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Things To See In Armenia

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1. Amazing Things To See And Do In Yerevan

Traveling to Armenia — as the capital of historic and culturally rich Armenia, Yerevan has a lot to offer to its visitors. The city is known for its squares, parks, historic monuments, and delicious dolma, just to name a few of its attractions. So, if you are looking for the best things to see and do here, you are in the right spot.

Take a free walking tour of the city

Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get to know the city. Locals work voluntarily to show their hometown to its visitors by taking them to the iconic places. This particular tour takes around three hours and promises to tell you stories that you won’t find in guidebooks. Guides take you to over 25 sites including the historic center, backstreets, and modern architectural spots. Note that the tour is upon request, so you need to get in touch with them and book in advance. Also remember that the concept of a free walking tour is to tip the guide at the end with whatever amount you thought the tour was worth.

REPUBLIC SQUARE

Republic Square lies in the center of the city, offering a great glimpse into local everyday life. It took almost 50 years to complete the building of the square; however, most of it was constructed in the 1950s. Spend the morning or afternoon here, and visit the History Museum and the National Gallery.

CASCADE STAIRWAY AND MUSEUM

Located in the very center of Yerevan, the Cascade complex is a massive staircase with many terraces adorned with artsy statues and beautiful floral decoration. Go all the way up to have a 360-degree view of the city and Mount Ararat. And for art lovers, the complex has the Cafesjian Center of the Arts museum within the staircase.

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM

The Tsitsernakaberd Memorial honors all the victims of Armenian Genocide carried out by the Ottomans in 1915. Center of the memorial features an eternal flame that has been continuously lit since the opening ceremony. Museum inside the memorial gives you all the harrowing details of this tragedy that Armenia suffered.

VERNISSAGE FLEA MARKET

When traveling to Armenia and new city, chances are that you’ll want to bring some kind of a souvenir back home. The best place to shop for them is the Vernissage flea market, which basically has anything you could ever imagine. Most of the items here are handmade and include jewelry, woven rugs, purses, clothes, toys, and vintage items, just to name a few.

ARARAT BRANDY FACTORY

Take a tour of the Ararat Brandy Factory to learn more about the local spirit and even try a sample on its grounds when you traveling to Armenia . Produced since 1887, Ararat brandy is made from Armenian spring water and local white grapes. During the tour, you’ll learn more about the traditional method of creating the drink, bottling, and the production process.

2. 15 Best Places to Visit in Armenia

Armenia is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, with the small but charming nation boasting a rich history. Armenia, which was the first country to declare Christianity as its national religion, boasts some of Europe’s most stunning views, with the peak of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline. The mountain is Armenia’s national symbol despite its peak lying just over the Turkish border and Ararat is considered holy by locals due to its mention in The Bible – it is where Noah’s Ark landed. Armenia is home to countless beautiful monasteries and they are often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the whole of Europe as the nation continues to embrace tourism. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Armenia!

1. Yerevan

By far the largest city in Armenia, the capital Yerevan is a great place to start for anyone wishing to explore Armenia. The city is home to the grand Republic Square, while climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must. Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past.

Vernissage flea market is worth visiting too – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also highly recommended. Much of what Armenia has to offer can be explored during day trips from Yerevan, which is known as the City of Cafes. Yerevan is also home to Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the whole of the country, as well as Levon’s Amazing Underground World, which is one of Europe’s most unusual attractions.

2. Shikahogh State Reserve

The second largest forest reserve in Armenia, Shikahogh State Reserve is so unspoiled that large parts of it remains unexplored to this day. Forest is believed to be home to animals including leopards, bears, wild goats and vipers and it is also thought that Shikahogh State Reserve has about 1,100 species of plants, although its fauna has not yet been fully explored.

The reserve was threatened by a planned highway in 2005, but environments successfully lobbied for the forest’s future to be protected. Rreserve also has a number of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.

3. Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country. The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery – providing a glorious scenic backdrop to a relaxing trip. Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a wide choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore.

Lake Sevan has a number of popular beaches and, as the country has no coastline, this is the best place in Armenia to sunbathe, with Sevan Bay and its surrounding mountains providing spectacular scenery.

3. 25 PLACES TO VISIT IN ARMENIA – HISTORICAL SIGHTS, NATURAL WONDERS, AND MORE!

It is no secret that Armenia is one of my favorite countries. Back when I first took my first trip there in 2013, I raved about it to people but most people hushed me and told me they preferred to the country to Armenia’s north (take mind most people had never even made it to Armenia). There are so many places to visit in Armenia that it kind of intimidates me. Mostly because I struggle to leave Yerevan as I feel so comfortable there.

As a result, I have recruited other travelers and bloggers to help me put together a list of some of the best places to visit in Armenia. This is by no means conclusive… and I hope to add to it when I am back in the country in two months. Please drop your favorite place in Armenia in the comments so I can add it to my upcoming itinerary!

CITIES, VILLAGES, AND PROVINCES IN ARMENIA

Armenia has several worthy cities, villages, and provinces to visit throughout the country. The list below is some of the most popular places and I hope to add some off the path places in the future.

YEREVAN
The Armenian capital city of Yerevan is easily one of my favorite cities in the world. I first traveled to Yerevan in 2013 and I fell in love with the city the moment I stepped foot in it. The city is rich with history, culture, and hospitality. In fact, nearly 100 countries later, I still refer to Yerevan as the friendliest city I have ever been to.

The Armenian capital

Aside from the mentions above, some of my favorite things about the Armenian capital are the pinkish architecture, cafe culture, and the endless amounts of things to do in Yerevan. New bars and restaurants in Yerevan are constantly opening their doors but the refined charm still stays in place. The residents are cultured and into the arts and it shows in the number of activities available to residents and travelers on a consistent basis.

Perhaps one of my favorite things about Yerevan is the fact that it is an organized city compared to other cities in the region. As someone with anxiety, I never feel overwhelmed there and crossing the street doesn’t cause me to have a panic attack. While there is still a ways to go with certain matters, Yerevan’s demeanor and aura remind me of certain cities in Western Europe, albeit with far better food.

GYUMRI

Steeped in history and disaster, Gyumri doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Relatively remote and still recovering from the devastating 1988 earthquake, most travelers opt to simply bypass Gyumri even though it’s Armenia’s second largest city. However, if you want to contribute to Gyumri’s eventual resurgence—or make your way to/from Georgia—consider visiting Gyumri for at least a day or two.

The area around Gyumri has been inhabited since 3rd century BC… at least. Though very little remains from this period, history buffs will have a field day with the more recent historical sights in the area. One example is Marmashen Monastery, a lonely 10th-century monastery a little outside of the city, which makes for a perfect half-day trip.

The city itself has plenty on offer, too. Despite the 1988 earthquake leveling many historic buildings, and reconstruction still going on, there are many 18th and 19th century churches to be found all over Gyumri. If churches aren’t your idea of a grand day out, Gyumri has its very own beer brewery (aptly named Gyumri Brewery), and the splendid Poloz Mukuch beerhouse is perfect for kicking back and have a few brewskis… or homemade wine! Whatever your interest might be, Gyumri has something for you. –Alex Reynolds (USA), Lost with Purpose…….

4. Ten places in Armenia you should not miss

Armenia is an ancient country situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. This small country is known for its 3,500-year-old history, rich culture and amazing mountainous landscapes. Each year, an increasing number of visitors book Armenian tours to explore this interesting land, immerse themselves in centuries-old customs and traditions, learn about its colourful history and admire the spectacular scenery. The locals are warm and hospitable and do their best to make visitors feel welcome in their beloved motherland. If you’re planning a visit, here are ten places in Armenia you should not miss:

1. The city centre of ancient Yerevan

Capital of Armenia, Yerevan, is a cozy city famous for its beautiful architecture. The city has a centuries-old history – according to the cuneiform inscription of Urartian King Argishti, it was built in 782 BC, which shows that Yerevan is older than Rome! For those who are in Yerevan for the first time, we recommend visiting its centre known for its unique architecture masterpieces, cozy cafés, restaurants, and beautiful parks.

The heart of the capital is formed by the Republic Square, designed by the famous Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan in 1924. The square is framed by important buildings such as the History Museum of Armenia and the Government House.

If you cross the road from the square you will find the Northern Avenue. It is the most modern and high-end part of the capital with its fashionable boutiques and shops, office buildings and luxury hotels. The avenue leads to another must-visit attraction of Yerevan – the Opera and Ballet Theater. It occupies an important place in the cultural life of Armenians and offers an extensive repertoire with its national opera, ballet and excellent symphonic music.

2. Echmiadzin

The city of Echmiadzin is located about 20 km from Yerevan (30-minutes by car). A tour of Armenia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Echmiadzin. Armenia is the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as a state religion (in 301 AD) and the Echmiadzin Cathedral was built to commemorate this. Built on the site of an ancient pagan temple, Echmiadzin is the religious centre of all Armenians.

3. Tatev Monastery

It takes four hours (253 km) to get to the monastery of Tatev from Yerevan by car but it’s really worth the effort! A visit to Tatev is simply unforgettable! The monastery is a majestic medieval (9th century AD) structure located on the edge of a deep gorge and surrounded by amazing mountainous landscapes. In order to get to the monastery, you can take the cable-car (listed in the Guinness Book of Records as being the longest in the world). You will glide over the deep gorge for about 20 minutes and enjoy the fantastic scenery.

5. The Top 8 Places In Armenia That Will Blow You Away

1. Yerevan Cascade

With more than 1.5 million tourists annually, Yerevan Cascade is—without a doubt—the top most visited destination in Armenia, and I can clearly understand the reason why. If you want to feel the Armenian spirit, go visit the Cascade.

The beauty of the architectural complex will totally blow you away. Surrounded by numerous art museums, exhibitions, cafes and a vast green area of gardens and waterfalls, the giant stairway is not only a cultural center of Armenia, but a place where you can catch the flow of the city’s life itself. This is a favorite place among the locals, so you can easily find company here when traveling to Armenia .

On top of the Cascade you can enjoy the magnificent view of Yerevan and the peak of Ararat Mount, the main symbol of Armenia, where—according to the Bible—Noah’s Ark landed. With the height of 450 meters (1,476 feet), the stairway consists of 572 stairs, so you will definitely have a good workout intermixed with a unique sightseeing experience. You can also use the escalators in the complex during the daytime.

2. Blue Mosque

The mosque is a majestic oasis in the middle of Yerevan and a mind-calming place that will help you escape the burning sun under leafs of apricot-trees, enjoy the beauty of the gardens, and forget about all your concerns for a brief moment. This is a perfect place to stop for a while and experience those scarce moments of calm bliss.

While covering the area of 7,000 square meters (75,000 square feet), the complex consists of the main prayer hall, a library, along with a madrasa—a type of educational institution—with 28 cells. This is the biggest mosque in the Caucasus region, as well as the only one active in Armenia.

3. History Museum of Armenia

Do you remember me saying that Armenia can make most of the world envious regarding cultural heritage? If you don’t believe my words, this is the place that will diffuse your doubts. The collection consists of more than 400,000 objects, and the number is increasing each year.

The exhibits can take you back to ancient times: you will get acquainted with numerous priceless relics of various cultures who inhabited Armenia throughout the ages. Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world with a recorded history of more than 3,500 years, and I want to assure you that a trip to the museum will be one of the best experiences you will ever have.

6. MUST VISIT PLACES IN ARMENIA

Armenia is a country that played a huge role in the history of Christianity and world civilization. As it was the first state adopted Christianity as an official religion, Armenia today is the spiritual cradle for all believers. A lot of temples, holy monasteries and churches have been built here. All conditions for comfortable rest are created in the country as there is a great demand among those who wishes to visit Armenia. Along with this there are various excursions to the most interesting places in Armenia.

Best must visit places in Armenia

Must-see destination of the tour in Armenia is excursion around Yerevan. The “pink” city built of tuff stone is full of historical sights, entertainment centers and places, where you can get acquainted with Armenian traditional cuisine.It is better to start a tour in Yerevan from the Matenadaran – Institute of the Ancient Manuscripts. After a cognitive excursion you can go to the Cascade from where you can see a breathtaking view of the entire capital and the majestic mountain Ararat.

There are many different museums dedicated to the world-famous Armenians in Yerevan. For example it is advisable to visit the house-museum of art genius Sergei Parajanov. There are restaurants, cafes and other places where you can taste delicacies of Armenian cuisine on every street of the city.

Tourists of Armenia can see many interesting sights in the vicinity of Yerevan. They can visit the monastery of Khor Virap, where Saint Gregory the Illuminator sat in complete confinement for 15 years. Here is the best view of the sacred Ararat.The monument of Hellenistic times in Armenia Temple of Garni is situated not far from Yerevan.

Also you can visit the monastery complex Geghard literally carved in the rock in a few kilometers from Garni.The name “Geghard” comes from the word that means “spear”. The legend says that the spear that pierced the body of Jesus was brought here. This architectural object is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Etchmiadzin Cathedral

raveling to Armenia is also worth to visit spiritual center of Armenia the Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is the most important sight for the Armenian people. Here you can see the unique relics: a fragment of Noah’s ark and a spear which was mentioned earlier. We recommend to go to Byurakan Observatory to those who are fond of astronomy. Here travelers will be able to observe the heavenly stars.

You can visit the fortress Amberd of X-XIII centuries located on a high unapproachable mountain not far from Byurakan Observatory. This place is so picturesque that even the famous Russian film “Bastards” was filmed here. A trip to Armenia is simply unthinkable without visiting Lake Sevan where gourmets have the opportunity to try the Sevan trout famous throughout the world. This is one of the favorite places for tourists and locals in а hot season.

Where to go with family in Armenia?

Armenia is а perfect place for vacation with the whole family. The most peaceful and safe people live here. They are always ready to help any passerby. In addition a wide range of entertainment will satisfy the demands of tourists of any age category. Children will be able to take part in exciting adventure tours, take a ride on the world’s longest cableway “Wings of Tatev” and get unforgettable emotions by going over a suspension bridge at a height of 60 meters in Khndzoresk surrounded by mysterious caves.

7.10 of best things to do in Armenia

Armenia is a small but charming country, with a rich and strong culture. Not many other countries have such a long, laced history as Armenia. However, in Armenia tourism is still having its first steps and slowly becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination.

When planning to travel to Armenia one has to remember that the country is in its early stages of development and not fully ready tourists. The roads are rough, transportation is often hard to navigate and many places only speak Armenian or Russian which makes communication harder. But, like many other things in life, difficult things are the most rewarding! If you don’t mind these (or actually enjoy them) visiting Armenia is a must!

Safe country and the Armenians

If you are asking yourself: is it safe to travel to Armenia? In our opinion: Yes, it is. Despite being still a relatively poor, Armenia feels like a safe country and the Armenians are usually very welcoming.

In this article, we assembled the 10 best places to go in Armenia collected during our travel to Armenia. Despite the difficulties with traveling within Armenia, the country is relatively small and therefore most of these attractions can be covered in a few days. Nonetheless, some of the best places to visit in Armenia are very isolated, particularly the old monasteries.

Best things to do in Armenia

1. Visit Yerevan

Yerevan is the capital and by far the biggest city in Armenia and usually the place where your travel to Armenia stars and/or ends. Yerevan is very different from the rest of the country. Particularly the city center, sometimes it looks like an entirely different country. It’s much more developed and rich as if all the country’s money has been invested only in Yerevan. Yerevan’s town center is home to most of its landmarks like the Republic Square, the Opera House, the beautiful gardens, the 18th century Blue Mosque, most of the museums and the famous cascade complex.

Here, are our favorite things to do in Yerevan, Armenia.

Wander around Yerevan
The easiest and best way to get immersed in Yerevan’s culture, history and cuisine are by walking around. Yerevan is a big city, but it’s perfectly possible to walk around its city center. By wandering around you’ll be able to see the history of Yerevan, from the ancient times to the Soviet and post Soviet Period.

You can also enjoy Yerevan’s modern side, with some contemporary architecture, trendy restaurants and coffee shops. The coffee shop culture in Yerevan seems to be growing with esplanades popping everywhere, which will feel like a piece of heaven after a few hours of walking in summer.

Climbing the Cascade

Climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in WWII is a must. Moreover, the views of the city while climbing the stairs are breathtaking! In clear days you can even see Mount Ararat.

It’s difficult to define what the Cascade is, it’s not really only a monument or even a building. We would call it an urban decoration in the form of a staircase connecting the city center with a higher residential area.

8. Travel To Armenia – A Beginner’s Guide

From enjoying the world’s longest cable car ride through the mesmerising landscapes of Vorotan canyon to admiring some of the oldest monasteries on record, these are just some of the reasons you should travel to Armenia.

When you travel in Armenia you will often wonder, how come more people aren’t placing Armenia higher on their bucket list?

Not a lot of nations can boast to have preserved their rich cultural heritage dating far back as the ancient times. The perfect examples being the town Yerevan, that is 28 years older then Rome or, their 6,000 year old wine making tradition!

This small country will draw you in with it’s capturing landscapes, ancient monuments and unparalleled hospitality. If you’re up for discovering one of Europe’s best kept secrets travel to Armenia!

An Introduction On Travel To Armenia

Armenia is not a country that often rings a bell with tourists, which is actually surprising given that it is such an interesting country with an incredibly old, rich and eventful history, fascinating culture and beautiful nature.

The hospitable inhabitants, delicious food and cheap prices, together with a lack of (western) tourists make it a wonderful destination.

The history of Armenia has been nothing short of eventful. It has seen countless invasion as its strategic position was the reason for constant fights over this territory, especially during the Ottoman-Persian wars (from the 16th century).

Over the course of history numerous major conflicts afflicted the country. Already centuries ago Armenia was battling the Roman Empire (62), invading the Byzantine empire (1145) and losing west Armenia to Turkey while the rest of the country was being Sovietized (1920) to name a few.

The holy mountain of Armenia

Armenia has also been the subject of many mythical stories, like the stranding of the ark of Noach on Mt Ararat, the holy mountain of Armenia, or the conversion to Christianity.

Nowadays the country is mostly known for the horrors of the Armenian genocide and as the first country in the world that adopted Christianity as its state religion.

More presently, the current poor relations with Turkey stem from their role in the genocide and there is a still unresolved conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed territory operating as a de facto state that is an unrecognized ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan.

So over the centuries much has happened in Armenia, which is why it is so interesting in a cultural sense. Not only for culture buffs though, as the small country packs a great variety in magnificent landscapes that will surely satisfy nature lovers.

General Advice For Travelling In Armenia
If you’re thinking about travelling to Armenia, here are the general things you need to know before you go.

Language
Outside of the capital you can easily assume that nobody speaks English. The language that is spoken is Armenian with its own alphabet.

You can get by fairly well with Russian though as it is the most common foreign language in the country and many Armenians understand it. Road signs are usually in English and in Armenian.

Try to learn a few words like hello (barev) and thank you (mersi), which is much appreciated by the locals. Most accommodation and tour providers speak just enough English to be able to sort things out (if not, try some self-invented sign language which usually works. Or not).

9. Top 9 Things To Do In Armenia

Armenia is usually not the first country that will come into your mind when you’re deciding on your next travel destination but we are going to change that. Here are 8 very interesting things to do in Armenia and hopefully you’ll be convinced to explore Armenia next!

1. Be awed by the beautiful ancient churches & ruins

Armenia was said to be the first country to have adopted Christianity as its state religion back in the 301AD (more than 1,700 years ago!). A lot of these churches built back then have been restored and today, you’ll be able to visit the sites of these awe-inspiring millennium old monasteries. You can imagine the immense amount of rich history of these churches that dates way back into the past, it was certainly an eye-opener for us!

Some of these beautiful ancient churches include the impressive Geghard Monastery (Gina’s personal favourite), an ancient cave monastery where the entire church was carved inside a rock mountain, Khor Virap Monastery where St. Gregory the Illuminator was kept imprisoned in a deep pit for 13 years, Tatev Monastery (Daniel’s favourite), the fairytale like setting against the magnificent Mt. Ararat, just to name a few. Click here to view our list of the top 10 most beautiful Armenian churches that you must visit at least once in your lifetime!

2. Indulge in the delicious local cuisine

We had a great opportunity to dine at Cross of Unity in Echimiazin when traveling to Armenia , which was a social enterprise cafe where children get to attend art classes for free and people with disabilities get to work there to earn a living. They also own a restaurant that offers excellent local food such as Morash (shredded chicken mixed with green peas) and Kyufta (handmade sausage beef, grains and sauteed mushrooms). Armenians love to eat bread (Lavash), which is a thin layer of flat chewy bread that’s made from flour, salt and water and baked in an underground Tonir (earth oven).

The Lavash can be kept for 1 year without turning bad. So usually the local women will bake the Lavash in bulk and then store them to eat slowly for the next few months. Armenians cannot imagine having their meals without bread! (Even if they’re eating rice, they’ll need to have bread with it too!)

Fun fact: The difference between Armenian way of baking their bread lies in the Tonir that’s situated underground instead of on the ground like how Central Asia or Iran does it.

10. 40 AMAZING (AND DELICIOUS!) THINGS TO DO IN YEREVAN, ARMENIA

Ever since I stepped foot in Yerevan back in early 2013, the city just resonated with me. I didn’t connect with Tbilisi on my trip as I had hoped and like everyone said I would… but Yerevan? It was a fortuitous, and seemingly reciprocated, love affair from my very first night. While it was mostly the people that enamored me, it was also the city itself. From its architecture to its deep-rooted and proud culture to its food, I just couldn’t stop thinking about all the things to do in Yerevan and how much I loved it.

Time passed and I could never get back to the city I constantly declared was one of my favorites. But, I did make it back finally two months ago. I spent quite a bit of time there and while a lot of that was spent watching Armenians protest their government in the most harmonious of ways, I got to revisit all the things that made me fall in love with the city five years prior. This is a guide of things to do in Yerevan, Armenia.

This guide is not all are typical of what you’d find on a generic site- these are a mix of things I think that you should do from a cultural perspective as well as some of my favorite, random things to do in Yerevan. I hope you get the chance to head over to Wego to book your flights and hotels and make a trip out to one of my favorite cities!

Any suggestions of places to see or experiences to have in Yerevan? Please drop them in the comments for future travelers! Thanks!

FOOD, DRINKS, AND SHOPPING IN YEREVAN

I actually think that Armenian food is one of the most underrated cuisines in the world. Georgia has received a lot of accolades for its cuisine, and rightfully so, but Armenia kind of hides in the shadows of its northern neighbor. Armenians have a knack for using seasonal produce (I shouldn’t even have to acknowledge this as a compliment because this is what we should be doing in other parts of the world, too) and the flavors and tastes are enhanced and intensified as a result.

I never ate tomatoes in the US, but when I moved to Norway I tried one and spat it out because it tasted like cardboard. When I arrived in the Caucasus, I tried a tomato again and started eating them like apples. Vegetables and fruits taste like they are supposed to in Armenia and it is an ethereal feeling when you bite into one. I will have a restaurant guide to Yerevan published soon, but for now, here are a few of my favorite places that I think you shouldn’t miss if you are traveling to Yerevan, including a place to buy cosmetics that are ethically made with local Armenia ingredients.

HAVE A COFFEE OR LOCAL FOOD AT A SIDEWALK CAFE When Traveling to Armenia

Yerevan has the best cafe scene in the world. I’m not joking, actually. I constantly tell people about it and rave on about how I could work from an outdoor cafe in the middle of a park in spring while back in Norway my garden was under around two feet of snow. When my friends eventually travel to Yerevan, they almost always write to me within the first few days to tell me that they haven’t seen as many sidewalk cafes anywhere else in the world.

It seems as though I have a pattern of ending up in Yerevan in April and not all are open, but I almost always get to watch them being set up and by the end of my time in the city, they are open and ready for business. There are many things to do in Yerevan but definitely make sure you stop and enjoy a cafe for an hour or two.

HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER AT CHARENTSI 28

I constantly read that this international restaurant on the east side of the city in Yerevan came highly recommended by food lovers. I ended up there with my friend, Arevik, almost as soon as I arrived in Yerevan and I went there several times after our first dinner there. The restaurant is located inside of a building and is set up kind of like a home-style place but without the tacky interior.

Their wine selection is good and their fatoush salad just spoke to my soul and it became so bad that I would wake up and crave it when I was in Yerevan. I was able to get my regular sumac filling (it is my favorite spice) at Charentsi 28 and on occasion, I would order their labneh as well. While this isn’t a traditional restaurant, the local ingredients really do shine here and I highly recommend trying it out for lunch or dinner. They also have a nice terrace out back. You can find Charentsi 28 at 28 Charents Street in Yerevan.