Is Yerevan Worth Visiting?

When it comes to visiting new places, Yerevan, Armenia is often overlooked. Few people are aware of this city’s cultural, political, and economic importance to the region, but by taking the time to explore it and its attractions, you can discover a city unlike any other.

Yerevan is a fascinating destination for anyone looking for an off-the-beaten-path travel experience. Founded in 782 BC, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is the capital of Armenia, a small country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Slightly larger than Vermont, Armenia is bordered by Turkey, Iran, and Azerbaijan and home to a population of around 3 million people.

Beyond the history, Yerevan is a diverse city filled with modern attractions. There are an impressive variety of museums, galleries, and theaters that give visitors the chance to explore Armenia’s rich cultural heritage. The city is also increasingly popular with foodies after the rise of Armenia’s craft beer industry and its gastronomy scene.

So, what makes Yerevan worth visiting? Read on to find out!

Why You Should Visit Yerevan

Whether visiting via a day trip from nearby countries or devoting days or weeks to exploring, there are many reasons to consider Yerevan as a destination.

Learn About Armenia’s History and Culture

The first reason to visit Yerevan is to learn about its culture and history. Visitors can explore presidential palaces, ancient monasteries, archaeological sites, and ancient churches like the city’s 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral — Armenia’s first Christian church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also countless museums that focus on every aspect of Armenia’s past and present: its history, anthropology, art, and music.

The city’s Armenian Genocide Museum commemorates the 1.5 million Armenians who died in 1915 during their fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Other important sites include Victory Park, which boasts breathtaking sculptures and memorials honoring World War II soldiers, and Cascade — a massive open-air museum that is known for the many sculptures by Armenian artist Eduard Kazaryan.

Experience Armenia’s Gastronomy

Yerevan is also becoming increasingly renowned for its food scene that offers an exciting mix of flavors from across the Caucasus region — though most dishes are cooked according to traditional Armenian recipes. Popular dishes include Khashlama — an Armenian stew made with beef and vegetables – along with delicious grilled meats like pork shashlik (similar to kebab) and beef kebab.

Foodies will want to try hearty dishes like the thick beef soup called basturma or khash — a hot dish of boiled cow’s feet and pig’s heads made with garlic and spices. And for dessert? Dine on some traditional fruit preserves or sweet conserves like meghabiz (apricot jam) or nor dugh (grape juice concentrate).

Explore Armenia’s Craft Beer Scene

At the same time, there has been a rapid growth of craft breweries in Armenia over the past decade. Although illegal for most of its history, beer has become a popular topic among locals and ex-pats alike in recent years.

Breweries have multiplied in Yerevan over the past five years, producing quality beers and winning awards both locally and globally. Many taprooms also offer variety nights — where customers can bring their own food while trying out different flavors. Some of the city’s popular craft beer breweries include Kilikia Craft Beer, located in the industrial area south of the city; 301 Brewery, which specializes in IPAs; Noy Craft Beer near Singers Square; and Arche Beer by Golden Elephant Beer.

Explore Outdoors

Armenia has some beautiful natural spaces filled with forests, mountains, rivers and lakes — all perfect for an outdoor adventure. Within Yerevan City limits are several attractive parks including Lovers’ Park — famous for its pink wish-granting tree — and Circular Park with lovely gardens and walking paths. Just outside the city limits are idyllic places like Aghavnadzor Valley Natural Reserve filled with beautiful cascading canyons visible from its Mesrop Mashtots Cave Monument.

Hikers will have many trails to choose from in Yerevan — from short city walks to more strenuous day hikes that take you up into Armenia’s towering mountains with views of snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the Caspian Sea. Adventurers will want to explore Trchkan Waterfall — Yerevan’s highest waterfall located near Aparan — as well as one of western Armenia’s most challenging trails into its impressive Canyon of Gndevaz located along a tributary to the Akhurian River.

Go Party-Hopping

Yerevan is known for its vibrant music scene that includes plenty of bars, pubs, cafes, and clubs. From artsy pubs like Hopyard to vibrant nightclubs like 88 Club that run until early morning hours, there seems to always be something going on here that caters to every taste and budget.

Those looking for an organized tour can also check out Yerevan Pub Crawl tours, which take visitors around Yerevan’s most lively bars including beer tastings as well as guided tours of the city’s best nightlife spots.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Yerevan

Yerevan is truly a captivating city with so much to explore and discover — from its rich cultural heritage to its stunning natural sights and wild nightlife scenes. Whether visiting on a day trip from nearby countries or spending weeks exploring its attractions, it is a destination that should not be overlooked. So why not take some time off and explore this remarkable city?