The 8 things to do in Yerevan

Would you like to visit Yerevan? Discover the best things to do and see in the Armenian capital!

Do you want to discover Armenia? Like many countries, its capital is a must. Founded in 782 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in the world. So we let you imagine the historical wealth it holds... And his treasures of the past blend perfectly with the modern constructions of today.

Today Erevan is a pleasant and dynamic capital, where almost half of the Armenian population is concentrated. Walking around the streets promises a colorful moment, thanks to the artisanal boutiques and the outdoor markets that jealousize them. A real treat for the eyes, but also taste buds. Culture is also not the rest since Erevan hosts many festivals every year, and has more than 40 museums and art galleries.

There are really great things to see and do in Yerevan, not forgetting its surroundings that offer many treasures. So follow us, we tell you everything you need to know to visit Yerevan and not lose a miette!

1. Flâner sur la Place de la République

What are you asking about Erevan? The place of the Republic is a compulsory passage. It is the central point of the city where the institutions of the capital gather together, with the government house on the front line, but not that. You will also find the Museum of History of Armenia, with a beautiful fountain right in front of it.

It is a magnificent square with pink tones, where it is pleasant to stroll and observe life that beats its full. In the evening you will have the pleasure of listening to the musicians who come to perform, with the water jets of the fountain in the backdrop.

2. Collect at the Tsitsernakaberd: the Armenian Genocide Memorial and its Museum

Impossible to visit Yerevan without passing through the sadly famous Memorial Armenian Genocide . As its name suggests, this memorial was erected as a memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide perpetrated by the Young Turks government between 1915 and 1916. Its granite tip, 44 metres high, represents the renaissance of the Armenian nation. Later, 12 stele are arranged in a circle with in its centre, the eternal flame, where thousands of people come to gather every 24 April.

The visit of his underground museum, opened in 1995, is paradoxically as interesting as violent. Indeed, it retraces, with images, the trauma suffered by the Armenians, and brings a poignant testimony to this sad part of their history. A place full of emotions not to be missed if you visit Yerevan.

3. Discover the Monument des Cascades

Visiting the waterfall is a real must-see in Yerevan. At first sight, it is a nice park composed of different gardens in terraces and fountains, all connected by a wide staircase. But it is also a museum of art on 4 levels, embedded in the hill: the centre of Arts Cafesjian. You can admire various contemporary art exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, drawings and reprographies by local and foreign artists.

His access is totally free. Do not miss the last terrace, located 78 meters high, from which the view of Mount Ararat is magnificent.

4. Visit the Matenadaran library

Going to visit Yerevan, discover one of the richest places of manuscripts and documents deposits in the world: the Matenadaran library.

It is no less than 17,000 manuscripts and 300,000 archival documents that lie between its walls. The museum contains works that could be described as true treasures on all subjects: history, philosophy, mathematics or medicine. It is also here that you will find the largest Armenian manuscript in the world, weighing nearly 35 kg. Dorms, lights, gold leaves... The enthusiasts like the curious will surely be marvelled in this place out of time!

5. Explore the Armenian History Museum

You can’t visit Yerevan without discovering The History Museum of Armenia. Located on the Place de la République, in the same building as the National Gallery of Armenia, this museum is a must-see in the city, without doubt. You will discover about 400,000 pieces through various collections, representing the culture and art of this country and its neighbouring regions, through centuries past!

6. Discover the Cathedral of Saint Gregory, the illuminator of Yerevan

Visiting Yerevan is discovering one of the most famous cathedrals in the country, the Cathedral of Saint Gregory, the illuminator of Yerevan. It is also the largest church in the country. Located in the Kentron district, it is in fact a complex composed of three churches: the cathedral and the two chapels. Quite recent, since it was built in 1997, it is dedicated to Grégoire l’illuminateur, as its name suggests.

7. Visit the Blue Mosque

If there is something to do in Yerevan, it is to visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, which, as its name suggests, draws the eye with the blue of its outer mosaics.

You will find it near the Place de la République in Mashtots Street. Built in the 18th century, it was transformed into a history museum during the Soviet period, which then prohibited all religions. Following the collapse of the Union, the Armenian government decided to renovate the mosque.

Today, the Blue Mosque is the only mosque active in the city. Inside this vast monument, you will find several rooms of great beauty, as well as a lovely garden.

8. Explore the surroundings

Lake Sevan

Coming to Erevan, don't miss a tour of Lake Sevan. Located just an hour’s drive from the capital, in the Gegharkunik region, it would be a shame to pass next to this magical place called “the pearl of Armenia”. Russian writer Maxime Gorki said that it was a “piece of heaven that would have fallen on earth among the mountains”.

With an area of 1,300 km2, Lake Sevan is the second largest mountain lake in the world at 1900 m altitude, after Titicaca. Surrounded by mountains, it is the perfect place to relax, stroll along its banks, swim, and spend a pleasant time.

Le Mont Ararat

If we were to mention a single national symbol of Armenia, it would certainly be Mount Ararat (although it is now located partly in Turkish territory). For the little anecdote, this volcano is considered to be the place where the ark of Noah failed.

This incredible dormant volcano is also covered with eternal snow, and peaks at 5,137 meters. Only seasoned mountaineers can try their ascent. But you can still enjoy this magical setting by hiking to reach the high plateaus around it. Do not miss under any pretext if you come to visit Yerevan!

The monastery of Geghard

You can't visit Yerevan without a tour at the Geghard monastery, located 35 km from the city. Also known as Sainte-Lance de Geghard, this Armenian monastery is located in the Marz de Kotayk. The cliffs around it overlook the Azat valley.

It is in fact a monastic complex, founded around the thirteenth century, which blends completely into the rock of the mountains it occupies. Its unique Armenian medieval architecture is worth registering on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

The Greek temple of Garni

What to do in Yerevan? Discover the Greek temple of Garni, no doubt. Located not far from the monastery of Geghard, it allows an ideal combo with the latter for a day of discovery around Yerevan.

This temple of the Hellenistic era, dating from -300 BC, is the last pagan temple in the country. He collapsed in 1679 following an earthquake and was rebuilt with his original stones in the 1970s. Its beauty is worth it today to be classified as a UNESCO heritage.

How to get to Yerevan?

By plane

To come and visit Yerevan, unless you start on a road trip of more than 4000 km, the easiest will of course be to fly. A direct flight in less than 5 hours will take you straight to the capital. However, many flights that are offered offer a stopover Frankfurt or Brussels according to the company chosen.

To get tickets at the best price, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison like Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Yerevan?

If you choose to visit Yerevan, there is no concern about accommodation. Because like any capital, it is full of accommodations for all desires and budgets. In addition, they are very cheap in general.

For smaller budgets, you can opt for a hostel less than 10€ per night for a dorm bed. Also know that for less than 50€, you can sleep in a beautiful hotel, very comfortable. And why not offer you a night in a luxury hotel? Indeed, here, for a hundred euros, you can spend the night in a hotel of high standing. So this is the opportunity to please you! And to find the best prices, do not hesitate to search for a Compare hotels online.

Do you like feeling at home? Then direction the platform Airbnb to find the apartment or house of your dreams and spend a pleasant stay.

So you're ready to go to Yerevan? Be ready to be conquered!