Complete Guide to Yerevan, Armenia: What to See, Do & Know Before You Go
Armenia was never on my radar as a “must visit” or even really “want to visit”, but when researching the cheapest flight from Budapest after my Romania trip, Yerevan came up and it was just a hop-skip-and-shuttle from Georgia, where I had been dying to go for years. So, Yerevan it was!
I made no real plans other than a day trip and my plan was really to just sort of chill after a non-stop road trip and before diving in to Georgia.
That plan backfired when I arrived in Yerevan and saw how much the city had to offer. I immediately felt safe and comfortable in Armenia’s capital city and was so intrigued by it’s history.
The food exceeded any and all expectations and I was greeted with kindness everywhere I went. Yerevan quickly went from a fly-by destination to somewhere I plan to go back to, and I certainly want to explore more of Armenia.
How to Get to the City Center Fom Yerevan Airport
By Ride Share
Yerevan does not have Uber, however, there is an equivalent. GG is the primary ride share app in Armenia. A ride from the airport, depending on time and demand will cost approximately $6-10. You can select to pay the driver in cash (AMD) or add a card to your GG account.
The pick up is immediately outside the arrivals terminal.
EVN to City Center By Taxi
There are several taxis immediately outside the arrival’s terminal. Be sure to only take a certified taxi and assure the meter is on. Best to have AMD cash on hand in case there are “issues” with the credit card machine. The cost of a regular taxi is generally on par with a rideshare, but can fluctuate based on traffic and route.
⭐Presenting Euros is not a good idea, as the driver may greatly inflate the rate.
By Bus
The 201 Mini Bus runs from Yerevan airport (arrivals terminal) to the city center daily from 7am to 10pm, every 30 minutes, and costs just 300AMD (approx .80).
This was the option I took. Here are some important things about taking the 201 bus from Yerevan airport:
It is cash only (AMD), which is paid upon departure directly to the driver.
The bus can get quite crowded as it picks passengers up along the way, so be prepared to exit through the crowd standing in the aisle.
It is not luggage friendly. The 201 minibus is a standard mini bus/shuttle so there is no luggage storage (I held my pack on my lap).
Overall, this is a great budget friendly option if you have cash and minimal luggage.
Where I Stayed in Yerevan
Yerevan offers a huge array of stays for every type of traveler, from backpacker hostels to high end luxury stays, so there truly is something for everyone.
Being amongst the former, I found Orion hostel at a very reasonable rate and really enjoyed my stay there. The staff was friendly and helpful, the hostel was clean and comfortable, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone traveling on a budget. Offering private rooms and dorms, this well-situated hostel has something for everyone traveling on a budget.
If you aren’t up for hostel life, Orion also offers loverly ApartHotel options for great rates! For more information and booking, click here
Top Things to Do in Yerevan
Yerevan had much more to do and see than I expected. I only had 2 full days in the city (I used the third to do a full day tour) and found those days very easy to fill, while also having many things I want to do on a return trip.
These are some of the highlights from my time in Yerevan
Take a Yerevan Walking Tour
A free walking tour, in my opinion, is the best way to get a feel of a city, meet some great fellow travelers, and learn a bit of history.
I wanted to maximize my time and get a feel for the city right away, so I did a free walking as soon as I landed. As much as I was tired, I am glad that I did and learned so much about the city, while also getting some great recommendations on what to see, where to eat, and a great deal of Armenian history from the wonderful guide.
I did this walking tour via Guru Walk and highly recommend it.
I also struck gold and met some amazing fellow solo travelers on my tour and ended up spending the next couple of days with one of them (so if you see copious amounts of food and ‘we’ mentioned, I was with my wonderful new friend).
Republic Square
Republic Square is the central town square in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. It consists of two sections: an oval roundabout and a trapezoid-shaped section which contains a pool with musical fountains
It is near impossible to visit Yerevan and not pass Republic Square. This historical square in the center of the city features unique architecture (in design and color) and also features a nightly “dancing” water show.
While it is not Bellagio Water show, it is quite impressive and is worth checking out. The show takes place nightly (except Monday) from 9p-11p with lights and music accompanying the dancing water show. It draws a good crowd, both local and visitors, and has a fun lively vibe.
Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
🗺️54 Tumanyan St, Yerevan, Armenia
💵Tickets start at approximately $10
This was one of my favorite things I did in Yerevan. Tickets are incredibly affordable, the theater is gorgeous, and the performance (Swan Lake) was beautiful.
I felt completely comfortable attending as a solo traveler, and noticed several others enjoying the performance as well.
The dress code seems quite casual, with some people being dressed up and others in casual attire (sneakers and jeans).
⭐One thing to note: The theater does get warm. Many ladies brought hand fans to help mitigate the heat.
Cascade Complex Fountain
The Cascade is a building complex in Yerevan, Armenia. It includes terraced gardens connected by extensive staircases, and includes the Cafesjian Museum of Art. Originally planned in the 1920s, some building was undertaken in the 1980s, but construction was suspended several times until 2002. -Wikipedia
🗺️10 Tamanyan St, Yerevan 0009, Armenia
🕰️24 Hours
💵 Free
The Cascade Complex is a must in Yerevan, with it’s beautiful architecture, incredible views and pristine landscaping. It also features several art pieces on the lawn and throughout the Cafesjian Center.
✨Pro Tip: there is an escalator!!
Facing the fountain, to the left there is a “museum” entrance, go in and take the escalator up. It stops at each landing so all you are missing out on is the stairs.
The Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia
The Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia is a 65-meter-high Brutalist obelisk located above the Cascade complex in Yerevan, Armenia, built in 1967 by architects Jim Torosyan and Sargis Gurzadyan to commemorate the anniversary of Soviet rule.
From the top of the Cascade Complex, you can continue up to The Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia. The viewing platform at the base of the monument offers sweeping views of the city and, on a clear day, all the way to Mount Aragats.
It is a bit of a climb from the cascade to the monument, and the structure below the monument is currently undergoing a bit of construction, but it is passable.
Yerevan Victory Park
Victory Park in Yerevan features an amusement area for children and teens, alongside free green spaces, an artificial lake with boats, cafes, and the Mother Armenia Monument. Visitors can enjoy views of the city, the monument, and have access to rides and potentially other activities within the larger park complex. While the park itself offers free entrance, individual attractions have separate costs.
🗺️ Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan, Armenia
Beyond The Monument to 50 Years of Soviet Armenia, you can reach Victory Park, with over 110 hectares, stunning views, amusement park rides (including the ‘Wheel of Happiness’), you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the park, take a spin on one of the many rides, row across the lake, or a combination of all these things.
Due to limited time and extreme heat, I didn’t make it to Victory Park, but have been told it is quite beautiful, and the views alone are worth the trek. When I return to Yerevan, this will be one of my first stops, and I will definitely be taking a spin on the Ferris Wheel.
Mother Armenia
Mother Armenia is a female personification of Armenia. Her most public visual rendering is a monumental statue in Victory Park overlooking the capital city of Yerevan, Armenia
🗺️ 2 Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan, Armenia
The view of Mother Armenia from the Monument of 50 Years was beautiful, but I am told it pales in comparison to the up-close view. This prominent figure, both historical and in statue form holds great significance and is a sight to behold.
Victory Park Amusement Park
Victory Park is a unique crossroads of cultural heritage and entertainment, that offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Discover iconic monuments, enjoy family-friendly attractions, and indulge in delicious food at our exclusive cafes and restaurants.
Featuring numerous rides and attractions, Victory Park Amusement Park really is fun for all ages. With no entrance fee and being able to choose which rides and activities to enjoy, this can be a great budget-friendly spot.
I have been told the view from the Wheel of Happiness are unbeatable, especially at sunset.
Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral
🗺️5GC8+VV9, Yervand Kochar St, Yerevan, Armenia
🕰️Open to visitors daily from 9a to 8p
I added a stop to this stunning Armenian cathedral to my trip to the food market (priorities) and am so glad I did. Built in 2001, Saint Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral, also known as the Yerevan Cathedral is the largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The outside is stunning, but the inside is also quite remarkable and is absolutely worth going in to.
Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex
The Armenian Genocide Memorial complex is Armenia's official memorial dedicated to the victims of the Armenian genocide, built in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd in Yerevan.
🗺️8, 8 Tsitsernakaberd Hwy, Yerevan 0028, Armenia
💵Museum Entry is Free, guided tours are available for a fee
🕰️Tues-Sun 10a-5p, Mon Closed
This is the one thing in Yerevan I wanted to do, but didn’t get the chance to due to time constraints.
Speaking with other travelers, it is absolutely worth visiting and is a very impactful and well curated memorial and museum.
⭐Due to it’s location, it can be difficult to get to the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex by public transit or walking, so it recommended to take a GG. Everyone I spoke to who went reported back it was very affordable and easy to get a ride to for the return to the city center.
Yerevan Markets
Whether you are a souvenir shopper or just like to browse the stalls of a local market, these two Yerevan markets are musts on your trip to the city.
You will find a huge variety of quality handicrafts, delicious dried fruits and nuts, and beautiful curated stalls. The price points are quite fair and set, but a bit of negotiation (about 10%, per my guide) can be made.
Vernissage Market
🗺️1, 3 Buzand St, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
🕰️Mon-Fri 9a-6p, Sat-Sun 8a-8p
Yerevan’s largest handicraft market, this is the best place to pick up some authentic and unique souvenirs, or just peruse the stalls. The chess sets alone are worth taking a walk through this market to gaze at.
Yerevan Food Market
🗺️35 Movses Khorenatsi Street, Yerevan 0018, Armenia
🕰️Daily 8:30a-11p
If you are looking for some delicious souvenirs, or just some yummy snacks, the Yerevan Food Market is a wonderland of dried fruits, nuts, and beautifully displayed trays to take home with you.
Here you will also find fresh lavash, fruits and veggies from a myriad of vendors.
⭐Just be mindful of accepting the MANY samples that will come your way, as there is an expectation to buy. Be sure to bring cash and be cautious of weight, as it adds up quickly.
Where to Eat in Yerevan
Since I planned very little (nothing) for Yerevan and did almost no research, I had no idea what to expect for food. To say I was very happily surprised by how good Armenian food was would be an understatement.
After weeks in meat and fried dough heavy Romania (not complaining about the latter), I was so happy to find that Armenian cuisine is very veggie forward with tons of both meat and veggie options. I also loved all the “light” breads and dips.
Yerevan is a foodie’s playground with so many amazing options and at every budget. These were some of the Yerevan Restaurants I loved the most:
Syrovarnya
🗺️5 Northern Ave, Yerevan 0001, Armenia
🕰️Daily 9:30a-12a (breakfast 9:30a-12p)
💵$$
Is this the best brunch in Yerevan? I don’t know. Was it a very good brunch in Yerevan? Yes!
I love brunch, but due to scheduling and early tours, was only able to get in one while in Armenia’s capital city, so I don’t have anything to compare it to.
Initially, I went for the Russian pancakes, but then saw the Shakshouka (with a whole bag of fresh bread!) pass me and I pivoted. It was fresh, delicious and a very hearty portion. The service was fantastic and the decor was loverly. So, while I cannot compare to other brunch sport in Yerevan, I would venture to guess in amongst the best.
Anteb Restaurant
🗺️30 Yeznik Koghbatsi St, Yerevan, Armenia
🕰️Daily 11a-11:45p
💶$$
🌐Menu
I somehow deleted my photos from my meal here, but trust me, it was both beautiful and delicious! This was actually my introduction to Armenian food, as our tour guide took us here on the free walking tour.
The food was fresh and tasty, service was friendly and informative, and the simple setting was comfortable and welcoming.
Highly recommend the “dips" and dumpling soup (unique to this restaurant).
Future Cafe (Vegan)
🗺️25 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0002, Armenia
🕰️Sun 5p-11p, Mon-Sat 11a-11pm
💵$$
I stumbled on Future Cafe on accident when heading toward another place someone at my hostel suggested and am so glad I did. While the menu isn’t exactly (or at all) Armenian, it was pretty robust with some great tasty options. The service was bright and friendly, the food was fresh, and the space itself had a great vibe, with a little outdoor balcony offering great people watching.
Grata Tavern
🕰️Daily 10a-12a
💵$$
Grata Tavern was suggested to me for the best Ghapama, which I really wanted to try, but unfortunately their version is 2kg+ so not exactly made for a solo traveler (though I would have given it a solid try).
I ended up not going solo, as the friend I met on my walking tour joined me and we splashed out for my final night in Yerevan. The menu at this favorite Yerevan restaurant is massive, offering all the Armenian classics, and so are their portions. We ordered several veggie options and I got a chicken barbeque that was delicious.
We were more than full, with leftovers, and had split a bottle of wine, all for about $60.00 total.
Mer Taghe
🗺️21, 1 Tumanyan St, Yerevan 0001, Armenia
🕰️Daily 10a-12a
💵$
This was the perfect spot for a quick, cheap, and easy bite after a very long full day tour. The food was super tasty (with great veggies options on some Armenian classics, like this bean and mushroom lahmadjoun), the service was friendly, and the price point was fantastic, especially for the quality and portion sizes.
They have a very broad menu, but I definitely recommend sticking with the classics.
Sirelis
🗺️25 Pushkin St, Yerevan 0010, Armenia
🕰️Daily 12p-12a
💶$$-$$$
🌐Menu
Sirelis is not a restaurant I would typically be drawn to, or recommend, but I ended up here with my walking tour friend after a place we tried to go to closed early and we actually both really liked it!
Situated amongst the touristic bars and restaurants on Pushkin St in Yerevan, this upper-scale restaurant actually had a cool casual feel, some tasty cocktails and bites, and a really fun wait staff. The outdoor seating offers great people watching and, though it is a bit touristy and located in a touristy area, was well priced and didn’t feel pretentious at all.
Best Yerevan Day Trips
While Yerevan is an amazing city and there is plenty to do there, it is also the perfect starting point for some incredible day trips to see more of Armenia.
Admittedly, I don’t love a tour, but there was no way I was missing out on seeing a bit more of this stunning country, especially with tours coming at very reasonably price points.
Since I was only in Yerevan 3 full days, I only designated one day to a tour and chose the one that ticked off the most places I wanted to see, but there is plethera of options for day trips from Yerevan.
I chose the tour below to see Lake Sevan, Dilijan, Goshavank and Lake Parz. It was a long day, but absolutely worth it and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone vising Yerevan.
If you are looking for a second tour, or a bit shorter tour, this one came highly recommended by two people I met on my walking tour. This was my second option after the tour I took, and one I will quickly sign up for if I return to Yerevan.
