How to Spend 3 Days in Yerevan

Before visiting Yerevan, I knew little about what to expect. With an active Armenian community in Cyprus, I always felt that our cultures shared many similarities, which perhaps made the country seem less tempting to visit. Moreover, Armenia’s capital isn’t as talked about as other European cities, but from the moment I arrived, it completely won me over.

The city is a fascinating blend of Armenian heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and vibrant modern life, with its wide avenues, cozy cafés, and breathtaking views of Mount Ararat on the horizon. What surprised me the most was how walkable and welcoming Yerevan is—every corner had a story, and every meal felt like a warm embrace. If you’re considering a trip to this little-known capital, here’s how to spend three unforgettable days in Yerevan, including a day trip to some of Armenia’s most breathtaking historical sites.

Must-Visit Places

Yerevan might not be a sprawling metropolis, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character. This is a city bursting with history, proud of its ancient roots yet buzzing with modern energy. The Armenian capital offers a blend of old and new that’s easy to explore over just a few days. Here are my top 10 must-visit places to get a true feel for the city:

Republic Square – The heart of Yerevan, where locals and tourists gather to admire the grand architecture and, in the evenings, enjoy the musical fountains. Also, some of the city’s most important museums are located here.

Cascade Complex & Cafesjian Art Center – Visiting the Cascade is a must, not only for the art installations inside the Cafesjian Art Center and at the square in front, but also for the panoramic vistas over the city. If you don’t feel like tackling the steps, there’s an escalator inside the Art Centre—and it’s free!

Vernissage Market – A lively outdoor market and a treasure trove of Armenian crafts, from handmade carpets to Soviet-era memorabilia. This is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir. I got myself a small Armenian carpet, while my friends picked up jewelry and scarves.

Armenian Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) – You can’t miss this one. This grand memorial is deeply moving, and the museum beneath it provides insight into Armenia’s tragic history and the resilience of its people.

History Museum of Armenia – Located in Republic Square, this museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing Armenia’s rich and ancient past. One of the highlights is the world’s oldest leather shoe, dating back 5,500 years. 

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral – The largest cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church and one of the largest in the Caucasus region. It’s a bit outside the main centre, but you can easily combine your visit with a stop at the nearby GUM Market.

Victory Park & Mother Armenia Statue – A large park offering stunning views over the city, featuring the iconic Mother Armenia statue and the Unknown Soldier Tomb. You can spot the statue from various parts of the city, both day and night.

Katoghike Church – A small but historically significant 13th-century chapel, nestled among modern buildings in the city center. It was the only Yerevan church to survive the devastating 1679 earthquake and later narrowly escaped demolition by the Soviets in 1936.

Matenadaran – Home to the world’s largest repository of Armenian manuscripts, this museum is a must for history and culture lovers. The building itself is impressive, offering stunning views over the city and Mount Ararat.

Northern Avenue (Hyusisayin Poghota) – A modern pedestrian street lined with high-end shops, luxury apartments, and vibrant nightlife spots. Expect a lively atmosphere with international brands and frequent street performances by local artists.

A Day Trip to Armenia’s Ancient Wonders

One of the highlights of my time in Armenia was venturing outside the city to explore some of the country’s most spectacular historical sites. Plenty of local companies and international platforms offer day trips, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your time and budget. I opted for a tour that included three breathtaking sites and a final stop for lunch, where we also got to experience traditional lavash bread-making. Day trips outside Yerevan typically include visits to the following sites:

Geghard Monastery – A UNESCO-listed monastery partially carved into rock, surrounded by towering cliffs. The peaceful atmosphere and ancient chants echoing in the stone chambers made this place truly unforgettable. I was lucky enough to catch a local group of church singers performing inside the church—it was a truly otherworldly experience.

Symphony of Stones – A short drive from Geghard, this natural rock formation in the Garni Gorge looks like an organ’s pipes, creating a surreal, almost mythical landscape. TIP: Walk to the end of the path to catch a breathtaking view of Garni Temple across the mountains.

Garni Temple – The only surviving Greco-Roman structure in the region, Garni Temple is perched on a hill with breathtaking vistas of the valley below. Standing there, you can almost feel the layers of history beneath your feet. If you’re a fan of Greek and Roman history, as I am, you’ll love this one.

Food, Wine, and Markets

If there’s one thing I’ll never forget about Armenia, it’s the food. Every meal was a feast of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and warm hospitality. The country sits at a crossroads between the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Caucasus, so naturally, the local cuisine reflects a broad palette of flavours.Some of Armenia’s most famous and delicious dishes that I really enjoyed are:

Khorovats – Armenian barbecue, usually grilled to perfection.

Tolma – Stuffed cabbage or vine leaves, often served with garlic yogurt.

Lahmajoun – Armenian-style pizza with a thin, crispy base topped with ground beef and tomato.

Ghapama – A pumpkin filled with rice, dried fruits, honey, and walnuts.

One of the best experiences was watching locals bake lavash bread in underground ovens called tonir. If you can, don’t miss this one.

And let’s talk about Armenian wine—often overshadowed by its Georgian counterpart but just as rich in history and flavour. I made sure to try as many local wines as possible during my meals, and occasionally enjoyed some local beers like Kilikia. Another famous Armenian drink is brandy. A tour of Yerevan Brandy Company (commonly known as “Ararat”) is both educational and indulgent, as you get to taste Armenia’s world-renowned brandy, once favoured by Winston Churchill himself.

Markets like the GUM Market (aka Armenian Market) were definitely a standout experience, offering everything from dried fruits and nuts to freshly baked gata (a sweet Armenian pastry). Wandering through, tasting samples from friendly vendors, I felt the warmth of Armenian hospitality in every bite. My favorite part was seeing a group of older vendors enjoying a game of chess behind their stalls.

My Favorite Things About the City

• The imposing exterior of Matenadaran, with its grand entrance and statues, reminded me of something straight out of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings.
  
• The food—delicious, aromatic, and served in generous portions, with flavours of black pepper, cilantro, mint, tarragon, basil, thyme, garlic, and onion.
  
• The modern cafés tucked away in hidden courtyards and archways.
  
• The size of Vernissage Market—three long rows of stalls filled with everything from carpets and old books to jewelry and pottery.
  
• The view of snow-capped Mount Ararat, visible from almost every part of the city. It’s easy to see why this mountain is a symbol of the nation—it dominates the skyline in a way that feels almost spiritual. What many people don’t realize is that Mount Ararat is located in present-day Turkey, not Armenia—a poignant reminder of the country’s complex and turbulent history.
  

Conclusion

Even though I originally thought that three days would be enough to explore Yerevan, I soon realized I needed at least two more to fully embrace the city, its people, and visit all the places on my list. Nonetheless, Yerevan was a surprise in the best possible way. It’s a city of contrasts—ancient and modern, quiet yet full of life.

But beyond its history, food, and stunning views of Mount Ararat, what truly stood out was the warmth of the locals. Whether it was a vendor at GUM Market offering me dried fruit to try, a café owner eagerly sharing recommendations, or the guide at Geghard Monastery explaining Armenia’s deep-rooted traditions, every interaction felt like an invitation to understand and appreciate the country on a deeper level.

There’s so much more to see, not just in Yerevan but across Armenia. This won’t be my last visit, and if you’re considering going, take my advice: book that ticket. You won’t regret it.

FUN FACT: For all my fellow Cypriots reading, it’s important to know that Armenia and Cyprus share deep historical ties. The presence of Armenians on the island dates back to 578 AD, while during the Middle Ages, the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (Kilikia) was a close ally and neighbour of the Kingdom of Cyprus. The two even had dynastic marriages linking their royal families, and although they were separate kingdoms, they cooperated closely, particularly during the Crusader period. After the Armenian Genocide (1915-1923), Cyprus opened its doors to Armenian refugees, and they became an even stronger and thriving community on the island.