Best attractions in Yerevan: Top 30

Do not know what to see in Yerevan, but 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 a tour itinerary on your own.

What to see in Yerevan first of all?

1. Cascade” complex

Cascade complex of five open terraces

A unique architectural composition uniting two parts of the city. This Yerevan landmark, located at the top of Kanaker hills, includes artistically decorated and ordered according to a certain system flower gardens, artificial fountains, sculptural compositions (including a monument to the architect Tamanyan) and staircase structures. There is also a main building and a memorial erected in honor of the Armenian victims of the 1915 genocide.

Official website: http://www.cmf.am/Contacts



2. Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

View of Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

More than 50 years ago, the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial was established on top of Mount Tsitsernakaberd 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 all over the world.

Official website: http://www.genocide-museum



3. Republic Square

Oval Republic Square with fountains that sing in the evening

The real decoration of the square are considered the main clock of the state with bells and 2750 small fountains. If you do not know what to see in Yerevan in 1 day, come here. Within walking distance from each other are: the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Post Office of Armenia, the Government building with the city chimes and the National Museum of History. By the way, if you are interested in the best hotels in Yerevan, Marriott Armenia offers its services here.

Official site: https://www.yerevan.am/ru/

4. Armenian Government Building

The façade of the Armenian government building faces Revolution Square

A luxurious building of polygonal shape with a spacious courtyard. The building with a basalt base is built of felsite tuff of white and pink color. The interior space is used as a reception room, press center, and rooms for meetings of the government. In addition to the meetings themselves, exhibitions for residents and visitors are often held here.

5. Charles Aznavour Square

Charles Aznavour Square is named after the famous chansonnier GeoO

Let’s continue our rating with a story about that Armenian landmark, which is particularly beloved 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 was personally present at its reopening. The central part is decorated with 12 fountains. There are also majestic statues of a bull and a spider and a huge chessboard. In good weather on the square are held youth festivals, shows and performances of rock bands.

Watch the beautiful sights of Yerevan in this wonderful video!

6. Northern Ave

Northern Avenue is a pedestrian street for shopping lovers Dmitry Karyshev

The whole avenue is a pedestrian zone. On the left and right sides are multistory buildings with bars, souvenir shops, restaurants and business centers. All high-rise buildings are finished with pink tufa and travertine. The width and length of the pedestrian street is 10 m and 1.5 km respectively. We especially recommend a trip along this avenue for shopping lovers.

7. Blue mosque

The Blue Mosque symbolizes the fortress of Armenian-Iranian friendship

The territory of the temple complex is about 7 thousand square meters. It includes a library, a minaret, a dome, an exhibition hall, a ritual building and a well-kept courtyard. The only Muslim cathedral in Armenia got its name thanks to the facing in the corresponding color. No matter what religion you are, you should not refuse from excursion in Yerevan to the Blue Mosque. As the reviews say, every tourist feels calm and happy here.

Official website: http://yerevanmasjed.

8. Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator

The Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in one of the picturesque parks of the city

Your trip around the capital is not complete until you visit one of the city’s most imposing and significant sites. Inside the cathedral are relics formerly held in a Naples monastery and associated with St. Gregory the Illuminator. The buildings of the temple have a picturesque and incredibly breathtaking view, also because they are set against a backdrop of mountain peaks.

9. Church of St. Zoravor

Altar in the Church of St. Zoravor Diego Delso

The ancient medieval church with its well-kept grounds has an austere exterior and an equally ascetic interior. In the halls of the three-nave basilica without domes under the foundation slab rest the relics of the Apostle Ananias, who founded the Church of St. Zoravora back in the 7th century. The narthexes are decorated with domed bell towers, the walls with 17th century cross-stones.

10. Monument “Mother Armenia”

Monument "Mother Armenia" was erected in 1967 in honor of the victory in the Great Patriotic War

To find this architectural and historical monument you don’t need the recommendations of the navigator and guides in Yerevan. The statue is 22 meters high and stands on a pedestal more than 50 meters high: you can see it from anywhere in the capital. The pedestal is made of black granite with carved patterns, the “Mother Armenia” herself is made of forged copper.

Official website: http://www.atb.am/en/

11. Matenadaran

The St. Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran

It is impossible to call Matenadaran an ordinary museum. The ancient exhibits on display are samples of ancient medicine and art, hand craftsmanship and science, the first written language. It is in this research center that the most ancient manuscripts of the Armenian people are preserved.

Official website: http://www.matenadaran

12. The “Smoking Woman” Sculpture

Smoking Woman Sculpture at the "Gafeschyan" Art Center (Cascade) Dmitry Karyshev

One of the three sculptures by the famous master Fernando Botero, made in the form of a rather plump nude lady, reclining with a cigarette in her hands on her stomach. If you are interested in the best sights in Yerevan, be sure to come take a look at it, the Colombian Botero is one of the highest paid contemporary sculptors in the world.

Official website: http://www.cmf.am

13. Yerevan “ArArAt” brandy factory

The building of the ArArAt Yerevan Brandy Factory Vicuna R

Visitors are offered to buy and taste local alcoholic drinks, watch the process of their production and listen to the history of the foundation of the legendary enterprise. Even if you have no desire to see the cognac casks in the cellar or visit the tasting rooms, come to this distillery by all means. You will be able to walk through the alley of evergreen trees of the courtyard, planted by the honorable guests of the distillery.

Official website: https://araratbrandy.com/

14. Yerevan railway station

The Yerevan railway station stands on David Sassoun Square Clay Gilliland

On the station square rises the majestic Sasunci David Monument, 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 block and side porticoes is made of pink tufa, which is typical of the capital. The external cornices and columns attract attention with a decor - stone bunches of grapes and national Armenian ornaments.

15. Historical museum and picture gallery of Armenia

The Historical Museum and Art Gallery of Armenia at Republic Square Rita Willaert

One of the places that you should visit in Yerevan with a guide. The thing is that almost all captions of the expositions are not in English or Russian, but in Armenian. The museum shares a common area with the gallery of unique paintings. Its area is subdivided into several departments, including historical architecture, numismatics, ethnography and archaeology. The specimens belong to very different eras, from the Stone Age to the late 19th century.

Official website: https://historymuseum

16. Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater

South façade of the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre 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 rather inexpensive tickets for opera and ballet performances, enjoy the unique architectural look of the building. There is a beautiful square nearby, plenty of outdoor cafes, playgrounds for children, and the most beautiful Liberty Square in the city.

Official website: http://opera.am/ru/

17. Sergei Parajanov Museum

The museum is dedicated to the avant-garde filmmaker who made Armenian cinema famous all over the world Սէրուժ

This private museum is best visited as part of a tour group. The two-story building sits above a ravine, making for wonderful panoramic views. The house was built for the great director, but he did not have time to live there. More than a thousand and a half exhibits and exhibition archives are related to Paradzhanov’s life, works and thoughts.

Official website: http://parajanovmuseum.

18. Dalan Art Gallery

Entrance to the Dalan Art Gallery building Armineaghayan

In addition to permanent exhibitions of post-Soviet masters of art, temporary exhibitions of artists of our time are held here. In the art halls one is invited not only to enjoy the paintings, but also to taste the national dishes and buy traditional souvenirs.

Official website: https://dalan.am/

19. Meheryan Karpet Museum

Armenian carpets of different schools Lori-m

The collection features over 50 rare ancient carpets, including a unique hand-woven 17th-century rug. During the tour you can hear a lot of fascinating stories about the production of carpets and buy a favorite rug made of natural materials or place an order for its creation (the price of the offer varies). All items are woven exclusively by hand. There are master classes for those who want to try their hand at weaving carpets. The complex combines a restaurant, museum, shop and factory. You can try to bake lavash, or just enjoy national dishes and drinks, dance and listen to music.

20. Vernissage Flea Market

Handmade dolls at Vernisage Flea Market

Visiting such interesting places in Yerevan it is impossible to leave the capital empty-handed. There are handmade dolls, national music instruments, plates, dishes, paintings, carpets, ceramics, board games, and wood products that tourists love. There are also antiques. The price of products in most cases is accessible and low (if we are not talking about the collectibles, which are also quite a lot). Working hours of the market are every day. But we recommend to come here on Saturday and Sunday - the goods will be at maximum quantity.

Official website: https://www.iarmenia

Yerevan sights: what else to visit in Yerevan?

We have told you about the main attractions of Yerevan in brief. Besides them, you should also visit:

21. Yerevan Zoo

Vultures in Yerevan Zoo Tiia Monto

The date of construction of the zoo is more than 75 years ago. Now there are more than 200 species of different inhabitants living in the area of 25 hectares. You can look at the 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 for the cleanliness of its picturesque territory, the well-groomed animals and the impressive size of their enclosures.

Official website: http://www.yerevanzoo

22. Lovers’ Park

Waterfall in Lovers' Park iretina

A wonderful public place for recreation, in the amphitheater of which exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and musical performances are regularly held. One of the decorations of the park is the sculpture in honor of G. Emin. The landscaped area has a small outdoor restaurant, fountains, sculptures and an artificial lake with several islands. There is free Wi-Fi for all guests of the lovers’ park. The main author of the project is the famous Swiss Pierre Rambach.

Official website: http://www.bg.am/

23. Erebouni Fortress

The ruins of the ancient city in the Ararat Valley

“Bloody” fortress got its name due to the fact that it is located on the top of Arin-Berd hill, covered with poppies. When the plants are in bloom, the mountain seems to be drenched in blood. Coming to see the city-fortress, you should visit its museum - here are the exhibits that tell about the traditions and life of culture of Urartu. At the foot of the mountain there are many unusual monuments (modern sculptures). From the fortress itself you can see panoramic views of Ararat and the capital.

Official website: http://www.erebuni.

24. Khor Virap

Khor Virap Monastery against 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 Mount Ararat. It is at the foot of the biblical mountain that Noah found himself on his ark after the Great Flood. Visitors are invited to participate in ceremonies of releasing snow-white doves, a visit to the historic underground dungeon where St. George the Illuminator was kept, and to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also possible.

Official website: http://www.armeniapedia

25. St. Anne’s Church

Saint Anne's Church in the Kentron district of Yerevan Valen1988

The ancient city of Yerevan is a real treasury of Armenian cultural sites and ancient monuments. The mountains surrounding the capital frame the urban landscape, and the best way to relax in nature is to go outside Yerevan. But if you have limited time to explore the city, you should start with the city’s historical monuments and shrines. St. Anne’s Church is a new structure from 2015. The light stone decoration of the temple in the traditional style of Armenian architecture conveys a certain spirit of antiquity. It is located in the Kentron district, next to the 12th century Katoghike Church. The original design of the building belongs to architect V. Movsisyan - by his idea the church of St. Anna is located next to the ancient chapel, and visually as if “embraces” the ancient shrine. The structure is a single-domed temple in the form of a cross.

26. Liberty Square

Liberty Square and the southern facade of the Opera House building in Yerevan Spetsnaz 1981

Golden Autumn is the epithet that best describes the second month of autumn in Yerevan: the yellowing leaves give a special charm to local parks and squares. Also in October the residents of Yerevan celebrate the birthday of Yerevan - one of the favorite local festivals, when interesting events are organized in different parts of the capital, and one of the epicenters of the celebration is Freedom Square. Knowing this, visitors do not ponder over what to see in Yerevan in October and plan their trips so as to visit Freedom Square during the days of the holiday. This is a cozy place in the heart of Yerevan, where the main salt of the city’s sights is concentrated, for example, here you can see the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theater, a number of monuments of cultural figures, there is even a small lake called Swan Lake, which in winter becomes a large skating rink. In short, this is the best district of Yerevan for getting acquainted with the Armenian capital.

27. Aram Khachaturian’s house-museum

House-museum of Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian in the center of the Armenian capital Yerevan Armineaghayan

The capital of Armenia is full of contrasts: the cool places of Yerevan are neighbors of the cultural institutions and the network of old streets with colorful Eastern architecture is woven into the modern quarters of the city. One of the jewels of Yerevan is the house-museum of the great composer Aram Khachaturian, who is especially revered in Armenia as the author of world famous pieces of music and as a genius who opened a fundamentally new view on the ancient Armenian folk music. The museum was established in 1982 after the death of the composer in the heart 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 within these walls: things from his personal cabinet, letters and photos. There is even a personal baton and a piano, at which the composer worked. The museum has a library with a collection of scores.

Official website: http://www.khachaturian

28. Museum of Russian art

Central entrance to the Museum of Russian Art in Yerevan Լիլլիթրաչյյյի Սարգսյան
Exhibited halls of the Museum of Russian Art in Yerevan Armineaghayan

Tourists usually try to visit Yerevan in spring or summer, but what to see in Yerevan in winter? Winter is the low tourist season in Armenia, but some tourists enjoy it. Fortunately, in the wintertime Yerevan museums work as usual and you can combine business with pleasure, escaping from the winter cold on an informative tour. For example, you could visit the Museum of Russian Art, which is based on the collection of renowned doctor and public figure Aram Abramyan. It presents the best period of Russian art history, during which the masterpieces of the world famous Russian art school were created. The museum was founded in 1984, located on the first floor of one of the most beautiful buildings of the city. The basis of the exhibition consists of the works of 120 painters of the period of the 19th-20th centuries, with many works being grouped according to the associations, in which the artists were members during their lifetime.

29. The House Museum of Martiros Saryan

The House-Museum of Martiros Sarian, a prominent twentieth-century artist in Yerevan Sophie Sarian
Collection related to the life and works of the famous Armenian artist M. Saryan Armineaghayan

Another cultural institution that deserves to be included into the top 10 Yerevan sights is the Martiros Saryan Museum, which is a collection of fine art works of the great Armenian painter. Saryan was a master of decorative landscapes, colorful still lifes, characteristic portraits, theatrical scenery and literary illustrations. For his peculiar style of painting this artist was called the master of sunny art. In total Saryan wrote about 5000 works that are now exhibited in many museums in Russia and Armenia. But those works that are on display in the House-Museum are quite enough to study the creative path of the master. On the first floor of the building are graphic sketches, illustrations, sketches for decorations, as well as a memorial room with the painter’s personal belongings. The second floor shows the main masterpieces of the author - landscapes, portraits, still lifes. The third floor shows the earliest period of his work.

Official website: http://sarian.am/htmls

30. Museum of Modern Art

Collection of 20th and 21st century Armenian sculpture and painting at the Museum of Modern Art Preacher lad

July is a sunny time in Yerevan and it is the best time for countryside trips. Guests of the capital will not have to choose what to see in Yerevan in July. There are Jemruk waterfalls, mineral springs, charming forests of Dilijan and many other interesting things to see. But you can supplement your out-of-town trip with an evening promenade along the city avenues when the heat of the day goes away and the long-awaited freshness sets in. On the Republic Square you can enjoy a great show of singing fountains, or dilute your serene vacation with an informative visit to the Museum of Modern Art. Going back in time, the museum was founded in the 1970s entirely on donations by artists. Today these walls hold one of the largest collections of Armenian painting and sculpture of the 20-21 centuries. And at the heart of the exhibit are works of the “sixties,” from which the museum collection originated.

Official website: http://www.mamy.

We’ll be glad if the above mentioned sights of Yerevan, photos with names and descriptions of which you just saw, will interest you and your family.

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