Yerevan Sights for a First Visit

October 30, 2026

Alexander Tamanian drew up the plan for modern Yerevan in 1924, and the city is faced in pink and black tuff, which earned it the name Pink City. The site of Erebuni was founded in 782 BC, 29 years before Rome. The centre, Kentron, is compact, with the Hrazdan gorge along its western side. Before you travel, look up the current Armenia advice at gov.uk and travel.state.gov.

Opening days at a glance

Plan around these days first, because most museums close on a Monday.

Matenadaran: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:50.
History Museum of Armenia: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 to 18:00; Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00.
Erebuni Museum-Reserve: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 16:40.
Cascade terraces: open at all times; Cafesjian Center galleries Friday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00.

A first day in the centre

Cascade and sculpture garden. The Cascade is a Soviet-era staircase renovated in the 2000s, and the Cafesjian Center opened in it in 2009. Sources count between 555 and 572 steps, so call it about 570. The terraces are free, and escalators inside usually run from 08:00 to 20:00. At the foot, the sculpture garden has Botero’s cat and other works. Mount Ararat lies south-southwest and appears most clearly on a clear early morning.

Matenadaran. The manuscript repository is at 53 Mashtots Avenue, with admission of 2,000 AMD. Its best-known items are the Echmiadzin Gospel of 989 AD and the Mush Homilies, from a collection of over 17,000 manuscripts. Concessions are listed on the official tickets page .

Republic Square and the History Museum. Government buildings put up between 1926 and 1958 surround the square. The History Museum and the National Gallery occupy the north side. The permanent exhibition costs 2,500 AMD, and the last entry is at 17:15 on weekdays and 16:15 on Sunday. The museum’s admission page lists holiday closures.

A second day further out

Erebuni Fortress. At 38 Erebuni Street in Arin Berd, the fortress and its museum charge 1,500 AMD for adults. The settlement dates to 782 BC and the reign of Argishti I. The museum site has the current schedule.

Blue Mosque. On Mashtots Avenue, most sources give the address as number 12. Huseyn Ali Khan, the Iranian governor, built it in 1766, and it is reported to be the only working mosque in Armenia. Reported hours are about 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00, but confirm on the day. Visitors should cover up, and women need a scarf. Entry is free, with donations welcome.

Mother Armenia and Victory Park. The statue stands on a terrace in Victory Park and rises about 51 m including its pedestal.

Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum

The national memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide stands at 8/8 Tsitsernakaberd Highway, with the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute beside it. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Parking is free.

The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 between 15 February and 15 November, and from 11:00 to 16:45 from 15 November to 15 February. Last entry is half an hour before closing. On Sunday it opens from 11:00 to 15:00. It is closed on Monday and on listed holidays, with longer hours on 24 April. Opening hours for the outdoor memorial grounds are not given on the official page. Visit in quiet, respectful dress, and follow the photography rules posted at the entrance. Guided tours are not provided to children under 13. The museum’s own visitor page has tour prices and booking details.

Moving between sights

The metro is a single line of 10 stations. A ride costs about 150 AMD, and payment is by contactless card, phone or QR ticket. Cash ended on 1 February 2025.

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