Yerevan
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 2,800 years. This ancient city, situated on the banks of the Hrazdan River, is a living testament to Armenia's rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Yerevan has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Urartian Kingdom to the Soviet era, all while maintaining its unique identity and preserving its traditions. The city's streets are lined with iconic landmarks that tell stories of ancient civilizations, Christian heritage, and the resilience of the Armenian people.
Yerevan, Armenia: A Journey Through Time
Day 1: Immersing in Yerevan's Historical Heart
Republic Square (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
Start your day in Republic Square, the heart of Yerevan. Established during the Soviet period, the square is surrounded by magnificent neoclassical buildings, including the History Museum of Armenia and the National Art Museum. The square itself has been the site of countless historic events, from independence celebrations to protests. The iconic singing fountains here create a magical atmosphere, especially in the evenings, reflecting the city's blend of ancient history and modern culture.
History Museum of Armenia (10:15 AM - 12:00 PM)
A short walk from Republic Square leads you to the History Museum of Armenia, where you can trace the country's history from the ancient Urartian Kingdom (9th century BCE) to modern-day Armenia. The museum's collection includes artifacts from Armenia’s ancient past, showcasing its deep-rooted cultural and religious heritage. Notably, it houses a wide array of Urartian pottery and stone inscriptions, giving you an understanding of the early civilizations that inhabited this region. Armenia’s adoption of Christianity in the 4th century also plays a crucial role in shaping its identity, and the museum delves into the church’s influence on Armenian art and society.
Ticket Price: 1000 AMD (2 EUR)
Website: historymuseum.am
Lunch at Dolmama (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)
Enjoy lunch at Dolmama, a restaurant famed for its traditional Armenian cuisine. The name “Dolmama” comes from the famous Armenian dish dolma, which is grape leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat. The restaurant also serves a variety of fresh salads, kebabs, and stews, providing a perfect introduction to the rich flavors of Armenian cuisine.
Average cost per person: 3500 - 5000 AMD (7 - 10 EUR)
Address: 10/1 Tumanyan St, Yerevan
Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
In the afternoon, visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd Hill. Armenia’s tragic history is reflected here, as the country was one of the first to experience genocide in the 20th century, during World War I. The memorial honors the 1.5 million Armenians who were killed during the Ottoman Empire’s systematic attempt to eradicate the Armenian population. The complex includes the evocative Genocide Museum, which presents heartbreaking photographs, documents, and personal accounts from survivors.
Ticket Price: Free
Website: genocide-museum.am
Evening at Cascade Complex (4:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Conclude the day at the Cascade Complex, an architectural masterpiece. The Cascade is a series of steps adorned with fountains and sculptures, leading to an incredible panoramic view of Yerevan. Its construction began in the 1970s during the Soviet era, though it wasn’t completed until the 2000s. The Cascade houses the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, where you can admire contemporary Armenian and international art, offering a stark contrast to the ancient monuments you’ve seen.
Ticket Price: Free
Website: cascadeyerevan.com
Dinner at Lavash (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
End the day with a traditional Armenian dinner at Lavash. Lavash, an essential part of Armenian cuisine, is a thin, soft flatbread that accompanies most dishes. At this restaurant, you can enjoy it with an assortment of grilled meats, stews, and salads, with a side of yogurt and fresh herbs.
Average cost per person: 2500 - 4000 AMD (5 - 8 EUR)
Address: 14 Abovyan St, Yerevan
Day 2: Exploring Armenia's Ancient Heritage
Morning: Echmiadzin Cathedral (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM)
Your second day begins with a visit to Echmiadzin Cathedral, located in the town of Vagharshapat, about 20 kilometers from Yerevan. The cathedral, built in 301 AD, is the first state-built Christian church in the world, and it is the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Echmiadzin’s significance lies not only in its age but also in its role as the seat of the Catholicos, the leader of the Armenian Church. Its vast, golden domed interior and ancient frescoes tell the story of Armenia’s early conversion to Christianity.
Ticket Price: Free
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lunch at Tospia (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
On your way back from Echmiadzin, enjoy a simple and comforting lunch at Tospia, a cozy restaurant known for its Armenian soups and stews. The restaurant offers traditional dishes such as khash (a rich soup made from beef and herbs) and hearty lentil soup.
Average cost per person: 1500 - 2500 AMD (3 - 5 EUR)
Address: 1 Nalbandyan St, Yerevan
Afternoon: Garni Temple (2:30 PM - 4:00 PM)
Next, head to Garni, Armenia’s only pagan temple, situated about 30 minutes from Yerevan. The temple, built in the 1st century AD, is a stunning example of Greco-Roman architecture. It was dedicated to the sun god Mihr and is one of Armenia’s most important symbols of pre-Christian culture. The surrounding landscape of the Garni Gorge, with its impressive basalt formations, adds to the mystique of this ancient site.
Ticket Price: 1000 AMD (2 EUR)
Evening: Dinner at Sherep (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM)
Wrap up your day with dinner at Sherep, a restaurant offering a modern twist on Armenian classics. Here, you can savor delicacies such as grilled lamb and kyufta (Armenian meatballs), alongside an extensive selection of Armenian wines.
Average cost per person: 4000 - 6000 AMD (8 - 12 EUR)
Address: 1a Aram St, Yerevan
Additional Tips for Visiting Yerevan:
Transportation: Yerevan is easy to navigate by foot, especially in the city center. Taxis are cheap, and there are local buses and minibuses for traveling further afield. A taxi ride within the city costs approximately 1000-1500 AMD (2-3 EUR).
Yerevan City Pass: Consider purchasing a Yerevan City Pass, which provides discounted access to museums, attractions, and public transportation. It costs approximately 7000-10,000 AMD (14-20 EUR) and can be purchased at most major attractions or online.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Yerevan are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, and the city is less crowded.
This two-day itinerary offers an enriching journey through Yerevan's fascinating past and vibrant present, from ancient pagan temples to poignant genocide memorials and modern art galleries. Whether you're savoring Armenian cuisine or gazing upon centuries-old architecture, Yerevan is sure to captivate your heart.