How to spend time in Yerevan

Yerevan is a beautiful city. It is filled with fountains that create a truly unique spectacle: on its spacious squares, the fountains seem to dance. The city is home to warm, welcoming people. Here, you can enjoy delicious coffee brewed the traditional way on hot sand.

On the weekend, you can visit the Matenadaran – a renowned library and research institute that houses ancient manuscripts. It’s also worth seeing Mount Ararat. Although the mountain is located in Turkey, it is clearly visible from Yerevan. Its peaks often change color throughout the day, which feels like a small miracle.

While in the city, be sure to visit the Central Market, which feels more like an exhibition than a typical marketplace. You can also go to the zoo – it has the largest number of peacocks kept in enclosures, while the tiger cubs, surprisingly, walk outside on leashes.

At night, Yerevan resembles a charming European town: carousels operate after dark, restaurants stay open with live jazz playing inside, the music drifting through the air, and young violinists perform right on the streets.

Yerevan’s nightlife has its own special character. You can choose cozy lounge bars with live music and soft lighting, where the evening unfolds slowly and elegantly. It is in this atmosphere that you should try Armenian cognac – a drink with character and history that has long become part of the city’s cultural identity.

The first cognac factory in Armenia was founded by Nerses Tairyan in 1887. A few years later, the business was continued by Nikolai Shustov. According to legend, he secretly sent samples of the drink to an exhibition in Paris, where it won the Grand Prix. When it was revealed that the spirit had been produced in Armenia, the organizers made an exception and allowed it to be called cognac rather than brandy.

Since then, a special tradition of tastings has formed around Armenian cognac. During these evenings, guests are invited to guess subtle flavor notes and uncover the secrets of aging – a kind of refined game that makes the experience even more engaging. It is no surprise that such tastings are especially popular at corporate events and celebrations.

What to See in Yerevan

After your first introduction to Yerevan, you may want to do more than simply walk around the city center – you’ll want to see the city from different perspectives. We have prepared a multi-day itinerary that is relaxed, thoughtful, and rich in experiences, without rush or tourist crowds.

To move freely between districts, avoid relying on schedules, and save time, it’s convenient to use our car rental service in Yerevan. We offer affordable prices and a wide selection of compact cars that are perfectly suited to the city’s rhythm and easy parking in the center.

Day 1 – Classics and Panoramas

It’s best to dedicate your first day to architecture and open spaces. Climb the Cascade – from here, the city unfolds in terraces, and on a clear day you can see the entire valley. Inside, there are contemporary exhibitions; outside, observation decks and open-air sculptures.

Then take a walk along Northern Avenue toward Republic Square. In the evening, it is especially beautiful: lights, music, and the feeling of a vibrant, living city. Don’t make rigid plans – just observe.

Day 2 – History and Character

Spend this day exploring museums and old neighborhoods. Visit the Sergey Parajanov House-Museum – an unusual and atmospheric space. Even if you are not familiar with his work, the exhibition leaves a strong impression.

Afterward, head to the Kond district, one of the oldest parts of the city. Narrow streets, balconies, historic doorways – here Yerevan feels different: less formal, more authentic.

Day 3 – Gastronomy and the City’s Rhythm

The third day is about taste. In the morning, visit the market for fruits and sweets; during the day, try traditional dishes in a family-run restaurant.

In the evening, choose a place with live music. Yerevan loves jazz, conversation, and long dinners. People don’t rush here – they savor their time.

Day 4 – Beyond the City Center

If you plan to stay longer, venture outside the city. Just a few dozen kilometers away is Garni – an ancient temple overlooking a dramatic gorge.

A bit farther stands Geghard, a monastery carved into the rock, where the acoustics create a feeling of absolute stillness.

Trips like these help you better understand the country and its scale.

Day 5 – A Free Itinerary

Leave your final day without a strict plan. Return to the places you liked most. Buy some pomegranate juice, step into a gallery, sit by the window in a café.

Yerevan does not reveal itself all at once – it gradually becomes familiar. And that is exactly why you will want to come back.