Yerevan: complete guide to what to see in the capital of Armenia
Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world: its origins trace back to the 8th century BC with the Erebuni fortress. Today it is a modern, cosmopolitan city of nearly one million people that combines its rich historical heritage with a vibrant cultural and culinary life, with the peaks of Mount Ararat as an eternal backdrop.
Republic Square: the heart of Yerevan
Republic Square is the nerve centre of the Armenian capital. Surrounded by imposing pink tuff buildings designed in Armenian neo-classical style, the square is home to the History Museum of Armenia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its famous dancing musical fountains, which perform every summer evening synchronised to classical and Armenian pop music, are one of the city's most popular attractions.
Must-see museums in Yerevan
Yerevan is home to some of the most important museums of the Armenian world: the History Museum of Armenia (with collections from prehistory to the 20th century), the Armenian Genocide Museum (Tsitsernakaberd, highly recommended to understand Armenia's modern history), the Matenadaran Museum (with the world's largest collection of medieval Armenian manuscripts) and the Museum of Modern Art.
Cuisine: the flavours of Armenia at the table
Yerevan is the best place to discover Armenian cuisine: khorovats (lamb barbecue), dolma (stuffed vine leaves), lavash (flatbread declared a UNESCO Intangible Heritage), manti (meat dumplings) and basturma (spiced cured meat). Markets like the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar) offer a sensory experience of unique colours, aromas and flavours.
Views of Mount Ararat
From multiple points around the city — the Cascade, the Kentron district, Tsitsernakaberd — you can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat, Armenia's national symbol, in Turkish territory just 40 km from the capital. This view, particularly clear on sunny spring and autumn days, is an experience that moves every visitor deeply.
Day trips from Yerevan
From Yerevan you can easily reach: Echmiadzin (30 min), Garni and Geghard (1 h), Khor Virap (40 min) and the Ararat plain (30 min).
Frequently asked questions
How many days are recommended to visit Yerevan?
With 3–4 days you can visit Republic Square, the main museums (History, Matenadaran, Genocide), the markets, the Cascade district and take day trips to Echmiadzin and Garni-Geghard. For a more complete experience with several regional excursions, a week is ideal.
What is most special about Yerevan for a tourist?
The musical fountains at Republic Square (in summer), the views of Mount Ararat from the city, the Armenian Genocide Museum (Tsitsernakaberd), the manuscript collection at the Matenadaran, the Vernissage market (crafts) and Armenian cuisine are the most memorable experiences in Yerevan.
Is Yerevan expensive for tourists?
No, Yerevan is a very affordable city for European or American visitors. Restaurants, transport and accommodation are significantly cheaper than in Western Europe. Quality Armenian wine is also very reasonably priced. It is one of the best value-for-money destinations in the Caucasus.