15+ Awesome things to do in Yerevan, Armenia on Your Next Visit

In this Yerevan travel Blog, I will tell you all the best thing about the pink city, one of my absolute favorite travel destination.

Yerevan is unique. It’s quirky and rough around the edges and with plenty of charm. If that piqued your interest even slightly, get ready to fall head over heels with the capital. Yerevan was such a breath of fresh air. It exceeded all my expectations and beyond. This guide includes valuable information to help you plan the best Armenia adventure.

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Yerevan Cascade / Cascade Complex & The Cafesjian Center for the Arts

Yerevan’s giant staircase also knows as The Cascade is honestly one of the best places in the city. I absolutely love it and you should check it out. Just make sure to pick a day where it is sunny.

Yes I know that you see those stairs and of course you should hike all the way to the top. Depending on your cardio level and how fast you go, it can take you anywhere from 20minutes to 1 hour.

They did a fantastic job with the design of the place. There are a so many artistic structures that make for natural breaks along the way. Then when you get to the top you get to see the most beautiful view of the city.

Honestly am I selling this place enough?

One more thing,..

You should hike to the top and then take the escalators back down. Trust me you don’t want to miss this. You’ll find a quirky little museum inside with many art galleries and exposition which are always changing,

It goes without saying that if you have any mobility issue, you should just take the elevator both ways.

Check my Yerevan Cascade blog for more details and beautiful pictures to further inspire your upcoming Armenia trip.

The smoking woman, the cat statue and other quirky sculptures

Right in front of the cascade complex, there is what they call and open air museum. You will find some of the most interesting art structures in the city. The smoking woman and the cat statue sit right in the middle of the square. Keep your eyes open for them, there is no way you can miss them as their presence dominates the square.

The Promenade

You can easily spend the whole morning in this area alone, exploring the Cascade complex, the square, the smoking woman and other sculptures. The place is quite lovely. You have tons of restaurants and cafes to choose from and just get a cuppa while you indulge in some people watching,

Republic Square

Perhaps I should have started this Yerevan travel blog with this one first. The republic square is quite historical. It is located at the center, the city’s metaphorical heart. A big roundabout and many hotels converge there.

It is also very important as a main place for local demonstrations. In soviet Armenia days, it used to be called Lenin square. I always find it interesting how a place can change names in order to reflect different time periods.

Nowadays, you should expect to see Armenian police officers and army personal scattered all around. That’s quite normal. This also tends to be the meeting spot for various tours.

Dancing Fountains

Right at the Republic square, you will find the dancing fountains. They are drained sometimes for cleaning or various maintenance work. But it is definitely worth checking out. The show usually start around 8 or 9 pm and lasts until 11 pm. During that time, you can see the fountains lit up with beautiful colors and oscillating on various classical songs.

Vernissage Market

Calling out all my shopping ladies. Do whatever you can not to miss the vernissage Market. This is Yerevan’s main market square where you can find all sorts of things. One of the best places for handicrafts.

The vernissage market and the cascade complex were my absolute favorites. I got so many goodies at the Vernissage market. One of my weakness are rings and it was heaven. My friends had to drag me out of there. There are so many stalls with unique things. You can find all sorts of things. If you are looking for it, trust me chances are they have it.

Big tip: Do bring cash. They do not take cards. We are talking about small moms and pops vendors here. Also do test your haggling skills. The prices can sometimes start on the medium to higher side ( tourist prices) . So have fun and test your negotiation skills.

For example, I ended up paying 20$ for a ring which I am pretty sure was still on the high side but I was lazy that day.

The Vernissage market is open everyday but definitely transforms and is more lively on the weekends. You can spend as much time as needed there but trust me, time has a funny way of flying by over there.

Blue Mosque

There is a beautiful blue mosque in the city. You can visit it as part of a walking tour. I did not go inside but only admired the beautiful walls and bright colors of the exterior.

Apparently there is a beautiful garden inside. I do hope to check it out next time I am in Yerevan. So all this to say that even if you don’t go inside, you should try to walk by just so you can admire and take some beautiful pictures.

Armenian Genocide Museum & the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Ok now we are getting into a heavier topic.

There is no way I could possibly cover the atrocities or the historical side of the Armenian genocide. And this is not something I will even attempt to do in this Armenia travel blog. That said, I do believe that it is a must on your visit to the Armenian capital.

Yes it is really sad but I think it adds more depth and helps you gain a better understanding of Armenians and their story. Also I will tell you that the wound are still very fresh, Armenians are some of the most patriotic and nationalistic people you will ever met. It goes without saying that the genocide is a very sensitive topic which still brings some of the deepest emotions for all Armenians.

Always be respectful and do not be callous or insensitive. That said, the place is located a little bit outside of the city center. It is not very well served by public transportation and you will want to hire a taxi.

I would recommend arranging a pick up time for your return to the city. Or better yet, get his number so that you can call the taxi back when you are ready to go back to the city. Like I said, there is nothing up there on the site. Don’t expect a taxi stand stationed there or buses coming ang going.

How much time should you spend at the Armenian Genocide complex?

This all depends on your level of interest. You could easily spend half a day up there.

I recommend allocating at least 1 hour 1/2.

The whole complex is located a little bit outside of the city on a hill top with a magnificent view overlooking Yerevan. This is because there is the big memorial site outside. There are two main sections. Outside, you will find the forever burning fire which symbolizes all the lost lives. Around it are the big structures with names engraved.

Don’t miss the big wall along the walkway. There are a few more things to see there. You just have to check the other side ( if you are walking towards the fire, the wall is on the left hand side)

Once you are done with the outside memorial complex. Then you take the beautiful stairs down leading to the museum. First time I went, I did not know about the actual museum and I almost missed it. Yes there is more than just the fire pit, there is actually a full fledge museum.

So let me reiterate, do not miss the museum.

Yes it is extremely sad and words could never describe the emotions I felt. This is honestly one of the best museums I’ve been too. It is done in such a comprehensive way, allowing you to gain a better understanding of this heart wrenching part of Armenian History.

Enjoy the cafe culture

Oof, that was very heavy, and now it is perhaps time to lively up a little bit and switch up the pace.

I do recommend to take the time so slow down and enjoy the cafe culture. If you ask me, this is just as important as hitting historical site because it allows you to be a part of every day life and feel the city’s soul.

Food

ok, along with cafe culture, Yerevan doesn’t paly when it comes to food.

That’s something I always heard but I just didn’t realize just how serious it was. I am a foodie to the point where I often travel to places specifically for the food. And I do declare Yerevan as an official food destination.

Only caveat is that you really have to be into meat. Sadly this is not the place I would recommend for veggies and vegan. If you love meat, get ready to have your mind blown away.

As a foodie, it was only natural for me to write a dedicated Yerevan food guide. On that blog you will find some fine recommendations on the best places to eat in the pink Armenian city.

Northern Avenue

I stumbled upon this place by accident. It you keep walking to the main street that’s connected to the Republic, you will end up there.

This is one of the main arteries of the city for some shopping, restaurants and more cafes. This spot also offers some of the best people watching in the city.

Swan lake

Towards the end of the Norther Avenue, you will find a nice little park area. There is this beautiful reflective pool that is very peaceful during the summer months. You will find families and kids playing around and there is also a few quirky coffee shops around.

Hire a party bus

Armenians definitely know how to have a good time. They do love a good party. If you happen to be with a group of friends looking to release some steam, I recommend hiring a party bus. It is such a a fun way to get to a place.

In one of my visits, I got to experience it and we didn’t want to get off. It was more of a party van, just big enough for an intimate group of friends.

Check out the night life, Sports bar & lounge scenes

Just like the party bus, the nightlife is not something to be played with. This is serious business in Yerevan. I am not really the craziest party girl but I do like a good vibe and I am very happy to say that I had the chance to sample some of the best nightlife scenes in Yerevan.

One thing that I loved is how cozy some of those places were. I don’t like big nightclubs but absolutely love small cozy spaces. The only downside is that they tend to get crowded very quickly.

Check out my night life, bars and lounges Yerevan travel blog for more details.

Wine Tasting at the “Armenia Wine Company”

Now we are talking.

Yes , I know, I saved the best for last. This is yes, you’ve guessed it, another highlight of my amazing time in Yerevan. I have a whole review on this. But this is NOT at all something you want to miss.

I am a wine obsessed girl and I always do my fair share of attend wine tours all around the world.

This one is very different though and very well rounded. You get to visit the main wine production area. They also have a very elaborate wine museum on site. Do not miss a visit there. There is also another educative area on Brandy, one of Armenia’s specialty.

They also organize private events and concerts. I had the chance to attend a pre-wedding gathering and it was spectacular. There is an expansive view over the vineyards so it is quite magical.

No need to rent the place though, you can also eat at of the few restaurants on site so you can taste their amazing food.

For Fitness Enthusiasts

Wondering where to Train during Your Vacation in Yerevan? Which Gym to go to?

Davis gym

At home, I am a total fitness enthusiast. Between being a dance instructor and doing a bunch of other sports, that has become a lifestyle of sort. And one thing I enjoy doing is having an active vacation while traveling. Now the first time, I ever though of working out while on vacation, it sounded ludicrous. But after that first time, now it pretty much is a staple.

So if you are like me and enjoy breaking a sweat and checking out the fitness scene while away, I totally recommend Davis Gym. This way you get to maintain your routine, have fun on your vacation and not feel bad about eating your weight in food and drinking your way through the city haha

Also check out my upcoming dance wellness retreat and other women tours like the Iceland Viking adventure, for more fun ways to travel around the world with a group of likeminded and awesome ladies.

That said, if fitness isn’t your thing, don’t feel bad about it and just enjoy your hard earned vacation in peace.

Check out “Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Yerevan”

I promise I’ll stop talking about fitness but just before I do, I have to let you know about this amazing martial art gym in Yerevan,

If this is your thing, do not hesitate to drop there for some open mats or some NOGI and Gi fun. The owner is one of the kindest person and the gym will welcome you with an open heart.

Also check out my Jiu jitsu gym travel guide for more reviews on martial art training and traveling all around the world. I am a BJJ practitioner and there is nothing I love more than checking BJJ gyms all around the globe.

Trust me Yerevan is one of my favorite cities in the world and there are so many things to do and see there. I hope you liked this Yerevan travel blog and I will keep updating it as I keep going back to the pink city.

Got more time in Armenia?

Check out my Armenia travel blogs and in-depth guide for more recommendations and the best things to do outside of Yerevan.

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