Almost every blog about Yerevan starts with the phrase: “It’s older than Rome.” And yes, it’s true. Yerevan dates back to 782 BC, but if you’re expecting to walk through ancient ruins, you might be surprised. The remains from those early days can be found at the museums, not on the busy streets. Instead, what you’ll find is a city that’s young at heart. A place that blends buildings made from pink stone and modern cafés.
Yerevan is full of new things to explore, from monuments to wine tastings and carpet weaving. This guide on things to do in Yerevan in 2025 highlights the traditional must-visit spots and some original and new places worth your time in Yerevan.
1. Climb Cascade
No visit to Yerevan is complete without climbing the Cascade. This giant limestone staircase connects the center of the city to its upper districts. Besides being a staircase, it’s an open-air museum, a viewpoint and a meeting place for locals and tourists.
Before climbing the stairs, you pass through one of the busiest spots in Yerevan. The park is full of sculptures, like those by famous Brazilian sculptor Fernando Botero. They all belong to the collection of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. From there, you can either climb the steps or take the indoor escalators inside the center. The galleries of the museum are inside, including some free exhibits near the escalator.
Every stage of the staircase has something to offer, including fountains, stone carvings, and art installations. But the real reward is at the top. On a clear day, Mount Ararat appears in full glory. Around Cascade, you’ll also find plenty of cafés perfect for relaxing after your climb.
2. Discover Kond
Kond is one of Yerevan’s oldest neighborhoods. This historic area is characterized by its narrow, winding streets and traditional architecture.
Historically, Kond was one of the three main districts of Yerevan. It is like strolling in a living museum, where each corner tells a story. Old small houses are located just a five-minute walk away from busy Saryan Street. The neighborhood’s charm lies not only in its architecture but also in the vibrant community.
3. Stroll Through the Heart of Yerevan
One of the best ways to experience Yerevan is on foot. While Yerevan stretches into hilly neighborhoods, the heart of the city is walkable. The city center is compact, flat, and easy to explore in just an hour. Strolling here lets you feel the rhythm of local life – slow, warm and welcoming. Start from Republic Square and wander through streets lined with pink tuff stone buildings.
Along the way, you’ll pass cozy cafes, monuments and cultural landmarks like the Opera Theater. Northern Avenue connects key parts of downtown, offering shops, streets and a lively vibe.
4. Have Fun at Amusement Parks
Yerevan is not just about history and museums, there are places to have fun. If you are traveling with kids, the city’s amusement parks are great for a day out.
Victory Park is a classic spot as locals have been coming here for generations. It is located on a hill above the city and offers beautiful views of Yerevan and Mount Ararat. The Ferris wheel is a must-ride for the view alone. There are also roller coasters, bumper cars, and small cafés for snacks with retro vibes.
For something new, head to the city’s modern amusement park — Yerevan Park — with indoor and outdoor attractions. You’ll find thrill rides, family rides, and even play zones for little ones.
5. Try Armenian Wine at Saryan Street
This street has become the city’s unofficial “Wine Street” with numerous wine bars and restaurants. The history of wine street started in the last decade when the “In Vino” bar was opened. It offered the selection of hundreds of wines and introduced a culture of drinking a glass of wine with a snack, which was new in Yerevan.
Now the street has dozens of restaurants and wine bars where you can buy different wines from local producers. A highlight of the year is Yerevan Wine Days, a festival typically held during the first weekend of June. This event transforms Saryan Street and its neighboring avenues into a hub of wine tasting and live music.
6. Take a Tour of Museums
Yerevan’s museums are the perfect place to learn more about Armenian culture. The city offers a mix of classic and contemporary spaces. Start at Republic Square, where the History Museum of Armenia walks you through thousands of years of history. There are prehistoric tools, vessels, ceramics and khachkars. In the same building, the National Gallery showcases works by Armenian painters, along with Russian and European masters. It’s quiet, elegant, and ideal for art lovers.
For a more modern take, visit the Modern Art Museum of Yerevan. Founded. Its bold and sometimes experimental exhibits show how Armenian creativity has evolved. Then there’s the Sergey Parajanov Museum, a completely different experience. Dedicated to the filmmaker’s life and work, it’s full of handmade collages, objects, and colorful stories.
If you want to have some fun and an interactive experience, check out the newly opened Museum of Illusions. It’s great for families or anyone who wants a break from the ordinary.
7. Eat Authentic Armenian Food
One of the best parts of visiting Armenia is the food. Armenian cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition. The restaurants and cafes offer a long list of traditional dishes from snacks like basturma, fresh salads to barbecue, grilled vegetables, tolma and kebab.
All meals are accompanied by freshly baked lavash, cheese and greens. For a sweet touch, enjoy gata and other sweets with herb tea or traditional Armenian coffee.
8. Shop at Vernissage
If a tourist is looking for a souvenir that’s more than just a fridge magnet, all roads lead to Vernissage. This open-air market near Republic Square is one of the most colorful spots in Yerevan. On weekends, it stretches across several blocks and fills up with artists and craftsmen offering their handmade pieces.
You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and wood carvings to vintage Soviet pins and carpets. Some stalls sell traditional Armenian ceramics, others offer hand-painted boxes or chess sets made from walnut wood.
Even if you’re not in the mood to buy, Vernissage is worth a stroll.
9. Attend a Performance at Opera Theatre
Not every capital can boast its own opera house, but Yerevan can. The Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet is right in the heart of the city, and it’s one of the cultural gems the locals are proud of.
The repertoire includes both operas and ballets, some of them are by Armenian composers. Spending an evening at Yerevan Opera is a perfect way to add a little culture to your trip.
10. Watch Carpet Weaving at Megerian Museum
Interested in traditional Armenian crafts? Visit the Megerian Carpet Museum in Yerevan. This isn’t your typical museum, but a place where you can feel history in the making
The best part? You can watch weavers at work. Every thread is tied by hand, just like it’s been done for centuries. The deep reds, warm browns and patterns come from natural dyes and old traditions. Besides, there is a restaurant with traditional Armenian cuisine. Of course, you can even buy a piece to take home.
