3 Days in Yerevan: A Local’s Guide to Armenia’s Capital

Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It predates Rome by decades and celebrated its 2,800th anniversary in 2018! 

Today, the city feels both timeless and contemporary. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, Soviet-era monuments stand beside sleek new buildings, and centuries-old traditions coexist with a cosmopolitan rhythm. 

With just three days in Yerevan, you can experience a little of everything—history, culture, food, and unforgettable city views. This itinerary is the perfect starting point and will almost certainly leave you wanting more.

Day 1 – Yerevan City Highlights

Morning

Republic Square is the natural place to begin your Yerevan adventure! Surrounded by grand government buildings, museums, hotels and cafes, the square showcases Armenia’s signature volcanic stone known as tuff. Its pink and brown hues have earned Yerevan the nickname “the Pink City.” Republic Square is also a central meeting point for tours and has its own metro stop, making it both symbolic and practical.

Before exploring, fuel up with a traditional breakfast of lavash (UNESCO-listed bread), eggs, fresh greens, cucumber, cheese, honey, butter, washed down with a strong Armenian coffee served in small cups. 

If you like museums, you can start right on the square. You’ll find both the History Museum of Armenia, which provides valuable context spanning millennia, and the National Gallery, featuring strong permanent and rotating art exhibitions.

Afternoon

From the square, walk up Northern Avenue, main pedestrian street, ideal for shopping, people-watching, and another coffee stop. Continue past the beautiful Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre to reach the Cascade Complex, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

This massive stairway—572 steps—connects downtown Yerevan with the north. Along the way, you’ll find modern art installations, fountains, and scenic viewpoints. If you prefer not to climb, escalators inside the Cafesjian Center for the Arts lead to the top.

At the base of the Cascade, the Cafesjian Sculpture Garden is lined with cafés and restaurants, making it a convenient lunch spot. If time allows, continue to the nearby Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts), home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Armenian manuscripts, a must-visit for anyone interested in Armenian history.

Evening

Armenia is among the world’s oldest winemaking regions, with over 6,100 years of history. In recent years, Armenian wine has experienced a renaissance, with dozens of new winemakers in the field and others experimenting in natural, organic, orange, and pét-nat styles.

Spend the evening at a wine bar or restaurant and try classic dishes like tolma (stuffed grape leaves), harissa (a comforting wheat and chicken porridge), or ghapama (a festive stuffed pumpkin traditionally enjoyed in winter), and don’t miss trying gata for dessert! Saryan Street, also known as the wine street, is always lively and definitely not one to be missed.

Between May and November, Republic Square comes alive in the evenings with music-accompanied dancing fountains—you can enjoy them between 9 and 11 pm. 

If you still have the energy, Yerevan stays lively late. Jazz clubs, cocktail bars, and rooftop terraces serving Armenian brandy offer plenty of ways to end your day.

Day 2 - History, Culture & Flavors 

Morning

While emotionally heavy, a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum is an essential stop for understanding Armenia’s history, modern identity and resilience. The museum documents the tragic events of the early 20th century when more than 1.5 million Armenians living under the Ottoman Empire were massacred by Ottoman Turks. 

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon browsing Vernissage, Yerevan’s largest open-air market and the best place to discover local craftsmanship. You’ll find handmade souvenirs, silver jewelry, vintage rugs, paintings, and traditional taraz clothing.

The surrounding streets are ideal for a relaxed walk, with plenty of cafés and casual eateries nearby for lunch. 

After lunch, visit one of Yerevan’s historic brandy factories to learn about Armenia’s world-famous brandy. Guided tours offer insight into the production process and often end with a tasting, making this a classic—and very Armenian—afternoon experience.

Evening 

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where Armenian cuisine shines through seasonal, comforting dishes.

Later, experience a glimpse into Armenian culture at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre, which hosts a full calendar of stunning performances. Choose from classic Armenian operas like Anush, ballets such as Spartacus, traditional folk dance performances by the Armenian State Dance Ensemble, or concerts featuring works by iconic composers like Aram Khachaturian and Komitas.

Day 3 – Choose a Day Trip from Yerevan

Option 1: Garni & Geghard

Distance from Yerevan: approximately 50 minutes

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Churches and Monasteries of Armenia include remarkable landmarks such as Geghard Monastery is a stunning masterpiece of medieval Armenian architecture, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Azat River Gorge. Once an important center of Christian learning and manuscript production, the complex includes several churches and tombs—some carved directly into the surrounding cliffs—as well as intricately carved khachkars (cross-stones). The monastery’s main church is especially famous for its remarkable acoustics, making it an unforgettable place to experience sacred music. 

Tip: While in Geghard, be sure to try the gata sold at roadside stalls. This traditional Armenian sweet bread is baked in large round loaves and cherished by locals and visitors alike.

Nearby, in the village of Garni, stands the only surviving Hellenistic temple in the former Soviet Union. Dating to the pre-Christian era, this elegant colonnaded structure rises spectacularly above the Garni Gorge, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Just below, you’ll find the “Symphony of Stones,” a natural wonder of towering hexagonal basalt columns that look like a giant organ carved by nature.

Option 2: Lake Sevan & Dilijan

Distance from Yerevan: 1.5 hours

Pack your swimsuit and hiking shoes for this unforgettable day trip! Just an hour from Yerevan, Lake Sevan—often called the “Pearl of Armenia”—is a vast lake framed by rolling mountains and fresh mountain air. Here, you can relax on the shore, try water sports, soar above the lake while paragliding, or enjoy a meal of the lake’s famous fresh fish at a local restaurant. Above the shoreline, Sevanavank Monastery offers one of the most scenic viewpoints in the area, with sweeping panoramas of the shimmering blue waters below.

Continue about 30 minutes to the lush town of Dilijan, known as “Armenia’s Little Switzerland.” Surrounded by dense forests and national park trails, Dilijan is a favorite spot for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation, making it the perfect complement to a day by the lake.

Option 3: Zvartnots Cathedral & Etchmiadzin

Distance from Yerevan: 35 minutes 

Uncover Armenia’s ancient Christian heritage in Etchmiadzin, the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The name Etchmiadzin comes from the Armenian words meaning “the Only-begotten descended,” referring to a vision of Christ that inspired the cathedral’s founding.

Dating to 301–303 AD, Etchmiadzin Cathedral is considered the oldest cathedral in the world. The complex also features a treasury museum and a theological seminary, offering deeper insight into Armenia’s Christian legacy.

On the way, stop at the atmospheric ruins of the 7th-century Zvartnots Cathedral, where—on clear days—you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Ararat. Continue to the elegant churches of St. Gayane and St. Hripsime, named after early Christian martyrs and celebrated for their simple beauty and historical importance.

Practical Tips

Getting Around and Staying Connected

Yerevan’s compact city center is easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for first-time visitors looking for practical travel tips in Armenia while discovering Yerevan. 

• Yerevan’s compact city center is easy to explore on foot, while taxis are affordable and reliable - apps such as GG Taxi and Yandex Go are widely used to order rides. 
• The metro and buses connect key downtown areas, and buses also provide service between the airport and the city center.
• There is also a train connection from Yerevan to Tbilisi, Georgia, offering a scenic and convenient travel option.
• Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to purchase, making it simple to use maps, book rides, and stay informed about what’s happening around the city.

Traveling with Kids

• Yerevan is a family-friendly city with plenty of outdoor spaces and attractions for children, including amusement parks, playgrounds, Victory Park, Yerevan Zoo, and the Children’s Railway.
• In the summer months, fountain parks are a favorite way for children to cool off and play.
• Many cafés and public spaces are welcoming to families, making it easy to combine sightseeing with relaxed breaks.

Festivals and Events

Yerevan has an active cultural calendar year-round, with festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and public celebrations taking place in parks, squares, and cultural venues across the city. 

Planning your trip around major events—such as music festivals, food and wine festivals, or national holidays—can add an extra layer of energy and local flavor to your visit. 

Checking the city’s events calendar in advance is a good way to make the most of your time in Yerevan. 

Conclusion: Experiencing Yerevan Like a Local

Yerevan is a city that rewards curiosity. Whether you are planning Solo travel, traveling with friends, or visiting with family, Yerevan offers ancient history, lively café culture, and breathtaking views. Three days in the capital offer a rich introduction to Armenia—and often inspire visitors to return for more.