trip to yerevan armenia

Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan is a cool city. While Tbilisi seems to take a lot of the tourist spotlight in the Caucasus region, Yerevan has been slowly creeping into its own embodiment of cool, calm and collected. If you’re heading to the Caucasus, you should definitely travel to Yerevan and explore the architecture, history, bars, markets and churches that make this city one of the most underrated travel destinations in Eurasia.

The Armenian capital, like its people, has had a rough time over the course of its long history. However, since the fall of the Soviet Union, it seems that it’s been rebounding stronger than ever, albeit slowly. You’ll still see remnants of the country’s past with the dominating stone buildings reminding you of the Soviet era, but the streets are also filled with a buzzing energy and with almost more cafes and wine bars than in the laneways of Melbourne (if you can believe that). 

Although Tbilisi tends to steal people’s hearts almost immediately, Yerevan is more of a slow burner. Whether it’s the flea markets and pop up artists selling their work in small city squares or the vibrant cafe and bar scene, the city can actually be pretty intoxicating if you let it. 

Here’s my comprehensive guide to Yerevan travel to get you exploring the best that the city has to offer.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

About Yerevan city

Yerevan is often referred to as “The Pink City” because of the rosy stone used to build many of the city’s imposing buildings and houses during the Soviet era. However, the origins of the city date back many centuries. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited urban areas, although it’s been completely levelled and rebuilt many times from both natural disasters like earthquakes and invading empires.

The known origins of the city are from 782 BC when the fortress of Yerbuni was constructed and which become a central part of what is referred to as the Armenian kingdom. Since then the city has come under the rule of many great empires, from Romans, Parthians, Persians, Arabs, Mongols, Turks, Georgians and, finally Russians. In 1920, the city became the capital of the independent Armenian republic and has remained so until the present day. 

The city flourished under the Soviets becoming an important industrial centre. However, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the city has struggled to deal with the reintegration into the global market economy and you’ll notice many factories still abandoned and in ruin. But the city is a lively centre of activity and it’s slowly finding its feet.

When to go to Yerevan

The best time to visit Yerevan is in the summer months, from June until August, although weather is usually good until September. This is when the weather is warm, reaching up to 30 deg and only dipping to around 15 deg overnight. May and June are relatively wet months in Armenia though so July and August are most popular with tourists. This is also when you’ll find prices tend to peak as do crowds at popular sights. 

The best months to travel to Yerevan are then September and October when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds have gone and the prices tend to lower a little. Towards the end of October, the weather will be getting cool pretty quickly though before winter sets in. Spring in April and May also have relatively decent weather although they tend to be rainy months too, so Autumn is best.

How to get to Yerevan

If you want to travel to Yerevan, then you have many options with a good transport network to other major cities in the region and further beyond. Yerevan is well connected to other European cities by international flights, with new connections opening each year as the demand for Yerevan tourism increases.

Otherwise, you can reach Yerevan by land from Georgia or Iran. The land border with Azerbaijan is closed because of the ongoing conflict between the two countries. It’s also not possible to cross the Armenia and Turkey border due to the political tensions that go back to the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1917.

From Georgia

There are  trains  between Tbilisi in Georgia and Yerevan, which are extremely popular and run daily from June to September, usually overnight. In winter, these trains usually run on a bi-nightly schedule and it’s best to book a ticket in advance at Station Square in Tbilisi or Yerevan Railway Station or Sasuntsi Davit Station in Yerevan. Tickets start from 70GEL and 11, 500 AMD depending on the class.

There are also  marshrutkas  or shared minivans that shuttle across the border. There are regular marshrutkas from Yerevan to Tbilisi and vice versa. The Armenia-Georgia border is probably one of the easiest I’ve ever crossed and the process is extremely efficient and quick, especially if you are from a visa-free country.

The marshrutkas from Tbilisi to Yerevan depart from both the  Station Square  and  Ortachala stations. However, I was travelling in low season and was told that Station Square was a more efficient service, so I headed there. You can ask around for the Yerevan marshrutkas but they congregate in a carpark outside the train station near a broken down and abandoned caravan which is the ticket office. 

They have departures at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and midnight. I got a ticket for the 9am departure which didn’t leave until 11am and we only had four passengers. BUT in the summer months, you should have no problem for timely departures with more demand from tourists. My ticket cost 40GEL (AU$22).

From Yerevan back to Tbilisi, the marshrutkas leave from the  Central Bus Station  or sometimes referred to as Kilikia Bus Station. Tickets are around 7000AMD and you can expect departures every two hours.

The journey takes around 6-7 hours.

Read next: The Ultimate Travel Itinerary for the Caucasus Region

There are  daily buses  between Tehran in Iran and Yerevan. They are usually deluxe VIP Iranian buses, as Armenia only has marshrutkas which don’t go the long distances. The journey takes almost 24 hours and stops in Goris in Armenia and Tabriz in Iran as well. I’ve heard prices can be between US$30-50, depending on whether it’s a VIP bus or not. 

I would recommend visiting Goris and Tabriz as well anyway and that way you can break your journey up with a few days between Yerevan and Tehran.

Read next: What You Need to Know Before You Travel to Iran

Getting around Yerevan

Travelling around Yerevan is best done on foot as much as possible. This way you can really appreciate the architecture and atmosphere on the streets as well as the main sights. However, the city does have a decent transport network.

The city  metro system  is useful and extremely affordable. You just simply buy one-use tokens for each journey you take, which cost 100 AMD (AU$0.35). 

There are also  marshrutkas  (minivans) and  buses  which run around the city and are distinguishable by numbers displayed on their windscreens. These can be more difficult to navigate simply because nothing is in English and the drivers are unlikely to speak English. However, if you know the number you need to catch then they are an extremely affordable way of getting around. 

Taxis  are everywhere in the city and you can use apps like Bolt and Uber to get cheap fares and minimise the language barrier. Taxis can cost anywhere between 1000 AMD and 5000 AMD depending on where you’re going.

Read next: Best Day Trips from Yerevan

Top things to do in Yerevan

For a city that is relatively compact and walkable, there are plenty of things to do in Yerevan to keep you busy for days. In fact, if you want to know how long you should stay in Yerevan, I would say, how much time do you have? 

You can easily fill in time by gazing at the Soviet-era architecture, wandering through markets and visiting all the museums. Here are the top things to do in Yerevan that you can’t miss on your visit to the Armenian capital.

1. The Cascade

The Cascade is a giant stone staircase outside the Cafesijian Museum of Art. It’s incredibly unique and each level of the complex showcases different micro gardens and sculptures. A climb to the top of the 570 stairs is completely worth the effort as the unrivalled view sweeps across the city’s skyline to Mt Ararat which can be seen on a clear day.

The area is like a public square and is one of the best things to do in Yerevan for free.

2. Opera Theatre

This is one of the best examples of heavy Soviet architecture and a must see for anyone who enjoys seeing remnants of the Soviet past in the region. It was designed and built by the Soviets in 1930s and holds ballet and opera performances regularly. The surrounding park area is also popular for families to congregate on sunny afternoons and summer evenings.

3. Katoghike Holy Mother of God Church

This Orthodox church is the oldest in Yerevan, dating back to the 1260s. There’s a tiny chapel next to a newer cathedral and it’s right in the middle of the city. You’ll find people stopping to pray as they pass the church and it’s a nice spot to just observe the local devotion to faith.

4. Republic Square and The History Museum

This huge imposing square is the heart of the city and where you’ll find a lot of the streets’ buzz emanating from. In summer, the fountains are full of water and people relax on one of the benches, especially of an evening when the dancing fountains, lights and music are turned on for everyone to enjoy.

It’s quite impressive and when you enter the square for the first time, it’s impossible not to be taken aback by the grand stone buildings, which are very reminiscent of the Soviet era.

You’ll also find the History Museum of Armenia here, which is well worth a visit. This multilevel display showcases various artefacts and history of both the country and the region from the Stone Age all the way up to the present day. It’s open every day and costs 2000 AMD (AU$7) for entry.

5. Blue Mosque

Although the majority of the population is Christian and have been since the first century AD, you might be surprised to find a mosque in the centre of Yerevan. It’s known as the Blue Mosque and is the biggest place of worship for the city’s Shia Muslim community. The Iran Embassy is technically the guardian of the place and it will remind you of the tiled mosques that you find in Iran.

It’s open to the public to enter, except at prayer times. You should dress conservatively before entering.

6. Kond Neighbourhood

One of the best things to do in Yerevan is to explore the Kond neighbourhood, which is one of the oldest parts of the city and where you can get a glimpse of what the city was like before the imposing Soviet buildings sprung up in the city centre.

It’s a very rundown part of town and it’s not technically a tourist sight but the charm is just in walking the laneways and streets. It is a residential area though so don’t be too nosy or aggressive about taking photographs as many people may not understand why you’re so interested in their neighbourhood. 

Still, Armenians are super friendly people and although the area is easy to get lost in, there’s always someone around to ask directions.

7. Sergei Parajanov House Museum

Yerevan has some great museums and a lot of them. There’s apparently around 50 museums in the city and you can pick and choose from them depending on your interests. But, a personal highlight of the museums in Yerevan was  Sergei Parajanov House Museum . 

An unassuming place that is dedicated to the life of Parajanov, a pioneering artist, author and screen writer of the 20th century. You’ll find weird and eccentric artwork and displays, some of which make underlying gestures and commentary about the world we live.

8. Vernissage Market and GUM Market

Yerevan has some excellent markets and I visited the same two markets multiple times because they were that good. 

The  Vernissage Market  is an open-air flea market which is held daily but best to visit on weekends when it’s most busy. There’s everything from Soviet memorabilia to carpets to jewellery and any souvenir you could possibly want. You can easily spend a couple of hours here looking at each stall.

The  GUM Market  is a large covered fresh produce market where locals come to buy all their food from local vendors. You can find butchers, bakers, farmers as well as vendors with dried fruit and nuts. One of the highlights is watching the traditional Armenian bread, lavash, being made and sold.

9. Genocide Museum and Memorial

A moving monument up on the hill above the city is dedicated to the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide. There is an eternal flame inside the concrete monument which you can enter to pay your respects. 

The Genocide Museum can also be found at the complex, which documents in raw and eye-opening detail what happened to the Armenian people at the hands of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. It’s extremely well presented with English descriptions and it’s a must-see in Yerevan to fully understand the people of Armenia. It’s still considered a contentious international issue, as some countries, including Turkey, do not recognise the genocide as ever happening. 

This museum and memorial is a bit far to walk from the city centre, although I did walk back and it took me around 45 minutes. An Uber cost me 400 AMD (AU$1.50) to get there from the city centre.

10. Bar and cafe hop

The wine and coffee culture is strong in Yerevan. There are hundreds of open-air cafes and bars, which are most lively in summer when the weather is warm. Cafe and wine bar hopping is almost like a sport in the city too, with locals sitting outside cafes and bars throughout the day and into the night. 

Yerevan nightlife would be nothing without a good wine bar and the best of them can be found along  Saryan Street , a strip full of bars and restaurants. Here you’ll find everything from Armenia’s finest wines to fancy cocktails and vegan smoothies, it’s basically where you want to be at night in Yerevan. It’s also home to In Vino, a wine bar that is considered to have sparked the wine bar revolution in the city less than ten years ago. It’s become a sort of wine institution.

The cafe scene in Yerevan reminded me a lot of Melbourne’s and in fact, it’s not unusual to find many people sitting with their laptops at one of the cafes for multiple hours. A couple of cafes I highly recommend include The Green Bean and Eat&Fit. 

When the weather gets cooler, sitting in a cosy cafe or bar with a glass of wine or mug of coffee is one of the best things to do in Yerevan in winter.

Where to stay in Yerevan

As the city is pretty walkable, the best bet is to stay in the city centre area from where you can reach most attractions easily. The city has plenty of accommodation options for all types of budgets, but in general, it’s a very affordable place to stay.

The best  Yerevan hotels  can be found around Republic Square and towards The Cascade. You’ll also find all sorts of budget hostels and Airbnb apartment’s to rent within the apartment blocks around the city centre. 

Avenue Hostel || This very convenient and budget friendly hostel is located right in the centre of Yerevan. They offer 6 and 8 bed dorms, and are within walking distance from all the main attractions. Check their availability here .

Olive Hotel || For a budget friendly, boutique hotel, Olive Hotel is located just 300m from Republic Square. They have very clean and spacious double and family rooms, with friendly staff. Check their prices here .

Where to eat in Yerevan

I have to admit I spent a lot of my time in Yerevan at restaurants and cafes because the food is very good and there’s a great attitude towards people working from their laptops in cafe spaces. 

Saryan Street  is the best place for nightlife in Yerevan with bars and restaurants.  Tumanyan Street  is another popular place with some of the best restaurants in the city like Lavash Restaurant and The Tolma, although they are a bit more on the pricey side.

My favourite cafes, restaurants and bars

The Green Bean:  They have two central locations, one near The Cascade and the other on Amiryan Street. They have an extensive menu with vegan and gluten-free options. It’s a very popular place for students and digital nomads to spend time at their laptops.

Eat&Fit:  An incredibly beautiful cafe with healthy food and vegan and gluten-free options. It’s only small so it fills up quickly but it’s certainly worth it. It’s a bit more pricey than Green Bean but with a similar vibe. 

Karas food chain:  A national food chain that has a very extensive menu with every type of traditional Armenian food, as well as, Georgian food and Western options. There are plenty of outlets in Yerevan and you’ll come across them on almost every major street. The menu is in English. My hostel recommended it for a quick, easy, affordable and all-round good place to go and I ate there plenty of times.

Tavern Yerevan:  A pretty fancy place that has become the city’s most sought after restaurant. My hostel told me it was the best place to go for traditional Armenian food but every time I tried to enter they told me I had to pre-book days in advance, so I gave up. But, for a special treat or if you’re a real foodie, it might be worth planning a meal here.

Exploring more of Armenia and the Caucasus?

If you’re travelling around Armenia you might want to check out some of my other posts:

• Best Day Trips From Yerevan in Armenia
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Dilijan National Park
• 12 Best Places to Visit in the Caucasus

Pin this post

Share this:

Best Day Trips from Yerevan in Armenia

The Ultimate Guide to Dilijan National Park, Armenia

[…] you’re wondering where to head from Yerevan within easy reach, this guide to the best day trips from Yerevan will help you plan your trip in […]

[…] is the country’s ultimate escape into nature and incredibly easy to reach from Yerevan. It’s popular on weekends and holidays but the multitude of activities on offer means you can […]

[…] having spent a lot of time in Tbilisi and Yerevan, I honestly didn’t think I’d feel much love for Baku. But I was wrong. It truly is a cool city […]

I highly recommend a visit to Yerevan. Not only is the city filled with beautiful architecture and rich history, but the people are also incredibly friendly and welcoming. During my visit, I was able to explore the city’s vibrant culture through its delicious food, unique museums, and lively nightlife. I also had the opportunity to visit some of the nearby sights, such as the ancient ruins of Erebuni Fortress and the stunning Temple of Garni.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from beyond wild places.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days (or More!)

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As one of the least-visited countries in Europe, Armenia can be viewed as an exotic destination that only the most intrepid of travellers would choose to visit. Because of this, there isn’t a lot of information about this South Caucasus nation available online and it can make planning the perfect Armenia itinerary a difficult task.

Because so many of those who do visit Armenia do it by organised tour, it can be very tricky to find the right information for those who want to visit this underrated country independently. Planning a trip to Armenia is one of the best decisions you could make, especially if you’re combining it with a trip through the other Caucasus countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Armenia

Despite its relatively southern geographic location, Armenia very much experiences four proper seasons and, therefore, there are some times of year to visit this Caucasian nation that are better than others.

Winters in Armenia can be very cold, with high temperatures between the months of December-February barely clocking in above freezing. Luckily, however, the cold weather doesn’t tend to last too long as it will usually begin to warm up in the month of March and temperatures will fall into the low 20s Celcius (70s Fahrenheit) by April.

Because of this, travelling in the springtime is one of the best times of year to plan a trip to Armenia. Besides the tendency for a bit more rain, the temperatures will be mild and pleasant with it rarely getting too hot or too cold.

The Autumn seasons between September-November also see similar temperatures to Spring albeit with less rain, making that the absolute optimal time to visit Armenia.

Summers in Armenia are sunny and hot, with daily high temperatures often clocking in over 40 degrees Celcius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Though many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants will be air-conditioned, this becomes less likely the further from big cities or tourist hotspots you venture.

It is also worth noting that public transport (like buses and marshrutkas) rarely are air-conditioned so it can get unbearably hot to travel from point A to B in the summer.

All in all, the best times to visit Armenia would likely be in the shoulder seasons of March-May and September-November.

How Many Days in Armenia?

If you’re wondering how many days in Armenia is sufficient to get a good feel for the country but you’re strapped for time, we would recommend spending five days in this southern Caucasian nation. This will give you time to explore the lively capital of Yerevan, take a day trip into the surrounding area, and spend a couple of nights in a smaller city as well.

Spending 5 days in Armenia will allow you to get beyond the capital and experience the culture of this underrated travel destination without being too exhausting or taking too much time.

If you have longer, spending one week in Armenia is ideal to get a really good grasp of the country and a more well-rounded view of the culture and history of this beautiful nation.

With 7 days, you have time not only to explore the capital city, but you can head quite off the beaten path and take in the city of Gyumri and enjoy some of the beautiful nature that Armenia has to offer.

Getting Around Armenia

Armenia isn’t that highly-visited of a country and those who do venture to this underappreciated nation tend to do so on an organised tour, which means that figuring out how to get around independently can be a confusing and albeit daunting task for tourists.

Luckily, locals in Armenia tend to be extremely helpful and eager to lend a hand to confused visitors, so it is likely that you wouldn’t be stranded for too long if you couldn’t figure something out.

If you only plan to visit Yerevan while you explore Armenia, getting around the city is incredibly easy and manageable as the majority of the city’s main sites can be reached on foot and the city centre is compact and easy to navigate. Anything else that is not within walking distance is easy to get to with either the metro or an affordable taxi ride.

Taxi rides are accessible for most travellers in Yerevan and it can actually be the easiest way to get to some more out-of-the-way attractions within the city. It is worth knowing, however, that taxis throughout Armenia (and the Caucasus in general) don’t tend to have meters, so it is essential to negotiate a price before you get in.

Finding a cab through the Yandex taxi app or the Bolt app is a great option. This operates much in the same way as Uber and will quote you the exact price of the journey before you get in the cab, leaving out any need for stressful negotiations.

If you’re travelling outside of the capital — for example, from Yerevan to Dilijan , Gyumri, or Goris — there are a few options available for independent travellers. The easiest and most common option for inter-city travel in Armenia is by marshrutka, or minibus.

Depending on the popularity of your destination, marshrutkas have a vague schedule and generally depart when full or mostly full.

The destination of the bus will be posted in the front window and it will generally be in the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet if they are popular routes amongst tourists. If you can’t already, it can be helpful to learn the Cyrillic alphabet or learn what your destinations look like printed both in Cyrillic and in the Armenian alphabet.

You can find the most up-to-date bus timetables from tourist information centres or from your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel staff. Often, you might need to book a spot on the bus if there are only a finite number that leave per day. The tourist info centre or your accommodation can call and book these for you as well.

Generally speaking, you pay the driver for the ride, however, there are some routes where you buy a ticket at a counter instead. Don’t worry, they will let you know for your specific route.

Train travel does exist in Armenia, however, it isn’t all that well-developed and not every route is available. While the trains are not the most comfortable mode of transportation in Armenia, they tend to be more comfortable than a marshrutka and can be preferable if there an option for your route. Ticket prices vary, but they are quite affordable.

Another easy way to get around Armenia, especially if you’re on a tight schedule and not travelling on a tight budget, is to rent a car. Though the road quality may not be the best in some areas of the country, having your own car makes it easy to travel independently and to see some out-of-the-way attractions without having to rely on organised tours or being beholden to erratic bus schedules.

If you want to find great prices on car hire, you can rent private cars directly from locals through Local Rent .

5 to 7-Day Armenia Itinerary

Day 1 – yerevan.

Armenia’s dynamic capital city has been continuously inhabited for more than 2,800 years, however, it retains a modern and hip edge that cements itself firmly in the 21st century. With an easy-to-navigate city centre and a streetside cafe culture to rival Paris, Yerevan is one of the most logical places to begin your itinerary for Armenia.

Because it doesn’t have as much information written about as neighbouring capitals like Tbilisi or Baku , many people will ask themselves “is Yerevan worth visiting?” And the answer to this is a resounding “yes,” especially if you are planning a larger Caucasus itinerary and want to see how all three capitals differ.

If you trying to figure out how many days in Yerevan is best to get to know the city, then we would say three. Spend your first day in Yerevan in the city centre, enjoying the main sites and getting the lay of the land.

The current centre of Yerevan was designed in the 1920s by Armenian architect Alexander Tamanian and, as a planned city, it is much easier to navigate than the other two Caucasus capitals, with wide avenues and a logical setup to the streets.

Begin your morning at the impressive Cascade complex , a series of steps spanning seven floors where, from the top on a clear day, you can see spectacular views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

If the 572 steps of the complex seem daunting to you, there are a series of escalators inside that you can take to the top instead. These are free to use and are open every day. There are also some interesting art exhibitions inside to enjoy while you’re riding up. No doubt that visiting the Cascade complex is one of the best things to do in Armenia.

After enjoying the Cascade, walk a few hundred metres to see the imposing Armenian Opera building, also designed by Alexander Tamanian. While the building isn’t as impressive as the one you might find in Tbilisi, it is still a great example of Armenian neoclassical architecture.

The building consists of two concert halls: the Alexander Spendiaryan Opera and Ballet National Theatre and the Aram Khachaturian concert hall which is home to the Armenian Philharmonic.

You can purchase tickets to the opera, ballet, and symphony from ticket offices nearby for very affordable prices and it is a great way to support the arts and culture of Yerevan. Michael and I were able to get very good seats for the ballet for 6000 AMD (about $14 USD) per person.

Armenia is an incredibly Christian nation and it is an important part of the country’s identity, however, one of the most beautiful sites to see is the Blue Mosque , which isn’t a far walk from the Opera building. This Shia mosque is the only functioning mosque in the city and the courtyard and colourful dome are very much worth seeing.

After admiring the mosque, head to Republic Square , the main square in Yerevan. There is a beautiful fountain situated in front of the Armenian History Museum that, during summer evenings, is lit in different colours. The square is also surrounded by beautiful examples of Armenian neoclassical buildings in Yerevan’s iconic rose-hued stone, making it obvious as to why it is known as the “pink city.”

Now wander over to the Vernissage Market , a large open-air souvenir market that is the perfect place to find something unique to bring home to your friends and family.

Contrary to what you might find in tacky souvenir shops full of mass-produced magnets and pomegranate tchotchkes, here you can get local handicrafts like beautiful chess and backgammon boards, intricate silver jewellery, and much more. You will also be supporting local artisans by keeping traditional practices alive.

Your last stop for your first day in Yerevan should be at the St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral . Opened in 2001 to mark the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia (which is believed to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion), this is the largest Armenian Apostolic church in the world and is truly spectacular to see.

Round out your sightseeing at Yerevan’s GUM Market , the central market hall of the Armenian capital. Though it isn’t as lively and chaotic as, say, the Green Bazaar in Kutaisi, Georgia , it is still a great way to see what locals eat and to sample some regionally sourced and produced treats while staying away from multinational supermarket chains.

End your first day in one of the great restaurants, cafes, or wine bars on Saryan Street. In Vino is a good choice if you want to choose from an extensive list of both local and international vintages paired with local meats and cheeses.

If you want something a bit more substantial, Tapastan is a great Armenian fusion restaurant. Alternatively, head over to the Cascade and enjoy some surprisingly delicious Thai food from Wine Republic , which was one of our favourite haunts in Yerevan.

If you want to explore more of the capital’s food scene, consider this food tour of Yerevan .

Where to Stay in Yerevan

Skyline Hotel Yerevan – If you’re looking for a well-located hotel to stay at in Yerevan, then this is a good option for you. This locally-run hotel has a range of clean and comfortable rooms available, is located within walking distance of most of Yerevan’s top attractions, and there is an option to add breakfast to your nightly rate.

Avenue ApartHotel – This aparthotel is an excellent option if you want your own place to stay in Yerevan while still having all of the nice amenities of a hotel. They have a range of both suites and rooms on offer along with plenty of perks to make your stay a great one.

Envoy Hostel – This hostel is one of the best places to stay in Yerevan for backpackers, budget and solo travellers alike. They have a range of dorm beds and private rooms available, helpful staff, clean facilities, and good common areas. They also provide day tours to other areas in Armenia at a discounted rate to their hostel guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Yerevan!

Day 2 – Yerevan

Your second day in Yerevan may be a bit more sombre and not quite as busy as the first, but will still give you a great insight into the history of the city and Armenia as a whole.

Begin your day by hopping in a taxi to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which is located a bit outside of the city centre. It will take about 10-15 minutes to get there.

The memorial and museum are free to enter and it is extremely well-curated and an incredibly powerful place to visit. When visiting Armenia, it is important to learn about the darkest part of its history where up to 1.5 million people were murdered.

There is also a garden in front of the museum with a tree planted for each foreign official who has officially recognised the atrocities carried out by the Ottomans in 1915-1923 as a genocide. There is also a plaque honouring the countries and the European Union that have officially recognised the Armenian Genocide.

After visiting the memorial and museum, it is likely you will need a drink and it isn’t an easy place to spend time in. Therefore, take a taxi to Dargett Brewpub , a microbrewery which serves up some fantastic craft beers along with some fantastic western-style bar food.

If you can’t decide which kind of beer to order, we recommend ordering a tasting flight. Our favourites included the American Pale Ale, the Vertigo IPA, and the Belgian Tripel.

Those who aren’t beer drinkers may, instead, be interested in a tour and tasting of Ararat Brandy . This is Armenia’s answer to cognac and it is very delicious.

After a beer and some lunch, head to the History Museum of Armenia at Republic Square. Though, as of May 2019, parts of this museum are under construction, it is still a great place to stop by to learn more about the history of Armenia beyond that genocide.

The museum is famous for being home to the world’s oldest shoe, which was found in a cave in the south of the country called Areni-2, or the “bird’s cave.”

After the history museum, if you’re keen to learn more about Yerevan from a local’s perspective, we recommend going on the Yerevan Free Walking Tour , which meets every day at 4 PM in front of the museum.

The tour is about 3 hours long and advance booking is required, however, it is an excellent way to learn about Yerevan’s history and culture from a friendly and knowledgeable local. There is also this paid walking tour if this schedule suits you better.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the restaurants recommended on Day 1.

Day 3 – Yerevan

On your third day, it is time to get out of Yerevan and see some of the surrounding area. There are a number of day trip options from Yerevan that are all fairly easy to organise, whether independently or via organised tour.

Two of the most popular day trips from Yerevan include heading to the nearby town of Garni , home to the ancient Garni Temple – the only surviving pagan temple in the country that’s datesw ot pre-Christian times.

You can also view the bizarre rock formations known as the Symphony of Stones and the beautiful Geghard Monastery – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers will also love seeing the Garni Gorge.

It takes about 30 minutes to get there via marshrutka. You can also visit these places on this day tour or this day tour .

The city of Etchmiadzin (Vagharshapat) is also an easy-to-do independent day trip from Yerevan. This town is known as the “Vatican of Armenia” and is the home of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which is a separate church from the Catholic, Orthodox, or Anglican churches.

It is also home to the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, which is believed to be the oldest cathedral not just in Armenia, but in the entire world. You can also view the ruins of the Zvartnots Cathedral here.

Bus 203 from the Central Bus Station will get you there and back with limited expense and hassle. Those who would rather visit with a guide will like this guided day tour .

If you’re keen to explore more of Armenia beyond just the areas near to Yerevan, then the easiest way to do this is by organised tour. Some popular places to visit in Armenia as day trips from Yerevan include the Khor Virap Monastery , the Noravank Monastery , the Hin Areni Winery , or even Tatev Monastery .

We were altogether happy with our full-day tour to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, and the Bird’s Cave. Different tours depart on different days, so make sure to shop around and see what suits your schedule and what you want to see in Armenia if you’re keen to take a tour.

Day 4 – Dilijan

After spending a busy three days in Yerevan, it’s time to head to the next destination on your Armenia itinerary: Dilijan.

Known as the “Switzerland of Armenia,” Dilijan is located just a 90-minute marshrutka ride from Yerevan, however, it feels like a different world. Dilijan is a great escape from the city and a fantastic place to spend a couple of days enjoying the laid-back mountain atmosphere, going for a few hikes, or taking a trip to some nearby monasteries.

While there aren’t a lot of traditional sites to see or things to do in Dilijan, it is still a great place to visit to see a different side to Armenia and to enjoy the pastoral side of the country. The town itself is delightful, with a lovely lake and plenty of great restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Plan to spend an hour or two exploring the town itself and then take the rest of your day to go for a hike in Dilijan National Park. The tourist information centre in the town outlines several hiking trails of varying difficulties where you can really get out and enjoy the pristine nature of Armenia regardless of your general fitness level.

If you’d rather stay in Yerevan but still experience the highlights of the next two days of this itinerary, then this day tour and this guided tour will take you from the capital to both Dilijan and Lake Sevan.

Where to Stay in Dilijan

Green Dilijan B&B – This family-run guesthouse is an excellent choice for budget travellers. They have a few rooms available, a cosy common area for guests, and a lovely balcony with views of the mountains. It is kept very clean and the extremely friendly and helpful owners also offer an excellent breakfast for an additional charge.

Chalet Dilijan Hotel – This hotel is a great option if your budget accounts for a bit more than a family-run guesthouse. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available for all types of travellers and breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places in Dilijan!

Day 5 – Lake Sevan

Using Dilijan as a base, use the fifth day of your time in Armenia to head to beautiful Lake Sevan. As one of the largest alpine lakes in the entirety of the Eurasian continent and certainly the largest in the region, Lake Sevan is a gorgeous place to visit that is steeped in history.

It’s only a little bit over 30 minutes to reach Sevan town from Dilijan – if you don’t have your own car, you can organise an affordable taxi to reach the area. Your accommodation can often arrange this for you.

One of the highlights of visiting this area is the beautiful Sevanavank Monastery, located on a small peninsula just north of the town. Sevan is also a popular resort area for Armenians to holiday in and there are several beaches along the shore of the lake where you can take a dip in the water.

Another thing you must do is try the famed Sevan trout – an Armenian delicacy. There is a lot of trout fished from the lake and lots of restaurants feature the fish prominently on their menus.

If you’re only spending five days exploring Armenia, then you can easily end your time by heading back to Yerevan and flying out or continuing onward to Tbilisi if you’re interested in exploring neighbouring Georgia.

Day 6 – Dilijan to Gyumri

Your sixth day exploring Armenia is going to be a bit of a travel day as you make your way from Dilijan to Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri.

There are no direct bus connections between these two towns so you have a couple of options. From Dilijan, hop on a marshurtka to the town of Vanadzor or Spitak and catch a connecting mini bus to Gyumri. Alternatively, you can travel south back to Yerevan and then either grab a marshrutka or, our preference, a train to Gyumri.

The train from Yerevan to Gyumri is especially fun for fans of old Soviet transport as they haven’t been updated in decades and can offer quite an insight into the past. The scenery you will pass is also simply delightful as you travel through the Armenian countryside.

Once you arrive in Gyumri, no matter how you’ve arrived, spend your evening simply getting your bearings and exploring a bit of the city centre before finding a great place for dinner.

Where to Stay in Gyumri

Lind Hostel & Guesthouse – This family-run guesthouse is one of the best places to stay in Gyumri if you’re travelling on a budget. They have a range of comfortable rooms available, a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use, and impeccably clean facilities. It is located an easy walk from the city centre and breakfast is available and an affordable additional cost. The owners are also incredibly friendly and ready to help.

Tomu’s Hotel – If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel rather than a guesthouse, then this is an excellent option for you. Centrally located, this hotel has a range of rooms available, helpful staff with 24-hour reception, and a restaurant and bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Gyumri!

Day 7 – Gyumri

In the past, Gyumri has been known as both Alexandropol (when it was part of the Russian Empire) and Leninakan (during Soviet times) and was once the largest city in Armenia — at its peak being home to over 500,000 people. However, the city was absolutely devastated by the Spitak Earthquake in 1988, which killed at least 25,000 people.

More than 30 years later, Gyumri is still recovering and rebuilding from the devastation and can seem a bit “rough around the edges,” meaning it isn’t the most popular tourist attraction in Armenia. However, if you want to see how people live in Armenia and venture where few tourists tend to go, Gyumri is an excellent addition to your Armenia itinerary.

Though it is lacking in traditional tourist sites, it is still worth strolling to the Black Fortress , through the Central Park , and enjoying one of the wonderful cafes on Pushkin Street (we recommend Herbs & Honey ).

Depending on if you’re only visiting Armenia or if you’re travelling onwards, you may want to return to Yerevan to fly out of the country. Alternatively, there is a marshrutka that can take you from Gyumri to Tbilisi if you’re heading to Georga or elsewhere in the Caucasus.

Alternatively, if you weren’t able to see some of the sites in the Armenian countryside, you could take this transfer tour from Yerevan to Tbilisi which includes several great stops along the way.

Have More Time?

If you have more than five or seven days in Armenia, there are numerous places that you could add to your itinerary. For one, if you’re keen to spend maybe 10 days in Armenia, it is logical to add the town of Goris and Tatev Monastery to your itinerary.

At Tatev, you can embark on one of the world’s longest cable car journeys and take in some truly gorgeous natural scenery.

You could also opt to spend longer in Yerevan, explore more of the city or go on a couple more day trips or tours from there. If you want to do more hiking in Armenia, then spending longer will allow you to do that as well without sacrificing any of the cultural and historical sites on this itinerary as well.

As an independent traveller, planning a trip to Armenia doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With enough prior research and planning, you are sure to piece together the optimal itinerary for your own travel style!

Are you spending some time in Armenia? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan Itinerary

Armenia to Georgia: Gyumri to Tbilisi & Dilijan to Tbilisi

How to Get From Yerevan to Dilijan & Things To Do In Dilijan

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Excellent and explained in simple language. Thanks

hi, thank you for this informative piece, im also planning on visiting Georgia, would u happen to have any knowledge of Georgia too tia

Hi Daniel! Yes, we’ve spent quite a bit of time in Georgia and have a lot of information written. You can find everything here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/georgia-travel-guide/

brilliant thank you very much indeed

Hi Maggie, Nice article written on Armenia… I am on my vacation with my family to Georgia in May. Planning 7 days in Georgia and and 5 days in Armrnia.. Is it possible to cover the nb best of Armenia

Thanks for your comment! Yes, you can definitely see some highlights in Armenia in just 5 days 🙂

Hello Maggie, thanks for this post. I am heading to Armenia and Georgia late September/early October. I already have a plan for Georgia, but for Armenia not so much. In particular, there are 4 free days after spending the weekend in Yerevan that I am not sure how best to plan for. I would like to visit Tatev, so really that limits me to the south. What would you recommend? I’m probably going to stick with public transport, renting a car is a possibility but I’m a bit nervous about that when I’m traveling on my own.

Hey David, thanks for your comment! If you want to visit Tatev and you have 4 days to play around with, then I think it could be worth it to head down to Goris. It isn’t necessary to hire a car as Goris is accessible by public transit, it can just be tricky to find up-to-date information online. I would recommend heading to a tourist info centre or asking your accommodation about transit options if you don’t want to self-drive, often they can call and book you a seat as well. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

Thanks Maggie for the swift reply. I was wondering what else you would recommend between Goris and Yerevan , in that 4 day timeframe? What would be realistic, if only using public transport? At the end of the 4th day I’d need to be back in Yerevan, for a tour that takes me through to Georgia that starts the following day (with Envoy Hostel).

Realistically, if you’re relying on only public transport, I would recommend staying one extra day in Yerevan and doing a day tour to some attractions in Southern Armenia (Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni, etc) and then taking three days for your Goris/Tatev leg. It can be really hard to visit those attractions independently if you don’t have your own vehicle and it’s also not very easy to break up the journey between Yerevan and Goris.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Wander-Lush

Visit Armenia: The Ultimate Armenia Travel Guide

• The Caucasus

I think that Yerevan, which is built from volcanic tuff and is harmonic like a rose, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Pablo Neruda

The Land of Apricots

From the Pink City, Yerevan , to the charcoal-and-gold Gyumri ; the emerald Debed Canyon to the sapphire Lake Sevan – Armenia is a country of vivid colours. The smallest of the three Trans-Caucasus nations, it holds its own in terms of history, hiking, food and wine.

Forged in the fires of a tumultuous past, Armenian culture is one of the most fascinating on earth. Every day in Armenia is a brush with history, from the Khachkar cross stones that sit proudly in Yerevan’s city park and mark the way to monasteries across the country, to Armenian cuisine, costume, music, and the alphabet itself.

Travelling around Armenia with snow-capped Mount Ararat as your North Star is truly one of life’s great privileges. This is one country I’ll keep coming back to for the rest of my days.

Armenia travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are 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 .

April/May (spring) or September/October. Summer for trekking.

How long in Armenia?

2 full days for Yerevan; 10 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.

Daily budget

35-50 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; day tours; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Yerevan or Gyumri; marshrutka/train from Georgia or Iran.

Armenia visa

Visa-free or e-visa (90-180 days) for most passports.

Getting around

Hire a car; use marshrutka vans and trains.

Where to stay

Hostels, family-run guesthouses or hotels.

Tours & experiences

City walking tours, wine tastings and monasteries.

Where to go in Armenia

The perfect Armenia itinerary starts with a few days in Yerevan , a lively city of outdoor cafes, sculpture gardens and buzzing squares. Watch the lavash ladies at work at the GUM Market , and rifle through carpets and antiques at the Vernissage as you hunt for the perfect Armenian souvenir .

There’s a good chance this will be your first real encounter with the Armenian Genocide – an unspeakable atrocity that much of the world seems to have forgotten. Tsitsernakaberd , the national Genocide Memorial and museum, is a must-visit.

Contrast Yerevan with the nation’s second-largest city, Gyumri , known for its lofty architecture and house museums. Visit Vanadzor in the north and Goris in the south, both gateways to incredible nature. Spend a day on sparkling Lake Sevan , Armenia’s jewel, spend a night at the Soviet-era Sevan Writers’ House , find solitude in Dilijan National Park , home to the country’s best hiking trails.

The world’s first Christian nation, Armenia boasts dozens of monasteries and churches, each one more impressive than the last. Khor Virap , Noravank , Geghard and the mighty Tatev , accessed by soaring cable car, can all be visited on day trips from Yerevan. UNESCO-listed Haghpat and Sanahin are my personal favourites.

Along with neighbouring Georgia, Armenia is the cradle of viniculture, so a wine tasting in the Areni Region should also be on your agenda. The Armenian table is one that has been laid over the course of many centuries. Every city, town and small village offers its own incredible cuisine , making this country a real treat for foodies.

Explore Armenia

Get to the heart of Armenia with my latest travel guides.

A Night at the Sevan Writers’ House: What It’s Like to Stay at Armenia’s Iconic Soviet Hotel

How to Travel by Overnight Sleeper Train from Tbilisi to Yerevan (or Vice Versa)

10 Things to Do at Lake Sevan in Armenia

30 Awesome Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

12 Things to Do in Gyumri, Armenia’s Historic Second City

The Ultimate Armenia Itinerary for 3-10 Days of Travel

My armenia favourites.

The Transcaucasian Trail in Dilijan National Park.

Must-eat meal

Dolma , lavash and a Ponchik (filled donut) to finish.

local experience

Shopping for apricots at the GUM Market in Yerevan.

best souvenir

An Armenian carpet from the Vernissage market.

Plan Your Trip to Yerevan: Best of Yerevan Tourism

PLAN YOUR TRIP Yerevan

Essential yerevan.

Trending in the forums

Yerevan Is Great For

Historical tours.

Cultural Tours

Archaeology Tours

The great outdoors

• Holiday Inn Yerevan - Republic Square, an IHG Hotel
• Paris Hotel
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Yerevan City Centre
• ibis Yerevan Center Hotel
• Republica Hotel Yerevan
• Lavash Restaurant
• Seasons Restaurant
• Sherep Restaurant
• Amar Yerevan
• Katsin Restaurant
• Vernissage Market
• Cafesjian Center for the Arts
• Yerevan Park
• Water World
• Wine & Grapes Spa
• Garni, Geghard And Azat Canyon
• Group Tour: Lake Sevan (Sevanavank), Dilijan (Goshavank, Haghartsin)
• Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Hin Areni wine tour & tasting, Birds-Cave
• Group Tour: Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev monasteries (wayback on Ropeway)
• Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin, Lake Parz, Goshavank

• Partner with Us
• Made in Armenia
• Gegharkunik
• Vayots Dzor
• Cultural Heritage
• Food & Drink
• Itineraries & Road Trips
• Nature Activities
• Practical Information
• Soviet Armenia
• Things To Do
• What to Pack
• Where to Stay

Plan Your Trip , Itineraries & Road Trips , Yerevan

Two days in yerevan itinerary – first-timer’s guide to armenia’s pink city.

Yerevan, Armenia is one of my favorite cities in the entire world.

While I think just spending two days in Yerevan is doing yourself a huge disservice, it is still possible to get a true taste of the city within those two days.

This is a Yerevan itinerary for those who are embarking on their first trip to Armenia, one of my favorite places in the world.

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

Top Experiences and Tours from Yerevan:

• Day trip to Khor Virap, Areni Winery and Noravank Monastery (from $34)
• Armenia: Private Tour to Khor Virap Monastery (from $37)
• Khor Virap, Echmiadzin, and Zvartnots Cathedral from Yerevan (from $62)
• Private Tour: Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Haghartsin (from $90)
• From Yerevan: 4.5-Hour Garni-Geghard Tour (from $39)

Top Hotels in Yerevan:

• The Alexander (a luxury in Yerevan)
• Daniel’s Boutique Hotel (mid-range in Yerevan
• 14th Floor (mid-range in Yerevan)
• Grand Hostel (budget in Yerevan)

Looking for the best way to get around Armenia? Click here to check rental car rates for Armenia!

Two Days in Yerevan Itinerary

If you have been following me since 2013, you will know that my first trip to Yerevan back then made me fall in love with the small country in the Caucasus.

I have never spent a short amount of time in the country over the years but I am aware that many people have a limited amount of time they can spend there so that is why I think two days in Yerevan is the perfect amount of time for someone who is visiting Armenia for the first time.

This Yerevan itinerary will mix some of the city’s most popular spots with some of my favorite places, including restaurants, bars, and other things to do in Yerevan for curious travelers through the Caucasus.

If you have additional suggestions for first-time travelers to Yerevan, please drop them in the comments section!

How to Get to Yerevan

There are quite a few options to get to Yerevan. You can fly into Zvartnots International Airport , a beautiful and modern airport with overpriced and poor flight options (for the time being… my hopes are high that this changes).

You can take the train in from Tbilisi arriving overnight at the Yerevan railway station . That is not my preferred method as it is slow and redundant since I am frequently in Yerevan.

I prefer to take the bus from Tbilisi to Yerevan (marshrutka). It is cheap, quick, and I always end up meeting people along the ride (and they usually treat me to delicious, village bread on the ride which I can’t possibly turn down).

The transport is around 35 GEL (Georgian Lari) and it will get you there in about 5-6 hours maximum.

You can read my getting from Tbilisi to Yerevan via bus guide here.

When Should You Travel to Yerevan?

Until this spring, I would have said spring. The spring in Yerevan has been disgusting this year.

But, it appears that a ‘proper’ spring is actually on the horizon, so April may still be a great month to venture to Yerevan.

Winters in Yerevan are cold, summers are hot. But, I usually LOVE spring and LOVE autumn in Yerevan so I highly recommend visiting in either of the seasons.

There is nothing quite as beautiful as strolling the Armenian capital’s streets when the apricots are in blossom or the fall foliage kicks into place.

Day One in Yerevan: Popular Yerevan Sights and Delicious Food

On your first day in Yerevan, I highly recommend you visiting the city’s main and most popular sights while indulging in the incredibly delicious Armenian food scene that is ever-present in Yerevan.

This Yerevan itinerary will guide you around the city from spot to spot that I think are can’t-miss places in the pink capital city.

Start Your Day Off at Republic Square

Republic Square is easily one of the most popular sights in Yerevan and it is a place you’ll likely end up in over and over throughout your days in the city. The large and open square was designed by Alexander Tamanian in 1924 and has been the epicenter of all things major in Yerevan since, including the 2018 Revolution in Armenia.

The square is surrounded by five, notable buildings such as a Marriott Hotel , the History Museum of Armenia , and other government buildings.

It was built in a neoclassical style and really reminiscent of Armenian architecture as it was built with pink and yellow tuff (volcanic stone).

You will also get to witness the Singing Fountains if you go at night- it is a fountain display with music and a lot of color and lights.

Closely located to Republic Square are several restaurants, bars, and other establishments that you can add to your list if you plan on sticking around Yerevan longer than the two days on this itinerary.

There is also Sherep Restaurant , one of the best restaurants in Yerevan , where you can see lavash being made and enjoy deliciously modern Armenian food.

Also nearby is the Mirzoyan Library , a cool and hidden cafe located in a historic Armenian building.

Go Souvenir Shopping at Vernissage

The best place to pick up something to bring home from Armenia with you is at Vernissage , a large open-air market located close to Republic Square that opened in the 1980s.

You can find Armenian artwork, chess sets, and all kinds of other hand-made souvenirs.

On the weekends, the area is lively and booming with vendors.

There is a park close by and it is a nice place to sit around and people watch or enjoy a cup of coffee.

If you’re looking to grab a coffee nearby, there is The Italian , one of the best cafes in Yerevan for a cappuccino (I’m really picky and this place gets my approval).

If you’re looking to add an affordable cafeteria to your list for another day in Yerevan, you can stop by Tasty Time beside Vernissage and enjoy some of the best cafeteria food in the city (cash only).

Stop by the Moscow Cinema

In 1936, the Moscow Cinema opened in Yerevan during early Soviet times.

Still standing today and hosting films, the cinema is a popular sight in Yerevan and is a can’t miss for those who have at least two days in Yerevan.

Located close to Republic Square, the Moscow Cinema has four theater halls and there is even an open-air theater on the eastern side of the building.

My favorite part of the Moscow Cinema is actually the fountain located out in front of it. It is beautiful and a great spot to sit by and people watch.

Venture to the Yerevan Opera

The Yerevan Opera is one of the most well-known buildings in the city and should certainly be on your Yerevan itinerary, even if you’re just checking it out from the outside (I have yet to go inside, shamefully).

Opened on January 20, 1933, the stark grey building is surrounded with heaps of open-air cafes and a lot of green space. There is always something happening in and around the Opera building and that is what makes it such a spectacular spot to visit.

The Opera consists of two halls- the Aram Khatchaturian hall and the Alexander Spendiaryan Hall.

The Khatchaturian hall seats 1,400 guests and is a concert hall. The Spendiaryan hall is an opera and ballet hall with 1,200 seats.

Located in close proximity is Swan Lake , a large fountain area that is crowded in summer with locals enjoying the city life. During the winter, it turns into an ice-skating rink.

Enjoy Lunch at Temurnots

I have a lot of favorite places to eat at in Yerevan, but I hold no place quite as dear as Temurnots .

That is the place where I met my current business partner a great friend (who is helping me write this guide).

He is a local and we met through a mutual friend there. So, I get very giddy when I can recommend Temurnots to other people because I have such great memories from there.

Temurnots is located at the Cascades Complex and they are known for a dish called ‘Temur’s Plate’- a dish served in a black pan containing fried sausage and fried potatoes.

It is served with a local Yerevan beer (draught) and pickles and has become the signature dish at Temurnots.

While I stick with their smaller dishes (Armenian ‘tapas’ in a way), I have never had bad food from the place and I enjoy going there because it brings back such nostalgia.

They also have a lovely terrace that is great to sit on in the warmer months.

You can find Temurnots Restaurant at 2 Tamanyan Street at the Cascades Complex in Yerevan.

Climb the Yerevan Cascades Complex

One of the most famous places in Yerevan is the Cascades Complex , a concrete monument that was unveiled to the city in 1980.

The Cascades are beautiful and one of my favorite things in Yerevan, especially if you get a killer view of Ararat from the top of it (which doesn’t always happen- but will blow your mind when it does).

There are many cafes surrounding the Cascades and some awesome restaurants like Temurnots (mentioned above) and Wine Republic , an awesome place with delicious wine and incredible Thai food.

Inside of the Cascades is a series of escalators and a museum called the Cafesjian Museum of Art .

You can also find artwork at the bottom of the Cascades designed by world-renowned sculptor, Botero .

Climb the 2,780 stairs that make up the Cascade Complex and sit and admire the stunning views over the Armenian capital city.

Pay Respects at Tsitsernakaberd

A must-do thing when in Yerevan is to head out to the Armenian Genocide memorial at Tsitsernakaberd .

This memorial was built in 1967 and commemorates the 1.5 million people that lost their lives during the Genocide in Armenia.

There is a museum there that will brief you more on the tragic history Armenia endured during the early 20th century.

But, I definitely recommend heading to the memorial and learning more about the Genocide as it had such a dramatic impact on the history and even the present-day state of the country.

Genocide Memorial day is April 24 and if you happen to be in Yerevan then, be sure to head there during the day. Locals and people from all over the world will buy flowers and lay them down to pay respects to the lives lost.

It is one of the most somber things I have ever witnessed but it was incredible to see the way the Armenians still pay respects. If you’re lucky, you will get some incredible views from the top.

You can get to the Genocide Memorial Complex by taking a marshrutka to Hamalir , but I prefer to just take a Yerevan taxi there because I am claustrophobic.

Go to the Blue Mosque

One of Yerevan’s most photogenic places is the Blue Mosque , located in the city center. This mosque dates back to the mid-1700s and has had quite the history since.

It was even turned into the city’s Yerevan History Museum during the Soviet-era when religion was banned or frowned upon.

Nowadays, it is one of the most peaceful corners in Yerevan and is something you should definitely visit when there. It is as photogenic as it is captivating.

The inside will transplant you out of a capital city and into a quiet, tranquil state of mind.

You can find the Yerevan Blue Mosque at 12 Mashtots Avenue in Yerevan.

Treat Yourself to Dinner and a Glass of Wine on Saryan Street

Saryan Street is one of my favorite streets in the city and one you should definitely visit on your two days in Yerevan.

I recommend having dinner there at Gouroo , a conscious eatery that has incredible Armenian wine as well as healthy, natural foods from salads to fish and more.

They also serve green juices and delicious coffee. During the warmer months, they have a beautiful terrace out back and often will have relaxing, live music to accompany your dinner.

From there, I recommend heading to the other side of Saryan and hitting up In Vino , a popular wine restaurant that is one of my favorite stops in the city.

While I tend to make it my day drinking spot, it is also a lot of fun in the evenings.

There is nothing cozier than sitting out front with a glass of Armenian red and meeting new friends.

A couple of other places on Saryan that I love are Depo Beer & More  (a new bar that has such hip interior and excellent drinks and customer service) and DOM by EG . They are definitely worth hitting up if you’re looking for a fun night out on Saryan Street.

There is also a new bar that just opened called Eight18N that is really rad.

Day Two in Yerevan: Enjoy Some of My Yerevan Favorites

For your second day in Yerevan, I highly recommend visiting some of my favorite spots in the city.

This list will contain some of my favorite cafes, restaurants, bars, and a place in Yerevan that I find highly underrated and under-visited.

I hope these additions to your Yerevan itinerary fits well with your liking as well!

Get Caffeinated at The Coffee 23.5

My favorite place for coffee in all of Yerevan is The Coffee 23.5 . You can find the roastery and cafe at 1 Saryan Street.

They roast in-house and have accessories in addition to offering delicious coffee. It is a small cafe but the friendly customer service will more than make up for it.

Wifi is available but it is not a place to sit down and work. I recommend heading in and grabbing one of their delicious coffees to go to get you started on your day in Yerevan.

And it would be remiss of me not to mention that they offer free cookies.

Take a Walk Through Hrazdan Gorge

After grabbing a coffee from The Coffee 23.5, head through the tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge . The Soviet tunnel is interesting and will lead you from below Saryan down to the gorge where you will find a Soviet-era Children’s Railway Station , the Hrazdan Stadium , and much more.

I love the area because the river is beautiful and it is a part of Yerevan that few people make the effort to venture to on their trip.

The Hrazdan River flows through the gorge and the area was a popular and clean spot during the Soviet-ages.

Unfortunately, things have become a bit derelict over the years, but it is is still a gem in my eyes and one of the areas of the city that has the most potential if someone wants to clean it up and invest in it (cough, cough Armenia).

If you walk the Hrazdan Gorge for a while, you will end up near the Ararat Brandy Factory . You can head inside and take a tour if you’d like, or just photograph it from the outside.

It is a very renowned place in the world of spirits and has a lot of historical significance to Armenia, the former-USSR, and even other places worldwide.

Have Lunch at Either Dargett Craft Brewery or Tsirani-Home Restaurant

Once you’re done at the gorge and escaping the city for a bit, walk back through the tunnel to Dargett Brewpub and enjoy a delicious, Armenian craft beer. My favorite beer on their menu is the Vertigo IPA.

It is a bit heavy and should not be enjoyed on an empty stomach!

If you want a more ‘international’ menu, enjoy the food there… or otherwise head down to Northern Avenue , a popular shopping street in the city, and locate Tsirani-Home and have some tasty Armenian food.

You can find Dargett Brewpub at 72 Aram Street and Tsirani-Home at 5 Northern Avenue.

Visit the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral

You will likely see plenty of churches and monasteries dotting the Armenian countryside but you won’t see them saturating the Yerevan city center, that’s for sure.

They do exist, however, and you should put at least one on your Yerevan itinerary.

The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral was opened on September 23, 2001, when the country celebrated the 1700th anniversary of Christianity as Armenia’s state religion.

It is also believed that Armenia is the birthplace of Christianity. This cathedral still stands as the largest one in the entire country, making it one of the best places to visit in Armenia and not just Yerevan alone.

You can find the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral at Yervand Kochar St in Yerevan.

Walk to the Rossiya Mall for some Odd Architecture

One of the most obscure buildings in Yerevan is Rossiya Mal l, a building with one of the oddest roofs you’ll likely ever lay eyes on. Formerly a cinema, the Rossiya Mall was built between 1968 and 1975 by Armenian architects Spartak Khachikyan, Hrachik Poghosyan, and Artur Tarkhanyan.

The crazy roof was designed and built to look like the higher and lower peaks of Mount Ararat. Rossiya Cinema was left abandoned after the Soviet Union dissolved and eventually, the place became a shopping center.

You can find the Rossiya Mall at 16 Tigran Mets Avenue in Yerevan.

Eat Armenian Food at Yerevan Pandok

This guide may be Armenian food heavy but I really love the cuisine of the country.

Many people talk about how much they love Georgian food, but for me, it’s heavy and not easy for me to eat regularly despite its deliciousness. Armenian food is much lighter and fresher, in my opinion.

And I can’t get enough of it. I love arriving back in Yerevan and indulging.

Yerevan Pandok is a restaurant in Yerevan that is always crowded (I recommend booking ahead if you’re able to!) and has spectacular service.

Their menu has a lot to offer and the price point is fantastic compared to some other places. I definitely recommend heading to Yerevan Pandok for your final meal in Armenia’s pink capital city.

You can find Yerevan Pandok at a couple of locations but the one I typically go to is at 5 Amiryan in downtown Yerevan.

Have an Evening Out at 2nd Floor or Epicure

For the rest of the night, I suggest getting out and enjoying the city!

My two favorite places to visit in Yerevan for drinks are Epicure.  The two bar/restaurants are not that far from each other so you can definitely hit up both without an issue.

2nd Floor is a bar that is exactly as it states- on the 2nd floor. They are part vinyl shop and part restaurant/bar. They have a killer avocado salad and hearty soups… but also serve incredible wine and the overall atmosphere is just unparalleled to other places you may visit in Yerevan.

I usually spend a lot of time at 2nd floor when I am in Yerevan and it will always be an essential part of my Yerevan itinerary.

Epicure is my other favorite hangout and, thankfully, they do not allow smoking inside. I work from this cafe and restaurant often but I also stick around for the late evening, too.

Epicure has great wine, food, salads, and vanilla milkshakes. They often will have a DJ late at night. The crowd isn’t too young or odd and you will likely meet new people there.

You can find 2nd floor at 3/1 Abovyan Street near Yerevan’s Republic Square and Northern Avenue. You can find Epicure at 40 Pushkin Street in Yerevan.

Other Possible Places to Visit in Yerevan

I have only touched the surface with places to visit in Yerevan and there are so many other places to see if you have longer than just two days in Yerevan.

Some of my other favorite places to visit are Lovers’ Park, Mother Armenia, the Botanical Gardens, and Kond . If you end up in Kond, be sure to visit the Kond House for a drink or dinner.

If you’re looking for a quick day trip, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Echmiadzin , a city close to Yerevan that is considered to be the ‘Vatican’ of Armenia.

The city is so different than Yerevan and is even home to the UNESCO World Heritage Churches. In addition, this is where Aram is from!

What to Pack for Yerevan

Sunscreen: Yerevan can be super hot in the summer months and you will want to protect your skin without a doubt. Click here to shop for a good sunscreen to take with you to Armenia.

Good Walking Shoes: Yerevan is a city that is totally walkable, albeit with the right shoes! I find it so much easier to walk the city than to take public transportation around it (and it is better or the environment). Click here to shop my versatile black Nike sneakers.

A good pair of Sunglasses: I am obsessed with fun and colorful shades and no one does that better than Quay Australia. I always bring a couple of pairs with me to Yerevan (and inevitably leave with none because I’m clumsy and break them or sit on them). You can check out Quay Australia’s sunglasses collection here.

Reusable Water Bottle: Armenia is one of the few places outside of North America where water fountains are ever-present. Woohoo! I love having my reusable water bottle with me so that I can fill it up along the streets with Armenia’s fresh and cold water. Click here to see my Klean Kanteen water bottle.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Armenia?

I never travel without proper and credible travel insurance. I have visited Armenia several times starting back in 2013 and I have always had good insurance to cover me at all times. I recommend World Nomads for insurance.

Click here to get your quote for Armenia travel insurance

Best tours from Yerevan

Where to stay in yerevan.

There are so many great places to stay in Yerevan for your trip there.

You can find a variety of hotels and accommodations in Yerevan for all budgets. Below are some of my favorites in the Armenian city and ones I can recommend you to stay in as well.

High-end, Luxury Hotel in Yerevan

I recommend The Alexander Hotel in Yerevan for those looking for the finest accommodation in the city.

While I haven’t actually stayed here, it gets pretty much flawless reviews and I did, in fact, smoke a cigar there one time. I sat on the rooftop, had a cigar that I purchased there, and felt like I belonged with the cool crowd.

Unfortunately, my shoes were falling apart and that reminded me that I wasn’t as cool as I thought.

Nevertheless, this is a solid place to stay if you have the budget to do so.

–> For current rates and availability click here | Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Mid-range Hotel in Yerevan

In my opinion, the 14th Floor Hotel is one of the best places to stay in the city. You can get insane views from the rooms and everything is clean, centrally located, and affordable.

My friend stayed there and we visited his room one day and I realized quickly that I would have loved to have stayed there if I didn’t have my own apartment in Yerevan.

Budget Hotel or Hostel in Yerevan

My favorite hostel in Yerevan is Grand Hostel , a place slightly outside of the city center that is owned by friends of mine.

The property is spacious, immaculately clean, and quiet. There is a lot of green space around it that you can enjoy, too.  My favorite thing is that it is a solid place to watch Yerevan’s awesome sunsets.

If you have any added suggestions for this Yerevan itinerary, please drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear what your favorite things to do in the city are!  I will try to keep this updated as things do change with it.

More Yerevan Travel Guides

• How to Get From Yerevan Airport to the City Center
• Best Hotels In Yerevan
• Things to do in Yerevan
• Day Trips from Yerevan
• Best Wine Tasting in Yerevan
• Yerevan Coffee shops
• Yerevan Taxi Tips
• Yerevan Wine Days Festival

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Leave your preconceptions at home, because Yerevan (ԵՐԵՎԱՆ) will almost certainly confound them. This is a city of contradictions – top-of-the-line Mercedes sedans share the roads with Ladas so old they should be in museum collections; traditional pandoks (taverns) serving khoravats (barbecue meats) and oghee (fruit vodka) sit next to chic European-style wine bars; and street fashions range from hipster to babushka with many weird and wonderful variations in between. In summer, locals take to the streets every night, claiming tables at the city's many outdoor cafes, sauntering along its tree-filled boulevards and congregating at the beloved musical fountain in Republic Sq. Few traces of the city's ancient past remain, usurped by Soviet-era buildings and modern structures with little regard for history. But wander into any dalan (archway) and enter a portal into a different world – you may find a gorgeous 19th-century balcony or beautiful church beyond.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum

Commemorating the massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1922, this institution uses photographs, documents, reports and films to…

History Museum of Armenia

Its simply extraordinary collection of Bronze Age artefacts make this museum Armenia's pre-eminent cultural institution and an essential stop on every…

Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Housed in a vast flight of stone steps known as the Cascade, this arts centre is one of the city's major cultural attractions. Originally conceived in the…

Sergei Parajanov Museum

For something totally unique, head to this museum near Hrazdan Gorge. Crammed with collages, drawings, photographs and assemblages created by the…

Matenadaran

Standing at the top of Yerevan’s grandest avenue, this cathedral-like manuscript library is a source of enormous pride to all Armenians. The first…

Republic Square

From dawn till late into the night, Republic Sq is Yerevan's focal point and beating heart. Designed by architect Alexander Tamanyan as part of his 1924…

Centre of Popular Creation

Its somewhat esoteric name means that many visitors to Yerevan overlook this museum. This is a great shame, as it is home to the best folk-art collection…

Martiros Sarian Museum

This museum preserves the studio and some of the works of 20th-century painter Martiros Sarian, known for his vibrant colour-saturated canvases. On the…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Armenia

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Yerevan

Oct 11, 2019 • 2 min read

Booking.com’s 2020 Travel Predictions have been released and they include what it considers are trending destinations for travel in 2020.

Oct 4, 2017 • 6 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Yerevan

A complete 2-day Yerevan itinerary, the lively capital of Armenia

Share this 2-day Yerevan itinerary

Last updated on: 24 January 2024

Having already been to Georgia and Azerbaijan , the Caucasus and its amazing diversity fascinated me. Not much later I had the chance to spend 2 weeks in Armenia . In this 2-day Yerevan itinerary I tell you all you need to know before visiting the vibrant capital of this spectacular country. 

Table of Contents

Armenia map with all sights of this yerevan itinerary, yerevan history: from erebuni fortress to modern metropolis.

The history of Yerevan goes back to 782 BC. It was then that King Argishti I of Urartu founded the fortress of Erebuni .

Urartu was an Iron-Age kingdom in today’s Armenia and Eastern Turkey.

During the period of late ancient Armenian Kingdom   (4th-5th centuries AD), Yerevan declined in importance since new capital cities appeared. Under Iranian and Russian rule, Yerevan was the center of the Erivan Khanate from 1736 to 1828 and the Erivan Governorate from 1850 to 1917. After World War I, Yerevan became the capital of the First Republic of Armenia and hosted thousands of survivors of the Armenian genocide . They had arrived in the area from the Ottoman Empire .

The city expanded rapidly during the 20th century when Armenia was part of the Soviet Union . When Armenia declared its independence from the USSR on September 21, 1991, Yerevan became Armenia’s principal administrative, cultural and industrial center. The city kept growing and transforming. Today, it is a bustling metropolis of 1.1 million people. Most of it is not the prettiest city you will ever visit, but it certainly has character and lots to see!

Exploring Kentron District of Yerevan

The heart of the city.

Our Armenia itinerary started at the Vernissage Market where we strolled through the pedestrian area. Here you will find typical memorabilia such as artifacts, clothes, small decorative items etc. We then continued to  Republic Square which is dominated by the dancing fountain, right in front of the History Museum of Armenia ( opening hours ).

Yerevan's Persian heritage

We continued on Amiryan street and turned left after a few blocks until we reached the Blue Mosque . If you have been to Iran and Uzbekistan , you will immediately see the architectural similarities. It is no coincidence, since Armenia was under Iranian rule for a while.

The Blue Mosque is an 18th-century Shia mosque. Huseyn Ali Khan, the khan of the Iranian Erivan Khanate , commissioned its construction. It is one of the oldest remaining structures in central Yerevan and definitely the most iconic structure from the city’s Iranian period. It was the largest of the eight mosques of Yerevan during the 19th century. Today it is the only active mosque in Armenia.

Following the river & reflecting on Armenian history

A short walk from the Blue Mosque west will bring you to Sergei Paradjanov Museum ( opening hours ), a famed Armenian director.  In this house museum you can see screenplays, artwork, drawings and other works of his.

Very close to Sergei Paradjanov Museum you will find the neighborhood or Kond , which stands on a hill. Kond is one of the oldest quarters of Yerevan. The neighborhood shows you the less charming and difficult life that many locals live. I think it is worth spending some time there to understand a bit more about life in Armenia. We met only friendly locals there who even helped us found our way through the labyrinth streets. 

From Kond you can take the pedestrian tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge . The gorge has hidden spots, great viewpoints, and is also home to one of Yerevan’s coolest festivals: the Urvakan Festival . Unfortunately, the Gorge has been neglected over the years but it is still worth visiting and walking along Hrazdan river. A few things to check out while you walk along the gorge are the Soviet-era Children’s Railway and Tumo Park .

If you continue north/northwest, you will reach stairs leading uphill to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial ( opening hours ). This is a serene place where you can sit end enjoy great views of Yerevan and even of Mount Ararat if the weather is clear.

The Museum itself offers a glimpse at the historic events leading up to the Armenian Genocide. Remember that this is presented from an Armenian perspective. It is important to keep it in mind while interpreting what you see. This is not to say that the Genocide did not happen! But, just like any other historic event, the tone of voice matters. I had similar feelings when I visited Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku , Azerbaijan , where they referred to everything Armenian in a very negative way. 

Now you have probably reached the end of your first day in Yerevan and are getting ready to have dinner. We found restaurants in Yerevan pretty affordable and actually very good. Armenian cuisine is one of my favorite. Also check out the suggested books at the end of this article for some delicious recipes!

Day 2: Architecture, religion & art

A cascade like no other.

Our first stop was the building of the Armenian Opera Theater , which dates from 1993. Architecture lovers will find the circular shape of this building interesting. And, why not check their current performance calendar and see if you can get some last-minute tickets? Martiros Saryan park next to the theater is a nice lace to relax. 

Crossing to the opposite side of Martiros Saryan park will being you to Alexander Tamanyan park. This is another pleasant area to relax and you also get a view of the Cascade Complex . The Cascade is an imposing stairway made of limestone designed by architects Jim Torosyan, Aslan Mkhitaryan, and Sargis Gurzadyan. Its construction started in 1971 and was completed in 1980.

Inside the Cascade you will find exhibit halls that are part of Cafesjian Center for the Arts ( opening hours ). The exterior of the Cascade extends on multiple levels that contain fountains and modernist sculptures from the Cafesjian collection. When you climb to the top, you will get marvelous views of central Yerevan and Mount Ararat.

At the base of the Cascade you get the chance to admire  statues by contemporary sculptors such as Fernando Botero , Barry Flanagan and Lynn Chadwick . You will find many cafes and restaurants on both sides of the Cascade. You might even be able to enjoy a classical or jazz concert if you visit during the warmer months.

Religion & art

Turning left on Iasahakyan street, then right to Teryan street will being you to the church of Holy Mother of God Kathoghike . This is Yerevan’s oldest surviving Catholic church, featuring 13th-century cross-stones with inscriptions. The church was partly destroyed during the 1679 earthquake. A large basilica named after the Holy Mother of God was built between 1693 and 1695. The new church was built with typical Armenian tuff stones in the three-nave basilica style.

In 1936, the Soviet authorities demolished the basilica of the Holy Mother of God to make room for residential buildings. During the demolition, the remains of the 13th-century church of Katoghike were discovered within the structure. Following protests from archaeologists, the church was preserved. Many old khachkars (cross-stones) dating from the 15th-17th centuries were also found in the walls of the demolished church. 

Besides monuments, Yerevan has its fair share of museums and libraries. Depending on how much time you have in Yerevan, I recommend visiting one or more of the following:

Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts  ( opening hours) : A scientific research institute just northeast of the Cascade that exhibits many of rare manuscripts, parchments and books. Not too far from the museum you can also visit the monument of Mother Armenia , similar but bigger than the one in Gyumri . 

History Museum of Armenia ( opening hours ): Very centrally located on Republic Square, with a large collection of archaeological finds.

Megerian Carpet Museum ( opening hours ): a bit outside of the center, this museum contains a rich collection of carpets from Armenia and other countries. You can learn more about the history and culture of Armenian carpet dyeing and weaving traditions.

Mirzoyan Library : Here you can see the personal photography-related books collection of photographer Karen Mirzoyan. Well-known photographers have had exhibitions there. It also has a book collection with more than 600 books. 

Want to see a very special bookstore? Do not miss LUYS bookstore ( opening times ) at 45, Mashtots avenue. It is one of Yerevan’s oldest bookstores and is preserved in its initial state. A visit there takes you back in time.

Haggling at the market

If you want to explore a local market, GUM market near Mirzoyan Library is a good choice. You will find a selection of foods and artifacts, just make sure to haggle. 😉

Last but not least, you might have visited metro stations in other former USSR countries. Yerevan has its share of interesting-looking stations as well. Though perhaps not as impressive as Moscow’s or Tashkent’s metro , it is a nice place to explore architecture.

Yerevan practical information

Flights to yerevan.

Yerevan has a modern and efficient airport. Connectivity is not optimal, but you can fly to various destinations, mainly in Russia and Europe. 

Best time to visit Yerevan

It gets rather cold in winter, so you may want to think twice before visiting then. I visited in late May and it was a perfect time. It was warm but most of the time not too hot. April-May and September are ideal times to go.

How many days to spend in Yerevan?

2 days in Yerevan is a good time. I recpmmend spending more days, of course, to take day trips from Yerevan as part of a more extensive Armenia itinerary .

Where to stay in Yerevan?

Kentron district is the best area to stay in Yerevan. Most sights are located there and it is the liveliest part of the city.

Do not forget a good travel insurance!

Having a travel insurance is essential for traveling, just in case. Click on this link to get a free quote from SafetyWing , one of the best travel insurance companies out there.

Getting to Yerevan from the airport

By taxi : You can easily get to the center of Yerevan from the airport by taxi and it should not cost more than 5-6 Euro/USD (approximately 3,000 Armenian Dram). To avoid being overcharged, it is best to pre-order a taxi using the Yandex, Bolt or GG Taxi app. Be sure to have small change (500 or 1,000 AMD is best). Be aware that many taxi drivers smoke, or may even talk on their phone during the ride. 

By public transportation : There is an express bus from the airport ( EliteBus – Minibus 201 ). It runs day and night and the journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes. The buses leave in front of the arrivals hall on the ground floor. Just look for the shuttle bus sign.  

The route is Yerevan Airport – Argavand – Admiral Isakov Avenue – Mashtots Avenue – Republic Square – Abovyan Street (Yeritasardakan Metro Station). The ticket costs less than 1 Euro/USD.

Getting around Yerevan

By public transportation : Yerevan has a metro network, though not very extensive. Minibuses known as marshutkas serve many parts of the city. They are very cheap (less than €1/$; cash only).

Public transport services run every 10-20 minutes from 7am until 11pm. There are no night services. Buses stop on request, so you need to give a sign to driver of an approaching bus. You can use all doors for boarding, but use the front door for leaving the bus.

In the buses and trains, men tend to offer their seat to women, girls and elderly. When you are approaching your stop, shout “Kangarum kangnek” to the driver (meaning “stop here”). Or just do some hand gestures. 😀 It is good to start walking towards the front of the bus while approaching your stop. You pay the driver when leaving the vehicle.

By taxi : Taxis are very affordable in Yerevan. To avoid being overcharged, it is best to pre-order a taxi using the Yandex App or the G Taxi App. Yandex Go is the local alternative for Uber. It is used a lot in countries of the former Soviet Union, like Uzbekistan , Kazakhstan and Armenia.

Be sure to have small change (500 or 1,000 AMD is best). Be aware that many taxi drivers smoke, or may even talk on their phone during the ride. 

So, is Yerevan worth visiting?

Yerevan is a great starting point for an Armenia itinerary . It is not the prettiest city, but has some of the most spectacular views I have encountered. Looking at mount Ararat from the Cascade was an unforgettable experience. Overall, I totally recommend spending some time in Yerevan. Have you been there? What did you think of the city?

Reading Material

Planning a trip to Armenia? Check out these highly rated travel guides! You can purchase them online easily by clicking on the icons.

I adore Armenian food that I had to buy a cookbook or two upon return. Here are a few acclaimed books.

History & Literature

Learn more about the rich history of this amazing country with these carefully curated books.

Related itineraries

Armenia – An amazing 2-week Armenia itinerary

Georgia – The best things to do in Svaneti, Georgia’s mountain paradise

Georgia – A spectacular 2-week Georgia itinerary

Azerbaijan – The perfect 2 days in Baku, Azerbaijan

Armenia – A complete 2-day Yerevan itinerary

Caucasus – The ultimate Caucasus travel itinerary: Azerbaijan to Georgia to Armenia

Disclosure: Throughout this article you will find handy links of services and products that can be of use to you while planning your own trip. They are often affiliate links. This means that I will get a small commission if you decide to book/purchase anything through these links. This is at no extra cost to you, but it helps run this website. Thank you in advance for your support!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

About the author

Hi there, my name is Panos and I live and breathe for traveling! I have visited more than 55 countries so far and aim to discover them all! In my eyes, traveling is not a lifestyle item, but a way to learn and broaden one’s horizons. My philosophy is that, if you plan well, you can discover new places in a more relaxed way without spending a fortune. Being a natural-born travel planning consultant, I love making amazing trips accessible to everyone. I have done tons of on-the-ground research before each trip, and have documented my journeys in detail.

Privacy Overview

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Things to Do in Yerevan Armenia: A 2-Day Itinerary

Whether you’ve decided to visit Yerevan because you’ve always wanted to learn about the city’s incredibly storied past or because it sounds like an interesting destination, you’re no doubt going to find it fascinating. There are many things to do in this city, rich with history and stunning architecture.

If you are lucky enough to spend a week or more there, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do in Yerevan. However, we find that most travelers are looking for a 2-day Yerevan itinerary, so they can spend a few days in the countryside and surrounding areas too.

We really enjoyed our time there. It was easy to make a diverse and exciting schedule, including things like museums, wine bars, and walking tours.

Below is our 2-day itinerary for Yerevan Armenia. You can stretch it to fit your needs. It’s definitely possible to spend 3-4 days in the city without running out of things to do. Maybe link it with a trip to Georgia for wine tasting .

Table of Contents

2-Day Yerevan Itinerary

Souvenir market.

Yerevan Vernissage is a large open-air market where craftsman and craft re-sellers all come together to form one of the largest souvenir markets I’ve ever seen. You can find just about any kind of local craft item there, from ceramics to paintings to musical instruments. 

It will take you at least 30 minutes to an hour just to walk around all of the stalls. I really liked that’s not your typical tourist trap junk they’re selling. Some of the crafts are quite unique and incredible.

Republic Square and the History Museum of Armenia

Depending on when you arrive, you’ll want to jump right into the schedule. Our first recommended stop is the History Museum of Armenia . It’s located right in the center of the city in Republic Square. As you walk to the building, be sure to look all around you and admire the architecture and the fountain.

The square is used for public events and celebrations, but it also has a lot of history in the surrounding buildings. It was called Lenin Square, until Armenia declared their independence and the statue of Lenin in the square was removed in 1991.

Five major buildings surround Republic Square, each built in the neoclassical style. These buildings currently house the Government House, the History Museum and the National Gallery, the Marriott hotel and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Transport and Communications.

The History Museum is at the north east corner of the square. It is open from 11am to 6pm every day except Monday.  The entrance fee is 2000 drams (around $4). You’ll want to allot around 2 hours to wander through the museum and learn the history and culture of Armenia through the 400,000+ pieces on display.

Lunch at Sherep

We found that Sherep , one of the most popular (and new) upscale restaurants in the city, gets quite busy in the evenings. If you make reservations ahead of time, you can swap this for one of your dinners, if you want. We thought it was much easier to get in at lunchtime, especially if you go right as they open (many locals prefer a later lunch).

If you sit in the section near the chef’s stations, you can watch them making things like lavash (Armenian flatbread), and cooking khachapuri in the wood-fired oven. Those are two things you should definitely order, along with the smoked trout.

Note: It’s a 10 minute walk to the brewery from the restaurant. There’s plenty of time between lunch and the free walking tour to get there and back, but the walking tour does leave from the square, which is just a few minutes from the restaurant. It’s up to you!

Visit the Brewery

We always like to add a stop at a craft brewery! In Yerevan that brewery is Dargett. They opened their doors in 2016 and have quite a passion for beer making. You can try a taster tray of some of their different styles of beer, or just hang out on the outdoor patio with a pint and some food.

It’s not Armenian food – it’s typical bar food. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed with the local food, you can always swap the brewery for one of your meals.

Free Walking Tour

Every afternoon, local artist and tour guide, Vako, leads a free walking tour of Yerevan. It begins in front of the history museum, where you already are! You can sign up for the tour in advance online here . It’s probably a good idea to sign up because then he’ll know to expect you.

The tour hits up all the most important parts of the city, including Republic Square, the Opera House, Swan Lake, important churches and the Cascade Complex (which you may want to return to at another time so you can see more of it!).

Along the way, Vako explains the complicated history of Armenia and modern plans for the city. He is entertaining and informative, and does a great job of orienting you to the city so the rest of your trip is enhanced.

At the end of the tour, he takes the group to an ethnic lounge, Calumet, where you can extend the tour with a beer and food with your fellow travelers.

The tour leaves at either 4pm or 5pm, depending on the season. Be sure to check the website to find out exactly when it will be taking place while you’re there.

You can also book an evening tour of Yereven .

We left the bar after the walking tour around 8pm. If you don’t stay for beers, you’ll be done with the tour by 7pm. In any case, the next thing on your itinerary should be dinner!

We recommend making reservations for dinner if you want to check out one of the more popular restaurants. Even in the slower season, the restaurants can get quite full.

For your first dinner in the city, we highly recommend Tavern Yerevan . It’s located just one block off of Republic Square and it’s a great place to try numerous local dishes.

The menu is extensive and the atmosphere is nice – traditional, though a little touristy. You’ll want to try the stuffed aubergine salad, nrane (pomegranate soup), tolma, khinkali, and a barbecue platter. All fantastic!

Armenia Genocide Museum

In order to visit the Armenia Genocide Museum , you’ll have to take a taxi ride to the complex that is located a little bit outside of the city (don’t worry, taxis are quite inexpensive). The memorial was built in 1967 to memorialize the victims of the atrocity, and the main exhibition of the Museum was opened in 1995, 80 years after the horrific events.

The museum is open from 11am – 6pm every day except Monday.  Admission is free, but they welcome donations. It can take around 1.5-2 hours to see everything.

Note: To get to the brandy factory, you’ll need to take a short taxi ride, so we recommend going there directly from the genocide museum.

Brandy Tour & Tasting

A tour of the brandy factory is a great way to learn about and understand the making of brandy in Armenia. At the Noy Yerevan Ararat Brandy Company, a tour is walk a through a museum housing photos and items from the many years that the brandy factory has been operating.

You’ll also walk through the cellar and see the many vast barrels of Port-style wine that has been aging for many dozens of years.

You can choose to do just the tour, or if you’d like to try some of the brandy be sure to choose the tour and tasting option. After the tour, you’ll be given a tasting of 3 different aged brandies, plus a small plate of fruit to pair it with.

The tour is available during the week from 9am to 6pm and on Saturday from 11am to 4pm (with an appointment, which you can book by emailing or calling in advance.) +374 10 547-048; [email protected]).

Lunch Options

Located just one street over from the Ibis Hotel is a wine bar and restaurant called The Wine House. They have plenty of space inside, but there’s also a nice outdoor deck.

They have a good wine list and many main dishes and snacks to choose from. We went for a late afternoon snack and bottle of wine and enjoyed the atmosphere.

If you’d rather have something more casual for lunch, try the Lahmajoon (Armenian pizza) at Mer Taghe. It’s a very casual “pizzeria” that makes good Lahmajoon. It’s tasty, fast, and very inexpensive.

Wine Tasting at In Vino

Yerevan is full of wine bars. We tried at least 5 of them and our favorite is In Vino . It’s located at 6 Martiros Saryan St. Right next to In Vino are a bunch of other bars and restaurants to check out. It’s a cute area.

In Vino has a small outdoor seating area, and more space inside. They also have lots of bottles of local and international wines to drink in house or take away.

In Vino is great because there are quite knowledgeable people working there and they can give you information about the wines you try. You can order by the glass, but we recommend doing a flight of three wines (just ask them for it, it’s not on any menu).

They’ll give you what they have open that day. For us, it was a white, a rose, and a red. All three were great. If you really want to learn about wine and try Armenian wines, pick In Vino over the other wine bars. If you’re hungry, they do have a few small plate options, but nothing significant.

Cascade Complex

You will walk through the Cascade Complex during the free walking tour, but if you’re like us, you’ll want to go back again to see it more thoroughly or just to sit on the stairs and enjoy the view – and an incredible one it is! You can see all the way to Mount Ararat on a clear day.

The complex is a giant staircase made of limestone that climbs up the mountainside. Construction started in 1971 and wasn’t completed until 2009. You can climb up the stairs on the outside, or you can enter the building on the left and take an escalator up.

At the bottom of the stairs is a sculpture park that contains many famous sculptures and statues made by artists around the world – even a few by Botero! It’s definitely worth walking through to admire the work. You can also sit on a bench in the park and enjoy the sights and people watching.

Note: Nearby the complex is another wine bar called Wine Republic. It’s more a place to stop for a glass of wine and a rest than a true wine bar, but it’ll do if you want to grab a drink. They also serve food (including Thai food).

Dinner at Lavash

One of our favorite meals in Yerevan was at Lavash (21 Tumanyan St). It’s an upscale restaurant with a very modern vibe. Keep in mind that smoking is still allowed indoors in Yerevan.

Due to the small space at Lavash, you will be able to smell smoke and may even have a smoker at a nearby table. BUT, if you can get past that, then you’re in for a treat. We ordered a pumpkin and black bean soup, pomegranate soup, and a cheese and a pork barbecue platter, along with a fantastic bottle of Armenian red wine.

The meal was delicious. The only thing to remember is that this is a very popular restaurant, so reservations are a must.

Tours to Book:

How to get to yerevan.

How you get there depends on where you’re coming from. If you’ll only be visiting Armenia, you can fly into Zvartnots International Airport. It’s a small airport with just one terminal, about 12 kilometers outside of the city center.

It takes about 20 minutes by car to reach the city. There are no direct flights from London or New York City, but you can get there with just one layover (typically in Kiev or Warsaw).

When you arrive at the airport, you can get a taxi into the city for around 6000 drams (~$12), but be sure to negotiate the price before you go.

We used Kiwitaxi to prebook a ride from our hotel to the airport because the flight was at 4am, which is often the case in Yerevan. The best part about Kiwitaxi is that you can set it up and pay in advance and the driver is always prompt.

Combine a Visit to Yerevan and Tbilisi

Many travelers take the opportunity to combine a trip to Armenia with Georgia. We spent some time in Georgia before heading to Armenia, and had a difficult time figuring out how to get from Georgia to Armenia and vice versa. There are three good options:

• You can fly between the two – it’s only a 30 min flight – but not on Thursdays.
• There is an overnight sleeper train from Tbilisi to Yerevan. The train operates every evening in summer (June to September) and every other (odd) days the rest of the year. It leaves Tbilisi station at 8:20 pm and arrives in Yerevan at 7:00am. You can reserve a first class sleeper train for around $30 USD. You can return on even days (every day in summer).
• A 3rd alternative,  and I think the easiest/best options, is to hire a driver to take you between cities. The easiest way we found to do this was with a Kiwitaxi transfer . It’s a private one-way taxi transfer and by far the most economical private driver we found at just $150 USD. The trip takes about 5 hours through mountains with tore up roads.

Keep in mind that you will have to pass through immigration when making this trip. For Americans, no visa is needed, so you can just go through like you would any airport or transit station.

PRO TIP: There is a 4th option and that would be to book this tour , one full day in Tbilisi. The tour includes pick up, transportation, meals, accommodation, tour guide and entrance to a lot of sights in Tbilisi. It’s a really good deal and probably the absolute easiest ways to see Tbilisi from Yerevan.

How to Get Around in Yerevan

We walked everywhere we wanted to go with only a few exceptions. The Genocide Museum and the Brandy factory are both slightly outside of town.

We found that taxis were very inexpensive and easy to hail from most places. Your hotel, restaurant or whatever attraction you’re at can also call one for you and negotiate a price. From the Ibis to the brandy factory cost around $3.

There is a single metro line in Yerevan. You buy a token to ride at the ticket booth inside the station. It’s easy to figure out where it goes. Here’s a map , just in case.

Where to Stay in Yerevan

We recommend staying at the Ibis Yerevan Center . It’s a newer hotel with great amenities and a fantastic location. You really can’t get more centrally located than this. Add to that the great price and you have a really good value.

We typically only stay in 4 or 5-star hotels, and the Ibis rarely fits that description, but the brand has been rebuilding and we’ve been really impressed with a few of them lately, including the one in Yerevan Center.

They have comfortable rooms with nice views. There’s a bar in the lobby that’s open 24 hours. And there’s a restaurant. Breakfast can be added to your stay.

We hope you enjoy your trip to Yerevan as much as we did. It was a lovely city that is constantly undergoing improvements. In fact, they’re getting set to add back the old town. I’ll be interested to see it once the project is complete. Have you been to Yerevan?

What were your favorite things to do in Yerevan? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. We are also here to answer your questions, should any arise.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

25 of the World’s Most Beautiful Cathedrals & Churches

How to Visit Wineries in Georgia (the Country!)

Abu Dhabi City Guide for First Timers

Scandinavia Cruises: Everything You Need to Know to Start Planning

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Like it? Pin it for later

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

3 thoughts on “ Things to Do in Yerevan Armenia: A 2-Day Itinerary ”

Hi there, thank you for writing about my walking tour, but the link you provided is wrong. This is the link to our tour: www.yerevanfreewalkingtours.com and from may till october it starts at 5pm not 4. tnx.

Thanks for the update, Vako. I’ve updated the details in the post.

Thank you, Vako

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

• Unique Hotels
• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Adventure travel blog

The Essential 4-Day Armenia Itinerary

//  by  Kristin

This Armenia itinerary shows off the country’s remote monasteries, the centuries old wine making tradition, you will see more Ladas from the 1970s than you ever thought existed and explore the capital, Yerevan, which is full of cosy cafes and interesting Soviet architecture.

Armenia is a destination with a distinct culture that looks and feels different to anywhere else. It is overlooked as a holiday destination but is a hidden gem. In other words, it is the perfect place for a unique 4-5 day long weekend or an add-on to a Georgia trip .

This post assumes some knowledge of the main tourist sights and their locations. So if you are just starting to research your holiday I suggest reading some of my other blog posts first:

Armenia Travel Guide

When travelling in Armenia, the standards drop as you get outside of Yerevan but it is possible to find clean-but-basic en-suite accommodation. Most meals will be best taken in your hotel (outside of Yerevan) and I was surprised at how good the food and homemade wine was.

I recommend hiring a car and driving yourself to give you the greatest flexibility. Public transport is limited and although taxis can be hired, negotiating a price would require some Russian unless it is arranged through your hotel or a travel agency.

Day trips from Yerevan is another option, which would enable you to stay in western-style hotels every night.

This post covers the following topics:

How Many Days to Spend in Armenia?

A trip to Armenia is even better combined with hiking in Svaneti and Kazbegi in Georgia and, if you have time, Azerbaijan . The three countries are surprisingly different.

Is It Safe to Drive/ Should I Drive?

Yes is the short answer. If you have rented a car in Italy you will be fine driving here. To know what to expect if you rent a car read my post on 7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, georgia or Azerbaijan .

Outside Yerevan the roads are in poorer condition, mainly suffering from pot holes which have been refilled many times and as a result the ride can be quite bumpy. This means that driving can be tiring so keep this in mind if you want to add Tatev Monastery.

You should avoid driving when it is dark. My Armenia itinerary is designed so you will be at your accommodation, with time to spare, before it gets dark (also in the winter).

Ease of Independent Travel and Should You Pre-Book?

In Yerevan young people, and anyone involved with the tourist trade, speak some English. As you get further out, Russian is the main foreign language spoken.

In the summer months hotels fill up and, unless you speak Russian, negotiating a price is difficult so make a reservation in advance. Booking.com has good coverage of the smaller villages. Where you see a recommended hotel below, I have stayed here.

For directions download the maps.me app or rent a SIM to allow you to have a cost-effective internet connection in your car. Hotels and tourist sites are often not clearly signposted so this will help with navigation.

In conclusion, my view is that if you are comfortable not speaking the local language, independent travel is safe and easy to arrange using the tips in my Armenia itinerary.

What If I Have Been to Azerbaijan? Or I’m Planning on Going to Azerbaijan Later in my Trip?

Although the two countries have no diplomatic relationship, you can enter Armenia if you have an Azerbaijani visa in your passport (and vice versa). You are likely to get questioned on where you went so keep your hotel receipts and bookings as proof.

There have been reports of Armenia being more lenient than Azerbaijan at the border. We went to Armenia first and, except for a bottle of wine getting confiscated (which was entirely our fault as we didn’t know you can’t bring anything produced in one country into the other), we had no problem. Therefore I don’t think it matters which country you go to first.

Considering going to Azerbaijan? Read my Azerbaijan Travel Guide

Is It Better to Start in Yerevan or Tbilisi?

Most tourists arrive overland from Tbilisi or fly into Yerevan. The below Armenia itinerary describes a trip starting in Yerevan but the trip can be done in either direction. The deciding factor for me was flight times.

It is also possible to cross the border in the south of the country to/ from Iran but this is a less-travelled route due to the difficulty in getting an Iranian visa.

The Essential 4-day Armenia Itinerary (Self-drive or Private Driver)

Day 1 – Arrival Overnight in Yerevan

Day 2 – To Geghard Monastery , Garni Temple , Noravank Monastery and Mother of God Church. Overnight in Areni

Day 3 – To Khor Virap Monastery and Wine Tasting at ArmAs Vineyard . Overnight at ArmAs Vineyard

Day 4 – Return to Yerevan, Sightseeing and Departure With 15.30 Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

For more information on all of the sites described below, read my post on the Top 10 Tourist Spots .

Day 1 of Armenia Itinerary– Arrival in Yerevan

Assuming you land at Yerevan airport, getting a taxi into the city centre has become easier than it used to be since there is no longer any bargaining involved. As you enter the arrivals hall, just before the doors leading out of the airport, there is a small yellow stand with “taxi” written on it. Tell the attendant which hotel you want to go to and they will give you the price and liaise with the taxi driver. It cost us 2,500 AMD to get to our hotel, Opera Suite Hotel, close to the Cascade Complex.

Finding a taxi and agreeing the price has become easier. Finding your hotel might be another matter. Although we were staying at a large hotel in the city centre, the taxi driver did not know where it was.

The driver told us that it was outside a shop. We knew it wasn’t and he ended up driving around the block 3 times before he found it. At no point was the driver aggressive or did it feel uncomfortable. Just make sure you do not get out of your taxi until you are outside your hotel.

Alternatively, book an airport pick-up with your hotel. This should cost 10,000 AMD and can be easily arranged through the chat function, if you use booking.com.

Yerevan Hotels : All the way up to western standard. We stayed at Opera Suite Hotel. The hotel had large comfortable rooms with a modern bathroom (no bathtub). The location is convenient being less than 5 minutes walk to the Cascade Complex.

Insider Tip : Go to the Cascade Complex for dinner.

Day 2 of Armenia Itinerary – Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, Noravank Monastery. Overnight in Areni

Our top tips before you set off in your hire car.

Pick up your hire car in the morning. We rented from Caravan and were happy with the service provided. Out of office hours pickup can be arranged for a fee and the roads were quiet as we left Yerevan on a Sunday morning.

When renting a car in more adventurous destinations, I purchase car hire excess insurance from insurance4carhire. It is much cheaper to buy this in advance than from the car rental agencies. I have had to claim (more about that when I get to writing about winter driving in Iceland) so can testify that this is a good policy with a relatively painless claims process.

I decided to pay for internet access in the car (2,500 AMD per day) since there was no Armenia map available for my tomtom.

At this stage I had not discovered the maps.me app which allows you to download and use maps for directions. You can use this app when you are hiking or driving without internet access since it uses the GPS on your phone – this has become my new favourite app while travelling!

Make sure you have either an app or internet access to help with navigation since following road signs can be difficult.

Morning Day 2 – Visit Geghard Monastery and Garni

The first stop is Geghard Monastery, one hours drive from Yerevan.

This walled-church was built in the 12 th Century and every Sunday morning there is a service. Walking around the dark rooms carved into the cliff, listening to the choir, is magical.

It is a short drive (10 minutes) to Garni, the Hellenic pagan temple built in the 1 st Century AD. The parking lot in front of the temple is small and the road leading down to it is narrow.  As a result the traffic can be chaotic. Parking along the road, a few hundred meters before the temple, and walking down to the temple entrance, is a good option.

Garni is small and will only take 15-30 minutes to look around. This is one of the few places you will find restaurants so consider having lunch here, unless you have brought something to eat in the car.

For further information on how to visit read my Complete Guide to Geghard and Garni .

Afternoon Day 2 – Visit Noravank Monastery and Areni Church

The drive to Areni takes you south for 2.5 hours. Choose a route on the smaller roads, away from Yerevan. The drive time might end up being a little longer, but it will be much quieter.

As the roads are bumpy and winding your average speed is likely to be no more than 50km/h.

Arrive in Areni in the early afternoon and after some tea at the hotel drive the 15min to Noravank Monastery. Going at around 4pm in the summer (go earlier at other times of year) means that the sand coloured stones of the monastery will be glowing in the afternoon sun. It also makes parking more straightforward since the car park is small.

This is one monastery you should not miss. Being a bit further from Yerevan it is less crowded than others and the location is spectacular. For further information on how to visit read my Noravank Guide .

Stop at Areni church on the way back to your hotel. It is another beautiful church built in sand coloured stone and late afternoons or early mornings are the perfect time to visit to see the stone shine like gold in the sun.

Areni Hotel : We stayed at Areni Wine Art which was basic but clean with en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. The traditional barbecue dinner at the hotel was delicious and you should also try their home pomegranate wine – we have been converted!

Insider tip : When you get offered tea or coffee at hotels say yes since this usually comes with a big plate of fresh fruit.

Day 3 of Armenia Itinerary – Khor Virap Monastery to ArmAs for Wine Tasting. Overnight at ArmAs

Morning day 3 – visit khor virap monastery.

After a filling breakfast of homemade jams and local cheese, drive the 1.5 hours to Khor Virap Monastery. This will see you backtrack the way you came the previous day.

The views are what makes Khor Virap Monastery one of the best churches in the country. As you approach Khor Virap, stop along the road to get “that photo” of the Monastery with Mt Ararat in the background.

For sweeping views of Mt Ararat and the no-mans land that separates Turkey and Armenia, walk up the hill behind the Monastery. The Turkish border has been closed since 1993. The reason for the poor relations between the two countries is due to 1.5m Armenians dying in 1915 at the hands of the Ottoman government. This has been recognised as genocide by 28 countries and there is a Genocide Museum in Yerevan where you can learn more.

Afternoon Day 3 – Visit ArmAs Vineyard

The drive to ArmAs takes 1.5-2 hours, taking the smaller roads to avoid Yerevan. Finding somewhere to eat lunch along the road is difficult, so plan ahead.

Life outside Yerevan can be hard with 25% of the population living below the poverty line. Passing through smaller towns and villages feels like stepping back in time. The Ladas from the Soviet Union must be well built since it is the most common car on the road!

When you put ArmAs into your phone for directions make sure you stop at the winery and not the estate. We ended up with a bit of extra sightseeing after driving all the way to the estate.

An overnight stay includes a wine tour with a drive around the estate before moving on to production and wine tasting. The tour felt authentic and intimate and I think this is one of the better wine tours I have been on.

If you are staying overnight, wine tasting will be with dinner. The wines were good and the food accompanying it was some of the best we had on our trip. This was where we bought the bottle of wine that got confiscated when we entered Azerbaijan. Don’t make the same mistake as us!

Vineyard Hotel : The rooms were comfortable, clean, had en-suite bathroom (no bathtub) and air-conditioning. This was one of the highlights on our 2.5 weeks trips through the Caucasus. Read my full review of our stay at ArmAs Vineyard .

Insider tip : Go for a walk around the vineyard in the afternoon. We had the whole vineyard to ourselves and Ben enjoyed imagining what it would be like to own and run a vineyard (I am still not convinced).

Day 4 of Armenia Itinerary – To Yerevan, Afternoon Train to Tbilisi. Overnight in Tbilisi

Morning day 4 – return to yerevan.

After another big breakfast set off for Yerevan, an hour’s drive away. Traffic increases as you get closer to the city centre.

Many rental car companies make you clean the car before it is returned or there is 3,000 AMD fine. We found that all the car washers in central Yerevan knew this and therefore charged the same.

If using Caravan, check for a promotion giving you a free car wash in return for posting an Instagram photo of the car in a nice location. If this is not available, I would pay the fine rather than wasting time getting the car cleaned.

The car rental company was happy to look after our bags and we went to do some sightseeing.

A walk to the top of the Cascade Complex should be your first stop. On a clear day you can see Mt Ararat in the distance, but it was not visible on the day we visited.

Afternoon Day 4 – Traveling From Yerevan to Tbilisi or Fly Home

To Tbilisi : From mid-June to late-September trains depart at 15.30 every day, arriving in Tbilisi at 00:12. During the rest of the year they leave Yerevan every second day (on even-numbered days) at 21:30, arriving in Tbilisi at 07:50.

Traffic often stands still in Yerevan so the best way to get to the train station is by metro. It is also an interesting way to travel with the city centre stations being works of art, just like the stations you see in Moscow.

Underneath the train station there are a few shops but otherwise there is nothing in the area so arriving 30 minutes before the train departures is plenty of time.

The train does not have a buffet car or samovar (hot water dispenser often found on Russian trains) so bring food and water. The trains are often hot so bring more drinks than you think you will need.

Tbilisi hotels : Stay in the old town and check that reception is staffed at the time you will arrive (00:30-1:00 am). Given the time the train arrives it might be worth booking a pickup with your hotel so you don’t need to deal with the taxi drivers at the station. 

Insider tip: If you have an extra day in your Armenia itinerary, consider spending day 4 in Yerevan and taking the train to Tbilisi on Day 5. I was surprised at how nice Yerevan was.

You might also be interested in

7 Things to Know Before Driving in Armenia, Georgia or Azerbaijan

Top 10 Tourist Spots in Armenia

Inspiration

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did”

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

8 Reasons To Visit Spectacular Yerevan, Armenia

• Destinations

If it wasn’t for my quest to see a few select places along the Silk Road this year, I have to admit that I would have been hard-pushed to find Yerevan on the world map. I am quite embarrassed about that because not only is Yerevan one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, but I also heard much about its border issues with Azerbaijan and Turkey, yet I’d never bothered to learn more.

Arriving in Yerevan, located to the south of the country which borders Georgia (the only open border), Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran, it was pretty much love at first sight. The weather was sunny but the imposing Mount Ararat with its two peaks was snow-capped, making it look even more volcanic. The tree-lined streets were filled with people strolling along and sitting in cafés, and there was art and architecture waiting to be discovered at every corner.

There is so much history evident everywhere, as well as a strong national pride. Here are my personal reasons why you should be putting Yerevan on your “to-travel-to” list.

1. The Art And Architecture

I know, I know. Really, the number one spot should have been taken by something historic, but bear with me. The first place everybody visiting Yerevan should go to first is the Cascades Complex. This is a set of steps, an incredible 572 of them, leading up the side of a hill, and once at the top (don’t worry, you can take the escalators within the Cafesjian Center for the Arts next to the steps) the views are incredible. Yerevan spreads out below you and Ararat fills the horizon. The step complex is typically Soviet in style, with fountains and sculptures all the way up.

At the bottom of the Cascades, you’ll find the wonderful sculpture park, part of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. World-class artists are represented here, all part of a private collection made available for the city to enjoy. The art center itself is a marvelous construction of what would normally have been a boring set of escalators leading up the hill. Instead, it has been cleverly utilized as a quirky gallery space.

2. The Museums

There are some fantastic museums in the city, with the Genocide Museum — which consists of a museum, the eternal flame, and the imposing Tsitsernakaberd Memorial — leading the pack. It is the most insightful and powerful of the museums but a must-see to understand the country and its people. 

On Republic Square, there is the State Museum of Armenian History , showcasing finds dating back from the Stone Age to more modern cultural heritage such as local carpets. In the same building, you have the National Art Gallery, always running temporary exhibitions by local artists with an amazing array of superb talent on display. The modern art museum had a Banksy exhibition when I visited and generally has mold-breaking contemporary art in its rooms.

3. Republic Square

If you want to stay in the heart of the city, I can recommend the Marriott Armenia Hotel right on Republic Square. With its museums, fountain, and Government House, the square is a site for celebrations as well as demonstrations. It is beautiful, and from the hotel’s windows, you have the chance to see Republic Square in the changing daylight and all lit up at night when it is stunning. It is a truly great spot for a hotel, with absolutely everything in Yerevan within walking distance.

4. The Blue Mosque

This 18th-century Persian Shia Mosque, also known as the Persian Mosque or the Mosque of Shah, is the last mosque operating in the whole of Armenia. It’s a reminder that Armenia was the first country in the world to embrace Christianity as a state religion. Maybe not quite as striking as the mosques of Isfahan or Samarkand, but its blue and green tiled exterior is beautiful, as is the little garden it is located in.

5. The Café And Restaurant Culture

As I already mentioned, walking around Yerevan, you’ll stumble across restaurants and cafés everywhere. They have plenty of outdoor seating, making the most of the warmer months with people lingering over coffee and enjoying the green spaces. The green areas between the Armenian National Opera, Ballet Theatre, and Cascade Complex are filled with great outdoor cafés, as are the sides of the sculpture park.

Head along Moskovyan Street for an international selection of cuisines and types of restaurants. From wine bars to fine dining, street food to relaxed student hangouts, it’s all there. Must-try foods include all things lamb and eggplant, plus the lovely fresh flatbread called lavash , which is baked in clay ovens and stuffed with all sorts of things. For a wide variety of foods and some local entertainment, try Sherep Restaurant just off Republic Square next to the Marriott. Hugely popular with locals, make sure you book ahead.

6. Vernissage Market

You always need a souvenir to bring back and there is no better place to search out some local arts and crafts than the open-air Vernissage Market — a short walk from Republic Square. Here, you’ll find a wide range of traditional Armenian crafts, souvenirs, artwork, jewelry, and antiques. It’s a great place to explore and purchase unique items, with blood-red ceramics featuring locally grown pomegranates, a firm favorite.

7. The Pride Of Armenians

What really struck me is the fact that everywhere in Yerevan, as well as outside the city limits, there are huge pictures of Armenians who live abroad. These individuals have helped their country with money or celebrity status to either build infrastructure, restore historic sites, donate art, or simply help out with some funds for the people. 

From Charles Aznavour to Cher, and even the Kardashians, all have Armenian roots. And here is something I learned about how to spot someone with Armenian roots: the names all end in – ian , – jian , or a similar derivative. I spent a long time looking at the names of the artists in the Art Gallery and loved that there is such an easy way of connecting, wherever you find yourself.

8. The Day-Trip Opportunities

However lovely, Yerevan should never be just a city trip. The true beauty of Armenia lies outside of the city limits. A mountainous country with huge peaks, high lakes, and mountain passes, everywhere you look, ancient monasteries are perching atop cragged hills. Probably the closest and most impressive monastery is Khor Virap Monastery, situated near the border of Turkey. Khor Virap offers breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. This little monastery, originally dating to the 600s (with the current church dating to the 1600s), is a significant religious site. It’s the place where St. Gregory the Illuminator — the Patron Saint of Armenia and reason behind Armenia embracing Christianity — was imprisoned.

A natural beauty is Lake Sevan, located about 37 miles northeast of Yerevan. Lake Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia and one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world. On its shores lies the Sevanavank Monastery, but the lake is lovely just for its serenity and mountainous fringes. If you are also looking for Silk Road sites, the Orbelian’s Caravanserai not far from the lake is a must. The former overnight resting point during travel along the Silk Road, weary merchants had a chance to sleep, have their animals looked after, and meet other travelers along the way, while doing a bit of business as well.

For a way to see two countries at once, why not get a driver to take you across the border to Tbilisi in Georgia , a mere 4-hour drive from Yerevan?

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » Backpacking Yerevan Travel Guide (Budget Tips for 2024!)

Backpacking Yerevan Travel Guide (Budget Tips for 2024!)

Mean Girls wear pink on Wednesday. Yerevan does that every day.

Known as the “Pink City”, the capital of Armenia is a glistening, glittering metropolis that tourists and backpackers alike are just starting to discover.

If the Caucasus region is under-travelled, then Yerevan surely is even more so. As the bigger influx of travellers crowd to Armenia’s northern neighbour Georgia, this country and its awaiting capital are left with too little love.

Well, that’s good news for a backpacker that likes exploring without hordes of tourists.

Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip to Armenia or just planning to visit Yerevan as a weekend trip from Georgia, this epic Yerevan travel guide is a great intro to all the things that make Yerevan so unique. Find out where to wine and dine, how to get around, the best attractions in Yerevan – and where all the cool kidz hang.

And by the end of the trip you might find yourself completely unprepared to leave. This is just the beginning of the Armenian adventure!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Visit Yerevan?

A sample 3-day itinerary for yerevan, top 9 things to do in yerevan, budget accommodation in yerevan, yerevan travel costs, best time to travel to yerevan, staying safe in yerevan, how to get into and around yerevan, working and volunteering in yerevan, nightlife in yerevan,  faqs about backpacking in yerevan, final advice before visiting yerevan.

Yerevan is the best way to kick off a backpacking adventure in Armenia.

Yerevan might not be on top of every traveller’s wishlist; it’s a little obscure, a little out of the way, and not as popular as the norther Tbilisi. However, the are travellers that do make it to the dazzling capital of Armenia and put in the effort to get to know her, swear that it quickly becomes one of the best cities they’ve visited.

What is Yerevan known for, then?

Yerevan definitely has a specific charm. It’s lively but calm at the same time, its little streetside coffeeshops filled to the brim with locals and travellers. A pure joy for living is palpable in the city: Yerevan will give a good run for any city named the most livable city in the world.

And it doesn’t get boring for a moment. There are heaps of cool places to visit in Yerevan.

In 2019, Yerevan got a new slogan for its tourism: Discover Yerevan. It’s a very apt motto for a city with so many hidden gems. A real off-the-beaten-path destination , that’s what Yerevan is.

Its older parts have been slightly overshadowed by constructions from the last few decades but they are still hiding in the cityscape: brutalist Soviet buildings and parts of Old Yerevan stubbornly live on. 

Among touristy taverns, curious travellers can find charming local bars and hole-in-a-wall shops selling delicious Armenian food for ultra-cheap prices.

Yerevan is a city of culture, art, and architecture. But above all else, it’s a city that is loved by everyone who knows it. And I wouldn’t be surprised if you fall for it, too – once you learn its secrets.

What Are the Major Attractions in Yerevan?

Yerevan is actually jam-packed with different attractions: statues, parks, art, museums, and churches. Most of them are located in the city centre so you can easily explore them over a couple of days in the city.

Some of the top attractions in Yerevan are definitely worth checking out:

• The Cascade: The giant staircase is the best hangout spot in Yerevan – and the absolute best place to see the sunset.
• Cafesijan Center for the Arts: A collection of art from renowned international and local artists can be found in the sculpture garden leading up towards the Cascade and in a few smaller galleries inside the structure.
• Armenian Genocide Museum and Monument: The museum is an emotional memorial to the Armenians killed during the genocide, and the monument outside the museum has an eternal fire burning. 
• Republic Square: Yerevan’s main square is surrounded by impressive “tuff” buildings: buildings made of reddish volcanic stone that give the city its nickname “Pink City”.

• Dancing Fountains. The fountain at the Republic Square “dances” to music in a nightly light and water show.
• Blue Mosque: With large-scale Christianisation and 20th century Soviet rule, Islam went almost extinct in Armenia. Blue Mosque in Yerevan is the last operating mosque left in the entire country.

• Vernissage market: The biggest outdoor market in Yerevan sells exclusively Armenian souvenirs –  but don’t think just tacky keyrings and postcards, think paintings, beautiful textiles, handicrafts, and antiques!
• Ararat brandy factory: Armenian brandy is said to be among the best in the world, and you can test the theory yourself at this brandy factory in Yerevan.
• Kond AKA Old Yerevan: Yerevan doesn’t really have a historical centre but there are some older parts still left among the newer constructions, the district known as Kond. Make sure to walk through the Kond tunnel!
• Children’s Railway: This Soviet-era railroad is still operating, and the old station building is pretty to see even if you’re not a kiddo.
• Erebuni Fortress: An ancient fortress a little outside the city.
• Yerevan’s parks: Yerevan has many chill green spaces to check out like Victory Park, Lover’s Park, and Hrazdan Gorge.

How Long to Spend in Yerevan?

Yerevan has more to see than you’d think at first glance – so make sure you’re not rushing your visit!

I know a lot of people visit Yerevan as a weekend trip from Tbilisi, spending as little as half a day in the city and focusing more on the sights around the capital. If you’re on a super-super tight schedule, make sure you’ll at least make it to Cascade for sunset!

In general though, I’d say to spend at least 2 days in Yerevan. In 2 days, you can check out most of the top attractions in Yerevan. Although it will be a jam-packed schedule.

I do recommend though that you give Yerevan at least 3 days.  

The time you spend in the capital also depends on what else you’re planning to see in Armenia. (Spoiler alert: backpacking Armenia holds a lot of gems.)

Yerevan is the central transportation hub for spots around the country, and a lot of travellers like to stay there as a base for exploring the rest of the country. If your itinerary includes lots of daytrips, you can easily spend 5-7 days in Yerevan.

Envoy Hostel

Envoy Hostel is not just “about accommodation, but a way of life”, and travellers agree. Envoy is one of the best hostels in Yerevan. It’s a social meeting place offering an unbeatable atmosphere for wandering wayfarers. Plus, a great free breakfast!

With such an avalanche of things to see, it might be hard to figure out how and what to do first. No fear, friend! I’m here to save your day with an awesome 3-day itinerary to Yerevan.

Feel free to pick and choose the parts you vibe with the most, or change some stuff around! This is just an example itinerary with some of the best places to visit in Yerevan. 

For example, this itinerary includes 2 half-day trips. If you’re planning to hire a private taxi to take you to the sights outside of the city, it makes the most sense to do both trips in one day. However, if you want to use public transport, fitting 2 trips outside the city in one day is hard to manage.

Day 1 in Yerevan

Pro tip: you can also join a free walking tour to cover most of the best places to visit in Yerevan! The free walking tour in Yerevan is excellent. Despite the name, remember to tip your Yerevan travel guide at the end.

Start your round-up of Yerevan’s best sights at its emblematic Republic Square. Walk down Vazgen Sargsyan Street towards Blue Mosque, the last active mosque in Armenia. 

From there, you’re just a short hop away from Kond , a small district that’s what remains of the true Old Yerevan. Explore the streets, then find your way to Kond Tunnel. The tunnel leads you to the edges of Tsitsernakaberd park where you can check out the historical Children’s Railway station.

Cross back into the main city to walk along Northern Avenue to a small park that hosts the Armenian Opera and Ballet. Close by, find the beautiful Katoghike Church and the Matenadaran museum.

End the day at the Cafesijan art park and the Cascade. Make sure to climb all the way to the top for the best sunset views!

After dinner, finish the day back at Republic Square to see the light show at the Dancing Fountains. The show goes on from 8-11 p.m.

Day 2 in Yerevan

Okay, today’s itinerary seems a little all over the place but I promise that getting from place to place is actually pretty easy!

Reserve the first half of the day to visit the Khor Virap monastery. Getting there on public transportation is a little tricky, that’s why we’re taking a few hours for the whole ordeal!

Take a train to David of Sasun station where you’ll find buses going to Pokr Vedi. From the town, it’s still a few kilometres to the monastery, which you can walk, hitchhike , or take a taxi. To get back to the city, just do the same backwards.

Once you’re back at David of Sasun, don’t go back to the centre yet. You’re in the Erebuni district, which means visiting distance to the ancient Erebuni Fortress.

After that, make your way back to the city to the Cascade. You can take the train to Marshal Baghramyan station at Lover’s Park and chill there for a bit.

If you’ve still got time (and energy!), you can walk to Victory Park in 15-20 minutes from there to see the Mother of Armenia statue. Plus awesome vistas over the city.

Come back down to the steps of the Cascade for sunset . For the second night in a row? Absolutely – the view is seriously dope.

Day 3 in Yerevan

All righty – another half-day trip ahead!

Pro tip: This trip to Garni and Geghard is most popularly done as a day trip from Yerevan. But the town of Garni also has some cheap and adorable accommodation options, so you can even opt to spend the night there.

First, we are headed to Geghard Monastery . The easiest way to get to the monastery is by taxi or an organised tour – but broke adventurers don’t need those, right?

You can get a bus in Yerevan city centre to the Gai Station on the outskirts of the city where marshrutkas, small van buses regularly leave for Geghard. (Look for signs to the town of Goght.)

On the way back, make a stop at the town of Garni. The Garni Gorge is an awesome natural site to see, plus the town has Armenia’s last standing pagan temple and a unique rock formation called the Symphony of Stones.

Once you’ve got back to the city, it’s time to pay respects to the city and its residents. Make your way to the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial . Located up on a hill, it grants sweeping views over the capital, and is an unmissable way of learning about the country’s tragic past.

Spending More Time in Yerevan?

So your 3 days in Yerevan are up but you’re left craving more?

Well, for more to do in the city, you can always check out some of its top museums. The Museum of History and the National Gallery are located right on Republic Square and well worth a browse.

Sergei Parajanov House Museum is the old house of a Georgian-born but Yerevan-lived filmmaker. Even if you’re not familiar with his works, the house is still a cool place to check out.

I’d also recommend diving even deeper in the city’s wine & dine scene. Visit the Ararat Brandy Factory to sample world-class Armenian brandy.

And there are even more awesome day trips from Yerevan than the ones already listed! Most of these attractions do also have nearby accommodation options but many backpackers prefer to visit them from Yerevan since the city has the best backpacker hostels in Armenia.

Travel up north to see the Armenian Alphabet Monument, ruins of the Amberd Castle, and the Buyrakan Observatory . 

The Zvartnots Cathedral around the same hoods is also absolutely gorgeous. In the east, Lake Sevan’s coastline awaits. In the south, travellers often combine a trip to Areni (for the best wine in Armenia) and the Tatev and Noravank monasteries .

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

So many things to see, so little time… When you’re deciding what to see in Yerevan, it’s good to have some idea what the must-sees are in the city.

I know, I know… Nothing is ever strictly must-see . But if you skip sunset at the Cascade, I will personally come for you.

Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Yerevan.

1. See the Sunset at the Cascade

Hands down – my favourite spot in Yerevan! And I know most locals and travellers would agree with me. It was legit one of my favourite things to do while backpacking the Caucasus ! The tall stone steps are a popular hangout, offering awesome views over the city and in clear weather, you can even see Mount Ararat.

Pssst – have you heard of Yerevan Card?

For hardcore sightseers, the Yerevan Card can be a super valuable travel buddy. Yerevan Card gives you tons of tasty freebies, like free access to museums, guided tours, entrance to attractions, AND free use of public transport!

Plus, tons of discounts in cafés and restaurants to make sure you’re getting the most out of delicious Armenian cuisine 😉

2. Wander Around an Outdoor Statue Park

The Cafesijn outdoor gallery is located in the park leading up to the Cascade steps. It’s completely free to visit, and features sculptures from famous international artists like Lynn Chadwick, Barry Flanagan, and Fernando Botero.

3. Laze the Day Away at a Streetside Café

Yerevan is all about the VIBES. Sure, there are a lot of things to see, but turns out one of the best things to do in Yerevan is to not do anything at all.

Yerevan has a thriving, vibrant café culture, and the best way to tap into the city’s vital lifeforce is to spend a lazy afternoon drinking coffee (or wine!) in a little coffee shop people-watching.

4. Pay Your Respects at the Genocide Museum

The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial is a dark but essential place to visit during your trip to Yerevan.

The museum features stories from people who lived through the genocide – or often, didn’t. The monument has an ever-burning flame, trees planted in honour of the countries that have recognised the genocide as such, and a bittersweet view towards Mount Ararat.

5. Fight Water with Water

Every July, the city erupts into watery chaos as it celebrates Vardavar , which is essentially a huge water fight. The festival was originally celebrated in honour of Astghik, the goddess of water, beauty, love, and fertility.

When Armenia went full Christian mode, the holiday got adopted by the church. Now, it’s one of the most fun ways you could spend a stifling hot summer day in Yerevan.g

6. Shop at the GUM Market

Is this the best food in Yerevan? The GUM Market is relatively small but jam-packed with fresh goodies from fruits, veggies, Armenian bread (lavash), cheese, pickles… Get the idea? The market is undoubtedly a foodie’s heaven, and a must-stop for the brokest backpackers who are planning to cook their own meals while in Yerevan.

7. Explore Yerevan’s Soviet History

Armenia was under Soviet rule for the better part of the last century, and the typical brutalist architecture is still well visible in the streetscape. Some of the best examples are the so-called ‘Commieblock’ apartments and Moscow Theatre, but Soviet remnants are scattered all over the city.

8. Take a Day Trip

When there’s so much to see in Yerevan, it might seem counterproductive to get out of the city. However, some of Armenia’s highlights are located just outside the city bounds! Check out the iconic Khor Virap Monastery or swing by the gorge-ous Gorni Gorge.

9. Sip on Some World-Class Brandy

Armenia is most well-known for its wines (and you shouldn’t skip them!) but they don’t do too bad on the hard liqueur front, either. When in Yerevan, it’s also worth checking out the Ararat brandy factory which is an absolutely delicious way to get a lil’ day-tipsy.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Yerevan is still pretty new on the backpacking map so it doesn’t offer a huge platter of hostels for backpackers at the moment. Budget accommodation in general, though? That’s super easy to find in Yerevan.

Even the best hostels in Yerevan are generally pretty basic but comfortable. Many of them have free breakfast included, and most of them are super centrally located somewhere in the city centre.

They’re not all equally made, though. Backpackers in Yerevan tend to flock to certain hostels so if you’re feeling social, make sure you pick the right place where to stay in Yerevan! You can check out my recommendations for specific hostels in Yerevan in the table below.

You won’t struggle to find a cheap hotel in Yerevan. The more low-cost private rooms might be a tiny bit run down but they’re usually good for basic accommodation. There are also some Airbnbs scattered around the city.

Funny enough, there is a lot of intersection between hotel rooms offered on Airbnb and apartments offered on Booking.com so it’s worth comparing both sites to find your ideal digs. The price difference between cheap hotel rooms and holiday apartments in Yerevan is not huge, either.

The Best Places to Stay in Yerevan

Yerevan is an extremely walkable city – lucky you! There are still a few options on where to stay in Yerevan. 

The benefit of staying close to Republic Square is that you’re an equal distance from all the attractions. The Cascade area, on the other hand, is dope if you’re spending many an evening gazing at the sunset at the monument (my fave thing to do in Yerevan!). In that case, the walk back to your lair will never be too long.

Cascade Complex

Just a few steps away from the most famous attraction in Yerevan and the place for the city’s best vistas! You’re also still just a 20-minute walk from Republic Square.

Republic Square

Staying in the heart of Yerevan, you’re close to all of its sights: 20 minutes to the Cascade, 5-10 minutes to the Blue Mosque and Kond, and everything else just a few steps away.

The Erebuni district is a few kilometres south of the city centre. You can walk to the centre in 30 minutes or take a train to get there. More local, quieter, and super close to the ancient Erebuni fortress.

Armenia is a holy land for cheapskate cowboys: it’s one of the cheapest countries in Europe . It’s like a little oasis of almost-Asia prices in Europe! Prices in Yerevan are very backpacker-friendly, from cheap hostels to low-cost local food.

The currency used in Armenia is called dram . The denominations are pretty big but once you get an idea of them, the maths is easy enough. You can count roughly that 500 dram = $1 USD.

Whenever you’re travelling abroad and especially when there’s currency conversions involved, transaction and ATM fees can really put a dent in your budget. Get your travel banking sorted out before travelling to Yerevan!

I personally use and highly recommend Wise (formerly known as Transferwise). It’s a free platform that you can use for bank transfers and payments with hugely smaller fees than any other platform I know of.

Cheap hostels in yerevan are not a rarity. A bed in a hostel dorm sets you back about $5 USD at cheapest. Five dollars! Even the more expensive hostel rooms only go up to about ten bucks a night.

A private room in a cheap hotel in Yerevan or guest house can be as cheap as 10 dollars a night. If you fancy something a tad fancier, a double room in a boutique hotel or a small apartment is about $25-35 per night.

Even the nicer options hardly break the bank. A bigger apartment on Airbnb or a room in a hotel sets you back $50-70. You COULD splash and spend $200 a night for a suite at a real fancy hotel in Yerevan, but there really is no need.

Food in Yerevan is definitely affordable. A fast food meal costs about $2-3, and a meal in a cheap restaurant maybe $5. Your food budget could explode quickly if you pick more touristy restaurants though!

If you want to save even more, cook your own food. You can find cheap, fresh produce at the GUM market and local supermarkets.

In a mid-range restaurant, you can easily get a meal for $7-15 including wine and an appetizer. A cappuccino costs about $2, and a glass of wine in a restaurant about the same (you knew I had to include it, didn’t you).

Within Yerevan, you can travel around cheaply with a combo of metro and local taxis. A metro ticket is 100 dram (about $0.2), and a taxi ride is a couple of dollars.

A domestic beer in a restaurant would typically cost about $1, and an imported beer $1.5-2.

A glass of wine might be about $2 apiece. A bottle from the supermarket (for pre-gaming or a civilised picnic in a park) is about $6; in a restaurant, it’s a little bit more.

There are tons of free things to do! Yerevan has a free walking tour, open-air art galleries, parks, and streets to wander. Even the Genocide Museum is free to enter but donations are welcome.

The biggest expense you’ll likely face are tours and day trips outside of the city. For example, a private taxi for a few hours to go see the Khor Virap Monastery costs about $20-30 USD.

A Daily Budget in Yerevan

Travel costs in Yerevan are really reasonable. Even budget backpackers with more holes than dollas in their pockets can easily navigate the city. 

Here is an estimation of a traveller’s daily budget in Yerevan. The biggest differences in costs come from accommodation and food; if you cook for yourself and avoid touristy restaurants, and bunk up in the most basic hostels, your trip to Yerevan can be as cheap as a day in Thailand.

Yerevan on a Budget – Top Tips and Tricks

Yerevan is cheap, but there is no reason that an experienced broke backpacker couldn’t make it cheap -cheap. Here are some of the tried and tested principles of high-level budget backpackers:

• Carry a portable stove. Cooking your own food saves money, sure. But having a lightweight stove with you is a grand idea anyway. A great backpacking stove saves your ass in hostels that don’t have a kitchen, and it’s your best friend if your trip takes you to the Armenian wilderness after Yerevan.
• Hitchhike! Finding a ride in Armenia is easy, and thumb-travel is a very cheap (and adventurous) way to see the lands unknown. Take a local train to the borders of the city, from where it’s pretty easy to hitch your way to see the sights around Yerevan.
• Surf a couch. Couchsurfing is a fantastic way to get to know locals and local life while saving money! The couchsurfing scene in Yerevan is not huge but you’ll find some hosts willing to take in poor lost little backpackers.
• Travel with a water bottle. The sexiest travellers help combat the world-wide plasticapocalypse by avoiding single-use plastic. Get a reusable water bottle and fill up anywhere – tap water is good to drink in Yerevan.

Why You Should Travel to Yerevan with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… So do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a  responsible traveller .

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Listen – the shoulder season is usually the best time to visit any place. In Armenia (and subsequently Yerevan), shoulder season is April-May and September-October. Spring and early autumn have pleasant weather, and you’ll mostly avoid peak-season tourists.

The thing about the Armenian peak season is that it really isn’t that crowded though. Yerevan, its biggest city and biggest tourist attraction, is still pretty devoid of the kind of crowds that plague bigger, badder destinations on the European Travel Trail . Plus, if you’re a backpacker, the summer is the best time to catch other travellers en route to their adventures.

On top of that, summer is festival season, and Yerevan has a few awesome ones going on. From film festivals to music and even hot air ballooning, there are many events in the long summer months. It all culminates to Vardavar . It’s essentially a city-wide waterfight and one of the most unique things to experience in Yerevan.

The downside is that the summer months are slightly more expensive than the rest of the year (but c’mon, this is still Armenian prices), and the summer temperature in Yerevan can occasionally get stifling hot.

If your trip will take you elsewhere than Yerevan, my favourite season to visit is in the early autumn. Armenia has a gorgeous display of autumn colours, and the hiking trails in the Caucasus are at their absolute best at this time of the year.

The winter is pretty mild in Yerevan too, and the temperature in Yerevan rarely dips below zero.

All in all, while Yerevan is decently nice all year round, visiting in September or October will guarantee the best experience if you want to explore the rest of the country. 

What to Pack for Yerevan

There are a few trusty things I always add to my backpacking packing list . These will surely come in handy also when you’re backpacking Yerevan.

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

Is Yerevan safe?

Armenia has a bit of a bad rep because of the whole having-an-active-warzone thing. (The skirmish with Azerbaijan occasionally escalates from skirmish to military action). As long as you stay away from border areas with Azerbaijan, you’ll be right as rain. And Yerevan, in its part, happens to be far from the hotspot of action.

In Yerevan, like any city, keep an eye on your stuff for pickpockets (although petty crime isn’t as bad as in other European capitals). The best way to protect your cash is to get a money belt , and it’s worth taking a padlock to hostels with you.

There can sometimes be demonstrations and protests that usually go nicely and calmly, but there is a possibility for escalation, so it’s best to avoid them.

Traffic in Armenia is CRAZY. Your biggest danger is getting mowed down by an erratic driver more than anything else.

In a word: Yerevan is super safe to travel. Even for solo female travellers. I traipsed through the whole Caucasus region completely on my glorious lonesome, and Yerevan felt totally safe for me. 

Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Yerevan

As much fun as taking drugs on the road might be, it’s very much illegal in Armenia, including cannabis. Having it on you could result in heavy fines and a short jail sentence (as a foreigner you’d probably be able to bribe your way out but… probably best if you don’t put yourself at that risk in the first place). 

Actually, even finding weed might be a task if you were hell-bent on breaking the law: Armenians are at the bottom of the list when it comes to weed consumption in Europe.

Luckily, Armenians are not all too saintly. You might’ve already noticed a continuous thread through this guide – wine. Ah, the wine… local wine is delicious, tasting like something your grandma brewed up in her basement but with world-class quality. 

Armenians are also no strangers to hard liquor. The signature hard spirit is oghi , a vodka made with fruits and berries, and oh boy – it’s strong. Yerevan also has some great brandy that you can try at Ararat Brandy Factory.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Yerevan

No matter where you are or what you do, you’re always at risk to slip in the shower or throw out your back out admiring local statue art a little too hard. A savvy backpacker should always consider getting a comprehensive travel insurance policy before leaving home. This covers you from little boo-boos to 127 hours-style predicaments.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You can always fly into Yerevan: it has a decent international airport. Arriving overland is also easy.

If you’ve been backpacking Georgia before this, arriving is easy-peasy. There are regular bus and train services between Yerevan and Tbilisi, Georgia. You can also take a taxi for the journey that probably sets you back a ridiculous $40 (Armenia is cheap, yo).

Just be prepared that the driver is most likely to drive like a maniac. That’s the noble Caucasian way.

You can even get a bus all the way from Iran but it’s gonna be a long-ass journey. (And I highly recommend stopping at other destinations around Armenia first since you’ll travel through the whole country to get to the capital!)

From other parts of Armenia, arriving to Yerevan is super easy. Since it’s the capital and the biggest transportation hub in the country, all roads eventually lead to Yerevan.

You can NOT enter Armenia directly from Azerbaijan or Turkey.

Getting Around Yerevan

Yerevan is a pretty sprawled-out city but luckily the biggest attractions are all more-or-less in the same grid. The best way to see the attractions in Yerevan is by foot – so bring a comfy pair of kicks.

There are many ways to get around Yerevan, so here are your options!

The centre of Yerevan is easily walkable if you’re reasonably fit. Most of the big attractions are a 20-30 minute radius from the Republic Square. Even though you’ll definitely clock in some kilometres, it’s a fun way to explore the city.

There is also a great free walking tour in Yerevan in case you don’t feel like making up your own itineraries.

Yerevan’s city buses are extremely cheap, one ride costing about 20 cents. The system is pretty easy to figure out, and I managed to get around the town with buses no problem.

Buses don’t operate at night so if you’re indulging in nightlife delights, make sure you’ve got enough drams for a taxi ride.

Taking taxis around Yerevan is cheap and easy. A 10-minute ride costs just a couple of dollars. The most popular taxi apps in Yerevan are GG taxi and Yandex , so I recommend you download them!

Taking a private taxi is also the easiest way to do day trips around Yerevan. For example, using public transportation to get to Khor Virap monastery – the most popular attraction in Armenia – is a total pain in the ass. Organising a private taxi there and back (plus wait time as you explore the monastery) costs about $20-30 USD. It’s worth avoiding the hassle, and it’s pretty cheap if you can split the cost.

The metro in Yerevan is almost a sight in itself. It was built in Soviet times in early 80s, and its design has earned it the name “retro metro”. The stations are great examples of Soviet architecture, and some of them are also (surprisingly?) beautiful.

The metro is not a super useful tool for travellers that are planning to stay mostly in the city centre. It only has 10 stations, out of which 2 are close to popular attractions. Still, it’s a cheap ride: a metro ticket costs 100 dram (about $0.2). Might be worth a ride if you’ve got some extra time!

Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Working in Armenia is not a super popular option for foreigners. Work can be tough to find, and your future employer has to be the one to sponsor your work visa. Your best bet might be with one of the international companies operating in Yerevan.

For remote workers though, Yerevan is a pretty good spot. The nearby Tbilisi is already a huge for digital nomads, and there’s no reason Yerevan wouldn’t soon become a big destination for laptop lifers . The climate in Yerevan is pleasant, it’s got a lively cityscape to explore, an affordable lifestyle… 

The only thing that is a bit lacking still is the community. Some expats and long-term nomads have already started finding Yerevan as their next destination, so keep an eye on the sitch. Soon, Yerevan might be a major digital nomad hub.

The best way to stay in a city long-term as a backpacker, though? Volunteer!

Volunteering is easy since most places don’t require you to have any special skills – just some people skills and good vibez. For the measly price of your free labour for a few hours a day, you’ll get free board and meals, and the experience of a lifetime.

Because sure, volunteering is great if you’re looking to cut costs but that’s not the biggest reason we do it. But the best reason to volunteer is to form deeper connections with the people of the country and to give back some of the wonderful hospitality you’ve been shown as a traveller. 

While there are many excellent work exchange sites online, The Broke Backpacker’s favourite one is Worldpackers . It’s one of the best work exchange sites out there with great volunteer opportunities, a communal platform to share your experiences, and a company that actually cares about you.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to do in Yerevan at night? Party, duh!

There’s definitely no shortage of places to visit in Yerevan to put your dancy pants on or get some serious drinking done in Yerevan nightlife. Now all you gotta remember is one important word: “cheers” in Armenian is “ kenats !” 

The busiest nightlife is focused in the city centre so if you’re bunking up near Republic Square or the Cascade, you’re already in a good starting position. Confused on where to start? There are a couple of pub crawls that run in Yerevan in peak season and on the weekends so it might be worth hopping in on that.

There are a few bigger nightclubs if you’re serious about your parties. Paparazzi Club is one of the top clubs in town – think DJs, entrance fees (just a few bucks, though) and hardcore dancefloor action. This is where nightlife in Yerevan gets crazy!

Kami Club is also a pretty cool spot and has more of a live music vibe.

Not feeling like a big night out? You can always take it easy and just chill. Try a few different beers at Dargett, Yerevan’s best craft beer bar, or find a chill wine bar to debauch on Armenia’s #1 pride. There are also a few fan-favourite jazz clubs – check out Malkhas Jazz Club in particular.

Dining in Yerevan

Armenian food is mouth-wateringly tasty… And being in the nation’s capital, you have a whole party platter of places to choose from. Food in Yerevan is a great show for the best bites Armenia has to offer.

The best restaurants in Yerevan are its true cheap eats: little hole-in-a-wall places. You’ll find steaming lahmacun (Armenian pizza), freshly baked bread and sizzling barbeque to fill your belly.

Yerevan doesn’t have many only-vegan restaurants. Luckily the national cuisine is pretty veggo-friendly since a lot of traditional dishes are vegetable-based. My vegetarian and vegan friends didn’t have a hard time finding grub in Yerevan!

Walking around the centre of Yerevan, keep an eye out for restaurants that say “Pandok”. These are traditional taverns with a wide array of Armenian dishes on the menu. These places are usually quite touristy but if you don’t mind that, they can be a great intro to all the Armenian classics.

I know I’m a huge sucker for a pretty restaurant setting even when I know it’s all been set up for tourists. These taverns are slightly pricier than more local places but hey, it’s still Armenian prices.

Best Restaurants and Cheap Eats in Yerevan

• GUM market – mostly for shopping for ingredients but you’ll get lots to sample too!
• Lahmajun Gaidz – different varieties of lahmacun, “Armenian pizza”
• Zatar Pizza – hole-in-a-wall with some seriously delish cheap bites (not just pizza)
• Hin Zangezur – An affordable, traditional, slightly touristy resto
• The Green Bean – environmentally friendly coffee and lots of vegetarian options
• Twelve Tables – not ultra-cheap but cozy, organic and among backpacker favourites
• Dolmama – slightly pricier but it’s hands down the best place for dolmas in Yerevan

Is Yerevan worth visiting?

Absolutely! Especially if your trip is already bringing you to this side of Europe, I would definitely recommend putting Yerevan on your list of cities to visit.

How many days do you need in Yerevan?

I recommend at least 2-3 days. You can see some of the top spots in a day. But for the best, chilled-out touristing experience you’ll need a bit longer.

Is Armenia cheaper than Georgia?

In my experience, yes! It is still possible to burn some serious cash – but in general, overall costs are very low. Although it’s a hard comparison: Georgia is also super cheap.

Is Armenia better than Georgia?

This is a great question to ask in the Caucasus if you want to start a fight! Some people are madly in love with Tbilisi, some with Yerevan, and they’ll defend their favourite till the end of time. Personally, I resonated with Georgia slightly more than Armenia. But both countries are beautiful, cheap, awesome, and hospitable – and great to visit!

Are there a lot of arms in Armenia?

Just the normal amount – Armenia is not named so because of any freakish extra-arm mutations.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Yerevan these days is a bustling metropolis, on its way to becoming a popular tourist destination and a centre for business. But the city is still shadowed by its past traumas.

Only about one-third of Armenians actually live in Armenia – many escaped a century ago when the Armenian genocide by the Ottomans started. The total death toll might’ve been as high as 1.5 million. Armenia is still campaigning to have the genocide internationally recognised as such, and it’s the reason its relations with modern-day Turkey are so sour.

Walking around Yerevan, you can’t miss Mount Ararat – it’s visible from almost everywhere. The fabled mountain is one of the symbols of the city and Armenia in general.

However, these days it’s located inside Turkish borders, stopping Armenians from visiting it. It’s kind of bittersweet how such an icon for Yerevan serves as a constant reminder that the mountain doesn’t belong to Armenians anymore.

I don’t want to end this little Yerevan travel guide on a dark note. Yerevanians surely would want you to see the city as it is now: vibrant and full of life. However, it’s important that you know the city’s and the country’s history.

So, celebrate Yerevan as it is today. But do pay a visit to the genocide memorial to get the full story.

Elina Mattila

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Security Alert May 17, 2024

Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Armenia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 9, 2024, armenia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Updated to reflect changes in the Do Not Travel section.

Exercise increased caution in Armenia due to areas of armed conflict. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• The border region with Azerbaijan.

U.S. Embassy Employees and their families remain prohibited from any non-essential travel to the following areas:

• Gegharkunik region east of Vardenis.
• Syunik region east of Goris;
• Syunik region south of Kapan;
• Travel through Yeraskh village in Ararat region is allowed, stopping is not.

Country Summary: U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in Armenia. Further military activity could occur in the region.  

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Armenia.

If you decide to travel to Armenia:

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Armenia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Border with Azerbaijan – Level 4: Do Not Travel

There is the potential for armed conflict near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. U.S. citizens should avoid the area. Exercise caution on roads near Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Be aware that some portions of the road may cross international boundaries without notice. Roads may be controlled by checkpoints or closed to travelers without notice.  The U.S. embassy has prohibited embassy employees and their families from non-essential travel to the border region, as well as other areas of Armenia listed above.

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, armenia map, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

8 reasons you need to take a city trip to Yerevan

A city trip to Yerevan is not at the top of many people’s bucket lists. This should change, ASAP! Below are eight reasons why you should take a city trip to Yerevan.

When people think of a city trip, places like Paris, Rome or London are usually at the top of the list. And while these are all fine cities, my advice for your next city trip is to head to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. Here are 8 reasons why Yerevan should be your next city trip destination.

1. A city trip to Yerevan fits any budget

Most city trips are grossly expensive. You’re initially lured in by cheap EasyJet flights, but once you’re there, everything costs an arm and a leg. That won’t be a problem in Yerevan.

Of course, you can lavish in 5-star luxury (feel free to bring us along), but you can just as easily live it up on a shoestring. To illustrate: you can get a pint/half a liter of beer in a bar for 400 AMD (€0.80) , and we stayed in the chillaxed Glide Hostel for only €16/night for a double room! Check out more hotels in Yerevan here .

The cost of one drink in London could buy you a night of drinks in Yerevan. No, you definitely don’t have to break the bank on your city trip to Yerevan.

One mini-beer in Amsterdam or two pints in Yerevan? Decisions, decisions.

2. Yerevan has great public transport

Good public transport is a must in any major city. Yerevan is well-serviced by buses and marshrutky  (minibusses), but the most convenient way to get around is by metro. Costing only 100 AMD (€0.20) per ride regardless of distance, it is easily the cheapest mode of transport in the city. It stops near all the hotspots and major areas of interest, and because there is only one line, you can’t get lost (very important for uncoordinated souls like us). For more info, check out this first-timers guide to Yerevan with all the info you might need.

You enter the metro by buying a plastic coin for 100 AMD at any metro station in Yerevan.

3. Yerevan is more metropolitan than you think

Unlike what you might imagine when thinking of a city in a former Soviet country, Yerevan is extremely metropolitan. It bustles with trendy bars and cafes, frequented by well-heeled locals.  It has great shopping, from high-end stores to market stalls, amongst a wide array of other activities.

From market stall to super mall, Yerevan has got it all.

Some of the best bars in Yerevan include:

• El Sky Bar, located on the roof of the Yerevan Plaza building
• Shame Gastrobar, established in 2017, is an all-day bar neat he Modern Art Museum
• Eden Cafe, one of the hippest bars in town, near the steps of Cascade
• Stop Club, a hopping club to waste the hours away dancing and drinking

For more info check out this article with the 10 best bars in Yerevan .

4. Yerevan has a storied history and loads of culture

Armenia and its history can be traced back to Noah and his descendants. The country overflows with history and culture, most of it unbeknownst to the western world.  Yerevan itself is packed with museums, art galleries, and very stately Soviet-era buildings, and there are some great historical treasures just a day trip away. Trust me—you’ll never be at a loss for things to do in Yerevan .

You can visit Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the mother church of Armenia’s Apostolic Church, and marvel at what is considered the oldest cathedral in the world .

More interested in guided tours? Check out the best tours in Yerevan and other parts of Armenia!

Perhaps one of the holiest places in all of Armenia, Etchmiadzin Cathedral.

Another top destination is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geghard Monastery, a beautifully located monastery complex founded by Gregory the Illuminator .

Or head out further to Khor Virap, a monastery overlooking mystical Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark supposedly crashed. Though Mount Ararat lies within Turkey’s borders, Armenians like to say that it’s theirs, and it’s just “on loan” to the Turkish people for now.

Khor Virap with mystical Mount Ararat in the background, just one of the many places that make Yerevan such a vibrant destination.

All of these sights, which can be visited on an easy day trip, make a city trip to Yerevan a must for anyone interested in history and culture.

5. Yerevan is pleasantly walkable

Some cities are just a mess to get around in. Sights are spread and traffic is a mess. Not in Yerevan. Being such a small city, almost everything is in walking distance from each other. And if you’re done walking around Yerevan, it’s easy to get a taxi and go on one of the many day trips that can be done from Yerevan .

And if walking is not your style, you can always hitch a ride in the coolest taxi ever.

6. Armenians are super friendly

For some reason, it seems that people in capital cities are less friendly than those in smaller towns in countries. This does not apply to Yerevan. People are always willing to help, and it is not unlikely that someone will strike up a conversation by asking where you are from. If you are invited to someone’s house, or to have dinner and a drink somewhere, say yes!

7. Yerevan is extremely safe

With the latest terror scare in Brussels, going on a city trip might seem like a dangerous endeavor. Not so in Yerevan. Being far from the fronts of religious wars, terror is not an issue here, and general crime is also non-existent. You are way more likely to be pick-pocketed in Rome, Barcelona, or Amsterdam than you are in Yerevan. It is one of the safest capitals we have ever been to, hands down.

8. Yerevan has great food

Armenian food is rich and filling, with hints of blended spices that never overwhelm. Meat lovers can rejoice over copious amounts of barbecue, but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well. Dining options come in all shapes and forms, from little shawarma/kebab hole-in-the-wall snack bars to luxurious dining experiences. Food in Yerevan will keep you coming back for more.

A huge bowl of couscous, beef, tomato, onions, and greens set me back only 1400 AMD (under €3).

For more info, check out this article with the 10 best restaurants in Yerevan .

Still not convinced? Check out more reasons why you need to visit Armenia!

Enjoyed the tips? Show us some love on Pinterest!

Yay transparency!  There are affiliate links in this post. Basically, how it works is that if you book something, we’ll get a small commission from your booking–at no extra cost to you! It’s these little bits of change that help us cover the costs of running the blog, and we’ll love you forever if you support us by booking through us!

Alex Reynolds

15 thoughts on “ 8 reasons you need to take a city trip to yerevan ”.

Marvelous, what a website it is! This webpage gives useful information to us, keep it up.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

$284 Find cheap flights to Yerevan

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to yerevan departing on 7/9. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to yerevan.

Save 21% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and save Save money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Cheap flight deals to Yerevan

Flights to yerevan - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to yerevan to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest day to fly to yerevan, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to yerevan is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,312. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $1,423 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to yerevan, the cheapest month for flights to yerevan is january, where tickets cost $1,088 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are december and june, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $1,710 and $1,461 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is february with an average price of $850., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to yerevan, the cheapest time of day to fly to yerevan is generally in the evening, when flights cost $1,047 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to yerevan is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,644., how far in advance should i book a flight to yerevan, to get a below average price, you should book around 0 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 3 days before departure., how long is the flight to yerevan, the duration of your flight to yerevan depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to yerevan on kayak are from new york , which takes 17h 00m, los angeles , which takes 19h 10m, san francisco , which takes 20h 10m, and newark , which takes 20h 40m., good to know, when to book flights to yerevan, faqs - booking yerevan flights, what services does zvartnots international airport (evn) offer for travelers with limited mobility.

Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) has plenty of wheelchairs that travelers with limited mobility are welcome to use for free. There are also ramps and elevators that can be used to go to different floors.

What are some common flight routes to Yerevan?

When flying from the United States to Yerevan, you will typically find quite a few flights that depart from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It is also common to see flights that leave from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

Does Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) offer any amenities for business travelers?

If you are traveling for business related reasons or just need to get some work done once you have landed at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN), you can always head to the Business Lounge. In this lounge, you will have access to work stations, copying services, Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets where you can charge your electronic devices.

How long will it take me to drive from Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) to Downtown Yerevan?

Driving is one of the most convenient ways to travel from Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) to Downtown Yerevan. Whether you are taking a taxi, renting your own car, or being picked up by someone, you can plan on the trip taking around 25 to 30 minutes in total. 

How do I get to downtown Yerevan from the airport?

To transfer between the airport and downtown Yerevan you can get a taxi in the ground transportation zone, the taxi fare is approximately ֏6,000 ($12) and the journey takes 20 minutes. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly options, you can choose the shared mini-bus that stops at set places and costs as little as ֏100 (less than $1).

Are there showers available at the airport in Yerevan?

Yes, there are shower facilities at the airport in Yerevan for travelers who would like to refresh after long flights, but they are only in the 24-hour Business Lounge in Terminal 3. To enter the lounge you have to pay an entrance fee of about ֏20,000 ($40).

Is it possible to store luggage at Yerevan Airport?

Yes, there is a storage facility in the arrivals hall for travelers who are between flights or simply want to store some of their items at the airport. Storage for a day costs ֏1,500 ($3) per item.

Is there a hotel at Zvartnots International Airport?

There is no airport hotel at Zvartnots Airport, but if you have a long layover or a late flight to Yerevan, there are a few accommodation options in close proximity to the airport. To give an example, Hotel Arat and Best Western Congress Hotel are within a 15-minute drive from the airport and you can request a transfer for an additional charge.

How far is Yerevan from central Yerevan?

Yerevan is 6 miles from the center of Yerevan.

What is the name of Yerevan’s airport?

Yerevan is served by Yerevan, also commonly referred to as Erevan, Yerevan, or Zvartnots Intl. The airport code is EVN.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Yerevan?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Yerevan.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Yerevan?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Yerevan is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Yerevan?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Yerevan with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Yerevan?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Yerevan up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Yerevan

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Yerevan flight deals.
• Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) conveniently has its own mobile application that travelers can download onto their smartphone. This app will provide you with information like which baggage carousel has been assigned for your flight and where certain amenities are located in the Main Terminal.
• If you would like to have access to a cell phone during your stay in Armenia, you can always stop by the Team, VivaCell MTS, and Ucom mobile operator offices in Zvartnots International Airport (EVN). These offices offer both SIM cards and cell phone rentals.
• Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) in Yerevan is Armenia’s busiest airport and operates many international flights as it functions as the country’s main hub. People traveling via Yerevan Airport can expect modern facilities that aim to make their journey more comfortable.
• Feeling hungry after the long flight to Yerevan? Esperanto Café/Restaurant in the arrivals hall is open 24/7 so you can grab something to eat even after a late arrival. In addition, you can buy some convenience products in the 24-hour Aero Shop, also found in the arrivals hall.
• To enter Armenia, US citizens do not need a visa unless they plan to stay in the country for more than 180 days. A valid passport is all you need upon your arrival in Yerevan.
• Keep in mind that it is always a good idea to have some local currency with you, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. If you did not manage to exchange money before your flight to Yerevan, you can easily do it at the airport. Converse Bank and Unibank offer banking services in the Arrivals hall of the airport, including foreign currency exchange.
• If you are feeling a bit lost after landing at Zvartnots International Airport and would like some advice on getting around the airport, finding transportation, or visiting the city, the Information desk is positioned in the arrivals area of Terminal 1 and is open 24 hours a day.
• If you plan to rent a car for your stay in Yerevan, you can use the services of the onsite car rental companies at Zvartnots International Airport. The companies there include Sixt, Hertz, and Europcar, and can be found them in the Arrival Hall.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Yerevan?

Find which airlines fly direct to Yerevan, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Yerevan

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +33 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +34 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +32 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +33 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +34 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +35 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +35 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +36 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +36 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +37 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, Aeroflot, +31 more

AZIMUTH, Aegean Airlines, +32 more

Nonstop returns

Yerevan to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to yerevan.

Besides the flight cancellation, everything else was prefect. Kudos to Malaysian Airlines.

Operated by American Airlines. Very chaotic and the crew was bit rough responding any enquiries. Restricted leg space.. Qatar would have been better

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

The flight was good but my neighbor had the vent open full power for the whole flight and because the air was blowing from the side instead of from the top and I got very cold and ended up with a sore throat.

Bad experience with the delay n long wait time for connecting flight after missing the connection flight from Doha.

Wore experience due to delay and took me 3 days to reach my destination.

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

My only issue was my meal was inedible except for the sides.

Medíocre. The food wasn't good (although not bad, bad) and the staff wasn't kind. I asked for n extra blanket, the steward never came back, serving us roughly.

Generally good. The crew is excellent. The food could be better.

Excellent apart from transport to actual plane 10 minutes from the actual gate , walking out in the tarmac in the rain and having to climb stairs to enter while holding luggage.

Boarding was smooth and on time. The seat was comfortable and the entertainment worked. Staff were gracious.

Business class in the second leg - CDG-EVN was a disaster.

worst experience ever i choose my seat in advance and also have my seat selected in my boarding and the they told me that my seat has been changed without notify me

No birding was given for next trip on same carrier, food was very moderate.

We transited through Chad and what was supposed to be a 1hr 20 minutes transit time lasted over 4hrs. We didn't get regular updates until we complained. After a 10hr flight from Paris no form of refreshment given and finally arrived Abuja over 6hrs later and none of my bags came

The line at boarding was not well organized and managed

All good! But sandwiches for breakfast need to be warm!!!!! Not cold!!! You do not want anything cold in your stomach in the morning!… think about it!

LOT airlines wasn't the best. They had trouble with boarding and they didn't have my information on file the right way. They change last minute details without us knowing and everything was a HOT MESS. Lot airlines also lost my baggae which was the carseat and haven't responded to any of my emails.

Would have liked to have Wi-Fi on the longer flight (nyc-Warsaw)

My flight was cancelled and I went through hell to get it fixed, with no help from the website I booked it on. My reservation was cancelled AGAIN by the site I booked on without my knowledge a week later. The flight itself that I finally got on was awful. Drunk man belligerent the entire flight, I don't understand how he was allowed on the flight.

Lot still has not refunded me after they cancelled my flight to India!! Kayak had been awful at getting me this refund too. Will NEVER be using kayak or LOT again.

Tv screen not working. Food in business class was cold & not available

The customer service and the flight experience were very good!

My bag was lost despite an almost 8 hour layover in Warsaw. Nearly 12 hours after my arrival, I have not heard anything about it.

The plane was very comfortable, the seats were great for overnight flight. The bathrooms were spotless the entire flight

Will try to not fly with them again. Delays because of weather but got redirected to an airport where I could not make connection.

Staff didn’t care in business class. Closed the door on my mom while she was on the jetbridge and flight attendant told me she would make it from the connecting flight. They lied. My luggage was damaged on arrival. No success in filing damage claim.

Boston Logan is a crummy airport - signage is terrible or lacking in areas. Boarding seemed to be a free for all and with all the different airlines speaking, you couldn't tell who was supposed to be where and when. Plain and simple, airlines should board from the back of the plane to the front. Also someone was sitting in my seat. By the time that was figured out, I had to place my overhead behind me which made de-planing more difficult. Logan is not Lufthansa's fault so that is not on them, Boarding is on them! Still, overall it was a Good Experience flying with Lufthansa. This is not my first flight with them...

Overall, the flight was comfortable without any serious issues. Transit through Frankfurt airport was a little confusing, but not too difficult if you follow the signs

There was a screaming child behind our seats. This prevented us from getting any sleep during the night.

There was a screaming child just behind our seats. This prevented us from getting any sleep during the night!!

Staff disappeared after dinner service until breakfast, no help with beds, no help running to our gate to catch connection cause flight was late, our luggage didn’t make it, took over 24 hours to get luggage to hotel, no compensation!!

Everything was good except food. I believe there is room for improvement

Houston to Porto flight delayed landing made us miss our connection. Tried to get on standby for the next flight and even though the lady knew we wouldn’t be able to get on it and she sent us down there. We sat there three hours and then we’re told there’s no way you’re getting on this flight. So we had to go to customer service and ended up having to spend the night in Frankfurt and missed a whole day of our vacation in Porto

my flight was at 3:45 after that they delayed to 4:40 I have transit from Chicago to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to vina airport from vina to Erbil buy the Time I come to Frankfort my other flight left me I have to stay at airport all day with my 5 kids ask for help no one help me I spent at airport almost $450 just for food was horrible flight ever I call and ask for hotel from united customer service they been telling me we can’t provide any hotel I need some refund or fixed my flight when I return to America need some one respond my email

Boarding was delayed and a bit hectic. The crew was super nice.

Brand new airplane Airbus 330. Great crew. The staff on the ground is always a bit mediocre at Condor.

Some pretty unfriendly check in crew members. This is a no frills airline.

Seat was the worst I ever had in an airplane

I will definitely recommend your service. This is my first experience with Condor and so far it was great!

A flight attendant placed a meal on my tray. I was in 44E. The passenger who was in 44G had gone to the bathroom. I ate the meal. When the passenger in 44G asked where his meal was the flight attendant put the blame on me. She claimed another attendant put the meal on my tray. She then claimed when she gave me the meal she asked me if I had ordered a special meal. She did not Worst experience I have ever had with a crew member.

Entertainment screen was not functioning, there was no effort made by flight attendants to take care of the problem. All I could do was looking at customs forms and watch landing videos for 10 hrs 😁 Bruno Volk

I did not get a flight from JFK to Portland nonexistent Condor flight 308 does not exist and JetBlue knew nothing and someone changed my ticket and eliminated that leg of the flight. I would love to know who’s going to pay for my $750 car rental.

My return flight from JFK to Portland Maine disappeared and it cost me $750 to rent a car and drive home from New York. I don’t even know where to start with who screwed up or what condor blaming the ticket sales or JetBlue JetBlue knows nothing. Everyone giving me the runaround. Gotta say the service all-around sucked.

The flight was fine. We were served a meal and a snack. Boarding was fine.

Book Cheap Yerevan Plane Tickets

Recent round-trip flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights to yerevan, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to yerevan, destination:.

Yerevan (EVN) Armenia

Return flight deals:

Yerevan - United States

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United States

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 
• Armenia  » 

The Straits Times

• International
• Print Edition
• news with benefits
• SPH Rewards
• STClassifieds
• Berita Harian
• Hardwarezone
• Shin Min Daily News
• Tamil Murasu
• The Business Times
• The New Paper
• Lianhe Zaobao
• Advertise with us

News analysis

India becomes armenia’s military backer, strategic actor in caucasus region.

LONDON – The fate of the Caucasus region on Europe’s south-eastern edges has often been decided by a power struggle between Russia and Turkey, the area’s old colonial powers.

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – the region’s component nations – boast ancient histories and cultures stretching back thousands of years, but re-emerged as independent nations only after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Already a subscriber?  Log in

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

ST One Digital

$9.90   $9.90/month.

No contract

ST app access on 1 mobile device

Subscribe now

Unlock these benefits

All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

• Defence and military

Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards

Spin the wheel now