Yerevan, Armenia-7-day-itinerary

Yerevan, Armenia 7-Day Itinerary

Travel advice: the UK FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan and along the M16/H26 road between Ijevan and Noyemberyan; the US lists Armenia at Level 2 and tells travellers not to go to the Azerbaijan border region. Tsaghkadzor, Lake Sevan and Dilijan lie outside those areas, but check gov.uk and travel.state.gov before you go, avoid night driving on mountain roads, and expect poor road surfaces in winter.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Zvartnots International Airport (EVN) and take a taxi or bus (#203) to your accommodation in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Republic Square (Hanrapetutyan Hraparak), the heart of Yerevan, surrounded by important government buildings and the iconic Singing Fountains.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Armenian cuisine at Lavash Restaurant and explore the lively Northern Avenue (Tumanyan Street).

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Genocide Memorial Complex, a solemn tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Museum of Armenia, featuring exhibits on Armenian history, art, and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Yerevan Opera House or stroll along the picturesque Mashtots Avenue.

Day 3: Yerevan’s Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the magnificent Erebuni Fortress, a Urartian stronghold dating back to 782 BC.
  • Afternoon: Explore the bustling Vernissage Market, offering souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks.
  • Evening: Relax at Café Central, a cozy spot with live music and delicious coffee.

Day 4: Wine and Dine

  • Morning: Visit Hin Areni in Areni village, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Yerevan, for a wine tasting and tour; the Areni-1 cave nearby is where the oldest known winery installation was found.
  • Afternoon: Savor Armenian cuisine at Tufenkian Khinkali, specializing in traditional dishes like khinkali (dumplings).
  • Evening: Enjoy live music and cocktails at The Dargett Craft Beer & Kitchen.

Day 5: Tsaghkadzor and Sevan

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Tsaghkadzor, a picturesque town in the Teghena Mountains, popular for hiking and skiing.
  • Afternoon: Visit Lake Sevan, the largest lake in the Caucasus region, about 22-25 km from Tsaghkadzor. Walk up to Sevanavank on the peninsula for the views; the water is cool to cold and winds can rise suddenly, so do not plan on warm-water swimming.
  • Evening: Return to Yerevan and enjoy dinner at Sherep Restaurant, serving traditional Armenian dishes with a modern twist.

Day 6: Garni and Geghard

  • Morning: Visit Garni Temple, a 1st-century Roman temple, and explore the surrounding scenic gorge.
  • Afternoon: Explore Geghard Monastery, a medieval monastery partially carved out of rock.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Armenian music and dance at Noy Yerevan Restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostel Yerevan (starting from $10/night) or Lavash Hotel (starting from $30/night)
  • Mid-range: Erebuni Hotel (starting from $50/night) or Aghani Hotel (starting from $60/night)
  • Luxury: Grand Hotel Yerevan (starting from $150/night) or Marriott Armenia Hotel Yerevan (starting from $200/night)

Things to Know:

  • Language: Armenian is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD); you can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Yerevan is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Available everywhere, but negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Buses: An affordable way to get around the city (10-20 AMD per ride).
  • Walking: A great way to explore Yerevan’s compact city center.

Tips:

  • Haggling: Expect to haggle at markets and with taxi drivers.
  • Dress modestly: When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively to show respect.
  • Try local food: Armenian cuisine is delicious and diverse; be adventurous and try new dishes!
  • Learn some Armenian phrases: Showing an effort to communicate in the local language will be appreciated by the locals.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Yerevan Botanical Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Moscow Cinema: A historic cinema showing classic films and hosting cultural events.
  • Northern Avenue (Tumanyan Street): A lively pedestrian street lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Enjoy your trip to Yerevan, Armenia!