What Are the Best Things to Do in Yerevan?

When it comes to choosing a place to visit, Yerevan is a great choice. This capital city of Armenia features a wide range of attractions and activities that are sure to appeal to travelers of all types. From its historical sites and cultural attractions to its outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Yerevan.The city is full of surprises, but with so many great things to do, it can be hard to decide what should be on your Yerevan itinerary. To help you make the most of your time in this fascinating city, we have put together a list of the very best things to do in Yerevan.

Visit Historic Sites

Yerevan is a city with a long, rich history and culture. It has been continuously inhabited since around 782 BC and boasts a variety of ancient sites and monuments to explore. These include the Chor Virap Monastery, established in the 4th century AD; the Mamikonyan-Khojivank Church, dating back to the 11th century; and the annual festival of Yerevan Vernissage, where traditional Armenian crafts are on display.In addition to its historic sites, Yerevan also has some of the country’s most famous museums. A few of these include the National History Museum of Armenia, State Museum of Armenian History, the Matenadaran Library Museum and the Armenian Genocide Museum and Institute. Each of these institutions will help you gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Armenia’s culture and past struggles.

Explore Yerevan’s Parks & Gardens

When it’s time to take a break from exploring the city’s historical sites and museums, Yerevan’s parks and gardens provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Among the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces is the National Botanical Garden of Armenia. Founded in 1935, this sprawling garden encompasses 300 hectares (740 acres) and features a vast array of trees, plants, and flowers. A few other notable parks include Lovers’ Park, Mashtots Park, Kond Park, Sari Tagh Park and Swan Lake Park.

Visit Yerevan’s Outdoor Attractions

During warmer months, Yerevan’s outdoor attractions come alive. There are plenty of hiking trails around the city that provide great views and a chance to explore the city’s surrounding mountains and hills. The city also has several outdoor swimming pools where visitors can cool off from the summer heat. For those interested in mountain climbing or paragliding, you can find great spots nearby in places such as Aghavnadzor and Tsakhkadzor.

Enjoy the Nightlife

Yerevan’s vibrant nightlife scene is made up of music venues, bars and clubs that stay alive until the wee hours. One of the more popular spots is Republic Square, where you can find an abundance of bars and clubs dotted around the edges. The district of Kentron is also home to many popular bars, while Yerevan’s Northern Avenue is home to some of the city’s larger music venues.

Explore Local Markets

The markets in Yerevan are full of colour and vibrancy and are great places to visit if you’re looking for some souvenirs or just want to explore local culture and cuisine. The Vernissage Market is especially popular for being an open-air bazaar where you can find everything from traditional Armenian crafts to Soviet memorabilia. Other markets include Kond market and Shengavit Bazaar.

Try Some Local Cuisine

Yerevan’s cuisine is as varied as its culture, with dishes ranging from hearty stews known as ghapama to Armenian pizza known as lahmajoun. In addition to traditional staples such as meat-filled dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) and flaky pastries called boregs, there are plenty of other dishes to try such as khashlama (a stew made with beef, vegetables and herbs) or khash (a dish made from cow feet).

Watch Live Performances

Yerevan has long been known as one of Eastern Europe’s cultural capitals, so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of performance venues throughout the city. At these theatres and concert halls you can catch local performing groups in ballet and modern dance performances as well as more traditional Armenian acts such as gata party’s (ritual dances). The Opera House is also renowned for its performances that include modern classical art music as well as Armenian folk music.

Experience Yerevan’s Shopping Scene

Dedicated shoppers won’t be disappointed when visiting Yerevan. The city is brimming with shopping centers such as Moscow Shopping Centre, Scandinavia Shopping Centre and Bazoukan Shopping Centre all offering a range of high-end stores where you can buy all your favourite designer brands. There are also plenty of markets where you can pick up souvenirs and handmade goods, like stationery featuring Armenian ex-libris or traditional Russian matryoshka dolls. Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, outdoor activities or just want to get a taste of local life, Yerevan has something for everyone. From its historic sites to its vibrant nightlife, this Armenian capital is sure to be a highlight on any traveler’s itinerary. So for an unforgettable holiday steeped in history and culture, why not make Yerevan your next destination? For further information on things to do in Yerevan feel free to check out Yerevan Insights.