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

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

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

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

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

View of Yerevan city with Mount Ararat in the background.
Welcome to Yerevan.

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

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

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


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


A pink tuff stone facade in Yerevan.
This is why they call Yerevan the ‘Pink City’!

Yerevan Essentials

  • Yerevan City Card: If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, consider picking up an official Yerevan City Pass. It grants you entry to more than 40 museums in Yerevan, city tours, unlimited rides on public transport, a complimentary SIM card, plus discounts on a number of restaurants and shops. Buy your Yerevan Card online here.
  • Airport transfer: Book a private transfer to your hotel in Yerevan here. Prices start from a very reasonable $13 per group.
  • Top Yerevan city tour: Short on time or want to explore the city with a local? You can now tour Yerevan in a vintage GAZ-M20 Pobeda (nicknamed ‘Stalin’s Car’), visiting Victory Park, Cafesjian, Republic Square and the Vernissage market in the comfort of a retro convertible!
  • Yerevan day trips: For budget-friendly day trips around Armenia, I recommend travelling with Hyur Service. They offer a large variety of long and short itineraries with professional guides and safe drivers. Browse more Yerevan day trips here on Viator.
The Yerevan Cascade Complex, with flower gardens and sculptures out front.
You can’t visit Yerevan and not climb the Cascade!

Where to stay in Yerevan

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

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

Highland Hostel in Yerevan.
Highland Hostel. Photo courtesy of the property.

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


Republica Hotel in Yerevan.
Republica Hotel. Photo courtesy of the property.

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


Villa Delenda boutique hotel in Yerevan, Armenia.
Villa Delenda. Photo courtesy of the property.

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


Room at Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel.
Tufenkian Hotel. Photo courtesy of the property.

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


30 awesome things to do in Yerevan

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

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

A view of Yerevan city with Mount Ararat in the background and flowers in the foreground.
View of Ararat from the Cascade.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Keep on climbing to the October Revolution Memorial

Memorial to the 50th Anniversary of the October Revolution, a Soviet memorial with a concrete staircase in Yerevan, Armenia.
Memorial to the 50th Anniversary of the October Revolution.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mother Armenia, a Soviet style statue in Yerevan, Armenia with apartment blocks in the distance.
Mother Armenia.

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

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

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

Neo-brutalist apartment buildings near the entrance to Victory Park in Yerevan.
Neo-brutalist apartment buildings near the entrance to Victory Park.

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

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

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

The Military Museum inside the base of the Mother of Armenia statue.
The Military Museum inside the base of the Mother of Armenia statue.

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

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

4. Photograph the abandoned Aragil Restaurant

The former Aragil Restaurant inside Victory Park, an open terrace restaurant with a colourful floor mosaic in Yerevan, Armenia.
The former Aragil Restaurant inside Victory Park.

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

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

The front of the former Aragil restaurant in Yerevan Victory Park.
Abandoned restaurant inside Yerevan’s Victory Park.

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

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

5. Visit the mighty Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts

The Matenadaran, an imposing stone building with a statue of two men out front.
The Matenadaran.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lumen Coffee 1936, a trendy coffee shop in Yerevan set inside a history bookstore.
Lumen Coffee 1936.

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

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

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

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

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

7. Hunt down Yerevan street art

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

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

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

8. Stroll through Republic Square

Water fountains and lofty architecture in Yerevan's Republic Square.
Republic Square, one of the most popular Yerevan tourist attractions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Drink from a Pulpulak

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

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

A woman drinks from a Pulpulak water fountain in Republic Square, Yerevan.
Me drinking from Seven Springs!

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

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

An ancient stone church and basilica in the centre of Yerevan at sunset.
Katoghike at sunset.

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

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

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

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

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

The mosaic dome of Yerevan's Blue Mosque emerges above the trees on a spring day.
The Blue Mosque.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Rummage for treasure at the Vernissage Market

Richly coloured carpets hanging from ropes and displayed on a car bonnet at the Vernissage Yerevan.
Yerevan Vernissage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. Browse Yerevan’s small galleries & boutiques

Armenian ceramics displayed in a gift shop in Yerevan.
Spitak Ceramics, one of Yerevan’s loveliest gift shops.

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

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

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

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

14. See how lavash is made at the GUM Market

A woman prepares sheets of lavash bread at the GUM Market in Yerevan.
Preparing lavash at the GUM Market.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Ride the Yerevan Metro & admire the station architecture

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. Seek out Yerevan’s Soviet throwbacks

Socialist-style apartment blocks in Yerevan, Armenia.
Apartment blocks in Yerevan.

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

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

'Yerevan' (1975) by V. Atanian and R. Gargaloyan, a Soviet-era sculpture in Yerevan.
‘Yerevan’ (1975) by V. Atanian and R. Gargaloyan.

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

A Soviet-era sports centre in Yerevan, with a retro poster on the wall.
A Soviet-era sports centre in Yerevan.

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

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

Armenian carpets on display at the Megerian Carpet Museum in Yerevan.
Tufenkian Carpets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe, a heritage home and museum in Yerevan.
Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum & Cafe.

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

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

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

A courtyard in Yerevan with clay sculptures and a dining table.
The museum courtyard.

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

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

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

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

19. Visit the house museum of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov

A man admires framed artworks on a white wall at the Sergei Parajanov Museum.
The Sergei Parajanov Museum in Yerevan.

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

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

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

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

20. Explore Kond, Yerevan’s oldest neighbourhood

A man looks out the window of his house in Kond district, Yerevan.
Kond.

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

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

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

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

21. Walk through the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge

A man walks through a long, dark tunnel illuminated by a lightening-bolt light installation overhead.
Inside the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel.

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

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

A woman and child emerge from the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel, a long tunnel hewn from a rocky slope.
Kond Pedestrian Tunnel.

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

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

22. Find the Children’s Railway

The peach-coloured station building of the Children's Railway in Yerevan.
The Children’s Railway.

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

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

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

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

A reading room with couches and colourful floor cushions inside the The Khnko-Aper Children's Library in Yerevan, Armenia.
The Khnko-Aper Children’s Library.

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

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

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

Wall illustration at the Khnko-Aper Library in Yerevan.
Illustrations in the third-floor reading room.

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

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

24. Stop by the historic Moscow Cinema

An astrological fountain in front of the Moscow Cinema, a Soviet-era building in downtown Yerevan, Armenia.
The Moscow Cinema.

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

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

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

'Gorani' (1984) bas-relief inside the Moscow Cinema.
‘Gorani’ (1984) bas-relief inside the Moscow Cinema.

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

  • Location: 18 Abovyan Street

25. Tour the Ararat Brandy Factory

The Ararat Brandy Factory in Yerevan, a huge orange stone building with arched facade.
The Ararat Brandy Factory in Yerevan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

26. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial

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

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

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

People place flowers at the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia.
Genocide Memorial Day in Yerevan.

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

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

27. See a show at the Opera Theatre

People wait to see a performance at the Armenian Opera Theatre in Yerevan.
The Armenian Opera Theatre. Photo: frantic00/Depositphotos.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

28. Feast on lahmajun & other Armenian delicacies

Lahmajun, a topped flatbread and Armenian delicacy at Anteb Restaurant in Yerevan.
Lahmajun at Anteb Restaurant.

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

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

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

Popular lahmajun joints in Yerevan include:

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

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

Mirzoyan Library, a cool courtyard cafe and bar in Yerevan, Armenia.
Mirzoyan Library on a summer’s night.

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

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

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

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

30. Taste Armenian wine at In Vino

A wine bar in Yerevan, with long wooden tables and racks of bottles on the wall.
In Vino.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


My favourite cafes & restaurants in Yerevan

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

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

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

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

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

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


Yerevan Map

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


Recommended day trips from Yerevan

Garni Temple, an ancient temple in Armenia that can be visited as a day trip from Yerevan.
Garni Temple, one of my favourite day trips from Yerevan.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Best time to visit Yerevan

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

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

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

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

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


How many days do you need in Yerevan?

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

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

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

See my favourite day trips from Yerevan listed above.


How to get to Yerevan

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

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

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

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

How to get to Yerevan from Tbilisi

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

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

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

Fold-up chairs line a rock wall at the Children's Railway in Yerevan.
The Children’s Railway in Yerevan.

Is Yerevan safe for tourists?

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

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

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

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

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

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


Is Yerevan expensive? Yerevan travel budget

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Armenia Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Armenia!

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My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Armenia.

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A blue car parked in front of a water fountain in Dilijan, Armenia.

Armenia Travel Guide

Discover insider tips, itinerary inspiration, and all the best things to see, do and experience in Armenia!

Armenia Essentials

My favourite resources and tools for planning a trip to Armenia.

More from Armenia

32 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. Hi Anahid,

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

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

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

    G

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Glad to have found your blog!

    Kim

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

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

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