What to do in Yerevan, Armenia?

Yerevan, the bustling capital of Armenia, is full of culture, history, and plenty of activities to keep travelers busy for days. Whether you’re into art and history, or outdoor activities and markets, Yerevan has something for everyone. Here’s a guide of what to do in Yerevan if you’re planning a visit.

History, Art & Architecture

Yerevan is a city packed with history and culture, with plenty of choices for art lovers. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in the Armenian capital.

Matenadaran

The Matenadaran is a research institute and museum dedicated to Armenian medieval manuscripts. It houses over 17,000 manuscripts in 30 different languages ​​- making it one of the world’s most impressive collections of ancient manuscripts. The Matenadaran is located in Center of Yerevan, and is open daily.

The Museum of History

The Armenia History Museum is a great place to learn more about the history of the country. It houses exhibits featuring artifacts from Pre-Christian times to the 1960s revival period. The museum also offers guided tours, as well as multimedia presentations.

Cascade Complex

The Cascade Complex is an iconic sight in Yerevan, a long staircase that leads from downtown up to Victory Park. The complex includes a number of parks, fountains and sculptures, and features views of the city below. The complex is open daily until 10pm, so it’s an ideal spot for a romantic evening stroll.

Republic Square

Republic Square is the main gathering place in Yerevan, located right in the city center. The square dates back to the 18th century and has seen many famous events throughout its history. Today, it features a large fountain and two large museums – the National Art Gallery and the History Museum.

Saint Gregory Cathedral

Saint Gregory Cathedral is the largest in Yerevan, and one of the most beautiful churches in Armenia. The church was built in 2001 to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia. It features impressive frescoes and murals, as well as a bell tower that offers panoramic views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat.

Outdoor Activities

Yerevan has plenty of outdoor activities to keep visitors busy. From hiking to floating above the city in a hot air balloon, here are some fun activities in and around the Armenian capital.

Hiking

Yerevan is surrounded by mountains and hills – providing plenty of hiking opportunities for outdoor adventurers. Popular destinations include Noravank Canyon, where you can explore ancient churches and monasteries; Geghama Mountains, where you can take part in horse trekking; and Amberd Fortress, which offers stunning views of Mount Ararat.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to take in Yerevan’s stunning scenery. The Armenia Balloon Tour offers trips that last for two or three hours and provide plenty of opportunities to capture fantastic photos of Yerevan from above.

Wine Tasting

No visit to Armenia would be complete without sampling its famous wines. Yerevan has several wine tasting tours that range from traditional tasting sessions to winery visits and food pairing experiences. The best place to take part in a wine tasting tour is in Echmiadzin, where many local wineries are located.

Spas & Thermal Springs

Yerevan is home to several spas and thermal springs, offering locals and tourists alike the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. The Jermuk Spa Resort is one of the most popular options for spa treatments, thanks to its selection of mineral pools, saunas, massages, mud treatments and more.

Food & Shopping

A trip to Yerevan wouldn’t be complete without sampling the city’s local cuisine – from traditional Armenian dishes to delicious pastries – and enjoying some retail therapy at some of the city’s many local markets and shopping centres.

Food Markets

For fresh traditional produce, hit up one of Yerevan’s many food markets. The Vernisage Arts & Crafts Market is the biggest – with over 700 vendors offering everything from souvenirs and traditional carpets to delicious street food – while the Yerevan Central Vegetable Market offers freshly picked fruit and veg which you can sample onsite before buying.

Restaurants & Cafes

Yerevan has an abundance of cosy cafes and delicious eateries serving everything from shakriyat (dumplings) to barbecue. Gaijin Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion is one of the most popular restaurants in town, serving up some of Yerevan’s best Asian dishes; while Chinar-Lelu Pub & Restaurant offers a selection of traditional Armenian dishes in a bohemian setting.

Shopping Centers & Malls

If you’re looking for retail therapy during your trip to Yerevan, you won’t be disappointed – the city has several shopping centres and malls offering everything from budget-friendly fashion finds to luxury items such as watches and jewellery. Head to Yerevan Mall for a selection of international brands; while Dalma Garden Mall offers an array of stores selling apparel, home goods, electronics and more.  Visiting Yerevan is sure to be an unforgettable experience, with plenty of things to see and do to keep adventurous travellers happy. Whether you’re looking for culture, outdoor adventure or retail therapy, Yeravan has something for everyone – so start planning your visit today! References: Armeniapedia: Matenadaran,   Armenian History Museum Website,   Wikipedia: Cascade Complex,   Destination Armenia: Republic Square,   TripAdvisor: St Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral,   Amazing Armenia Holidays: Noravank Canyon,   Geghama Outdoors Adventures: Horse Trekking,   Armenia Balloon Tours Website,   Countrytimesomanvineandwinesrelaxationandtastinginarmenia,   Jeruk Hotel Spa Resort Website ,   Yerevan Nightlife Guide: Vernisage Arts & Crafts Market ,   Yerevan Nightlife Guide: Gaijin Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion ,   Yerevancity: Chinar – Lelu Pub & Restaurant ,   Yerevan City: Malli Shopping Center ,   Yerevan City: Dalma Garden Mall.