Yerevan, Armenia: Things that you can’t miss when visiting Yerevan

When I was travelling to Yerevan, I was under the impression that I was going to visit a city like Tbilisi in Georgia, full of contrasts between old, abandoned and new. I was totally wrong; Yerevan is a vibrant, organized, modern and beautiful city that you cannot miss.

Let’s find out the places you can explore during a two-day trip to Yerevan:

Cascade Complex

An absolutely must see when being in Yerevan. This complex of buildings is composed of different levels in each of which you may find lovely gardens, patios and pieces of modern art with a spectacular view of the city (if the sky is clean, mountain Ararat – the holy mountain- is also visible from its top). You may climb up and down its many stairs or alternatively you may enter for free the Cafesjian Center of the Arts which is located inside the complex on its left side. Electric stairs may reach you to the different levels of the cascade while you can admire little pieces of modern art. The art exhibition also continues outside of the complex at its big park surrounded by lots of cafes and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo with the chubby lady that smokes, which is one of the most photographic spots in the park.

Mother Armenia

The monument of the Armenian woman standing with a sword at her hands protecting the city also deserves a visit. It is in the Victory Park (at its end is also located the Memorial of October Revolution) and has great views of all the city and of course if the sky and atmosphere are clear, you may see the holy for the Armenians and biblical mountain Ararat. The easiest way to reach the monument is by taxi. YandexCo is the local taxi application with excellent prices,very convenient and reliable.

Republic Square of Yerevan

In the heart of the Pink City (as Yerevan is called) is located the glorious Republic Square surrounded by impressive buildings like the Armenian Museum of History, the marvelous Clock Bell Tower and the Government of the Republic of Armenia. In the middle of the square stands a beautiful fountain where a music and light show is performed from May to September in the evening and is enchanting.

Vernissage Market

At walking distance from the Republic Square you can visit this long market where you may find souvenirs, traditional ceramic items (the plates are my favorites), handmade jewelry and brooches and whatever you can imagine that characterizes the Armenian art craft.

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral 

One of the most unique and beautiful churches I have ever seen. Its exterior looks like a monastery while its interior impresses you for its simplicity that differentiates it from all the other orthodox churches full of gold and exaggerations. Its enormous but simple chandelier also dominates the church’s space.

Mirzoyan Library 

Hidden among narrow streets with quite old buildings, this library-cafe is a little gem. Located in an old building with a lovely patio it is ideal to have a drink, relax or even pass by to have a look at its old library and photograph exposition at its yard.

Blue Mosque

Its beautiful multicolor tile entrance prepares you for entering a quiet and peaceful courtyard where the turquoise glorious mosque dominates the place. Both the mosque and the environment are lovely, and you are under the impression that Aladdin with his flying carpet will suddenly appear.

Opera of Yerevan/Northern Avenue

At the end of the Cascade Complex stands the Opera of Yerevan located in an imposing building while from the square beside it you may find Northern Avenue, a luxury pedestrian avenue full of brand stores, nice buildings and cafes and a unique underground mall. There are many entrances to the mall along the avenue with electric stairs that you can’t miss.

Charles Aznavour Square

The worldwide famous French singer with Armenian roots Charles Aznavour is of course honored in Yerevan City. His name has been given to a lovely square next to the impressive Cinema Building of the town and an amazing fountain with little statues representing the 12 zodiac signs. Don’t forget to locate yours and take remarkable pictures.

St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

Another remarkable Armenian church with both humble interior and exterior but still beautiful. If you are lucky enough you may bump into an Armenian wedding ceremony which is very interesting to watch.

Kond Pedestrian Tunnel/Malibu Park

At the center of the modern city you may find this marvelous park, full of statues, nice restaurants and cafes and buildings at its both avenues that surround it. At the upper side of the park stands the Kond pedestrian tunnel. It might look and sound a little spooky but, in my opinion, it is nice to visit not necessarily to cross it all through but just its entrance/exit side.

Kond Neighborhood

Very close to the Kond Pedestrian Tunnel up on a cliff, stands an old neighborhood full of narrow streets and very old stone-built houses (some of them abandoned and under collapse). Here the old meets the modern side of the city and reminds us of the difficulties that the Armenian people have come through the last decades.

Armenian Genocide Museum

For those interested in history and wanting to learn more about the difficulties and suffering of the Armenian people, the Armenian Genocide Museum is the right place. Even if it will add a sad tone to your trip to Yerevan, it is worth a stop.

Matenadaran Museum

Maybe one of the most significant museums of the city is Matenadaran Museum with a huge variety of ancient Armenian manuscripts. Its exterior is also impressive with the enormous statues and remarkable architectural style.

Eternal Alphabet Wall

The Armenian alphabet and its significance with an artistic tone is reflected on this unique wall. Next to the wall you may find a lovely old café Lumen Coffee 1936 with yummy sweats ideal for a short stop before continuing the city’s exploration.

Dalan Art Gallery and Restaurant 

At Abovyan street you may find this cute little art gallery with a lovely souvenir shop at its entrance and a marvelous yard with a nice café restaurant at its back side. It is ideal to buy your souvenirs (they might be slightly more expensive than the ones on the market, but you may find unique and beautiful little pieces of art).

Yerevan Metro:

Yerevan is a totally walkable city, so unless you don’t stay in the city center you won’t need its metro to move around. Nevertheless, a visit to Yerevan metro is necessary. It is a Soviet Metro but yet very beautiful as it is very clean ,extremely fast, organized and with different paintings and pieces of art at its stops or/and outside its metro stations.

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