33 Fun Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan, the vibrant capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, yet parts of it feel strikingly modern and full of life. With its pink-tinted volcanic stone buildings, sweeping views of Mount Ararat, and lively café culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in Yerevan, Armenia for travelers who love a mix of history, food, and local charm.

Despite being lesser-known compared to other European capitals, Yerevan has a fun creative spirit, friendly locals, and dynamic mix of old and new. Here, Soviet-era architecture stands beside sleek boutiques, traditional restaurants share streets with trendy coffee spots, and vibrant art scenes add a modern flair to the streets.

In. this guide we're going to share all of the fun things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, so that you can have just as good of a time in the capital city as we did.

The Best Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia: The Basics of Visiting Armenia's Capital

Before diving into all of the fun things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, let's go over why travelers visit, and what makes this city so special.

 What is Yerevan Known for?

Yerevan is best known for its ancient history, striking architecture, and vibrant café culture. Often called the “Pink City” because of its rosy volcanic tuff stone buildings, Yerevan’s streets are filled with character and color. 

The city is also famous for its view of Mount Ararat, the symbol of Armenia, which can be seen from many rooftops and parks.

Culturally, Yerevan is the heart of Armenia, home to the Matenadaran (one of the world’s oldest manuscript repositories), the Cascade Complex, Republic Square, and countless museums, art galleries, and jazz bars.

 Is Yerevan, Armenia Worth Visiting?

Yerevan is one of the most underrated capitals in Europe and is very different than the other capital cities nearby. It’s compact and easy to explore, filled with history yet bursting with youthful energy. You can stroll safely at night, dine on flavorful Armenian dishes, and discover a rich mix of Soviet heritage and modern creativity.

Yerevan is also a perfect base for day trips around Armenia, from ancient monasteries and mountain lakes to wine regions and dramatic landscapes.

Whether you’re interested in history, food, or local life, Yerevan has something for every type of traveler, and it’s often far more affordable than other European destinations.

The Best Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

If you’re planning a trip to Armenia, Yerevan should be at the top of your list. This colorful and cultural city offers a mix of ancient landmarks, lively squares, and cozy cafés that make it one of the most interesting capitals in the region. 

Whether you love history, art, food, or unique local experiences, there are endless things to do in Yerevan Armenia that will make you fall in love with the city.

Best Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia: Top Sites & Activities

If it's your first time in Yerevan, then these are some of the must-see spots and top activities to enjoy Armenia's capital.

 Take a Free Walking Tour

One of the best ways to get a feel for the city is to join a free walking tour. It’s an easy and fun way to discover some of the top things to do in Yerevan Armenia, while learning about the city’s history, culture, and architecture from a local guide.

We got to experience hidden spots, learn local stories, and even try a variety of dishes at an incredible restaurant with our. Doing a free walking tour in Yerevan is a fun and affordable way to learn about the city while meeting other travelers, and one of our top recommendations for first-time visitors.

 Walk up the Cascade Complex

The Cascade Complex is one of Yerevan’s most famous landmarks. This massive limestone staircase connects the downtown area with the upper part of the city and offers incredible panoramic views of Mount Ararat, and the city below. 

Inside, you’ll find the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, filled with modern art installations. During the day you can hop on the escalators up to the top too!

 Explore the Antique Carpet Factory

Visit the Antique Carpet Factory to see how traditional Armenian carpets are made by hand. You can watch skilled artisans at work and learn about the symbolism behind the patterns and colors. 

It’s a great stop for anyone interested in Armenian craftsmanship, and one of the most unique things to do in Yerevan.

Check Out Republic Square

Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan and one of its most photographed spots. The square is surrounded by impressive pink stone buildings and hosts musical fountains that light up beautifully at night. It’s the perfect place to people-watch or grab a coffee nearby.

 Catch a Show at the Armenian National Opera & Ballet

The Opera House is a cultural landmark and architectural masterpiece in the center of Yerevan, and is home to the Armenian opera and ballet. Check the schedule to see if there’s a performance during your visit or simply enjoy the view of the elegant building from the surrounding park.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral

This is the largest cathedral in Armenia and one of the most important religious sites in the country. Built to honor Armenia’s patron saint, Saint Gregory, the cathedral is one of the top sites in Yerevan to visit and admire Armenian religious architecture.

Explore the Museums

Yerevan is packed with museums that celebrate Armenia’s long history, creative arts, and national identity. Here are some of the top ones in Yerevan to check out:

• National Gallery of Armenia: Home to a vast collection of Armenian, Russian, and European art, this museum is a must for art lovers.
• ARARAT Museum: Learn the story of Armenia’s world-famous brandy at the ARARAT Museum. Guided tours explain the production process and include a tasting!
• Sergei Paradjanov Museum: Dedicated to the eccentric Armenian filmmaker and artist, this museum showcases his imaginative collages and personal items.
• Yerevan History Museum: A great place to learn about the city’s evolution from ancient times to modern day.
• Martiros Sarian House-Museum: Explore the colorful works of one of Armenia’s most beloved painters inside his preserved home and studio.
• Aram Khachaturian Museum: Celebrating Armenia’s most famous composer, this museum highlights his music, manuscripts, and instruments.
• Komitas Museum-Institute: Dedicated to the composer Komitas, known for preserving Armenian folk music.
• State Museum of Literature & Art: A cultural gem showcasing manuscripts, books, and artwork from Armenia’s literary greats.
• Lusik Aguletsi House-Museum: A charming museum that reflects traditional Armenian life and folk culture through one artist’s unique collection.

Browse the Vernissage Market

The Vernissage Market is one of Yerevan’s most colorful attractions. This open-air market is full of handmade crafts, jewelry, paintings, and Soviet-era souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts or a unique keepsake from your trip, or to simply browse around and enjoy Armenian craftsmanship.

Hang Out at Victory Park

Victory Park sits above the city and offers stunning views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. It’s also home to the Mother Armenia statue, which symbolizes peace and strength. The park is a relaxing place to hang out, especially in the evening.

Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a beautiful Persian-style mosque in the city center and the only active mosque in all of Armenia! Its turquoise tiles and peaceful courtyard make it standout as one of the most photogenic spots in the city, and a great place to go especially if you're into photography.

Walk Hyusisayin Poghota (Northern Avenue)

This lively pedestrian street connects Republic Square to the Opera House and is one of the most vibrant things to do in Yerevan Armenia at night. In the evenings the area fills with street performers, locals strolling, and plenty of cafés and shops to enjoy.

Discover the Flower Fountain

Located near Republic Square, the Flower Fountain is one of the city’s most photographed spots. It’s especially beautiful at night when the lights reflect off the water.

Walk Around Art Kvartal

Art Kvartal is one of our favorite parts of the city, and it feels like a true hidden gem. This artistic neighborhood is full of colorful murals, pop-up galleries, and independent cafés, which is a fun example of modern Armenian culture and creativity being seamlessly blended into the city.

Experience the Yerevan Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a peaceful escape from the busy streets of the city. Walking among its paths and floral displays is one of the most refreshing things to do in Yerevan Armenia, especially during spring and summer.

 Go on a Boat Ride in Oxakadzev Park

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the middle of Yerevan, head to Oxakadzev Park, one of the city’s prettiest green spaces. The park has a small lake where you can rent rowboats or pedal boats, making it a fun and relaxing activity, especially on a sunny afternoon.

Locals often come here for picnics, strolls, and family outings, while couples enjoy taking a gentle ride across the calm waters surrounded by trees and flowers. It’s a simple experience, but it captures the laid-back charm of Yerevan and offers a nice break from the city’s busy streets.

Check Out the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Complex

Visiting the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial is one of the most important things to do in Yerevan Armenia. The site honors the victims of the Armenian Genocide and includes a museum that helps visitors understand this part of the country’s history.

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Things to Do in Yerevan: Food & Drink

Armenia has one of the most underrated cuisines in the world, and Yerevan is the perfect place to taste it all. Exploring the city’s food scene is not only delicious but also one of the most authentic cultural experiences you can have. 

Here are some of the best food and drink experiences to add to your list of things to do in Yerevan, Armenia.

 Eat at the Armenian Market

Start your culinary adventure at GUM Market, Yerevan’s central food market. Here you’ll find rows of colorful dried fruits, nuts, and spices, along with homemade cheeses, lavash bread, and local sweets. The vendors are friendly and generous with samples, so it’s the perfect spot to try new flavors and get a feel for Armenian hospitality.

Go on a Food Tour

If you want to dive deeper into Armenian cuisine, join a food tour around the city. Local guides will introduce you to hidden restaurants and explain the history behind different dishes, from dolma (stuffed grape leaves) to khorovats (Armenian barbecue). 

It’s a fun and filling way to learn more about the country’s food culture, and was one of our favorite parts of visiting Yerevan.

Take a Cooking Class

Want to bring a taste of Armenia home with you? Taking a cooking class is one of the most fun things to do in Yerevan, Armenia. You’ll learn to make traditional dishes like lavash or ghapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, nuts, and dried fruit), and enjoy your creations with a glass of local wine.

Go Wine Tasting

Armenia has one of the world’s oldest wine-making traditions, and Yerevan has plenty of cozy wine bars where you can sample local varieties. In Vino, Wine Republic, and Voskevaz Wine Time are a few favorites, but there are plenty more to discover! 

Armenian wines are rich, unique, and often made from indigenous grapes you won’t find anywhere else.

Want to learn all about the different wines and how to pair them? You can sign up for a variety of wine tours right in Yerevan, or take a day trip to some wineries outside the city!

Try a Brandy Tasting

No visit to Yerevan would be complete without trying the country’s famous brandy. The ARARAT Museum and Brandy Factory offers guided tours where you can learn about the distilling process and sample different vintages. 

This experience is not only one of the most popular things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, but also a glimpse into an important part of Armenia's most popular licor.

Things to Do in Yerevan: Sites Just Outside the City Center

If you have extra time in Yerevan, make sure to explore a few sites just outside the city. These historical landmarks and natural viewpoints give you a better sense of Armenia’s deep history and breathtaking landscapes, and are an easy bus, taxi, or metro ride away!

Charents' Arch

Located about 25 minutes east of Yerevan, the Charents' Arch offers one of the beautiful panoramic views of the valley, and perfectly frames a great photo opportunity.

The spot is named after the famous Armenian poet Yeghishe Charents and includes one of his verses engraved into the stone. It’s a pretty place to take photos and appreciate the beauty of the Armenian countryside.

 You can also take a day trip to Garni Temple and Geghard, stopping at Charents' Arch on the way.

Erebuni Fortress

Visit the Erebuni Fortress, one of the oldest settlements in the region and the birthplace of modern-day Yerevan. Dating back to 782 BC, this ancient fortress sits on top of Arin Berd Hill and offers sweeping views of the city.

Inside the small museum, you’ll find artifacts from the Urartian period that reveal how advanced this early civilization was.

Holy Etchmiadzin, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church

Often called the “Vatican of Armenia,” Holy Etchmiadzin is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the oldest Christian cathedrals in the world. 

The complex includes several churches, museums, and beautifully maintained gardens. Even if you aren’t religious, it’s worth visiting for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Zvartnots Temple

The Zvartnots Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Armenia’s most iconic landmarks. Although the temple now stands in ruins, the circular stone columns and carvings are incredibly beautiful, and on a clear day you may get to have a view of Mount Aratat in the back!

It’s one of the top things to do in Yerevan, Armenia for anyone interested in architecture or ancient history, and really photogenic - we recommend going on a partly cloudy day, and going as soon as they open to avoid the crowds.

Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane Churches

Both located near Etchmiadzin, the Saint Hripsime and Saint Gayane churches are UNESCO-listed and known for their elegant stonework and spiritual history. These two sites are just past Zarnots Temple, making them a great addition exploring just west of the city.

 Things to Do in Yerevan: Day Trips

While there are some incredible things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, there are also some amazing nearby attractions that you can take a day trip to! Here are a few of them:

• Symphony of Stones: Striking basalt columns in Garni Gorge formed by ancient volcanic activity.
• Garni Temple: The only Greco-Roman temple in Armenia, beautifully overlooking the Azat River Gorge.
• Geghard: A stunning rock-carved monastery and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Abovyan Monastery: A peaceful monastery showcasing Armenia’s timeless spiritual heritage.
• Khor Virap: Famous monastery offering incredible views of Mount Ararat.
• Voskevaz Winery: Historic winery producing authentic Armenian wines in a charming setting.
• Aragats: Armenia’s highest mountain and a favorite for hiking and adventure.
• Amberd Fortress: Medieval fortress ruins dramatically perched on Mount Aragats.
• Kari Lake: A scenic mountain lake high on Mount Aragats.
• Armenian Alphabet Monument: Monument honoring Armenia’s unique alphabet with panoramic views.
• Saghmosavanq Church: Cliffside monastery overlooking the Kasagh Gorge.
• Aparan: Small mountain town known for its historic church and fresh spring water.
• Tsaghkadzor: Armenia’s top ski and mountain resort destination.
• Lake Sevan: Vast alpine lake perfect for swimming, views, and monasteries.
• Gyumri: Artistic city known for its old architecture and warm hospitality.
• Areni: Armenia’s wine capital surrounded by scenic vineyards.

Want to learn more about day trips from Yerevan? Stay tuned for next week's guide!

The Best Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia: Final Thoughts & Travel Tips

There are plenty of fun things to do in Yerevan, Armenia! We'd highly recommend starting off with a free walking tour to see the highlights, and then giving yourself an extra day or two to see some of the sites outside the city center.

Yerevan is a great base if you plan on spending 3-5 days in Armenia, and having a few days allows you to experience the best of the capital, and throw in a few day trips.

Now that you know how to get to Yerevan, here are a few quick tips for visiting:

 Getting Around Yerevan: Walking is the best way to explore the city center, but taxis, ride-shares, metros, and buses are widely available for longer trips.

 Where to Stay: Stay in Yerevan's historic center to be close to restaurants, markets, and cultural sites.

 Language: Armenian is the official language of Yerevan. English is spoken in most hotels and on tours.

 Currency: Yerevan uses the Armenian Dram. Every $1 USD= ~383 Dram

 Safety: Yerevan is generally safe for tourists, with no major safety concerns.

 Weather: Yerevan experiences all four seasons, with hot and humid summers, and cold, snowy winters.

What's Next?

Now that you've learned about the best things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, you probably want to learn more about visiting! We have a guide about how to get to Yerevan, as well as more weekly guides coming up, including:

• First-Time Visitors Guide to Yerevan
• Armenia Food Guide
• The Best Places to Visit in Armenia
• How to Get Around Armenia
• The Best Photo Spots in Armenia
• A Guide to Driving in Armenia
• Armenia Road Trip Guide
• Complete Travel Guide to Visiting Armenia

So are you ready to enjoy all of the fun things to do in Yerevan, Armenia? This city is the gateway to exploring the country, and certainly a place you'll want to spend a few days.

Want to learn more about visiting Yerevan? We have a ton of other Armenia Travel Guides coming up for you each week. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can stay up to date with our most recent guides, and to receive special discounts on our shop.

Ready to book your trip to Yerevan, but need some assistance? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers specialized travel planning packages with customized itineraries, unique accommodation options, and personalized activities for each and every type of traveler. Simply email us today to learn more!

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