Top 10 Things to Do in Yerevan in 2025: A Local's Guide to Armenia's Capital
The smell of fresh lavash and strong coffee hits you before you even see the bakery. It's 8 a.m. on a Saturday, and the backstreets of Yerevan are already humming. This city doesn't do quiet mornings—it does khorovats smoke, clinking cups of surj, and the occasional Lada that sounds like it's coughing up a lung. If you're planning a trip, you're in luck. Here's my take on the top 10 things to do in Yerevan in 2025—the spots and experiences that keep pulling me back.
1. Climb the Cascade for the Best View in Yerevan
Start with the obvious—but for good reason. The Cascade is Yerevan's grand staircase, a massive limestone structure that connects the city center to the hills above. It's more than a viewpoint; it's an open-air gallery. As you ascend, you'll pass sculptures by Botero, Plensa, and others, often without another soul in sight. At the top, the view of Mount Ararat (on a clear day) is worth the climb. Tip: Go at sunset, when the city glows pink and the cafes at the base start filling up. And yes, there's an escalator inside if your legs are feeling lazy—no judgment.
2. Get Lost in the Matenadaran's Ancient Manuscripts
I'm not usually a museum person, but the Matenadaran is different. This repository of ancient manuscripts sits like a fortress on Mesrop Mashtots Avenue, and inside, the collection is staggering—over 23,000 manuscripts, including a 7th-century copy of the Gospels and Euclid's Elements translated into Armenian. The lighting is dim, the silence is thick, and you can't help but feel the weight of history. It's one of the most underrated Yerevan attractions. Go on a weekday morning to avoid school groups.
3. Sip Your Way Through the Wine Bars of Saryan Street
Saryan Street used to be a sleepy lane of carpet shops. Now it's the epicenter of Yerevan's wine revolution. Armenia's winemaking history goes back 6,000 years—some say it's the birthplace of wine—and the bars here showcase indigenous grapes like Areni and Voskehat. My favorite is In Vino, a cozy spot with a cellar you can browse. Order a glass of Areni Noir and a plate of basturma (cured beef). The bartenders are generous with tastes, and the crowd is a mix of locals and curious travelers. Note: Many bars don't open until 6 p.m., so plan accordingly.
4. Wander the Vernissage Market for Souvenirs That Aren't Tacky
Every weekend, the area around the Republic Square metro station turns into a sprawling open-air market called the Vernissage. You'll find everything from hand-knitted socks to Soviet-era cameras to intricately carved wood. It's the best place to buy gifts—skip the magnets and go for a hand-painted ceramic pomegranate or a bottle of local honey. Haggling is expected, but keep it friendly. I once watched a vendor and a tourist argue for ten minutes over the price of a copper coffee pot, only to end up sharing a cigarette and a laugh. That's Yerevan for you.
5. Eat Your Weight in Lavash at a Traditional Bakery
You can't leave Yerevan without trying lavash, the paper-thin flatbread that's a staple of Armenian cuisine. Head to Lavash restaurant on Teryan Street for a sit-down meal, but for the real deal, find a tonir (clay oven) bakery in the backstreets. Watch as the baker slaps dough against the hot wall, pulls it out seconds later, and hands you a warm, blistered sheet. Tear off a piece, wrap it around some suluguni cheese and fresh herbs, and you'll understand why UNESCO recognized lavash as intangible cultural heritage. There's a small bakery off Mashtots Avenue—I won't give the exact address because it's already crowded—but ask any local and they'll point you.
6. Explore the Ghostly Beauty of the Armenian Genocide Memorial
This isn't a fun activity, but it's an essential one. The Tsitsernakaberd memorial sits on a hill overlooking the city, a stark, moving tribute to the 1.5 million Armenians killed during the genocide. The eternal flame, the towering spire, and the museum below are sobering. Go early in the morning when it's quiet. It's not one of the typical Yerevan attractions, but it's part of the city's soul. Afterwards, walk through the adjacent park—the silence there is a kind of healing.
7. Ride the Wings of Tatev—Yes, It's Worth the Day Trip
Okay, this one's technically outside Yerevan, but I'm including it because it's the best day trip from the capital. The Wings of Tatev is the world's longest reversible aerial tramway, and it carries you over the Vorotan Gorge to the 9th-century Tatev Monastery. The views are dizzying—green valleys, sheer cliffs, and the occasional eagle. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and you'll want to spend a couple of hours exploring the monastery and the surrounding trails. Tip: Book online in advance and go on a weekday to avoid crowds. The drive from Yerevan takes about 4 hours, so start early or stay overnight in nearby Goris.
8. Discover the Underground Art Scene at the Yerevan Biennial (If You're Lucky)
Yerevan's contemporary art scene is small but fierce. Depending on when you visit in 2025, you might catch the Yerevan Biennial, which pops up in unconventional spaces—abandoned factories, old Soviet cinemas, even people's apartments. If not, check out the NPAK (Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art) on Buzand Street. It's a scruffy, welcoming space with rotating exhibitions and a courtyard where artists gather to smoke and argue about politics. The vibe is more Berlin 2005 than New York 2025.
9. Take a Dip in the City's Soviet-Era Bathhouses
There's something wonderfully retro about Yerevan's public bathhouses. The most famous is Bania on Amiryan Street, a no-frills spot that's been around for decades. For about 3,000 AMD (roughly $7), you get a private room with a hot pool and a cold plunge. It's not fancy—the tiles are cracked and the lighting is fluorescent—but it's authentic. Locals come here to soak, gossip, and beat each other with oak branches (a Russian tradition). Go in the late afternoon when it's busiest. Note: Bring your own towel and flip-flops.
10. End the Night with a Proper Armenian Barbecue
No trip to Yerevan is complete without khorovats—Armenian barbecue. Head to Dolmama for a refined version, or go local at Khorovats on Khorenatsi Street, where the meat is grilled over charcoal and served with grilled vegetables and fresh herbs. The portions are huge, the wine is cheap, and the atmosphere is loud. Order the pork ribs and a side of ezme (spicy tomato dip). By the time you finish, you'll be planning your return trip. I know I always am.
Practical Tips for Your Yerevan Visit
- Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. July and August are scorching (40°C+), and winter can be bleak.
- Currency: Armenian dram (AMD). ATMs are plentiful, but carry cash for markets and small cafes.
- Language: Armenian is the official language, but many young people speak English. A few words of Russian go a long way with older generations.
- Transport: Yerevan's metro is cheap and efficient, but the city is walkable. Use the Yandex Taxi app for rides—it's cheaper than hailing a cab on the street.
- Customs: When visiting churches, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up the bill or leave 10%.
So there you have it—my top 10 things to do in Yerevan in 2025. The city is changing fast, with new cafes and galleries popping up every month, but the essence remains the same: warm, chaotic, and utterly captivating. Go before the rest of the world catches on.