You don’t know what to see in Yerevan, but are you already planning a visit to this hospitable city? Then read our review about the most popular sights of Yerevan, and you will be able to make an excursion route yourself.
What is the first thing to see in Yerevan?
1. The Cascade Complex
The Cascade complex consists of five outdoor terraces
A unique architectural composition that unites two parts of the city. This landmark of Yerevan, located on the top of the Kanaker Hills, includes artistically decorated and arranged flower beds, artificial fountains, sculptural compositions (including a monument to architect Tamanyan) and staircase structures. There is also a main building and a memorial erected in honor of the victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915.
Official website: https://www.cmf.am
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2. Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
View of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
More than 50 years ago, a memorial was created on the top of Tsitsernakaberd Mountain in honor of one and a half million Armenians who died from the Turkish genocide. Today it is a sacred place of pilgrimage for many thousands of believers from different parts of the world.
Official website: https://www.genocide-museum.am
3. Republic Square
Oval Republic Square with fountains singing in the evenings
The main clock of the state with bells and 2,750 small fountains are considered to be the real decoration of the square. If you don’t know what to see in Yerevan in 1 day, come here. Within walking distance of each other are: the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Post Office of Armenia, the Government Building with city chimes and the National Museum of History. By the way, if you are interested in the best hotels in Yerevan, Marriott Armenia will offer its services here.
Official website: https://www.yerevan.am
4. Armenian Government Building
The facade of the Armenian government building overlooks Revolution Square
A luxurious polygonal building with a spacious courtyard. The building with a basalt base is built of white and pink felsite tuff. The interior space is reserved for a reception hall, a press center and Government meeting rooms. In addition to the meetings themselves, exhibitions are often held here for residents and visitors of the city.
5. Charles Aznavour Square
Charles Aznavour Square is named after the famous GeoO chansonnier.
Let’s continue to make a rating with a story about the attraction of Armenia, which is especially loved not only by tourists, but also by the people of Yerevan themselves. About 15 years ago, the beautiful semicircular square was renamed in honor of an honorary citizen of the country – Charles personally attended its reopening. The central part is decorated with 12 fountains. There are also majestic statues of a bull and a spider, and a huge chess board. In good weather, youth festivals, shows and rock band performances are held on the square.
Check out the beautiful places of Yerevan in this wonderful video!
6. Northern Avenue
Severny Prospekt is a pedestrian street for shoppers Dmitry Karyshev
The entire avenue is a pedestrian zone. High-rise buildings with bars, souvenir shops, restaurants and business centers are located on the left and right sides. All high-rise buildings are decorated with pink tuff and travertine. The width and length of the pedestrian street are 10 m and 1.5 km. accordingly. We especially recommend traveling along this avenue for shopping enthusiasts.
7. The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque symbolizes the fortress of Armenian-Iranian friendship
The territory of the temple complex is about 7 thousand square meters. m. It includes: a library, a minaret, a dome, an exhibition hall, a ritual building and a well-maintained courtyard. The only Muslim cathedral in Armenia got its name due to the cladding of the appropriate color. No matter what religion you are, you should not refuse an excursion to the Blue Mosque in Yerevan. According to the reviews, every tourist feels calm and happy here.
Official website: https://yerevanmasjed.ir
8. St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in one of the picturesque parks of the city
Your trip around the capital cannot be complete until you visit one of the most impressive and significant sites in the city. Inside the cathedral, there are relics formerly located in the Naples monastery and associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator. The temple buildings have a picturesque and incredibly spectacular view, including because they are located against the backdrop of mountain peaks.
9. St. Zoravor Church
The altar in the Church of St. Zoravor Diego Delso
The ancient medieval temple with a well-maintained territory has a strict appearance and no less ascetic interior decoration. In the halls of the three-nave basilica without domes, the relics of the Apostle Ananias, who founded the church of St. Zoravor back in the 7th century, rest under the foundation slab. The vestibules are decorated with domed belfries, and the walls are decorated with 17th–century khachkars.
10. The monument “Mother Armenia”
The monument “Mother Armenia” was erected in 1967 in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War
You don’t need any navigator recommendations or guides in Yerevan to find this architectural and historical monument. The statue, 22 m high, stands on a pedestal more than 50 m high: you can see it from anywhere in the capital. The pedestal is made of black granite with carved patterns, the “Mother Armenia” itself is made of forged copper.
Official website: https://www.atb.am
11. Matenadaran
St. Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts
It is impossible to call the Matenadaran an ordinary museum. The ancient exhibits presented are examples of ancient medicine and art, handicrafts and science, and the first written language. It is in this scientific research center that the most ancient manuscripts of the Armenian people are kept.
Official website: https://www.matenadaran.am
12. Sculpture “Smoking woman”
Sculpture “Smoking woman” at the Art Center “Gafeschyan” (Cascade) Dmitry Karyshev
One of the three sculptures by the famous master Fernando Botero, made in the form of a rather plump naked lady reclining with a cigarette in her hands on her stomach. If you are interested in the best sights of Yerevan, by all means come take a look at it, Colombian Botero is one of the highest paid modern sculptors in the world.
Official website: https://www.cmf.am
13. Yerevan brandy factory “ArArAt”
The building of Yerevan brandy factory “ArArAt” Vicuna R
Visitors are invited to buy and taste local alcoholic beverages, observe the process of their production and listen to the story of the founding of the legendary enterprise. Even if you don’t want to inspect the cognac barrels in the basement or visit the tasting rooms, come to this factory by all means. You will be able to walk along the alley of evergreen trees in the courtyard, planted by honored guests of the factory.
Official website: https://araratbrandy.com
14. Yerevan Railway Station
Yerevan Railway Station stands on David Sasunsky Square Clay Gilliland
The majestic monument of Sasunzi David stands on the forecourt, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture. The modern Yerevan railway station can be called a complex with a long history. The main building with the administrative building and side porticoes is made of pink tuff, which is familiar to the capital. The exterior cornices and columns attract attention with their decor – stone bunches of grapes and national Armenian ornaments.
15. Historical Museum and Art Gallery of Armenia
Historical Museum and Art Gallery of Armenia on Republic Square Rita Willaert
This is one of those places where you should go with a guide in Yerevan. The fact is that almost all the signatures of the expositions are presented in Armenian. The museum shares a common area with a gallery of unique paintings. Its territory is divided into several departments, including the department of Historical Architecture, numismatics, ethnography and archeology. The samples belong to completely different eras – from the Stone Age to the end of the 19th century.
Official website: https://historymuseum.am
16. Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre
The southern facade of the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater and Freedom Square
A wonderful place for those who are passionate about music and don’t know what to visit in Armenia. If you don’t want to buy fairly inexpensive tickets for opera and ballet performances, enjoy the unique architectural look of the building. Nearby there is a beautiful park, many outdoor cafes, playgrounds and the most beautiful Freedom Square in the city.
Official website: http://opera.am/ru/
17. Sergei Parajanov Museum
The museum is dedicated to the avant-garde director who made Armenian cinema famous all over the world. Սէրուժ
It is most interesting to visit this private museum as part of an excursion group. The two-storey building is located above the gorge, which offers wonderful panoramic views from the windows. The house was built for the great director, but he did not manage to live there. More than one and a half thousand exhibits and exhibition archives are related to Parajanov’s life, work and thoughts.
Official website: https://parajanovmuseum.am
18. Dalan Art Gallery
Entrance to the building of the Dalan Armineaghayan Art Gallery
In addition to permanent exhibitions of post-Soviet art masters, temporary exhibitions of artists of our time are held here. The art halls offer not only to enjoy paintings, but also to taste national dishes and buy traditional souvenirs.
Official website: https://dalan.am
19. The Megerian Carpet Museum
Armenian carpets from different schools of Lori-m
The collection features over 50 rare ancient carpets, including a unique hand-woven carpet from the 17th century. During the tour, you can hear a lot of fascinating stories about the production of products, as well as buy your favorite carpet made of natural materials or place an order for its creation (the cost of offers varies). All products are woven exclusively by hand. Master classes are held for those who want to try their hand at weaving carpets. The complex combines a restaurant, a museum, a shop and a factory. You can try baking pita bread, or just enjoy national dishes and drinks, dance and listen to music.
20. Vernissage Flea Market
Handmade dolls at the Vernissage flea market
Visiting such interesting places in Yerevan, it is impossible to leave the capital empty-handed. Handmade dolls, national musical instruments, plates, dishes, paintings, carpets, ceramics, board games, and wood products are offered here. Antiques are also found. In most cases, the cost of products is affordable and low (unless we are talking about collectibles, of which there are also a lot). The market’s opening hours are every day. However, we recommend that you come here on Saturday and Sunday – the maximum number of products will be available.
Official website: https://www.iarmenia.org
Sights of Yerevan: what else to visit in Yerevan?
We have told you about the main sights of Yerevan briefly. Apart from them, you should also visit:
21. Yerevan Zoo
Vultures at Tiia Monto Zoo in Yerevan
The date of the zoo’s construction is more than 75 years ago. Currently, more than 200 species of various inhabitants live on an area of 25 hectares. You can look at animals and birds and take pictures with them. In addition, the landscaped park offers plenty of entertainment for guests of all ages. The zoo has an excellent reputation due to the cleanliness of the picturesque territory, the well-groomed animals and the impressive size of their enclosures.
Official website: https://www.yerevanzoo.am
22. Lovers’ Park
Waterfall in Lovers’ Park iretina
A wonderful public place for recreation, the amphitheater of which regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and musical performances. One of the decorations of the park is a sculpture in honor of G. Emin. The landscaped grounds have a small outdoor restaurant, fountains, sculptures and an artificial lake with several islands. Free Wi-Fi is provided for all guests of the Lovers’ Park. The main author of the project is the famous Swiss Pierre Rambach.
Official website: https://www.bg.am
23. Erebuni Fortress
Ruins of an ancient city in the Ararat Valley
The “bloody” fortress got its name due to the fact that it is located on the top of the Arin-Berd hill, covered with poppies. During the flowering of plants, the mountain seems to be drenched in blood. Arriving to explore the fortress city, you should visit its museum – there are exhibits here that tell about the traditions and way of life of the Urartu culture. At the foot of the mountain there are many unusual monuments (modern sculptural compositions). From the fortress itself, you can see panoramic views of Ararat and the capital.
Official website: https://www.erebuni.am
24. Virap Choir
Khor Virap Monastery on the background of Mount Ararat
An Armenian temple located near the border with Turkey. One of the reasons for its fame is its location near Ararat. It was at the foot of the biblical mountain that Noah found himself on his ark after the Great Flood. Visitors are invited to participate in the ceremonies of releasing snow-white pigeons, and a visit to the historical underground dungeon where St. George the Illuminator was held, and to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is possible.
Official website: https://www.armeniapedia.org
25. St. Anne’s Church
St. Anna’s Church in Kentron district of Yerevan Valen1988
The real treasure trove of Armenian cultural sites and ancient monuments is the ancient city of Yerevan. The mountains surrounding the capital frame the urban landscapes with a picturesque setting, and the best way to relax in nature is to travel outside Yerevan. But having limited time to explore the city, it’s still worth starting with the city’s historical monuments and shrines. St. Anna’s Church is a new building, built in 2015. The decoration of the temple made of light stone in the traditional style of Armenian architecture conveys a certain spirit of antiquity. The building is located in the Kentron area next to the 12th-century Katogike Church. The original design of the building belongs to the architect V.Movsisyan – it was according to his idea that the church of St. Anna is located next to the ancient chapel, and visually “embraces” the ancient shrine. The structure is a single-domed temple in the shape of a cross.
26. Freedom Square
Freedom Square and the southern facade of the Opera House in Yerevan Spetsnaz 1981
Golden Autumn is the epithet that best describes the second month of autumn in Yerevan: the yellowing foliage gives the local parks and squares a special charm. And in October, the townspeople celebrate Yerevan’s birthday, one of their favorite local holidays, when interesting events are held in various parts of the capital, and one of the epicenters of the holiday falls on Freedom Square. Knowing this, visitors do not think for a long time about what to see in Yerevan in October, and plan their trip in such a way as to visit Freedom Square during the holiday. This is a cozy place in the heart of Yerevan, where the main salt of the city’s attractions is concentrated — for example, here you can see the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater, a number of monuments to cultural figures, there is even a small lake called Swan Lake, which in winter becomes a large skating rink. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants here — in short, this is the best area of Yerevan for exploring the Armenian capital.
27. Aram Khachaturian House Museum
The House Museum of the Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian in the center of the Armenian capital Yerevan Armineaghayan
The capital of Armenia is full of contrasts — the seedy places of Yerevan are adjacent to cultural institutions, and a network of ancient streets with colorful oriental architecture is woven into modern urban neighborhoods. One of the precious pearls of Yerevan is the house museum of the great composer Aram Khachaturian, who is especially revered in Armenia as the author of world—famous musical works and as a genius who opened a fundamentally new perspective on the ancient folk music of Armenia. The museum was established in 1982 after the death of the composer in the very center of the capital, so that the fame of the musical genius would not fade for many years. The most valuable exhibits reflecting the composer’s life are collected in these walls — these are things from his personal office, letters, and photographs. There is even a personal conductor’s baton and a piano, at which the composer created. The museum has a library with a collection of musical scores.
Official website: https://www.khachaturian.am
28. The Museum of Russian Art
The main entrance to the Museum of Russian Art in Yerevan
The exhibition halls of the Museum of Russian Art in Yerevan Armineaghayan
Tourists usually try to come to Yerevan in spring or summer, but what to see in Yerevan in winter? Winter is a low tourist season for Armenia, but some tourists like it. Fortunately, Yerevan’s museums operate normally in winter and you can combine the useful with the pleasant, escaping from the winter cold during an educational tour. For example, visit the Museum of Russian Art, whose exposition is based on the collection of the famous doctor and public figure Aram Abrahamyan. Russian Russian art presents the best period in the history of Russian art, during which the world-renowned masters of the Russian art school created their masterpieces. The museum was founded in 1984, located on the ground floor of one of the most beautiful city buildings. The exhibition is based on the works of 120 painters from the 19th and 20th centuries, with many works grouped by associations in which the artists were members during their lifetime.
29. Martiros Saryan House Museum
Sophie Sarian House Museum of the outstanding artist of the twentieth century Martiros Saryan in Yerevan
A collection related to the life and work of the famous Armenian artist M. Saryan Armineaghayan
Another cultural institution worth entering the top 10 sights of Yerevan is the Martiros Saryan House Museum, which is a collection of fine art by the great Armenian artist. Saryan was a master of decorative landscapes, colorful still lifes, characteristic portraits, theatrical decorations and literary illustrations. For his special style of writing, this artist was called a master of solar art. In total, Saryan wrote about 5,000 works, which are now represented in many museums in Russia and Armenia. But the works that are shown in the House Museum are quite enough to study the creative path of the master. The ground floor of the building features graphic sketches, illustrations, sketches for decorations, as well as a memorial room with the painter’s personal belongings. The second floor contains the author’s main masterpieces — landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. The third floor shows the earliest period of his work.
Official website: https://sarian.am
30. Museum of Modern Art
Collection of Armenian sculpture and paintings of the XX and XXI centuries at the Preacher lad Museum of Modern Art
July is a sunny season in Yerevan, it’s time for country trips to nature. Guests of the capital will not have to choose what to see in Yerevan in July for a long time — the choice of destinations is very wide. These are the waterfalls of Jemruk, and mineral springs, and the enchanting forests of Dilijan, and many more interesting things. But a country trip can be complemented by an evening promenade along the city avenues, when the heat of the day is gone and the long-awaited coolness sets in. On Republic Square— admire the magnificent show of singing fountains, or dilute a relaxing holiday with an informative visit to the Museum of Modern Art. Going deeper into history, it is worth noting that the museum was founded in the 1970s solely on donations from artists. Today, these walls house one of the largest collections of Armenian paintings and sculptures dating back to the 20th and 21st centuries. And the exposition is based on the works of the “sixties”, from which the museum collection originated.
Official website: https://www.mamy.am
We will be glad if the sights of Yerevan that we have indicated, the photos with the names and descriptions of which you have just seen, will interest you and your family.
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