12 Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia

The best things to do in Yerevan, Armenia, include exploring the Cascade Complex, visiting the History Museum of Armenia, and strolling through Republic Square. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and one of Europe’s most underrated tourist destinations.

Armenia’s capital is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exciting attractions. Mount Ararat is visible on the horizon and pink tufa stone buildings are lining the streets. Imagine buying handicraft souvenirs in Vernissage Market, watching FC Pyunik, and exploring the Soviet-era architecture.

We curated this list based on expert recommendations, local favorites, and travel reviews. From open-air art installations to cozy cafés and historical landmarks, here are 12 must-do activities in Yerevan.

Table of Contents

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Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia Climb the Yerevan Cascade

Climbing the Cascade 1/5

Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia Explore the History Museum of Armenia

Exploring the History Museum 2/5

Watching FC Pyunik play 3/5

Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia Visit the Cafesjian Museum of Art

Visiting the Cafesjian Museum 4/5

Best Things To Do in Yerevan, Armenia Shop Until Your Drop at Vernissage Market

Shopping at Vernissage 5/5

Results

Climbing the Cascade

9 8

Exploring the History Museum

8 9

Watching FC Pyunik play

7 10

Visiting the Cafesjian Museum

10 7

Shopping at Vernissage

8 9

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Highlights at a Glance

Luxury Hotel in Yerevan: Grand Hotel Yerevan – Small Luxury Hotels of the World features a rooftop pool with city views, a spa with sauna and massages, and an Armenian restaurant overlooking Charles Aznavour Square, just steps from the National Art Gallery.
Mid-range Hotel in Yerevan: National by Stellar Hotels, Yerevan offers spacious Art-Deco rooms, an indoor pool, spa with Turkish bath, and international dining, just a short walk from Republic Square and Fountains Park.
Budget Hotel in Yerevan: The Phoenix Boutique Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with minibars, an indoor pool, and easy access to Yerevan Cascade, Republic Square, and the Blue Mosque.

Climb the Yerevan Cascade – The Yerevan Cascade offers impressive city and mountain views.
Shop until you drop at Vernissage Market – Vernissage Market is the best open-air market in Yerevan.
Explore the History Museum of Armenia – The History Museum of Armenia contains over 400,000 objects.

Climb the Yerevan Cascade

Climbing the Yerevan Cascade is one of the most popular things to do in Yerevan. Located in central Yerevan, this unique structure features terraced gardens and a 991-foot (302-meter) limestone staircase. The staircase connects the lower and upper parts of the city.

There are 572 steps to climb. However, check out the artwork by Colombian artist Fernando Botero before you start the climb. The ‘Smoking Woman’ is a highlight. The climb to the top of Yerevan Cascade might not be easy, but the result is worth the effort.

At the top of the Cascade, you’ll be treated to exceptional city and mountain views. On a clear day, you can see Mount Ararat in the distance.

Escalators Inside the Cascade: If you want to skip the climb or descend easily, use the free indoor escalators inside the Cascade complex. They also give access to modern art exhibitions along the way.

Visit the Cafesjian Museum of Art

Visiting the Cafesjian Museum of Art is one of the best things for art lovers to do in Yerevan. Located within the Yerevan Cascade, you can easily see both attractions on the same day. Opened in 2009, the museum prides itself on bringing the best of contemporary art to Armenia.

The Fernando Botero sculptures at the base of the Yerevan Cascade belong to the museum. Inside the museum, you’ll find a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibits from various artists, including Grigor Khanjyan and Gayane Avetissian. Highlights include Mejtegh (In Between), Mural by Grigor Khanjyan, and the Swarovski Crystal Palace.

Cafesjian Museum of Art’s exhibitions are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 until 18:00 or 8:00 until 20:00.

Best Time for Views: For the clearest view of Mount Ararat, I found that late afternoon on a clear day worked best. The sunset glow makes the mountain stand out beautifully.

Shop Until You Drop at Vernissage Market

Vernissage Market is arguably the best place to go shopping in Yerevan. This large open-air market is the biggest outdoor market in the capital, occupying all of Charles Aznavour Square. The market opened in the 1980s when local artists started displaying their artwork.

Since then, the market/art exhibition has transformed into a treasure trove of goodies. No matter what you want to buy, you’ll likely find it in Vernissage Market. You can expect to see everything from carpets and canvasses to antiques and handmade souvenirs.

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth walking through the market to soak up the atmosphere and people-watch. However, we highly recommend picking up a souvenir. Vernissage Market is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.

Best Day for Unique Finds: I found that weekends are the best time to visit Vernissage Market. More local artists and craftsmen set up stalls then, offering unique, handmade pieces you won’t see during the week.
Cash is Essential: Most vendors don’t accept cards, so bring cash in Armenian dram. Small bills are especially handy for bargaining, which is common and expected here.

Explore the History Museum of Armenia

The History Museum of Armenia is one of Yerevan’s most interesting and historic tourist attractions. For starters, it became the first museum of the Republic of Armenia when it was founded in 1919. Secondly, it contains over 400,000 objects connected to Armenia’s history and culture.

A history enthusiast’s dream, this fascinating museum has many exhibitions you won’t want to miss. This includes an archaeological collection containing paleolithic objects from up to one million years ago. The documentary collection, which features negatives from 1878 to 2000, is also super interesting.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00 or 17:00. Tickets cost 2,500 AMD ($6.28) for adults and 1,250 AMD ($3.14) for children.

Audio Guides for Deeper Insight: I recommend renting the audio guide at the entrance. It offers detailed explanations in multiple languages and helped me better understand Armenia’s complex history without joining a group tour.
Combo Visit with Republic Square: Since the museum is right on Republic Square, time your visit to catch the evening musical fountain show (starting around 20:00). It’s a great way to end the day after immersing yourself in Armenia’s past.

Watch a Soccer Match

Sports lovers visiting Yerevan for the first time will be pleased to hear that Armenia’s capital is home to several soccer clubs. That said, it would be rude not to attend at least one football match during your visit. Three teams based in Yerevan currently play in Armenia’s top division (Armenian Premier League).

The most successful team in Yerevan is FC Pyunik, which plays at the Pyunik Stadium. FC Pyunik has won the Armenian Premier League 16 times and currently sits third, three points behind the league leaders. The Stadium has a capacity of 14,403, so an exciting atmosphere can be expected.

Alternatively, you could watch FC Ararat-Armenia, who currently sit 4th in the Armenian Premier League.

Arrive Early for the Atmosphere: Getting to Pyunik Stadium at least 30 minutes before kickoff lets you soak in the lively pre-match atmosphere. Local fans are passionate, and joining them as they sing and cheer adds to the experience.
Post-Match Eats – Pandok Yerevan: After the game, I grabbed dinner at Pandok Yerevan nearby. It’s a popular spot for hearty Armenian meals like khorovats (barbecue) and dolma, perfect for refueling after the match.

Have Fun at Yerevan Zoo

Having fun at Yerevan Zoo is one of the most exciting, family-friendly things to do in Yerevan. Also known as the Zoological Garden of Yerevan, this zoo spans 86 acres (35 hectares) and has over 700 animals from more than 120 species. The zoo is split into five sections:

Predators
Birds
Ungulates
Primates
Aquarium

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Visitors are allowed to walk around the zoo as they please, or they can plan their visit around feeding times. During feeding, the zookeepers tell guests more about the animals. Asian elephants, lions, tigers, and mandrills are among the animals you don’t want to miss at Yerevan Zoo.

Tickets for Yerevan Zoo cost 1,000 AMD ($2.51). Meanwhile, the zoo is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.

Visit During Feeding Times: I recommend checking the feeding schedule at the entrance. I caught the tiger feeding, and the zookeeper’s talk gave interesting insights into the animals’ behaviors you wouldn’t get otherwise.
Bring Snacks or Picnic Supplies: The on-site food options are limited, so I packed some snacks and enjoyed them at the shaded picnic areas. It’s a great way to take a break, especially if you’re visiting with kids.

Ride the Yerevan Metro

Riding the metro is one of the most unusual activities in Yerevan. While we wouldn’t normally consider a city’s metro system a tourist attraction, things are very different in Yerevan. Unlike other metro stations worldwide, the Yerevan Metro, also known as the Karen Demirchyan Yerevan Subway, is wonderful.

This small metro system, with 10 stations, is intricately decorated with national motifs, vibrant murals, and dazzling mosaics. Even the retro-style trains are adorned with colorful mosaic patterns. Riding the Yerevan Metro is a pleasure.

This is something we can’t say about other metro systems worldwide. Some stations have water fountains and magnificent archways. Yeritasardakan Metro and Republic Square Metro are two stations with artwork and beautiful architecture.

Cheap and Easy Fare: A single ride costs just 100 AMD ($0.25). I grabbed a reusable token at any station—simple and affordable for getting around the city quickly.
Best Route for Sightseeing: I recommend riding from Republic Square to Barekamutyun station. This route passes some of the most beautifully designed stations, letting you admire the mosaics and architecture without backtracking.

Stroll Around Republic Square

Republic Square is Yerevan’s beating heart. Constructed between 1926 and 1977, this is where many locals gather, especially in the evening. This grand square is an excellent place to soak up the city’s atmosphere and admire local architecture. It features many breathtaking buildings, including the Government of the Republic of Armenia building.

The square is also home to a gorgeous clock bell tower and water fountains. In the evening, the water fountains in Republic Square become the star attraction with vibrant light displays and music. Meanwhile, in spring and summer, colorful tulips and roses bloom around the edge of the square.

We recommend spending an hour in the evening walking around the square, taking photographs and watching the world go by.

Catch the Fountain Show: The musical fountain show starts around 20:00 daily from May to October. I arrived 15 minutes early for a good spot—standing near the History Museum gives the best panoramic view.
Visit the Square at Night: I loved how the buildings light up after dark, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. The atmosphere is lively, with street performers and locals enjoying the cool evening air.

Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful sights in Yerevan. Initially constructed in the 18th century, this gorgeous building was designed in the style of Shia mosques. However, it was reconstructed in the 20th century.

Today, the Blue Mosque features a vibrant dome and a stunning, intricately designed mosaic facade. It’s a location you simply have to photograph. Inside, this mosque has a prayer room, conference room, library, and a courtyard with fountains and flowerbeds. Aside from looking beautiful, the Blue Mosque is a site of significant importance in Yerevan.

It’s the most prominent place of worship for the city’s Shia Muslim community. The mosque is free to enter, but tourists can only visit outside prayer times.

Best Time for Quiet Visits: I visited mid-morning on a weekday, which was peaceful and perfect for photos without crowds. Avoid Fridays, as prayer services mean limited tourist access.
Dress Modestly: To enter the mosque, you’ll need to dress modestly—covering shoulders and knees. I brought a light scarf, which came in handy for respectful entry.

Explore Sergei Parajanov House Museum

Exploring the Sergei Parajanov House Museum is one of the lesser-known things to do in Yerevan. The Armenian capital has more than 40 museums, so visiting them all in one trip is impossible. Therefore, the Sergei Parajanov House Museum often goes under the radar.

This small museum is dedicated to the life and work of Sergei Parajanov, a 20th-century artist, author, and screenwriter. Inside, you’ll find a collection of his works, including photographs, collages, scripts, and unproduced plays. The museum contains 1,759 works of art and 69 temporary exhibits.

As a result, there’s no better place in the world to learn about Sergei Parajanov. Entrance tickets for the museum cost 1,500 AMD ($3.77).

Guided Tour for Extra Insight: I opted for the guided tour (available for a small additional fee) and found it worthwhile. The guide shared fascinating stories about Parajanov’s life and artistic vision that aren’t included in the exhibit descriptions.
Combine with Hrazdan Gorge Walk: The museum is near Hrazdan Gorge. After my visit, I took a relaxing walk along the gorge for scenic views and a quieter side of Yerevan.

Enjoy a Walk Around Victory Park

Victory Park is one of the nicest places to enjoy a walk in Yerevan. This picturesque green space can be found in the Kanaker-Zeytun District of Yerevan, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets and squares. It features scenic walking paths lined with trees, flower beds, and many things to see.

There is even an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and other fairground rides for children to enjoy. As you walk around the park, look for various sculptures, such as the beautiful Statue of Mother Armenia. In fact, you should make a conscious effort to find this statue because the city views from it are outstanding.

You could pack a picnic and spend all afternoon at Victory Park.

Take the Cascade Route for Scenic Views: I walked to Victory Park by climbing the Yerevan Cascade. It’s a bit of a workout, but the panoramic city views along the way and at the top near Mother Armenia are worth it.
Sunset at Mother Armenia Statue: I recommend timing your visit around sunset. The viewpoint near the statue offers incredible golden-hour views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat in the distance.

Watch a Performance at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre

Watching a performance at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the most unique things to do in Yerevan. Known by the locals as Opera, this beautiful venue has entertained visitors since 1935 when Swan Lake became the theater’s first performance. Today, the theater still hosts a wide range of performances and shows for guests to enjoy.

This includes popular shows like Swan Lake and the Nutcracker and countless ballet performances throughout the year. You can purchase tickets for one of the shows from the official ticket office.

If you don’t want to watch a performance, you should at least visit the theater. Lush gardens and statues surround this stunning structure.

Explore Freedom Square: I recommend arriving early to stroll around Freedom Square, which surrounds the theater. It’s lively in the evening, with locals gathering and street musicians performing.