In terms of historical significance, Erebuni Fortress is one of the city’s most important attractions. This site contains the remains of the walled city that preceded modern Yerevan, as well as an archaeological museum documenting the city’s history.
Republic Square is the heart of Yerevan’s historical district or Kentron. Many of the city’s most visited attractions are situated around the square, including English Park, one of the oldest and largest urban parks in the city, Saint Gregory Cathedral, one of the largest structures of its kind in the entire Caucasus region, and the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex. Other popular sights in this area are the Kond neighbourhood with its 17th-century clay and stone houses, and Yerevan Cascade, a large park with fountains, landscaped gardens and modern sculptures that offers great city views.
Yerevan has an active cultural scene, which you can explore in local museums like the National Gallery of Armenia, Cafesjian Centre for the Arts, History Museum, Modern Art Museum, Ararat Museum and Matenadaran, an archive containing one of the world’s largest collections of ancient manuscripts.
If you’re travelling with children, the city’s amusement parks will keep the little ones entertained. Some of the best-rated parks are Play City, Yerevan Park and Water World. A short drive from Kentron is Little Einstein Interactive Science Museum, where kids can learn about the basics of science in a fun and interactive way.
Kentron district is the best place to sample the richness of Armenian cuisine, especially in the streets north of Charles Aznavour Square, which are home to traditional Armenian restaurants and taverns, as well as to eateries serving European, Asian, American and Middle Eastern cuisine. You may also want to explore the various gastro bars, pubs, jazz bars and cocktail rooms along Pushkin Street or take a tour of the Yerevan Brandy Company, where the famous Ararat brandy is produced.
Kentron is also the commercial hub of Armenia’s capital city. You’ll find a mix of local and international brands in the stores around Northern Avenue and in Yerevan’s largest shopping centres: Yerevan Mall, RIO Mall and Mega Mall. Bargain hunters and antique lovers will love a stroll around Vernissage market, where you can get your hands on handwoven Armenian carpets, ceramics, wood-carved souvenirs and more.
Yerevan’s status as a UNESCO World Book Capital means there is no shortage of literary events in town. The best-known is the city’s Book Fair. Another renowned cultural event is the Golden Apricot International Film Festival. Other events of interest to tourists include Vardavar Water Festival.
