25 Amazing Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia in 2023

Things to do in Yerevan

Quick Breakdown of the Best Yerevan Tours

1. Yerevan Food and Walking Tour
2. Ararat Brandy Fatory Tour
3. Garni Temple & Kor Virap Tour

Best Places to Stay in Yerevan

1. Budget: Bonvenon Capsule Hostel
2. Mid-Range: 4Room Hotel
3. Luxury: Golden Palace Hotel

With its stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and friendly locals, Yerevan, the capital of beautiful Armenia, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Yerevan to help you plan your trip.

I’ve lived in Yerevan since the beginning of 2023 and have explored the city extensively. I’ll tell you all there is to know about the best places to visit in Yerevan, including many hidden gems that aren’t on the tourist trail.

Yerevan has a European feel with lots of streetside cafes and restaurants, with an obvious Soviet influence from Armenia’s time as part of the USSR. The city is also perfectly situated for exploring the nearby mountains and monasteries that dot the land and makes an excellent base for exploring Armenia.

Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Top Things to Do in Yerevan, Armenia

1. Take a Walking Tour of the City

I always find one of the best ways to get to know a new city is to take a walking tour, and this is definitely one of the best things to do in Yerevan. This way you get to take in some of the top Yerevan attractions with a local guide and learn a little of the history of the place.

This 4-hour walking tour takes in some of the best places to visit in Yerevan including Republic Square, the Cascade Complex, Vernissage open-air market, the Opera House, Abovyan Street (the oldest in the city) and many small parks and squares.

The tour is conducted by a knowledgeable, local English-speaking guide and also includes tasting some local treats such as lavash bread, sea buckthorn juice and tea and coffee. You’ll also get to visit Mirzoyan Library, one of my favorite places in the city and a real hidden gem.

The price is $48 per person. Click here to find out more and check availability.


2. Explore the Cascade Complex

Places to Visit in Yerevan - Cascade
Places to Visit in Yerevan – Cascade

The Cascade Complex is a giant staircase that leads up to Victory Park and offers stunning views of the city and Mount Ararat. Inside the complex is a series of escalators going to the top for those who don’t fancy the steps.

Along the way, visitors can admire numerous sculptures, fountains, and gardens. The complex is also home to the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, which showcases modern and contemporary art in a stunning setting.

Sunset is an excellent time to visit and witness the sweeping views of the city and Mount Ararat. There are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants with terraces located at the bottom of Cascade (and one of my favorites, the Green Bean is just around the corner).

Address: 10 Tamanyan St, Yerevan 0009. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Cascade is in the center of the city and a ten-minute walk from Republic Square. The nearest metro station is Yeritasardakan, a five-minute walk away.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: The steps are open 24/7 and the inside gallery and escalators are open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.


3. See Republic Square

Republic Square is the central hub of Yerevan and is a great place to start your tour of the city. The square is surrounded by beautiful pink tuff buildings and is home to the National Gallery and the History Museum of Armenia.

The square is also a popular spot for concerts and events, and in the summer, it is filled with outdoor cafes and street vendors.

Address: Republic Square, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Republic Square is in the city center. The nearest metro station is (surprisingly) Republic Square.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7


4. Visit Victory Park

Victory Park is located on a hill above the city and is home to the Mother Armenia statue, some old soviet military vehicles and an amusement park with Ferris wheels and other rides ad attractions.

There’s a boating lake surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and the views of the city are fantastic. On a clear day you can see Mount Ararat towering over Yerevan. This is somewhere I like to stroll in the evenings thanks to its lively atmosphere.

You can walk to Victory Park from the city center by climbing the Cascade (or taking the elevators). Entrance to the park is free though you’ll need to pay for the rides and amusements.

Address: Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The best way to reach Victory Park is to climb the cascade. When you get to the very top, walk past the Soviet memorial and cross the street using the underpass to get to the main entrance.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: The park is open 24/7, but the amusements and cafes are open until around 10 pm.


5. See the Mother Armenia Monument

Mother Armenia
Mother Armenia

One of the top things to see in Yerevan is the 51-metre (167-foot) Mother Armenia Statue. It’s located in Victory Park high above the city and is one of the most enduring symbols of Armenia. The statue, which was constructed in 1967 by Armenian sculptor Ara Harutyunyan can be seen from across the city.

The statue is based on a real-life person; 17-year-old Genya Muradian, who Harutunyan met by chance while out shopping and convinced her to pose for the sculpture. This symbolic guardian of Yerevan watches over the city and symbolizes peace through strength.

Each year on Victory Day (9th May), local residents flock to lay flowers at the foot of Mother Armenia to commemorate Armenian soldiers who perished during the Second World War. The views of Yerevan from the statue are also some of the best in the city thanks to its elevation.

Address: 2 Azatutyan Ave, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Ascend the Cascade, cross the Square, take the underpass, and walk through Victory Park to the monument.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7


6. Take a tour of the Ararat Brandy Factory

The Ararat Brandy Factory is one of Armenia’s most famous producers of brandy. Visitors can take a tour of the factory and learn about the history of brandy-making in Armenia, as well as sample some of the factory’s best products.

The tour includes a visit to the aging cellars, where visitors can see barrels of brandy that have been aging for decades. I’ve developed quite a taste for Ararat brandy and it certainly helped keep the cold at bay during my winter stay in the city.

And it seems I’m not the only one who’s partial to a sip, as Stalin is said to have gifted a bottle to Churchill at the Yalta Conference, and ever since Winston ordered bottles every year as he liked it so much.

Take a one-hour tasting tour at the Ararat factory. Book today with Get Your Guide.

Address: 2 Admiral Isakov Ave, Yerevan 0082. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The factory is across Victory Bridge that crosses Hrzdan Gorge. It’s a short walk from Kilikia bus station.
Entrance Fee: 4,500 drams ($11) for a standard tour of the museum.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm every day.
Website: araratbrandy.com


7. Visit the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial

Dark Tourism Destinations
Eternal Flame at the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial is a sobering reminder of the tragic events that took place in Western Armenia (present-day Turkey) in the early 20th century.

The museum features exhibits and artifacts that document the genocide, as well as a memorial that honors the victims. It’s an important and emotional experience for visitors who want to learn more about Armenian history and pay their respects to those who were lost.

The museum is located on a hill overlooking Yerevan and includes a series of sculptures, an eternal flame and a museum with photographs and other exhibits charting the atrocities.

Address: 8, 8 Tsitsernakaberd Hwy, Yerevan 0028. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The best way to get to the complex is by taxi (use GG or Yandex). You can also walk from the center which takes around an hour.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 11 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Website: genocide-museum.am


8. Visit the Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre

Yerevan Opera House
Yerevan Opera House

The Armenian Opera and Ballet Theatre is a beautiful building located in the heart of Yerevan. The theater hosts a variety of performances, including operas, ballets, and concerts. Outside there is a large square and park popular with families, and an open-air ice skating rink in winter.

There are also lots of bars and restaurants in the park next to the Theatre. Check the website to see what’s currently on.

Address: Tumanyan St, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Opera is situated at the top of Northern Avenue between Republic Square and Cascade. The nearest metro station is Yeritasardakan.
Opening Hours: Check the website for performance times.
Website: opera.am


9. Shop for Souvenirs at Vernissage Market

The Vernissage Market is a sprawling outdoor bazaar that offers a wide variety of souvenirs, crafts, and other handmade goods. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and mementos to bring home from your trip to Armenia.

The market is open seven days a week and attracts both locals and tourists. Exploring the stalls is one of my favorite things to do in Yerevan at the weekend and I’ve bought a few souvenirs (an Armenian flag and an army cap).

I’m currently thinking about buying one of the handmade chess boards for sale (prices start from around 20,000 drams / $50). There are also food and drinks stalls selling hot and cold snacks and a pleasant park with fountains adjacent to the market.

Address: 1, 3 Buzand St, Yerevan 0010. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Vernissage is a five-minute walk from Republic Square.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm every day.


10. Visit the Matenadaran

The Matenadaran
The Matenadaran

The Matenadaran is a museum and research institute dedicated to the study of ancient Armenian manuscripts. It houses one of the largest collections of manuscripts in the world, with over 23,000 manuscripts and more than 5,000 printed books.

You can take a guided tour of the museum (English-speaking guide 3,000 drams/$7.50) and see some of the most beautiful and rare manuscripts, including the oldest surviving copy of the Armenian Bible.

Address: 53 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0009. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The Matenadaran is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Cascade at the very top of Mesrop Mashots Avenue.
Entrance Fee: 1,500 drams ($3.75)
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.
Website: matenadaran.am


11. Visit the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Mosque of Ali, is a beautiful example of Shia Islamic architecture in Yerevan. It was built in the 18th century by Persian architect Mirak Mirza, and is named for its striking blue tiles.

Although it is no longer used as a mosque, visitors can still admire its intricate details and learn about its history.

Address: 12 Mesrop Mashtots Ave, Yerevan 0015. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The Blue Mosque is quite central and an easy walk from Cascade or Republic Square.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 10 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm every day.
Website:


12. Stroll Down Northern Avenue

Northern Avenue is Yerevan’s main pedestrian street, a little like the Arbat in Moscow. Each side is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, and there are street artists and performers entertaining passers-by.

The Avenue runs from Abovyan Street in the south to the Opera and Ballet Theatre in the north and is a great place for a stroll day or night. I sometimes come to one of the cafes here to work as it has a great vibe.

Northern Avenue is definitely one of the places to go in Yerevan if you want to do some shopping, relax in a café and people watch or check out the entertainers and street performers.


13. See the Statues at Children’s Park

Children’s Park, also known as Kirov Park, is located a few minutes walk south of Republic Square and is known for its cute statues of children frolicking amidst a series of water displays and fountains.

It’s one of the fun places to visit in Yerevan for kids and adults alike, and in summer you can dash through jets of water or run under an arch-shaped fountain without trying to get wet (I tried and failed).

Address: Grigor Lusavorich Street, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Children’s Park is located behind Shahumyan Square a five-minute walk south of Republic Square.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24/7


14. See Swan Lake (and Go Ice Skating in Winter)

Swan Lake is located in the park behind the Opera House and at the top of Northern Avenue pedestrian street. It’s a pleasant place for a stroll at any time of the year and I regularly walk around the lake or pop into one of the nearby bars and restaurants.

Every winter when the lake freezes over it opens up for ice skating, and this is definitely one of the things to do in Yerevan during winter if you’re not afraid of falling over (no comment).

The last few times I’ve walked past Swan Lake there has been a guy playing the Piano (even when it was raining, he was under a little cover). So, if you’re looking for somewhere to take a break while out exploring, shopping etc, this is the perfect place to sit and relax for a while.

Address: Teryan Street, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Swan Lake is located inside the park at the end of Northern Avenue and on the corner of Tumanyan and Teryan Street, just behind the Opera House.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24.7


15. Walk Through the Kond Tunnel to Hrazdan Gorge

One of the coolest things to do in Yerevan is to walk through the tunnel from Kond to Hrazdan Gorge. I discovered this tunnel by accident on my first visit and what a pleasant surprise it was. The tunnel stretches for 480 metres (1,575 feet) under Yerevan and is covered in lots of interesting graffiti.

This is definitely one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the city and the nearby neighborhood of Kond is also well worth a visit as it’s the oldest suburb and filled with shanty houses and narrow lanes clinging to the hillside.

Insider’s Tip: When you get to Hrazdan Gorge at the other end of the tunnel, do not take pictures above as there are sensitive buildings above the tunnel and you may get told off by the police (I speak from experience).

Address: Kond Pedestrian Tunnel. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Walk down Mesrop Mashots Avenue until you reach the park and head northwest to the end of the park and you’ll see the entrance.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Price: Free


16. Drink a Pint of Dargett, Yerevan’s Number 1 Craft Beer

I’m a huge lover of craft beers (or real ales as they have always been known in England) and you may be surprised to learn that Yerevan has plenty of places to indulge. The oldest and best brewery on the scene here though is Dargett.

The Dargett Taphouse is located on Aram Street next to the park and a few steps from the entrance to Kond tunnel. This was the first proper brewpub in Yerevan and it doesn’t disappoint.

Choose from a range of IPAs, lagers, fruit beers and much more (my favorite is the Pale Ale). There is also an extensive food menu with dishes from around the globe. You can sit inside or out, and it’s somewhere I like to go for a couple of beers on a summer’s afternoon.

Dargett also runs a new(ish) craft beer bar on Teryan Street called Vertigo which has a massive selection of imported beers (and great music choices). Enjoying a pint or three is definitely one of the best things to do in Yerevan at night for beer lovers like myself.

Address: 72 Aram Street, Yerevan 0001. Click here for directions.
How to Get There: The Dargett Brew Pub is on Aram Street which is just off the main Marshots Mashots Avenue and an easy walk from Republic Square or Cascade.
Opening Hours: 11 am to 12 am every day.
Website: dargett.com


17. Visit St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church

One of the first Armenian churches I discovered in Yerevan was the St. Astvatsatsin Kathoghike Church, also known in English as Saint Annes. This city-center church is located a short walk from Cascade on the intersection of Sayat Nova and Abovyan and is a fine example of Armenian religious architecture.

There has been a church at this site since at least 1264 with inscriptions dating to this time, but due to earthquakes, Soviet anti-religious sentiment and other factors the church has been rebuilt many times since, with the current church dating to 2009.

Address: 17 Abovyan St, Yerevan 0001. Click here for directions.
How to Get There: Walk east along Sayat Nova from Cascade. The church is a few minutes walk from Yeritasardakan metro.
Opening Hours: 9 am to 8 pm every day.
Entrance Price: Free


18. Drink from a Pulpulak

A Pulpulak in Children's Park Yerevan
A Pulpulak in Children’s Park Yerevan

One thing you’ll notice about Yerevan is the number of drinking fountains that can be found in all the parks and across many places in the city. These fixtures that are somewhat unique to Armenia are called “pulpulak” as that is the noise they make.

The tradition dates back to the 1920s and you’ll find these in all public squares, parks, and across the city. The most famous pulpulak is called Yotnaghbyur and is located in Republic Square. These are very handy, especially in the hot summers, and I’ve often drank from them when out and about.


19. Take a Hidden Gems Classic Car Tour

Explore some of the top Yerevan attractions in style as you cruise through the city in a classic soviet era car. This two-hour tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an experienced local guide, and alcoholic (or non) drinks.

You’ll get to see top sights including the Mother Armenia statue, Cascade, the Opera House, and much more on this seriously stylish journey around the city. The price is $49 per person and there are options in English, Arabic, Armenian, French, and Russian. Click here to check availability.


20. Enjoy Armenian cuisine

Armenian cuisine is a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, and there are plenty of great restaurants in Yerevan where you can sample traditional dishes. Some must-try dishes include khorovats (Armenian barbecue), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and lavash (Armenian flatbread).

Dolma is one of my favorite Armenian dishes and is served in most local restaurants. You can choose from vine leaves or cabbage leaves (I prefer the latter) and the dish is similar to Sarma in the Baltics. Shaurma is another of my favorite local snacks which can be found everywhere.

This 3.5-hour walking tour includes 6 stops at eateries where you can taste some classic Armenian dishes and drinks as well as taking in some of the top Yerevan tourist attractions such as the Cascade complex. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Book today with Get Your Guide.


21. Explore Erebuni Fortress

Erebuni Fortress is an ancient citadel that was built in 782 BC by King Argishti I. It is considered the birthplace of Yerevan and is an important archaeological site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about its history and significance.

I visited Erebuni Fortress a couple of weeks ago and was impressed by both the small museum and the large archaeological ruins that you can wander around at pleasure. The views of the city and nearby mountains are also incredible.

Erebuni is a suburb of Yerevan and easy to reach from the center by bus or taxi (taxi is easier for tourists). Allow an hour or two to visit the museum and ruins. There’s a small gift shop selling local handcrafts, prints and other souvenirs.

Address: 2 3rd St, Yerevan. Click here for directions.
How to Get There: A taxi from central Yerevan should cost around 1,000 to 1,500 drams using GG or Yandex, and take around 20 minutes.
Opening Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Entrance Price: 1,500 drams ($3.75)


22. See the Impressive Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral

Zvartnots Cathedral is located in a suburb of Yerevan close to the main international airport and on the way to Echmiadzin. This is somewhere I had wanted to visit on my first trip but didn’t get the chance. I went recently and it didn’t disappoint.

Here you’ll find the remains of a 7th-century medieval cathedral that looks more reminiscent of a classical Greek or Roman temple. With a stunning backdrop of Mount Ararat, this is definitely one of the most impressive tourist attractions in Yerevan.

There’s a small museum at the back of the ruins with relics on display and some interesting exhibitions charting the history of Armenia. There’s also a small gift shop selling books and other souvenirs.

I visited as part of a tour to Echmiadzin visiting various Armenian churches and cathedrals, but the ruins at Zvartnots were definitely the highlight for me.

Address: Vagharshapat, Armenia. Click here for directions.
How to Get There: A taxi from central Yerevan should cost around 3,000 drams ($7.50). This excellent tour also includes Zvartnots on its itinerary (the one I went on recently).
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm, Sunday.
Entrance Price: 1,300 drams ($3.25)


23. Garni Temple

Garni Pagan Temple
Garni Pagan Temple

The Greco-Roman Garni Temple is one of the most impressive historical sights in Armenia and oe of the best places to visit near Yerevan. The structure is over 2,000 years old and is the only surviving pre-Christian temple in the country.

It takes around half an hour to an hour to reach Garni from Yerevan depending on your mode of transport. I took a marshrutka which leaves from the bus station on Gai Avenue and it took about 30 minutes.

The temple overlooks Garni Canyon and the views are mesmerizing. Be sure to also visit the nearby Symphony of Stones; large hexagonal columns stretch to impressive heights up the rock face. Book a Tour to Garni with Get Your Guide.

Address: Garni 2215, Armenia. Click here for directions.
How to Get There: Take the marshrutka from the stop on Gai Avenue, or book a tour from Yerevan. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 500 drams ($1.25).
Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm every day.
Entrance Price: 1,500 drams ($3.75)

24. Echmiadzin

I recently took this tour to some of Armenia’s holiest places just a short ride from Yerevan. The tour includes Echmiadzin Mother Cathedral which dates back to the fourth century and is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world.

The tour also takes in St. Echmiadzin, St. Hripsime’s Church and the personal highlight for me, the ruins of Zvartnots Temple (with majestic Mount Ararat in the background). The three-hour tour departs and returns to Yerevan City Centre (Republic Square). Click here to check availability.


25. Khor Virap

Khor Virap Monastery
Khor Virap Monastery and Mount Ararat

Ipressive Khor Virap is another of y favorite places to visit near Yerevan. This monastery sits on a hill 5 miles (8km) from the Turkish border and in the shadow of mighty Mount Ararat. Book with Get Your Guide.

Check out this Armenia itinerary for more things to do in this incredible country.

Getting To Yerevan

There are flights to and from European destinations including Greece, Bulgaria and Germany. Yerevan’s Zvartnots International Airport is just 9 miles (14km) from the city centre.

There are daily marshrutkas from Tbilisi in Georgia and the cost is 50 Lari ($20) and the journey time around six hours including the border crossing.

Getting Around Yerevan

Most central areas such as Cascade, the Opera House and Republic Square are within walking distance.

There is a one-line metro system for places farther afield. Buses and marshrutkas also cover the whole city but you’ll need to know which one to get for your destination.

You can hail taxis on the street but it’s cheaper to use an app. I use GG and most journeys within the city cost under 1,000 AMD ($2.60).

Places to Stay in Yerevan

Having lived in Yerevan for a few months I stayed at many of the city’s hostels and will tell you about the best ones (and leave out the ones that were not so good). Check out my guide to the best Yerevan Hostels.

Bonvenon (my top pick)

This is my favorite hostel in Yerevan. The beds are large and private with plug sockets and air conditioning. The hostel is kept clean by the friendly owner, Jack. Perfect location 5 minutes walk from Cascade and 10 minutes from Republic Square.

Check prices on Booking.com

Envoy Hostel

An excellent backpacker’s hostel in the center of the city five minutes from Cascade. There is a large common room and kitchen in the basement with desks and good wifi.

Check prices on Booking.com

Check prices on Hostelworld.com

Center Hostel

A pleasant hostel around the corner from Republic Square with helpful staff. There is also a one-bedroom private apartment downstairs which I rented for one night and was very comfortable.

Check prices on Booking.com

Check prices on Hostelworld.com

4Room Hotel

A pleasant ad relatively inexpensive hotel in central Yerevan. Rooms come with free WiFi, an en-suite bathroom and complimentary toiletries.

Check the price on Booking.com

Where to Eat in Yerevan

Mirzoyan Library

A friend took me to this amazing establishment after we took a tour to Echmiadzin and Svartnots Cathedral. You go in through a nondescript doorway in a large residential building and then it opens up into a huge courtyard with trees, plants and photographs (the owner is a professional photographer).

There are three levels so you can sit in the courtyard, or overlooking it, and there’s also plenty of space to sit inside upstairs or downstairs. It’s the perfect place to while away a lazy afternoon over coffee, a bottle of wine or a few cocktails.

There’s also a food menu with salads, pasta, shuarma and other hot and cold snacks. It’s not the cheapest place in the city, but it’s also not too expensive and the ambiance is well worth it. I’m going to make Mirzoyan a regular haunt as it’s also a great place to work from. Click here for directions.

Twelve Tables

This cozy little restaurant a five-minute walk from Cascade and Opera is run by my friend’s girlfriend. You wouldn’t necessarily know it’s a restaurant as there is a front-facing arts and crafts shop, but when you go through the back it opens up into two quaint dining rooms with, you guessed it, 12 tables.

The menu includes some tasty baguettes (I had ham, cheese, olives and mushroom, a large selection of salads, pastas and grilled meats. There’s also an extensive drinks menu from teas, coffees and fresh juices to beers, cocktails, and some excellent local wines (the Monte Noah was delicious).

It’s one of the more inexpensive cafe-restaurants in Yerevan and has a bohemian vibe without coming across as pretentious. I’ll definitely be going back (certainly for more of the wine). Click here for directions.

EVN Burger

Right next to Twelve Tables (literally) is Yerevan’s premiere burger joint (opened by Rudy who now runs Rock’n’Rolla). I’m not a massive burger guy, but I went here feeling slightly hungover one lunchtime and I have to say, it certainly hit the spot.

*Disclaimer: Although some of the establishments are owned and run by friends and acquaintances, I didn’t receive anything for recommending them and they didn’t ask me to write reviews. However, if any of you are reading this and want to buy me a beer, I won’t say no… 😉

Fast Food

There are lots of fast food places around Yerevan including KFC and Pizza Hut. However personally my favourite fast food here is shwarma or shaurma (meat and vegetables wrapped in traditional Armenian Lavash flatbread. You can get it all over the city, but Tumanyan Shuarma on Tumanyan Street is one of the best.

Bars and Pubs in Yerevan

There are lots of great bars in the city centre and the most popular include the Dargett Taproom (Dargett is the local craft beer brewery and they make an excellent pale ale), The Beatles Pub and the Irish Bar. My favorite though is Rock’n’Rolla which is owned by a friend of mine (shout out to my bro Rudolph).

Most bars in Yerevan are underground so can be easy to miss, but they usually have signs outside near the steps. Smoking is not permitted indoors.

Rock’n’Rolla

The best bar in Yerevan with craft beers on tap (Dargett brews a special IPA for Rock’n’Rolla which can’t be found anywhere else) and there is an excellent cocktail menu. Fresh sandwiches and other bar snacks are available (I highly recommend the sandwiches) and the music is a mixture of hard rock and heavy metal.

See the location on Google maps

Dargett Taproom and Microbrewery

Home of Yerevan’s purveyors of premium craft beer, the Dargett Tap Room is a lively bar in the centre of the city that attracts a youngish crowd. As well as many excellent beers on tap, there is an extensive menu featuring burgers and other foods.

See the location on Google maps

The Beatles Pub

If you’re looking for a great selection of beers and an extensive menu including British classics, head to The Beatles Pub (they do an excellent Sunday roast). There are eight draught beers on tap, and over 200 whiskeys and they have live music on weekends.

See the location on Google maps

Vertigo Craft Beer Bar

This cozy little bar on Teryan Street is run by the owners of Dargett Brewery and stocks an impressive range of craft beers from around the world. It stocks plenty of my favourite Belgian Trappist beers including Trappist Rochefort, Marsdeous, Dubbel, Chimay, Orval and more.

Conclusion – Is Yerevan Worth Visiting?

With so many excellent things to do in Yerevan the city is definitely worth visiting. With sights and attractions from the Opera House and Cascade to excellent bars and restaurants and some pretty amazing day trips, Yerevan should be high on the list of every traveller.

Check out my other guides to Armenia

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About the author:

Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.

Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.

Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲

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