Armenia’s ancient capital city of Yerevan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Though the city is relatively small, the streets of Yerevan are brimming with art, culture, history, and a lively energy. With an interesting mix of ancient and modern, there’s something for everyone to explore in Yerevan. Here’s a list of can’t-miss Yerevan attractions to help you make the most of your time in this special part of the world.

1. Cascade and Cafesjian Center for the Arts

A striking architectural feature in the city, and one of the most beloved Yerevan attractions, Cascade is a giant, glorious stairwell connecting the center of Yerevan with the city’s upper neighborhoods. The Cascade complex is filled with eclectic sculptures, symmetrical gardens, and fountains on each tier of the stairway. Once you make it to the top, you’re rewarded with a sweeping view of the city and Mount Ararat. Those who’d rather skip the climb up can take a shortcut to the top by riding the escalators within the staircase at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a free admission multi-level contemporary arts museum with galleries on each level.



2. Republic Square

It’s impossible to visit Yerevan without spending some time in the city’s Republic Square. The bustling Square is Yerevan’s focal point and home to the History Museum. An essential on every visitor’s itinerary, the museum contains an outstanding collection of relics from Armenia’s ancient history. Housed in the same building, the National Gallery of Armenia is the country’s largest art museum.

The museum’s fifty-six halls of fine art contain the largest collection of works from Armenian artists. During the summer, the famous singing and dancing fountains in Republic Square are an endearing Yerevan attraction. The fountains entertain tourists and locals alike everyday from 9pm to 11pm.

3. Armenian Genocide Memorial & Museum

Built to commemorate the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide complex features the Tsisternakaberd Memorial where both locals and visitors come to pay their respects to the victims of the Genocide. The powerful monument features 12 concrete slabs representing the 12 Armenian provinces that are now in modern Turkey, each leaning over guarding an eternal flame. Also on the complex, the Armenian Genocide Museum is a powerful walk through history. Visitors can learn about this tragic period of Armenia’s history through photographs, reports, and films. This museum is a must for all those who visit Yerevan.

4. Kond District

Sitting on a hill overlooking the city center, Kond is the oldest preserved district remaining in Yerevan today. Dating back to the 17th century, taking a stroll through its winding narrow streets and alleyways is like talking a walk back through time. Much of the old architecture from the district’s former Persian and Ottoman residents still remains in tact.



Today, many initiatives are in place to maintain and preserve the district and its charm. Most recently, street artists have turned their focus to Kond to create and display street art in Kond’s alleyways. The free and open-air Kond Gallery provides an interesting contrast between old and new.

5. Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran)

Perched at the top of Mashtots Avenue, Matenadaran is one of the most important Yerevan attractions. A museum, repository of manuscripts, and research institute all in one, Matenadaran is home to one of the world’s best collections of ancient manuscripts, documents, and books, not just in Armenian, but in many ancient languages. To really understand and appreciate the rich history that’s stored in the building, the stunning collection at Matenadaran is best viewed with a tour guide.



Tip: Matenadaran Museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00. Days off: Sunday and Monday.

6. Hrazdan Gorge & Children’s Railway

Most tourists who travel to Armenia don’t realize that you don’t have to leave the streets of Yerevan to immerse yourself in nature. One of the city’s best-kept secrets lies on the other side of the Kond Pedestrian tunnel, accessible from Aram Street. An oasis in the middle of the city, a river runs through the center of the Hrazdan Gorge and lush greenery is all around. A beloved local treasure, visitors can also take a ride on the train at the Children’s Railway which runs daily along a short track through the gorge.

7. Yerevan Brandy Company

If you’re looking for a break from wandering through the Yerevan streets, a visit to the Yerevan Brandy Company is the right idea. Dating back to 1887, the Yerevan Brandy Company is a fortress-like distillery where the legendary Ararat Armenian brandies are produced. The distillery is open for tours which include a visit to the in-house museum where visitors can learn about the company’s rich history and their traditional methods of production and distilling. The tour also includes a tasting of various types of Ararat brandy.

8. Vernissage Open-Air Flea Market

An open-air market in the city’s center, this Yerevan attraction hosts a number of local artisans and craftspeople who sell their original works. This is the place to go if you’re looking for locally produced gifts and souvenirs including traditional woven Armenian rugs, paintings, purses, ceramics, and jewelry. Antique buffs will enjoy browsing through the stalls of the various vendors who sell Soviet-era relics. Open daily until 6pm, it’s best to visit the market on weekends when more vendors are around.

9. Sergei Parajanov House Museum

For a unique museum experience, visit the Sergei Parajanov House Museum, a tribute to one of the greatest figures of 20th-century world cinema. The experimental film director was known for his avant-garde work. The museum is filled with his eclectic drawings, photographs, and collages, and showcases his life and achievements.



10. Opera Theater

Located conveniently in Freedom Square, the Opera Theater consistently presents high-quality shows and performances. A visit to the theater is a must for those interested in watching a ballet, opera, or orchestra performance during their visit. After the show, have some dinner at one of the many restaurants outside, then take a stroll around Swan Lake next door.

Last, but certainly not least, perhaps our favorite of the Yerevan attractions is the streets of Yerevan themselves. The colors, the smells, the sounds, and the people you encounter are something visitors must experience for themselves. To really feel the pulse of the city, wake up at sunrise and wander through the Yerevan streets. Walk through any dalan (archway) to enter a portal to another world. You never know what magic you’ll stumble upon.

Which Yerevan attraction will you visit first? Let us know in the comments below!