Every tourist visiting Armenia is first greeted by its capital city Yerevan, a vibrant city with a long history. Although it dates back to 782 B.C., today it’s a modern city with many cafes, museums, and other attractions. This article will explain what to do in Yerevan and how to feel the city vibe.
As the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan presents everything that the country has. First of all, you can see Mount Ararat from downtown Yerevan if you are lucky to live on higher floors. In addition, be ready “to climb the mountains” as some of the Yerevan districts are literally 1,390 m above sea level.
Most of the city buildings are made of tuff, a rock made of compacted volcanic ash. Moreover, Yerevan is often called a pink city as most of the tuff used here is pink.
Besides, the capital city is a perfect destination for food lovers as there are dozens of cafes and restaurants everywhere.
Republic Square
The centerpiece is Republic Square which captivates visitors with its architecture and beautiful pink-colored buildings. Here you can see the governmental buildings and the National Gallery of Armenia. At night the visitors can enjoy a dancing fountain show accompanied by classical music.
Northern Avenue
Northern Avenue is a modern bustling street with stylish stores, cafes, and the pleasant atmosphere of a promenade. If you want to feel Yerevan’s contemporary vibe or listen to different music performances and see the works by street portrait artists, strolling along the avenue is a must.
Cascade
Cascade is not only home to pieces of art but is an iconic landmark in the heart of the city. The complex consists of multiple levels standing on which you can enjoy the beauty of Yerevan and Mount Ararat if you are lucky with weather. There is a number of art installations and sculptures that make it a unique museum under the open sky. The Cafesjian Center for the Arts located here showcases a collection of works by Armenian and foreign artists.
Cascade Yerevan has become a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists in any weather. The streets leading to Cascade are full of cafes where you can enjoy your coffee and a meal looking at the works by contemporary sculptors such as Botero or Lynn Chadwick.
Armenian Genocide Musuem
The Armenian Genocide Memorial is a solemn tribute to the victims of the massacres of 1.5 million Armenians by the Ottoman Empire. The memorial complex consists of an obelisk and 12 slabs representing the provinces affected by the Genocide.
The Museum presents the chronicles of the massacres, while the park near it with trees planted by foreign leaders and diplomats in honor of the memory of the victims.
Armenian markets
Visiting markets is another must-do in the capital city. First go to Vernissage, a street market offering a variety of souvenirs and works by local artists and craftsmen. It is located in downtown Yerevan, just a 5-minute walk from Republic Square.
The foodies will absolutely love the Gum market where you can feel the taste of Armenia. Besides, tourists can hardly leave the market hungry. The sellers offer to taste dried fruits, basturma, cheese, and lavash before you buy something.
Cafes and restaurants
Yerevan has become a gastronomic delight with various spots offering Armenian national dishes and other cuisines. Of course, Armenian cuisine with its rich flavors and culinary heritage is an exceptional attraction. This also includes wine and brandy tasting as it’s an important part of every trip to Armenia.
Local restaurants have menus combing traditional dishes like khorovats (barbecue), tolma, ghapama, harisa, and international flavors. To sum up, Yerevan’s cafes and restaurants provide an enticing array of options to satisfy any food lover’s cravings.
Matenadaran
Museum lovers should start their journey by visiting Matenadaran, the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, and one of the richest book depositories in the world. It has a collection of 17 thousand manuscripts in Armenian and other languages.
Here you can find the world’s smallest book and notable manuscripts as Lazarian Gospel dating back to the 9th century.
Festivals
Yerevan in summer is home to a number of colorful festivals and events. In addition to traditional Yerevan Wine Days, you can also attend Beer Days or Watermelon Festival showcasing the lively spirit of Armenia.
Another notable event is the Golden Apricot International Film Festival which brings together filmmakers and guests. The festivals create a dynamic atmosphere, offering unique opportunities to explore the arts and cultural scene of Yerevan.
What to do in Yerevan with Levon Travel?
Contact Levon Travel agency to have an unforgettable city tour in Yerevan. The professional guides will help you tour the city’s churches, museums, and outdoor markets. We will recommend the best dining options and tours to wine and brandy factories. With Levon Travel as your guide, a tour of the capital city brings unforgettable memories and remarkable discoveries.