee. During the warmer months, they have a beautiful terrace out back and often will have relaxing, live music to accompany your dinner.

From there, I recommend heading to the other side of Saryan and hitting up In Vino , a popular wine restaurant that is one of my favorite stops in the city.

While I tend to make it my day drinking spot, it is also a lot of fun in the evenings.

There is nothing cozier than sitting out front with a glass of Armenian red and meeting new friends.

A couple of other places on Saryan that I love are Depo Beer & More  (a new bar that has such hip interior and excellent drinks and customer service) and DOM by EG . They are definitely worth hitting up if you’re looking for a fun night out on Saryan Street.

There is also a new bar that just opened called Eight18N that is really rad.

Day Two in Yerevan: Enjoy Some of My Yerevan Favorites

For your second day in Yerevan, I highly recommend visiting some of my favorite spots in the city.

This list will contain some of my favorite cafes, restaurants, bars, and a place in Yerevan that I find highly underrated and under-visited.

I hope these additions to your Yerevan itinerary fits well with your liking as well!

Get Caffeinated at The Coffee 23.5

My favorite place for coffee in all of Yerevan is The Coffee 23.5 . You can find the roastery and cafe at 1 Saryan Street.

They roast in-house and have accessories in addition to offering delicious coffee. It is a small cafe but the friendly customer service will more than make up for it.

Wifi is available but it is not a place to sit down and work. I recommend heading in and grabbing one of their delicious coffees to go to get you started on your day in Yerevan.

And it would be remiss of me not to mention that they offer free cookies.

Take a Walk Through Hrazdan Gorge

After grabbing a coffee from The Coffee 23.5, head through the tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge . The Soviet tunnel is interesting and will lead you from below Saryan down to the gorge where you will find a Soviet-era Children’s Railway Station , the Hrazdan Stadium , and much more.

I love the area because the river is beautiful and it is a part of Yerevan that few people make the effort to venture to on their trip.

The Hrazdan River flows through the gorge and the area was a popular and clean spot during the Soviet-ages.

Unfortunately, things have become a bit derelict over the years, but it is is still a gem in my eyes and one of the areas of the city that has the most potential if someone wants to clean it up and invest in it (cough, cough Armenia).

If you walk the Hrazdan Gorge for a while, you will end up near the Ararat Brandy Factory . You can head inside and take a tour if you’d like, or just photograph it from the outside.

It is a very renowned place in the world of spirits and has a lot of historical significance to Armenia, the former-USSR, and even other places worldwide.

Have Lunch at Either Dargett Craft Brewery or Tsirani-Home Restaurant

Once you’re done at the gorge and escaping the city for a bit, walk back through the tunnel to Dargett Brewpub and enjoy a delicious, Armenian craft beer. My favorite beer on their menu is the Vertigo IPA.

It is a bit heavy and should not be enjoyed on an empty stomach!

If you want a more ‘international’ menu, enjoy the food there… or otherwise head down to Northern Avenue , a popular shopping street in the city, and locate Tsirani-Home and have some tasty Armenian food.

You can find Dargett Brewpub at 72 Aram Street and Tsirani-Home at 5 Northern Avenue.

Visit the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral

You will likely see plenty of churches and monasteries dotting the Armenian countryside but you won’t see them saturating the Yerevan city center, that’s for sure.

They do exist, however, and you should put at least one on your Yerevan itinerary.

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was opened on September 23, 2001, when the country celebrated the 1700th anniversary of Christianity as Armenia’s state religion.

It is also believed that Armenia is the birthplace of Christianity. This cathedral still stands as the largest one in the entire country, making it one of the best places to visit in Armenia and not just Yerevan alone.

You can find the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral at Yervand Kochar St in Yerevan.

Walk to the Rossiya Mall for some Odd Architecture

One of the most obscure buildings in Yerevan is Rossiya Mal l, a building with one of the oddest roofs you’ll likely ever lay eyes on. Formerly a cinema, the Rossiya Mall was built between 1968 and 1975 by Armenian architects Spartak Khachikyan, Hrachik Poghosyan, and Artur Tarkhanyan.

The crazy roof was designed and built to look like the higher and lower peaks of Mount Ararat. Rossiya Cinema was left abandoned after the Soviet Union dissolved and eventually, the place became a shopping center.

You can find the Rossiya Mall at 16 Tigran Mets Avenue in Yerevan.

Eat Armenian Food at Yerevan Pandok

This guide may be Armenian food heavy but I really love the cuisine of the country.

Many people talk about how much they love Georgian food, but for me, it’s heavy and not easy for me to eat regularly despite its deliciousness. Armenian food is much lighter and fresher, in my opinion.

And I can’t get enough of it. I love arriving back in Yerevan and indulging.

Yerevan Pandok is a restaurant in Yerevan that is always crowded (I recommend booking ahead if you’re able to!) and has spectacular service.

Their menu has a lot to offer and the price point is fantastic compared to some other places. I definitely recommend heading to Yerevan Pandok for your final meal in Armenia’s pink capital city.

You can find Yerevan Pandok at a couple of locations but the one I typically go to is at 5 Amiryan in downtown Yerevan.

Have an Evening Out at 2nd Floor or Epicure

For the rest of the night, I suggest getting out and enjoying the city!

My two favorite places to visit in Yerevan for drinks are Epicure.  The two bar/restaurants are not that far from each other so you can definitely hit up both without an issue.

2nd Floor is a bar that is exactly as it states- on the 2nd floor. They are part vinyl shop and part restaurant/bar. They have a killer avocado salad and hearty soups… but also serve incredible wine and the overall atmosphere is just unparalleled to other places you may visit in Yerevan.

I usually spend a lot of time at 2nd floor when I am in Yerevan and it will always be an essential part of my Yerevan itinerary.

Epicure is my other favorite hangout and, thankfully, they do not allow smoking inside. I work from this cafe and restaurant often but I also stick around for the late evening, too.

Epicure has great wine, food, salads, and vanilla milkshakes. They often will have a DJ late at night. The crowd isn’t too young or odd and you will likely meet new people there.

You can find 2nd floor at 3/1 Abovyan Street near Yerevan’s Republic Square and Northern Avenue. You can find Epicure at 40 Pushkin Street in Yerevan.

Other Possible Places to Visit in Yerevan

I have only touched the surface with places to visit in Yerevan and there are so many other places to see if you have longer than just two days in Yerevan.

Some of my other favorite places to visit are Lovers’ Park, Mother Armenia, the Botanical Gardens, and Kond . If you end up in Kond, be sure to visit the Kond House for a drink or dinner.

If you’re looking for a quick day trip, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Echmiadzin , a city close to Yerevan that is considered to be the ‘Vatican’ of Armenia.

The city is so different than Yerevan and is even home to the UNESCO World Heritage Churches. In addition, this is where Aram is from!

What to Pack for Yerevan

Sunscreen: Yerevan can be super hot in the summer months and you will want to protect your skin without a doubt. Click here to shop for a good sunscreen to take with you to Armenia.

Good Walking Shoes: Yerevan is a city that is totally walkable, albeit with the right shoes! I find it so much easier to walk the city than to take public transportation around it (and it is better or the environment). Click here to shop my versatile black Nike sneakers.

A good pair of Sunglasses: I am obsessed with fun and colorful shades and no one does that better than Quay Australia. I always bring a couple of pairs with me to Yerevan (and inevitably leave with none because I’m clumsy and break them or sit on them). You can check out Quay Australia’s sunglasses collection here.

Reusable Water Bottle: Armenia is one of the few places outside of North America where water fountains are ever-present. Woohoo! I love having my reusable water bottle with me so that I can fill it up along the streets with Armenia’s fresh and cold water. Click here to see my Klean Kanteen water bottle.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Armenia?

I never travel without proper and credible travel insurance. I have visited Armenia several times starting back in 2013 and I have always had good insurance to cover me at all times. I recommend World Nomads for insurance.

Click here to get your quote for Armenia travel insurance

Best tours from Yerevan

Where to stay in yerevan.

There are so many great places to stay in Yerevan for your trip there.

You can find a variety of hotels and accommodations in Yerevan for all budgets. Below are some of my favorites in the Armenian city and ones I can recommend you to stay in as well.

High-end, Luxury Hotel in Yerevan

I recommend The Alexander Hotel in Yerevan for those looking for the finest accommodation in the city.

While I haven’t actually stayed here, it gets pretty much flawless reviews and I did, in fact, smoke a cigar there one time. I sat on the rooftop, had a cigar that I purchased there, and felt like I belonged with the cool crowd.

Unfortunately, my shoes were falling apart and that reminded me that I wasn’t as cool as I thought.

Nevertheless, this is a solid place to stay if you have the budget to do so.

–> For current rates and availability click here | Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Mid-range Hotel in Yerevan

In my opinion, the 14th Floor Hotel is one of the best places to stay in the city. You can get insane views from the rooms and everything is clean, centrally located, and affordable.

My friend stayed there and we visited his room one day and I realized quickly that I would have loved to have stayed there if I didn’t have my own apartment in Yerevan.

Budget Hotel or Hostel in Yerevan

My favorite hostel in Yerevan is Grand Hostel , a place slightly outside of the city center that is owned by friends of mine.

The property is spacious, immaculately clean, and quiet. There is a lot of green space around it that you can enjoy, too.  My favorite thing is that it is a solid place to watch Yerevan’s awesome sunsets.

If you have any added suggestions for this Yerevan itinerary, please drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear what your favorite things to do in the city are!  I will try to keep this updated as things do change with it.

More Yerevan Travel Guides

• How to Get From Yerevan Airport to the City Center
• Best Hotels In Yerevan
• Things to do in Yerevan
• Day Trips from Yerevan
• Best Wine Tasting in Yerevan
• Yerevan Coffee shops
• Yerevan Taxi Tips
• Yerevan Wine Days Festival

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Top 10 Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

By Louise Peterson · Last updated on May 28, 2024

What do eight friends do on a midnight train from Georgia? Well, they wait for the sun to rise over Ararat and enjoy a whirlwind weekend in Armenia! And this is exactly what we did! The Armenian capital is a highly underrated destination with some truly unexpected charm that had us spellbound.

Yerevan, the capital city, is a brilliant mix of old and new schools, with modern buildings that give nods to its soviet past. Considering that Armenia is less than half the size of Ireland, it’s easy to understand that most of the sights outside of the capital are easy day trips. We managed to squeeze in five major stops on a one-day tour and had time to spare for some well-deserved brandies!

Climb The Steps of The Cascade

The Cascade in Yerevan is one of the most flashy attractions in the city and it was completed in the early 80s. You will scale more than 500 steps to the top as you ascend the 5 levels. But if you are smart (and/or lazy), take the elevator on the left side of the cascade and pop out at the top. Then walk down on the inside of the building to see a fantastic collection of historic and contemporary art.

When you reach the top, the reward is beyond words—a breathtaking panorama of Yerevan, crowned by the majestic silhouette of Mount Ararat. This is by far the best view you will get during your visit.

See the Smallest and Biggest Books at the Matenadaran Museum

In the hallowed halls of the Matenadaran Museum, you can explore hundreds of thousands of ancient manuscripts that tell the story of Armenian history, heritage and language. These scrips also offer valuable insight into gloabal history and the development of early Christianity.

Probably the most famous exhibit at the museum is the display with the largest and the smallest Armenian books. This might not sound like much but when you consider the smallest dates back to the 14th century and only weighs 19g, you might think again. The largest, the Msho Charentir, is from the 13th century and weighs almost 28kg!

Stroll Around Republic Square and Make a Pulpulak Pitstop

Republic Square is the heartbeat of the city and it is worth just taking a leisurely stroll to let and let its grandeur wash over you. The blue water of the fountain outside the National Museum is akin to that of the Trevvi fountain and from March onward you can watch them dance to music at night.

You need to seek out the Pulpulak fountain—an authentic Armenian experience that’s both refreshing and revitalizing. It consists of seven smaller drinking fountains and sipping from one is a right of passage in Yerevan.

See The World’s Oldest Shoe

This is one shoe that probably won’t attract Carrie Bradshaw but at the history History Museum of Armenia, you can see the world’s oldest shoe. It’s a humble artifact that speaks volumes about Armenia’s ancient craftsmanship and ingenuity. The Areni-1 shoe is almost 3,500 years old so it seems like we are being modest when we say “Leather lasts a lifetime!”

Find Peace at Katoghike

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Yerevan, find solace in the serene embrace of Katoghike, a hidden gem among the city’s architectural treasures. With its graceful lines and tranquil atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to pause, reflect, and recharge your spirit.

We walked about 15 minutes from Republic Square to light a candle inside its humble interior. But something must be said for entering a building that has been standing through more than 800 years of wars and sieges.

Toast Armenia at A Brandy Tasting

Undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip was the brandy tasting at Ararat Destillery. Here we could raise a glass to Armenian hospitality with a brandy tasting experience that’s as warm and welcoming as the people themselves. From the smooth amber hues to the rich, complex flavors, each sip tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures.

Get The Best Arrarat Views from Khor Virap

Our first trip out of the city was to see the magnificent setting of Khor Virap. It is just under an hour from the city and against the backdrop of Mount Ararat, it’s a place where legend and history intertwine.

We miscalculated our visit and went there on easter weekend, leaving this otherwise quiet location overflowing with pilgrims. This being said, it was quite an experience to see this ancient church still being used for its intended purpose, overlooking the spot where Noah and his ark met dry land.

Make The Pilgrimage to Geghard

The depths of Geghard monastery is quite spectacular, leaving you to discover a world carved from the very rock it is surrounded by. This monastery dates as far back as the 4th century but the stone-carved building is from the 13th century.

As you wind your way out of the mountains, remember to stop at one of the roadside bakeries where you can buy a Gata pastry/bread/cake. Whatever you want to call this Armenian treat, it is sweet and decadent and probably sinful.

See What Pagans Were Up to At Garni Temple

Garni Temple was one of the most surprising stops for me. In a corner of the world dominated by Christianity and cathedrals, this pagan temple was a fascinating find. This temple is almost in perfect condition and is surrounded by rugged cliffs, making it even more impressive.

Staying true to my road-tripping roots, we packed a picnic and had lunch under the shade of a peach tree. I cannot confirm nor deny whether this was permissible but it was memorable nonetheless.

Pay Your Respects at The Armenian Genocide Museum

The Armenian Genocide is a controversial location as some people do not recognize this event as a genocide. But for the Armenian people, the scars are still fresh as they often still face persecution.

This makes this an even more poignant and somber visit, one that is raw and uncomfortable but important.

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12 Fun Things to Do in Yerevan And Places to Visit

Embark on an exhilarating trip to Yerevan, the beating heart of Armenia!! As you may already know, Armenia is a country with captivating nature and unique culture. Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest cities, that has been continuously inhabited, showcases the rich history and traditions of the country. The city is a popular tourist destination offering an array of cultural and entertaining sites coupled with different activities for your pleasure.  If you want to have a memorable experience, we have compiled a selection of the top 5 fun things to do in Yerevan along with  7 must-see places to visit.

Top 5 activities to do in Yerevan

1. explore yerevan park:.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Yerevan Park seems to be an ideal destination for you. As the biggest amusement park in the city, it offers a wide range of thrilling attractions including a Roller Coaster, Thrill Coaster, Rotating Ship, and much more. But If you are not into rides, fret not – Yerevan Park is also a fantastic place to socialize, enjoy special performances, grab a bite to eat at the food court, or simply relax in the leisure zone.  In a word, Yerevan Park has something for everyone of all ages looking for entrainment and fun things to do in Yerevan.

2. Experience Yerevan's Nightlife:

Exploring the nightlife in Yerevan offers a delightful opportunity to get new acquaintances while reveling in your favorite tunes.  There is a diverse selection of clubs in Yerevan meeting all music tastes. Whether you are a  jazz devotee, rock enthusiast, blues lover, or pop fan, you can have an unforgettable night out in the city. Malkhas Jazz Club is a perfect spot to enjoy jazz music. Meanwhile, dance lovers seeking live music can groove the night away at, Yerevan’s nightlife hotspots such as Mezzo Classic House Club, Kami Music Club, and Club 12, and more, promising an unforgettable experience.

3. Discover Zoopark and Botanic Garden:

  Looking for a fun-filled activity in Yerevan? Look no further than Yerevan Zoopark.   It offers an exciting opportunity to observe a variety of animal species from all over the world. If you’re traveling with children, the Zoopark is a must-see place. Kids love going to the Zoo and seeing diverse animals. If you are seeking a break from urban life and a closer connection to nature, the Botanic Garden is an excellent option. Located in the capital city, the Botanic Garden allows visitors to reconnect with nature and admire an extensive collection of both local and exotic plant species found in Armenia.

4. Cool off at Yerevan’s outdoor pools:

One of the best things to do in Yerevan during the summer is to cool off in the city’s open-air pools. Yerevan has scorching summers with temperatures potentially hitting 40°C in July and August. So, the city offers the best escape from the heat, providing plenty of amazing outdoor pools near hotels or sports complexes. The Swimming Pool of Congress Hotel, The Pool, and Hills Sports Complex stand out as one of the most favored options for enjoyable entertainment in Yerevan .

5. Stroll in Saryan Street:

 If you’re a wine lover or in search of a vibrant atmosphere, Saryan Street in Yerevan should be on your list. The street is famous for hosting the annual Yerevan Wine Days festival, which takes place in the months of  May and June, between Saryan and Tumanyan Streets. But If you happen to miss visiting Yerevan during the Wine Days, don’t worry. Saryan Street offers a charming experience year-round, with opportunities to try out wines and appreciate art. So, it is a fantastic place to experience the lively spirit of Yerevan.

7 must-visit places in Yerevan

1. the cascade complex:.

Cascade Complex stands as one of Yerevan’s tourist attractions , located in the heart of the city. It surely holds the first position on your list of top things to do in Yerevan. With nearly 600 steps and various levels, the Cascade Complex is surrounded by fascinating sculptures and fountains. It houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a venue that showcases a wide range of modern artworks and sculptures. If climbing 600 stairs doesn’t appeal to you, there are escalators for your convenience. Upon entering the complex, visitors are greeted by exhibits on both sides of the hall. The escalators lead to the top where one can relish a breathtaking view of the city and  Biblical Mount Ararat on clear days. The Cascade Complex is a popular and favorite destination among locals and tourists as it never fails to leave a lasting impression, even upon repeat visits. From early in the morning to late evening, people enjoy spending time at the Complex and its neighboring cafes and coffee shops offering tasty cuisine in a peaceful atmosphere.

2. Republic Square:

 Nestled in the heart of Yerevan, Republic Square will amaze you with its unique architectural ensemble that includes the Government House, the History Museum, and the National Gallery. In addition to these impressive structures, Republic Square is an excellent spot to enjoy pleasant evenings in Yerevan. The highlight of this location, attracting visitors from across the world, is the fascinating dancing fountains. They are delightful evening attractions that appear to gracefully dance to the rhythm of the music, creating a mesmerizing experience. 

3. Vernissage Market:

 A visit to Vernissage is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable things to do in Yerevan.   Situated near Republic Square, Vernissage is an open-air market that offers a deep dive into Armenian traditions. You will find local handicrafts, art, souvenirs, antiques, handmade carpets, traditional musical instruments, and more. Many artists are happy to interact with tourists, tell them stories about Armenian traditions, and offer insights into their creative t techniques and sources of inspiration.

4. Kond Neighborhood:

If you want to delve into the historical and cultural heritage of Yerevan, Kond should be an essential stop on your Yerevan tour . As one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Kond traces its origin back to the medieval era. It’s fascinating to see how people live there nowadays. The ancient-style homes, where multiple families share the same entrance, create a unique sense of community. The well-preserved modest houses, windows, and doors transport you back in time.  Kond’s most captivating dwellings are the ones that once served as mosques. You will notice them at first glimpse as the roofs and some parts have remained unchanged over the years.

5. Yerevan Brandy Factory:

  Armenia is renowned for its brandy production. If you are interested in brandy production, a  visit to the “Ararat”  local brandy factory in Yerevan is a must. Established in 1877, Ararat Brandy offers special tours for both locals and tourists providing an opportunity to explore the brandy-making process and sample a variety of brandies. An intriguing historical note about Ararat Brandy is that Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, held a strong affinity for it. Joseph Stalin once gifted Churchill a bottle of “Dvin” brandy, which he enjoyed so much that he requested more. As a result, 400 bottles of Dvin were sent to Churchill every year. 

6. Museums in Yerevan:

Exploring Yerevan’s cultural heritage, including its fascinating museums, is an essential point on your list of things to do in Yerevan. As a city with a rich cultural heritage, Yerevan is home to many museums: Matenadaran, which preserves ancient manuscripts and is named after Mespor Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian Alphabet, is particularly captivating.  One remarkable aspect about Matenadaran is that it houses the first-ever Armenian-published book. Another must-see place in Yerevan is the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex , which holds great significance in Armenian history. Every year, on April 24th, thousands of Armenians gather there to pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide in 1915. When you visit Republic Square, The National Art Gallery can be a great stop to add to your city center’s stroll. Being the largest art gallery in Yerevan, it houses an extensive collection of both Armenian and international art, showcasing works from various countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Russia, and more. But the list of museums doesn’t end here. In Yerevan, you can visit the Sergei Parajanov Museum, History Museum of Armenia, Museum of Folk Arts, Erebuni Museum, and many more.

7. Dazzling Restaurant and Cafes:

You’ve probably heard about Armenian delicious cuisine, and you definitely don’t want to miss the opportunity to experience it firsthand when you visit Yerevan. Sherep, Qamancha, Yerevan Tavern , and Lavash are among the most popular restaurants in the city where you can explore traditional Armenian dishes. And as you embark on your culinary journey in Yerevan, make sure to try some iconic classics like Khorovats (Armenian barbecue), Dolma, and Armenian bread lavash, all paired perfectly with a glass of locally produced Armenian wine.

Yerevan guarantees an unforgettable experience during your visit to Armenia.  In addition to delving into the history of the city and Armenian traditions, Yerevan is also a hub for an array of activities and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for things to do in Yerevan. As you explore the city, you’ll admire the timeless beauty of the Cascade Complex, the captivating dancing fountains at Republic Square, and the unique character of the Kond neighborhood. Alongside the city’s must-visit museums,  Yerevan offers ample of opportunities for adventure-seekers. So, whether you visit Yerevan to explore the cultural heritage and create beautiful memories, Yerevan gives a warm welcome to everyone!

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The territory of Yerevan is 233 km², the population is 1068 thousand people.

EMBLEM OF YEREVAN

The author of the emblem is Albert Sokhikyan.

FLAG OF YEREVAN

The co-authors of the flag are Karapet Abrahamyan and Karapet Pashyan.

HYMN OF YEREVAN

EREBUNI-YEREVAN