Yerevan is a fascinating city, unlike any other capital around the globe. It is home to Soviet high-rise buildings and beautifully preserved ancient districts. And there are so many interesting places in it that it is easy to get lost – where to start from and how to plan a route so as to see everything you want? Let's start a journey right now together with Hyurservice.com.
Itinerary for Day 1 through the key attractions
Most of the main attractions of Yerevan are situated in the city center.If this is your first acquaintance with the capital of Armenia, you can use our ready-made itinerary. It includes architectural sites, museums as well as religious buildings.
Contact us, and we will find an apartment or else a hotel in the city center for you so that you can save time on the road.
Cascade Complex
After breakfast and a cup of aromatic Armenian coffee (here it is brewed in a cezve and it's very rarely diluted with milk), we recommend heading to the Cascade Complex. Its construction began during the Soviet period, in the 70s, according to the general plan of the architect Alexander Tamanyan in 1924. The upper part of the Cascade Complex is still unfinished.Cascade stands for a huge staircase 300 m high with five terraces. Each terrace is a unique open-air museum. There are fountains and some flower beds arranged. There are more than 500 steps, you can climb them and take a look at the art objects of Cascade, or you can use the escalator. By the way, it is near the escalator that the entrance to The Cafesjian Center for the Arts is "hidden". The latter is an American millionaire who brought his personal collection of sculptures and paintings by world-class artists (Marc Chagall, Andy Warhol and others) to Yerevan. On the upper terrace there is an observation deck with a panoramic view of Yerevan and, in good weather, of Mount Ararat as well. We recommend setting aside at least 2-2.5 hours for Cascade.
Cascade Complex
View from the top of the Cascade
Matenadaran
Next, we suggest walking (it will take about 10 minutes) to Matenadaran. It is a museum of Armenian manuscripts, where you can see ancient manuscripts, including "The Gospel of the Virgin Mary" of the 7th century. On the way from Cascade to Matenadaran, you will see the "Eternal Alphabet Wall", which is also marked on Yandex.Maps. This is a wall on which 36 relief letters of the alphabet made of stainless steel are placed in travertine frames.In Matenadaran itself, you can have a look at the exhibits by yourself (there is an entrance fee) or order a tour in English. Photography is paid separately, shooting with a flash is prohibited. On the territory of the museum complex there is a souvenir shop where you can buy medicinal compositions prepared from manuscripts on the base of original ancient recipes, and other souvenirs as a keepsake. Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours visiting Matenadaran.
Matenadaran – The Museum of Ancient Manuscripts
National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet
The Theatre of Opera and Ballet is a 15-minute walk along Mashtots Avenue. It is one of the most remarkable buildings in Yerevan, built in the Soviet neoclassical style with the addition of Armenian national color. The Theatre is located on The Freedom Square, from where you can walk along the Northern Avenue (via the pedestrian path) to The Republic Square. Here you can stop for a cup of coffee or tea: there are a number of cafes around the Theatre. You can also walk a little further to the Northern Avenue. It is the main tourist street of Yerevan, which connects Cascade Complex with The Republic Square. There are many shops here, including the large underground "Tashir Street Shopping Gallery" with 7000 m² of retail space, cafes and other areas.You can stay on the Northern Avenue for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Armenian cuisine is offered by "Old Erivan", "MIS" and others. Plan for 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the Theater and have lunch.
National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after Alexander Spendiaryan
The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
If you are not tired yet, let's move on: past The Republic Square (we will return to it later) along Tigran Mets Avenue – to the Cathedral of St. Gregory The Illuminator. You will pass through the green Yeritasardakan Park and see a temple of stunning size and grandeur, the largest in Armenia and the second largest in the Transcaucasus. It was constructed for the 1700th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in the country and consecrated in 2001. The cathedral complex consists of the Church of St. Trdat III, Holy Queen Ashkhen and the cathedral itself, designed for 1700 visitors. Total area: almost 4000 m². The strict architecture of the building is not like other Armenian churches, in terms of visual effect it somewhat resembles Taj Mahal. Inside, there is a strict decoration, no frescoes, an interestingly implemented system of access to natural light. We recommend setting aside an hour to observe the cathedral, if you want to walk in the park nearby, then plus another hour. And we continue our tour.
The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral
Tsitsernakaberd
If you want to learn more about the dark pages of the history of Armenia, we recommend including this point in your route. The distance from The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral to the Memorial Complex is approximately 4.5 km, you can take a walk (about an hour) or take a taxi. Both places are located in Tsitsernakaberd Park. Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex was founded in 1967, with some elements being completed by the late 1990s. Here stands a 44-m high stele, split along a deep crack: this is a symbolic representation of the divided Armenian people.
Nearby, surrounded by 12 stone slabs, there burns the Eternal Flame. Researchers provide different interpretations of the number of slabs, although the architects themselves explain it purely as an aesthetic choice for the complex. At the same place there stands a 100 m long commemoration wall, which lists the cities and villages through which the Armenians passed during the deportation process.The Armenian Genocide Museum is located in the other part of the park. It is almost entirely underground, consists of two floors, where in brilliantly executed exhibitions you will be told the story of the destruction of the Armenian people by the Ottoman Empire. Set aside at least two hours for a walk around the complex and museum.
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and The Armenian Genocide Museum
The Republic Square
And we will finish the evening at The Republic Square. At 20:00-20:30 (the schedule should be clarified) from May to October the dancing fountains show begins here, so if you stayed longer at the Memorial Complex, call a taxi so that you don't miss a single minute of this breathtaking spectacle. Please, note that the fountains operate every day except on Tuesday (the sanitary day). The fountains operate in front of the National Art Gallery of Armenia, a building that looks more like a palace. During the day, the fountains "sleep", there appear only small water streams. But in the evening, the water explodes with hundreds of jets that change colors thanks to the built-in lighting, they change height and direction of movement to the beat of the music. The show is like either fireworks or a dance of fairy fairies, it goes on till 23:00. Therefore, if you still have energy left, you can visit:- History Museum of Armenia, where one can see archaeological finds from the times of Urartu state (existed in the 1st millennium BC), as well as artifacts that showcase the history of Armenia.
- National Art Gallery of Armenia – on its 7 floors there are presented more than 40 thousand paintings, engravings and sculptures of Armenian and world masters, both ancient and modern. There is also a cafe and a souvenir shop.
- Yerevan 2800th Anniversary Park. In fact, there are three parks located next to each other: 2800th Anniversary, Children's and English. In the 2800th Anniversary Park, there is a fountain complex with 2800 jets. The park is full of green areas, and you can also see many beautiful sculptures there.
- Flea market. Officially called "Vernissage". It is open only on weekends, here one can buy the most authentic souvenirs from local craftsmen. Handicrafts, from carpets to ceramics, will serve as a great reminder of your trip.
The Republic Square
Republic Square in the evening, with singing fountains
What are the places to visit in Yerevan with children?
In fact, there are so many kid-friendly activities in Yerevan that one day definitely won't be enough to visit them all. We've listed the most interesting ones – choose together with your child.
Yerevan Park
It is located not far from Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, so if your child is not interested in history, you can compromise: first the tour, then the entertainment. Yerevan Park offers over 20 attractions of various levels of extremeness. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, we recommend trying the "Booster" (height – 40m), flying with loops and rolls on the "Maverick," or enjoying a bird's-eye view of Yerevan from the top of the Ferris wheel. There are also carousels for the little ones, as well as cafes, sweet stalls, and much more.
Yerevan Park
"Cityzen – city of professions"
It is located not far from the Botanical Garden in the north-eastern part of Yerevan. By the way, the garden is also an interesting spot: here you can have a photo shoot against the backdrop of plants, especially interesting shots can be taken in the glass greenhouse.But let's get back to our destination. "Cityzen": a place where a child can "try on" more than 60 professions. For instance, be a firefighter and put out a burning building. Or work in a beauty salon and get basic knowledge of skin care, manicure and hair styling. There is also a bloggers' corner, where they talk about trends and teach how to shoot cool videos.
Cityzen – city of professions
Botanical Garden
Yerevan Zoo
It's about an hour's walk from "Cityzen" to the zoo, you can walk or take public transport: Bus 41 goes here without transfers, you need to get off at the "Yerevan Zoo" stop.The zoo occupies an area of 85.000 m². Almost 200 species of animals and birds are presented here. The goal: to promote the preservation of rare species, as well as to tell visitors about the importance of ecology. Elephants, hippos, monkeys, bears, tigers, lions and other representatives of the fauna live in spacious enclosures and fenced areas. It is very interesting to watch the feeding process, you can look through the schedule on the official website of the zoo.
Yerevan Zoo
Aquapark
It is located between the Yerevan Zoo and the Botanical Garden. The inside territory is huge, 20.000 m², and the capacity is up to 3000 people. There is a pool with sunbeds, where you can just relax and swim, and also a shallow pool for the little ones. And there is what most people come to the aquapark for – water slides. The largest and most extreme is "Kamikaze", besides there is a funny slide, similar to a semicircular ramp in a skate park: you ride on it in a small inflatable boat. There is also a VIP zone with a jacuzzi, a bar with delicious kebabs and much more. "Water World" is an open-air aquapark, so it functions only in the summer. In the cold season, you can look into the indoor "Aquatek", it is located in the same place as "Water World", small, but an interesting one.
Water World Aquapark
Yerevan Children's Railway
On the other side of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, across the Hrazdan River, Yerevan Children's Railway is situated. It was opened in 1937, children worked on it and operated the train, having previously completed training courses for young drivers, switchmen, conductors and other railway personnel. Only the locomotive driver was an adult. Soon, Children's Railway park appeared nearby. Currently the railway operates. However, it is only an attraction and does not serve any educational functions. There is only one operating train left, the stations have long been in need of repair, so it does not make stops, it just goes back and forth. But it is still in demand as a historical artifact and an interesting form of recreation.
Yerevan Children's Railway
What else to see in Yerevan
Kond district
Kond is located 15 minutes walk from The Republic Square. This is an old district, the "Yerevan slums". Here in the 17th-18th centuries lived the Bosha gypsies, the poor and the leaders of local communities. Houses made of almost unprocessed stones, narrow colorful streets have been preserved, in general, this is a well-preserved part of Yerevan's history.
Kond district
"ARARAT" Museum and Brandy Factory
The Brandy Factory also can be reached by walking from The Republic Square, but in the other direction, past Yerevan 2800th Anniversary Park. You can go on a tour to the ARARAT Museum with a tasting, see how the legendary cognac is made and stored, and bring home a bottle from the brand store as a souvenir.This is far from all that Yerevan can surprise and delight you with. Exploring the city, you will get acquainted with the local cuisine, taste wines, admire the views of Ararat and learn local legends from Armenians.
And we, from our side, will try to show you Armenia as we know and love it ourselves. Contact us, we will take on all the organizational issues of your trip.
ARARAT Museum and Brandy Factory
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