Yerevan is the laid-back capital of Armenia, a small country in the Caucasus. The skyline is dominated by the silhouette of Mount Ararat, while the streets are filled with cute coffee shops and world class galleries. There are tons of things to do in Yerevan, so keep reading to find out what to see, where to stay and how to get around in Yerevan, Armenia.
Top 12 Things to Do in Yerevan
1. Take a Stroll Around Yerevan’s Republic Square
This is the heart of Yerevan city. The square is surrounded by neoclassical pink tuff stone buildings which gave the city its nickname of The Pink City. Whatever time of day or night you go there, Republic Square is teaming with life.
One of the highlights of a trip to Yerevan is the light show that takes place at the fountain of Republic Square every night from 8:30pm to 11pm, accompanied by Armenian, classic and rock music.
2. Visit the History Museum of Armenia
The History Museum of Armenia looks at the country’s rich and moving history, from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Some of the most impressive artefacts date back to the bronze age, and were excavated from the Necropolis of Lchashen near Lake Sevan. If you want an overview of Armenia, this is a great place to start. The History Museum of Armenia is located in the impressive building behind the fountain on Republic Square.
3. National Gallery of Armenia
On the 2nd floor of the building housing the History Museum of Armenia is the National Gallery of Armenia. It has permanent exhibits, including Soviet-Era illustrations and medieval frescoes, as well as a rotating calendar of temporary exhibits. The most renowned paintings in the gallery are those of abstract artist Wassily Kandinksy.
4. Climb to the top of the Cascade for views over Mount Ararat
The Cafesjian Center for the Arts, or Cascade is the most iconic building in Yerevan. It is built into a slope, with steps on the outside, and tiered floors. There are works of art on each level, both inside and outside the building.
Make sure to check out the sculpture gardens and fountains on the outer platforms. On weekends, you can also enter the building and see the artworks inside, and check out the nice souvenir shop on the ground floor.
You can climb the 572 steps to the very top, where there are stunning views over Mount Ararat, which is considered Armenia’s national symbol. Armenians believe that the 5137-meter tall pea is where Noah’s Ark landed after the flood. Since 1921, Mt Ararat has been located in Turkish territory, and isn’t accessible to Armenians.
5. View Ancient Manuscripts at the Matenadaran
The Matenadaran (book depository) looks like a temple, or cathedral. At its base is a statue of Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet. Inside, the mosaic-walled building houses books and manuscripts dating back over one thousand years. Don’t miss the Homilies of Mush – a 13-th century book that was ripped in half during the Armenian genocide, with the two sections given to two different women. It wasn’t stitched back together for decades.
6. Go for a Walk Around Downtown Yerevan
Downtown Yerevan is a cluster of laid-back and attractive streets, that are best explored on foot. Don’t miss the pedestrianised Northern Avenue, which cuts through downtown diagonally, or Charles Aznavour, named after the French Armenian singer, and decorated with a giant spider statue. Make your way to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, and climb to the top for views of Mt Ararat. From there, continue upwards to Victory Park, where you can see the Mother Armenia Monument.
7. Visit the “Armenian Vatican” in Etchmiadzin
30 minutes from the center of Yerevan, in the town of Vagharshapat, is located Armenia’s most important religious site, Etchmiadzin cathedral. It is considered the oldest cathedral in the world, and Armenia is proud to call itself the world’s first Christian nation. King Tiridates III was the first ruler to officially convert his kingdom to Christianity in 301. The cathedral is quite small, but intricately painted inside, and surrounded by a pleasant park, filled with stone carved crosses known as khachkars. In the cathedral treasury, you can find relics of wood supposedly from Noah’s Ark.
8. Learn about the Armenian Genocide
The Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum on Tsitsernakaberd Hill is a moving site. The memorial consists of a circle of tall basalt slabs, leaning over an eternal flame. Nearby, a free museum gives an in-depth look at the history of the genocide, with information in Armenian, English and French.
9. Stroll along the River to The Children’s Railway
If you fancy a break from the city, take a walk along the river, following the tracks of the former Children’s Railway. In Soviet times, kids could learn about train engineering, and even drive the train themselves. Today, the train is in disrepair, next to the empty station at the end of the railway. It makes for an interesting walk, though. About half way along the track is a natural swim spot, perfect for a cold dip in the summer heat.
10. Search for Handicrafts at Yerevan Vernissage Market
The huge outdoor Vernissage market has rows of stalls selling silver jewellery, paintings, chess boards, and souvenirs of every kind. It is a fun place for a walk, whether or not you want to buy anything. The market is biggest at the weekend, where it is also accompanied by a small flea market.
11. Levon’s Divine Underground
Levon Arakelyan raised the bar for romantic gifts when his wife asked him to build a potato cellar, and he responded by digging an underground maze with sculptures and shrines up to 70 feet below their house. Today, the tunnels are open for visitors, and make for an unusual outing.
12. Sergei Parajanov Museum
You don’t have to have heard of filmmaker Sergei Parajanov to enjoy the eccentric museum filled with his creations – strange, surreal collages and drawings, housed in a 19th-century timber framed house.
Where to Stay: Top Yerevan Armenia Hotels
Now that you know all the cool things to do in Yerevan, you might we wondering where to stay. These Yerevan Armenia hotels offer the perfect base for discovering the city.
The Alexander, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Yerevan
Stunning rooftop bar with views over Mount Ararat. Big indoor swimming pool, and luxuriously comfortable rooms. This 5-star hotel is one of Yerevan’s best.
Grand Hotel Yerevan – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Located in a gorgeous neoclassical building, Grand Hotel Yerevan has a huge pool, a sauna, and a well-reviewed Armenian restaurant on site.
Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel
The rooms of Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel are decorated with beautiful Armenian handicrafts, that compliment the historic building. There are Armenian and Italian restaurants on site.
Guide to Yerevan Car Rental
To explore more of Armenia—think Dilijan’s green forests or Tatev’s dramatic cliffside monastery—renting a car is your best bet.
The best site for Yerevan car rental is this one. It offers competitive rates, airport or downtown pickup, and a range of vehicles from compacts to SUVs.
Essential Tips for Visiting Yerevan
- Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD). Have cash for smaller markets.
- Language: Armenian is official; Russian and English are also common.
- Safety: Yerevan is extremely safe, even for solo travelers.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October bring pleasant weather and fewer crowds.turn.
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