The first time I visited Yerevan was in 2015, as part of an unplanned trip from Georgia. I had no expectations for the city, but after spending about two weeks there, I was deeply moved by the experience. It left such an impression that I recently decided to return and explore the city more thoroughly, and my opinion remains the same.
Yerevan is a beautiful, spacious city that still retains vestiges of its Soviet past, unlike other capital cities in the region that have completely moved on from that era. You can still see many Soviet-style buildings throughout the city, which give it a unique identity and charm.
Within this travel guide, you'll find all the information you need to plan a perfect trip to Yerevan. We’ll explore the city's Soviet past, the country’s dark history, and take day trips to discover the surrounding areas. So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Yerevan.
- Yerevan Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Yerevan?
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11 Best Things to Do in Yerevan
- Admire the Beauty of the Cascade Complex
- Check Out Matenadaran
- Visit Mother Armenia Monument
- Check Out the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Stroll Around the Northern Avenue
- Watch the Light and Sound Show at Republic Square
- Visit Saint Gregory, the Illuminator Cathedral
- Learn More About the Dark History of Armenia at Armenian Genocide Museum
- Pay Respect and Check out the View at the Genocide Memorial Complex
- Drop By Karen Demirtchian Sport Complex
- Go on Day Trips from Yerevan
- How to Get to Yerevan?
- How to Get Around Yerevan?
- What to Pack for Yerevan?
- Further Reading for Armenia and the Caucasus
Yerevan Things to Do Map
11 Best Things to Do in Yerevan
1. Admire the Beauty of the Cascade Complex
One of the most impressive tourist attractions in Yerevan is the Cascade Complex, a massive monument made out of white travertine stones consisting of 5 hillside terraces connected with 572 steps. The structure alone is over 300 meters high and you can climb or take the escalator all the way to the top for an incredible view over the city.
My favorite thing about this complex is the variety of Soviet-style art installations on each terrace, which provide even more incentive to climb all the way to the top. The installations, beautifully designed in the Soviet Brutalist style, stand out even more with many of them surrounded by small green gardens, perfectly contrasting the colors of the statues.
Walking up and down the Cascade feels like being in an open-air museum. On a clear day, if you're at the top, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Ararat, the most sacred mountain in Armenia, which is unfortunately located within Turkey's borders. The first time I was here, I could see the snow-capped mountain through the fog, but I wasn't as lucky the second time 😅.
- ENIGMA HOSTEL (Budget)
- Koghbatsi Aparthotel (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan (High-End)
- From Yerevan: Sevan, Dilijan, Haghartsin, Lake Parz, Goshavank (8 - 9 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Day Trip to Khor Virap, Noravank, Areni Cave, Wine Tasting (8-9 hours)
- From Yerevan: Pagan temple Garni, Unesco Heritage Geghard (6 hours)
If you do not want to climb the 500+ steps, you can also go inside the monument and take the escalators all the way up to the top terrace. Inside, you will also find exhibition halls where permanent and temporary exhibitions are held. The exhibitions are regularly updated to showcase the best works of contemporary art and sculpture by Armenian artists, and they are free to visit.
The escalator opens from 8 AM to 10 PM every day, while the art gallery inside opens from 10 AM to 8 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From the top terrace, you can go even further and hike up to Mother Armenia Monument, which we will be visiting next.
Where to Stay in Yerevan?
2. Check Out Matenadaran
As you make your way up from the Cascade, be sure to drop by and check out Matenadaran, an incredible museum that houses a huge repository of manuscripts with over 23,000 manuscripts, scrolls, and fragments in its collection.
Inside, you will find many MANY manuscripts from old biblical texts to political documents on display. Even burned books are displayed here, which are supposed to show the troubling history and struggle of this museum and its effort to preserve texts throughout history.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM every day except Sundays, and the entrance fee is 1,500 AMD. The Brutalist exterior and its formidable grey structure are worth seeing in their own right, so be sure to drop by and check out Matenadaran while you’re here.
3. Visit Mother Armenia Monument
Much like the Mother Georgia monument in Tbilisi, the Mother Armenia Monument is a remnant of the region's Soviet past and stands tall atop a hill overlooking the entire city. The statue atop the monument was originally that of Joseph Stalin, and it was constructed as a victory memorial for World War II.
However, it was replaced with the statue of Mother Armenia in 1967 following a significant demonstration, the first of its kind in the Soviet Union, that demanded official recognition of the Armenian genocide by the Soviet government. If you look carefully, you can still see the Soviet symbol on it.
The panoramic view from up there is pretty incredible. You can see almost the entire cityscape of Yerevan from here. Inside the monument, you will also find a military museum where you can learn more about the bravery of the Armenian soldiers during WW2. Military equipment is also laid out in the open for you to see around the monument.
Next to the monument, you will also find Victory Park, a lovely green space with amusement facilities for kids to enjoy. It’s a nice, quiet place to escape the heat and take a leisurely stroll while exploring Yerevan, so be sure to check it out while you’re here.
4. Check Out the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
As you make your way down from the Cascade, you will pass a massive grey structure with an impressive Brutalist architectural style. That is the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the most prominent buildings in the city, located right in the center of Freedom Square.
This circular theatre was constructed in 1933. If you happen to be lucky enough to score a ticket to see a show inside the theatre, don't hesitate. Get the ticket and admire its incredibly well-decorated interior. You can check the shows schedule here.
If not, you can also hang out here, as there are often events in Freedom Square during the summer, along with people enjoying the nearby cafes and restaurants. It’s a great stop on your way from the Mother Armenia Monument to the city center, so be sure to drop by and check out the opera house.
5. Stroll Around the Northern Avenue
The Northern Avenue is a tourist strip that connects the Cascade Complex to Republic Square, which is where we will be heading next. It’s a great place to stroll as you make your way to the city center and take a break from all the exploration we just did in the upper part of the city.
The street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, featuring a large shopping mall located underground. You can spend an hour or two here to escape the summer heat or simply hang out and people-watch. The area is very popular among locals, and you’ll find people walking up and down this strip at all hours.
6. Watch the Light and Sound Show at Republic Square
As you make your way to Yerevan's city center, you will arrive at Republic Square, a massive town square surrounded by the impressive pink/yellow buildings Yerevan is known for, with an oval-shaped roundabout in the middle, and a system of fountains that puts on an incredible light and sound show every night.
During the day, you can visit the square and admire the incredible architecture surrounding it. The centerpiece is the National Museum, which is also worth a visit if you want to learn more about Armenia's history. If you're interested in learning about the genocide, we will visit the Genocide Museum later, so don’t worry. 🙂
Right in front of the museum, you’ll find a fountain system that transforms into an impressive dancing musical fountain, set against immersive music that is being blasted across the town square every night from 8 PM to 10 PM. With a combination of lights, moving fountains, and music from jazz to rock to classical, it really is quite a sight to behold, so be sure to check the square out during that time.
7. Visit Saint Gregory, the Illuminator Cathedral
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral is one of the largest religious buildings in the Caucasus, alongside the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, and it stands out as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Yerevan. Its block-like architecture, blending modern elements with hints of Soviet design, is not the typical style you see in Armenian churches.
The church was built in 2001, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity as the state religion of Armenia, and aptly named Saint Gregory, the Illuminator, who is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the early 4th century, making Armenia the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
Much like most Armenian churches, there are no frescoes inside, but the interior and its way of manipulating natural light entering the hall are quite interesting to see, so be sure to check it out. The cathedral is open from 9 AM to 8 PM daily, and entry is free.
8. Learn More About the Dark History of Armenia at Armenian Genocide Museum
If you want to learn more about the Armenian Genocide, the systematic destruction of the Armenian people and identity in the Ottoman Empire during World War I, I highly recommend you visit Armenian Genocide Museum. The museum is located a little further away from the city center, so you might need to get a YandexGO taxi to get there.
The museum commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide that took place between 1912 and 1922 when an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were systematically exterminated by the Ottoman Empire. The museum features exhibitions that detail the historical context, events, and consequences of the genocide, as well as personal stories and artifacts.
The museum is massive, and you can expect to spend at least an hour or 2 here. It was quite emotional to walk around and read all the horrific descriptions of torture and systematic killing of Armenians, much like walking around the War Museum in Vietnam, so be sure to prepare yourself mentally.
The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day except on Mondays, and entry is free. If you love history and want to learn more about Armenia and its troubling past, be sure to check out the Armenian Genocide Museum.
9. Pay Respect and Check out the View at the Genocide Memorial Complex
Since the museum is built on the site of the Genocide Memorial Complex, be sure to check that out as well. The memorial was constructed in 1967 on the hill of Tsitsernakaberd, which is visible from across the city, and the locals often come here to pay respect to the victims of the genocide.
The monument features a 44-meter circular stele that symbolizes the national rebirth of the Armenians. In the center of the circle, you’ll find an eternal flame dedicated to the 1.5 million people killed during the Armenian genocide. Armenians from all over the world often come here and lay flowers and roses to pay their respects to the victims.
You can also see the sacred Ararat Mountain from the monument as well as the beautiful landscape surrounding Yerevan. The monument is open 24/7, but I highly recommend you come here a few hours before closing time and hang out at the monument to watch the sunset.
10. Drop By Karen Demirtchian Sport Complex
While visiting the Genocide Museum, be sure to check out the Karen Demirtchian Sports Complex. This old sports complex, built during the Soviet era in Armenia, was initially named after the former head of the country during that time. However, in 1999, shortly after the assassination of the former speaker of the Armenian parliament Karen Demirchyan, the complex was renamed in his honor.
One of my favorite features of this complex is the Soviet-style sculptures above the entrance, showcasing beautiful orange hues and highly detailed, blocky representations of athletes, typical of Soviet monuments. If you appreciate Brutalist architectural style as much as I do, don’t forget to check out the Karen Demirtchian Sports Complex.
11. Go on Day Trips from Yerevan
Yerevan makes for a great base as you explore Armenia since you can pretty much reach most places in the country with one of the many day trips that leave from Yerevan every day. If you have time, you can spend the day and visit Khor Virap, a historical and religious site set against the sacred mountain of Ararat.
The place is best known for its ancient monastery where Saint Gregory, the Illuminator, was held in an underground prison for 13 years. Saint Gregory is credited with converting Armenia to Christianity in the early 4th century, making Armenia the first country to adopt Christianity as its state religion.
The monastery consists of a church, a bell tower, and the prison where Saint Gregory was held. You can descend into the prison and imagine what it must have been like for him to be there for 13 years! It’s quite an experience going down there, definitely not for the faint of heart.
You can also go visit Garni, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and an ancient pagan temple with beautiful Roman-style architecture, spend a day and relax in Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus, or even visit Tbilisi for a day if you want!
There is so much you can do in Yerevan with day trips, so be sure to plan a couple of spare days in Yerevan to visit other places around the country. For more, you can browse for available day trips here.
How to Get to Yerevan?
There are not many flights flying to Yerevan directly, so you will have to rely on transit flights like Lufthansa via Frankfurt, Qatar Airlines via Doha, or Emirates via Dubai. If you are flying from Europe, you can go with low-cost airlines like Wizz Air or Vueling Airlines, usually with 1 stop. For more flight deals, you can browse through Skyscanner or Expedia.
By Bus: Once you arrive at the airport, you can catch the airport express bus #100 to the city center for 300 AMD. The bus runs every 30 minutes from 7 AM to 10 PM every day. Follow the sign "Express Bus" found at the airport and you should be at the bus stop in no time.
By Taxis: For a more comfortable ride, you can also take YandexGO Taxi to the city center for around 2500 AMD. The journey should take about 20 – 30 minutes. As with many airports around the world, it’s best to avoid local taxis, as they often scam unsuspecting tourists.
By Private Transfer: You can also order a private transfer if you have a lot of luggage and are traveling in a group. It should cost around 25 USD, one way. You can order the private transfer here.
How to Get Around Yerevan?
By Walking: While Yerevan may be the least walkable of the three capital cities in the Caucasus (in my opinion), it's still possible to walk almost anywhere, provided you have time and don't mind the heat. If walking isn’t ideal, there are other ways to get around the city, such as the metro, YandexGO taxis, and more.
By Metro: Yerevan doesn't have the most extensive metro system but it does get the job done, especially if the place you are going is on the outer rim of the city. The metro runs from 7 AM to 10 PM every 5 - 11 minutes, depending on the day, and it will cost you 100 AMD per trip. As of 2024, you still have to buy a token to use the metro, so be sure to prepare cash.
By YandexGO Taxi: You can also rely on YandexGO Taxi to get around the city comfortably. They are like Uber or Bolt, but a bit more affordable and way more reliable than a regular taxi.
By Car: Again, you can also rent a car from the airport and drive around Kutaisi. The road is great in most cases except maybe on the way to Martvili Canyon as some parts of the road were under construction when I was there. Drive slowly, and you should be able to get through it fine.
What to Pack for Yerevan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Yerevan, Armenia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Yerevan, Armenia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Armenia and the Caucasus
If you are looking for more articles about Armenia and its neighbors, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- Lake Sevan in Armenia is a great vacation/adventure place you can visit while you are in Armenia. Here's a travel guide on things to do in Lake Sevan.
- Georgia is an awesome country to visit after Armenia. Here's a complete itinerary to Georgia: 2-Week Itinerary for Georgia.
- Short on time, but still want to visit Georgia from Armenia? You might want to check out its capital city, Tbilisi! Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Tbilisi.
- Want to travel to Azerbaijan? Be sure to check out our 2-Week Itinerary for Azerbaijan.
- What's better than photos and blog posts? Videos! Check out my Armenia and Artsakh travel video from 2015 here: "Armenia 100 Years Later" travel video.
- To see all articles about Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, be sure to check out our Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan travel guide pages.
- Looking for more travel guides for the Caucasus? You can find more on my Caucasus Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
1 Comments
Hi, Yerevan sounds like a great destination to visit! The only thing missing from your story is food info/recommendations ;-) Also, would you say it's a safe place to visit as a solo female traveller?