The 20 Best Things to do in Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan is the capital and largest city in Armenia and one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, Yerevan is the country’s administrative, cultural, and industrial center. It has been home to the Armenian people for over 2,800 years. Today, the city is a modern metropolis with over 1.2 million people. Despite its rapid growth, Yerevan has managed to retain its old-world charm. The town is filled with beautiful parks, museums, and monuments. It is also a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and culture. If you’re planning a trip to Yerevan, here are the 20 best things to do in the city.
20. Visit Sergei Parajanov Museum
The Sergei Parajanov Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Armenian culture and history. The museum is dedicated to the life and work of Armenian filmmaker Sergei Parajanov. It houses a collection of his films, paintings, sculptures, and other works. The museum is located in the building where Parajanov lived and worked. Visitors can see his personal belongings, including his clothes, glasses, and typewriter. The museum is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Armenia’s most famous artists.
19. Go to the History Museum of Armenia and see the world’s oldest leather shoe.
The History Museum of Armenia is one of the best museums in Yerevan. It houses a collection of artifacts from Armenian history, including the world’s oldest leather shoe. The shoe is over 5,500 years old and was found in the Areni cave complex. Other museum highlights include a collection of Armenian coins, jewelry, and pottery. The museum is a great place to learn about Armenia’s rich history.
18. Visit the Mighty Matenadaran Museum of Ancient Manuscripts
The Matenadaran is a must-visit for anyone interested in Armenian history and culture. The museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of Armenian manuscripts. The collection includes over 17,000 manuscripts, some of which date back to the 5th century. The museum is also home to a library and a research center. The Matenadaran is one of the most important cultural institutions in Armenia.
17. See the statue of Mother Armenia
The statue of Mother Armenia is one of the most iconic landmarks in Yerevan. The 52-meter tall statue stands on a hill overlooking the city. It was erected in 1967 to replace a statue of Joseph Stalin. According to Wikipedia, the Mother Armenia statue symbolizes the Armenian people’s strength and resilience. Visitors can take a cable car to the top of the hill for a stunning view of Yerevan. The residents of Yerevan are very proud of their city and its history. They can tell you that Yerevan was founded in 782 BC by King Argishti I. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
16. Seek Out Yerevan’s Soviet Throwbacks
Yerevan was founded over 2,800 years ago, but it has a very Soviet feel. Armenia was part of the Soviet Union from 1920 until 1991. Many of the city’s buildings were constructed during the Soviet era. The result is a city that is a unique blend of old and new. Visitors can see Soviet-style architecture side by side with traditional Armenian architecture. Its history is a big part of what makes Yerevan such a fascinating city to visit.
15. Find the Children’s Railway
The Children’s Railway is a miniature railway in Yerevan. It was built in the 1950s as a training ground for future railway workers. Today, the railway is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can ride the train through the park and see some of Yerevan’s most scenic spots. The railway is a great place to take the kids for a fun day out. It’s also one of the best things to do in Yerevan in winter.
14. Kond Pedestrian Tunnel
The Kond pedestrian tunnel is a must-visit for anyone interested in Armenian history. The tunnel was built in the 5th century to connect the city of Yerevan with the Ararat Plain. The tunnel is over 1,000 meters long and is still in use today. It is one of the oldest artificial tunnels in the world. According to TripAdvisor, visitors can walk through the tunnel and see the ancient Armenian inscriptions on the walls. The locals will tell you that the ghost of a Turkish soldier haunts the tunnel.
13. Explore Kond, Yerevan’s Oldest Neighborhood
Kond is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Yerevan. It is located in the city’s center and is home to many of Yerevan’s historic buildings. The neighborhood is also home to several art galleries, museums, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll through the streets of Kond and soak up the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.
12. Ride the Yerevan Metro & Admire the Station Architecture
The Yerevan Metro is a great way to get around the city. It is also one of the best things to do in Yerevan if you are interested in architecture. The metro stations are decorated with Armenian art and architecture. The stations were designed by some of the Soviet Union’s most famous architects. The metro is a great way to see some of Yerevan’s best architecture. Be careful not to miss your stop, though. The metro cars do not have windows, and it can be easy to get disoriented.
11. Marvel At the Old-Worldly Books 1512 Bookstore
The 1512 Bookstore is one of the best things to do in Yerevan for book lovers. The store is located in an old Armenian house. It is filled with books on Armenian history and culture. The store also has a wide selection of international readers. The 1512 Bookstore is a great place to find a unique souvenir. You will also glimpse what life was like in Yerevan before the Soviet era. They allow you to take pictures inside, so don’t forget your camera. You are also entitled to sit and read in the store, so it’s a great place to relax for a while.
10. Browse Yerevan’s Small Galleries & Boutiques
Yerevan is home to some small galleries and boutiques. These businesses are located in the city center and offer a great way to experience Armenian culture. The galleries and boutiques sell various products, including books, art, jewelry, and clothing. Visitors can browse the shops and find a unique souvenirs to take home. You can also buy Armenian food and wine from many of the shops. Be careful not to spend too much money because the prices can be pretty high. Take care of your belongings when you are in the city center as there are a lot of pickpockets.
9. See the blue mosque, the last active mosque in Armenia
The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful and serene places in Yerevan. The mosque was built in 1766 and is the last active mosque in Armenia. The Blue Mosque is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Islam in Armenia. The mosque is open to the public and is free to enter. When visiting the mosque, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. You can also take a mosque tour, which is a great way to learn more about the religion and its customs. If you are Muslim, you can also pray in the mosque and join the Friday prayers.
8. Step inside Katoghike, Yerevan’s Most Beautiful Church
One of the most beautiful churches in Yerevan, and indeed all of Armenia, is the 12th-century Katoghike Church. The church is built entirely of pink tufa stone, and its ornate facade is a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. Inside, the church is just as stunning, with a richly decorated interior and a beautiful altar. According to TripAdvisor, you can take some time to admire the frescoes and carvings on the walls and ceilings – they are indeed works of art.
7. Visit the Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial
The Armenian Genocide Museum & Memorial Complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about one of the 20th century’s most tragic events. The museum does an excellent job of presenting the history of the Armenian Genocide, and the memorial complex is a beautiful and sad tribute to the victims. The story behind the Armenian Genocide is essential, and this museum does a great job of telling it.
6. Learn About the History of Yerevan on a Free Walking Tour
Yerevan is a city with a long and rich history, and a free walking tour is a great way to learn about it. The guides are very knowledgeable and passionate about their city, and they’ll take you to all the essential landmarks and tell you the stories behind them. You’ll learn about the city’s Soviet past, its role in the Armenian Genocide, and its more recent history as an independent country. The tour is a great way to get an introduction to the city, and it’s a lot of fun too.
5. Shop for Lavash at the Gum Market
The Gum Market is the perfect place to buy some traditional Armenian lavash. This thin, unleavened flatbread is a staple in Armenians’ diet and is often used as wraps or rolled into a tube and filled with meat. The market sells a variety of lavash, from the classic plain variety to ones flavored with garlic or cheese. You can also buy other Armenian delicacies such as basturma (cured beef) and kaviar (caviar paste).
4. Search for Treasure at the Vernissage Market
The Vernissage Market is where to go if you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts. It’s full of Armenian artisans selling traditional handiwork like carpets, jewelry, and wood carvings. You can also find Soviet memorabilia here. It is a great place to bargain for souvenirs. If you’re looking for something more unique, keep an eye out for the artists selling their paintings and sculptures. The Vernissage Market is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir of your trip to Yerevan. The market is open every day except Monday, and it’s a great place to bargain for reasonable prices.
3. Summit the Yerevan cascade for a view of Mount Ararat
As the tallest mountain in Turkey, Mount Ararat is often associated with Armenia. The hill is located in Armenian territory, but it has been under Turkish control since the early 20th century. Nevertheless, Armenians still feel a strong connection to Mount Ararat, and many make the pilgrimage to the summit each year. The easiest way to reach the summit is by taking the Yerevan Cascade, a series of stairs and escalators that lead up to a viewing platform. From here, you can see Mount Ararat and the city of Yerevan stretched out below.
2. Drink from a Pulpulak
Looking for a truly unique experience, look no further than a pulpulak. This is a traditional Armenian drinking vessel made from a sheep’s stomach. Pulpulaks are often used for toasting and are thought to bring good luck. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one while you’re in Yerevan. Make sure to drink responsibly, though – you don’t want to end up with a stomach ache.
1. Stroll around republic square
Yerevan’s Republic Square is the city’s central hub and the site of some of its most important landmarks. The Singing Fountain is most notable, which puts on a light and water show every half hour. Other attractions in the square include the History Museum, the National Gallery, and the Armenian Opera Theater. The square is also a great place to watch, as it is always full of locals and tourists alike.
