The 10 Best Things To Do In Yerevan City In 3 Days
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The 10 best things to do in Yerevan capital city of Armenia. From historical museums and magnificent architecture to great food, café, and unique local things to do. You will never get bored even if you only stay in the City Center.
I put Yerevan as my last stop for my greater Caucasus vacation. The city amazed me with unlimited options and made me regret staying too short. I understand that our annual leaves are limited and sometimes we have to be selective on activities. That’s why I summarize the 10 best things (or must) to do in Yerevan Armenia for you.
Shall I Add Yerevan To My Vacation
Compared to Baku (capital for Azerbaijan) and Tbilisi (capital Georgia), Yerevan (capital Armenia) shall rate the highest in terms of tourist attraction variety, food quality & price, and hospitality. It has a price level similar to or even cheaper than Baku. Additionally, all the tourist attractions are within walking distance. Plus, these awesome things could give you a very good time even if you are to stay a week.
Ideally, you should add at least 2 days for Yerevan in your Caucasus vacation. If not, try to manage at least 1 day for that.
Day Tour Versus DIY Navigation
As said Yerevan is a walkable city, I did my visit on my own. And I prefer doing that at my own pace because there are a lot of great spots for photos especially at the Cascade Complex. However, if you only have less than one day and need to rush, you may consider taking advantage of a half-day walking Yerevan city tour.
Walking Day Tour Yerevan
If you have very limited time, then half-day walking tour may be the option for your to navigate Yerevan. However, if you have more than a day then you should considering experiencing the city on your own,
The Top 10 Things To Do In Yerevan
Below are the 10 recommendations for the city itself. You can rush all in one day (although I would reserve at least 2 days). The recommendations shall include the must-see icons, the must-experience unique things of the city, the must-try food, and the must-buy souvenir.
1. Visit The Cascade Complex
Unarguably, the Cascade Complex is the 1st Yerevan attraction. The complex is the city’s signature architectural and cultural hub. Completed in the early 2000s, it is around 118 meters long with 572 steps.
There are five main layers at the complex. Each layer has various cultures, backdrops, and a landscape of the whole city for photos. However, you don’t need to worry about the long walk. There is an indoor escalator just left of the Complex. From there, you can take the escalator to each layer, connecting to the fourth layer.
Inside the complex, it also houses the Cafesjian Center for Arts. The arts center has exhibitions depending on the seasons. Plus, there are also other arts outside the center near the escalators.
The greater news is the complex and the art center are free of charge. While the complex opens 24 hours a day, the art center only opens from Friday to Sunday 8am to 8pm during my time of visit.
At the bottom of the Cascade Complex, you will find the Sculpture Park. It is an open-air space with multiple exotic (or artistic) sculpture exhibitions. It is where the famous “Smoking Woman” sculpture is located. There are multiple café and restaurants nearby forming a great eco-system for visit.
For this attraction, you will need 1.5 – 2 hours to visit.
2. Visit The Republic Square
Around 20 20-minute walk from the bottom of Cascade Complex, you will see the Yerevan Republic Square. It is the heart of Yerevan surrounded by Government buildings, luxury hotels, Shaumyan Park, a concert hall, and the History Museum of Yerevan.
The central fountain is open on 7/24 until later winter. Where the water will be drained and the area will be placed with Xmas decorations. The square is also the place that hosts cultural events, concerts, and festivals. I visited there last Xmas and was amazed by the huge Xmas tree with Xmas market at the Shahumyan Park.
The attraction takes around 30 minutes unless you are also going to the History Museum of Armenia.
3. Visit The Armenian Genocide Museum
Officially known as Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, it is the place that documents the tragedy of Armenians during World War 1. The most signature structure is the centerpiece of the complex surrounded by 12 stone walls and an eternal flame at the center.
There is a park at the complex with memorial trees donated by presidents or celebrities around the world. The Museum inside the complex is free to enter. You can navigate the museum easily without a guide by following the number board with information about the genocide along the circular pathway.
You need around 2 hours for the visit. Since the museum is around 55-minute walk from Republic Square. I would suggest you use the GG taxi going there which takes only 8 minutes.
4. Visit The Matenadaran Museum
More known by the grant prominent statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the 5th-century scholar creating the Armenian alphabet. The Matenadaran Museum has an extension collection of ancient manuscripts, text, documents, and heritage of Armenia. It has over 17,000 manuscripts dating back to the 5th century including not only history, and culture but also medical knowledge of Armenia. Unfortunately, taking photo is not allowed inside.
Other than the heritage, the exterior of the museum reminds me of the buildings in Athens. It is also a great place for photo taking. There is a souvenir shop at the ticket booth. Plus, this is the only place where I found traditional Armenian herb drinks available for sale during my short visit.
You will need around an hour for the museum. It takes around 30 minutes to walk from Republic Square to the Museum. So I would suggest you hail a GG taxi for the journey which takes only 7 minutes.
5. Explore The Vernissage Market
My next two recommendations are for Shopping! Vernissage Market is a must-go place for souvenir buying in Armenia. It is a vibrant open-air market with an array of local crafts and products.
The exterior of Vernissage is filled with soviet styles stalls and vendors displaying handmade goods, including traditional Armenian carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and artwork. Other than the shops there are several local restaurants nearby forming a great eco-system for shopping and eating there.
I went to the market twice during my 3-day visit to Yerevan. I recommend you check out the BazArt Giftshop in the middle of the market. It is a relatively new souvenir shop that offers a wide range of decent souvenirs and the price is reasonable.
You would need around 30 minutes for the market and the market is just 9 9-minute walk from the Republic Square.
6. Yerevan City Supermarkets
Yerevan City Supermarkets is one of the largest supermarkets within the city center. This is where you can buy Armenian snacks and various local fresh products as well as international goods. The 2nd floor is a grant food court where you can taste international, local, Russian, and even Artsakh food there at a good price. At the entrance of super market, there is also an exchange shop with good rates.
Additionally, you can also visit the Blue Mosque nearby. It is another free but less-known local icon with stunning architecture and a serene atmosphere. You can go inside check out the free exhibition, being greeted by the cute local cats.
7. Experience The Pulpulak (Public Drinking Water Fountain)
Other than icon-visiting and shopping, Yerevan also has a lot of unique things that stand out from other cities. Drinking from the local water fountain is a must-have experience there. There are around 2,700 drinking fountains in the city. It is the only city I have been to with such an amount. Every day the locals and Yerevan tourists alike will drink the water there. It is a very great hydration practice.
The most famous one is the Seven Springs at Republic Square just near the History Museum. It is also one of the most signature photo spots for the city.
8. Coffee Vending Machine
Another less-known unique thing about the city is the coffee machine. You will see coffee vending machines everywhere in the city. Although I can’t find any statistic for the number, from my experience, it is way more than the water fountain. The vending machines are not as fancy as the ones in Japan. It has very straightforward options for milk, sugar, and coffee. You can get a shot of coffee for less than 0.5 USD. And the coffee machine is just everywhere, it has become a hotspot for local gatherings at night and in the morning.
So remember to grab a cup there while you are in the city.
9. Taste The Armenian Local Cuisine
A journey to a new city would not be complete without tasting the local cuisines. Our final 2 recommendations are food-related. The food of Armenia is very similar to that of Baku. Both of the places are also famous for different kinds of Dolma (grape leaves with stuffed meats), Khorovats (barbecue), and Lavash (flatbread) and I even had another Pati like that one I did in the city center of Baku.
Similar to Baku, you can have a very hearty meal in grand local restaurants with live music for less than 20 USD per person. I recommend Dari Tavern (a very popular local one with live music) and MOV restaurant (famous for Dolma) for the local cuisine.
10. Chill At A Café
My final recommendation to you is to have a seat in the local café. There are a lot of cafes in Yerevan (even more than Baku and Tbilisi). Being an ex-Soviet-controlled area, the city is renowned for having cafes with nostalgic, unique, and charming atmospheres. The cafes there not only serve a great variety of local coffees. It also serves classic Russian desserts like Syrniki (Russian cheese pancake). If you head to a cosmopolitan area like Diana Adgar Park, you will find many fancily decorated cafes offering cocktails and other desserts like cheesecake.
My recommendation is to go for the Lumen Coffee 1936 which is close to Republic Square. Additionally, if you are looking for dessert at night you should go the Diana Adgar Park which not only has nice cafes but will also host a seasonal events like the Christmas market.
Things To Do In The Winter
Unlike Tbilisi where most attractions fade in the winter, Yerevan is different. All the 10 things I recommended here can be done from October to December in Yerevan as well. The museums, the restaurants, the cafes, and of course the fountain are open all year round.
If you visit Yerevan in December like me, you will find it even more amazing. For example, you will appreciate the unlimited coffee vending machine more. Additionally, in December you can even experience the Christmas market near Republic Square and a larger one at Diana Adgar Park. Yerevan has the best Xmas decoration and market as compared to Tbilisi and Baku.
If I were to do it again, I would spare more time on Yerevan (and also Baku) than the itinerary of Tbilisi.
Yerevan As The Best Capital City In Caucasus
Being the best capital city in the Caucasus, there are a lot of unique things you can do here. I kinda regret that I only spent 3 days and 2 nights in the city. If you have limited time like I do, these top 10 best things shall help you to get the most from the cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yerevan
How many days are enough visiting Yerevan?
2 – 3 days are the best for the city center. You should add 1 or 2 days if you plan to have a day trip to other cities in Armenia.
Is Yerevan safe at night?
Yes, Yerevan is a very safe city, people are friendly and I have no problem getting back hotel late or departing early to the airport. Of course, you have to apply general caution everywhere in the world.
Where to stay in Yerevan?
The best place is the area near Republic Square. There are accommodation choices ranging from a comfortable budget hostel to a luxury hotel. I stayed in Monami Guest House during my visit for less than 20 USD per night for 2 persons. It is a large hostel close to Republic Square with several supermarkets nearby.
Is Bolt/Uber available?
No both are not available. You need to use GG Taxi instead. They accept international numbers for application.
Is Yerevan expensive?
No not at all. It is around half the price of Tbilisi for almost everything and has a price level similar to Baku.
How to get to Yerevan from Tbilisi?
Bus is the best option for getting to Yerevan from Tbilisi (or from Yerevan to Tbilisi). It takes around 5.5 hours for ~ 20 USD and can be booked online in advance.
