interesting places to visit in yerevan

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!

We put a lot of time and effort into the content we create.  Please like, comment and share, every action on your part helps us out tremendously and is very much appreciated.

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You Might Also Like:

Everything you need to know about Yerevan’s iconic landmark – The Cascade

The 13 best things to do in Utila, Honduras

20 reasons to visit Armenia

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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31 Amazing Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

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

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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20 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!

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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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36 Exciting Things To Do In Yerevan, The Pink City Of The Caucasus

Did you know that Yerevan is actually one of the oldest capitals in Europe and even the entire world , dating back to 782 BC? Needless to say, you will find a lot of exciting things to do in Yerevan, also known as the ‘Pink City’. The Soviet-era buildings made of naturally colored volcanic rocks from the surrounding landscape give the sunset in Yerevan an iconic pink shade. That’s where the nickname comes from…

When it comes to its formation and geographical history, Yerevan has had a rough past. The Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans have all at one time, or another owned this small piece of land. However, since its declaration of independence in 1918, Yerevan has been proudly standing on its own as the capital city, and pride and joy of the small but beautiful country of Armenia. It’s still a city that’s not on most peoples’ travel lists for one reason or another and I hope to change this with this article through this ultimate list of exciting things to do in Yerevan

Getting to Yerevan

Yerevan has only one airport: Zvartnots International Airport, located 12 km outside of the city, and for the cheapest flights to Yerevan, use this special offer by Qatar Airways . Unfortunately, there aren’t any public transport options leading to the city so the only way to get out of it is via taxi or rental car ( use this special offer to get 15% off ).

A ride to the city center will cost roughly 6,000 drams ($10 euros). Once you settle, don’t expect to cover Yerevan in a day. The city is home to more than one million people and covers roughly 230 square kilometers. You can try to discover Yerevan in 48 hours (or so) but it’s far better to stay at least a few days to see as much as possible.

In such a big city, the location is incredibly important because getting to places can be more time-consuming than the actual sightseeing. And one of the best locations in the center of the capital is the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan which is not too far from most of the interesting sites in the city. With that being said, let’s see which are the 10 must-see places in Yerevan you really shouldn’t miss while visiting.

If you’re traveling around the Caucasus, you should also check my guide to visiting Georgia  or my list of favorite things you can only do in Georgia .

Historical Landmarks and Museums

We’ll start this list of the best things to do in Yerevan with a few important historical landmarks and museums in the Armenian capital.

The Cascade and Views of Mount Ararat

The Cascade is a giant stairwell that was built in 1971 and completely renovated in 2009. Today, Cascade is one of the key landmarks of the city that offers the most iconic view of Yerevan. This monument has over 700 steps and eight levels, out of which every next one has different monuments, fountains, and even gardens. If you’re feeling lazy and 700 steps are just too much, don’t worry, you can use some of the elevators. Additionally, every last Friday of the month, Karin, a local folk dance group organizes FREE traditional dance lessons just outside of the Cascade.

Republic Square: Yerevan’s Vibrant Center

The Republic Square is located in the center of the city, surrounded by 7 major tourist sights. The square covers a staggering 30,000 square meters and you can literally spend a whole day here. The square hosts some of the most impressive landmarks in the city, such as the National Gallery, the History Museum, the Government, and even the fantastic musical fountains. One fun fact about it is that it took Armenians more than 50 years to complete this impressive square.

Mother Armenia Statue: Symbol of Nationhood

The Victory Park was built in Yerevan in 1950 to celebrate the end of WWII. Interestingly, the park initially featured a big statue of Joseph Stalin. However, after his death, Stalin’s statue was replaced with an even bigger statue, known as Mother Armenia. This symbolized Armenia’s separation from the Soviet Union and the statue is a really important piece of the Armenian national identity.

Mother Armenia is 50 meters tall and she has a sword in her hand, constantly watching over Armenia’s capital. Next to her, you will find The Grave of the Unknown Soldier, devoted to the eternal memory of the soldiers who died in WWII and the Nagorno-Karabakh War.

Enjoying this post? Then you may also like our list of things to do in Sochi .

Tsitsernakaberd: Armenian Genocide Memorial

Many people tend to forget the horrible Armenian genocide during WWI caused by the Ottomans. At the time Armenia was still under Ottoman rule and in just two years (1915-1917) the Turks killed more than 1.5 million people, which almost half of the country’s population, and thousands of Armenians fled across the world in horror. There’s no better place to learn about this dark era of Armenian history than the Tsitsernakaberd: the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

History Museum of Armenia: A Deep Dive into the Past

Yerevan is a very old city with a rich history and one great way to learn about it is its museums. If you read my articles, you know I don’t talk about museums that much but Yerevan certainly has a few seriously worth visiting. One is the National Museum of History which has more than 400,000 artifacts! I can comfortably say that this is the place where you can learn the most about not only Yerevan but Armenia as a country.

Enjoying this post? Then you ought to discover more underrated spots in Europe .

The Gorgeous St. Gregory Cathedral

In Armenia , you will find a lot of old churches, as the country was one of the first ones to accept Christianity. However, St. Gregory is a fascinating piece of architecture and the biggest cathedral in Armenia and has great historical significance. The cathedral houses the relics of St. Gregory, who was the founder of Christianity in Armenia.

This cathedral is so massive that it has three churches within. One is the main church, and the other two are the chapels of St. Tiridates the King, and St. Ashken the Queen. This also has a symbolic meaning because Tiridates and Ashken were champions of Christianity and the greatest supporters of St. Gregory. Even more impressive, the cross on the top of the church is 54 meters from the ground, which makes it visible from every part of Yerevan.  The cathedral also has 30 arches and enough room to accommodate 1,700 people at a time.

National Gallery of Armenia: Artistic Heritage

The National Gallery of Armenia in Yerevan is a vibrant journey through Armenia’s soul. Right in Republic Square, this gallery is a grand old dame of culture, housing over 26,000 artworks. It’s like a visual encyclopedia, where Armenian artistry rubs shoulders with European and Russian masters. What sets this gallery apart is how it mirrors Armenia’s own history. There are sections where you’ll feel the weight of history through somber, reflective pieces. And then, just around the corner, you’ll encounter bursts of vibrant, hopeful art, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and spirit.

Erebuni Archaeological Museum: Roots of Yerevan

Sitting on the top of the hill, the Erebuni Fortress is one of the oldest sites in Yerevan, dating back to 782 BC, when the city was founded. It was one of the several fortresses erected in order to protect the borders of the ancient Urartu Kingdom. Successive Urartian kings chose Erebuni as a place of their residence and despite the numerous bloody invasions, the city surrounding the fort remained constantly inhabited. Obviously, this is a place full of history, one you mustn’t miss out on when visiting Yerevan.

Matenadaran: Repository of Ancient Manuscripts

The Matenadaran is the world’s richest source of medieval manuscripts. Here, you can find some very old artifacts and manuscripts, as well as the first printed books in the region. The subjects are very varied with arts, literature, medicine, philosophy, history, religion, and the very early mapping techniques. The building itself is a rather fascinating architectural piece.

Many of the manuscripts date far back over 1,000 years which is incredible seeing as the pieces on show are in very good condition. You can really get a sense of what were the key areas of concern for the people back in medieval times when you read the detailed explanations of certain manuscripts.

Blue Mosque: A Glimpse into Persian Influence

The Blue Mosque is the only surviving mosque in Yerevan. It dates back to the 18 th century when Armenia was still a part of Persia. That’s why the mosque is built in a predominately Persian style. Before the Russian invasion, Yerevan had 10 mosques. However, after Armenia became a part of the Russian Empire the only one that survived was the Blue Mosque. The only reason for this is because it served as the official Museum of Yerevan from 1931 to 1999.

If you’re traveling around this region, you should also check out my article about traveling in Turkey .

Cultural Experiences

Speaking of the best things to do in Yerevan, we can’t forget about some of the capital’s most popular cultural experiences you should seriously consider if planning to visit.

Walking Tour of Kond Quarter

This historic neighborhood , one of the oldest in Yerevan, is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, lined with quaint, crumbling buildings that whisper tales from centuries past. The quarter’s charm lies in its authenticity; it hasn’t been polished for tourists. Here, laundry flutters from the balconies, and locals sit outside their doors, chatting and watching the world go by, seemingly unfazed by the passage of time.

It’s a photographer’s paradise, a historian’s dream, and a curious traveler’s delight. Taking a guided walking tour can offer deeper insights into Kond’s history and its significance in Yerevan’s urban tapestry.

Yerevan Opera Theatre: A Night of Culture

Situated in the heart of Yerevan at Freedom Square, the Yerevan Opera Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most beautiful buildings in Yerevan. The theatre, designed in the 1930s by architect Alexander Tamanian, boasts a majestic blend of Armenian and European architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find plush red seats, gilded balconies, and intricate ceiling murals as you might expect to find in most famous opera theatres across the world.

Exploring the Bohemian Saryan Street

Saryan Street in Yerevan is a vibrant street named after the famous Armenian painter Martiros Saryan, who according to local legends was one of the greatest poems of his time. Saryan can best be described as a colorful canvas of urban life and artistic flair. As you might already be guessing from my so-far modest description, this is the place to be for bohemians and hipsters alike, and as such, it’s home to a lot of trendy wine bars, cozy cafes, and quirky art galleries.

Outdoor Adventures

Worry not, outdoor enthusiasts, this is a relatively green city and there are a lot of nice outdoorsy things to do in Yerevan. Let’s quickly go through them.

Fun at Yerevan Water World

Yerevan Water World is a refreshing escape from the urban buzz with a variety of water slides, each offering its own thrill level. From the adrenaline-pumping twists and turns of the more adventurous slides to the gentle, lazy river that meanders through the park, there’s something for every type of water enthusiast.

Ice Skating at Swan Lake in Winter

This list of the best things to do in Yerevan couldn’t be complete without ice skating at Swan Lake during winter. When the colder months roll in, this charming spot in the city transforms into a magical outdoor ice rink, complete with twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere that could warm even the coldest of days. It’s not just about skating in circles; it’s about embracing the joy of winter. The sound of laughter echoes against a backdrop of music, as skaters of all ages glide (or wobble) across the ice.

Hiking in the Surrounding Hills for City Views

If you’re looking to find some great viewpoints in and around Yerevan, here are a few of our favorite options.

Mount Ara: A rewarding 3-4 hour hike near Yerevan, offering breathtaking views of Mount Ararat and the Ararat Plain.

Hatis Mountain: A challenging full-day adventure to Hatis Mountain’s summit, showcasing the stunning Geghama Range.

Garni Gorge: A scenic trek through Garni Gorge, featuring basalt columns and the historic Garni Temple.

Teghenyats Monastery: A serene hike combining nature and history, leading to the secluded medieval Teghenyats Monastery.

Shopping and Local Markets

This list of the best things to do in Yerevan can’t be complete without a few shopping experiences and some of the finest local markets around.

Treasure Hunting at Yerevan Vernissage

This list of the best things to do in Yerevan couldn’t be complete without the Vernissage, a bustling open-air market where you can find pretty much anything you can think of, from intricate handicrafts and handmade jewelry to Soviet-era relics and traditional carpets.

GUM Market: The Local Food Bazaar

GUM Market is a bustling bazaar brimming with local color and taste where you can find fresh herbs, spices, and local produce, haggle over prices, sample local cheeses, try some homemade Armenian wine and get a taste of everyday life in Yerevan.

Shopping Along Northern Avenue

And if getting a taste of life in Yerevan via its farmer markets or flea markets isn’t quite your cup of tea (understandably, places like this aren’t for everyone), Northern Avenue is the place for you. It’s the city’s sleek, modern shopping district lined with chic boutiques, international brands, and trendy cafes/

Visiting the Dalma Garden Mall

If you’re more of a mall person, then the Dalma Garden Mall is one of the best places for shopping in Yerevan. It’s one of the city’s most modern contemporary hubs where shopping, dining, and entertainment intersect with a range of stores from local brands to international chains.

Food and Drink Experiences

If you’re a foodie and have heard some nice things about Armenian food, it’s probably too and in this section, we’ll cover the best things to do in Yerevan when it comes to culinary experiences.

Tasting Armenian Brandy at the Ararat Distillery

Nestled at the foot of Mount Ararat, the Ararat Brandy Factory is one of the most iconic establishments in Yerevan. Dating back all the way to 1887, it’s one of the oldest continuously running such establishments in the country. If you visit , you’re in for a treat, not only because you get the chance to try some of the finest Ararat brandy but also learn about its history, the traditional preparation methods Armenians have been using for centuries, and explore the range of flavors that have made this brandy the national drink of Armenia.

Traditional Armenian Dining at Lavash Restaurant

Stepping into Lavash, you’re greeted by an ambiance that’s as warm as freshly baked lavash bread. Start with appetizers like Dolma (stuffed grape leaves) or a refreshing Yerevan Salad, each bite offers a mix of fresh ingredients and rich history. Don’t miss the Manti (tiny local dumplings), or the Ghapama (a pumpkin dish). For the main course, try the Khorovats (Armenian BBQ)or the eggplant-centric Imam Bayildi if you’re a vegetarian. And of course, don’t forget the restaurant’s namesake, the iconic Lavash bread that goes along with pretty much anything.

Sampling Apricot and Pomegranate Wines

Ah, the world of Armenian wines, where apricots and pomegranates don’t just end up in fruit baskets but in wine glasses too ! Tasting apricot wine is a bit like sipping on liquid summer – it’s fruity, slightly sweet, and carries a whisper of tartness. It pairs wonderfully with a sunny afternoon or a light dessert. Pomegranate wine is the feistier cousin in the fruit wine family. It’s bold, a bit tart, and wears a stunning ruby robe. This wine is great for those who like their drinks with a bit of an edge, and it pairs beautifully with spicy foods or rich, savory dishes.

Enjoying Coffee at a Streetside Café

In Armenia, coffee is strong, often sweetened, and always served with a side of warmth and there are a lot of cafes in the capital where you can experience first-hand the quintessential local coffee culture. First, there’s ‘The Green Bean’ in Yerevan. It’s modern, eco-friendly, and serves perhaps the best coffee in town. For a more historic vibe, ‘Mirzoyan Library’ offers a unique setting in a 19th-century building, blending history, culture, and of course, great coffee.

Arts and Entertainment

This list of things to do in Yerevan wouldn’t be complete without a few of the capital’s best arts and entertainment experiences.

Viewing Contemporary Art at Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Housed in the Cascade complex, this museum is home to sculptures that seem to defy gravity and installations that make you wonder about the meaning of life. The center frequently hosts new exhibitions, so every visit can offer something different. It’s like a never-ending art buffet – you can come back for seconds or thirds, and always discover something new.

Attending a Performance at the Stanislavski Russian Theatre

Stanislavski is Yerevan’s most famous Russian theatre. Whether you’re catching a classic play, a modern drama, or an experimental piece, the performances here are visceral. The Stanislavski Russian Theatre is a bastion of Russian dramatic arts in Armenia. The performances here often have that distinct Russian depth and intensity, a blend of soul-searching dialogue and raw emotion. Even if you don’t understand every word, the performances transcend language barriers – they speak in the universal language of art.

Exploring Street Art in Yerevan

Yerevan’s street art scene is like the city’s pulse made visible. You’ll find everything from bold political statements to whimsical illustrations that seem to giggle at passersby. The best part? You don’t need a map; just wander. Sure, you’ll find some famous pieces around Pushkin Street or the artsy vibes of the Cascade area. But the real gems? They’re tucked in alleys, peeking out from behind corners, waiting to surprise you.

Relaxation and Leisure

If you’ve had your fair share of exploring the Armenian capital, you’ll need to pause and relax for a while. For that purpose, here are the best relaxing things to do in Yerevan.

Relaxing in Lovers’ Park Or English Park

Yerevan has a lot of parks spread across the city where you can sit back, relax, and have a picnic. However, the two that left the strongest impression on me were Lovers Park and English Park. Lovers Park was recently transformed and today features a traditional Japanese landscape. It’s by far the most popular park in the city and seems to be the oldest one as well. English Park is another very interesting place, interestingly, located on Italy Street.  This is the biggest park in the city, covering almost 6 hectares of greenery.

Relaxing in the Yerevan Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is Yerevan’s ultimate green haven in the heart of the city and a living, breathing space where nature takes the lead role. From local Armenian varieties to exotic species, the range of plants here is staggering, and the garden changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to see. Spring blossoms? A riot of colors. Autumn? A mosaic of golden hues.

Before we conclude this ultimate list of things to do in Yerevan, we’ll also share a few interesting day trip ideas you should consider if you have some extra time.

Etchmiadzin: The Armenian Vatican

Etchmiadzin, often referred to as the Armenian Vatican, offers you a journey into the very soul of Armenian Christianity. It’s the headquarters of the Armenian Apostolic Church and a symbol of Armenian spirituality. Just like the Vatican, it’s a large religious complex and the main spiritual epicenter of Armenia. Built in the early 4th century, it’s one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. If you’re thinking of visiting, I warmly recommend this guided tour of the complex .

Garni: Armenia’s Greco-Roman Wonder

Nestled in the Armenian landscape, Garni is one of the only Greco-Roman pieces of architecture in Armenia and an architectural marvel far from the Mediterranean but echoing its grandeur. Garni is an ancient temple and a stunning example of Hellenic architecture. Built in the first century AD, this is one of the oldest remaining structures in Armenia (and that’s not an easy contest, by the way).

Geghard Monastery: A Rock-Cut Architectural Marvel

Talking about must-see places in Yerevan, I can’t forget to mention  Geghard Monastery . Geghard is a UNESCO-protected medieval monastery that is literally carved into the rocks and is a perfect demonstration of the stunning medieval Armenian architecture. The main chapel in the monastery was built in the 1200s’ but the complex was founded in the 4th century. If you want to explore the surroundings of Yerevan, this place would be a perfect opportunity for a one-day trip.

Dilijan National Park: The Armenian Switzerland

Think of Dilijan National Park as Armenia’s own slice of Eden. Picture rolling hills, dense forests, and meandering streams, pathways lined with towering beech trees, and hidden monasteries. The park’s landscapes are a feast for the eyes. From the serene Parz Lake, perfect for a peaceful paddle, to the lush Ijevan Gorge, every corner of Dilijan is a photographer’s dream.

Bonus: Experience Vardavar

If you happen to visit Armenia in July, you have to try this holiday. Vardavar is an Armenian pagan holiday where people go out in the streets with buckets of water, looking for victims to splash. People of all age groups participate in this event, which makes it even more fun!

Helpful Tips For Finding Things To Do In Yerevan

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Save 15% on all booking.com rentals in Armenia with my discount code .

And last but not least, don’t forget to check whether you need a visa for Armenia. If you do, you can easily obtain it through Ivisa (for more info, check out our iVisa review ). 

Have you ever visited the Armenian capital or have some other must-see places in Yerevan you think I didn’t mention in this list? Let me know in the comments below.

Wednesday 2nd of January 2019

Thanks for your great advice in Yerevan city. I have been there this Autumn and looks like I have visited about half of your recommendations. Did you visit Geghard by public bus or how did you reach it? I would add if someone is already in that area not to skip Garni and it is even possible to make ~10 kilometers hike between Garni and Geghard.

Also my favorite thing in Yerevan for breakfast or dessert were ponchiks (sweet buns with different stuff inside). I ate them at Grand candy shop in Yerevan, near the Cascades. Looks like they have many shops around the town. Check this out - https://nomadjoseph.com/best-ponchiks-donuts-in-yerevan-grand-candy/ .

Hope to visit this lovely city again and see other places which you have recommended.

Passport Symphony

Tuesday 8th of January 2019

Hello Joseph and thank you for your comment. I'm glad you visited some of the recommendations from this list and that you had a great time in Yerevan. I love ponchiks too :) As for your question, yes you can reach Geghard via public transport. the buses that go that way are the buses with number 22, 26 or 36 and if you marshrutkas number 9, 69 or 73. They depart every 30 minutes and I think the ticket price is 250 AMD ($0.50)

Wednesday 14th of November 2018

I would definitely include this on my travel wishlists!

The photos look amazing, and captures the destination itself. Thanks a lot for sharing this to us!

Tuesday 13th of November 2018

Yerevan looks like an amazing city with great architecture. I had no idea Yerevan has a blue mosque as well and Vardavar looks like an exciting thing to do there, loosen up and have some bit of fun with water.

Thanks, Esther- I'm really happy to hear you liked it

Monday 12th of November 2018

This city is gorgeous! I shamefully had no idea it existed and I learned so much thanks to your post about Armenian history. Great discovery!

Thanks, Claire- I'm glad you could learn a few new things :)

Sunday 11th of November 2018

Geghard looks like a place you would see in movies. So cool, I would love to visit just for that place alone. Yerevan looks amazing and thank you for sharing top places to visit while there.

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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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Must-Visit Attractions in Yerevan

Armenia’s capital Yerevan might not be on your radar of the places to visit in 2018. Yet, the country’s largest city contains some rather interesting monuments you might want to check out. Yerevan is also one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities, therefore history and archeology buffs will enjoy their time here. But don’t worry if you don’t like visiting museums, because the city tries to satisfy each of its visitors by offering various parks, art museums, historical sights, and even a brandy factory.

1. cascade stairway and museum.

Library, Museum

2. Freedom Square

Park, Theater

Freedom Square, or Liberty Square as it is also often called, is a town square situated in the central district of the city. It is part of the Yerevan Opera Theater complex, located between Swan Lake and the Opera Park. Freedom Square, along with the Republic Square, is one of the main squares in the center of the capital bordering four streets: Mashtots Avenue, Sayat Nova, Tumanyan Steet, and Teryan Streer.

3. Mother Armenia Monument

Museum, Park

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5. Ararat Brandy Factory

6. Sergei Parajanov Museum

Sergei Parajanov was a Soviet director and artist of Armenian origin. The house museum represents his artistic and literary heritage, and was founded in 1988 when Parajanov moved to Yerevan and started the construction project for it. Due to socio-economic problems and the 1988 earthquake, the museum was opened only after his death, in 1991. Being one of the cultural centers of the capital, the museum is known for its publications, exhibitions, and honorary receptions. Wander through two floors showcasing around 1,400 items, including drawings, hats, Parajanov’s memorabilia, original posters, festival prizes, unpublished screenplays, and his various artworks.

7. The Armenian Genocide Museum

Memorial, Museum

8. Yerevan Great Blue Mosque

This beautiful Blue Mosque is a Shia mosque built in the 18th century. Much like any other religious buildings, the mosque stopped its service during Soviet rule. However, after Armenia gained its independence, the mosque was renovated with support from the Iranian government. Being the only mosque in the whole country, Blue Mosque is a fascinating architectural site with its colorful design both inside and out, as well as its dome that attracts the eye from a distance.

9. History Museum of Armenia

History buffs will enjoy a visit to the History Museum of Armenia, which has departments of numismatics, ethnography, archaeology, and modern history. With its national collection of 400,000 objects, the museum is regarded as Armenia’s national museum. Here, you can find a large collection of bronze items dating back to the 3rd-2nd millennia BC, the historical-cultural heritage of Urartu, a collection of gold, silver, and copper coins of different countries and kingdoms, just to name a few.

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Best attractions in Yerevan: Top 30

Do not know what to see in Yerevan, but already planning a visit to this hospitable city? Then read our review about the most popular sights of Yerevan, and you will be able to make a tour itinerary on your own.

What to see in Yerevan first of all?

1. cascade” complex.

A unique architectural composition uniting two parts of the city. This Yerevan landmark, located at the top of Kanaker hills, includes artistically decorated and ordered according to a certain system flower gardens, artificial fountains, sculptural compositions (including a monument to the architect Tamanyan) and staircase structures. There is also a main building and a memorial erected in honor of the Armenian victims of the 1915 genocide.

Official website: http://www.cmf.am/Contacts

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2. tsitsernakaberd memorial complex.

More than 50 years ago, the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial was established on top of Mount Tsitsernakaberd in honor of one and a half million Armenians who died from the Turkish genocide. Today it is a sacred place of pilgrimage for many thousands of believers from all over the world.

Official website: http://www.genocide-museum

3. Republic Square

The real decoration of the square are considered the main clock of the state with bells and 2750 small fountains. If you do not know what to see in Yerevan in 1 day, come here. Within walking distance from each other are: the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Post Office of Armenia, the Government building with the city chimes and the National Museum of History. By the way, if you are interested in the best hotels in Yerevan, Marriott Armenia offers its services here.

Official site: https://www.yerevan.am/ru/

4. Armenian Government Building

A luxurious building of polygonal shape with a spacious courtyard. The building with a basalt base is built of felsite tuff of white and pink color. The interior space is used as a reception room, press center, and rooms for meetings of the government. In addition to the meetings themselves, exhibitions for residents and visitors are often held here.

5. Charles Aznavour Square

Let’s continue our rating with a story about that Armenian landmark , which is particularly beloved not only by tourists, but also by the people of Yerevan themselves. About 15 years ago, the beautiful semicircular square was renamed in honor of an honorary citizen of the country - Charles was personally present at its reopening. The central part is decorated with 12 fountains. There are also majestic statues of a bull and a spider and a huge chessboard. In good weather on the square are held youth festivals, shows and performances of rock bands.

6. Northern Ave

The whole avenue is a pedestrian zone. On the left and right sides are multistory buildings with bars, souvenir shops, restaurants and business centers. All high-rise buildings are finished with pink tufa and travertine. The width and length of the pedestrian street is 10 m and 1.5 km respectively. We especially recommend a trip along this avenue for shopping lovers.

7. Blue mosque

The territory of the temple complex is about 7 thousand square meters. It includes a library, a minaret, a dome, an exhibition hall, a ritual building and a well-kept courtyard. The only Muslim cathedral in Armenia got its name thanks to the facing in the corresponding color. No matter what religion you are, you should not refuse from excursion in Yerevan to the Blue Mosque. As the reviews say, every tourist feels calm and happy here.

Official website: http://yerevanmasjed.

8. Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator

Your trip around the capital is not complete until you visit one of the city’s most imposing and significant sites. Inside the cathedral are relics formerly held in a Naples monastery and associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator. The buildings of the temple have a picturesque and incredibly breathtaking view, also because they are set against a backdrop of mountain peaks.

9. Church of St. Zoravor

The ancient medieval church with its well-kept grounds has an austere exterior and an equally ascetic interior. In the halls of the three-nave basilica without domes under the foundation slab rest the relics of the Apostle Ananias, who founded the Church of St. Zoravora back in the 7th century. The narthexes are decorated with domed bell towers, the walls with 17th century cross-stones.

10. Monument “Mother Armenia”

To find this architectural and historical monument you don’t need the recommendations of the navigator and guides in Yerevan . The statue is 22 meters high and stands on a pedestal more than 50 meters high: you can see it from anywhere in the capital. The pedestal is made of black granite with carved patterns, the “Mother Armenia” herself is made of forged copper.

Official website: http://www.atb.am/en/

11. Matenadaran

It is impossible to call Matenadaran an ordinary museum. The ancient exhibits on display are samples of ancient medicine and art, hand craftsmanship and science, the first written language. It is in this research center that the most ancient manuscripts of the Armenian people are preserved.

Official website: http://www.matenadaran

12. The “Smoking Woman” Sculpture

One of the three sculptures by the famous master Fernando Botero, made in the form of a rather plump nude lady, reclining with a cigarette in her hands on her stomach. If you are interested in the best sights in Yerevan, be sure to come take a look at it, the Colombian Botero is one of the highest paid contemporary sculptors in the world.

Official website: http://www.cmf.am

13. Yerevan “ArArAt” brandy factory

Visitors are offered to buy and taste local alcoholic drinks, watch the process of their production and listen to the history of the foundation of the legendary enterprise. Even if you have no desire to see the cognac casks in the cellar or visit the tasting rooms, come to this distillery by all means. You will be able to walk through the alley of evergreen trees of the courtyard, planted by the honorable guests of the distillery.

Official website: https://araratbrandy.com/

14. Yerevan railway station

On the station square rises the majestic Sasunci David Monument, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. The modern Yerevan railway station can be called a complex with a long history. The main building with the administrative block and side porticoes is made of pink tufa, which is typical of the capital. The external cornices and columns attract attention with a decor - stone bunches of grapes and national Armenian ornaments.

15. Historical museum and picture gallery of Armenia

One of the places that you should visit in Yerevan with a guide. The thing is that almost all captions of the expositions are not in English or Russian, but in Armenian. The museum shares a common area with the gallery of unique paintings. Its area is subdivided into several departments, including historical architecture, numismatics, ethnography and archaeology. The specimens belong to very different eras, from the Stone Age to the late 19th century.

Official website: https://historymuseum

16. Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater

A wonderful place for those who are passionate about music and don’t know what to visit in Armenia. If you don’t want to buy rather inexpensive tickets for opera and ballet performances, enjoy the unique architectural look of the building. There is a beautiful square nearby, plenty of outdoor cafes, playgrounds for children, and the most beautiful Liberty Square in the city.

Official website: http://opera.am/ru/

17. Sergei Parajanov Museum

This private museum is best visited as part of a tour group. The two-story building sits above a ravine, making for wonderful panoramic views. The house was built for the great director, but he did not have time to live there. More than a thousand and a half exhibits and exhibition archives are related to Paradzhanov’s life, works and thoughts.

Official website: http://parajanovmuseum.

18. Dalan Art Gallery

In addition to permanent exhibitions of post-Soviet masters of art, temporary exhibitions of artists of our time are held here. In the art halls one is invited not only to enjoy the paintings, but also to taste the national dishes and buy traditional souvenirs.

Official website : https://dalan.am/

19. Meheryan Karpet Museum

The collection features over 50 rare ancient carpets, including a unique hand-woven 17th-century rug. During the tour you can hear a lot of fascinating stories about the production of carpets and buy a favorite rug made of natural materials or place an order for its creation (the price of the offer varies). All items are woven exclusively by hand. There are master classes for those who want to try their hand at weaving carpets. The complex combines a restaurant, museum, shop and factory. You can try to bake lavash, or just enjoy national dishes and drinks, dance and listen to music.

20. Vernissage Flea Market

Visiting such interesting places in Yerevan it is impossible to leave the capital empty-handed. There are handmade dolls, national music instruments, plates, dishes, paintings, carpets, ceramics, board games, and wood products that tourists love. There are also antiques. The price of products in most cases is accessible and low (if we are not talking about the collectibles, which are also quite a lot). Working hours of the market are every day. But we recommend to come here on Saturday and Sunday - the goods will be at maximum quantity.

Official website: https://www.iarmenia

Yerevan sights: what else to visit in Yerevan?

We have told you about the main attractions of Yerevan in brief. Besides them, you should also visit:

21. Yerevan Zoo

The date of construction of the zoo is more than 75 years ago. Now there are more than 200 species of different inhabitants living in the area of 25 hectares. You can look at the animals and birds and take pictures with them. In addition, the landscaped park offers plenty of entertainment for guests of all ages. The zoo has an excellent reputation for the cleanliness of its picturesque territory, the well-groomed animals and the impressive size of their enclosures.

Official website: http://www.yerevanzoo

22. Lovers’ Park

A wonderful public place for recreation, in the amphitheater of which exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and musical performances are regularly held. One of the decorations of the park is the sculpture in honor of G. Emin. The landscaped area has a small outdoor restaurant, fountains, sculptures and an artificial lake with several islands. There is free Wi-Fi for all guests of the lovers’ park. The main author of the project is the famous Swiss Pierre Rambach.

Official website: http://www.bg.am/

23. Erebouni Fortress

“Bloody” fortress got its name due to the fact that it is located on the top of Arin-Berd hill, covered with poppies. When the plants are in bloom, the mountain seems to be drenched in blood. Coming to see the city-fortress, you should visit its museum - here are the exhibits that tell about the traditions and life of culture of Urartu. At the foot of the mountain there are many unusual monuments (modern sculptures). From the fortress itself you can see panoramic views of Ararat and the capital.

Official website: http://www.erebuni.

24. Khor Virap

An Armenian temple located near the border with Turkey. One of the reasons for its fame is its location near Mount Ararat. It is at the foot of the biblical mountain that Noah found himself on his ark after the Great Flood. Visitors are invited to participate in ceremonies of releasing snow-white doves, a visit to the historic underground dungeon where St. George the Illuminator was kept, and to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also possible.

Official website: http://www.armeniapedia

25. St. Anne’s Church

The ancient city of Yerevan is a real treasury of Armenian cultural sites and ancient monuments. The mountains surrounding the capital frame the urban landscape, and the best way to relax in nature is to go outside Yerevan. But if you have limited time to explore the city, you should start with the city’s historical monuments and shrines. St. Anne’s Church is a new structure from 2015. The light stone decoration of the temple in the traditional style of Armenian architecture conveys a certain spirit of antiquity. It is located in the Kentron district, next to the 12th century Katoghike Church. The original design of the building belongs to architect V. Movsisyan - by his idea the church of St. Anna is located next to the ancient chapel, and visually as if “embraces” the ancient shrine. The structure is a single-domed temple in the form of a cross.

26. Liberty Square

Golden Autumn is the epithet that best describes the second month of autumn in Yerevan: the yellowing leaves give a special charm to local parks and squares. Also in October the residents of Yerevan celebrate the birthday of Yerevan - one of the favorite local festivals, when interesting events are organized in different parts of the capital, and one of the epicenters of the celebration is Freedom Square. Knowing this, visitors do not ponder over what to see in Yerevan in October and plan their trips so as to visit Freedom Square during the days of the holiday. This is a cozy place in the heart of Yerevan, where the main salt of the city’s sights is concentrated, for example, here you can see the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater, a number of monuments of cultural figures, there is even a small lake called Swan Lake, which in winter becomes a large skating rink. In short, this is the best district of Yerevan for getting acquainted with the Armenian capital.

27. Aram Khachaturian’s house-museum

The capital of Armenia is full of contrasts: the cool places of Yerevan are neighbors of the cultural institutions and the network of old streets with colorful Eastern architecture is woven into the modern quarters of the city. One of the jewels of Yerevan is the house-museum of the great composer Aram Khachaturian, who is especially revered in Armenia as the author of world famous pieces of music and as a genius who opened a fundamentally new view on the ancient Armenian folk music. The museum was established in 1982 after the death of the composer in the heart of the capital so that the fame of the musical genius would not fade for many years. The most valuable exhibits, reflecting the composer’s life, are collected within these walls: things from his personal cabinet, letters and photos. There is even a personal baton and a piano, at which the composer worked. The museum has a library with a collection of scores.

Official website : http://www.khachaturian

28. Museum of Russian art

Tourists usually try to visit Yerevan in spring or summer, but what to see in Yerevan in winter? Winter is the low tourist season in Armenia, but some tourists enjoy it. Fortunately, in the wintertime Yerevan museums work as usual and you can combine business with pleasure, escaping from the winter cold on an informative tour. For example, you could visit the Museum of Russian Art, which is based on the collection of renowned doctor and public figure Aram Abramyan. It presents the best period of Russian art history, during which the masterpieces of the world famous Russian art school were created. The museum was founded in 1984, located on the first floor of one of the most beautiful buildings of the city. The basis of the exhibition consists of the works of 120 painters of the period of the 19th-20th centuries, with many works being grouped according to the associations, in which the artists were members during their lifetime.

29. The House Museum of Martiros Saryan

Another cultural institution that deserves to be included into the top 10 Yerevan sights is the Martiros Saryan Museum, which is a collection of fine art works of the great Armenian painter. Saryan was a master of decorative landscapes, colorful still lifes, characteristic portraits, theatrical scenery and literary illustrations. For his peculiar style of painting this artist was called the master of sunny art. In total Saryan wrote about 5000 works that are now exhibited in many museums in Russia and Armenia. But those works that are on display in the House-Museum are quite enough to study the creative path of the master. On the first floor of the building are graphic sketches, illustrations, sketches for decorations, as well as a memorial room with the painter’s personal belongings. The second floor shows the main masterpieces of the author - landscapes, portraits, still lifes. The third floor shows the earliest period of his work.

Official website: http://sarian.am/htmls

30. Museum of Modern Art

July is a sunny time in Yerevan and it is the best time for countryside trips. Guests of the capital will not have to choose what to see in Yerevan in July. There are Jemruk waterfalls, mineral springs, charming forests of Dilijan and many other interesting things to see. But you can supplement your out-of-town trip with an evening promenade along the city avenues when the heat of the day goes away and the long-awaited freshness sets in. On the Republic Square you can enjoy a great show of singing fountains, or dilute your serene vacation with an informative visit to the Museum of Modern Art. Going back in time, the museum was founded in the 1970s entirely on donations by artists. Today these walls hold one of the largest collections of Armenian painting and sculpture of the 20-21 centuries. And at the heart of the exhibit are works of the “sixties,” from which the museum collection originated.

Official website: http://www.mamy.

We’ll be glad if the above mentioned sights of Yerevan, photos with names and descriptions of which you just saw, will interest you and your family.

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20 MOST SPECTACULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN ARMENIA

It is very difficult to narrow down the most spectacular places to visit in Armenia simply because there are so many. From the trendy capital city of Yerevan to the fascinating Armenian historical sites throughout the country, the country captivates and enthralls. There is something for everyone in Armenia where the people are friendly, the Armenian cuisine is unique and the landscapes are breathtaking. Come see this collection of the most beautiful places to visit in Armenia.

I recently spent several days in Armenia sightseeing in both the little known Armenian cities as well as exploring the top Armenia tourist spots . I didn’t expect to find so many things to do and must-see Armenia landmarks . I came away with a great appreciating for the country and the Armenian culture . As a result, I can heartily recommend a visit to Armenia. 

Before delving into the most spectacular places to visit in Armenia , I want to share some helpful Armenian facts and information.

FACTS ABOUT ARMENIA

• The population of Armenia is about 3 million with over one third in the capital city of Yerevan.
• Armenia was the first country to accept Christianity in 301 CE preached by Saint Gregory the Illuminator.
• Armenia is located the Caucasus region, between the Caspian and Black Seas, along with Azerbaijan , Georgia, parts of Russia and parts of Turkey.
• Currency in Armenia is the dram. There are about 476 dram to the US dollar as of this writing.
• English is frequently spoken in the tourism industry and hotels in major cities.  The younger the people the more likely they are to speak some English.  Older people are more comfortable in Russian.
• ATMs are readily available in major cities, less so in the countryside.
• The distance from the Yerevan airport to the city center is 14 kilometers, about 20 minutes.
•  Charles Aznavour was French-Armenian. His real name was Shahnour Vaghinag Aznavourian and he is considered a   national hero in Armenia having assisted greatly after the earthquakes of the 1980s.

THE MOST SPECTACULAR PLACES TO VISIT IN ARMENIA

Table of Contents

This capital city of about 1 million residents is the type of place your could linger in indefinitely and one of the best places to visit in Armenia.  The city is beautifully laid out with excellent transportation options, a lively nightlife, good restaurants, helpful friendly people and a vibrant cultural life.

The must-see destinations in Yerevan are easy to find:

Start your Yerevan city tour at Republic Square , considered the center of the city. All roads lead from Republic Square.  Here’s where you find a good portion of the city’s cultural icons; the National History Museum and the Art Museum, conveniently both in the same building and worth a visit!

Another cultural icon is the Matenadaran , the nation’s repository of ancient manuscripts, gospels and other documents. Make sure to take the 30 minute tour!

A different cultural icon is the Ararat Brandy Company .  Brandy has a long cultural legacy in Armenia which is well represented here.  Take the tour, learn the history and taste the generous samples.  You will leave happy.

A fun place to hang out in Yerevan is the Cascade , a massive staircase rising to a view of Mount Ararat (don’t worry, there’s an escalator) and the Sculpture Garden below displaying sculptures for the likes of Botero and other prominent artists.

Mother Armenia , the statue of a woman holding a sword which looks over the city from a mountain top, is a beautiful structure as well as a national symbol. Make sure to see the small museum at the base.

Shop at the Vernissage market for local crafts and souvenirs and at the Gum Market to sample traditional Armenian delicacies. Yum!!

If you want to experience the Yerevan nightlife, go wander Saryan Street until you find your perfect wine bar or restaurant. This is where Yerevan goes to enjoy the evening in their beautiful city while they snack on “lavash” (goat cheese wrapped in Armenian bread with condiments), and a glass of wine. Saryan Street is the place to be in Yerevan for wine lovers.  And even if you don’t like wine, this is such a fun place to people watch, you shouldn’t miss it.

No matter what you do in Yerevan, no matter how long you are in the city, you cannot leave without visiting the Armenian Genocide Museum .  This well-curated museum explains the history of the Armenian holocaust at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.  It will give you insight into the culture and help you understand it.

Where to stay in Yerevan

Once you leave Yerevan, you begin to explore the Armenian countryside with its amazing landscapes.  One of the most beautiful sights is the view of Mount Ararat where, legend has it, Noah’s ark rested after the flood, with the Khor Viral Monastery in the foreground.  The view is picture perfect and a great photo opportunity.

Khor Viral Monastery View with View of Mount Ararat

Novarank Monastery

Two hours southeast of Yerevan is Noravank Monastery, clinging to a cliff, surrounded by rust-colored rocks.

This 13-century monastery is known for its carvings, one of which is believed to be the only image of god in the country. The monastery has served many purposes throughout the centuries. It was once the residence of high-ranking clergy which made the monastery a religious center. It was also a cultural center and even a library.

Jermuk is the spa town in the area. During the Soviet Era Jermuk is where people came to enjoy fresh mountain air, lovely landscapes and “sanatoriums.” A sanatorium was a spa-type establishments that offered massages, steam rooms and saunas. The town’s principal draw has remained and flourished after the Soviets left.  Today there are some pretty good spas available at extremely reasonable prices. One example is the Grand Resort.

Throughout the town you can see abandoned Soviet Era structures still standing like movie theaters and enormous hotels clinging from mountain sides.  It’s fascinating to see these relics of the past and imagine what life must have been like during Soviet times.

Another town draw is the health waters of Jermuk.  In keeping with the town’s reputation as a health resort, there is a fountain that sprouts what is touted as waters with health benefits from different sprouts. All the waters have different temperatures. Tourist drink the waters and have their photos taken in the arcade sheltering the fountain.

Salim Caravanserai

Between the towns of Jermuk and Noratus there is an ancient caravanserai.  A caravanserai is an inn used as a stopping point by the caravans as they worked their way across Asia.  The ancient caravanserai were instrumental in encouraging the flow of information, commerce, ideas and people along the trade routes of Southeast Europe, North Africa and Asia, particularly the Silk Route.

Today there are caravanserai that have been reconstructed and transformed into hotels serving the same purpose as they did over 1000 years ago. You can find many of them in Baku, Azerbaijan , once a central transfer point in the ancient world, similar to what major airline hubs would be today.

The Salim Caravanserai in Armenia looks exactly as it did in the 13th century.  It is said that Marco Polo stayed there on his way to China.

What’s fascinating about this place is that you can see exactly what a caravanserai looked like and imagine how the people lived and travelled along the Silk Route.  There are separate rooms for the pack animals; camels, donkeys and horses.  The middle of the large room is reserved for cooking with an air chute still clearly visible above what was the cooking fire.  Directly in front of the animal stable section is the area where the humans slept and rested.

You can almost envision these long-distance traders wheeling and dealing and planning their next day’s journey by the light of the fire.  I found this to be one of the most interesting places to visit in Armenia.

Right outside the caravanserai an entrepreneurial couple sells souvenirs, Armenian delicacies and local flavored vodkas and brandies.

This is a must on your list of places to visit in Armenia simply for its uniqueness and historical value.

Lake Sevan and Sevanavank Monastery

Next stop, Lake Sevan, the Pearl of Armenia and one of the largest high-altitude fresh water lakes in the world.

Lake Sevan is a popular getaway spot for Armenians.  There are restaurants around the lake offering fresh seafood and Armenian delicacies.

A short walk from the lake is the Sevanavank Monastery.  Climb the 200 steps of the monastery and be rewarded by a spectacular view of the shimmering lake.

The monastery itself is also impressive. It is part of a complex that dates back to the 4th century CE.

One of the many legends surrounding the monastery is that it was built by a princess who dreamt that the 12 apostles flew over the lake and indicated to her where the monastery should be built.

Since that time the monastery has been a rehabilitation center for misbehaving monks, a center for illustrating manuscripts, a writers residence and a summer retreat for high-level politicians.

The monastery was originally on an island but during an industrialization project the lake was drained of 65 feet and the island became a peninsula although the locals still refer to it as an island.

The monastery is worth a visit for its architecture and breathtaking views of the sparkling azure Lake Sevan.

Noratus and the Khachkars

Of all the places to visit in Armenia , the cemetery in the little town of Noratus was the most fascinating for me.

I love cemeteries. I believe they are perfect history lessons about the area you are visiting. Cemeteries reveal customs, attitudes and beliefs. The cemetery in Noratus was no exception.

The cemetery at Noratus is amazing for many reasons but mostly for the abundance of khachkars.

A khachkar is a carved memorial stone frequently used as a headstone or a memorial marker.  These stones, also called Armenian crosses, usually contain a cross design and are found throughout Armenia and parts of Turkey.

UNESCO has included the khachkars along with their craftmanship and symbolism in the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage .

Dilijan is a town with a lot going for it.  It is frequently referred to as Armenia’s Little Switzerland because of its spa areas, beautiful mountainous surroundings and main street, Sharambeyan Street, built to resemble a Swiss Village.

The town is situated within the Dilijan National Park and has long been regarded as an artistic center where artisans can work on their specialties and sell their creations direct to the public from their work studios.

The other big draw in Dilijan is the fabulous collection of ancient monasteries within the Dilijan National Park .

One of the monasteries in the national park that is definitely worth seeing and probably the easiest to access is Haghartsin Monastery, This ancient structure is said to have been originally built in the 9th century – no one is really sure -and renovated extensively in 2011. It is a large complex with hidden passages and soaring spires nestled on a leafy green mountainside. This is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Armenia and a photo opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Right outside the monastery is a gata stand.  What’s a gata? A gata is a traditional Armenian pastry eaten as a snack with coffee or tea. They are baked with flour, sugar and butter and stuffed with a variety of fillings like nuts, raisins or various fruits. A gata can be as small as the palm of your hand or as big as a car wheel.

Gatas are eaten during certain holidays or for no reason whatsoever. Sometimes a coin is baked into a large gata and whoever finds it is said to have good luck for the coming year.

Each Armenian region has its own take on gata. The gatas at the Dilijan National Park by the Haghartsin Monastery are representative of both the Dlijan specialty and specialties from various regions.

Batches of gata are made throughout the day and its fun to watch them bake the delicacies from scratch. It’s even more fun to taste them right out of the oven. I tasted the blueberry gata and it was outstanding!

Insider tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds.  This is a very popular tourist spot.

Where to stay in Dilijan.

About 130 kilometers north of Yerevan is Vanadzor, Armenia’s third largest city, the capital of Lori province and a major former industrial center in the Soviet Era.

As is the case with most of Armenia, Vanadzor is rich in archeological sites having been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age. The city is decorated with lush gardens, pleasant pedestrian streets and broad plazas.

Vanadzor is also considered a major cultural center with many Armenians saying the country’s finest khachkars come from that vecinity.  Many artists make Vanadzor home including the inimitable Bogdan the khachkar carver who welcomes visitors into his workshop and regales them with his Armenian melody’s.

On the way back to the capital of Yerevan, two fascinating places to visit in Armenia are the monastery of Geghard and Garni. These two attractions can also be visited as day trips from Yerevan.

If Geghard Monastery were in a country other than Armenia, it would be one of the top tourist attractions in the country. But  in Armenia, a country that is overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is just one more must-see, jaw-dropping, amazing historical structure.

Geghard Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was actually carved out of the mountain!  When you see this place you can only imagine the effort that it took to accomplish this amazing architectural achievement.

The legend is that the spear that pierced Jesus’s side was once housed at Geghard. This made it a major pilgrimage site. Today, Geghard Monastery is visited for its religious significance as well as its architectural achievement.

This site was built in the 4th century CE although the main chapel was built in 1215. What’s fascinating about Geghard and makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Armenia are the adjacent chapels that were literally carved out of stone almost 1400 years ago with nothing beyond human and animal power.

A short distance from Geghard Monastery is the village of Garni with its magnificent temple.

Built in the 1st century CE, this ancient temple of Garni is the only Greco-Roman structure in Armenia.

There is speculation as to the temple’s original purposes. Some historians claim it was originally built as a temple to the local sun god.  Others say it was initially a tomb which is why it survived the destruction of the pagan temples when the area Christianized.

Whatever its origins, it is truly spectacular and a must-see site in Armenia. 

Where to stay in Garni

The Symphony of Stone

Nearby is one of the most interesting places to see in Armenia , the Symphony of Stones.

The Symphony of Stones are basalt column formations clinging to the cliff sides of the Garni Gorge.

Just before reaching the Greco-Roman temple, there is a road that takes you down to the valley. As you descend you will begin seeing the columns which continue to the valley floor.

This is a must-see natural phenomenon you will never forget.

Armenian Cuisine

Armenian cuisine is not only about food, it is about culture.  Besides being delicious, many of the specialties have interesting backstories or are prepared using unusual methods.

Common ingredients in Armenian food include eggplant, lamb, cheeses -particularly goat, and bulgur or cracked wheat rather than rice.  These are not highly spiced dishes relying instead on the freshness of the ingredients for flavor.

The gatas mentioned above are very popular and after tasting one I can understand why. Biting into a freshly baked gata is a very rewarding experience.

Another amazing dish you will see at almost every meal is the lavash. Lavash is a thin flatbread cooked in a tandoor oven and eaten with various accompaniments like goat cheese, tomatoes, jams and herbs. It is frequently used to roll up the sides and eaten like a taco.

Just like a gata, a fresh-out-of-the-oven lavash is delightful.  Lavash is found throughout the Caucasus, parts of Turkey and Iran, but it is almost mandatory in Armenia.

The lavash and its preparation is such an integral part of Armenian culture that it was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2014.

The most interesting thing about lavash is how it is prepared.  The tandoor ovens can sometimes be underground. The dough is kneaded, placed on a cushioned platform and slapped onto the side of the oven. When it is retrieved, fully baked, it is hung to dry.  It’s quite a spectacle.

Does Armenia sound like a place you want to visit? Read more about this fascinating country in these guide books.

What are your thoughts on the best paces to visit in Armenia? Let us know in the comments which of these locations most impressed you.

BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,  money-saving links  to book your trip:

• Research and  book your flight  with  Skyscanner . I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
• For  car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend   Discover Cars .
• Book your accommodation  with  Booking.com . I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
• Protect your trip  and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use  Travelinsurance.com  and have been very happy with them.
• Looking for a  small group tour  to unforgettable destinations with top professionals?  Intrepid Trave l is your choice.
• For more  general tours  to any destination or attraction,  book with   Viator . Check them out.
• Need a visa?   Get your visa  for all countries with   Passport Visa Exp ress.
• Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
• Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
• Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.

I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.

Talek Nantes

5 thoughts on “20 most spectacular places to visit in armenia”.

Thank you for transporting me to this far-flung location. I have always wanted to visit Armenia, and have a few friends whose families originate from there. It was delightful to see the Botero statue in Yerevan as we were recently in Colombia. The image of Khor Viral Monastery View with View of Mount Ararat took my breath away.

Yes, it is an amazing country. Botero actually several statues there. He is quite prolific. So glad you liked the post and thank you for commenting.

Wow, Armenia looks beautiful. There are so many places to see in the world but this post definitely made me add Armenia to my list!

Yes, Armenia is pretty amazing. The food and the wine was also quite a surprise. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.

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Best of Armenia , Things To Do

101 mind-blowing places to visit in armenia (by region).

Armenia may be a small country but it truly has so much to do! These are the best places to visit in Armenia – from well-known places to off-the-path tourist attractions in Armenia that you probably have not heard of!

This guide details some of our favorite places to see in Armenia and we break them all down by region (marz), so you can explore places close by if you have your sights set on a specific place.

What is your favorite destination in Armenia? Let us know in the comments! Thanks!

Below are some of the top tours, hotels, and more!

Top Experiences and Tours In Armenia:

• 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)

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Places to Visit in Yerevan

Cascade complex.

One of the most popular Soviet Modernism constructions in Yerevan is the fascinating Cascade Complex .

It truly is one of the gems of Yerevan! There are some fantastic Yerevan cafes situated here and it is one of our favorite places to go for a stroll!

Made of beautiful limestone the masterpiece monument is located in the city center and it’s a stairway that connects the upper part of Yerevan to downtown.

Unique construction contains in it many stone artworks, on each level, garden with open-air exhibitions and also is possible to see many wonderful exhibits of contemporary arts from around the world in Cafesjian Center for the Arts in Cascade.

Address: 10 Tamanyan St

Hrazdan Gorge

Yerevan is also a unique city because unlike many other world capitals, it has an amazing and impressive gorge crossing through the city center and connecting one part of Yerevan to the other.

Hrazdan Gorge is one of the hidden gems of Yerevan that is connected to the city center by an old Soviet-era tunnel where it is possible to see a partially abandoned Children’s Railway, an old aqueduct, an ancient red bridge, the Hrazdan River, and more!

In Hrazdan Gorge , you can also experience several events and activities such as rock climbing, the Urvakan Festival , and ziplining.

Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve

Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world founded approximately in 782 BC and you can see a lot of the history of the city at the Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve .

Located in the southern part of the Yerevan on the hill of Arin Berd (also knowns as Red Hill) it is possible to visit the first settlements of Yerevan, the Urartian Fortress Erebouni, where Argishti I was living in his palace.

The museum is filled with ancient constructions, artifacts, and much more! It is one of the best places to visit in Yerevan!

Address: 38 Erebuni St

Dancing Fountains at Republic Square

A beloved place for locals and tourists to enjoy the warm Yerevan nights and witness an exciting and colorful fountain show … the Dancing Fountains are Soviet-era fountains that put on a musical show every evening during the warmer months in the heart of Republic Square.

Matenadaran

Home of ancient manuscripts, the Matenadaran a unique place where it is possible to see one of the biggest collections of Armenian and international manuscripts from different centuries.

Located in the center of Yerevan, it is a captivating building that is impressive both from inside and outside and should definitely be on your Armenia bucket list!

Address: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave

Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

One of the most important monuments in Armenia the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex that was constructed in honor of the victims of the Armenia Genocide by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.

The construction of the unique monument started in 1967 (architect = Arthur Tarkhanyan) and has historical symbolism in each element of it. In addition, it is possible to see a museum underground when you’re visiting the complex.

Each year on April 24, there is a big memorial ceremony there.

Address: 8 Tsitsernakaberd Highway

Blue Mosque

The oldest existing Iranian Shia Mosque in Armenia is located in Yerevan and was constructed in 1768. It is known as the Blue Mosque as a result of its colorful details and accents of blue throughout.

The Blue Mosque is open for visitors where it is possible to get more familiar with the history of the construction, relax in a lovely garden, and photograph the architecture of it.

Address: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Ave

Yerevan Vernissage

The biggest flea market in Armenia is called Vernissage and it is one of the most popular places in Yerevan and a beloved place for both tourists and locals.

Located in the city center next to Republic Square the Vernissage is offering wide varieties of Armenian handmade souvenirs, clothing, artworks, carpets, soviet-era accessories, and many more.

Address: 1, 3 Buzand St

Sergei Parajanov Museum

Probably the most fascinating and unique museum in Armenia (maybe even throughout the whole Caucasus!) is the museum of Armenian filmmaker, artist, and director Sergei Parajanov .

He is most famous for the film The Color of Pomegranates and at the Sergei Parajanov Museum in Yerevan, you can see memorabilia from his life and masterpieces… and more.

It is one of the best things to do in Yerevan , without a doubt!

Address: Dzoragyugh 1st St

Yerevan Botanical Garden

Located out of the city center and in the Avan district, the Yerevan Botanical Garden is a spacious slice of nature in the city where it is possible to jog, photograph, picnic, play games, and more.

The most interesting part of the area is the Soviet-era greenhouse where you will see a large display of plants, small pools, and stairs to walk up to observe the greenhouse.

The Botanical Gardens is in a state of repair and hopefully it will breathe a bit of new life into the place! Either way, it is a cool place to visit!

Address: 15 Lepsiusi Street

Ararat Brandy Company

One of the points of pride in Armenia (and our symbol of top-quality spirits) is the Ararat Brandy Company . It is the home of the legendary Ararat Brandy (Cognac).

Since 1887, the Ararat factory has been making and perfecting brandy and offering tours to see the history of the beverage and try the drink that was a favorite of Winston Churchill.

Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Ave

Karen Demirtchian Sport / Concert Complex

One of the masterpieces of Soviet Modernist architecture in Yerevan is the impressive Karen Demirtchian Sport / Concert Complex that is also known as Hamalir.

It is visually one of the most fascinating constructions in Armenia and the entire Caucasus region.

Built next to Tsitsernakaberd hill in 1983, it is the biggest sports and concert complex in the country and has 184 stairs leading to it that are decorated with beautiful stones and water fountains.

Address: 1 Tsitsernakaberd Highway

Yerevan Noy Wine Brandy Vodka Factory

Also known as the Noy Factory , the massive alcohol-producing factory was founded during the Russian Empire times in 1877 close to the territory of the Yerevan Fortress.

The factory offers unforgettable and amazing tours from underground sellers to historical buildings where you will see and sample the premium class brandy and wines.

Address: 9 Argishti St

Saryan Wine Street

One of the most vibrant streets in the Yerevan city center is Saryan Street . The street is known for its hidden wine shops, charming cafes, and one of our favorite coffee shops in Yerevan !

As you wander along Saryan Street, you will find some really hip bars and restaurants and you will also find some exciting museums. The museum for artist Martiros Saryan is located there as well as a museum dedicated to poet Hovhannes Tumanyan.

During May, this is also the place where Yerevan Wine Days takes place!

Lovers Park

This lovely and well-maintained park in Yerevan is located on Baghramyan street next to the metro station and is one of the most beloved parks in Yerevan for locals, tourists, and couples to hang out.

Head to Lovers Park and enjoy the wonderful terraces, co-work in a cafe, see open-air concerts, and more.

Address: 21 Marshal Baghramyan Ave

Kond District

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Yerevan is called Kond. The Kond District is a hidden land of forgotten history, small homes, and street art in the city center of Yerevan.

Located on a little hill in the city center, Kond has transformed into the city’s most colorful neighborhood as street art adorns the buildings and narrow alleys.

This is definitely a cool little stop in Yerevan!

Places to Visit in Ararat Region

Khor virap monastery.

One of the most iconic symbols of Armenia and Christianity is Khor Virap Monastery , located an hour away from Yerevan in the Ararat region in the unique Ararat Valley location overlooking the Ararat Mountain.

Khor Virap Monastery used to be a Royal Prison and where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 years by King Tiridates III.

After surviving and getting out, in 301 AD, he made Armenia the first Christian Nation in the World.

Getting to Khor Virap from Yerevan is pretty easy and there are plenty of tours that will take you there!

Khosrov Forest State Reserve

One of the most popular national parks and reserves in Armenia is the Khosrov Forest State Reserve.

The protected area is where travelers can embark on scenic hikes, camping adventures, historical sites, some of the most famous waterfalls in Armenia , and witness the unique wildlife in Khosrov Forest.

The 1700-years-old Khosrov Forest State Reserve is located in the Ararat region about 2 hours away from Yerevan and was named in honor of Armenian king Khosrov because it was his royal hunting forest.

Dvin Village

The ancient settlements of Dvin are located near Dvin Village in the Ararat region about 45 minutes away from Yerevan.

These ruins date back to the 3rd-century BC! This is one of the best day trips from Yerevan if you’re into history.

During its long history, Dvin once was the capital of the Armenian kingdom during Khosrov II in the 4th-century.

It was an epicenter for trade for around 13 centuries and was even a base of Katholikos of Armenia at one point.

Angels’ Canyon

Located only one hour away in Vedi in the Ararat region, you will end up in a jagged, red rock canyon called Angels’ Canyon (Hreshtakneri Dzor in Armenian).

This awe-inspiring landmark in Armenia is a beloved place for hikers and rock climbers where locals and travelers are hiking to explore the area and take interesting photos.

Hell’s Canyon

For extreme sports lovers and exactly for rock climbers, Hell’s Canyon in the Ararat region is a must-visit place if you’re an adventurer and looking to see some of Armenia’s best scenery.

It is often referred to as Aratso Dzor (Aratso Canyon).

Resembling bloody, red-colored rocks, the canyon is still a bit undiscovered and has several hidden corners, waterfalls, caves, and other natural spots that will take your breath away!

Azat Reservoir

Surrounded by colorful, rigid mountains with unusual layers, Azat Reservoir is located less than an hour away from Yerevan in the Ararat region (although most people mistake it for being in Kotayk).

Azat Reservoir is not only one of the most beloved places for hiking for locals and travelers but is also a place where you can go fishing, camping, and just enjoy the serene sounds of being away from the city.

Places to Visit in Vayots Dzor Region

Areni wine village.

Areni Wine Village is probably the oldest wine-making and production place in the world that we currently know of and it is an essential place to visit in Armenia.

Located in the Vayots Dzor region and surrounded by picturesque and colorful mountains, Areni village is on everyone’s list to visit to try the local wine, hike to the church located up in the rocks, and participate in one of the most famous wine festivals in Armenia known as the Areni Wine Fest .

This festival takes place each year in October and is a blast! Be sure to also book a stay at Anapat Canyon when youʻre there – it is one of our favorite places to stay in Armenia!

Noravank Monastery

The 13th-century Noravank Monastery is another very popular historical sight located in the Vayots Dzor region and situated in a very picturesque setting.

After passing Areni village, you will and enter a narrow cliff road to the monastery where you will see red cliffs, colorful mountains, and the powerful Amaghu River.

Noravank Monastery is one of the most visited places in Armenia and its setting makes it unique to pretty much just about any other monastery – so be sure to add it to your Armenia itinerary !

Jermuk Hot Springs

Armenia is a land of mountains and extinct volcanoes, so you will find many unique sights throughout like the Jermuk Hot Springs .

Jermuk is a popular spa town in the Vayots Dzor region where it is possible to drink famous Jermuk mineral water at different temperatures and the minerals contained are exceptional for your health.

In addition, it is possible to bathe in the springs!  You can venture to the mountains around Jermuk and soak in the hot springs.

Tanahat Monastery

The 8th-century Tanahat Monastery is located in the Vayots Dzor mountains and is another place that you should stop by after visiting Areni.

Just like many other religious centers, Tanahat Monastery has a rich history and survived an earthquake but it contains some of the most interesting stone artwork such as details where an eagle clawed a ram or where a lion attacks a bull.

Areni-1 Cave

In 2008 near Areni village in the Vayots Dzor region, archaeologists discovered the world’s oldest winery dating back over 6100 years to the Early Bronze Age in a cave called the Areni-1 Cave .

The impressive cave is located alongside the Arpa River where inside it is possible to see the ancient wine barrels where the wine was once made as well as human remains from ceremonial burials.

You can also see the cave where the oldest leather shoe was discovered (5,500 years old).

Stretching between the Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor regions, the famous Selim Pass was part of the Great Silk Road that passed through Armenia.

Selim Pass Caravanserai (also called Orbelian’s) dates back to the 14th-century and the buildings are covered with medieval stone works and ornaments and was where caravans used to stop by and spend a night before continuing on their journey west.

Tsaghats Kar Monastery

Tsaghats Kar Monastery is another historical monastery that was built in the mountains of the Vayots Dzor region near the Yeghegis River, very close to Smbataberd Fortress.

The 10th-century church is covered with ancient stone ornaments, khachkars, and other ruins nearby and it is iconic because of its beautifully-situated location.

Orbelian’s Caravanserai

Another historic site in Armenia that was part of the Great Silk Road is Orbelian’s Caravanserai. It was constructed in 1332 in Vayots Dzor region in the Vardenis Mountains at an elevation of 2400 meters.

Also called Selim Caravanserai, Orbelian’s was a stopping point for caravans along the Silk Road.

Jermuk Waterfall

At 72m high, Jermuk Waterfall is one of the most iconic places in the Vayots Dzor region and is a famous place to visit in the spa town.

The waterfall is unique as it is a sliding waterfall and the water drops into the Arpa River.

The local legend refers to the waterfall as “the hair of the mermaid” because the girl was using her hair to help her beloved man climb up to her.

Smbataberd Fortress

In between Artabuynk and Yeghegis villages, you will find one of the most renowned fortresses in Armenia called the Smbataberd Fortress.

The 10th-century fortress is located in the Vayots Dzor region and was constructed by Bagratuni King Smbat II and over the centuries, it became one of the most interesting places to visit in Armenia.

On your way back, be sure to stop in Arin village and check out the Lenin statue!

Places to Visit in Kotayk Region

The temple of garni.

The Temple of Garni is Armenia’s famous and well-preserved Greco-Roman Pagan temple built by King Tiridates I in 1AD to worship the sun god Mihr. It was also used as a summer house for royal families.

The gorgeous Temple of Garni is located 30 minutes away from Yerevan in the village of Garni in the Kotayk region right on the edge of the mind-blowing gorge surrounded by the Gegham mountains.

Arzakan Hot Springs

Lovey Arzakan village in the Kotayk region is only an hour and a half away from Yerevan and presents visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the Arzakan Hot Springs located there.

On the weekends, many locals and travelers drive to Arzakan to relax in the mineral-rich springs, have a BBQ (Armenian khorovats), and picnic.

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort

The popular spa town of Tsaghkadzor offers so much to do and is home to the most popular ski resort in Armenia.

Tsaghkadzor Ski Resort is located approximately one hour away from Yerevan in the Kotayk Region on Mount Tanegizon (2819 meters high).

When you’re there, you can go skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and so much more!

Geghard Monastery

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Geghard Monastery translates to ‘spear’ and it is now preserved in Echmiadzin.

Half of the monastery sits inside of the rock and was created that way. As a result, there are fantastic acoustics for choirs that visit and sing inside of the place.

Geghard Monastery is an important Christian site and is a popular place for those on a pilgrimage, as well as history and nature lovers.

It is located in the Kotayk region about 45 minutes from Yerevan.  It is often visited alongside the Temple of Garni.

In Kotayk, you will find a village near Tsaghkadzor called Meghradzor . Translating to ‘Honey Gorge’, Meghradzor is a fantastic day trip.

The village is home to several murals created by PATMI and street artists from around the world.

There is also a waterfall (Meghradzor Waterfall) that you can hike up to nearby and enjoy a picnic beside).

It truly is one of the most undiscovered places in Armenia and one we recommend visiting!

Charent’s Arch

Dedicated to famous Armenian writer Yeghishe Charents, this creation of Rafael Israelyan is located on the way to Garni in Kotayk. It is such a fantastic pit stop where you can get a stellar view of Ararat Mountain and the valley from it.

Charent’s Arch was a beloved place of the poet because of the sunset views of Ararat.

Crystal clear Lake Akna (Akna Lich) is located in the Kotayk region in the range of the Gegham mountains and is a holy grail for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.

Located at an altitude of 3032 meters, the natural wonder, mountain lake is 35 kilometers away from Etchmiadzin and is often seen in conjunction with Azhdahak.

Voghjaberd Caves

Rock climbers and hikers will love visiting the Voghjaberd Caves close to Yerevan (they are actually in Yerevan region but right on the border of Kotayk and best visited from that direction).

People used to inhabit the caves all the way back to the 12-13th centuries.

The caves are on the way to Garni village, only 30 minutes away from Yerevan.

Azhdahak Volcano

One of the most beautiful natural spots in Armenia is the 3,597 meters high extinct volcano of Azhdahak, located in the Kotayk region.

The last time that the volcano erupted was in 1900 BC and after that, mother nature created a stunning, red-colored landscape as well as a mountain lake at the top of it with crystal clear water.

This is a popular spot to hike to during the summers.

Bjni Fortress

The Armenian medieval Bjni Fortress is a beautiful 9th-century historical landmark in the Kotayk region near Bjni village, located on the slopes of the rocky plateau that divides the village in half.

The Pahlavuni family fortress was a defensive construction that presently is a picturesque location for hikers to hike or photographers to enjoy the landscapes surrounding it.

Symphony of Stones

Right below the Temple of Garni in the Azat Gorge is another unique natural wonder of Armenia, the Symphony of Stones .

After collapsing, the rocks of the volcano created basalt columns in pentagon and hexagon shapes that are more than 50 meters high.  Definitely don’t miss seeing this when you visit Garni!

Visually, the formations feel like they are hanging from the rocks and will almost remind you of organ pipes!

Places to Visit in Armavir Region

Etchmiadzin cathedral.

The spiritual center for all Armenians around the globe is the Holy City of Etchmiadzin .

It is one of the biggest cradles of Christianity in the world and is located in the Armavir region, only 20 minutes away from Yerevan.

Many UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Etchmiadzin Cathedral (probably one of the first Christian churches in the world) are located in Etchmiadzin and it is also the seat of the Catholicos of Armenia.

Ziarat Yazidi Temple

In the village of Aknalich in Armavir, you will find Ziarat Yazidi Temple , the world’s largest Yazidi temple that was unveiled to the public in 2019. The architect for the project was Artak Ghulian and he is known for his Armenian Apostolic churches.

The new church was built next door to the old Ziarat temple that had opened in 2012.

Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins

The ancient ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral are located in the Armavir region near Etchmiadzin and the Zvartnots Airport .

They are an easy half-day trip (or shorter!) from Yerevan.

The 7th-century cathedral had centrally planned aisled tetra-conch type architecture that was later destroyed during an earthquake.

Is possible to walk around the old remains, see the stone art and visit the interesting museum located near the historical site and learn the full history of the area.

Zvartnots Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Armavir!

Saint Hripsime Church

Probably one of the most complete examples of ancient Armenian architectural masterpieces is the Saint Hripsime Church in Etchmiadzin. It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage churches in the Holy City.

Located in the Armavir region right at the entrance of Etchmiadzin, the 7th-century church accepts thousands of visitors from around the world and was named in honor of martyred Saint Hripsime who sacrificed her life for her faith. Her remains are in the basement of the church.

Sardarapat Memorial

Constructed in 1968, the Saradapat Memorial was constructed in the Armavir region in honor of the Battle of Sardarabad against the Turkish army in 1918.

Visitors can see the 35m high bell tower, walk around the memorial wall, and enter the museum where it is possible to see many interesting artifacts. This is a great destination for history lovers near Yerevan.

Places to Visit in Gegharkunik Region

The biggest freshwater lake in the Caucasus, also known as the Blue Pearl of Armenia, is the mesmerizing Lake Sevan .

It is one of the most beautiful and important natural landmarks in the country.

Lake Sevan is a high-altitude lake surrounded by Gehamal Mountain where it is possible to see the amazing landscape, ancient churches situated on the top of the islands, and rocks.

The natural wonder is located approximately an hour away from Yerevan in the Gegharkunik region and it is easy to reach Lake Sevan from Yerevan .

Sevan Writers’ House

One of Armenia’s most notable and iconic masterpieces of Soviet Modernism is the Sevan Writers’ House situated on Sevan Peninsula.

The Sevan Writers’ House was built in 1963 and you can still technically stay there today.

We actually would love to see this place get a bit of attention and better up-keep in the future.  It is such a gem!

Noratus Cemetery

Armenia is the land of khachkars and that typical artform only exists there. In the countryside next to Lake Sevan and near the city of Gavar, you will find Noratus Cemetery , a medieval cemetery with a large collection of ornate khachkars.

The cemetery spans from the 9th to the 17th centuries and today, it is possible to see more than 800 khachkars with different artwork styles stories. Noratus is definitely one of the best day trips from Yerevan.

Hayravank Monastery

Located in a spectacular location right on the edge of Lake Sevan is Hayravank Monastery .

The 9th-century ancient Armenian monastery is located in the Gegharkunik region near Noratus Cemetery and it is a great location to bike to! It is a fantastic stop off of the main highway.

Places to Visit in Syunik Region

Shaki waterfall.

One of the many gorgeous waterfalls in Armenia, Shaki Waterfall might just be the most visited waterfall in the country (or perhaps Jermuk is), but either way – it is spectacular!

Located in the Syunik region, Shaki Waterfall is 18 meters high and flows into the Shaki River.

The name is based on a legend about a girl named Shaki who jumped from the cliff in order to not be captured by conquerors.

Probably one of the coolest and most mysterious places in Armenia, the abandoned village of Hin Khot is located in the Syunik region.

Also known as the Armenian Machu Picchu, the mind-blowing 2nd-century BC Hin Khot village is in a gorge that was actually inhabited all the way until the 1970s.

One of the best things about visiting Hin Khot is that it is part of the Legends Trail , a hike that winds from Khndzoresk all the way to Khustup.

Tatev Monastery

One of the brightest diamonds of Armenia architecture is the 9th-century Tatev Monastery . This historic monastery is on most itineraries for Armenia and for very good reason!

Located in the Syunik region near Tatev village on the edge of Vorotan Gorge, Tatev Monastery used to be the spiritual and educational center of the region.

Besides driving to Tatev Monastery, you can also take a cable car there.

The ‘Wings of Tatev’ is the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car that will take you 5.7 kilometers above the gorge. We recommend visiting Tatev from Yerevan as an overnight trip.

Mount Khustup

One of the most beautiful and iconic mountains in Armenia is Mount Khustup in Syunik.

It is a dream destination for hikers, rock climbers, campers, and lovers of rich and wild nature.

Khustup is 3201 meters high and is covered with alpine meadows and forests and is located near Kapan city. It is part of the Bargushat Mountain range.

Wings of Tatev

The record-breaking Wings of Tatev attraction is the world’s longest reversible aerial cableway, stretching for 5.7 kilometers.

The jaw-dropping cableway helps visitors get to Tatev Monastery in a much easier fashion by connecting Halidzor to Tatev Monastery.

The ‘flight’ over the gorge is breathtaking and one of the most exciting things about visiting Tatev Monastery.

Located on the slopes of the gorge called Khor Dzor, Khndzoresk is probably the most famous abandoned cave village in Armenia where people were inhabited until the 1950s in half cave houses.

The fascinating landmark is located in the Syunik Region near Goris town in the mountains surrounded by lush green forests and caves.

To get there, you need to cross a hanging bridge.  It really is one of the coolest places to visit in Syunik!

Ughtasar Petroglyphs

One of the most underrated places in Armenia where travelers see unique mountain nature and ancient petroglyphs is Ughtasar in Syunik.

This is not an easy place to get to and must be visited during the warmer months and in a tour group or with an all-terrain vehicle.

Hikers will enjoy the trails in the region as they will see rare flora and fauna as well as prehistoric petroglyphs.

Arevik National Park

Spanning a territory of 344 km², Arevik National Park is another incredible destination in Armenia that contains a rich geological and biological ecosystem with diverse nature and wildlife.

The national park is located in the southern part of Syunik, about 17 kilometers away from Meghri . It is home to Armenian mouflon, brown bears, Bezoar goats, the rare Caucasian leopard, and other animals.

Shikahogh State Reserve

The second-largest forest reserve in Armenia the Shikahogh State Reserve.

It is home to massive oak, beech, and other trees within the forest as well as rare species of animals like bears, leopards, vipers, snowcocks, and more.

The reserve is located near Khustup Mountain and offers wonderful hiking opportunities, rock climbing, and camping in the area.

Karahunj is also known as “Zorats Karer” and is a fascinating, prehistoric observatory located in the Syunik region about 5 kilometers away from Goris. Karahunj Observatory is said to be around 7500 years old.

The ancient stones are displayed in a circle and have holes in them.

Based on research, it is said that these holes were created for people to observe the skies, stars, and other things in the solar system.

Vorotnavank Monastery

By order of Queen Shahandukhtin in 1000, Vorotnavank Monastery was built on one of the edges of the Vorotan Gorge in Syunik.

The spectacular location attracts thousands of travelers to observe the ancient church, its huge walls, and opportunities to photograph nature.

Devil’s Bridge

In between Vorotan Gorge and Tatev Monastery in Syunik is a cool place called Devil’s Bridge .

Over millions of years, nature created this wonder with petrified lava and water. It is definitely worth a stop if you’re near Tatev Monastery or anywhere around Kapan .

Medieval Goris Cave Dwellings

Charming and historical, Goris has a lot of unique architecture that is very specific to the city.

We love the city and find that there is a lot to do in Goris and that people should definitely take a trip there (and stay at Hotel Mirhav )!

The town is also famous for being surrounded by amazing natural dwellings and volcanic clusters on the eastern part of Old Goris. People have inhabited this area since the 5th century.

Places to Visit in Shirak Region

Trchkan waterfall.

Located near the border of the Shirak and Lori regions, approximately an hour away from Gyumri and two hours away from Vanadzor, Trchkan Waterfall is another natural wonder that is on everyone’s Armenia bucket list to visit.

The 23.5-meter high Trchkan Waterfall is situated in a picturesque area on the left bank of the Pambak River where many hiking tours take place.

Marmashen Monastery

One of the must-visit places in Armenia for those in Shirak is Marmashen Monastery .

Situated north of Gyumri, this 10th-century Armenian monastery consists of 5 churches and they all have a similar style to that of Khtzkonk Monastery.

Amasia Village

One of our favorite villages in Shirak is Amasia , a small village located north of Gyumri that is on the way to Lake Arpi National Park.

This village is home to the Amasia Wool Factory, colorful homes, a Lenin statue, and much more! It is a cool stop on the road to Lake Arpi and Amasia is one of the best places to visit in Shirak!

Kumayri Historic District

The second-largest city in Armenia is Gyumri. Located in Shirak, you can explore traditional Armenian architecture that was constructed from the 18th to 19th centuries from a black volcanic stone call tuff.

Kumayri Historic District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Gyumri.

Known also as Cultural Museum-Reserve, the district is teeming with buildings with unique architecture including museums, authentic hotel boutiques, hip cafes, and much more.

Checking out the district is one of the essential things to do in Gyumri !

Lake Arpi National Park

One of the most underrated natural gems in North Armenia, Lake Arpi National Park is a unique ecosystem that is in the works to develop tourism in the future in Shirak.

Lake Arpi National Park is located an hour a half away from the city of Gyumri and it’s a little slice of heaven covered with wildflowers, a gorgeous lake, rich and rare flora and fauna, and is an area where visitors can fish, camp, hike, and picnic in the woods.

Ashotsk Ski Centre

Known as one of the coldest places in Armenia during the winter season, the Ashotsk Ski Centre is also an amazing place to learn how to ski and be inspired by the natural surroundings.

Founded by a local, legendary skiing family, Ashotsk Ski Centre is located near Gyumri and provides great opportunities for cross-country skiers regardless of whether they are experts or merely beginners.

Black Fortress

There are several 19th-century fortresses constructed during the Russian Empire in Gyumri as defacing points and on the most popular ones was recently renovated.

Also known as Sev Berd in Armenia, visiting the Black Fortress is a must for anyone visiting Gyumri from Yerevan !

Places to Visit in Tavush Region

Lake Gosh is a small mountain lake that is located high in the mountains of the Tavush region deep in the forest.

The lake is located only 25 minutes away from the famous spa town of Dilijan and is considered a great hiking and camping destination for nature lovers and active travelers.

Haghartsin Monastery

Located in Armenia’s lovely Dilijan National Park merely 20 minutes away from Dilijan (town) is Haghartsin Monastery .

This beautiful monastery can’t be missed out on while you are visiting the spa town!

The 10th-century Haghartsin Monastery is located in the middle of the forest where you will find ancient khachkars, amazing architectural elements that were used to build the church, and visit a lovely cafe near the historical monument.

Be sure to grab a tea at the cafe!

Dilijan National Park

Located in the Tavush region and surrounding the town of Dilijan is Dilijan National Park .

This is one of the most picturesque corners of Armenia where dense forests uncover hidden gems like waterfalls, historical remains, alpine meadows, mineral springs, diverse wildlife, and more.

Dilijan National Park is one of the best places to hike and camp because the area offers beautiful trails that pass through rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views.

Picturesque, mysterious, and fabulous are the first words that come to mind when you see Lastiver and the treehouse camp in the area.

Lastiver is located in the Tavush region about 10 kilometers away from Ijevan.

The area contains everything to give you a memorable experience!

For example, there is an ancient cave called Anapat where locals hid from Mongol invaders, wooden treehouses to camp in, hidden hiking trails, a gorgeous river, and a waterfall.

Goshavank Monastery Complex

One of the most famous monasteries in Northern Armenia located in Dilijan National Park is Goshavank Monastery .

It is home to the famous “Aseghnagorts” khachkar which translates to “The Needle Carved” in Armenia.

Located in the Tavush region about 22 kilometers away from Dilijan town, this monastery was named in honor of Armenian scholar Mkhitar Gosh who wrote the civil code of laws and Canon law. He also founded a school there.

Yell Extreme Park

One of the most picturesque adventure parks in Armenia, Yell Extreme Park is located in the mountains of the Tavush region in Yenokavan village, only 25 kilometers away from the city of Ijevan .

In the park, it is possible to experience exciting activities like zip-lining, a rope park, offroading, horseback riding, and more.

Ijevan Dendropark

Another natural spot that is located in the center of Ijevan is the Ijevan Arboretum (Dendropark) .

It is one of the most underrated places to visit in the city, without a doubt!

The unique atmosphere of Ijevan Dendropark offers visitors to explore the lush green hills of the area, take in the scent of nature, and views colorful arrays of flowers and trees throughout.

There are talks about letting visitors camp overnight – fingers crossed this happens in the future!

Matosavank Monastery

Matosavank Monastery is probably one of the most mysterious and fascinating monasteries in Armenia and it is hidden in the forests of Dilijan National Park.

Located only 3 kilometers away from Dilijan town in the Tavush region, this 13th-century monastery is one of the most desirable places for hikers to set off for and see this ancient cultural center with their own eyes!

Less than one kilometer from the Dilijan town center in the mountains, you will find a hidden lake called Lake Parz .

If you’re visiting Dilijan, it is imperative to drive up to Lake Parz (or hike there), enjoy a cup of coffee next to the cafe, and take a boat ride. Also, it’s a great hiking destination as there is a loop trail that goes to the lake.

Sharambeyan Old Street

Dilijan is an old spa town where it is possible to see wonderful nature and old Armenian architecture.

One of the streets to view it is called Sharambeyan Street .

Made from bricks and wood, the 19th-century buildings are situated in a greener area of the town where it is possible to feel the old scenes of the city.

On this street, you can relax in the small cafes, stay at the Tufenkian Old Dilijan Complex, and more.

Places to Visit in Aragatsotn Region

Amberd fortress.

The 7th-century Amberd Fortress was built on the way to the top of the Aragats Mountain at an elevation of 2200 meters in the Aragatsotn region.

It was built to protect the country from Parthians, Persians, and other conures and many famous Armenian kings and generals were staying in Ambers over the cemeteries.

Mount Aragats

The tallest mountain in Armenia, the mighty Aragats Mountain, is a four-peaked volcano located in the Aragatsotn region about an hour away from Yerevan.

Mount Aragats is 4090 meters high and offers great activities like hiking, bird watching, skiing, exploring cold water mountain lakes (Kari Lake, for example), and a great spot to indulge in Armenian khash, one of the best winter foods in Armenia .

Byurakan Observatory

Founded in 1946 by scholar Victor Ambartsumian, the Byurakan Observatory is one of the interesting constructions built during the Soviet-era in Armenia.

The astronomical observatory is located in the Aragatsotn region in Byurakan village where visitors can enter inside the observatory, see the telescope, and learn more about space and the universe.

Armenian Alphabet Monument

The Armenian alphabet was created more than 1600 years ago and in its honor, you can see an entire monument dedicated to it in the Aragatsotn region near Artashavan village.

It is called the Armenian Alphabet Monument .

There are 39 letters made from huge pieces of volcanic stone called tuff. Since being built in 2005, it has become one of the essential places to visit in Armenia and is a great destination to cycle to!

Mesmerizing Mount Aragats has several mountain lakes on it, but the most popular and the largest one is Kari Lake , where hundreds of travelers and hikers end up on their Aragats adventure.

At an elevation of 3,185 meters high, Kari Lake is not only a unique natural place to hike or drive up to in the warmer season, but there is also a small restaurant located nearby where you can eat traditional Armenian khash.

Ashtarak Gorge

One of the most famous and scenic gorges in Armenia is Ashtarak Gorge . It is known for its picnic and family resort area but it has so much more to offer! Inside of it, you will find historic churches situated on the edge of cliffs.

Two of the most famous churches are Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank Monasteries. You will also find several hiking trails, swimming areas, and more!

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, don’t miss out on Yeganyan’s Guest House and Wine Yard !

Radio Optical Observatory Telescope ROT-54

Known also as ROT-54, the impressive Radio Optical Observatory is a Soviet-era telescope built-in 1986 in the Aragatsotn region near Orgov Gorge.

There are hiking trails that lead hikers to view this obscure construction. It truly is one of the coolest Soviet constructions in Armenia!

Gegharot Waterfall

Besides spectacular alpine landscapes, Aragats Mountain is home to the famous Gegharot Waterfall .

At 17 meters high, the waterfall is situated 3000 meters above sea level in a picturesque location between gigantic rocks and it is one of the most beloved hiking destinations in Aragatsotn.

Saghmosavank Monastery

The 13th-century Saghmosavank Monastery is located in the Aragatsotn region right at the top of the edge of the Kasagh River Gorge.

This is a famous place to go hiking. Legend has it that there was a priest from the church that stopped the Tamerlane Conquest and saved the entire region.

Hovhannavank Monastery

On the other side of Saghmosavank Monastery, there is another 5th-century church that used to be a theological center on the edge of the Kasagh River Gorge in the Aragatsotn region in Ohanavan village.

It is called Hovhannavank Monastery.

There are famous hiking trails in between the two churches and one notable HIKEArmenia trail that takes you 7.5 kilometers through the gorge from church to church.

Dashtadem Fortress

The rustic-colored, 10th-century Dashtadem Fortress is located in the Aragatsotn region close to the beautiful Kristapor Vank 7th-century church.

Also known as Qagheni Fortress, the construction was used to defend from Arab invasions and there are many historical ruins to check out during your visit.

Places to Visit in Lori Region

Lori gorge (dzoraget canyon).

The picturesque 176 km long canyon in Armenia’s north actually looks like a giant crack down the middle of the Earth. This is one of the most prominent features in the Lori region.

Lori Gorge is home to many natural and historical monuments like Lori Fortress, Kobayr Monastery, the Debed River where you can go rafting , Horomayr, Odzun, many hiking trails, and much more.

Lori Berd (Lori Fortress)

The 11th-century Lori Fortress , also known as Lori Berd , is located in the Lori region only 15 minutes away from Stepanavan.

The impressive historical monument is situated right on the edge of Lori Gorge and over the years, it has gained popularity for travelers to hike there to see the construction, view the ancient cross-stones, and photograph the views.

Haghpat & Sanahin Monasteries

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Haghpat Monastery is situated up high in the mountains and is a wonderful example of when nature and man combine forces to create something magical.

Haghpat Monastery construction started in the 10th-century at an altitude of 2,500 meters.

Sanahin Monastery , yet another gem of Armenia and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located close by in Alaverdi and most travelers visit both monasteries together.

Sanahin Monastery was founded in the 10th-century and it is a complex of different constructions like St. Gregory Chapel, the monastery’s library, and another chapel surrounded by wonderful nature and mountains.

Akhtala Fortress

In the North of Armenia, you will find Akhtala Fortress and Monastery , a place that is a worthwhile stop near Alaverdi and if you’re also visiting Sanahin and Haghpat.

Also known as Copperchurch, Akhtala construction began in the 10th-century and is merely one kilometer away from the Akhtala town.

It is a wonderful stop on the way from Tbilisi to Yerevan, or vice versa.

Odzun Village

One of the biggest villages in the Lori region is Odzun . This gorge is a famous stop in the north of the country and there are many top sights located in its vicinity.

The jewel of Odzun Village and all the region is Odzun Church, one of the oldest churches in the world. Its construction started in the 6th-century in the center of the village.

Stepanavan Dendropark

Stepanavan Dendropark offers visitors to connect with nature in a 35 hectares natural forest where it is possible to see the nature of the Lori region at its best.

Stepanavan Dendropark is located in Gyulagarak village, approximately 12 km away from Stepanavan.

You’ll be able to see rare types of flowers, trees, and birds while you stroll along the well-kept paths through the gardens.

Kobayr Monastery Complex

One of the most sacred places in the Lori region, the 12th-century Kobayr Monastery Complex is an absolute hidden gem to hike to and see in Lori Canyon.

Located on the edge of an epic cave, the Kobayr Monastery Complex is a half-ruined historical monument where you need to hike up through the village of Kobayr to get there. This is such a cool place to stop and visit!

Horomayr Monastery Ruins

Located right on the cliff of the Lori region near Odzun village is Horomayri Monastery .

It’s not easily accessible but the 7th-century Horomayr Monastery ruins are a good, moderate day hike for those who want to get deep into the gorge to see this remarkable church hanging over the ledge.

Dsegh is a village in Lori that is one of the most charming places to visit in the province.

In Dsegh, you will find the house-museum of Hovhannes Tumanyan, a famous Armenian poet who was born there. There are also several hiking trails and natural places in the village.

You can also enjoy a night in nature with WOW Glamping . If you want another stop for the day, head to nearby Debed village !

St. Nicholas Abandoned Russian Church

There are several functional and also abandoned Russian churches in Armenia… and St. Nicholas one of them.

Located in Amrakits village close to Stepanavan, this mysterious 19th-century, Slavic-style construction is slowly gaining fame as people realize how hauntingly beautiful it is to photograph.

So, what did we leave out? What are your favorite places to visit in Armenia ?  Let us know the top attractions and landmarks in Armenia in the comments!

Pin this Places in Armenia Guide

3 thoughts on “ 101 Mind-blowing Places To Visit In Armenia (by Region) ”

What a fabulous and comprehensive article about Armenia, a place I have thought of visiting for some time, but now hope to see it, and many of the sights highlighted in your work, during 2023 Well done, a superb piece of work

A very comprehensive and well organised description of all the excellent sites Armenia has to offer. We are making a short visit in June, but after reading this, I think a longer visit to Armenia is necessary. Beautiful!

Thank you 🙂 Enjoy it!

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K-in-Motion

Adventure Seeker Expert Budget Traveller Useful Travel Guide Maker

Free and Fun Things to Do in Yerevan Armenia

• 7th December, 2022

You won’t see Armenia, or its capital city Yerevan, at the top of many ‘must visit’ lists, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a freakin’ awesome place that you need to see!

Armenia is not overrun by tourists and there are a lot of free and fun things to do in Yerevan. On top of that, it’s cheap, clean, modern, historical, green and probably any number of other adjectives you can think of.

The point is, Yerevan is a place that you should visit.

So, if you want to know what to do in Yerevan Armenia and get the answers to the following questions –

⭐ Is Yerevan worth visiting? ⭐ Is Yerevan walkable? ⭐ How many days is enough for Yerevan? ⭐ What is special in Yerevan? ⭐ What is Yerevan known for? ⭐ How do I spend a day in Yerevan?

read on and all shall be revealed!

Disclaimer: Some links and banners on this page will take you to our affiliate partners. If you make a purchase or booking with them, K-in-Motion may receive compensation. See our Affiliate Disclosure page.

Entering armenia by air.

If you don’t know about Fly Dubai, it’s the United Arab Emirates no frills airline.

On arrival, immigration staff were relatively friendly, but you can expect them to examine your passport closely.

You might be entitled to up to 600€. Check if you’re eligible and file a claim in under 3 minutes at Claim Compass

Of course the officer found my Azerbaijan stamp from a few years ago and asked why I went there. You see, Armenia and Azerbaijan are currently having a little spat about land.

Armenian Administration on Azerbaijani Land

The Artsakh Republic , formerly known as Nagorno-Karabakh, is a mostly non-recognised state administered by Armenia but claimed by Azerbaijan.

Armenian immigration will ask about your reasons for visiting Azerbaijan and will let you in if they’re satisfied with your reason.

With Azerbaijan, on the other hand, you’re on their permanent shit list if you enter Armenia.

Welcome to Yerevan, Do you Want a Taxi?

There is no way of getting out of the Yerevan airport without being asked if you want a taxi. You may even get approached by the same driver several times.

If taxis are your thing, then go for it, but it’s cheap and easy to get a marshrutka (minibus) from the airport to the city. It only costs 300 Armenian dram (US$0.75) and runs every 30 minutes.

Just pay the driver as you exit the van.

If you don’t like taxis or buses, you could always hire a car.

What to Do in Yerevan – See the Dogs of the City

When walking around the streets of Yerevan, you will see dogs. Many dogs.

If you visit in late autumn, when Yerevan weather is nice and cool, (around 10°C), most of the dogs just seem to be resting and unaware that there’s a whole city buzzing around them.

They generally won’t approach people. In fact, they are normally quite indifferent.

Things to Do in Yerevan – Meet Russians and Hear Their Stories While Eating Cheap Food

Almost as soon as I got off the minibus, I met a very friendly Russian guy, Ilya, who was eager to practice English. He took me to a local canteen style eatery, which is where all the cheap meals, (1500-2000AMD or US$3.8-5), are at.

We ate with two more Russian guys, both named Roman. All three were from different cities; from St Petersburg to Siberia. They all had very similar stories.

They were fleeing conscription and they went to Armenia because people speak Russian there and the MIR Russian banking system is available.

Two had left families behind and didn’t know when they would see them again. They seemed surprisingly positive and upbeat about being able to start new lives abroad and bring their families over.

Cascade Yerevan – Free Things to Do in Yerevan

Cascade Yerevan is a link between the city centre and the Memorial to the Soviet Armenian 50th Anniversary Monument Terrace on the hill 118 metres above.

Cafesjian Sculpture Gardens In Front of Cascade Yerevan

At the bottom of the complex, you’ll find the Cafesjian Sculpture Gardens.

As you could probably guess, this area is full of manicured gardens and sculptures.

Cafesjian Centre For The Arts in The Cascade Yerevan Complex

But don’t despair!

You can actually enter the building on the left side of the complex where you’ll find yourself in the Cafesjian Centre For The Arts .

The centre houses the Escalator Exhibition.

To be clear, it is not an exhibition about escalators, it’s an exhibition on multiple levels beside escalators.

If you don’t want to walk the 572 stairs, the escalators can take you almost all the way to the top of the complex.

Sculptures and Water Features at Cascade Yerevan

There are new sculptures and water features on each level of the Cascade Yerevan Complex.

Although the water features seem to be turned off for the winter, they’re still quite impressive.

Unfortunately, you have to take the stairs from that point.

But make sure to pause and take in the lovely view over the city.

Things to Do in Yerevan – Memorial to the Soviet Armenian 50th Anniversary Monument Terrace

Once you get to the terrace, you’ll be able to see the other half of the city, which is located on the hill.

You may even notice a bit of a change in the architecture between the two sides.

The terrace would also be a great place to see the sunset over the city.

Visit Mother Armenia – What to Do in Yerevan

Mother Armenia is a 22 metre tall statue, standing on top of a 29 metre pedestal, perched on the top of a hill.

So it would be fair to say that she is watching over the whole city and can be seen from many places in Yerevan.

Mother Armenia comes with bonus war paraphernalia. There’s even a three floor military museum inside her from Tuesday to Sunday.

You can get a pretty awesome view over the city from near Mother Armenia and it would be a great place to watch the sunset.

Get a View of the City – Free Things to Do in Yerevan Armenia

As already mentioned, you can get a great view over the city from – →→ the top of the Cascade complex →→ Memorial to the Soviet Armenian 50th Anniversary Monument Terrace →→ Mother Armenia

You can walk to these spots pretty easily, but if you don’t like stairs, you could hail a taxi with the Yandex app.

Things to Do in Yerevan – Stroll Through a Park or Six

Yerevan has an amazing amount of green spaces in an around the city centre. You could probably spend a couple of days discovering them all.

Victory Park

The first thing you’ll see is an old gate. There is a park map just inside the gate, but it’s all in Armenian.

That doesn’t really matter, because the park is relatively easy to navigate.

Square of France

It is a green area that stretches across all four sides of an intersection of two main roads.

It contains several smaller parks. One to the west of the intersection is called Park after Martiros Saryan while one to the east is called Park after Komitas .

The north of the square is across the road from the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden.

Past the theatre, there is more green with an artificial lake called Swan Lake that has beach huts.

It appears that they drain the lake for the winter though.

Circular Park

It follows the curve of the road starting from near Square of France and ending near a the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral.

Circular Park is definitely one of the more interesting parks in Yerevan

Children’s Park, Yerevan 2800th Anniversary Park and English Park

Aside from the fact that these parks are together, they couldn’t be any more different.

One has monuments and buildings in it. One has fountains and monuments. One has monuments and a mini funfair.

Cathedrals and Churches

What is interesting about this church is that it was only built in 2014.

It was constructed behind the tiny 13th century Katoghike Church .

At 42 metres high, it is one of the biggest religious buildings in the South Caucasus.

Republic Square – What to Do in Yerevan

The side that contains the Museum of History of Armenia and the National Gallery of Armenia also has a singing fountain.

That fountain closes for the winter.

Things to Do in Yerevan – Find Your Inner Child at a Fun Fair

The stuff that is open, seems to be quite cheap, so it could be a nice place to spend a few hours.

There’s also a mini funfair in Children’s Park and another one near the end of Circular Park.

How to Get Around Yerevan

All of the things mentioned in this post are within a few kilometres of each other.

If you don’t like walking though, you could always hire a bike through an app like Ride Yerevan .

Electric scooters can also be hired through the same app, or from one of the other local companies.

Quick Recap of Some of the Fun and Free Things to do in Yerevan

→→ See the dogs of the city →→ Meet Russians and hear their stories →→ Walk through the Cascade Yerevan complex and the Cafesjian Centre For the Arts →→ Visit the Memorial to the Soviet Armenian 50th Anniversary Monument Terrace →→ See Mother Armenia →→ Get a view of the city from the top of the hill →→ Stroll the City Parks →→ Look at some beautiful cathedrals and churches →→ Check out Republic Square →→ Find a funfair to feed your inner child

And to answer your questions –

⭐ Is Yerevan worth visiting? Definitely! Book your ticket now! ⭐ Is Yerevan walkable? Very much so. Footpaths are wide in most places and all the good stuff to see is relatively close together. ⭐ How many days is enough for Yerevan? That depends on how much you want to see. Give it at least 2 days, but more is even better. ⭐ What is special in Yerevan? What is Yerevan known for? Parks and monuments. ⭐ How do I spend a day in Yerevan? Walking through parks , checking out monuments and watching the sunset from the top of Cascade Yerevan , the Memorial to the Soviet Armenian 50th Anniversary Monument Terrace or Mother Armenia .

🇦🇲 Yerevan Summary 🇦🇲

In a few words – Monuments and parks Language – Armenian and Russian are the official languages, but English is widely spoken Currency – Armenian Dram (AMD) WiFi availability – 📶📶📶📶📶 If you’re looking for WiFi, it’s never hard to find Transport – 🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗 🚕 Yandex Taxis are widely available in the city 🚐 🚍 Marshrutkas and buses are available to get around the city for 200 AMD (US$0.25) Roads – 🛣🛣🛣🛣🛣 Most roads seem to be in quite good condition Scenery – 🌲⛰️🌲🏞️🌲 Armenia is known for it’s greenery and mountains Prices – 💰💰💰 Food and inner city transport is cheap. Intercity and international ground transport is a bit more expensive, but still doable on a budget Border efficiency – 🛂🛂🛂🛂 Airport immigration was quick. The land border took a bit longer because there were only two officers to process over 100 people, but they processed each person relatively quickly Overall – 👍👍👍👍👍

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10 replies to “free and fun things to do in yerevan armenia”.

Yerevan sounds awesome! The Cascade complex looks like an amazing place to visit. And everything looks so affordable!

It’s a great city in a great country!

I’ve never thought of Yerevan as a destination to visit, but I will now. Thanks for the inspiration.

It’s absolutely worth a visit.

I’ve never been, but I loved your recap of Yerevan! It has me thinking I should try and go!

You definitely should!

Yerevan looks amazing! Thank you for putting this place on my radar!

It’s a very underrated place that more people need to know about!

The memorials here look very interesting to visit – I’d love to explore more of Yerevan and learn about its history.

It has a very interesting history as an ex-Soviet republic.

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